The Village of Depew Board of Trustees on Dec. 23 unanimously approved a package of routine resolutions including permission to install electric-vehicle chargers, targeted budget line transfers for the 2024–25 fiscal year, a one‑year energy-supply agreement with NOCO Natural Gas and Electric and a bond-counsel contract for sewer project phases 7 and 8.

Mayor Kevin J. Peterson introduced the EV charger resolution, saying the village will not bear the net installation cost. "It doesn't cost the village any money," Peterson said, adding the board has secured $15,000 from NYSERDA and "about $16,000 or so" from a representative identified in the transcript as Kennedy. Peterson said installing the chargers — two at the pavilion in Fireman's Park and four at Village Hall — will help the village qualify for a separate $40,000 high‑impact grant by reaching an estimated 3,100 points under the municipality's scoring program.

The board approved detailed transfers among budget lines that the administrator said move funds from auction sales and reallocate money to lines that require additional funding. The motion listed five specific transfers by line number and amounts; the clerk conducted a roll call and the transfer motion carried unanimously.

Trustees also authorized a one‑year agreement with NOCO to supply gas and electricity to village accounts from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. The mayor credited Administrator Krakowski (name appears in the transcript in two forms) with brokering a fixed-rate arrangement intended to stabilize energy costs for the village.

The board approved an agreement with bond counsel Hodgkin Russ to provide legal services and billing arrangements related to Phase 7 and Phase 8 of the TEC consent sewer project. Village Attorney Sam Alba told trustees that one Article 7 matter is nearing settlement and that attorneys for the company managing the community's cell towers have resumed negotiations on lease terms; Alba said more details will follow after the new year.

In department reports, Public Works Director Ken Pick reminded residents to keep fire hydrants clear in snow and said seasonal cleanups and lead pickup work are largely complete. Recreation Director Kevin Ferguson reported successful skating programs and holiday open-skate schedules. The fire chief reported a house fire at 49 Helmbrook that required mutual aid, including assistance from crews staged at Buffalo International Airport; the chief said all occupants escaped and no one was injured.

Finance committee recommendations to pay audited claims were approved. The committee presented a breakdown that included a General Fund warrant of $73,837.70 and Capital Projects of $65,714.27, for a total of $140,410.34; trustees voted to approve payment.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of Dec. 10, 2024 minutes — carried (voice vote).
- Calendar changes for 2025 meeting dates (Memorial Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving/Tree Lighting week) — motion carried (roll call).
- 2024–25 budget line transfers (five line items as read into the record) — carried (unanimous roll call).
- Permission to sign EV charger installation agreement (Mayor Kevin J. Peterson authorized to sign) — carried (unanimous roll call).
- Authorization for Mayor to sign NOCO energy-supplier agreement (Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2025) — carried (unanimous roll call).
- Authorization for Mayor to sign Hodgkin Russ bond-counsel agreement for sewer phases 7–8 — carried (unanimous roll call).
- Payment of audited claims totaling $140,410.34 — carried (voice/roll call as recorded).

The board adjourned at about 7:40 p.m.; the mayor wished residents happy holidays and noted the board will next meet in January. The board did not take further public-commented action on the sidewalk CDBG application beyond noting its current unfunded status; the mayor said the application will be revisited as state allocations are determined.