🏛️ Board of Trustees
Village Eyes State Grants for Climate Planning, Water Plant Upgrades Approved
The Albion Village Board authorized a grant application to update the 2013 Comprehensive Plan with a focus on climate resilience and approved significant funding for Water Treatment Plant improvements during a brief workshop meeting.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Authorized application for NYS Climate Smart Communities Grant to update the Comprehensive Plan (Unanimous).
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Approved $165,903.63 in budget adjustments for Water Treatment Plant electrical and storage upgrades (Unanimous).
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Authorized legal retainer with Webster Szanyi LLP to revise the Village Employee Handbook (Unanimous).
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Approved a 24-month payment plan for a resident with outstanding water/sewer bills (Unanimous).
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Voted 3-1 to deny an employee's request for a retroactive raise percentage (Trustee McMurray dissented).
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Approved special event permit for Albion Summer Festival at Bullard Park, July 30–Aug 3 (Unanimous).
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Accepted donations totaling $1,186 for the July 3rd celebration reserves (Unanimous).
The Albion Village Board took a significant step toward modernizing local planning during its June 25 workshop meeting, unanimously authorizing a grant application aimed at updating the village’s comprehensive plan to address climate resilience.
The board adopted Resolution 2025-09, allowing Mayor Angel Javier Jr. and Village Clerk-Treasurer Tracy VanSkiver to apply for funding through the New York State Department of State’s Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Program. If awarded, the state grant would cover 90% of the costs associated with integrating "climate smart" strategies into the village’s planning, with the village funding the remaining 10% match.
The move comes as the village acknowledges that its current Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2013, needs updates to reflect current conditions and environmental challenges. The resolution highlights a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect natural resources, and prepare for climate-related risks. The board also authorized the Mayor to sign an MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) compliance letter required for the grant application.
**Infrastructure Investments**
While planning for the future, the board also addressed immediate infrastructure needs at the Water Treatment Plant. Trustees approved a series of budget adjustments totaling approximately $165,904.
These appropriations include a $146,669 contract with CIR Electrical and a $19,234 contract with Statewide Aquastore Inc. The money will offset revenue increases, effectively balancing the budget for these specific capital projects at the plant.
**Policy and Personnel**
The village is moving forward with revisions to its employee handbook. The board voted to retain the law firm Webster Szanyi LLP to assist with the revision process.
In personnel matters, the board met in executive session for roughly 10 minutes to discuss a "personal matter." Upon returning to open session, the board voted 3-1 to deny a request from a specific employee regarding a retroactive raise percentage. The village attorney was directed to draft a letter to the employee informing them of the decision. Trustee Timothy McMurray cast the lone nay vote; Mayor Javier and Trustees Riley and Gabalski voted in favor. Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett was absent.
**Community Events**
Looking ahead to summer festivities, the board approved a special event permit and street closure for the "Albion Summer Festival" scheduled to take place at Bullard Park from July 30 through August 3.
The board also finalized financials for the upcoming July 3rd celebration. They moved to place $1,186 in donations into the reserves for the event. These funds came from various sources, including a $500 donation from Orleans Ford, $523 from cash jars, and $163 from bottle and can returns.
Additionally, the board accepted a request from Dan Conrad to redo the baseball field at Bullard Park. While supportive of the volunteer effort, the board requested a formal timeline and plan be presented for review on July 23. Superintendent of Public Works James Pahura will be included in the project planning.
**Other Business**
In regular business, the board:
* Approved a 24-month payment plan for a resident to address outstanding water and sewer bills, starting August 1.
* Granted a property easement to NYSEG at 92 Ingersoll Street.
* Reviewed a ground lease from North Shore Networks for a potential internet tower at 961 Wilson Rd in Waterport; the attorney will draft modifications before returning to the applicant.
* Heard a presentation from Scott Burto of G & G Municipal Consulting regarding available grants. Burto will return to the board with updates on July 9.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM. The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2025.
Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2025-06-25,
Village of Albion, NY.
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Related Board of Trustees Meetings
2025-07-09
Albion Trustees Rename Nashburn Street, Accept Youth Grants and Address Park Repairs
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Street Renamed: Nashburn St. officially changed to Zeppetella Way following a short public hearing (Vote: 3-0-2).
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Youth Funding Accepted: Board accepted $20,803 in grants from Orleans County for summer recreation (Vote: 3-0-0).
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Fireworks Paid: Approved $10,000 payment to Young Explosives from July 4th celebration reserves (Vote: 3-0-0).
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Park Repairs: Hired G&G Municipal Consulting to pursue grants for Chapel roof and park exercise equipment (Vote: 3-0-0).
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Events Scheduled: Approved permits for "Sunday Fest" (July 27) and "Walk for Life" (Sept 27) at Bullard Park (Vote: 3-0-0).
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DePaul PILOT: Approved revised payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for DePaul (Vote: 3-0-0).
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Homeland Security: Allowed two Albion Police officers to attend national conference funded by opioid settlement money (Vote: 3-0-0).
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Meeting Rescheduled: Cancelled July 23 workshop; rescheduled to July 30 (Vote: 3-0-0).
2025-06-11
Dissolution Debate Dominates Packed Albion Village Hall Meeting
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Public Hearing Held: The Board opened a public hearing on the consideration of dissolving/consolidating the village into the town. Public comment was mixed, with residents questioning the necessity of the move.
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Bills Approved: The Board authorized the payment of $91,082.63 in total expenses across General, Water, Sewer, and Capital funds.
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Employee Request Modified: Trustees voted 4-1 to offer three personal days instead of the requested ten days to an employee who previously declined a 4% raise. Trustee McMurray voted no.
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July 4th Funding: The Board accepted a $100 donation from St. Mary’s Athletic Club for the 2026 July 3rd celebration.
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Budget Adjustments: Approved an increase of $3,146.12 in the water fund for sludge truck fuel expenses.
2025-07-30
Albion Board Maps Out Village Future with $12K Comprehensive Plan, Approves New Welcome Center
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved G&G Municipal Consulting to administer a Comprehensive Plan for $12,000 (split over two fiscal years).
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Designated the Downtown Browsery as the official Village of Albion Visitor/Welcome Center.
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Approved budget adjustments increasing expenses for a new police vehicle ($55,590) and SCADA system upgrades ($37,672).
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Authorized the purchase of a 2025 Chevy Tahoe for the Police Department using equipment reserves.
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Scheduled an informational meeting for August 12, 2025, regarding a grant for vacant rental funding.
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Approved a change order for the WIIA 1 project, reducing the contract price by $4,878.26.
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Hired Randy Pearl as a Motor Equipment Operator (MEO) for the DPW.
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Voted to upgrade St. Joe’s Park on S. Clinton St to a league-size baseball field.
2025-05-14
Albion Village Board Halts Water Fluoridation Hearing, Accepts DPW Resignation
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Cancelled Public Hearing: The board voted to cancel the May 28 public hearing regarding the removal of fluoride from the public water supply; no future date is scheduled.
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Infrastructure Payments: Approved payments totaling roughly $166,000 for water improvement projects, largely invoiced to state grants.
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Personnel Changes: Accepted the resignation of Ronald Ricker, MEO from the DPW, effective June 27, 2025.
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Hiring: Hired Kayla Malone as a part-time cleaner at a flat rate of $200 per week.
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Utility Relief: Denied sewer "break" requests for two residents but approved a 12-month payment plan to help them manage costs.
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Grants & Reserves: Allocated $1,652.03 from the sale of scrap metal to equipment reserves and moved $1,017.50 in donations to the July 3rd celebration reserves.
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Cemetery Maintenance: Approved a request for KeyBank employees to clean Mt. Albion Cemetery on June 4.
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Events: Approved the Memorial Day Parade for May 26 and the WNY Honda-Tech Meet for September 21 at Bullard Park.
2025-08-13
Albion Residents to See Water, Sewer Rate Hikes as Village Eyes Debt Service
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Public Hearing Scheduled: The Board set a date of Sept. 24, 2025, at 6 p.m. to discuss water and sewer rate increases necessary to cover debt service.
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PFAS Settlement Accepted: The Board accepted a second payment of $53,785.30 related to a PFAS settlement, along with a separate $1,309.60 energy rebate for a generator failure.
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Health Insurance Costs: Approved a 5.62% premium increase for Univera Healthcare coverage for village employees, effective Sept. 1, 2025.
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Grant Writing: Approved hiring G & G Municipal Consulting to pursue a Vacant Rental Rehabilitation Program Grant.
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New Business: Hydro-Grow NY (Richard Stacey) received acknowledgment to apply for a microbusiness license at 162 South Main St.
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Personnel: Accepted the resignation of Delores Hansel, a Part-Time Clerk, effective Aug. 29.
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Financial Adjustments: Transferred $27,550 to cover electrical construction costs and appropriated $939.20 for police overtime.
2025-04-29
Albion Village Board Adopts $3.46 Million Tax Levy; Police Cuts Rejected
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Adopted the 2025-2026 Village Budget with a $3.46 million tax levy (Unanimous 5-0).
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Approved General Fund appropriations of $4.76 million (Unanimous 5-0).
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Voted down reductions to Police overtime, keeping funding at $108,000 (2-3 vote).
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Voted down eliminating $10,000 in police reserves for body cameras and computers (2-3 vote).
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Authorized Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett to sign collectors' warrants (Unanimous 5-0).
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