🏛️ Board of Trustees
Albion Trustees Back Federal 'Energy Choice' Act, Reject EDA Lease Renewal
The Village Board voted to support federal legislation overturning New York's natural gas bans and declined to extend a lease with the Economic Development Agency. The board also adjusted staffing in the Water Department and approved new security cameras for Bullard Park.
▶
Key Actions & Decisions
●
Trustees voted 4-1 to support Congressman Nick Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act (H.R. 3699) opposing state-mandated natural gas bans; Trustee Joyce Riley voted nay.
●
The Board rejected a counter-offer from the Orleans County Economic Development Agency (EDA) to extend their lease through 2029.
●
Brian Vagg was appointed Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator; the Board voted 4-1 to eliminate a Maintenance Worker position at the plant.
●
Approved $65/month for Bullard Park security cameras; Spectrum will install equipment at no cost.
●
Requested an RFP for "pigging" water mains to clean infrastructure.
●
Scheduled a Halloween Movie Night in the North Main Street municipal lot for Oct. 24.
●
Voted to cancel meetings on Nov. 26, Dec. 10, and Dec. 24; a meeting is set for Dec. 17.
The Albion Village Board took a strong stand against New York State’s climate policies during their regular meeting Wednesday, formally opposing a ban on natural gas hookups in new buildings.
In a 4-1 vote, the Board adopted Resolution 2025-11, supporting the federal "Energy Choice Act" introduced by Congressman Nick Langworthy and Senator Jim Justice. The resolution targets the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and recent budget provisions that prohibit fossil fuel connections in most new construction starting next year.
Mayor Angel Javier Jr., Deputy Mayor William Gabalski, and Trustees Tim McMurray and Greg Bennett voted in favor of the resolution. Trustee Joyce Riley cast the lone dissenting vote.
The resolution argues that state mandates undermine affordability and threaten grid reliability during peak demand. It claims that "affordable and reliable energy is essential to the health, safety, and economic prosperity of New York families," and calls natural gas a "dependable, cost-effective" resource.
Trustee Riley’s vote against the resolution contrasted with her colleagues, who instructed the Village Clerk to send certified copies of the resolution to the state’s federal delegation, including Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as the New York State Association of Counties.
**EDA Lease Denied**
In a significant economic development decision, the Board chose not to move forward with a request from the Orleans County Economic Development Agency (EDA). The EDA had submitted a counter-offer to extend their lease agreement through February 2029. The Board voted to decline this extension, though the minutes do not specify the reasons for the denial or the status of the current occupancy.
**Water Department Restructuring**
The Board moved to restructure staffing at the Water Treatment Plant. Brian Vagg was appointed as a Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator, effective October 9. However, the board simultaneously moved to eliminate the position of Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Worker.
That vote was 4-1, with Trustee McMurray voting against the elimination. Trustee Riley motioned for the elimination, which was seconded by Deputy Mayor Gabalski.
**Infrastructure Improvements**
The Board authorized a request for proposals (RFP) regarding the "pigging" of water mains. "Pigging" is a maintenance process that involves inserting a device into the pipeline to clean or inspect it from the inside. Trustee Riley made the motion to seek bids for the process, with support from Trustee Gabalski.
Trustees also approved a new security measure for Bullard Park. The Board agreed to allow Spectrum to install cameras at the village park at no upfront cost. The village will incur a monthly fee of $65 for the service.
**Fiscal Notes**
The Board approved the payment of general bills totaling $63,880.54, along with water bills ($44,773.65) and sewer bills ($11,003.59).
The finance department also made several budget adjustments. These included a transfer of $3,230 to Building Maintenance for elevator repairs, and the use of $330 from the Trustees' budget to pay for an engineer regarding 121 N. Main Street. The Board also reduced revenue expectations by $5,000 related to the "GoArt" event held on July 3.
**Calendar Adjustments**
With the holiday season approaching, the Board adjusted its meeting schedule. They canceled meetings for November 26 (the day before Thanksgiving), December 10, and December 24. A single meeting will be held on December 17 at 6 p.m.
**Upcoming Events**
Residents can look forward to a Halloween Movie Night. The Board approved the special event for October 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the North Main Street municipal parking lot.
**Appointments**
The Board made two appointments to the Orleans County Planning Board. Michael Massaro was appointed as the representative and Janet Navarra as the alternate. Both will serve three-year terms from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028.
**Other Business**
The Board tabled a discussion regarding wiring in the Clerk’s office due to that office’s relocation. However, phone upgrades for both the Police Department and the Clerk’s office are planned.
Trustee Riley will schedule a meeting with Larson Engineer representative Ram Shrivastava to review a solar project at the sewer plant.
The Board also declined a request from resident Martin Zaffrann to remove tampering charges from his water/sewer bill and 2024-2025 tax bill.
The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2025-10-08,
Village of Albion, NY.
View original document ↗
This article was drafted by AI (claude-sonnet-4-20250514) from the official meeting transcript and reviewed by a human editor.
Quotes link to source video timestamps for verification.
Read our editorial policy.
🔍
Ask Albion
Have a question about this story? Search across meeting transcripts, village history, and municipal code.
Related Board of Trustees Meetings
2025-10-09
Albion Trustees Reverses Course, Saves Water Plant Mechanic Position
▶
Key Actions & Decisions
●
Rescinded previous motion: The Board voted 3-0 to reverse the elimination of the Water Treatment Plant Maintenance mechanic position. (Ayes: Gabalski, Riley, McMurray).
●
Position retained: The Water Treatment Plant Maintenance mechanic position will remain active at the plant.
2025-09-24
Historic Chapel Roof Repairs Approved; Water, Sewer Rates to Rise in 2026
▶
Key Actions & Decisions
●
Approved $94,875 contract for Mount Albion Chapel roof and gutter repairs via Easton Specialties Inc. (Vote: 4-0)
●
Adopted Local Law #3 regarding FEMA Floodplain regulations. (Vote: 4-0)
●
Approved water and sewer rate increases effective for January 2026 usage. (Vote: 4-0)
●
Authorized surplus of a 2010 Silverado pickup truck from the Department of Public Works.
2025-09-23
Consultants Pitch 'Transformational' Funding Opportunities for Albion Revitalization
▶
Key Actions & Decisions
●
Board met with G&G Municipal Consulting to discuss DRI Round 9 and NY Forward Round 4 grants.
●
Special meeting called to order at 6:11 p.m. by Deputy Mayor William Gabalski.
●
Mayor Angel Javier Jr. and Trustee Greg Bennett were absent from the brief session.
●
Meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
2025-09-04
Albion Trustees Discuss Water, Sewer Rates in Special September Session
▶
Key Actions & Decisions
●
Discussion held on proposed water and sewer rate changes (no vote taken).
●
Board entered executive session for 37 minutes to discuss a personnel matter with Terry Wilbert.
●
Meeting adjourned at 7:21 PM.
2025-11-12
Village Board Targets Downtown Blight, Moves Forward with Major Infrastructure Projects
▶
Key Actions & Decisions
●
Amended Local Law §161-14: Trustees voted 4-0 to approve changes to the permit process.
●
Infrastructure Funding: Authorized $107,526.18 (WIIA 2) and $50,622.77 (WIIA 1) for water and sewer improvements with STC Construction, Wendel, and Bernard P. Donegan, Inc.
●
Police Equipment: Approved $400 for a remote car starter for the Code Enforcement vehicle.
●
Recreation: Discussed potential lighting for basketball courts at Bullard Park.
●
Winter Prep: Purchased a new salter for $10,750.
●
Unpaid Taxes: Approved the transfer of 36 delinquent tax bills totaling over $50,000 to the County for foreclosure action.
●
2026 Election: Set polls for March 18, 2026, from noon to 9 p.m. at Village Hall.
2025-08-27
Water Rates, Property Nuisances Top Albion Village Board Agenda
▶
Key Actions & Decisions
●
Approved new payment plan guidelines for water/sewer bills, allowing clerk's office to handle requests internally (3-0).
●
Scheduled a special meeting for Sept. 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss various water rate scenarios.
●
Allocated $6,037.19 from building reserves for generator repairs and $6,555 from DPW reserves for a salt spreader.
●
Accepted donations of $783 total for village reserves.
●
Authorized an encroachment agreement for property west of the Village Cemetery office on Route 31.
●
Directed Code Enforcement Officer Chris Kinter to research permit wording for Village Code Section 161-14.
●
Received a resident petition regarding the property at 336 W. State St.
Community Discussion
0 commentsBe the first to comment on this story.