Author: Kris Gildersleeve

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

December 8, 2021

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 7:30pm 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 November 10, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Mary Howard spoke regarding the establishment of a Comprehensive Committee for the Town of Clermont. She presented the goals of the proposed Committee, including requesting Planning Board members to consider volunteering for the Committee.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
December 6, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday December 6th, 2021 at 7PM at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Additional members of the public were also present.

Supervisor Staats asked to open the meeting with a moment of Silence for the sudden and unexpected passing of our Code Enforcement Officer, Sam Harkins.

(Page 2 intentionally left blank in Memory of Samuel Harkins)

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

CLIMATE SMART PRESENTATION:

• Presented list of Taskforce Members
• Updated Board on activities of Taskforce
• Looking for additional members
• Request for Appointment of CSC Coordinator-David Szlasa for two-year term retroactively to January 15^th, 2021 to January, 2023. Motion to nominate by Lindsey Lusher Shute, Seconded by Dawn Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.
• Presented Board with information for Car Charging Station options (3). Our park has a special situation in regards to running electric.

Red Hook and Tivoli Supervisors would be available for questions/concerns. Supervisor Staats will contact Germantown regarding theirs. Supervisor Staats would like a presentation from this company and a preparation of costs for a Lease option. Request a presentation at the February Meeting.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the November meeting were previously distributed to the board and accepted as edited. Motion to accept edited version by Dawn Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So Carried. October minutes were updated after a discrepancy was noted in regards to the name of one speaker. Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for November and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $756.53 and for Trust and Agency in the amount of $500.00.
• MAIL REVIEW: The Town Clerk reported correspondences distributed to the board members prior to the meeting.
• Department of Transportation: Speed Limit Study for Hill and Dale Road and Buckwheat Bridge Road. DOT response is that neither road requires a reduction in speed limit. Supervisor Staats will contact the County to see if we have an opportunity to appeal.

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 spoke of Sam Harkins and how he will be missed by the Town of Clermont as well as numerous other towns.
• 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.
• Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported on the Park Committee.

Port a potty enclosure-After trying to work with multiple contractors unsuccessfully. The Park committee approached the highway department for assistance in creating the enclosures. Ellen has compiled a list of materials needed and costs. The highway department would install the enclosure in the spring. The supplies would need to be ordered now because they are currently backorders for supply chain issues. Additional costs would be for gravel and fastening materials. The estimate indicates 50 Tons. Supervisor Staats indicated that 50 Tons seems excessive. Approved for ordering. Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So Carried.

Kiosk (2)- Two estimates received. Timber homes Vermont-it is a kit that gets shipped and the town assembles and installs. $8300.00 total. Justin- Monkey and the Mule provided estimate for $2500 per Kiosk including materials and installation. Committee preference would most likely be with Monkey and the Mule. Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute for approval of 2 (two) Kiosks from Justin-Monkey and the Mule for total of $5000. Motion Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.

MOU-Presented by Dianne O’Neal This agreement would enable us to access more local funding sources as a 501c3. The agreement was discussed in detail. Agreement was provided to Town Attorney with a small amendment. Motion to approve signing of MOU by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried.

• Councilman Gildersleeve reports he has anti-virus for all town computers. Councilman Gildersleeve would like to attend some of the 2022 training and will report at the January meeting

• Councilwoman Brownson has tried unsuccessfully to reach out to the person supplying the purple heart signs and will try to reach out to a new vendor. Councilwoman Brownson has reached out to the regional branch director of the Office of Parks and Recreation to check on the status of our grant application. Applications are in the final stages of review however no date has been set on announcements. The bike racks are in. The Iroquois grant should be in on December 15^th which was for more money than what was spent on the Kiosks. Swing Tiles at the park. There are pieces that need to be replaced as they do not appear to be repairable. We do have replacement tiles. Supervisor Staats does not believe that the warranty has been voided, in the past the representative did view and confirm the warranty was still in place. We are in need of replacing blocks-We will need to find out how.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Supervisor Staats has requested that Andy Howard draft and send a letter that we want to remain an interested party in the Red Wing Mining and we want to be included in all correspondences. Milan is keeping on top of this however we will continue to follow their lead and feel Milan will remain the Lead agency.
• Park Donations: Thanked Several individuals for their donations.

CPL Associates $500.00
Jennifer Phillips $250.00
Amy Parrella $250.00
Staats Contracting $1500.00
Fingar Insurance $1200.00
Louise Kalin $250.00
Dianne O’Neal $250.00
Alexander Abel $1000.00
Total $5200.00
Plus, Matching Donation from Mary Howard $5000.00

NEW BUSINESS:

• Video recordings-Would be Live streaming as well as videos. Future versions could potentially have audience comment. The package includes 2 cameras, one towards board one covering audiences. 2-3 Microphones. He will not install-We would need a contractor to install. $250.00 base price per month, additional camera $35.00 per month. Money is placed in the budget. We will need specifics regarding installation. The town would need to set up the dates of streaming. Councilwoman Lusher Shute will contact and firm up the needs with the company. Month to Month contract, company would own equipment and does the maintenance. Board members are concerned with the change in installation included vs. not included. Both Councilman Gildersleeve and Councilwoman Lusher Shute will reach out to their contacts for more information. Further discussion over next Board meetings.
• Park Rules and Regulations-Committee has reviewed and made small alterations. Park committee agrees a permit is not required. It will only require a copy of approved application. Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried. Posting should be done on website.

• Pilot-Solar Project-Comments/Suggestions. Noted template not completely updated (Name-Address) and spelling error noted. Supervisor Staats will have this updated. Motion to Approve made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.

• Update on Mortgage Tax -Check received $66,812.95. Much higher than anticipated, budgeted a total of $40,000.00.

• Comprehensive Plan-Supervisor Staats has asked Mary Howard to help initiate the plan. She has agreed to get us in the correct direction. She would like to start with a request for qualifications to assemble a set of planners. Original comprehensive plan initiated in Early 70’s and updated in 2006. There have been so many changes since then. Mary Howard will plan and submit number of volunteers needed at January Board meeting.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

Decrease in Budget for the county will be voted on at next county level meeting.

Sales Tax-County up several Million Dollars, we are up close to $100,000.

Councilwoman Brownson questioned the plan to move Emergency Management out of the Sheriff’s office. Supervisor Staats supports the move as most other counties have them separated. Although the timing looks suspicious it is the right thing to do.

Ray Jurkowski has left Morris Assoc. and will be the Public Works commissioner of Columbia County starting possible January 1st.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve General abstract #12, vouchers #285-313 in the amount of $21,896.55 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #12, vouchers #102-112 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, vouchers #278-284 in the amount of $596.63 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

Year End meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 28^th 7PM, Insurance provider will also be present.

Motion for Board to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:13PM by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried.

Board returned from Executive Session at 9:50PM motion to adjourn by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

No meeting was held.

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