Author: Kris Gildersleeve

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

September 22, 2021

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were 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.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, August 25, 2021. A motion to approve the August 2021 minutes was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Ben Peacock. All in favor. So carried.

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

Billy Cole, 3541 Route 9G, Clermont, Tax Map ID#190.-1-4, represented by Martin Williams, came before the Board for approval of an Area Variance for the construction of mini storage units. Following a summary of the project, there were no questions or comments from the audience. The addition of general property maintenance, which includes driveway repair and screening replacement as needed, will be added to the site plan. Motion to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Ben Peacock, to grant approval of the variance contingent on the additional information on the site plan regarding property maintenance as discussed. 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 Area Variance to install ground mounted solar panels. Following presentation and explanation of the project, motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to accept the application as complete and schedule the Public Hearing for the October 27, 2021 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

Following discussion regarding the cancellation of the November 2021 meeting due to the Thanksgiving holiday, motion was made by Luke Kumburis,seconded by Lee Gallant, to cancel the November meeting. All in favor. So carried.

With no other business, motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Ben Peacock, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:15PM

A motion was made to adjourn by Ben Peacock, seconded by Lee Gallant. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:47P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M Webber
Secretary

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
BUDGET WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held a budget workshop on the 2022 Budget on Monday, September 13, 2021 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 $ 5,600.00*
• TOWN BOARD (4 Members each getting $2,600) $l0,400.00*
• TOWN CLERK $ 7,100.00*
• TOWN JUSTICES (2 Justices each getting $5,700) $11,400.00*
• TAX COLLECTOR $ 4,700.00*
• SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS $52,316.00
• BUILDING INSP/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER $15,000.00*
• ASSESSOR $15,575.00*

*Salary increases were approved for 2 full time highway employees

*Salary discussions regarding Webmaster

The following are the changes that have been suggested:

GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS

Town Board

A1010.4 contractural – No change $500.00.

Supervisor

A1220.4 contractural-Increase from $10,100 to $10,600.

Assessor

A1355.4 contractural – reduced by $500 to $1000.

Town Clerk

A1410.12 – Deputy Clerk personal service – increased from $900 to $1000.00

A-1410.4 – contractural – Increased from $2,850 to $2,900.

*Deputy Clerk rate increased to $15.00/hr

Buildings

1620.1- Personal Service Increase from $1,800 to $1,900

1620.4 – contractural – increased from $6,000 to $7,000.

1620.4G- contractural Video increased from $0. to $3000.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

A9010.8- State Retirement Increase from $12,000 to $12,600

A9030.8 – Social Security – increased from $11,615 to $12,093.

Town Business conducted:

Motion by Councilman Desmond seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General abstract 9B #237-243 for $388.00.

All in Favor. So Carried

Motion by Councilwoman Brownson seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute to approve Highway abstract 9B #83-88 for $8711.73.

All in Favor. So Carried

Municipal Self Insurance Plan is no charge to town-Motion to approve Resolution #46-2021 made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried.

Motion to close meeting made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:54PM

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
September 8, 2021

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Ron Miller, Mary Howard, 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 August 11, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Nathan Hempel,to accept the minutes with one correction. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Mary Jane Fuchs. All in favor. So carried.

Mary Jane Fuchs, Tax Map ID #191.-1-12.112, corner of Wright Road and Cedar Hill Road, represented by Phil Massaro, is seeking a minor subdivision of 9.392 acres. The proposed subdivision will result in 3 parcels of 2 acres, 2 acres, and 5.392 acres. There were no questions of comments from the public. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron Miller, to close the Public Hearing and reopen the regular meeting. All in favor.So carried. Matthew Griesemer read SEQRA. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, for a negative declaration. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the subdivision. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and reopen the Public Hearing from August for ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC. 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. ELP has modified the array by moving the panels from one meadow to consolidate the array, minimizing the view shed interruption for adjacent properties. Driveway plans have been submitted to the Fire Department for review and approval. Question was raised regarding existing and future vegetation placement to avoid future removal or trees due to shade causing an issue with the function the solar panels. The driveway will be secured with a gate and combination lock to permit access for the Fire Department in the event of an emergency. Panels will be motorized and will move East to West, following the suns as to gain maximum light. The panels themselves will operate by solar power. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to close the Public Hearing and open the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Matthew Griesemer read correspondence from the Columbia County Planning Board who recommended approval the project based on their revidew of the application. Discussion for ELP will be extended to the October 13, 2021 meeting.

Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron Miller, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Fox Hollow. All in favor. So carried.

Fox Hollow Subdivision, 360 Cedar Hill Road,191.-1-32.111, represented by Taconic Engineering, presented the proposed project for a 12 lot subdivision. An updated site plan map addressing the septic size being dependent on the size of each house and bedroom count. Phase 1 will be site work for driveways and the construction two houses. Phase 2 will be the construction the remaining 10 houses. 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. Discussion on the Fox Hollow application will continue at the October 13, 2021 meeting.

Zachery Aarons, 45 Hill N Dale Road, Tax Map ID#169.-1-6.210, represented by Suncommon, is seeking to install ground mounted solar panels. The applicant appeared before the Board with the site map updated with the addition of County Route 8. No additional screening is needed. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to accept the applications presented. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to schedule a Public Hearing for the October 13, 2021 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:25PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES

September 7, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday September 7th, 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 August meeting were previously distributed to the board. Motion to accept Minutes by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So, carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for August and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $3,354.94 and Trust and Agency in the amount of $1,500.00.

• Mail Review-Distributed to Board members prior to meeting-
  • Notice of Public Hearing Town of Red Hook September 22nd regarding “Local law Micro Hydropower Facilities.

• Columbia County Solid Waste -New bag tag system to take effect later this year. Previous county vendor is unable to secure supplies/manpower needed to continue with the current Bag System.

• Web Committee
  • Behind in receiving/posting minutes for Planning, Zoning and Fire Commissioners. No Fire commissioner minutes received in quite some time, possibly none for 2021. Supervisor Staats will inquire regarding missing minutes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond reported on Highway Department.
  • Reported the park benches were placed by the Highway department with some challenges for leveling
  • Turkey Hill Road-Weight Limit needed for repairs
  • Colarusso returned to patch/repair previous work on parking lot, Highway Superintendent and Supervisor Staats still not satisfied with end result. Supervisor Staats will reach out to Colarusso again.

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute report:
  • Thank you to Tyler for getting the benches placed.
  • Topsoil it is recommended to wait until Spring and to do the planting as per recommendation of Amy, as she believes that the planting will work better.
  • Preparation for next year’s park/sports season-would like a calendar schedule for park use to be posted on website, to confirm teams have appropriate insurance in place to decrease liability of town, and ensure trash carry in/carry out policy. How to proceed with this?
  • Half court stencil -Seem to be quite expensive. Councilwoman Brownson to research prices. Suggestion of possible volunteer day to get it completed.
  • Still looking for a 3rd estimate for a port a potty enclosure
  • No feedback on the Zoning complaint form-postpone for additional review
  • Climate Task force-no update
  • Agricultural Committee-Red Hook committee meets quarterly, Supervisor Staats inquired with several other towns/these towns have had an Ag. Committee mainly when Comprehensive Plan was being worked on, these committees are now pretty much extinct. This will be revisited in future/next year.

• Councilman Gildersleeve report:
  • Agricultural preservation-Would like the board to review the Zoning laws regarding preserving Agricultural districts. This should be a part of the Comprehensive plan. Supervisor Staats requested that more information be brought before the board at the October board meeting.
  • In Contact with Eric regarding video meetings-Supply 2-3 microphones plus Camera. $150 monthly 4 meetings per month.
    • Including firmware updates/replacements every 4 years.
    • Would have a Clermont Admin.
    • Operated by remote
    • Townhallstreams.com
    • Used by New Lebanon
    • No installation fees, no equip fee.
    • Length of contract?
    • Is it Livestream?
    • Basic $150 per month
    • Unlimited $250 per month
    • Councilman Gildersleeve will send out links for board to possibly review other towns videos.
    • Supervisor Staats will inquire with New Lebanon Supervisor in regards to satisfaction with their current service.
    • Councilman Gildersleeve will gather more information/contract/prices/written proposal etc. for next regular board meeting.

• Councilwoman Brownson report:
  • Signs-Purple Heart Community
  • 30×42 $120
  • 30×36 $75.25
  • 30×24 $69.25
  • Authorization to purchase 6 signs 30 x 24-Locations can be discussed later.
  • Updated information regarding bike racks—Previously priced out were recycled plastic (2) total cost of $1500, accommodating 10 Bikes. Returned to the park committee and they would be happy with the Wave bike racks with 5 Loops accommodating 7 bikes each. Coated black metal cost for 2 is ~$830 with shipping. Would need to be mounted.
  • Handicap accessible swing-$475.00 plus shipping. Hard plastic will accommodate a child up to 125 pounds. Red Hook’s swing appears much sturdier, however this company will not sell anything for use with an existing frame. ~ $3400. Friendship swing ~ $4000. Councilwoman Brownson will continue to research.
  • Bank of Greene County check has been picked up in the amount of $750.00, information has been submitted to Columbia Land Conservancy for reimbursement for Park sign.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Budget workshop scheduled for 6PM Monday September 13, 2021, second workshop to be scheduled for Tuesday, September 21st at 6PM if necessary
• Video recording of Meetings-Covered under committee reports/updates

NEW BUSINESS:

• Adopt updated building code fees-discussed minor change to include section regarding fill. Motion to adopt new fee schedule as amended made by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor, so carrier. Resolution 44-2021
• Resolution Municipal Self Insurance Plan-On hold to discuss at the September 13, 2021 meeting for clarification.
• Adopt Zoning Complaint Form-On hold for review by CEO Sam Harkins
• Engineers reviewed issue with Turkey Hill Road. Recommendation to reduce weight limit temporarily to 5 Ton, except local deliveries. As required Tyler will order signs for posting, Town Clerk will post Public Notice. Estimated cost for engineering plan $12,000. Town can budget repairs for next year. Some repair work can be done by Town Highway. Motion to approve temporary reduction by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
• Deputies working court security/road patrol-Writing a few tickets mainly patrolling Route 9/Route 9G.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

Thank you card received from Jimmy Potts regarding the retirement gift.

Supervisor Staats thanks the Highway department for mowing helping with the Park.

Mary Howard and husband have announced the matching donations for the Park again up to $5000.00 by December 1st.

Soccer Field is being used on weekends, Germantown requested use for Sept 20th. Grounds have been kept clean.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #9, vouchers #70-82 in the amount of $5,704.83 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Trust & Agency abstract #5, vouchers #19-24 in the amount of $1,839.12 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, to approve General #9A, vouchers #222-236 in the amount of $4,125.76 seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve General #9A, vouchers #222-236 in the amount of $4,125.76 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Highway superintendent reports work will be done on Jug Road in upcoming week, road will be closed for part of the day.

Request to set aside for the Budget for the Comprehensive plan.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:45 P.M. by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

August 11, 2021

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Tom Jantzen, and Nathan Hempel. Others present were Bryce Recer, Engineer for the Town and Daniel Renehan, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the July 14, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to accept the minutes with one correction. 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.

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 to those present for the Public Hearing. Questions from the audience were answered by referencing the Clermont Zoning Laws, the Comprehensive Plan and the placement of the panels as shown on the site plan map. The set back requirements for the service road were brought into question. The applicant will further evaluate the project to incorporate the questions and concerns presented by the public and suggestions from the Board. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to extend the Public Meeting to the September 8, 2021 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

Zachery Aarons, 45 Hill N Dale Road, Tax Map ID # , represented by Suncommon, is seeking to install ground mounted solar panels. The project meets the requirements for a residential, single family dwelling. Upon viewing of the site plan maps, it was noted the addition of County Route 8 is needed. The applicant will return to the September 8, 2021 meeting.

Mary Jane Fuchs, Tax Map ID #191.-1-12.112, corner of Wright Road and Cedar Hill Road, represented by Phil Massaro, is seeking a minor subdivision of 9.392 acres. The proposed subdivision will result in 3 parcels of 2 acres, 2 acres, and 5.392 acres. New maps were accepted with the application. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Philips, to deem the application complete as presented. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to schedule a Public Hearing for September 8, 2021. All in favor. So carried.

Fox Hollow Subdivision, 360 Cedar Hill Road,191.-1-32.111, represented by Andy Didio of Taconic Engineering, presented the stormwater management to meet the DEC standards, which will use underground drains and retention areas. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to deem the application as complete as presented. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to schedule a Public hearing for September 8, 2021. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:45PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary