The Champion Town Board met in regular session on Monday, February 2, 1998 at 7:00pm at the Municipal Building. Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Stewart, Miller, and Buzzell, Attorney Farley, and Highway Superintendent Martin. Councilman Watkins was absent.

Supervisor Buckley opened the public forum. Harlow Stevens, representing Hillside Cemetery asked whether the Town Highway Department would be assisting in the removal of debris left from the January 8^th ice storm. Superintendent Martin said that he would make equipment available but requested volunteers pile debris in a limited number of sites.

John Peck, representing Sunnyside Cemetery, requested similar assistance.

Monthly Reports

• Engineering-Hugh DeLong, engineering inspector, reported that a large quantity of materials are being stored at the site and that some 8" pipe and two casings under NYS Route 126 have been installed. The project is on schedule. The contract #2 for the plant is under DOH review. Bids for contract #2 will be advertised for opening on February 25, 1998 at 2:00pm.
• DANC-Debbie Henry reported that electrical power was lost a 12:00pm, January 8^th to Champion Water District #2 pumps. Service was restored with a generator borrowed from Fort Drum. The flow meter was damaged as a result of the generator power.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to repair the flow meter

with equipment specified in contract #2. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Water service was maintained throughout the emergency in Champion

Water District #1. Supervisor Buckley thanked DANC for excellent response

and service during the emergency.

• Councilmen- Mr. Buzzell reported that Niagara Mohawk does not want to cut trees to install a gas line on Pine Drive and seeks a compromise with the Town in regard to a highway easement.

• Highway Superintendent-Mr. Martin expressed his thanks to the following individuals and organizations: US Army, Champion Fire Department and Auxiliary, farmers who cleared roadways, Dave Zehr for generator and service, and John Sech for a tractor to power the generator. Mr. Martin requested that the Town Board authorize the rental of a chipper for a period of one month in addition to the Champion/Rutland shared chipper and authorize the purchase of a grapple hook for the Gradall at a cost of $5260. Superintendent Martin reported that seasonally maintained roads might have to be posted as temporarily closed until the clean up can be completed.

Superintendent Martin presented an estimate of $1500 from David Wiltse

for improvement of electrical services at the Town Barn.

• Assessors- Mr. White reported that the assessors are enjoying working out of the new office.
• Zoning Enforcement Officer- Mr. Phelps reported that he had received two applications and issued two zoning permits.
• Transfer Site manager- Mr. Phelps reported that the transfer site was closed January 9^th and 10^th due to the ice storm. Seventy to eighty (70-80) bags of spoiled food have been accepted and disposed of at no cost to residents.
• Planning Board- Mr. LaBarge discussed the proposed driveway standards and requested that they be made part of the road standards.
• Town Attorney- Mr. Farley introduced Don Valentine, representing Carthage Savings & Loan, who informed the Board that the bank is interested in dedicating Lanae Drive in Great Bend to the Town. Lanae Drive is part of a parcel now owned by the bank. Supervisor Buckley advised Mr. Valentine that Lanae Drive would have to meet road standards and that dedication would have to include a turnaround for Town plows.
• Justice- report read and accepted.
• Parks committee-Copies of the requests for proposals were distributed. Committee members are contacting sources of heritage plants to include in any park development. The committee questioned whether water would be available at the park. The Supervisor responded that a water service will be installed as part of district construction.
• Historian-Mrs. Wiley informed the Board that an exhibit of Great Bend artifacts will open on February 5^th at the Jefferson County Historical Society.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the minutes for January 5, 1998 as presented. Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Miller-aye, Mr. Stewart-aye and Mr. Buzzell-abstained. Motion carried.

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

General fund #28-71………………………..$16,699.95

Highway fund #12-42……………………….$21,799.85

Champion #1 Capital #1……………………$341.49

Champion #2 Capital #1-2…………………$198,659.74

Champion #1 O&M #1-4……………………$2625.37

Champion #2 O&M #3-4……………………$398.27

Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Town Clerk, Chris Vargulick, recommended that Margaret Brotherton be appointed as a deputy town clerk at $7.50 per hour. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to approve the appointment. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

Supervisor Buckley updated the Board on the status of the SRF funding for both water districts and the RUD funding for the municipal building.

Supervisor Buckley distributed the design and proposal for a sign for the municipal building. Mr. Buzzell offered to get an additional quote. No action taken.

Proposals from Tri-State Industrial Laundries and Allied were considered for uniforms for the highway department. The proposals were for $7.25 and $6.25 per week/employee respectively. Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to sign a contract with Allied for a period of one year. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley reported to the Board that the electrical in the Town Barn needs upgrading and that some repairs to the roof are necessary. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to authorize the Superintendent to contact Dave Wiltse to install a 200 amp generator transfer switch at a cost of $1500. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Mr. Stewart will get an estimate for the cost of reattaching the steel on the Town Barn roof and painting it with a sealer.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to go into executive session to discuss a legal matter. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Miller to return to open session. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Miller to rent a chipper and to purchase a grapple hook pending the approval of FEMA and/or SEMO with the cost to the Town not to exceed 12 ½ % of the total cost. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to purchase title insurance and to pay $185 in abstract costs. Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Miller-nay, Mr. Buzzell-aye, and Mr. Stewart-aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:15pm.

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Christina Vargulick

Town Clerk