For the first one: Would be good to know what U1 is exactly. Can you read any number/code on it?
If you are lucky it is simply a ‘switch’ which switches on once you press the button and switches of after 30min. In this case you could add a wire which constantly switches the lights on. Then add a normal mechanical switch to the power supply cables.
If you are unlucky, U1 also regulates the current through the LEDs. Then cannot be easily replaced. Is there anything on the other side?