The Champion Town Board met in regular session on Monday, March 2, 1998 at 7:00pm at Municipal Building

The Champion Town Board met in regular session on Monday, March 2, 1998 at 7:00pm at Municipal Building. Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Stewart, Miller, Watkins, and Buzzell, Attorney Farley, and Highway Superintendent Martin. The following students from the Carthage High School Participation in Government class were also present: C. Washburn, P. Dalton, J. Keenan, M. Tallman, M. Pillsbury, and W. Sech.

Supervisor Buckley opened the public forum. Bruce Montgomery, 36121 Jackson II Road inquired whether what measures would be necessary to adopt a town leash law. Mr. Montgomery has been bothered by dogs running at large on his property and his own pet was attacked. Supervisor Buckley informed Mr. Montgomery that he would have to present a petition to the Board from residents of the Town favoring a leash law. Supervisor Buckley stated that he would also contact the County Dog Control Officer requesting a check on licensed and unlicensed dogs in the area.

Dave Wiltse, Champion Fire Department Chief, thanked the Town Board for their financial support of the fire department and for assistance that the Town Highway Department offered to repair the engine on the department’s tanker truck.

Monthly Reports

Parks Committee-Nelson Eddy, Chairman, reported that the committee received three bids to provide engineering services for the Village Green project. The committee is recommending the low bid from Bernier, Carr & Associates in the amount of $750.

Engineering-Hugh DeLong, site inspector for Champion Water District #2, reported that approximately 18% of the duct line has been laid and that two additional hydrants will be proposed as a change order on the project.

Highway-Mr. Martin proposed purchasing a camera to use to document ice storm damage and to record the condition of trees near the roadway. The highway department has leased a bucket truck and chipper for use in the ice storm cleanup. Rental fees will be reimbursed by FEMA.

Assessors-March 2 was the last taxable status day. 237 STAR applications have been received and processed.

Zoning Enforcement Officer-one application received, one permit approved.

Planning Board-Mr. LaBarge reported that the Planning Board is studying Pleasant Lake and will be surveying lake property owners. A letter has been sent to the Village of West Carthage concerning their water protection law. The alternate water source for the Village is Pleasant Lake.

Justice-report read and accepted

Historian-Mrs. Wiley reported on a collection of articles written by Ernie Clemons that have been compiled and are available from the Jefferson County Genealogical Society at a nominal fee.

Motion by Mr. Miller seconded by Mr. Buzzell to approve the minutes for February 2. Ayes 4, Nay-0, Abstained-Mr. Watkins. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the minutes for February 13. Ayes-4, Nays-0, Abstained-Mr. Buzzell. Motion carried.

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

General fund #72-123……………………$109296.69

Highway fund #43-64…………………….$ 15634.25

Champion #1 Capital #2-3……………….$ 3870.17

Champion #2 Capital #3-6……………….$ 69602.98

Champion #1 O&M #5-6…………………$ 432.54

Champion #2 O&M #5-6…………………$ 860.40

SARA Capital #1…………………………$ 708.17

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to approve the Supervisor’s report as presented. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

New Business

Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to authorize the Highway Superintendent to post all roads he deems necessary. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley reported on an information meeting held on February 26^th in Great Bend to inform residents of the area about the proposed regional sewer system. The meeting was attended twenty-one residents who expressed overwhelming support for the regional sewer system.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Town of Champion recognizes the advantages of a regional sewer system for the benefit of the residents of the Town of Champion and neighboring communities;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Town of Champion supports the formation of a regional sewer system.

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Highway Superintendent reported that cleanup from the ice storm is continuing. The State DOT has plans to contract for work on state roads. Mr. Martin will consider bidding when more information has been made available.

The Board reviewed letters of interest, for the vacant seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals, received from William Tribol and Roger Williams. Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Miller to appoint William Tribol to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill the unexpired term of Allan Moseley. The term will run until December 31, 2002. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Attorney Farley reviewed with the Board the drafts of Local Laws #1, #2, and #3 for 1998 concerning the adoption of highway standards, amendments to the highway standards and amendments to the Town Zoning Law. Mr. Watkins questioned the stringency of the standards for sub divisions and asked if the Town follows the same standards when it builds roads. Mr. Martin replied that substandard roads are not eligible for CHIPS. Mr. Miller felt that the cost of building such roadways was prohibitive and discouraged land development. Mr. Stewart stated that the standards reduce the cost of road maintenance for the Town.

Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Stewart to hold public hearings on Local Law #1, #2, and #3 for 1998 on April 6, 1998 at 7:15PM. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to accept the bid from Bernier, Carr & Associates in the amount of $750.00 for engineering service for the development of the Village Green. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations and personnel. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Executive session began at 8:40PM.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to return to open session. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried. Open session resumed at 9:20PM.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Miller to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:21PM.

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Christina Vargulick

Town Clerk