Author: Kris Gildersleeve

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES

August 9, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday August 9th, 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 with the salute to the flag at 7PM.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the July meeting were previously distributed to the board and accepted. 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 July and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $2,090.03.
• Mail Review-Nothing to report
• Web Committee-Nothing to report

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond -Reported on the Highway departments request for the chipper.

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported on the Park Committee. New hire Part time labor Peter Walsh is doing well.

• Councilwoman Brownson reported on the Quotes for the Porta-Potty enclosures, bike racks and swings.

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported on the Climate Smart Committee Group

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute provided the new form for public use “Zoning Complaint Form” Town Board reviewed and some recommendations were made. The form and its use will be discussed further at a later meeting.

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute provided a job description for the desired additional position of Communications Assistant. Further discussion will be required regarding plan for Live Feed and or recordings of meetings.

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute discussed further the Agricultural Advisory Committee request. More information to be provided at a later meeting.

• Councilman Gildersleeve will supply a possible draft version of the Right to Farm information.

• Councilman Gildersleeve has ordered a new POW/MIA flag, new flags will be put up.

• Councilwoman Brownson reported on the Grant submission for the potential pavilion at Hettling park.

• Councilwoman Brownson has heard complaints regarding Southwind on the West side of the river.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Updated Zoning/Planning Fee schedule will be tabled to next month
• ARPA Funding-We have received first check $95,278.78 Guidelines are not clear. Expected changes to the guidelines for use over the next several months. We have until 2026 to spend.

NEW BUSINESS:

• September meeting date change from September 6th (Labor Day) to Tuesday September 7th. Meeting change will be posted in Newspaper, website and door prior to meeting.

• Speed Limit reduction requests discussions. Any requests for a speed study require a resolution to be passed.
  • Resolution #42-2021 Buckwheat Bridge Road Speed Study Motion made Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So, carried.
  • Resolution #43-2021 Hill n Dale Road Speed Study Motion made Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So, carried.

• Budget Workshop September 13th 6PM. Will be posted in Newspaper, website and door prior to workshop.

• Sales Tax revenue—Largest check every received by Clermont, reported to be 20% higher than past checks.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General #8A, vouchers #202-221 in the amount of $3,660.90 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute to approve Highway abstract #8, vouchers #62-69 in the amount of $33,435.37 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT: No Public comments

A motion was made to adjourn at 7:45 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

No meeting was held.

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
July 14, 2021

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Jennifer Phillips, Mary Howard, Ron Miller, and Nathan Hempel. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town and Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the town.

After review of the June 9, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Bruce Potts, 57 Banks Lane, Tax ID #180.-1-5.5, came before the Board inquiring on an accessory apartment to be built on the property. The applicant was instructed to research the Zoning Laws and will return with further information.

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

Christopher Nolan, 67 Commons Road, Tax ID # 192.-1-7.120, is requesting a requesting a two lot subdivision. He wishes to divide 5.712 acres into 2 acres and 3.712 acres. With no public comment, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Matthew Griesemer read part 2 of SEQRA and advised to declare a negative impact. Motion to declare a negative impact was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Nathan Hempel. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the application as presented. All in favor. So carried.

Billy Cole, 3541 Route 9G, Clermont, Tax Map ID#190.-1-4, Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to close the regular meeting and reopen the Public Hearing for the storage unit project. All in favor. So carried. Martin Williams, representing the applicant, presented the updated site plan, based on the review from Town Engineer, George Schmitt. Following the Board’s review of the site plan, 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. Town Attorney, Matthew Griesemer, read Part 2 of SEQRA and recommended the Board declare a negative impact. Mary Howard stated, “We have reviewed the comments from the public and the Board. The applicant has addressed them appropriately, having addressed the aesthetics of the fencing, lighting, signage, drainage and the Board having consulted with the Department of Conservation regarding the conditions of site”. Such mitigating factors were noted in Part III of the SEQRA form. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to declare a negative impact under SEQRA. All in favor, so carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to approve the application with the conditions of an Area Variance approval from the Clermont Zoning Board Of Appeals, the DOT permit approval, SWWP submission and final full size maps. All in favor. So carried.

ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC, 109 Mill Road, 180.-2-5.111, represented by the engineering firm, Crawford Associates. The applicant explained the 3 utility poles cannot be reduced in height due to National Grid’s requirements. 8’ minimum and 10’ maximum height for surrounding fence will be indicated on the site plan map. The solar panel area within the fence is 9.9 acres with an additional 2 acres outside the fence remaining vacant of solar panels. Notation of maintenance regarding the remainder of the property outside of the fence will also be added to the site map. Pending the additional notations, motion to deem the application complete was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to declare this a Type 1 action under SEQRA and circulate to interested and involved agencies, setting a Public Hearing for August 11, 2021. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to adjourn by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:15pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
JULY 12, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday July 12, 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.

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

Superviosr Staats introduced Tyler Case to the board as appointed Highway Superintendent. Wanted to give Tyler the chance to bring anything to the board that he has noticed in his first few days on the job. Tyler gave a brief update on what the projects the Highway department are currently involved in. Tyler provided the cost advantages to purchasing Gas vs Diesel Chipper. Tyler will check on County Highway bid and will provide Board with best option and recommendation. County HR has reached out and Tyler is all set with Health Insurance as of July 1st.

Councilwoman Shute discussed some Park issues with Tyler, soil needs and benches.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the June meeting were previously distributed to the board and accepted. Motion to accept Minutes by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for June and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $2,386.53 and for Trust and Agency in the amount of $2,900.00.
• Notice from Board of Education from Pine Plains School District regarding reorganization-Available for Board review.
• Press Release regarding New Assistant Superintendent at Pine Plains school District.
• Web Committee: No report

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond -Encouraged Tyler.
• Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported on the Park Committee. Posted a job listing for weed eating/watering for a few hours per week. There has been no interest generated in the position to date. Is there some sort of arrangement that can be made in the interim to assist? Discussion regarding the age limitation may be part of the reason for no interest. Supervisor Staats will check with the Attorney to see if we can offer to 16. County HR may also be able to help. Tyler will also see if he can generate some interest with people he knows. Job description/Hourly Rate is posted on the website. Hose reel purchased and installed. A timer has also been purchased.

Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported on the Climate Smart Committee Group with assistance from Councilwoman Brownson. Meeting to be held the next week. Susannah, Dawn and David had a presentation by Vanessa, she has provided additional background information and guidance. The group has decided to review the list of ~ 200 actions and start to pick out some that may be easily pursued.

Councilwoman Lusher Shute wanted to discuss the Zoning Fees etc. She believes it would be very helpful to have a committee to Review changes. Similar to that of Red Hook called the “Agricultural Advisory Committee”. Councilman Lusher Shute provided a memo and informational sheet for review and would like it to be discussed at next Town Board meeting.

• Councilman Gildersleeve is still researching Right to Farm, Still compiling a large amount of information. Will present to Board a summary. Large amounts of information and documentation. He will email out and meet with Councilman Desmond personally to provide information. Mary Howard has offered assistance to Councilman Gildersleeve. Web site updates less hectic as of this month. Meeting delays and additions posted.

• Councilwoman Brownson reported to be more active as Historian lately. In contact with county Historian, Bill Better. He would like to use the chapel on 9G for some performances in October. He is looking for county support. He is also looking forward to 2026 for the countries 300^th Anniversary. He will be looking to do a lot of events at the state historic site in Clermont due to the connection with the Livingstons. He will approach the Town Board for support as the time comes closer. He has impressed Councilwoman Brownson with his involvement and connections.

• Councilwoman Brownson will seek reimbursement from the Columbia Land Conservancy for the sign since she now has the invoice. We have been advised by the AARP and Iroquois foundation our applications have not been approved. Bank of Greene County has not contacted us regarding the $750 dollars, Councilwoman Brownson will reach out to them. She will continue to search out additional opportunities.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Supervisor Staats reported the appointment of Highway Superintendent at the last workshop meeting. Provisional appointment of Tyler Case until the Election results.
• ARPA Funding-Letter acknowledging receipt of information submitted. Does appear we will receive half the funding Summer (August) and half next summer. Total amount is $190,402.00. Guidelines are not clear. Expected changes to the guidelines for use over the next several months. We have until 2026 to spend.

NEW BUSINESS:

• August meeting date change from August 2nd to August 9th. Meeting change will be posted in Newspaper, website and door prior to meeting.

• Building code fees meeting scheduled as workshop for July 26th at 7PM. To review questions and details with what is included and not included in specific fees. Sam Harkins- Building inspector also has some adjustments that he would suggest be made to fees and he will be present. Public meeting notices will be posted.

• Budget time in August.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

County meetings have resumed in person for meetings.

Speed Limit review- Hill n Dale Road and Buckwheat Bridge Road -Not submitted as position in county has not been filled as of yet. Currently Hill n Dale is not posted so would be assumed at 55MPH. Buckwheat bridge is posted as 40 MPH same as Commons-Which may need enforcement rather than a reduction. Speed bumps generally not an option.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute to approve Trust and Agency abstract #4, vouchers #6-18 in the amount of $4,669.50 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General Prepaid abstract #7, vouchers #161-163 in the amount of $178.80 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General #7A, vouchers #164-200 in the amount of $26,424.17 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #7, vouchers #55-61 in the amount of $8,243.29 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT: No Public comments

Motion made for Execution session at 7:45 PM by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So, carried.

Motion made to exit Executive session at 8:15 by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So, carried.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:16 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk