The Champion Town Board met in regular session on Monday, May 5, 2003 at the Champion Municipal Building.  Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Watkins, Stewart, Buzzell, and Peck, Highway Superintendent Sech, and Attorney Farley. 

 

   Supervisor Buckley called the meeting to order at 7PM and opened the meeting for public comment.  Nelson Hoose questioned his eligibility for the STAR program.  Mr. Hoose was referred to the assessors for a determination.  Walter Becker, CAH administrator, distributed information to the Board in regards to services currently available at the hospital and the facility’s intention to enter into a study to evaluate the need for a building expansion.  Peter LaBarge asked for the Board’s help to reduce the amount of roadside trash caused by debris blowing from trucks on route to transfer site.  Attorney Farley recommended that a letter be forwarded to the local NYSDEC office requesting increased patrols in the affected areas.  The Town Clerk was directed to prepare and distribute a memo with transfer site cards urging users to cover trash adequately.

 

   Monthly Reports

 

  • Councilmen – Mr. Peck reported on the activities of the RACOG regional retail development committee.  The group will be requesting “seed money” for a marketing project.  The Board deferred action until the proposal has been formally presented to the RACOG executive board.  Mr. Watkins made the Board aware of funds available through the Black River Advisory Board for waterfront development.  Mr. Buzzell emphasized the need to implement and complete a project to give impetus to development.
  • Highway Superintendent – Mr. Sech distributed and reviewed with the Board his monthly report. 
  • Assessor – Mr. Vargulick reported that the total tentative assessment for the Town increased by $1.4M.  Due to a drop in the equalization rate, he urged the Board to approve a town wide revaluation.
  • Town Attorney – Mr. Farley reported that the language for the lease agreement with Time Warner has been resolved.
  • Zoning Officer – Report read and accepted.
  • Circuit Rider – Ms. Amyot reminded the Board of the 30th anniversary celebration for the THC and invited members to attend.  She apprised the Board of a project funded through the RACOG Transportation grant that will study pedestrian linkages, tractor trailer traffic within residential neighborhoods, and intersection congestion along State, Bridge and Broad Streets.

 

   Motion by Mr. Peck, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the minutes for April 7, 15, and 28, 2003 as submitted.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried. 

 

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

 

      General #111-131............................................$15,102.48

      Highway #78-105.............................................$15,767.02

      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

 

Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.

 

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

 

  

 

New Business

 

  • Motion by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Stewart to appoint William Vargulick chairman of the board of assessors.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.
  • Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to request assistance from Jefferson County for a town wide revaluation as soon as scheduling permits.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.
  • Supervisor Buckley introduced Local Law #1 for 2003-to provide for a single appointed assessor in the Town of Champion.  Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Peck to hold a public hearing on the proposed law on June 2, 2003 at 7:15PM.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.
  • The Board reviewed recommendations from the underwriting survey of the municipality.  The Board identified a plan of action for each of the categories.  Highway Superintendent Sech was directed to obtain quotes for the installation of a central station fire alarm at the highway barn. 
  • The Board discussed a request from the Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition to support a resolution to control the further propagation of the double-crested cormorant due to its negative impact on the fishing and tourism businesses of Jefferson County and the surrounding communities.  Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to approve the resolution as presented (see attached).  Mr. Buzzell-aye, Mr. Watkins, aye, Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Stewart-aye, and Mr. Peck-nay.  Resolution adopted.
  • Members discussed the draft Black River Corridor Economic Development Initiative Goal Statement.  Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to adopt the guidelines as presented and forward them to the Planning Board for recommendations to incorporate the objectives into the Town Zoning Law.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.

 

   Supervisor Buckley reviewed correspondence including a letter from the West Carthage Village Board detailing the increase in the charge for water supplying WD#4. 

 

   Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Watkins to adjourn.  The meeting adjourned at 8:49PM.

   Christina Vargulick
   Town Clerk