Author: Kris Gildersleeve

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
APRIL 5, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 7:00 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. There were four residents present.

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the March Park Committee workshop and the regular meeting were reviewed by the board and a motion was made to accept them by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• The Town Clerk presented the Supervisor with a check for the General fund in the amount of $268.52 for March.
• The Supervisor provided the board with the budget and revenue report for March.
• Received a thank you to the Highway department from a resident on Vineyard Court for the care of the roads during the winter.
• Columbia County Health Department free rabies schedule (donations accepted). Check on town website for dates, places and times. www.clermontny.org.
• Notified by G-tel that there will be a rate increase of $10.00 per month beginning with $5.00 per month on May 1st and an additional $5.00 per month on August 1st.
• The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals have notified the Town Board that they do not wish to record the meetings. Councilwoman Brownson did contact Lance Wheeler and he would charge over $450 per month. Councilwoman Lusher Shute asked if we could put out an RFP for a videographer. Will look into this further.
• Web Committee: The website has been updated by Councilman Gildersleeve with minutes, rabies clinics and other information.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond told the board that Highway Superintendent Potts donated a basketball net at the Route 6 park.
• HETTLING PARK: There is much discussion on what should be used to delineate the property lines between the adjoining landowners and the town. The property owner on the south of the park, Ronald Miller, does not object to forsythia for screening but the committee was looking for some other species which is native to the area. Also, Councilman Desmond has said that the highway department can plant them. Councilwoman Lusher Shute would like to give the committee time to get an alternate bid together for native plant material. She doesn’t think it will be that much more than the price the Supervisor got for forsythia which was for approximately 100 bushes at $30.00 per bush for $3,000.
  A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to authorize moving forward with the purchase of forsythia or comparable screening as submitted by the committee up to the amount of $3,000, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
• PARK: Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported that the park committee is hoping to have a cleanup day at the park on May 1st or May 2nd. When this is confirmed it will be posted on the website. Also, tools are needed and a shed to store them.
  It was decided to get a separate building for storage.
  The port-o-potty location has been discussed at other meetings and the committee feels it could be placed at the end of the parking lot and screened. Councilwoman Brownson and Councilwoman Lusher Shute met with Climate taskforce committee who would like to come to the next meeting. They will be added to the agenda.
  Chris Nolan asked what is the intention of the vernal pool. Is is to collect or drain water. This is a natural ditch which dries up when its dry but fills when it is the wet season.
• GRANTS: Councilwoman Brownson reported the Columbia Land Conservancy grant for $500.00 which will be used for the sign at the entrance must be completed by December 1st The Iroquois Community Grant for up to $10,000.00 is due by May 1st and could be used towards the Monarch Meadow. She has not decided yet
  The AARP Community challenge grant is due April 14th and she will look into signs to be placed in the park regarding cleaning up after pets, etc.

OLD BUSINESS:

• COURT SECURITY: A deputy will be present for court matters on the third Thursday of the month for eight hours starting in April We do not have a rate of pay as of yet because it depends on who covers the shift.
• BANK INTEREST: The Supervisor is still looking into the interest rates at various banks. Will leave in Money Market account for now.
• TREE TRIMMING: Supervisor Staats contacted Davey Jones at V.R Saulpaugh’s to look at the trees on the property and determine what needs to be done with them. Mr. Jones suggested that he may donate his time. This would save us a lot of money.
• COUNTY ROUTE 19 SPEED REDUCTION: This was submitted last year to the state but we are just getting it back. We asked for a reduction to 45 mph and they have reduced it.

NEW BUSINESS:

• PUBLIC EMPLOYER HEALTH EMERGENCY PLAN: The Governor mandated that every town adopt this plan by April 1st. The board members have looked this over and applied any changes. A motion was made to adopt the plan by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
• PAVING TOWN HALL PARKING LOT: Colarusso & Sons provided a quote for scheduled paving on Commons Road and also provided a quote for the Town Hall parking lot. Their quote for just the parking lot was $26,750.00. A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond to proceed with this paving at the stated quote by Colarusso & Sons of $26,750.00. All in favor. So carried.
• Supervisor Staats did purchase ceiling tiles for the court room because a leak developed caused by ice buildup. This will have to be dealt with before this winter. Also discussed Court grant that was applied for and approved but a check was never received from the state. Will follow up with Court clerk.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

• The County and towns may receive federal funds due to the coronavirus. Supervisor Staats will find out what things that it can be used for, such as Roads and bridges or things that we did not do because of uncertainty of receiving revenues.

ABSTRACT:

• A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to pay Highway abstract #4, vouchers #21- #30 in the amount of $12,791.79. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond to pay General prepaid abstract #4, vouchers #72 – #74, in the amount of $294.10. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute to pay General abstract #4A, vouchers #75 – #102 in the amount of $4,956.34. All in favor. So carried.

VACCINATIONS:

The process for vaccinations is improving with availability at most pharmacies, Shoprite, Hannafords and at Columbia Greene Community College.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Chris Nolan will have additional maps made up for the road abandonment. The papers will be going to our attorney and then for signature by the Supervisor. We will need at least three copies for our files.

A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson at 8:20 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Deputy Town Clerk

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

March 24, 2021

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, Ben Peacock and Cheryl Werner as alternate.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, February 24, 2021. A motion to approve the February 2021 minutes was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor. So carried.

Marissa Rendon, 23 Maisello Road, Tax ID #201.-1-33, was represented by PlugTV regarding the application of a Special Use Permit for ground a mounted solar system. The Clermont Planning Board approved the site plan for the project at their March 10, 2021 meeting. Based on the approval from the Planning Board, motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor, with the exception of Lee Gallant who abstained. So carried.

Dee Ann Campbell, 180 Shields Road, represented by Suncommon returned before the Board, for a small ground mount solar array. With the confirmation of the requirement for the setbacks being met, motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Ben Peacock, to accept the application as complete and schedule a Public Hearing for the April 28 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to adjourn by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
March 10, 2021

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

After review of the February 10, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Marissa Rendon. All in favor. So carried.

Marissa Rendon, 23 Maisello Road, Tax ID #201.-1-33, represented by PlugTV regarding the application for ground a mounted solar system. Evergreens will be planted along the road as screening. The SEQRA was read by Matthew Griesemer. 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. Matthew Griesemer made the recommended to the Board to declare a negative impact. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to declare a negative impact. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the application pending approval by the ZBA. All in favor So carried.

Dee Ann Campbell, 180 Shields Road, Tax Map ID #210.-1-28, represented by Suncommon, is proposing the installation of a 656 square foot ground mounted solar array. Discussion was held regarding the minor changes which were need for the site plan. Following the discussion it was determined the changes were made as had been required. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Ron Miller, to declare the application complete and schedule a Public Hearing for April 14, 2021. All in favor. So carried.

Christopher Nolan, 67 Commons Road, Tax ID #192.-1-7.120, appeared before the Board regarding a Minor Subdivision. The easement description and septic field have been added to the site map. Motion was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to deem the application as complete and accept it. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Ron Miller, to schedule a Public Hearing for the April 14, 2021 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

Discussion was held regarding the proposed audio recordings of the meetings. A motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to vote on the subject. A vote was held whether or not to have the recordings with the following results: Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Tom Jantzen and Ron Miller voted Nay. Nathan Hempel abstained. Mary Howard and Jennifer Phillips were absent. A letter will be sent to the Town Board stating the Planning Board has voted to not have audio recordings of the meetings.

A motion was made to adjourn by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 1, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday March 1, 2021 at the Town Hall after the Park committee workshop. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Others present were Chris Nolan and Mary Helen Shannon, Deputy Town Clerk. Present on zoom were Jennifer Phillips and Phyllis Heiko.

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

MINUTES:

The minutes of the February meeting were distributed to the board and accepted.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for February and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $3,366.35 and for Trust and Agency in the amount of $1,000.00.
• The Town Clerk reported that a representative of New York Transco Energy Solution

was here to update the information on the work being done on the transmission lines through Columbia County on the laptop that they have provided for residents to review.

• Web Committee Correspondence: There was none.
• The Supervisor provided the budget and revenue reports for February.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Veterans Memorial/Parks: Councilman Desmond reported that there has been no movement on the pathway to the Veterans Memorial. It is still in good shape after the winter. The little league field, soccer field and other improvements which have been made at the park with little or no taxpayer funds, have been said to be some of the best in the county. Donations and grants made this possible. Councilwoman Brownson asked if we had received a report from the NYS DEC on the monitoring wells. The Supervisor has not seen anything. Councilwoman Lusher Shute agreed that there has been great progress on the property. The Climate Taskforce will submit a resolution at the next meeting identifying the purpose of the taskforce. They will be seeking volunteers interested in participating. Councilman Gildersleeve would like more information on the purpose of the taskforce and what they are planning on doing.
• Councilman Gildersleeve has begun using the recording device for use at the meetings. This is available for any of the boards to use at meetings. The Zoning Board of Appeals has opted not to use it and it is unknown if the planning board will use it. They are not required to, it is optional.
• Councilwoman Brownson did apply for a grant from the Bank of Greene County for up to $2500 to be used for the purchase of ADA swings, stencils to mark out lines for sports, etc. She also is looking into a grant from the Columbia Land Conservancy for $500.00 to apply toward sign for park entrance. There is also a grant due 4/14 to AARP Community Challenge but she has to find out what can be applied for.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Supervisor Staats reported that we received the 4th quarter sales tax in the amount of $116,640.08. He said that this is up over 8% over 2019.
• Discussed bank rates, which have gone down in recent months. He will be looking at other banks for a higher CD rate.
• Workplace Violence/Sexual Harassment Training: Employees will be required to watch a video provided by the county and will be notified with a link by the Town Clerk. There will be other options to get the training if needed.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Code Enforcement Officer Sam Harkins has requested that the Deputy Code Enforcement Officer position be filled with Blythe Harkins as per budgeted amount of $100.00 per month. The board did meet with Ms. Harkins and a motion was made to appoint her to the position by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.
• Resolution #39 of 2021: A resolution by the Town Board to release and Quit Claim a portion of land on Commons Road now owned by Chris Nolan. This abandonment of property is subject to permissive referendum and upon approval by the board will be noticed as such. A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. A roll call vote was as follows: Councilman Desmond, aye; Councilman Gildersleeve, aye; Councilwoman Brownson, aye; Councilwoman Lusher Shute, aye, Supervisor Staats, aye. All in favor. Motion passed.
• Supervisor Staats received a Intermunicipal Agreement – County Roads/Bridges which the County is asking for the Town Supervisors of Clermont, Germantown and Livingston to sign.
• PARK ENTRANCE SIGN: After discussion at the workshop for the parks, a motion was made to purchase a sign for the park entrance on route 9 from Monkey & The Mule up to $1000.00 and Dutchess Signs for $625.00 to be paid from the budget account 7110.4 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

• VACCINES: Supervisor Staats reported that the County is getting a supply of COVID vaccines and will be scheduling vaccinations.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve General prepaid abstract #3, vouchers #43-45 in the amount of $308.96 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #3, vouchers #10 – 20 in the amount of $15,835.48 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General abstract #3A, vouchers #46-71 in the amount of $6,050.71 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT: There was none.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

A motion was made to enter into executive session to discuss contract negotiations by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute at 8:15 P.M. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to come out of executive session by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute at 8:30 P.M. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:30 P.M. by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Deputy Town Clerk

TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP MINUTES
MARCH 1, 2021
PARK WORKSHOP 6:00 P.M.

The Town Board met with members of the Park Committee to discuss the maintenance of the parks this Spring and months ahead. Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Brownson, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Members of the park committee present were Amy Parrella, Louise Kalin, Dianne O’Neal, Jennifer Phillips and Phyllis Heiko by zoom. Also present was Chris Nolan, Town Clerk Tracey Gallant, Mary Helen Shannon, Deputy Town Clerk.

• The committee presented ideas for the old apple trees left after remediation was completed and whether to remove or prune those that can be saved. Discussion centered on expense of pruning and maintaining or removing.
• Committee member Jennifer Phillips will donate topsoil for the NW corner of the park at the Monarch Meadow natural area.
• Remove trash and debris from the vernal pool and stream.
• The locations for the park benches, which have been put together and stored, have been marked for placement in the park.
• Snow removal will be done when it can be during the winter by the Highway department and mowing will also be done but the committee is looking at less mowing so as to preserve natural areas and wildlife habitat.
• Suggested locations for the porta-potty were also discussed and fencing around perimeter of the property. Estimates have been received for fencing, however, Supervisor Staats has an issue with spending on fencing when we still have to provide screening. The committee will have a map to the perimeter of the property.
• The committee has also received estimates for a park entrance sign from Terrabilt for a composite sign frame and sign board & design but no assembly or installation, $5000.00.

Dutchess Signs for $1,000. Includes PVC sign and installation, Monkey & the Mule, $930 includes custom built wood sign frame and installation, doe not include sign board and Fast Signs $600 double sided heavy sign. The split rail fencing for the right and left of entrance would be estimated to cost $11,000.00 from Roma Fencing.

• ADA Swing – an affordable swing would cost approximately $300 or so.

The committee would like to form a Friends Group for the Park so that they can apply for grants that are eligible for 5012c organizations. Dianne O’Neil spoke about these types of organizations. Will have to determine if this can be done for the town. Linsey will follow-up on what is needed.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, Deputy Town Clerk