🏛️ Board of Trustees
Albion Board Dismantles Historic Preservation Law, Raises Tax Levy for Upcoming Year
The Village of Albion Board of Trustees voted unanimously to remove the village's Historic Preservation Commission and code chapter, while also approving a tax levy that exceeds the state-mandated cap for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Trustees also authorized funds for water plant repairs and cemetery maintenance.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Historic Preservation Repealed: The Board voted 4-0 to remove Chapter 173 and Section 173-2 from the Village Code, effectively dissolving the Historic Preservation Commission.
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Tax Cap Override: Adopted Local Law 2-2026 (4-1) to allow a tax levy exceeding the state limit for the 2026-2027 fiscal year; Mayor Javier voted against the measure.
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Water Treatment Repair: Approved $26,475 from equipment reserves to repair a pump at the Water Treatment Plant.
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Cemetery Upgrades: Allocated $7,800 from cemetery reserves for residence pointing and an overhead door replacement.
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Village Election Set: Scheduled the General Village Election for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Village Hall.
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Cannabis Notification: Accepted notification of a potential adult-use cannabis dispensary at 126 N Main St.
The Village of Albion took a major step away from its architectural oversight this week, unanimously voting to repeal the local law that established its Historic Preservation Commission.
During a workshop meeting held Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Board of Trustees moved to strike Chapter 173 from the Village Code. The decision, approved by a vote of 4 to 0, formally eliminates the Historic Preservation Commission and removes the section of code dedicated to historic preservation.
The repeal comes as the village continues to grapple with its 19th-century heritage and the role of government in maintaining the character of its Erie Canal-era architecture. The public hearing on the matter lasted only nine minutes before being closed.
Trustees Greg Bennett was excused from the initial vote on the public hearing but arrived shortly after and joined the board for the remainder of the meeting.
**Budget & Taxes**
With the 2026-2027 fiscal year on the horizon, the Board also tackled the financial realities of running the village. They approved Local Law 2-2026, a resolution to allow the tax levy to exceed the limit set by New York State’s General Municipal Law §3-c.
This "tax cap override" is a mechanism often used by municipalities to account for rising costs that outpace the state’s strict levy growth formula. The vote was 4 to 1 in favor, with Mayor Angel Javier Jr. casting the lone "Nay" vote. Trustees Joyce Riley, William Gabalski, Timothy McMurray, and Greg Bennett voted in favor.
The public hearing regarding the tax levy was opened and closed with little discussion, according to the minutes.
**Infrastructure Repairs**
The Board approved a series of budget adjustments to fund necessary repairs across village infrastructure.
Notably, the Water Treatment Plant will receive $26,475 for the repair of an LS pump. This expense will be covered by the Water Treatment Plant's equipment reserves.
The Cemetery Department, led by Superintendent Jason Zicari, also received approval for upgrades totaling $7,800. These funds, taken from cemetery reserves, will cover $2,500 for "house pointing" (masonry repair) at a cemetery residence and $5,300 for the replacement of an overhead door equipped with a remote opener.
Additionally, the Board accepted donations totaling $1,150 specifically for the July 3, 2026, fireworks display. Contributions came from Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home ($250), Paul Digenova ($500), and Lynn Burgess ($400).
**Elections & Cannabis**
With local elections approaching, the Board adopted Resolution 2026-02 to set the date for the General Village Election.
Voters will head to the polls on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Village Hall, 35 East Bank St. Polls will be open from noon until 9:00 PM.
The resolution also certified the candidates for the ballot. The mayoral race will feature a contest between Trustee Joyce Riley (Democrat and "Vote for Albion" party lines) and Trustee Timothy McMurray Jr. (Republican Party). Running for trustee are Jami Allport and Kevin P. Sheehan (Republican) and Issac Robinson ("Vote for Albion"). The deadline for voter registration is March 6, 2026.
In other business, the Board formally acknowledged a notification regarding a new business venture. Karen Rogers, doing business as Exercise Express at 126 N Main St, has submitted an application for an adult-use cannabis dispensary license. The Board accepted the notification, moving the process forward.
The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding personnel matters before adjourning at 7:25 PM.
Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2026-02-25,
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
2026-02-17
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.
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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Budget Adjustments: Trustees authorized over $127,000 in new expenses, including $94,923.75 for CIR Electrical Construction and $6,693.40 for a Bobcat snowblower.
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Water and Sewer Breaks: Denied a water break request for William Wittman; granted a sewer break for Aaron Pappalardo.
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Personnel Matter: Rescinded a Feb. 3 motion regarding administrative leave for an employee; the employee will use PTO while unable to work.
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Utility Projects: Approved nearly $95,000 in budget increases for Water Improvement Index Areas (WIIA) I & II.
2026-03-19
Albion Village Trustees Place Employee on Administrative Leave During Brief Special Session
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Administrative Leave Approved: Voted 3-0 to place a specific employee on immediate administrative leave pending further review.
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Executive Session: Board met behind closed doors for approximately 7 minutes to discuss the personnel matter.
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Leadership Present: Deputy Mayor William Gabalski presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Javier.
2026-02-03
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.
2026-03-25
Albion Village Board Schedules Budget Hearing, Adds Funds for July 4 Fireworks
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Scheduled a public hearing for the 2026-2027 Village Budget for April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM (Unanimous).
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Approved budget adjustments adding $5,300 to the "Fireworks Reserve" for July 3, 2026 (Unanimous).
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Approved a $1,891.39 increase in police overtime expenses specifically for DWI enforcement (Unanimous).
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Permitted the Albion Soccer Club to use Bullard Park from April 20 through July 17, 2026 (Unanimous).
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Authorized street closures for the Memorial Day Parade on May 25, 2026 (Unanimous).
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Directed the Village Attorney to write a letter to a specific employee regarding a pay matter (Unanimous).
2026-01-28
Albion Board Schedules Tax Levy Hearing, Adjusts Water and Sewer Fees
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Scheduled public hearing for tax levy override (Local Law 2-2026) for Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
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Approved approximately $12,060 in budget adjustments, including $10,149.61 for salt invoices.
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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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