Author: Kris Gildersleeve

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
October 2, 2023

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 2nd at the Town Hall. All Town Board members present.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7PM by Supervisor Staats with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes- Motion Made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
3. Written Communications
   • Town Clerk Report
     • Total for General Fund $2603.46
     • Total for Ag & Mkts $7.00
     • Total report for September 2023 $2610.46
   • Mail Review-
     • Central Hudson Public Statement Hearings
     • Hazardous Waste Day/Food Scrap program
     • Office for the Aging Public Hearings for Budget
   • Web Committee-None
4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond-
     • Highway department satisfied with Loader repair
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute
     • Berm planted at entrance
     • Planned painting of sport courts for October 8th, weather permitting
     • Dedication plaques have been placed on benches
     • 2 additional benches and bike racks yet to be placed
     • Park Committee currently fund raising for the Match program
     • Town of Livingston has responded that at this time there is no ability to accommodate Clermont residents at Twin Lakes due to parking issues etc.
   • Councilman Gildersleeve
     • New Printer/Copier installed-No response yet regarding recycling old printer
   • Councilwoman Brownson-
     • Reached out to Architectural Historians regarding front doors to Town Hall
     • Contacted Germantown Historian regarding Roe Jan dig location
5. Old Business
   • Comprehensive Plan update-Mary Howard unable to attend. Reported by Supervisor Staats
     • Draft Plan is expected to be ready for November Meeting
   • Painting of Town Hall-Almost completed
   • Electrical Work – Most lights are installed
6. New Business
   • Local Law exemptions-Need for Public Hearings in November
     • Local Law#1 Seniors-Public Hearing 11/6/23 at 6:45 PM
     • Local Law#2 Low Income/Disabilities-Public Hearing 11/6/23 6:48 PM
     • Local Law#3 Volunteer Firefighters/Ambulance Workers-Public Hearing 11/6/23 6:51PM
   • Tentative/Preliminary Budget
     • No Tax increase to residents
     • Town Building Upgrades/Maintenance
     • 2% Raises

Motion to accept Tentative Budget as Preliminary Budget of 2024 by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So Carried.

Public Hearing for Preliminary Budget will be held on Monday, November 6th at 6:55 PM, with General Town Board Meeting to immediately follow.

7. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay General abstract #10 Vouchers #253-267 $17,380.05 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General Prepaid abstract #10a Voucher #250-252 $241.64 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #10 Vouchers #116-126 $7,003.76 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
8. Supervisor Report
   • Thank you to the Park Committee for all their work
   • Thank you to Court Clerk Lee Gallant for his help with upgrades via the Grants.

Public Communication/Comments to the Board

Park Committee appreciates the support of the Board.

Motion made to enter executive session by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute at 7:29PM-No further business to be conducted after executive session.

Motion made to exit executive session by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond at 7:38PM. Motion to adjourn at 7:39PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

No September 2023 ZBA meeting held.

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
BUDGET WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

The Clermont Town Board held a budget workshop on the 2024 Budget on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Desmond, Councilwoman Brownson, Councilman Gildersleeve and Councilwoman Lusher-Shute.

Supervisor Staats opened the workshop and went through all the budget and revenue accounts in the General and Highway funds.

Discussion regarding Salaries:

SALARIES OF TOWN OFFICIALS

SUPERVISOR $ 5,800.00
TOWN BOARD (4 Members each getting $2,700) $10,800.00
TOWN CLERK $ 9,200.00
TOWN JUSTICES (2 Justices each getting $5,900) $11,800.00
TAX COLLECTOR $ 4,900.00
SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS $56,580.00
BUILDING INSP/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER $15,000.00
ASSESSOR $16,500.00

*Salary increases were approved for 2 full time highway employees

The following are the changes that have been suggested:

GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS
Town Board
A1010.4 contractual – increase from $500 to $1000.

Justices
A1110.11 Personal Services-Clerk $4700 to $4800
A1110.43 Court Security- Decrease $5000. To $1000

Supervisor
A1220.4 contractual-Increase from $11,000 to $12,000.

Tax Collection
No Change

Assessor
A1355.4 Contractual Expenses – Increase from $1000 to $1500.

Town Clerk
A1410.12-Personal Services-Deputy-Increased from $1000 to $1500

Buildings
1620.1- Personal Service Increase from $1950 to $2000
1620.4 – contractual – increased from $50,000 to $60,000
1620.41- contractual/oil – Decrease from $8000. to $7000
1620.42- contractual/electric – increased from $3000 to $4000

Special Items
A1910.4 Unallocated Insurance Increase from $18,000 to $20,000
A1920.4 Municipal Assoc Dues Decreased from $800 to $600

Control of Dogs
3510.10 increased from $4425 to $4500

Zoning
A 8010.1 Increased from $5600 to $5900

Planning
A8020.1 Increased from $7300 to $7700

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

September 13, 2023

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen, Ron Miller, and Nathan Hempel. Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town was also in attendance.

After review of the August 9, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the minutes. All in favor.
So carried.

Micah Geraghty, Cedar Hill Road, Tax ID #191.1-1-87, returned to the Board for a continuation of the August Public Hearing. The Applicant is seeking a Minor Subdivision of 28.22 acres from 1 parcel to 4 parcels. Presenting the project was Darrin Epsom and Christian Denniston, of Kaaterskill Associates. They provided an updated survey and Engineering Plans which included addressing the review letter from CPL Engineering. SEQRA was read by Mary Howard. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Ron Miller, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the proposed subdivision, with conditions. Mary Howard voted no, with the remainder of the Board members voting yes to approve. With the majority of Board members approval, the motion was carried. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to approve the proposed Lot Line Adjustment with conditions. All in favor. So carried. The following conditions were declared by the Board:
1) Should the ultimate area of disturbance be 5 acres or more, the Applicant shall return to the Planning Board for a full SWPPP.
2) The Applicant will comply with National Grid’s requirements. Should this result in a material change to the site plan, the Applicant shall return to the Planning Board for a review of the material change.
3) The applicant will supply deed descriptions for all lots at the earliest available time.
The Lot Line Adjustment is as follows:
Geraghty is 191.1-1-87
Werner is 191.1-1-19.11
The parcels to be revised are identified as tax map parcel 191.1-1-87 & 191.1-1-19.11. The proposed subdivision will create 3 lots from tax map parcel 191.1-1-87 and two right of ways on tax map parcel 191.1-1-19.11.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber,
Secretary

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
September 5, 2023

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 at the Town Hall. Town Board members present Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute was unable to attend. Amy Parrella was in attendance to present for Park Committee. There were also a couple of Town residents in attendance.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7PM by Supervisor Staats with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes- Motion Made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
3. Written Communications
   • Town Clerk Report
     • Total for General Fund $1623.97
     • Total for Ag & Mkts $14.00
     • Total for Columbia County Solid Waste $59.80
     • Total report for August 2023 $1697.77
   • Mail Review- Supervisor Staats read letter from NYS DOT regarding school bus stops on Route 9. Bus stop has been moved to Bingham’s Mill Road. New signs have been added and/or moved for better warnings. Per NYS DOT a resolution would be required from Clermont and Livingston to conduct speed study for a possible reduction in speed.
     • Resolution 43-2023 Motion made by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.
     • Clerk will send Resolution and letter to NYS DOT
   • Web Committee-None

4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond-
     • Loader is repaired and back to Garage. Increased cost to repair due to unforeseen issues.
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute-Absent
     • No report
   • Councilman Gildersleeve
     • New Printer/Copier installed-Configuring will be needed to laptops, Town Clerks desktop completed.
   • Councilwoman Brownson-
     • Reported from Daily Freeman did a story on Clermont Academy. Can be found on front page of Tuesday, September 5th edition.
5. Old Business
   • Park Committee-Presentation by Amy
     • Bulbs from Color blends $1016.40
     • Planting of Bulbs by Lehans $2997.27
       Motion to approve expense by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.
     • Plants from Deeproots Direct $1920.54
     • Planting of Plants by Lehans $2992.90
       Motion to approve expense by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.
     • Donated Plants have been planted
     • Park committee will resume meetings soon with summer closing out
   • Comprehensive Plan update-Mary Howard unable to attend. Reported by Councilwoman Brownson.
     • Open House held at Clermont Firehouse on August 19th a success.
     • Survey closes on September 8th.
   • Reval update-Letters are out and expected to be returned if there are any changes by Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
   • Painting of Town Hall-He is working daily on the painting
   • Electrical Work AC Units installed and working, potential savings of Electric and Fuel. Lighting will be started in ~ 1 Month.
     • Supervisor Staats again thanked Court Clerk Lee for his work on getting this grant that significantly reduced the cost associated to these upgrades.
   • Sales Tax checks are still coming in ~ 3% above last year’s checks
6. Supervisor Reports
   • Turkey Hill Repair Bids-Deteriorating bank/not an emergency repair needed. CPL put the project out to Bid and received only a sole Bidder/Colarusso. Project can be rebid in the spring. The expected cost of the project was ~ 150,000 and the sole bid received was for ~ 450,000.
     
     Resolution 42 of 2023 to reject all bids.
     Motion to reject all bids by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.
     Turkey Hill Repair Bids-Deteriorating bank/not an emergency repair needed. CPL put the project out to Bid and received only a sole Bidder/Colarusso. Project can be rebid in the spring. The expected cost of the project was ~ 150,000 and the sole bid received was for ~ 450,000.
     
     Resolution 42 of 2023 to reject all bids.
     Motion to reject all bids by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.
     
   • Budget Workshop- Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 at 6;30PM, second workshop if needed on Monday September 25th at 6:30PM if needed.
     
   • Turkey Hill Repair Bids-Deteriorating bank/not an emergency repair needed. CPL put the project out to Bid and received only a sole Bidder/Colarusso. Project can be rebid in the spring. The expected cost of the project was ~ 150,000 and the sole bid received was for ~ 450,000.
   • County working on budget
   • Solid Waste department being looked at. Currently the county is supporting solid waste at a loss and it has been suggested that they raise fees. Only ~ 34% of residents use the facilities however 100% of residents pay for it. Privatization is also being looked at.
7. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #9 Vouchers #103-115 $38662.15 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #9 Vouchers #231B-249 $35428.18 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General Prepaid abstract #9a Voucher #228-231A $918.93 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Trust and Agency abstract #3 Vouchers #4-5 $332.61 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to the Board

Request for Councilwoman Brownson to contact Germantown Historian regarding excavation archives.

Motion to adjourn at 7:43PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk