The Champion Town Board met in regular monthly session on Monday, August 3, 1998 at 7:00PM at the Municipal Offices. Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Stewart, Miller, Watkins and Buzzell, Attorney Farley, and Highway Superintendent Martin.

Proof of Notice having been furnished, the Public Hearing on the formation of Champion Sewer District #1-Hamlet of Great Bend Service Area was called to order at 7:05PM by Supervisor Buckley.

The following person spoke in favor of the formation of the district: John Sawyer, Great Bend.

No one spoke against the formation of the district.

All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, the Hearing was closed at 7:06PM.

Supervisor Buckley opened the floor for comment from the public. William Soules, Farney Pit Road, presented a petition to the Board requesting that the Board contact Vincent Farney. Mr. Soules contends that Mr. Farney’s trucks have damaged the road. The road has not been accepted by the Town and Attorney Farley recommended that no action be taken pending a review.

John Sawyer, Great Bend, questioned surges in the water pressure in Champion Water District #2. Kris Dimmick, town engineer, explained that concerns have been addressed and that all affected homes are equipped with a pressure reducing valve.

Monthly Reports

• Engineer- Kris Dimmick reported that work in now concentrated at the water plant and that September will be a very busy month.
• Highway Superintendent- Mr. Martin recommended leasing a screener from Paul Lyndaker for $1500/week to screen sand. Mr. Martin reported to the Board that the shared screener will not accept the harp screen necessary to screen the sand without significant retooling. Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Miller to authorize the Highway Superintendent to lease a screener at a cost not to exceed $1500/week. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

No bids were received for the 1973 Mack glider offered for sale. It was the

consensus of the Board to authorize the Highway Superintendent to strip the

truck of any usable parts.

• Assessor-Mr. White reported that the Town has received an assessment challenge from Climax. Mr. White requested that taxpayers file their STAR applications as soon as possible.
• Attorney-Mr. Farley presented the Board with a draft of the revised personnel policy. Supervisor Buckley asked the Board to review the document and prepare comments for consideration at a later date.
• Zoning Officer-Report read and accepted.
• Planning Board-Mr. LaBarge reported that the draft of zoning law recommendations dealing with cell towers is being printed. Mr. LaBarge responded to questions from the Board concerning the Pleasant Lake survey that has gone out to property owners in the area.
• Justice-Report read and accepted.
• Parks-The location of the hydrant in the park has been determined.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to approve the minutes of July 6, 1998 as presented. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

General fund #277-308…………………………$7111.67

Highway fund #159-180………………………$10,923.68

Champion Water #1 Capital #5………………..$9222.20

Champion Water #2 Capital #28-31………...$146,069.75

Champion Water #1 O&M #16-17…………….$2615.12

Champion Water #2 O&M #20-22…………………….$1028.40

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to approve the minutes index procedure manual as presented by the Town Clerk. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

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

Supervisor Buckley reported that NYS Department of Transportation has denied the Town’s request for a speed zone extension on NYS Route 126.

Supervisor Buckley reviewed the Jefferson County plan for snow and ice removal. The County intends to implement the plan January 1, 1999. Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Buzzell authorizing the Supervisor to execute an agreement for the removal of snow and ice with the County of Jefferson, for a period not to exceed one year, pending an agreement with the Jefferson County Highway Superintendent concerning the classification of County Routes 47 and 143.

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The following sealed bids were received for the purchase of a trailer:

Tracey Equipment……………………………$28,988

Monroe Tractor……………………………….$23,996

Roberts Equipment…………………………..$24,222

STS Truck Equipment……………………….$27,409

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to accept the bid from Monroe Tractor as the lowest responsible bidder. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to authorize the Highway Superintendent to purchase a truck box at a cost not to exceed $9100 to replace a box damaged during use. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley reported that the premium rate for the health insurance has increased by 22%. The Board reviewed several alternatives including changing carriers and making employees pay a percentage of the increase. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell that the Town continue to pay the health insurance premium in full. Roll call vote: Mr. Buzzell-aye, Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Stewart-aye, Mr. Miller-aye and Supervisor Buckley-nay. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to sell the excess pipe purchased from W. Thesier, by sealed bid, without representation or warranty as to condition, amount, or suitability for intended purpose. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to approve the intermunicipal sewer agreement on the recommendation of the Supervisor and Town Attorney.

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

Supervisor Buckley reported that the Town has received funds from the state to cover costs incurred in the administration of the STAR program and related tax collection procedures. Supervisor Buckley explained that the funds must be expended for purposes approved by the State, by December 31, 1998, to be eligible for funds in subsequent years. Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Stewart to divide one half of the amount received for STAR administration equally between the assessors and one half of the amount received for administering tax collection to the tax collector. The remaining funds will be available to the assessors and tax collector for necessary supplies and equipment. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley reported that Micek Road (.26 miles) is being paved cooperatively by the Towns of Champion and Rutland. Because the pavement will end at the crest of the hill, the Highway Superintendents anticipate difficulties maintaining the pavement due to damage from the plows. Mr. and Mrs. Micek have agreed to pay the cost of materials, equipment and labor if the Towns will continue the pavement onto their property including the turn around. Attorney Farley recommended obtaining an easement prior to performing the work. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to authorize the Highway department to do the additional paving for the Micek’s at the regular Town rates pending the execution of an easement agreement. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to authorize Conboy, McKay, Bachman & Kendall to act on behalf of the Town in the assessment litigation with Climax Manufacturing. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to return to open session. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried. Open session resumed at 9:55PM.

Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Watkins to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:55PM.

_______________________________

Christina Vargulick

Town Clerk