Zoning Board of Appeals – January 2022
The January 26, 2022 ZBA meeting has been cancelled as a precaution due to Covid.
Author: Kris Gildersleeve
2022-01-24 – Comprehensive Plan Update Committee
Comprehensive Plan Update Committee Meeting link to TownHallStreams.com.
Planning Board – January 2022
No meeting minutes, Clermont Planning Board for Wednesday January 12, cancelled as a precaution due to Covid.
Planning Board meeting Cancelled.
The Clermont Planning Board meeting for Wednesday January 12 has been cancelled as a precaution due to Covid.
Covid-19 Test Kits & Masks
The Town of Clermont has received a very few number of test kits for testing infection of the covid-19 virus. There are two tests in each kit. These may be picked up during normal Town Hall hours, One kit per family/household due to the small number available.
There are also additional masks available that may also be picked up during normal Town Hall hours.
Public Notice
The Clermont Town Board will hold a meeting, Saturday January 15, 2022 at 10AM to review the books of the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Tax Collector and Justices for the year 2021. The Town Board will also review the town policies and address any additional business brought before the board. By Tracey J Gallant, Town Clerk
Board Meeting Video January 2022
The January 2022 video is not available.
Town Board – January 2022
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
January 3, 2022
The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 3rd, 2022 immediately following the organizational meeting at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Councilman Gildersleeve was not present. Additional members of the public were also present.
COMMUNICATIONS:
- TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for December and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $1,497.52.
- MAIL REVIEW: None
- Web Committee: Question arose regarding Park committee minutes
WEB COMMITTEE: Mary Howard indicated she was aware of a Climate Smart Committee presentation, however there was nothing posted regarding this on the town website. The CSC does have someone that will be able to provide this to Councilman Gildersleeve for posting on the website.
Councilwoman Lusher Shute has noted that a Town Newsletter has not been done although it was started at the beginning of the Pandemic.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Councilman Desmond: Sander has been ordered and the Chipper is still pending
- Councilwoman Lusher Shute: Town Hall Stream is on track-2 Cameras with microphones. Installation January 10th. Will be available for February meeting.
Minutes for Park committee should be posted on website. Additional discussion regarding website.
- Councilwoman Brownson: CFA Grant was not awarded to Clermont as well as Iroquois Grant. She will be submitting grant application to Columbia Land Conservancy and Bank of Greene County.
OLD BUSINESS:
- None to report
NEW BUSINESS:
- Set date for review of books, January 15th at 10AM.
- Advertising for open position of CEO for interviews Feb 5th starting at 10AM.-3 people are already interested
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
Columbia County Emergency Management was approved by the County Supervisors to be removed from under the Sheriff’s Department-This was not political as it is rumored to be. Discussion regarding this was initiated in June. Most other counties have this department outside of the Sheriff’s department.
ABSTRACTS:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve General abstract #12, vouchers #285-313 in the amount of $18,616.83 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #1, vouchers #1-11 in the amount of $24,445.69 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General prepaid abstract #12A, voucher #1 in the amount of $3,784.52 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Resident Chris Nolan -Regarding Tax Bills and why he still has a bill when property has sold-He has been in touch with assessor. Books are closed in March, after BAR reports back to county the books are closed on July 1st.
Resident Chris Nolan-Regarding using Brine on roadways by highway department. This would be a much higher cost for the Town vs using Sand/Salt.
Mary Howard-Comprehensive Plan planning. Sent out survey for Planning/ZBA members to find interest. No State or Federal dollars to be used only general fund.
Meetings will be public when a committee is formed.
The park committee would like to do a joint mailing.
Motion to adjourn at 7:55PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried
Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk
Town Board – Organizational Meeting – January 2022
RESOLUTIONS
JANUARY 3, 2022
2022 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
RESOLUTION #01-2022
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 1st Monday.
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #02-2022
Town Board Meeting Rules and Regulations
- Call to order
- Salute of Flag
- Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting
- Written communications to the Town Board:
Town Clerk Report
Mail Review - Committee Reports and Updates
- Old Business
- New Business
- Supervisors Report
- Pay Abstracts
- 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.
- Adjournment
Motion made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #03-2022
Naming Official Newspaper
Register Star
Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #04-2022
Naming Bank for Deposits
- Supervisor: Bank of Greene County
- Town Clerk: Bank of Greene County
- Tax Collector: Bank of Greene County
- Justice Christensen: Bank of Greene County
- Justice Banks: Bank of Greene County
Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #05-2022
Authorize Town Supervisor to appoint a bookkeeper.
- Pursuant to Section 29 of the Town Law
- Necessary for proper conduct of Town Affairs
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #06-2022
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 Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #07-2022
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 Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #08-2022
Appoint Official Dog Control Officer at the Budgeted Amount.
Desiree Webber
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #09-2022
Authorize Town Justices to hire a Court Stenographer when necessary.
- For a proper record of testimony
- Within limit of 2021 budget
Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #10-2022
Appoint Town Historian
Dawn Brownson
Motion made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #11-2022
Appoint Code Enforcement Officer
John Fieser at $1000.00 per month
Deputy Code Enforcement Officer at $100.00 per month, if needed.
(Appointed by Code Enforcement Officer)
Motion made to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #12-2022
Appoint Town Attorney (for Town, Planning & Zoning Boards, Assessor)
(Within 2022 budget limits)
Freeman-Howard, P.C., Hudson, New York
Motion made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #13-2022
Appoint Town Engineer
CPL (Clark Patterson Lee)
Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #14-2022
Designate Official Representatives to Association of Towns Annual Meeting
Supervisor Staats and Councilman Gildersleeve
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #15-2022
Establish 58.5 Cents Per Mile Rate for official Town Travel. (Per Federal Guidelines)
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #16-2022
Authorize Town Supervisor to sign 2022 State and Local Youth Contracts
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #17-2022
Appoint Registrar of Vital Statistics
Tracey Gallant
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #18-2022
Re-appoint Laurence Saulpaugh, Chair of the Planning Board
Re-appoint Clayton Andrus, Deputy Chairman.
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #19-2022
Re-appoint Desiree Webber, Planning Board Secretary
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #20-2022
Re-appoint James (Hank) Himelright, III, Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals
Appoint Luke Kumburis – Deputy Chairman
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #21-2022
Appoint Desiree Webber Zoning Board Secretary
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #22-2022
Town Clerk’s appointments for Deputy Clerk and Deputy Registrar of Vital
Statistics – Mary Helen Shannon and Lee Gallant
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #23-2022
Town Highway Superintendent’s appointment for Deputy Highway
Superintendent – Adom Lawyer
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #24-2022
Town Supervisor’s appointment for Deputy Supervisor
Robert Desmond for term of January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022.
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #25-2022
Town Supervisor’s appointment for Budget Officer
Raymond J. Staats
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #26-2022
Town Supervisor’s appointment for Town Bookkeeper
Brian Fitzgerald, CPA, PC
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried
| Town Board Committees | CHAIR | CO-CHAIR |
| Auditing | All Town Board Members | |
| Building & Grounds | Robert Desmond | Raymond Staats |
| Cable TV, Internet Networking | Kris Gildersleeve | Lindsey Lusher Shute |
| Grants | Dawn Brownson | Lindsey Lusher Shute |
| Highway | Robert Desmond | Raymond Staats |
| Insurance | All Town Board Members | |
| Legal | Raymond Staats | |
| Planning, Zoning and Board of Assessment Review | Robert Desmond | Lindsey Lusher Shute |
| Recreation and Community Event | Kris Gildersleeve | Dawn Brownson |
| Village Green Committee | Liaison to Town Board – Tami Connolly | |
| Easter Egg Hunt Barbecue Election Day Dinner Holiday Program | ||
| School Liaison | Kris Gildersleeve | Lindsey Lusher Shute |
| Historical Committee | Dawn Brownson | Lindsey Lusher Shute |
| Parkland Use | Robert Desmond | Lindsey Lusher Shute |
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #28-2022
Appoint Kris Gildersleeve Webmaster for Clermont’s website
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #29-2022
Re-appoint representatives to the Columbia County Office for Aging for the term of
January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022.
Clayton Andrus
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #30-2022
Re-appoint members of the Board of Ethics for the term of
January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022.
Mary Howard
Susan Rifenburgh
Tracey Gallant
Ray Tousey
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #31-2022
Re-appoint Jennifer Phillips to the Planning Board for a seven-year term,
January 1, 2022- December 31, 2028.
Re-appoint Don VanWagner to the Zoning Board for a five-year term,
January 1, 2022- December 31, 2026.
Re-appoint John Gall as the Chair of the Board of Assessment Review for a seven-year term,
January 1, 2022- December 31, 2026.
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #32-2022
Accept 2021 Salaries stated in the 2021 Budget, as follows:
| OFFICE | SALARY | PAY BASIS |
| Supervisor | $ 5,600.00/yr | Monthly Payroll |
| Councilpersons (4) | $ 2,600.00/yr | Monthly Payroll |
| Town Justice | $ 5,700.00/yr | Monthly Payroll |
| Town Justice | $ 5,700.00/yr | Monthly Payroll |
| Town Clerk | $ 7,100.00/yr | Monthly Payroll |
| Deputy Town Clerk | $ 15.00 hr. | By Voucher |
| Tax Collector | $ 4,700.00/yr | Monthly Payroll |
| Highway Superintendent | $52,316.00/yr | Bi-weekly Payroll |
| Certified Assessor | $15,575.00/yr | Monthly Payroll |
| Court Clerk (1) | $ 383.33/mo | Monthly Payroll |
| Code Enforcement Officer | $12,000.00/yr | Monthly Payroll |
| Deputy Code Enforcement Officer | $ 100.00/mo | Monthly Payroll |
| Town Custodian | $ 1,900.00/yr | Monthly Payroll |
| Assessment Review Board Mtg. Additional time | $ 100.00/day $ 10.00 Hr. | By Voucher By Voucher |
| Secretary – BAR | Minimum Wage | By Voucher |
| Zoning Chairperson | $ 1,000.00/yr | Yearly Payroll * |
| Planning Chairperson | $ 1,000.00/yr | Yearly Payroll * |
| Zoning Co-Chairperson | $ 800.00/yr | Yearly Payroll * |
| Planning Co-Chairperson | $ 800.00/yr | Yearly Payroll * |
| Zoning Members | $ 800.00/yr | Yearly Payroll * |
| Planning Members | $ 800.00/yr | Yearly Payroll * |
| Zoning Secretary | $ 1,000.00/yr | Yearly Payroll |
| Planning Secretary | $ 1,000.00/yr | Yearly Payroll |
| Trial Juror | Minimum Wage | By Voucher |
| Dog Control Officer | $ 360.00/mo | Monthly Payroll |
| HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT | ||
| Full Time | $ 22.00/hr | Bi-weekly Payroll |
| Part Time ( Summer ) | Minimum Wage | Bi-weekly Payroll |
| Part Time ( Winter ) | Minimum Wage | Bi-weekly Payroll |
| Deputy Highway Superintendent | $1,000/yr | ½ in June, ½ in December |
Alternate members of the Planning and Zoning Board will be paid $50.00 per meeting when called upon to participate by the Chairperson.
Motion made to accept 2022 Salaries per Town Budget made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #33 -2022 – Town of Clermont Fee Schedule for Building Department Fees and Zoning and Planning Fees.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve this resolution.
All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #34-2022 – Town of Clermont Official Undertaking of Municipal Officers
A motion was made to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #35-2022 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board with the Canaan Fellowship for the use of the Clermont Community House for the period January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 according to the terms and conditions of the lease.
A motion was made to approve this agreement made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #36-2022 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Pine Plains Veterinary Associates to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
A motion was made to approve by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #37-2022 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Round Top Animal Hospital to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
A motion was made to approve by by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor. So carried.
These agreements will be reviewed with the other policies of the Town.
- Review Highway Personnel Policy (Note Changes if Any)
- Review Procurement Policy (Note Changes if Any)
- Review Fixed Assets
- Review Investment Policy (Note Changes if Any)
- Sexual Harassment Policy
- Code of Ethics
- Cash Management
- Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Review Road Bonds (If any)
- Review Other Bonds (If any)
- Review Workplace Violence Policy
A motion was made to set time and date to review books and records of Town Clerk, Town Justices, Tax Collector and Supervisor on January 15th 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
Town Board Meeting – Year-end 2021
TOWN BOARD MINUTES
YEAR END – DECEMBER 28, 2021
The Clermont Town Board held the Year-End meeting on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve.
Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag
INSURANCE:
Presentation for 2022 Insurance by Peter and Nina from Fingar Insurance. The new policy period to be covered is 12/31/21 to 12/30/22. The liability coverages were reviewed for property, vehicles, injury, equipment and bonds Discussion followed regarding specifics needs. Opted for the policy not including cyber protection or law enforcement. Total Cost $15,582.20 will be authorized for payment at January Meeting.
MINUTES:
The minutes of the December General meeting were previously distributed to the board Motion to accept by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So Carried.
COMMUNICATIONS:
- None
WEB COMMITTEE:
- None
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Councilman Desmond-Sander needed for pickup. Quotes reviewed as provided by highway superintendent. Motion to approve at a cost of $2600.00 from Toads, LLC. made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So Carried.
- The Highway department continues to work with other local highway departments. Livingston assisted with mowing some of our road. Councilman Desmond reported additional highway equipment being repaired.
- Supervisor Staats reported that he will be meeting with the new Germantown Supervisor and Highway superintendent to discuss the inter municipality agreement and has every reason to believe that we will continue to work with our neighboring towns as in the past. Update after the first of the year.
- Councilman Lusher Shute no update regarding Kiosks
- Councilwoman Lusher Shute and Councilman Gildersleeve reported on the progress for Video recording of meetings by Town Hall Streams. January 10th is first availability for installation. Cost is $285.00 per month. Month to Month contract. Motion made to accept by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So Carried.
- Councilman Gildersleeve reports he has sent out the antivirus on some town equipment and emailed the remainder out.
- Councilwoman Brownson reports that she has received notification that our grants were not approved for Iroquois Pipeline Community (Kiosks) or the CFA from the Office of Parks and Recreation Historic Preservation (Pavilion). She does report she has 2 additional applications to work on. 1) Columbia Land Conservancy due at end of February for a $500 dollar Grant. 2) Bank of Greene County due January 15th for possible Seed and Poppies. She will reach out to representative from Ray Michael to look at the tiles on the playground.
- Park committee to reach out for additional volunteers for committee and possible recruit for Comprehensive Plan team.
- Jen Phillips will be stepping down from Park committee as she wants to pursue and be part of the Comprehensive Plan team.
ADDITION TO CLERK REPORT: Regarding the passing of Marion Gurnee and the use of St. Luke’s Church and use of the Community House. Family has asked that donations in memory of her be made to the Community house.
OLD BUSINESS:
- John Fieser appointed interim CEO for as long as we need him. He has cleaned up some of the backlog. He is not interested in receiving certification and continuing in the position. Possible date for interviews for permanent appointment to be set for Early February. To be discussed at organization meeting in January. Will need a Job Description.
NEW BUSINESS:
Supervisor Staats introduced the following Budget Amendments and Transfers to balance the accounts:
- General Budget Amendment #1 of 2021- to balance certain accounts in the General Fund in the amount of $2,276.00. Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
- General Budget Amendment #2 of 2021 to balance additional accounts in the General Fund in the amount of $30.270.00. Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
- Highway Budget Amendment #1 of 2021 to balance accounts in the Highway Fund in the amount of $41,275.00. Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
- Shared Services Agreement. Motion to accept made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried
ABSTRACTS:
- A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Highway abstract #12A, vouchers #113-122 in the amount of $6389.55. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Prepaid General abstract #12B, voucher #314-316 in the amount of $270.01. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General abstract #12C, vouchers #317-327 in the amount of $3009.96. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #13, vouchers #106-109 in the amount of $4132.85. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Trust and Agency abstract #8, voucher #30-31 in the amount of $1834.00. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 8:05 P.M. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to re-open the meeting at 8:12 PM for unattended business.
- A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to transfer $50,000.00 to Highway Capital Reserve 9950.9 All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 8:15 P.M. All in favor. So carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Tracey Gallant
Town Clerk