The Champion Town Board met in regular monthly session on April 6, 1998 at 6:15PM at the Municipal Building. Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen

Watkins, Buzzell, Miller (7:00PM), and Stewart, Attorney Farley, and Highway Superintendent Martin.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to return to open session. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried. Open session resumed at 7:00PM.

Supervisor Buckley opened the public forum. Sam Eddy, highway employee, spoke to the Board about the possibility of having forced ventilation installed in the main area of the barn. The Board agreed by consensus to have the situation reviewed when the contractor inspects the building roof.

Proof of Notice having been furnished, the Public Hearing on the Local Laws #1, #2, and #3 for 1998 was called to order at 7:15PM by Supervisor Buckley.

No one spoke in favor or against any of the proposed Local Laws.

All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, the Hearing was closed at 7:16PM.

• DANC-D. Henry reported that new well flow meters have been installed for Champion Water District #2 that will allow for a more precise mixing of water from the two wells resulting in lower sodium levels. Champion Water District #1 had an unsatisfactory bacteria report but a recheck showed no contamination. DOH has waved repeat testing.
• Engineering-H. DeLong reported that the first section of line in Champion Water District #2 is expected to be activated soon and will begin serving seven (7) residences.
• Councilmen-H. Watkins questioned the number of vehicles that Time Warner has parked in the rear lot. Supervisor Buckley reported that he has had a conversation with Time Warner about the problem. T. Stewart and S. Buzzell commented on the open house and thanked all that participated.
• Highway Superintendent-B. Martin reported that John Sech would finish his winter part time work in two weeks and suggested offering him summer part time employment due to the demands of ice storm clean up in addition to ordinary summer work. No action taken. (Discussion continued in executive session)

B. Martin recommended leasing a crusher at a cost of $16,000/monthly that

would be capable of crushing enough product for two years in 30 days

(approximately 200T/hour). Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell

to authorize the Highway Superintendent to lease the crusher for 30 days.

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Board set April 24, 1998 at 1:00PM to inspect Town roads.

B. Martin stated that he would like to purchase a large chain saw for the Highway Department. Mr. Watkins asked if the saw could be leased? Mr. Buzzell responded that he does not think that leasing is cost effective. Mr. Stewart suggested that the leasing costs might be eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Motion by Mr. Buzzell to authorize the Highway Superintendent to lease a saw if it is an eligible FEMA expense or if the costs are not covered than to purchase a saw at a cost not to exceed $825.00. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Mr. Martin requested that the Board transfer the 3% administrative fee paid by FEMA to the highway equipment budget. Supervisor Buckley responded that he was not in favor of increasing the highway budget. Mr. Martin stated that he would no longer complete the paperwork necessary for submitting ice storm costs to FEMA for reimbursement.

• Assessors- R. White requested that the Board hold an executive session so that the assessors could update the Board on pending litigation.
• Zoning Enforcement Officer- report read and accepted.
• Planning Board-Supervisor Buckley reported on a meeting he had attended at a recent conference dealing with zoning for telecommunication towers. Chairman LaBarge suggested that the Town Board might want to consider a local law establishing a moratorium on the construction of new towers to give the Planning Board an opportunity to reflect on the current law and to consider amendments.

• Justice-report read and accepted.

• Parks Committee-Mr. Eddy reported that blueprints are being prepared. Mr. Eddy questioned the possibility of getting assistance from the state corrections system to clear ice storm debris from the Village Park.

• Historian-Mrs. Wiley reported that she would be participating in a history fair at the Jefferson County Building on April 22, 1998.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the minutes for February 26, March 2 and March 17, 1998. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

General #124-172………………………………..$12117.42

Highway #65-88………………………………….$28132.88

Champion #2 Capital #7-10…………………….$26113.58

Champion #1 O&M #7-8………………………...$337.87

Champion #2 O&M #7-11………………………$622.17

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

Mr. Watkins outlined changes he recommends for the 1998-99 Town insurance. Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to advertise for bids for the insurance needs of the Town recommended by Mr. Watkins. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried. Bids will be accepted until May 20, 1998 at 4:00PM.

Bids will be opened and the results shared with the Board prior to the June meeting.

The Board discussed the possibility of bidding for fuel with the Town of Wilna to take advantage of any volume discount. Supervisor Buckley reported that the Town of Wilna has expressed interest in bidding together but they are locked into their fuel contract until January. Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to advertise for bids to supply fuel for eight (8) months with an optional four- (4) month extension. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

A letter was read from North Country Affordable Housing. A show of support was requested to make residents of the Town eligible for housing assistance.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to authorize the Supervisor to sign a letter of support for the housing program. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley explained that due to the bonding requirements of RUD that it is necessary for the Town to bond separately for renovations at the Municipal Offices. Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to authorize the issuance of serial bonds not to exceed $69,000 for the renovations to the Town Municipal Building (this includes the $39,000 bond authorized March 17, 1998. Only $30,000 in new bonding) Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Supervisor discussed the costs of running the transfer site. Jefferson County Recycling is requiring an inter-municipal agreement to pick up and accept recyclables. This additional cost may make it necessary to increase the cost of dumping. Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to authorize the Supervisor to sign the recycling agreement with Jefferson County. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Board reviewed the recommendations from Bernier, Carr and Associates for contracts #2, #3, and #4 for construction and improvements to the Champion Water District #2 water plant.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to authorize the Supervisor to enter into contract #2 with D. M. Ferlito as the lowest responsible bidder in the amount of $299,552. A lower bid received from Jareo Co. was rejected on recommendation from counsel. Ayes- 5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to authorize the Supervisor to enter into contract #3 with Hyde Stone Mechanical Contracting in the amount of $10,407. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Miller to authorize the Supervisor to enter into contract #4 with Pearson & Timmerman, Inc. in the amount of $94,897. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the operation and maintenance needs of Champion Water District #2, specifically mowing and snow removal. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to advertise for bids for a tractor, bucket, rear and side mower and, as an alternate bid, a backhoe. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Board, having had copies of Local Law #1, #2 and #3 for the mandated period and having heard public comment, adopted the following local laws for the Town of Champion.

The Board responded to questions from the SEQR and Attorney Farley recorded responses. Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Stewart to declare there will be no significant environmental impact caused by the enactment of Local Law #1 for 1998. Roll call vote: Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Miller-aye, Mr. Buzzell-aye, and Mr. Stewart-aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Watkins to adopt Local Law #1 for 1998-Adopting Highway Standards for the Town of Champion. Roll call vote: Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Miller-aye, Mr. Buzzell-aye and Mr. Stewart-aye. Motion carried.

The Board responded to questions from the SEQR and Attorney Farley recorded responses. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to declare there will be no significant environmental impact caused by the enactment of Local Law #2 for 1998. Roll call vote: Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Miller-aye, Mr. Buzzell-aye, and Mr. Stewart-aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to adopt Local Law #2 for 1998-Amending Local Law #1 of 1998 by adding to the Highway Standards, Standards for Driveway Access. Roll call vote: Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Miller-aye, Mr. Buzzell-aye and Mr. Stewart-aye. Motion carried.

The Board responded to questions from the SEQR and Attorney Farley recorded responses. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to declare there will be no significant environmental impact caused by the enactment of Local Law #3 for 1998. Roll call vote: Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Miller-aye, Mr. Buzzell-aye, and Mr. Stewart-aye. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to adopt Local Law #3 for 1998-Amending the Zoning Law of the Town of Champion to Provide for Driveway Regulations. Roll call vote: Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Miller-aye, Mr. Buzzell, and Mr. Stewart-aye. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley discussed with the Board revised budget projections for Champion Water District #2. Funding has been approved through an SRF grant but requires that the Board increase the bond authorization. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to hold a public hearing on the increase in bonding on May 4, 1998 at 7:00PM. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing litigation and personnel. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried. R. White, B. Phelps, and B. Martin attended the executive session.

Session began at 9:55PM.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to return to open session. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried. Open session resumed at 10:15PM.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to continue the part time employment of John Sech. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 10:19PM.

____________________________

Christina Vargulick

Town Clerk