The Town of Champion Town Board met in regular monthly session on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 7PM at the Town Municipal Offices.  Present were Supervisor Buckley, Councilmen Buzzell, Watkins, Stewart, and Peck, Attorney Farley, and Highway Superintendent Sech. 

 

   Supervisor Buckley called the meeting to order and opened the meeting for public comment.  Blanche Miles questioned the status of the snowmobile crossing utilizing the railroad trestle and voiced concerns about meetings and the use of private property.  Supervisor Buckley responded that no meetings have been held in violation of the open meetings law; that there was never any intention to invoke eminent domain to include privately owned property; and that any future use of the trestle will be determined by concerned parties.  William Scherer questioned the costs of the crossing alternatives.  Supervisor Buckley responded that the only viable alternative being discussed is a span between the Carthage and West Carthage boat launches at a cost of approximately $1.3M.  Richard LaJoie discussed the proposed trail from Copenhagen to Felts Mills and requested Board approval to include the seasonally maintained section of the Taylor Road.  The Board deferred action to review Local Law #1 for 1999-Regulating All-Terrain Vehicles.  Reid Pierce questioned whether a decision to expend funds for a new span would be voted on as a public referendum.  Supervisor Buckley answered that any decision will be incumbent on successful applications for Federal and/or NYS grants.  Mr. Reid questioned if there were other projects being considered for grant funding in the Town.  Mr. Stewart responded that a shared recreational facility and walking trail are being actively pursued and Mr. Buzzell added that he has proposed improved management of the Black River to enhance boating opportunities.  The public forum was suspended for a scheduled public hearing.

 

   Proof of notice having been furnished, the public hearing on Local Law #1 for 2003-To Provide for a Sole Appointed Assessor for the Town of Champion was called to order by Supervisor Buckley at 7:20PM.  No one spoke for or against the proposed local law.  All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, the hearing was closed at 7:22PM.

 

   The public forum was resumed.  Joseph Ferris remarked on newspaper coverage of the snowmobile issue.  Stephanie Skinner asked about the timetable for constructing a new crossing.  Mr. Ferris responded that the current trail system shall remain in effect until an alternative is constructed. 

 

   Monthly Reports

 

  • DANC-Carrie Tuttle responded to a letter received by the Town concerning the inspection performed by the NYS DOH in WD#2.  Ms. Tuttle recommended that the Board approve the replacement of the well covers with gasket sealed covers and locks.  Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to authorize Ms. Tuttle to order the necessary replacement equipment.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.  All other concerns expressed in the report have been corrected.
  • Councilmen-Mr. Peck distributed a copy of a draft RFP for a Retail Recruitment Package that will be presented and recommended for action at the next RACOG meeting.  Mr. Stewart reported that he has not been able to get a quote from a local contractor for electrical construction at the gravel pit.  The Board agreed by consensus to have Mr. Stewart and Mr. Buzzell develop specifications for advertising for quotes.  Supervisor Buckley asked for the Board’s support to make repairs to monuments in the South Champion cemetery. Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to purchase the necessary epoxy, not to exceed ten tubes.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.
  • Highway- The Highway Superintendent’s report, including a breakdown of specific vehicle maintenance expenses, was read and accepted.  The Board reviewed a quote from STAT Communications for the installation and monitoring of a fire alarm system for the Town Garage in the amount of $3,707.00.  The Board requested information concerning the effect of the system on the fire insurance premium, the cost of an electric surge control to the master panel, and the cost of a low temperature module. 
  • Assessor-Mr. Vargulick reported that the BAR had received three grievance complaints and made minor adjustments. 
  • Town Attorney-Mr. Farley reported that the lease is with Time Warner for signature.
  • Zoning Officer-Report read and accepted.
  • Parks – Mr. Eddy reported that plantings are proceeding as weather permits.  The perimeter fence will be installed when conditions permit.
  • Circuit Rider-Ms. Amyot reported that a Black River communities forum will be held June 25th at the Town of Champion Municipal Building and that a workplan for the NYSDOT Technical Assistance Grant will be developed in cooperation with Regional DOT offcials and Jefferson County Planning on June 4th.

 

   Motion by Mr. Peck, seconded by Mr. Buzzell to approve the minutes for May 5, 2003 as submitted.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.

 

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

 

      General #132-154..........................................................$28,930.86

      Highway #106-133.........................................................$26,532.81

      RACOG #22-28...............................................................$7,847.25

      SD#1 O&M #32-34..........................................................$4,081.27

      WD#1 O&M #14-16............................................................$818.84

      WD#2 O&M #29-34.........................................................$1,067.36

      WD#3 O&M #14-15............................................................$391.63

      WD#4 O&M #8.....................................................................$41.19

 

Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.

 

   The Supervisor’s 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.

 

   Supervisor Buckley reviewed correspondence to or from the NYS Comptroller, Jefferson County Highway, West Carthage Planning Board, North Country Affordable Housing, and the City of Refuge Christian Church.

 

   New Business

 

  • Resolution offered by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Stewart to adopt Local Law #1 for 2003-To Provide for a Sole Appointed Assesor for the Town of Champion.  Roll call vote: Supervisor Buckley-aye, Mr. Buzzell-aye, Mr. Watkins-aye, Mr. Stewart-aye, and Mr. Peck-aye.  Resolution adopted.
  • Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to authorize an application for matching grant funds from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historical Preservation for improvements to the Village Green Park.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.
  • The Board read and discussed a draft joint mission statement.  The amended statement is as follows:

                    To develop a new year-round recreational trail route crossing over

                     the Black River, as an alternative to the existing NYS Route 126

                     bridge crossing that links the trail systems of the Tug Hill region and

                     the Adirondacks, through cooperative efforts with the Towns of

                     Champion and Wilna and the Villages of Carthage and West

                     Carthage and the Missing Link Snowmobile Club and, in the interim,

                     to maintain and manage the existing route along South Main Street

                     in the Village of West Carthage to the trailhead.

            

   Motion by Mr. Buzzell, seconded by Mr. Watkins to approve the Mission Statement as amended.  Ayes-5, Nays-0.  Motion carried.

 

   Motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Peck to adjourn.  The meeting adjourned at 8:41PM. 

Christina Vargulick
Christina Vargulick
Town Clerk