The Town of Champion Town Board met in regular monthly session on Monday, April 7, 2003.  Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Stewart, Buzzell, and Peck, and Highway Superintendent Sech.  Councilman Watkins was absent.

   Supervisor Buckley called the meeting to order at 6:00PM.  Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing a particular personnel issue.  Ayes-4, Nays-0.  Motion carried.  Executive session began at 6:02PM

 

   Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to close the executive session.  Ayes-4, Nays-0.  Motion carried.  Executive session closed at 6:51PM.

 

   Supervisor Buckley called the meeting to order at 7:00PM and opened the meeting for comment from the public.  Kathy Amyot, RACOG circuit rider, distributed and discussed a draft NYS Route 3 economic development initiative goal statement.  The intention is to develop consistent policies and objectives throughout the corridor by working with the component Town Boards and their Planning Boards to develop design and planning tools to enhance sustainable economic development.  The Town of Champion has been selected to pilot the program.  The Board shall study the draft statement for comment and action at their May meeting.

 

   Monthly Reports

  • Councilmen-Mr. Peck reported on the activities of the RACOG retail development committee.  Mr. Buzzell suggested that an organized clean up and hazard marking of the Black River would enhance its uses for recreation.  Mr. Buzzell reported that the NYSDOT is scheduled to replace the culvert and guide rails near the intersection of Liberty Street and NYS Route 26.  He recommended that a letter be sent to the Village apprising them of the work and the possibility of requesting that split guide rails be installed to allow for the future development and expansion of a public walking trail.  The Board agreed by consensus to forward a letter to the Village.  Mr. Stewart and Mr. Buzzell reported on the proposal from Niagara Mohawk for the installation of electricity and/or telephone service to the gravel pit.  The cost would be $6459.83 w/telephone and $7760.70 wo/telephone plus the Town’s cost for trenching and labor and materials for electrical services to the building including, but not limited to, the electrical panel and wiring.  Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to install the services as presented contingent on identifying sufficient funding from the 2003 budget.  Mr. Stewart-aye, Mr. Peck-aye, and Supervisor Buckley-aye.  No nays.  Mr. Buzzell abstained from the vote.
  • Highway-The highway report was read and accepted.  The Board will conduct a road inspection on Friday, May 16th at 2:00PM.  Mr. Sech has instituted a safety training program by utilizing available materials from the Jefferson County Co-operative Extension at no cost to the Town.  A list of employees completing training will be maintained by the Superintendent.  Mr. Sech requested that the Board consider an upgrade from the specifications for the new plow equipment.  Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to upgrade the specifications to a H612ER removable rear mast assembly with telescopic cylinder in lieu of H607H cabinet at a cost not to exceed $1,288.00.  Ayes-4, Nays-0.  Motion carried.
  • Assessor-Supervisor Buckley read and accepted, with regret, a letter of resignation from Mr. Phelps.  Mr. Phelps no longer resides in the Town and is therefore ineligible to hold elected office.  The resignation shall be effective as of April 1, 2003.
  • Zoning Officer-Report read and accepted.
  • Parks-Mr. Eddy reported that the annuals for the park have been ordered.  The perimeter fence for the park shall be installed when weather permits.  The Board agreed by consensus to support a 2nd annual “Concert in the Park” this summer.

   Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the minutes for March 3, 2003, as submitted.  Ayes-4, Nays-0.  Motion carried.

 

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

 

            General #82-98........................................................$13,333.94
            Highway #54-77.......................................................$22,617.45
            RACOG #14-17..........................................................$1,639.53
            SD#1 O&M #19-24.....................................................$2,985.88
            WD#1 O&M #7-11.........................................................$740.12
            WD#2 O&M #15-22....................................................$2,148.50
            WD#3 O&M #8-10.........................................................$617.89
            WD#4 O&M #5-7........................................................$2,519.50

Ayes-4, Nays-0.  Motion carried.

   Mrs. Vargulick presented a written report to the Board detailing the 2003 tax collection and responded to questions.

   The Supervisor’s report was read and accepted.

   New Business

  • Supervisor Buckley presented the proposed design for the Justice Court sign at a cost of $313 plus hardware.  Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to approve the sign with the deletion of the hanging bracket.  The sign shall be mounted directly on the light pole.  Ayes-4, Nays-0.  Motion carried.
  • Supervisor Buckley reported that a total of eight (8) RCI proposals had been prepared and delivered to the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization for processing.  The Supervisor presented information about the FDRLO and recommended membership.  Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to approve membership, including the annual dues, in FDRLO.  Ayes-4, Nays-0.  Motion carried.
  • Supervisor Buckley shared a copy of the letter he addressed to the Watertown City Council relative to the Empire Development Zone boundary revision.
  • A resolution was offered by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to affirm that the Town of Champion is an equal opportunity employer and it is the policy of the Town of Champion, from recruitment through employment, promotion, layoff or termination, compensation, and training to provide equal opportunity at all times without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, or sexual orientation.  Roll call vote: Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Stewart-aye, Mr. Peck-aye, Mr. Buzzell-aye, and Mr. Watkins-absent.  Resolution adopted.
  • The Board took no action to fill the assessor vacancy.


   Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to adjourn.  The meeting adjourned at 8:21PM. 

Christina Vargulick
Town Clerk