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Town Board – July 2020

TOWN BOARD MINUTES
JULY 6. 2020

The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher-Shute and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. There was one resident present.

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.

MINUTES: A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to accept the minutes of the June meeting, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

TOWN CLERKS REPORT: The Clerk presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund in the amount of $213.53.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • The Department of Environmental Conservation has started a new licensing system for hunting and fishing and have notified the Town Clerk that they are terminating her appointment as Licensing issuing agent due to the low number of licenses issued.
  • The Clerk was also notified that the Town Clerks conference which was originally scheduled for April and changed to August has now been cancelled. Refunds will be sent out for registrations.
  • Website: There has been no correspondence.
  • The Supervisor distributed the budget and revenue report for June for review.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

  • Councilman Desmond reported that some tiles at the softball field at the park on Route 6, which are under the swing set were damaged and have been replaced. There may be a need to purchase additional tiles.
  • Veterans Pathway: Councilman Desmond and Amy Parrella met at the site of the veteran’s memorial to discuss the pathway from the parking lot. Amy made suggestions regarding the location, design and materials used for the path and sent a letter with her findings. Councilman Desmond concerns are for the steepness and slope of the path. Councilman Desmond would like for the Superintendent to place the culvert so it can settle. Amy will be asked to mark out the proposed path that she is suggesting and the Supervisor will ask Jim Potts to look at it to see if he can do it.
  • Councilwoman Lusher-Shute would like to consider an alternative place for the stockpile of gravel used by the highway department either near the baseball field or behind the highway garage. Supervisor Staats would not like it near the ball field but will speak with Superintendent Potts about a better location. Councilwoman Lusher-Shute asked if there have been any issues with the stockpile of salt in the salt shed. There have been no issues. She also asked about the split rail fencing for the entrance. The Supervisor will check with Williams to see what they have. A suggestion was made to purchase a shed and tools needed for the upkeep of the park because the committee members are using their own presently. She asked if the committee could make a park presentation to the board in September.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve purchasing four signs as approved from Fast Signs for $396.84. All in favor. So carried. A location to be determined.
  • In the committees suggested plan for the park, it is stated that neighbor’s approval was be sought. Councilman Desmond said that we do not need approval, however, we can take input. A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson to accept the Hettling Park at Clermont & Clermont Park recommendations in consideration of future development as guidelines, seconded by Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher-Shute. All in favor. So carried.
  • Councilman Gildersleeve reported that he has been updating the website adding a volunteer sign up list for anyone who is interested in helping with the park. He also added a notice that the final assessment role has been filed by the Assessor.
  • Councilwoman Brownson reported that the Columbia County Historian has changed the Landmark open house which was scheduled for May to August. If not cancelled she would like to have St. Luke’s Church open to the public on that day.

OLD BUSINESS:

  • Red Wing Mining: The Supervisor has been informed that the Town of Milan is seeking lead agency status on the application of Red Wing Mining to extend their operation in the Town of Clermont and Town of Milan. He has tried to contact the Milan Supervisor to discuss this and will continue to get in touch with him.
  • 2020 Budget: The sales tax received has averaged out 20% less than last year at this time. The CHIPS funds will be coming and the highway Superintendent will only do the work that the funds will cover.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • HETTLING PARK: We have a price for wheel stops for the Hettling Park parking lot of $1,067.00. A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to purchase the stops at a cost of $1,067.00, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
  • CLERMONT PARK: Supervisor Staats has also received a quote to install a guardrail around the Clermont Park parking lot consisting of pressure treated posts set in concrete. We have one quote from Oakwood Fencing for 30 sections at $4,000.00 and 28 sections for $3,700.00. He will get a second quote and discuss at next month’s meeting.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

  • The Supervisor reported that the County is preparing to open up to full staff. Department of Motor Vehicles has opened up and has been very busy.
  • The County Highway budget has been cut back.
  • The air conditioner in the town hall has not been working very well according to the highway department. Will check into this.
  • The Supervisor received a letter from the Zoning Board asking them to review the zoning regulations in regard to infrastructure for Solar Farms.

ABSTRACTS:

  • A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #7, vouchers #52 to 60 in the amount of $5,596.62, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. ‘All in favor. So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Trust & Agency abstract #5, vouchers #8 -9 in the amount of $893.50, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher-Shute to approve General Prepaid #7, vouchers #147-153 in the amount of $539.49, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve General Prepaid #7A, vouchers #154 – 182 in the amount of $7,662.66, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Resident Chris Nolan had a question regarding the right of way on Commons Road which was taken by the County many years ago. It was suggested that he contact the Columbia County Engineering department for information.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:35 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk