🏛️ Board of Trustees
Albion Trustees Approve Major Wastewater Plant Upgrades, Address Park Sign Saturation
The Village Board approved over $115,000 in electrical upgrades for the Water Pollution Control Plant and authorized the sale of surplus police equipment during their December 17 meeting. Trustees also split on a request to install a new memorial sign at Waterman Park.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved $107,825 in electrical expenses and $11,846 in professional services for the Water Pollution Control Plant (WIIA 1 & 2 projects).
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Authorized the sale of surplus police items, including two shotguns to be sold to North Star Ammo and Defense for $675 total.
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Voted 3-2 to allow the Albion Betterment Committee to install a memorial sign for Charles E. Bergeman at Waterman Park.
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Approved a $5,150 budget adjustment to cover the Zenner Bill using Water capital reserves.
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Authorized the destruction of 41 boxes of village records dating from 1985 to 2018, following state retention guidelines.
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Appointed David Warren to the Zoning Board of Trustees; term set to expire April 1, 2029.
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Accepted the November treasurer’s report and paid $63,404.68 in total village bills.
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Removed the residency requirement for election inspectors, allowing them to reside outside village limits.
The Albion Village Board moved forward with significant infrastructure improvements at the Water Pollution Control Plant during their December 17 workshop meeting, while grappling with the question of how many memorials are appropriate for the village’s public parks.
Trustees unanimously approved a series of budget adjustments totaling more than $115,000 related to the Wastewater Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA). The largest allocation, roughly $107,825, was awarded to CIR Electrical for work at the pollution control plant. Additional funds were approved for Wendel ($5,498.16), Donegan ($2,343), and Timothy R. McGill ($4,005.47) for related professional services.
The board also authorized a transfer of $5,150 from Water capital reserves to cover an expense labeled as the "Zenner Bill."
Infrastructure concerns were also raised regarding a private property issue. Superintendent of Public Works James Pahura announced he would be excavating property at 227 S. Clinton St. to determine responsibility for a sewer break. Mayor Angel Javier Jr. and Trustee Greg Bennett commended Pahura and his crew for their recent quick response to water leaks, specifically noting work at the Albion Correctional Facility and properties on W. Academy St.
The most contentious discussion of the evening revolved around a request from the Albion Betterment Committee (ABC). James Babcock, speaking on behalf of the committee, requested permission to install a memorial sign at Waterman Park for Charles E. Bergeman, the grandson of Charles W. Howard. Babcock volunteered to perform the installation himself.
The request sparked a debate among the board regarding the density of memorials in village parks. Trustees Timothy McMurray and Joyce Riley expressed concern that Waterman Park is becoming "saturated with items."
Despite these concerns, the board moved to approve the request. The vote carried 3-2, with Mayor Javier, Deputy Mayor William Gabalski, and Trustee Bennett voting in favor. Trustees Riley and McMurray voted against the measure.
In other business, the board approved the surplus and sale of items from the Police Department. Chief David Mogle requested the disposal of various equipment, including office gear, used duty belts, holsters for Glock 21s, and miscellaneous radio equipment. Two firearms—a Remington 870 and a Benelli M1 Super 90—were approved for sale to North Star Ammo and Defense for $175 and $500 respectively. The vote to surplus was unanimous.
The board also took steps to modernize village operations and transparency. Trustee Riley announced that starting in January 2026, monthly department head reports would be available for public viewing on the Village website. Additionally, the board voted to allow election inspectors to reside outside the village limits, a move intended to broaden the pool of eligible workers.
Housekeeping items included the unanimous appointment of David Warren to the Zoning Board of Trustees, with a term set to expire on April 1, 2029 (amended from the initial 2030 date). The board also approved the destruction of 41 boxes of records, some dating back to 1985, in accordance with New York State Archives guidelines.
Financially, the board accepted the November treasurer’s report and approved vouchers totaling $63,404.68 across General, Water, and Sewer funds.
The meeting was adjourned following the approval of cemetery deeds and a special events permit for the AMA’s "Hometown Holiday" event at Village Hall on December 13.
Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2025-12-17,
Village of Albion, NY.
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This article was drafted by AI (claude-sonnet-4-20250514) from the official meeting transcript and reviewed by a human editor.
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Related Board of Trustees Meetings
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Albion Board Seeks State Relief from Rising Health Insurance Costs
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Appointed Nicole Horn to the Zoning Board of Appeals; her term expires April 1, 2027.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Amended Local Law §161-14: Trustees voted 4-0 to approve changes to the permit process.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Granted a $165.92 sewer break request for resident Charles Robers.
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Adopted Resolution 2026-01, allowing Main Street grant recipients to sell properties without prior Village consent.
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Authorized G&G Municipal Grant Writing to apply for a Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant for a new streetsweeper.
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Set tentative dates for departmental budget hearings from Feb. 25 through March 9.
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Approved a $100 weekly stipend for Pollution Control Plant Chief Operator Aric Albright for assisting with an outgoing aide.
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Accepted 19 applications for the Water Treatment Plant trainee position.
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Albion Board Places Village Employee on Administrative Leave, Hires Outside Counsel
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Board voted 3-0 to place an unspecified employee on administrative leave with pay.
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Authorized Village Attorney John Gavenda to retain outside legal counsel for a personnel matter.
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The meeting lasted approximately 23 minutes, entirely within an executive session.
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Mayor Angel Javier was absent from the proceedings; Deputy Mayor William Gabalski presided.
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Trustee Greg Bennett was excused from the meeting.
2026-02-11
Parking Fees Rise, Financial Positions Shift in Albion Board Meeting
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Parking Fine Increase: Fines for parking violations will rise to $40 if paid within 7 days, $50 if paid within 30 days, and $65 after 30 days (5-0 vote).
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Local Law 1-2026 Approved: Terms for the Clerk-Treasurer, Deputy Clerk, and Deputy Treasurer will now run for four years, concurrent with the Mayor's term (5-0 vote).
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Village Moves to Recover Costs from East Bank Street Roof Collapse
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Board unanimously agreed to seek reimbursement from property owner Francisco Corso for total costs associated with Security Enclosures Inc.'s work at 20 E Bank St.
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Village Attorney John Gavenda directed to issue a formal letter to the property owner outlining the financial obligation.
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Trustees entered executive session for legal consultation regarding the property for approximately 30 minutes.
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