The Town of Champion Town Board met in regular session on Monday, October 8, 2002 at 7:00PM at the Town Municipal Building. Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Watkins, Stewart, Buzzell, and Peck, Attorney Farley, and Highway Superintendent Sech.

Supervisor Buckley called the meeting to order and and opened the meeting for public comment. Kent Burto, County Legislator, reported that the snow and ice contract between the County and Towns has been approved and that bids have been accepted for work on the County courthouse.

• Councilman-Mr. Peck inquired about the appropriateness of the hardfill being dumped on a NYS Route 3 parcel. Attorney Farley suggested that the question be referred to the NYSDEC. Mr. Buzzell reported on insulator and light replacement work scheduled by Niagara Mohawk and recommended that the Town hire a contractor to repair the exterior lighting at the Municipal Building. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to authorize Mr. Buzzell to contact a contractor for an estimate and repair work on the exterior lighting. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried. Mr. Watkins asked if the switches on the electric panels in WD#2 should be locked. Supervisor Buckley will check with DANC.
• Highway Superintendent-The highway report was read and accepted.
• Parks-Mr. Eddy reported that several branches where blown down during the recent windstorm. Work on the perimeter fence is still planned for the fall.
• Attorney-Mr. Farley delivered drafts of the Time Warner lease renewal.
• Zoning Officer-The report was presented by Supervisor Buckley and accepted.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the minutes for September 9, 2002 as presented. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

General #259-293................................................$9,689.91
Highway #202-219.............................................$11,413.85
RACOG #21-22....................................................$2,037.95
SD#1 O&M #52-55.............................................$37,011.73
Twin Village Pool #16-19.........................................$210.41
WD#1 O&M #25-28..................................................$514.27
WD#2 O&M #57-63...............................................$2,791.97
WD#3 O&M #26-28..................................................$306.25
WD#4 O&M #11-13...............................................$1,775.40

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

• Supervisor Buckley formally presented the tentative budget. The town tax rate remained stable. Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to schedule a public hearing on the budget for November 4, 2002 at 7:15PM. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.
• The Board reviewed the bids for the 2003 wheel loader and the Highway Superintendent's recommendation. Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Peck to accept the bid from Monroe Tractor for a 2003 Case 821C, 4wd wheel loader at a cost not to exceed $132,634.00. A representative from Tracey Equipment questioned why the apparently higher bid had been accepted. Supervisor Buckley outlined the justification including: extended warranty; local parts and repair with replacement loader; 60 day delivery; and model year. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.
• A resolution was offered by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell authorizing the issuance of serial bonds for the purchase of a 2003 Case 821C four wheel drive wheel loader at a cost not to exceed $135,000. Roll call vote: Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Stewart-aye, Mr. Buzzell-aye, and Mr. Peck-aye. Resolution adopted. The resolution is not subject to permissive referendum.
• Supervisor Buckley read a letter from Mr. Phelps stating that he is not authorized, under Local Law #1 for 1993-Unsafe Buildings, to take action. He added that due to personal time constraints that he did not wish to be considered for the appointment. The Board considered several alternatives including a personnel appointment, the County obligations under the inspection option, and a contractual agreement with the Town engineer. Mr. Burto will contact the Jefferson County code office to determine their responsibility.
• Supervisor Buckley reviewed correspondence received during the month.
• Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried. Executive session began at 7:47PM.
• Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to return to open session. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried. Open session resumed at 8:08PM.
• Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to authorize the Supervisor to negotiate the cost of engineering and construction of a sewer main and manhole, under County Route 47 opposite the fire barn, and execute the necessary documents. A pro-rated portion of the cost will be paid by the property owners. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.
• Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:09PM.