The Albion Village Planning Board convened for a swift session Thursday afternoon, marking a new chapter for the body with the introduction of two new members and receiving an update on the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation within the village. The meeting, called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chair Karen Conn, was primarily administrative in nature but sets the stage for the board’s future work as the village continues to navigate development and zoning issues. Board Welcomes New Faces The most significant action of the evening was the formal introduction of the board’s newest members. Linda Smith was introduced as the newest voting member of the board, joining the meeting at 5:02 p.m. Smith joins the panel as the village works through various planning issues, bringing the board back to a fuller complement of voting members. Additionally, Jeff Holler was introduced as the new alternate member. Alternate members are crucial to the operations of village boards, stepping in to vote and deliberate when a regular member is absent or has a conflict of interest, ensuring the board maintains a quorum to conduct business. The appointments come as the board, which also includes members Michael Massaro, Janet Navarra, and Samuel Robinson, continues its regular oversight of village planning matters. Notably absent from the session was CEO Chris Kinter, though Deputy Clerk Jessy Holz was present to record the minutes. Cannabis Regulations in Focus While the board did not vote on specific site plans or subdivisions, it did receive an update on a topic of high interest to many municipalities: cannabis regulation. Trustee McMurray, who was in attendance, provided the board with an update regarding updates to the village's cannabis regulations. New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, granting municipalities the authority to opt in or out of allowing retail dispensaries and on-site consumption lounges. Since the state's rollout, many local governments, including Albion, have been tasked with crafting local laws to govern where these businesses can operate. The update from Trustee McMurray suggests that the Village Board is actively reviewing or refining its stance on the issue, which could eventually lead to zoning changes or specific use regulations that the Planning Board would be tasked with enforcing or reviewing. Procedural Business In addition to the new members and policy updates, the board handled standard procedural business. A motion was made by Michael Massaro and seconded by Samuel Robinson to approve the minutes from the board's previous meeting held on April 11, 2024. The motion carried with all members in favor. The meeting was adjourned shortly after 5:00 p.m., with a motion to adjourn made by Mike Massaro and seconded by newly appointed member Linda Smith. The minutes list the Planning Board's next regular meeting as Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.—the same date as this session, an apparent clerical duplication in the record. Residents interested in the development of the village or the potential zoning changes regarding cannabis establishments are encouraged to attend future sessions.