The Champion Town Board met in regular session on Monday, August 2, 1999 at 7:00PM at the Town Municipal Building. Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Stewart, Miller, and Watkins, Highway Superintendent Martin, and Attorney Farley. Councilman Buzzell was absent.

Supervisor Buckley called the meeting to order and opened the meeting for comments from the public. John Sawyer requested information about the construction schedule for Champion Sewer District #1.

Dennis Sears, representing the Black River Valley Riders ATV Club, presented information about their organization and plans for continuing an existing trail system. Mr. Sears requested that the Town Board consider a local law opening up all Town roads within the Town for use by all-terrain vehicles (ATV). The Board questioned Mr. Sears about the trail system and connections to State and County roadways. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to hold a public hearing on Local Law #1 for 1999-Regulating the use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on Town Roads on September 7, 1999 at 7:15PM. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried. Supervisor Buckley requested that Mr. Sears submit a list of roads by 8/20/99.

Eric Burke asked that the Board consider removing the water tax charges from parcel no. 76.06-2-48. The parcel does not meet zoning standards as a building lot. The Board took the matter under advisement.

Jan Laribee, Jackson II Road, submitted a petition to the Board requesting that the speed limit on Jackson II Road be lowered for reasons of safety.

Jennie Bush reported on the activities of the Village of Carthage playground committee.

Frank Koster requested additional restoration of Smith Street. A town engineer will meet with Mr. Koster to address his concerns.

Monthly Reports

• DANC-Mr. Richter reported that new automated meters are being installed in homes in Champion Water District #2. Well levels in water district #2 continue to be good.
• Engineer-Mr. Dimmick submitted a quote from RSI Roofing Inc. for $2,840 to perform repairs on the roof of the municipal building. Mr. Dimmick and the Board discussed ways to improve the ventilation in the Town Barn.
• Councilmen-Mr. Stewart reported on the Town of Wilna public meeting to assess public opinion concerning the location of a NYS Correctional Facility in the Town of Wilna. Mr. Watkins questioned the status of a request for a lowering of the speed limit on County Route 47. Supervisor Buckley responded that residents must submit a petition to the Board.
• Highway Superintendent-Mr. Martin reported that the bridge work on North Lake Road has been completed. Mr. Martin asked the Board for their recommendation concerning the location of stops signs at the intersection of Lamb, Eddy, Peck and Rutland Hollow Road and the intersection of Rutland Hollow Road and Card Road. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to locate a stop sign at the intersection of Rutland Hollow Road and Card Road. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.
• Zoning Officer-A report was read and accepted.

Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the minutes for July 7, 1999 as presented. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

General Fund #220-250………………………………………$8,804.40

Highway Fund #143-153……………………………………..$7,973.47

Champion Water District #2 Capital #17-22………………$10,838.05

Champion Water District #1 O&M #14……………………..$2,522.50

Champion Water District #2 O&M…………………………..$ 807.68

Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Supervisor’s report was read and discussed. Motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Stewart to accept the report as presented. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Mr. Yuhas requested that the minutes reflect that the hourly rate paid to Mr. Gerald Shattuck increased by $.05 and he is eligible for an additional week of vacation based on 20 years of service.

Attorney Farley informed the Board that he has opened his own law practice in Carthage. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to appoint Mr. Timothy Farley as Town Attorney effective immediately with legal assistance as recommended by Mr. Farley for certain matters. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley reported that the Town has received STAR funds for the administration of the program by the assessors and tax collector. Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Miller to pay 50% of the funds received for assessors to them directly and 50% of the funds received for the tax collector directly to her with the remainder of the funds earmarked for equipment and supplies as necessary for administration. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

The Board continued their discussion concerning the request for a lower speed limit on Jackson II Road. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to request that the Department of Transportation, pursuant to Section 1622.1 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, establish a lower maximum speed at which vehicles may proceed on Jackson II Road between NYS Route 3 and NYS Route 26. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Supervisor Buckley, seconded by Mr. Stewart to amend the charges on parcel no. 76.06-2-48 owned by Mr. Eric Burke to eliminate the water tax based on the parcel’s non-conforming status. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Supervisor Buckley reviewed correspondence with the Board.

Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Miller to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried. Executive session began at 9:05PM.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Watkins to return to open session. Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried. Open session resumed at 9:45PM.

Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Miller to accept the quote from RSI Roofing Inc. in the amount of $2,840 for repairs to the Municipal Building roof.

Ayes-4, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Miller to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:50PM.

______________________________

Christina Vargulick

Town Clerk