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Author: Kris Gildersleeve

Town Board – June 2022

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
June 6th, 2022

Councilman Gildersleeve absent

  1. Call Meeting to Order @7PM by Supervisor Staats. Meeting started with a moment of Silence for the recent passing of longtime Planning Board Member Clayton Andrus-
    • Clayton Started with the planning board in 1995 and was the representative from the Town of Clermont for the Office for the Aging.
  2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
    • Approval of April minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor So Carried
    • Approval of May minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried
  3. Town Clerk Report- Total for General Fund $1628.51.
    • Total report for May 2022 $1631.51
  4. Written communications/Mail review
  • Update on phone services from Gtel-Will get estimate
  1. Correspondence for Web Committee-
    • Mary Howard reported continued work on Comprehensive plan updates to the website with Councilman Gildersleeve.
    • Park Committee would like calendar with schedule for use of Park. At this time there are no scheduled teams using the park. First come First serve.
  2. Committee Reports and Updates
    • Bob-Highway department-Still waiting on chipper.
    • Lindsey-Park committee-Looking to hire Part time Temp Laborer. Tyler has agreed to hire and supervise. Motion to approve by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor So Carried
    • Kris-Absent
    • Dawn- Columbia County Historians are discussing the 250th Anniversary in 2026. First meeting end of June. Suggesting each town have a committee for their part of the celebration. Councilman Brownson will continue to do research from previous Anniversary celebrations.
    • Purple Heart Community Signs-Will report back with options
    • List of past park donors-Needs help with names
    • Park swingsets-Some tiles are sunken but not broken yet.
    • NYS Grant-will apply for the Comp. Plan Grant. David Salzas will assist.
    • Bill Better is the county historian and is very passionate about his position and is doing a great job.
  3. Old Business
    • Charging Stations-Investor has withdrawn/pulled out. Charging stations are currently on hold-Looking for alternatives
    • Comprehensive Plan Mary Howard presented response to final question from each applicant. Supervisor Staats thanks Mary for her contribution and hard work she has put into this project.
    • Board discussed applicants and final decision was for Labella with the price of $94545.00 Motion to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried. Mary Howard will reach out to applicants to let them know the decision and to start the contract with Labella.
  4. New Business
    • Park committee-Presented by Ellen
      1. Garbage is an ongoing issue within the park as well as Dog waste. The committee presented Trash can options as well as Dog stations. Board requested to start with the three 50 Gallon Trash cans. Motion to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried
      2. Green Clermont Park street sign—Can this be removed?
      3. Monument-poppie plants, seeds and wildflowers have been planted
    • Town Credit Card policy-Will be sent to Attorney for review
    • Planning Board Vacancy-Interviews-Schedule for 6/23 starting at 6PM in 30 minute intervals.
      1. Deputy Building Inspector-Appoint John Fieser- Motion to approve by Supervisor Staats, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried
  5. Supervisors Report
    • 1st Quarter sales tax in-Very High-budgeted for $400000. This year.
    • Stone topping County Route 6 to preserve life of paved road
  6. Motion To Pay Abstracts
    • Motion to pay Highway abstract #6 Vouchers #58-67 $10105.53 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson All in Favor. So carried.
    • Motion to pay General abstract #6 Vouchers #130-157 $7973.51 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
    • Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #6A Vouchers #127-129 $236.80 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson All in Favor. So carried
    • Motion to pay Trust & Agency abstract #4 Vouchers #12 $60.00 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
  7. Public Communication/Comments To Board-
    • Question regarding rumor of closing Buckwheat Bridge Road Bridge-Bridge will not be closed however the roadway on Clermont side of Bridge will be stone topped soon. County is responsible for maintenance/repair of the bridges. There is a possibility the bridge could have restricted traffic.

Motion to adjourn at 8:25PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Zoning Board of Appeals – May 2022

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

May 25, 2022

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 7:30 P.M. 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, April 27, 2022. A motion was made by Lee Gallant, to approve the April 2022 minutes as corrected. All in favor. So carried.

Joyful Acres, 485 Lasher Road, Tax Map ID# 200.-1-1.200, represented by Andy Diddio of Taconic Engineering. Motion was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Ben Peacock, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing. All in favor. So carried. The applicant is requesting an amendment to the Special Use Permit for the addition of a farm stand and storage barn. The farm stand would be 15’ x 25’ with 8 parking spaces, 1 of which would be handicap parking. There will be downward lighting and the business sign would go off at the 11:00PM closing. The farm stand would be an automated system for self serve. The Board agreed a farm stand is an allowable use per the Clermont Zoning Law. Motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to approve the amendment pending approval by the Planning Board. Vote was as follows: Don Van Wagner, Yes; Ben Peacock, Yes; Lee Gallant, Yes; Luke Kumburis, Yes; Hank Himelright recused himself. The requested amendment was approved pending approval by the Planning Board.

With no other business, motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:07PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M Webber
Secretary

Planning Board – May 2022

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
May 11, 2022

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Mary Howard, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Nathan Hempel, and Tom Jantzen. Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town, was also in attendance.

In the absence of Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard led the meeting.

A moment of silence was held for Clayton Andrus.

After review of the April 13, 2022 minutes, a motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Joyful Acres. All in favor. So carried.

Joyful Acres, 485 Lasher Road, Tax Map ID# 200.-1-1.200, represented by Andy Diddio of Taconic Engineering, came before the Board with a request of modifications for the previously approved Site Plan. The proposal would be for the addition of a 15’x25’ farm stand and a building for storage. A sign on the roadway would be illuminated and turned off at 11:00pm. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Questions from the public were presented by Nancy Flannery, Belinda Casivant, and Terry O’Keefe. Andy Diddio explained the hours of operation and the automated system for self serve. Matthew Griesemer read SEQRA. Conditions for approval would include approval by the Clermont ZBA, County approval based on 239M review, limit the hours of operation from 5am to 11pm with lights from the building and sign being turned of at 11pm. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to approve the modification of the Site Plan given the conditions as stated. All in favor. So carried.

Southwood Property LLC, 726 Woods Road, represented by Mitchell Khosrova, came before the Board regarding complaints and violations of their previously approved Site Plan. Matthew Griesemer explained procedurally coming before the Planning Board is uncommon and the reason is to discuss complaints and discuss the details which were agreed upon at the time of the Site Plan approval. The original details were a limit of 10 events per year with a maximum of 150 guests per event. The events would end at 10:30pm, there would be no fireworks and the other homes on the property would not be rented for the events. Mitchell Khosrova stated the owners were under the impression they’re not held to a limit of 150 guests. There already are contracts for 2022 and would like to address the limit as well as fireworks which would end at 10:30pm. Bon fires would be reduced to fire pits. It was also stated the pool is enclosed with a fence. The previously required safety fence for the bluff will be 10’ from the bluff and removable when not needed. Currently tiki torches with a string of lights between them is being used at the bluff. The owners have corrected the event end time on the website from 11:00pm to 10:30pm. Noise and music was addressed as the primary issue from the complaints. It was suggested by the Board to turn the speakers and stage away from the river. Only professional fireworks will be conducted and will end at 10:30. The owner would like to increase the guest limit to 200 and have the end time extended to 11:00. The applicant will need to return before the Planning Board for a Site Plan modification.

Lindsay Shultz, 83 Nevis Road, Tax Map # 191.4-1-42, came before the Board seeking a minor subdivision for 5.8 acres with an existing house, to be subdivided to 2 parcels. Parcel A with the existing house would be 2.001 acres and Parcel B would be 3.211 acres. The applicant will return with a completed application and the required information added to the map.

Bruce Potts, 57 Banks Lane, Tax ID #180.-1-5.5, represented by Belinda Casivant, with an application for an accessory apartment. The applicant will return with a completed map.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town Board – May 2022

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
Agenda Date: May 2, 2022

  1. Call Meeting to Order 7PM Supervisor Raymond Staats

Presentation regarding Red Hook school budget

Presentation by Director of Red Hook Library

Presentation by ?

  1. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-Minutes not available Clerk out Sick
  2. Town Clerk Report- reported by Supervisor Staats- Total for General Fund $4972.17. Total report for April 2022 $5051.67
  3. Written communications/Mail review
  • Update on phone services from Gtel
  1. Correspondence for Web Committee-Noe
  2. Committee Reports and Updates
    • Bob-Highway department-Truck should be sometime this year, backlog.
    • Lindsey-Park committee-Spring clean up success. Park looks beautiful. Garbage left in park/Trash can discussion. Climate smart committee report.
    • Kris-no updates to report other than assessment information updated on website.
    • Dawn-Grant approval from Bank of Greene County. Columbia Land Conservancy-Grant-Did no get approval, Columbia Land Conservancy will assist with some projects to help us obtain a grant.
  3. Old Business
    • Charging Stations-Atty reviewed. Need one final version to be received for review and signatures.
    • Interviews for Comprehensive Plan completed. Workshop on Tuesday May 10th to discuss applicants.
  1. New Business
    • Thank you to Bank of Greene County for continued support through grants.
  2. Motion To Pay Abstracts

Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #5A Vouchers #93-95 $266.79 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay Highway abstract #5 Vouchers #44-57 $8919.56 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay Trust & Agency Vouchers #7-11 $3442.01 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay General abstract #5 Vouchers #96-126 $10456.44 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

  1. Public Communication/Comments To Board-

Question from public- regarding past presentation regarding taxes due to new assessments.

Motion to adjourn at 8:18PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Zoning Board of Appeals – April 2022

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

April 27, 2022

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. The meeting opened at 7:30pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, Ben Peacock and alternate Cheryl Werner.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, March 23, 2022. A motion to approve the March 2022 minutes was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Lee Gallant. All in favor. So carried.

There were no new applications brought before the Board.

Hank Himelright announced the appointment of Eli Fieser as the permanent Building Inspector.

Joyful Acres, 485 Lasher Road, Tax Map ID# 200.-1-1.200, represented by Andy Diddio of Taconic Engineering, came before the Board regarding their Special Use Permit. Andy Diddio asked if an amendment was needed to the Special Use Permit was needed for the addition of a farm stand. The farm stand would be 15’ x 25’ with 8 parking spaces, 1 of which would be handicap parking. The farm stand would be an automated system for self serve. Hank Himelright responded a farm stand is an allowable use per the Clermont Zoning Law. Motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to vote if an amendment is required for the Special Use Permit.
The Vote was as follows: Hank Himelright, Abstain; Luke Kumburis, No; Ben Peacock, Yes; Don Van Wagner, Yes; Lee Gallant, Yes.
Motion was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Lee Gallant, to accept the application and schedule a Public Hearing for the May 25, 2022 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

With no other business, motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded Lee Gallant, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M Webber
Secretary

Notice: The Clermont Town Board will meet on Tuesday April 19th, 2022 at 7PM at the Town Hall

The Clermont Town Board will meet on Tuesday April 19th, 2022 at 7PM at the Town Hall, 1795 Route 9, Clermont to discuss the Comprehensive Plan, and conduct interviews with some or all of the companies that have submitted proposals. The town board will also address any other business brought before the board. All interested persons are invited to attend.

Town of Clermont
Lee Gallant
Deputy Town Clerk