The Champion Town Board met in regular session on Monday, November 4, 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 opened the meeting for public comment. County Legislator Burto reported that the County budget had increased due in part to unfunded mandates.

• DANC- Supervisor Buckley reported that the master meter in WD#1 shall be replaced with a meter from storage due to a low meter read malfunction. The meter shall be repaired and placed in the storage inventory. Councilmen expressed concerns about securing switches on the electric services. Supervisor Buckley shall check with O&M personnel to discuss modifications.
• Engineer- Supervisor Buckley reported that specifications have been forwarded to contractors for the sewer line and manhole to service the new construction on County Route 47. Bids must be received by November 8, 2002.
• Councilmen-Mr. Peck asked about the hardfill being deposited in Great Bend. Zoning Officer Phelps reported that NYS DEC allows the use of clean fill. Mr. Watkins questioned a reference, in the minutes of the Sewer Board, to property on NYS Rte 26 being considered as a possible sewer treatment facility. Supervisor Buckley reported that the site is no longer under consideration due to the cost/benefit ratio. Mr. Buzzell reported that the electrician had made a preliminary appraisal of the outdoor lighting and would be returning to complete his evaluation.
• Highway Superintendent-Report read and accepted.
• Zoning Officer-Report read and accepted.
• Justice- The judges requested that the Town Board consider replacing the "Justice Court" sign due to deterioration. Supervisor Buckley will get an estimate for replacement from Signs & Designs.
• Parks- Mr. Eddy reported that the committee has purchased and planted ten new trees.

Proof of notice having been furnished, the public hearing on the 2003 preliminary budget was called to order at 7:15PM by Supervisor Buckley. No one spoke for or against the budget. All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, the hearing was closed at 7:16PM.

Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the minutes for October 7, 2002 as presented. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to approve the payment of the following bills as presented:

General #296-312................................................$12,424.89
Highway #220-247...............................................$25,516.24
RACOG #23-27.....................................................$3,079.95
SD#1 Capital #5...................................................$40,722.43
SD#1 O&M #56-63.................................................$9,621.50
Twin Village Pool #20-21........................................$1,506.33
WD#1 O&M #29-30.................................................$2,033.59
WD#2 O&M #64-66.................................................$5,301.36
WD#3 O&M #29-30.................................................$2,042.09
WD#4 Capital #15-17..........................................$410,012.90
WD#4 O&M #15-19.................................................$7,424.90

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

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

Budget transfers were read and discussed. Board members pointed out the general fund transfers did not balance between the accounts. The report was amended to balance the transfers. Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Peck to approve the report as amended. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

• The following resolution was offered by Mr. Stewart and seconded by Mr. Buzzell:

WHEREAS, the Town Board has met at the time and place specified in the notice of public hearing on the preliminary budget and heard all persons desiring to be heard thereon;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town Board does hereby adopt the preliminary budget as the annual budget of the Town of Champion for the fiscal year beginning on the first day of January 2003 and that such budget as so adopted be entered in the minutes of the Town Board;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Town Clerk of the Town shall prepare and certify, in duplicate, copies of the said annual budget as adopted pursuant to Section 202A and B2 of the Town Law and shall present a copy thereof to the Supervisor of the Town to be presented by him to the County Legislature.

Ayes-5, Nays-0. Resolution adopted.

• Motion by Supervisor Buckley, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the following distribution of the 2002 STAR administrative aid: $300/assessor; $200/tax collector; and the balance for the replacement and/or purchase of equipment. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.
• Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Stewart to appoint Christina Vargulick, safety coordinator as required to comply with the NYMIR Risk Management Program. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.
• Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to adopt a resolution supporting a feasibility and planning study relative to the construction of a joint recreation facility. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.
• Supervisor Buckley informed the Board that the North Country Town & Village Health group had voted to dissolve the self-insured program effective 1/1/03.
• Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to authorize Supervisor Buckley to execute an agreement with Niagara Mohawk for the purpose of attaching holiday decorations to electric poles. Ayes-5, Nays-0. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:30PM.