The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday February 7th, 2022. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Also present were additional members of the community.
Supervisor Staats asked to open the meeting with a moment of Silence for the recent passing of our Board of Assessment Review Member, John Halterman.
MINUTES:
The minutes of the January meeting were previously distributed to the board and accepted Motion made by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.
All in favor. So Carried.
COMMUNICATIONS:
TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for January and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $3,261.41 and Trust and Agency for $1,275.50.
MAIL REVIEW: None
WEB COMMITTEE: Councilman Gildersleeve spoke regarding cleaning up/organizing website and adding much needed plugins.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Desmond: Latest ice storm was significant. Highway Department did a very good job.
Councilwoman Lusher Shute: Park committee/Friends of Clermont discussion. Ellen has been appointed as Chair of park committee. Amy has been appointed Secretary of Park Committee Dawn as Treasurer. Discussion regarding communication specialist or 2nd Deputy Clerk. Created job description. Climate smart Task force in attendance regarding Charging stations.
Councilman Gildersleeve: No additional business to report aside from Web Committee report.
Councilwoman Brownson: Grant Bank of Greene County submitted. Due at end of February is the Columbia Land Conservancy. Discussion re: celebration of Country’s 250th anniversary and having the celebration at Clermont Historic site.
OLD BUSINESS:
Motion made to enter Executive Session at 7:15 PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute regarding ongoing contract negotiations.
Motion to end Executive session at 7:31 by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond.
Appointments for interviews for BAR member and CEO will be held on Saturday February 26th starting at 10AM in 30-minute sessions.
Live stream has been set up for Broadcasting of Town Board meetings with 2 Cameras and microphones-Other Boards and committee meetings may choose to use it or not.
NEW BUSINESS:
Climate Smart Committee presentation by Renua Energy-Todd Pegelow regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Resolutions:
Audit and Review of Books and Policies No 38 of 2022. Motion to accept by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So Carried.
Town Assessor Authority to Grant Exemptions on the 2022 Town Assessment Roll No 39 of 2022. Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So Carried.
Authorizes Supervisor Staats to execute Irrevocable Offer of Cession and Road Performance Security Agreement 360 Cedar Hill Road LLC No 40 of 2022. Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried.
Town Board acceptance of Fox Lane as acceptable for Town Road name in 360 Cedar Hill Road subdivision No 41 of 2022. Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried.
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
Appreciative of the Highway department. Thanks to Kris, Lindsey and Lee for spending most of the day to get the Town Hall stream set up.
Covid tests are available. Masks are also available. Please come in when Town Hall is open Thursdays evenings and Saturday mornings.
Sales tax check should be in soon, the last of the year.
ABSTRACTS:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Prepaid General abstract #2A, vouchers #12-14 in the amount of $343.81 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General abstract #2, vouchers #15-42 in the amount of $9,187.64 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Trust & Agency #1, vouchers #1-5 in the amount of $6, 369.98 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #2, vouchers #1-11 in the amount of $13,544.42 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mary Howard-Comprehensive Plan Committee first meeting held on 1/24. Regular meeting will be held on the 2nd Monday monthly. Requesting volunteers from the multiple town committees.
Questions for board: regarding delivery of the proposals to Chairperson personal address? Review of Proposals by Board or acceptance of committee recommendation?
Acceptable to have the proposals delivered to Chairs home address and yes, the board would accept recommendations of committee.
Mr. Frisco presented and demonstrated veteran flags and will provide additional information at a later date.
Motion to adjourn at 9:13PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried
Respectfully submitted, Tracey J Gallant Town Clerk
The Town of Clermont has received a very few number of test kits for testing infection of the covid-19 virus. There are two tests in each kit. These may be picked up during normal Town Hall hours, One kit per family/household due to the small number available.
There are also additional masks available that may also be picked up during normal Town Hall hours.
The Clermont Town Board will hold a meeting, Saturday January 15, 2022 at 10AM to review the books of the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Tax Collector and Justices for the year 2021. The Town Board will also review the town policies and address any additional business brought before the board. By Tracey J Gallant, Town Clerk
The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 3rd, 2022 immediately following the organizational meeting at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Councilman Gildersleeve was not present. Additional members of the public were also present.
COMMUNICATIONS:
TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for December and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $1,497.52.
MAIL REVIEW: None
Web Committee: Question arose regarding Park committee minutes
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: Sander has been ordered and the Chipper is still pending
Councilwoman Lusher Shute: Town Hall Stream is on track-2 Cameras with microphones. Installation January 10th. Will be available for February meeting.
Minutes for Park committee should be posted on website. Additional discussion regarding website.
Councilwoman Brownson: CFA Grant was not awarded to Clermont as well as Iroquois Grant. She will be submitting grant application to Columbia Land Conservancy and Bank of Greene County.
OLD BUSINESS:
None to report
NEW BUSINESS:
Set date for review of books, January 15th at 10AM.
Advertising for open position of CEO for interviews Feb 5th starting at 10AM.-3 people are already interested
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
Columbia County Emergency Management was approved by the County Supervisors to be removed from under the Sheriff’s Department-This was not political as it is rumored to be. Discussion regarding this was initiated in June. Most other counties have this department outside of the Sheriff’s department.
ABSTRACTS:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve General abstract #12, vouchers #285-313 in the amount of $18,616.83 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #1, vouchers #1-11 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, voucher #1 in the amount of $3,784.52 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Resident Chris Nolan -Regarding Tax Bills and why he still has a bill when property has sold-He has been in touch with assessor. Books are closed in March, after BAR reports back to county the books are closed on July 1st.
Resident Chris Nolan-Regarding using Brine on roadways by highway department. This would be a much higher cost for the Town vs using Sand/Salt.
Mary Howard-Comprehensive Plan planning. Sent out survey for Planning/ZBA members to find interest. No State or Federal dollars to be used only general fund.
Meetings will be public when a committee is formed.
The park committee would like to do a joint mailing.
Motion to adjourn at 7:55PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried
Respectfully submitted, Tracey J Gallant Town Clerk
RESOLUTIONS JANUARY 3, 2022 2022 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
RESOLUTION #01-2022
Time/Date for Regular Town Board Meetings First Monday of every month at 7:00 P.M. In the case of Monday holidays or cancellations due to inclement weather, the meetings will be held on the Tuesday after the 1st Monday.
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #02-2022
Town Board Meeting Rules and Regulations
Call to order
Salute of Flag
Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting
Written communications to the Town Board: Town Clerk Report Mail Review
Committee Reports and Updates
Old Business
New Business
Supervisors Report
Pay Abstracts
Public Comment/Communication – Public comments will be taken at the end of the meeting at the discretion of the Supervisor, unless engaged during the meeting.
Adjournment
Motion made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #03-2022
Naming Official Newspaper Register Star
Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #04-2022
Naming Bank for Deposits
Supervisor: Bank of Greene County
Town Clerk: Bank of Greene County
Tax Collector: Bank of Greene County
Justice Christensen: Bank of Greene County
Justice Banks: Bank of Greene County
Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #05-2022
Authorize Town Supervisor to appoint a bookkeeper.
Pursuant to Section 29 of the Town Law
Necessary for proper conduct of Town Affairs
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #06-2022
Authorize Town Supervisor to temporarily invest idle monies in accordance with the Town Investment policy (General Municipal Law, Section 11)
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #07-2022
Appoint Official Dog Shelter Pine Plains Veterinary Hospital Associated PC Route 199 Pine Plains, New York 12567 (518) 398-7575 or 398-9494
Round Top Animal Hospital 71 Palatine Park Road, Suite 8 Germantown, New York 12526 (518) 537-7387
Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #08-2022
Appoint Official Dog Control Officer at the Budgeted Amount. Desiree Webber Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #09-2022
Authorize Town Justices to hire a Court Stenographer when necessary.
For a proper record of testimony
Within limit of 2021 budget
Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #10-2022
Appoint Town Historian Dawn Brownson
Motion made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #11-2022
Appoint Code Enforcement Officer John Fieser at $1000.00 per month Deputy Code Enforcement Officer at $100.00 per month, if needed. (Appointed by Code Enforcement Officer)
Motion made to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #12-2022
Appoint Town Attorney (for Town, Planning & Zoning Boards, Assessor) (Within 2022 budget limits) Freeman-Howard, P.C., Hudson, New York
Motion made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #13-2022
Appoint Town Engineer CPL (Clark Patterson Lee)
Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #14-2022
Designate Official Representatives to Association of Towns Annual Meeting Supervisor Staats and Councilman Gildersleeve
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #15-2022
Establish 58.5 Cents Per Mile Rate for official Town Travel. (Per Federal Guidelines)
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #16-2022
Authorize Town Supervisor to sign 2022 State and Local Youth Contracts
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #17-2022
Appoint Registrar of Vital Statistics Tracey Gallant
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #18-2022
Re-appoint Laurence Saulpaugh, Chair of the Planning Board Re-appoint Clayton Andrus, Deputy Chairman.
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond All in favor – So carried
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #20-2022
Re-appoint James (Hank) Himelright, III, Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals Appoint Luke Kumburis – Deputy Chairman
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #21-2022
Appoint Desiree Webber Zoning Board Secretary
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #22-2022
Town Clerk’s appointments for Deputy Clerk and Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics – Mary Helen Shannon and Lee Gallant
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #23-2022
Town Highway Superintendent’s appointment for Deputy Highway Superintendent – Adom Lawyer
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #24-2022
Town Supervisor’s appointment for Deputy Supervisor Robert Desmond for term of January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022.
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #25-2022
Town Supervisor’s appointment for Budget Officer Raymond J. Staats
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #26-2022
Town Supervisor’s appointment for Town Bookkeeper Brian Fitzgerald, CPA, PC
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor – So carried
Town Board Committees
CHAIR
CO-CHAIR
Auditing
All Town Board Members
Building & Grounds
Robert Desmond
Raymond Staats
Cable TV, Internet Networking
Kris Gildersleeve
Lindsey Lusher Shute
Grants
Dawn Brownson
Lindsey Lusher Shute
Highway
Robert Desmond
Raymond Staats
Insurance
All Town Board Members
Legal
Raymond Staats
Planning, Zoning and Board of Assessment Review
Robert Desmond
Lindsey Lusher Shute
Recreation and Community Event
Kris Gildersleeve
Dawn Brownson
Village Green Committee
Liaison to Town Board – Tami Connolly
Easter Egg Hunt Barbecue Election Day Dinner Holiday Program
School Liaison
Kris Gildersleeve
Lindsey Lusher Shute
Historical Committee
Dawn Brownson
Lindsey Lusher Shute
Parkland Use
Robert Desmond
Lindsey Lusher Shute
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #28-2022 Appoint Kris Gildersleeve Webmaster for Clermont’s website
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #29-2022
Re-appoint representatives to the Columbia County Office for Aging for the term of January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022. Clayton Andrus
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #30-2022
Re-appoint members of the Board of Ethics for the term of January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022. Mary Howard Susan Rifenburgh Tracey Gallant Ray Tousey
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #31-2022
Re-appoint Jennifer Phillips to the Planning Board for a seven-year term, January 1, 2022- December 31, 2028.
Re-appoint Don VanWagner to the Zoning Board for a five-year term, January 1, 2022- December 31, 2026.
Re-appoint John Gall as the Chair of the Board of Assessment Review for a seven-year term, January 1, 2022- December 31, 2026.
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #32-2022
Accept 2021 Salaries stated in the 2021 Budget, as follows:
OFFICE
SALARY
PAY BASIS
Supervisor
$ 5,600.00/yr
Monthly Payroll
Councilpersons (4)
$ 2,600.00/yr
Monthly Payroll
Town Justice
$ 5,700.00/yr
Monthly Payroll
Town Justice
$ 5,700.00/yr
Monthly Payroll
Town Clerk
$ 7,100.00/yr
Monthly Payroll
Deputy Town Clerk
$ 15.00 hr.
By Voucher
Tax Collector
$ 4,700.00/yr
Monthly Payroll
Highway Superintendent
$52,316.00/yr
Bi-weekly Payroll
Certified Assessor
$15,575.00/yr
Monthly Payroll
Court Clerk (1)
$ 383.33/mo
Monthly Payroll
Code Enforcement Officer
$12,000.00/yr
Monthly Payroll
Deputy Code Enforcement Officer
$ 100.00/mo
Monthly Payroll
Town Custodian
$ 1,900.00/yr
Monthly Payroll
Assessment Review Board Mtg. Additional time
$ 100.00/day $ 10.00 Hr.
By Voucher By Voucher
Secretary – BAR
Minimum Wage
By Voucher
Zoning Chairperson
$ 1,000.00/yr
Yearly Payroll *
Planning Chairperson
$ 1,000.00/yr
Yearly Payroll *
Zoning Co-Chairperson
$ 800.00/yr
Yearly Payroll *
Planning Co-Chairperson
$ 800.00/yr
Yearly Payroll *
Zoning Members
$ 800.00/yr
Yearly Payroll *
Planning Members
$ 800.00/yr
Yearly Payroll *
Zoning Secretary
$ 1,000.00/yr
Yearly Payroll
Planning Secretary
$ 1,000.00/yr
Yearly Payroll
Trial Juror
Minimum Wage
By Voucher
Dog Control Officer
$ 360.00/mo
Monthly Payroll
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Full Time
$ 22.00/hr
Bi-weekly Payroll
Part Time ( Summer )
Minimum Wage
Bi-weekly Payroll
Part Time ( Winter )
Minimum Wage
Bi-weekly Payroll
Deputy Highway Superintendent
$1,000/yr
½ in June, ½ in December
*If any Planning or Zoning Board member is absent for more than two meetings, that member’s salary will be reduced by $100.00 for each additional absence. Alternate members of the Planning and Zoning Board will be paid $50.00 per meeting when called upon to participate by the Chairperson.
Motion made to accept 2022 Salaries per Town Budget made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #33 -2022 – Town of Clermont Fee Schedule for Building Department Fees and Zoning and Planning Fees.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve this resolution. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #34-2022 – Town of Clermont Official Undertaking of Municipal Officers
A motion was made to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #35-2022 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board with the Canaan Fellowship for the use of the Clermont Community House for the period January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 according to the terms and conditions of the lease.
A motion was made to approve this agreement made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #36-2022 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Pine Plains Veterinary Associates to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
A motion was made to approve by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #37-2022 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Round Top Animal Hospital to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
A motion was made to approve by by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
These agreements will be reviewed with the other policies of the Town.
Review Highway Personnel Policy (Note Changes if Any)
Review Procurement Policy (Note Changes if Any)
Review Fixed Assets
Review Investment Policy (Note Changes if Any)
Sexual Harassment Policy
Code of Ethics
Cash Management
Emergency Preparedness Plan
Review Road Bonds (If any)
Review Other Bonds (If any)
Review Workplace Violence Policy
A motion was made to set time and date to review books and records of Town Clerk, Town Justices, Tax Collector and Supervisor on January 15th at 10:00 A.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
A motion was made to adjourn the organizational meeting and enter into the regular meeting by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
Respectfully submitted, Tracey J Gallant Town Clerk
