The Champion Town Board met in regular monthly session on Monday, December 1, 1997 at the Champion Town Barn. Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Watkins, Miller, and Stewart, Attorney Farley, and Highway Superintendent Martin. Councilman Buzzell was absent. The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm.

Proof of Notice having been furnished, the Public Hearing on Local Law #5 for 1997-Amendments to Local Law #4 of 1997 was called to order by Supervisor Buckley. No one spoke for or against the local law. All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, the Hearing was closed at 7:05pm.

Proof of Notice having been furnished, the Public Hearing on Local Law #6 for 1997-Amendment to Local Law #1 of 1995 was called to order by Supervisor Buckley. No one spoke for or against the local law. All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, the Hearing was closed at 7:10pm.

Supervisor Buckley opened the public forum. Mr. Robert White voiced his dissatisfaction with the quality of the plowing done on NYS Route 126. The Supervisor suggested that he contact John Cook, NYSDOT for more information.

Louis Waite asked why his report is no longer included on the agenda. Supervisor Buckley advised him his was free to speak during the public forum.

• DANC-report read and accepted
• Councilman-Mr. Stewart reported that the Twin Village Swimming Pool Commision is investigating options for replacing the pool facilities including a new facility or using facilities at the school.

• Highway Superintendent-Mr. Martin reported that the department is installing guard rails for the County on Route 47. He also reported that the department has expended $9246.73 at the Village Park and $9016.38 building the road to the Champion pumphouse.

• Assessor-The tentative equalization rate has been set at 103.96%. Supervisor Buckley commended the assessors. Mr. Phelps has successfully completed the R-3 course.
• Town Attorney-Mr. Farley presented the Time Warner lease agreement in final draft. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to authorize the Supervisor to execute the agreement. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

• Zoning Enforcement Officer-report read and accepted
• Transfer Site Manager-reported that the building is now heated
• Planning Board-referred the Board to recommendations concerning driveway standards.
• Parks Committee-Mr. Eddy reported that the committee has held two meetings and is working with D. Zembiec, Tug Hill Commission, to develop a three to five year plan. The intention is to preserve the historical aspects of the park through thoughtful development and landscaping using business, corporate, and private donations.
• Justice-report read and accepted
• Engineer-K. Dimmick reported on the status of restoration work at Great Bend and informed the Board that the Notice to Proceed for Champion Water District #2 will be issued within the week.

The following sealed bids were received for the purchase of a 1998 Glider Kit:

Beam Mack……………………..$30,022

The Board questioned representatives from Beam Mack and discussed the availability of budget funds.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to approve the minutes for November 3, 1997 as presented. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to pay the following bills:

General fund………………………..$2027.57

General fund………………………..$6437.68

Highway fund………………………$31678.15

Water District #1-Capital………….$31334.26

Water District #1-O&M…………….$337.87

Water District #2-O&M…………….$1081.93

Ayes 4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to approve the Supervisor’s report as presented. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the budget transfers as presented (see attached). Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Board set Tuesday, December 30^th at 9:00am at the Town Clerk’s office to hold a special meeting to pay bills and conduct all necessary business.

Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Miller to adopt Local Law #5 for 1997-Amendment to Local Law #4 for 1997 Water Law. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to adopt Local Law #6 for 1997-Amendment to Local Law #1for 1995 Seniors Tax Exemption. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Board discussed leasing a postage meter for Town uses. Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Watkins to lease a meter. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Board discussed equipping voting machines with a handicap panel. The panels may be purchased at a cost of $135.00 each. Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Stewart to purchase four (4) panels to make each Town voting machine handicap accessible. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Board continued the discussion on the purchase of a glider kit. Mr. Stewart suggested establishing a highway capital fund. Mr. Watkins expressed his concerns over additional expenditure for highway equipment in case of an emergency. Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Miller to purchase a 1998 Glider kit from Beam Mack for $30,022 and to expend no additional funds for highway equipment during the 1998 budget year with the exception of the scheduled Gradall payment. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley presented a letter from the Wilna-Champion Transportation Association requesting that the Board budget funds from the 1998 budget to assist with the operations of the Association. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to budget $1000 annually. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley shared correspondence from Copenhagen Fire Department requesting revision of their contract. The Board discussed the revisions and by consensus denied the request.

The Carthage Chamber of Commerce has requested that the Town of Champion budget $3750, which represents one-quarter of the Chamber’s operating budget, for support of the Chamber. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to table the request. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Supervisor Buckley to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:22pm.

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Christina Vargulick

Town Clerk