Author: Kris Gildersleeve

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
November 10, 2021

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Mary Howard, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Tom Jantzen, and Nathan Hempel. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town and Daniel Renehan, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the October 13, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to accept the minutes with corrections. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Jennifer Philips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC. All in favor. So carried.

Fox Hollow Subdivision, 360 Cedar Hill Road,191.-1-32.111, represented by Andy Diddio of Taconic Engineering, presented an update of the site map with roadway locations and road signage, including dead end signs. A draft of the Home Owners Association has been submitted to the Town Attorney for review. Mary Howard read Part 2 of SEQRA with motion made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Tom Jantzen for a negative declaration. All in favor So carried. The bond amount has been set for the roadway construction at the amount of $472,000. Jennifer Phillips addressed the need for downward lighting to reduce sky glow and the roadway would be constructed to the Town’s specifications with the final paving done at the completion of the project. The Resolution was presented by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, for approval of the project. All in favor. So carried.

Scott Winters came before the Board seeking information on the addition of an event venue to his property located at 1109 County Route 8. The venue site would be located between County Routes 6 & 8. There would be 24 events per year during the Spring, Summer, and Fall each year. No buildings would be constructed, everything would be brought in for each event and removed rolling the event. A Special Use permit would be needed from the ZBA and site plan approval would be needed from the Planning Board.

With no further business, a motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:40PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
NOVEMBER 1, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held the Public Hearing for Local Law 1 of 2021 on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 6:45 P.M. at the Town Hall.

Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute.

Supervisor Staats opened the Public Hearing and the Clerk read the public notice of the hearing on Local Law No. 1 of 2021 regarding opting out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption sites as authorized under Cannabis Law Article 4. The Supervisor opened the floor to any public comment. Resident Mary Howard indicated we should opt-out at this time as the Planning and Zoning Laws in Clermont do not necessarily cover this at this time. Clermont is simply not ready. Councilman Desmond pointed out the requirements are that the Town may opt out now and opt in again later however we cannot opt in now and opt out later.

Councilwoman Lusher Shute asked if there was a town that had a good example of what our plan should look like. Mary Howard indicated no, not yet. There is a webinar that Mary Howard was unable to watch all of it and they did say they would have some examples. Resident Susannah Bradley asked for a summary of the Local Law, provided by Supervisor Staats. With no other comments the public Hearing was closed at 6:55 PM

The Clermont Town Board held the 2022 Budget Public Hearing on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 6:55 P.M. at the Town Hall.

Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher-Shute.

Supervisor Staats opened the Budget public hearing and asked for the Clerk to read the public notice. Supervisor Staats opened up the floor for any comments or questions on the 2022 budget. Supervisor Staats reviewed the highlights of this budget. Mary Howard thanked the board for setting money aside for the Comprehensive Plan.

Public Comment:

Mary Howard thanked the board for setting money aside for the Comprehensive Plan.

Susannah Bradley asked if there were any big changes. Supervisor Staats provided information regarding extra road repairs/Turkey Hill Road and the Comprehensive Plan were the major changes all others were relatively minor. No tax increase as the extra to expenditures will come out of the fund balance, revenues are higher and if it continues, we may not have to take any out.

The hearing was closed at 7:00 P.M.

The regular meeting was opened at 7PM with the salute to the flag.

MINUTES: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the October meeting by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.

TOWN CLERKS REPORT: The Town Clerk presented a check for the General Fund in the amount of $10,752.52 and for Trust and Agency in the amount of $2,500.00 to the Supervisor.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Notice of Public Hearing Town of Germantown, Solar Energy, copy for each Board member
• Association of Towns Packet. Will provide to each Board member

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Web Committee-Nothing to report
• Councilman Desmond commented on the Highway Department saving the town money with the work that they did on Tractor repairs, doing the work themselves. Signs are in for Turkey Hill Road; Councilman Desmond has not had a chance to go see them. Air conditioners have been removed. Working with Livingston on paving. Councilwoman Brownson heard that Germantown was not signing inter-municipality agreements. Unsure if that would be the case with Clermont. Most help provided by Livingston since they have more equipment and manpower. Supervisor Staats will inquire and find out.
• Councilwoman Lusher Shute Park Committee—Volunteer Day Saturday November 6th at 1PM. Will be planting 2 Maple trees and do fall clean up. All are welcome to join in. Park committee is looking for matching funds thanks to a generous donor in the amount of $5000 and must be met by 12/1. Any donation welcome there are some donations levels including sponsoring a tree, park bench etc. Call the Town Hall, Town Website or at clermontparksny@gmail.com. Donation Link to be placed on website. Supervisor Staats will be making a donation. Climate Smart Committee will be presenting at the December board meeting. Climate Smart meeting on Wednesday, November 8^th. Councilwoman Lusher Shute has indicated that she has received many inquiries regarding zoning, planning, cannabis law etc. regarding the Comprehensive Plan and wondering how much money needs to be raised to proceed. Councilman Lusher Shute wants to set a workshop for possible planning, costs etc. for possible first meeting of the new year.
• Councilman Gildersleeve has advised that the anti-virus is expired for Town computers. He would like to move forward to purchase a 10-pack license to update all computers. Also, would like to move forward on the website and there is a fee for one of the plug ins. We are behind and he would like to proceed with purchasing before the next meeting.
• Councilwoman Brownson has reached out to the contact for the signs for the purple heart community as she has not heard anything back. Bike racks have been ordered. A grant was submitted for $9000. to the Iroquois Pipeline community grant for the two kiosks based on the estimate from Ellen from Timber homes Vermont. Each are about $4000. Possibly simple enough that the Highway department may be able to set the. We should hear by December 15th. Ellen has been working hard on these projects (Kiosks and porta potty enclosures). She has really done a great job and we need to Thank her. Councilwoman Lusher Shute asked if perhaps the Highway department would be able to assist with the enclosures. Councilman Gildersleeve is asking if perhaps the port a potty could be moved further away from the parking lot and may blend in a little better. He also noticed that picnic tables were near the culverts and that if there was any significant weather they may be in the water. People seem to move them where they want them.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Red Wing Mine – Information has been forwarded to the Town Attorney-There is nothing that we need to address. The town should put a letter together to ask that we continue to be included in conversations regarding this. Motion made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve that a letter be put together. All in favor. So carried.
• Application/rules and regulations for Park use. Please review and can be discussed further at December meeting.
• Supervisor Staats reported that the 3rd quarter sales tax revenue is again the largest ever received, $141, 007.71. The first 3 quarter checks are what was budgeted for the year, 4th quarter will be reported in February, we will be over by at least 100,000. It is up over 15% since last year. We do anticipate that we will be adding to our fund balance. It is expected that there will be 0 increase in the county budget also.

NEW BUSINESS:

• BUDGET: A motion was made to adopt the 2022 Budget following a public hearing held prior to this meeting by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. A Roll call was completed with All in favor. So carried.

• LOCAL LAW 01 OF 2021 CANNABIS OPT OUT: A motion was made to opt out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption retail dispensaries as authorized under Cannabis Law Article 4 following a public hearing held prior to this meeting by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. A Roll call was completed with All in favor. So carried. Local Law 1 adopted

• MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION7:30PM: New resolution for contract negotiation. Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
• MOTION TO GO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION 7:45pm: Motion by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

• Supervisor Staats would like to thank our election workers who will be here from 5AM to 10PM, long hours little pay. Money is budgeted for food/refreshments.
• Doors open at 6AM close at 9PM.

ABSTRACTS:

• A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gilderersleve to approve Trust and Agency abstract #7, voucher #29 in the amount of $38.70. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Prepaid General abstract in the amount of $216.97. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Highway abstract #11, vouchers #95-101 (with #98 removed) in the amount of $4,106.93. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve General abstract #11A, vouchers #257-277 (#268 adjusted from 380 to 315) in the amount of $4,328.10. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Chris Nolan-Conference in Glens Falls or Saratoga regarding deicing strategy Brine vs Salt for town. Perhaps the Board could ask the Highway Superintendent to investigate. Supervisor Staats does believe the State does use it and it does require additional equipment. He does not believe the county uses it but he will ask at the next County level meeting.

No additional public comment/questions.

A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 7:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

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

October 27, 2021

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. The meeting opened at 7:30 pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, and Ben Peacock and Cheryl Werner.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, September 22, 2021. A motion to approve the September 2021 minutes was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to close the regular meeting and open the Public hearing for Zachary Aarons. All in favor. So carried.

Zachery Aarons, 45 Hill N Dale Road, Tax Map ID#169.-1-6.210, represented by Suncommon, is seeking an Special Permit to install ground mounted solar panels. There were no comments from the Public. Motion was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Cheryl Werner to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kumburis to approve the Special Permit. All in favor. So carried.

ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC, 109 Mill Road, 180.-2-5.111, came before the Board, presenting the proposed project for solar panels to be constructed at 109 Mill Road. It was explained to the Board 10 acres of 35 acres are being used for the proposed solar panels. Placement of the panels has been shifted to the West of the originally intended location to reduce the visual impact to the neighbors. There will be a gate at the entrance of the property and existing vegetation will remain with the exception of some trees being trimmed back for the purpose of solar exposure to the panels. Motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to schedule a Public Hearing for December 15, 2021. All in favor. So carried.

With no other business, motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Cheryl Werner, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:50PM

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M Webber
Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
October 13, 2021

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Mary Howard, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Tom Jantzen, and Nathan Hempel. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town and Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the September 8, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Jennifer Philips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC. All in favor. So carried.

Fox Hollow Subdivision, 360 Cedar Hill Road,191.-1-32.111, represented by Andy Didio of Taconic Engineering, presented an update of the application. After a meeting with the Highway Superintendent, Tyler Case, the site plan had a 50’ adjustment to the East of the roadway due to a lack of visibility to the West. The site plan with further details of development of the lots since the shift of the roadway created needed adjustments within the lots. Road signs for Fox Lane were discussed. 15mph signs would need to be in yellow as a suggested speed, per NY State law. Limited sight signs on Cedar Hill would also be needed. 911 numbers for the lots have been assigned by the County and the Applicant will begin coordinating with National Grid. The bond amount for the roadway construction, Home Owner Association details, DEC and DOH approval are still outstanding. The applicant will return to the November meeting.

Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for the application of Zachery Aarons, 45 Hill N Dale Road, Tax Map ID #169.-1-6.210, represented by Suncommon. Zachary Aarons is seeking to install ground mounted solar panels. The panels will be 12’ high and 760 square feet on 27.5 acres. There were no questions from the audience. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to close the Public Hearing and open the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Matthew Griesemer read the SEQRA. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to declare a negative impact. All in favor. SO carried. Discussion from the Board included the requirement of the applicant to for existing screening to be maintained as needed. Motion to approve the application as presented was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips. All in favor. So carried.

ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC, 109 Mill Road, 180.-2-5.111, came before the Board, presenting the proposed project for solar panels to be constructed at 109 Mill Road. Requirements from the Fire Department’s review are a lock box for the entrance, 25’ between the panels and fence in the event of an emergency, and onsite training prior to energizing the panels. Decommission costs were discussed with the proposed cost, after a 20% salvage value, which would leave an end of life cost to be $65,000 which will be determined by the Planning Board and entered in a bond with the Town of Clermont in a form and substance acceptable to the Town of Clermont Planning Board, the Town Engineer, and the Town Attorney. End of life of the lease is a 25 year program. The Board believes a bond of $72,000 would offer an additional buffer for removal of the panels. At all times the applicant agrees to maintain insurance as written proof of General Libility Insurance for bodily injury and/or property damage in the aggregate of at least one million dollars per occurrence and two million dollars. SEQRA was read by Matthew Griesemer. Factors of SEQRA were: (1)The 1st gate or chain would be placed 30’ from the edge of the pavement, without a lock. The 2nd gate would be locked and (2)bond for the decommission plan will be $72,000. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to declare a negative impact and adopt the mitigating factors for SEQRA. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard,to approve the application as presented with the contingencies of maintaining insurance, compliance of the decommission plan of $72,000, and approval by the Clermont ZBA. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:20PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
October 4, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday October 4th, 2021 at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Members of the public were also present.

Supervisor Staats opened the regular meeting 7PM with the salute to the flag.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the September meeting were previously distributed to the board. Motion to accept Minutes by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So, carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for September and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $83.51.

• Mail Review-Distributed to Board members prior to meeting-

• Web Committee-Nothing to report

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond reported on Highway Department.
  • Turkey Hill Road-Weight Limit needed for repairs-No signs yet-should be in soon
  • Broken axle on tractor fixed along the roadway during the rainstorm. Cost about $600 for parts. Saved considerable repair costs by completing it via highway personel.

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute report:
  • Climate Smart committee task force-Presentation in December requested by committee-Task force is looking more members-If interested reach out.
  • Lindsey, Dawn and Ellen will present for the Park committee

Investigating and obtaining estimates for porta-potty enclosures 3 estimates have been received. 3 different styles/designs

Clermont Park Sign near the Swings is Broken and has been removed

2 Kiosks needed 1 for each park

Park bench locations discussed

Discussion regarding additional trees for each side of the bench in the overflow parking area. . Motion made to purchase 2 trees and mulch up to $500 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.

Also interest in planting trees near the Veterans monument

• Councilman Gildersleeve report:
  • Handout to the board information regarding farmland preservation for review

• Councilwoman Brownson report:
  • Columbia Land Conservancy check received
  • Bike racks, motion made to approve purchase of 2 Waves bike racks $886.00 Motion by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve
  • Park committee looking for ways to meet the matching grant. Can GoFundMe be used?
  • Columbia County Historian 10/28 7PM Legacy of Sleepy Hollow

OLD BUSINESS:

• Parking Lot repair-as good as it will get-Will send check that has been held for the repair work

NEW BUSINESS:

• Changes to summary of tentative budget for 2022
  • Repair costs for Turkey Hill $12000 estimate for engineering with ~ $25,000 repairs
  • $3000. For recording meetings
  • $2000. For website help
  • $5000 for court security
  • $25000 for Comp Plan update
  • $205000. For Truck
  • Raises
  • NO Tax increase-Flat

Motion to accept amended preliminary Budget made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Hearing to be scheduled for 11/1 at 6:55PM

Proposed Local Law 01-2021 read aloud by Clerk

Public Hearing scheduled for Cannabis opt out on 11/1 at 6:45PM

Public Notices to be posted.

• Zoning complaint Form-Motion made to accept/adopt form by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
• Mining information will be reviewed by Attorney before any discussion-update next month

SUPERVISORS REPORT: The county is discussing possible no tax increases. Update as it progresses

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson , seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Trust & Agency abstract #6 , vouchers #25-28 in the amount of $1,098.05 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson , to approve General abstract #10, vouchers #244-253 in the amount of $5,056.66 All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute , seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #10, vouchers #89-94 in the amount of $3,929.03 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Chris Nolan:

Nina:

Evan Hempel:

Mr. Briscoe:

Mary Howard

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:15 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk