Author: Kris Gildersleeve

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
January 2nd, 2023

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday January 2nd, 2023 at the Town Hall.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7:15PM following the 2023 organizational meeting by Supervisor Staats with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of December General Meeting Minutes, Motion to accept by Councilwoman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
   • Minutes from 2022 Year end meeting will be approved at next general meeting

Clerk Report

• Total for General Fund $1420.42
• NYS Ag&Mkts $11.00
• Total report for December 2022 $1431.42
• Mail Review-None
• Web Committee-Nothing new to report

3. Committee Reports and Updates
   1. Bob
      • Report on Highway Department-New Truck is Registered and in service, Department is happy with it. Old truck has been put out for suplus sale.
      • Discussion on ZBA/Planning ordinance in relation to dual use on same site.
   2. Lindsey
      • No updates to report
   3. Kris
      • Updating website
      • Looking at Town email options and will continue to investigate best option for town use
   4. Dawn
      • Should have answer soon one HV Climate Change Grant that has been applied for
      • Bank of Greene County Grant due January 15th
      • Columbia Land Conservancy Grant application due end of February
4. Old Business
   • Requested that insurance be added for Law Enforcement coverage in the amount of $761.00
   • Donations for the Park
     1. Raymond issued a personal Thank you to Mary Howard for starting the Matching donation as it is very much appreciated.
     2. All donors names and donation were read and Thanked
   • Park update
     1. 2 sets of keys for the park kiosks were provided to the Town Clerk
     2. Estimate for contract for park maintenance for the 2023 season was presented and discussed. Additional discussion will take place at the February meeting for possible approval.
     3. Playground planning will begin January/February
     4. Wedding request for Late Summer/Early Fall for park-Request that the party requesting investigate insurance options.
     5. Updated installations for Park. Potty enclosure, bike racks, handicapped parking spots and Benches.
   • Comprehensive plan update
     1. No December Meeting, January meeting will be Monday January 9th at 7PM.
     2. Hope to have Survey Data for review at next meeting.
     3. Plan seems to be on track for completion by the end of 2023

5. New Business
   • Review of the books—January 14th at 10AM-Clerk will notify Judges and Tax collector
   • NYS Senate Proclamation
     • Daphne Jordan presented a few weeks ago for Town of Clermont becoming a Purple Heart Community. Thank you to Dawn for organizing the campaign.

6. Supervisors Report-
   • Supervisor Staats just wanted to report that again he did vote against the county budget. He was the only supervisor to vote against it however he has a hard time voting in favor of a budget that only adds to the County Fund Balance that is already quite large.

7. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #1 Vouchers # 1-2 $7,027.08 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #1 Vouchers #1-12 $28,855.33 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Association of Towns Meeting in February. Councilman Gildersleeve to attend. Motion to approve Hotel/Conference Registration of $800 by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to Board-

Motion to adjourn at 8:30PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

2023 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

RESOLUTION #01-2023

Time/Date for Regular Town Board Meetings

First Monday of every month at 7:00 P.M. In the case of Monday holidays or cancellations due to inclement weather, the meetings will be held on the Tuesday after the 1^st Monday.

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #02-2023

Town Board Meeting Rules and Regulations

2. Call to order
3. Salute of Flag
4. Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting
5. Written communications to the Town Board:
   • Town Clerk Report
   • Mail Review

6. Committee Reports and Updates
7. Old Business
8. New Business
9. Supervisors Report
10. Pay Abstracts
11. Public Comment/Communication – Public comments will be taken at the end of the meeting at the discretion of the Supervisor, unless engaged during the meeting.
12. Adjournment

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #03-2023

Naming Official Newspaper

• Register Star

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #04-2023

Naming Bank for Deposits

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #05-2023

Authorize Town Supervisor to appoint a bookkeeper.

1. Pursuant to Section 29 of the Town Law
2. Necessary for proper conduct of Town Affairs

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #06-2023

Authorize Town Supervisor to temporarily invest idle monies in accordance with the Town Investment policy (General Municipal Law, Section 11)

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #07-2023

Appoint Official Dog Shelter

• Pine Plains Veterinary Hospital Associated PC
  Route 199
  Pine Plains, New York 12567
  (518) 398-7575 or 398-9494
• Round Top Animal Hospital
  71 Palatine Park Road, Suite 8
  Germantown, New York 12526
  (518) 537-7387

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #08-2023

Appoint Official Dog Control Officer at the Budgeted Amount.

• Desiree Webber

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #09-2023

Authorize Town Justices to hire a Court Stenographer when necessary.

1. For a proper record of testimony
2. Within limit of 2023 budget

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #10-2023

Appoint Town Historian

• Dawn Brownson

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #11-2023

Appoint Code Enforcement Officer

• Eli Fieser at Annual Salary of $14,000.00
• Deputy Code Enforcement Officer at $100.00 per month, if needed.
  (Appointed by Code Enforcement Officer)

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #12-2023

Appoint Town Attorney (for Town, Planning & Zoning Boards, Assessor)
(Within 2023 budget limits)

• Freeman-Howard, P.C., Hudson, New York

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #13-2023

Appoint Town Engineer

• CPL (Clark Patterson Lee)

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #14-2023

Designate Official Representatives to Association of Towns Annual Meeting

• Supervisor Staats
• Councilman Gildersleeve

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #15-2023

Establish 65.5 Cents Per Mile Rate for official Town Travel. (Per Federal Guidelines)

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #16-2023

Authorize Town Supervisor to sign 2023 State and Local Youth Contracts

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #17-2023

Appoint Registrar of Vital Statistics

• Tracey Gallant

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #18-2023

• Re-appoint Laurence Saulpaugh, Chair of the Planning Board
• Re-appoint Mary Howard, Deputy Chairman.

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #19-2023

Re-appoint Desiree Webber, Planning Board Secretary

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #20-2023

• Re-appoint James (Hank) Himelright, III, Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Appoint Luke Kumburis – Deputy Chairman

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #21-2023

Re-appoint Desiree Webber Zoning Board Secretary

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #22-2023

Town Clerk’s appointments for Deputy Clerk and Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics

• Mary Helen Shannon
• Lee Gallant

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #23-2023

Town Highway Superintendent’s appointment for Deputy Highway Superintendent

• Adom Lawyer

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #24-2023

Town Supervisor’s appointment for Deputy Supervisor

• Robert Desmond for term of January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #25-2023

Town Supervisor’s appointment for Budget Officer

• Raymond J. Staats

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #26-2023

Town Supervisor’s appointment for Town Bookkeeper

• Brian Fitzgerald, CPA, PC

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #27-2023

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #28-2023

Appoint Kris Gildersleeve Webmaster for Clermont’s website

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #29-2023

Appoint representatives to the Columbia County Office for Aging for the term of January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

Appointments to be determined at a later date

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #30-2023

Re-appoint members of the Board of Ethics for the term of January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

• Mary Howard
• Susan Rifenburgh
• Tracey Gallant
• Ray Tousey

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #31-2023

• Re-appoint Mary Howard to the Planning Board for a seven-year term, January 1, 2023- December 31, 2029.

Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried

• Re-appoint Luke Kumburis to the Zoning Board for a five-year term, January 1, 2023- December 31, 2027.

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #32-2023

Accept 2023 Salaries stated in the 2023 Budget, as follows:

*If any Planning or Zoning Board member is absent for more than two meetings, that members salary will be reduced by $100.00 for each additional absence.
Alternate members of the Planning and Zoning Board will be paid $50.00 per meeting when called upon to participate by the Chairperson.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

Resolution #33 -2023

Town of Clermont Fee Schedule for Building Department Fees and Zoning and Planning Fees.

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried

Resolution #34-2023

Town of Clermont Official Undertaking of Municipal Officers

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried

Resolution #35-2023

Agreement between the Clermont Town Board with the Canaan Fellowship for the use of the Clermont Community House for the period January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 according to the terms and conditions of the lease.

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried

Resolution #36-2023

Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Pine Plains Veterinary Associates to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried

Resolution #37-2023

Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Round Top Animal Hospital to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried

These agreements will be reviewed with the other policies of the Town.

1. Review Highway Personnel Policy (Note Changes if Any)

2. Review Procurement Policy (Note Changes if Any)

3. Review Fixed Assets

4. Review Investment Policy (Note Changes if Any)

5. Sexual Harassment Policy

6. Code of Ethics

7. Cash Management

8. Emergency Preparedness Plan

9. Review Road Bonds (If any)

10. Review Other Bonds (If any)

11. Review Workplace Violence Policy

Set time and date to review books and records of Town Clerk, Town Justices, Tax Collector and Supervisor on January 14th at 10:00 A.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.

A motion was made to adjourn the organizational meeting and enter into the regular meeting by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals
1795 Route 9
Germantown, New York 12526

December 28, 2022

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, and Ben Peacock.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, October 26, 2022. A motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to approve the October 2022 minutes. All in favor. So carried. The November meeting was not held.

Franz Safford, 40 Langridge Road, Tax Map ID #201.-1-26.121, #201.-1-26.112, represented by Jeremy Franz, came before the Board regarding ground mount solar panels. Motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing. All in favor. So carried. The 2 parcels at the project site have been joined, creating 1 parcel. A new deed has been issued. There were no comments from the public. Motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to approve the application. All in favor. So carried.

Daric Schlesselman, 1931 Route 9, Tax ID #181-1-12, came before the Board regarding the addition of a distillery to the property which is currently housing Hudson Valley Produce. The applicant will return with additional information to complete the application.

With no other business, motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:35pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber
Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
December 14, 2022

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Jesse Cutaia, Mary Howard and Nathan Hempel. Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town, was also in attendance.

After review of the November 9, 2022 minutes motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the minutes.
All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for the Safford project. All in favor. So carried.

Franz Safford, 40 Langridge Road, Tax Map ID #201.-1-26.121, #201.-1-26.112, represented by Jeremy Franz, came before the Board regarding ground mount solar panels. Franz Safford was out of town and his signature will be needed to file the new deed. There were no comments from the public. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. With the reading of SEQRA by Matthew Griesemer, motion was made by by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to declare a negative impact. All in favor. So carried. Motions made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to approve the project, contingent on the signature for the filing of the deed. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to close the regular meeting and return to the Public Hearing for Josephine Barraco. All in favor. So carried.

Josephine Barraco, represented by Steve Barraco, 1429 State Route 9, corner of Quail Lane, Tax ID #191.4-2-28, seeking a minor subdivision. The Board reviewed the proposed lots, septic, and possible structure to ensure the lot is buildable. There were no comments from the public. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. SEQRA was read by Matthew Griesemer. Motion to declare a negative impact was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel. All inferior. So carried. Motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, auto approve the project contingent of the letter from the Board of Health stating septic approval. All in favor. So carried.

Daric Schlesselman, Van Burnt Stillhouse, 1931 Route 9, Tax ID #181.0-1-12, represented by Crawford Engineering. The Board reviewed changes made to the site plan. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, to accept the application as complete and schedule the Public hearing for January 11, 2023. All in favor. So carried.

Ernst Martin Jr, 1921 Route 9, Tax ID #181-1-13, came before the Board seeking the requirements for the addition of an apartment and office space at the former Clermont Inn.

Kristy Koerner, 3690 Route 9G, Tax ID #179-1-38, came before the Board seeking Lot Line Adjustment to gain access to the back parcel which is a land locked parcel.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:50pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
December 5, 2022

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday December 5th, 2022 at the Town Hall.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7PM by Supervisor Staats with the Pledge of Allegiance.
   • Jim Maruniak of GTel Presentation and proposal for new phone system
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of November Public Hearing and General Meeting Minutes, Motion to accept by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried

Clerk Report

3. Committee Reports and Updates
   1. Bob
      • Report on Highway Department-New Truck is Registered and in service
      • Noted Health Insurance increase for Highway department
   2. Lindsey
      • Comprehensive Plan Focus group will meet Thursday at Town Hall ~ 1PM
      • Park Landscape Fall Clean up completed
      • Park Committee raised enough funds for Matching donation of $5000.
      • Kiosk-Fully installed
      • Awaiting Potty enclosure installation
   3. Kris
      • No updates to report
   4. Dawn
      • A couple of grants upcoming
      • No word on the Climate Change Grant yet
   5. Raymond
      • Thank you to Councilman Desmond for the coverage for November meeting
      • Any missed questions regarding the budget
      • A final list of Park donors will be compiled and announced at next meeting
4. Old Business
   • Mary Howard provided update on progress for Comprehensive Plan-Survey as of 2 weeks prior we had ~ 48 responses-The Survey deadline has been extended; Business Focus Group will also meet on Thursday at Town Hall. There have been several pop-up events.
   • Phone system upgrade to be investigated for alternative options
   • Stand by generator should be investigated as a possible upgrade to Town Hall
   • Mortgage Tax check received $36,616.64-Total for year exceeds budgeted amount by ~ $116,000.
   • Sales tax check for 4th quarter expected Early 2023

5. New Business
   • Surplus Highway Vehicle. Motion to Surplus by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
   • Brownfield repair
     • Reported from CPL 1 well failed Total ~ $18,420 the first year. Motion to move forward with repair by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
     • Court Security-Discontinue Sherriff’s office and hire Retired Sgt. Fieser at a rate of $75.00 per night/1 Hour Monthly. Motion to approve by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
   • Code Enforcement Officer
     • Eli Fieser has completed his board certification and as per agreement upon hiring as of 2023 full salary to be paid of $14,000.00 per year
   • Year End Meeting-Tuesday 12/27/22 @ 7PM
     • Insurance presentation

6. Supervisors Report
   • Garbage bags-$1 bag will be made available again and the $1 tags will be obsolete.

7. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #12 Vouchers # 116-126 $19,652.85 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Trust & Agency abstract #8 Voucher #21 $47.17 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #12 Vouchers #301-331 $19,082.61 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to Board-

• Purchase 2 tables for Town Hall at request of Mary Howard

Motion to adjourn at 8:53PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Meeting was canceled. No meeting minutes.