The Champion Town Board met in special session on Tuesday, December 30,1997 at 9:00am at the Municipal Offices at 10 North Broad Street, Carthage. Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Miller, Buzzell, and Stewart. Councilman Watkins entered the meeting at 9:14am.

Supervisor Buckley shared a letter with the Board from Time Warner Cable informing the Board of a Fifth Circuit Court decision that gross revenues from operations includes money received from cable subscribers that is allocated to the payment of franchise fees. Time Warner is appealing the ruling. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to advice Time Warner to commence paying the additional franchise fee. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Niagara Mohawk has requested an easement on Pine Drive for the installation of gas lines. Highway Superintendent Martin opposed allowing any more installations within the Town right of way due to the limitations it causes in the maintenance and construction of Town roadways. Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to advise Niagara Mohawk that the Town will grant an easement twenty four feet (24’) from the center of the road with exceptions granted on an individual basis. Ayes 4, Nays-0, Mr. Buzzell abstained.

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

General fund #372-417 $294023.33

Highway fund #224-238 $12469.70

Champion Water #1 Capital #26-31 $783699.19

Champion Water #2 Capital #11-12 $14013.75

Champion Water #1 O&M #9 $305.17

Champion Water #2 O&M #12 $2073.04

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve budget transfers as presented (see attached). Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley presented a proposal from Time Warner Security for an intrusion, fire and medical emergency system. The installation cost would be $64.20 and there would be a $21.00/month charge. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to install the security system. Ayes-4, Nays-Mr. Watkins.

Supervisor Buckley updated the Board on the status of the renovations to the new Municipal Offices. The Board had previously authorized $10,000 for renovations. Supervisor Buckley informed the Board that an additional $10,000 plus $25,000 for ADA remodeling may be required. Supervisor Buckley stated that he has verbal confirmation from RUD for a $300,000 loan and a $25,000 grant for the purchase and renovation of the building. Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to authorize the appropriation of an additional $25,000 for remodeling. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The following resolution was offered by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Stewart:

Refunding bond resolution of the Town of Champion, New York, adopted December 30, 1997, authorizing the refunding of all or a portion of certain outstanding serial bonds of said Town, stating the plan of refunding, appropriating an amount not to exceed $375,000 therefore, authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $375,000 refunding serial bonds 1998 of said Town, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to finance the balance of said appropriation, and making certain determinations all relative thereto.

Roll call vote: Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Miller-aye, Mr. Buzzell-aye, Mr. Stewart-aye, and Supervisor Buckley-aye. Motion carried.

Highway Superintendent Martin distributed information concerning the setting and maintenance of rural mail boxes.

Highway Superintendent Martin requested funds to purchase a plasma cutter for the purpose of fabrication of highway equipment. Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to authorize the necessary funds. Ayes-4, Nays-Supervisor Buckley.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 10:45am.

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Christina Vargulick

Town Clerk