Author: Kris Gildersleeve

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
November 11, 2020

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Clayton Andrus, Jennifer Phillips, 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 October 2020 minutes, a motion was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Susan Bodo and David Behl, 34 Hill N Dale Road, Tax ID #169.-1-6.111, represented by Suncommon, is seeking a solar expansion with the addition of 6 panels to the existing 14 panels. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron Miller, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing. All in favor. So carried. There were no questions or comments raised from the audience. This is a Type II action as the expansion of solar panels falls under 6 CRR-NY 617.5c(9) construction or expansion of a primary or accessory/appurtenant, nonresidential structure or facility involving less than 4,000 square feet of gross floor area and not involving a change in zoning or a use variance and consistent with local land use controls, but not radio communication or microwave transmission facilities. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the application as presented, pending approval from the ZBA. All in favor. So carried.

Billy Cole, 3541 Route 9G, Clermont, Tax Map ID#190.-1-4, came before the Board for the storage unit project. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing. All in favor. So carried. Comments from the audience included questions regarding the hours of operation, storm water runoff, the effect on area property values, lighting and fencing, as well as the actual construction of the buildings. The applicant responded with explanations of the project. The hours of operation will be added to the site plan map. Question was also raised regarding a lot line change in 2009 for this property. The Board will research the 2009 records for the lot line change. Matthew Griesemer, Town Attorney, stated the DEC has 30 days to respond regarding the project. The 30 day time period has not expired. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to carry over the Public Hearing to the December 2020 meeting to await the response from the DEC. All in favor. So carried.

Marissa Rendon, 23 Maisello Road, Tax Map ID #201.-1-33, represented by PLUG TV regarding the installation of 25 solar panels, brought survey maps from 2017. The addition of screening such as bushes or trees was recommended by the Board to block the view of the project for the neighbors. The screening will be added to the site plan map and the applicant will return to the December meeting.

The Board discussed requiring an electronically submitted application as well as 3 hard copies to be submitted by future applicants 11 days prior to the meeting. They will be added to an agenda for the next meeting. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, for the use of an agenda each month. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to adjourn by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:20pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
NOVEMBER 2, 2020

The Clermont Town Board held the 2021 Budget Public Hearing on Monday, November 2, 2020 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. Others present were Phyllis Heiko, Tracey Gallant, Mary Howard and guest, Ray Tousey and Chris Nolan.

Supervisor Staats opened the Budget public hearing and asked for the Clerk to read the public notice. He did go over the highlights of this budget. In 2021 the total tax rate per thousand of assessed value did go down from 47.50 in 2020 to 42.49 in 2021. There will be no tax increase in the town budget this year. There were salary increases for the Code Enforcement/Building Inspector from $11,000 to $14,000 per year due to the volume of work being done. He will be working two additional hours per week. Highway Superintendent James Potts is expected to retire in 2021 so an additional $5000 was added to the Highway Superintendent’s account A5110.11 in the General Fund for training of a new Highway Superintendent.

The amount expected to be used from the fund balance is $52,247.00 total. The amount to be raised by taxes is the same as last year $104,580.00.

Public Comment:

Phyllis Heiko commended the board for the good job done with keeping the budget in check.

Councilman Desmond commented on the Highway Department and how they have helped to keep the costs down by doing a lot of the work themselves rather than sending equipment out to be repaired.

Mary Howard asked that funds for updating the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations be set aside every year.

The hearing was closed at 6:55 P.M.

The regular meeting was opened with the salute to the flag.

MINUTES: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the October meeting by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

TOWN CLERKS REPORT: The Town Clerk presented a check for the General Fund in the amount of $280.08 and for Trust and Agency in the amount of $500.00 to the Supervisor. This report was prepared by Deputy Town Clerk Tracey Gallant.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• The Supervisor gave the board members copies of the budget and revenue reports for October 31st.
• The Columbia County Office for the Aging announced Memory Mixer Holiday Bingo to be held on Wednesday, December 2nd from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in partnership with Eddy Alzheimer’s Services a St. Peters Health Partner online.
• Keeping Identities of Seniors Safe program from 11/30/2020 to 12/11/2020 during regular town hall hours. Bring documents to be shredded to the town hall.
• Web Committee: There were no comments.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond commented on the Highway Department saving the town money with the work that they do on equipment, etc. He also reported that the signs have been put up in the park. Discussed screening on the park property, suggesting forsythia, lilacs bushes or Rose of Sharon as likely choices. There was also discussion regarding screening of adjoining properties.
• Councilwoman Lusher-Shute ordered the park benches and tables. The committee met to layout the possible locations. Ten benches and two tables were ordered and should be delivered in six weeks. Some may have already been delivered. It was reported that Jennifer Phillips on the committee and an adjoining property owner to the park is concerned about people bringing their dogs and walking them unleashed as she has sheep in the adjoining property to the park.

Discussion followed on bench, table and fencing locations. Supervisor Staats was thanked for the use of his equipment to plant the trees in the park.

• Councilman Gildersleeve has been keeping the website updated with announcements, minutes and audio file of town board meetings. He did pick up the new computer for the Town Clerk and will be working on getting that installed.
• Councilwoman Brownson has been looking for grants for the park and the town. She has also not been in contact with the County Historian, William Better, regarding an event at the Chapel on Route 9G. She will make contact.

OLD BUSINESS:

• A $5000.00 donation for the Hettling Park was received from Mary and Dan Howard and has been matched with contributions from Robert Desmond, Louise Kalin, Michael Prounis, Hearty Roots Farm, Diane O’Neal and Raymond Staats totaling $11,000.00
• Supervisor Staats reported that the 3rd quarter sales tax revenue had been thought would be a decrease from last year but it was the largest ever received, $123,172.00. It is expected that the mortgage tax will be $67,607.00. The highway department did reduce their spending this year on road maintenance and salt purchases.

NEW BUSINESS:

• BUDGET: A motion was made to adopt the 2021 Budget following a public hearing held prior to this meeting by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
• ROAD USE AGREEMENT: Our attorney sent a Road Use Agreement from Transco for the transmission lines being upgraded authorizing them to pay for any damage incurred to our town roads during this upgrade to the power lines, etc. A motion was made to authorize the use of the roads by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
• Canaan Fellowship has asked the Board if internet service can be run to the Community House. The Fellowship would pay for part of it to be done if there is a method to do it. Councilwoman Lusher-Shute and Councilman Gildersleeve will look into it.
• A vacancy has occurred on the Zoning Board of Appeals. A notice will be posted that interviews will be held on Thursday, November 19th at 7:00 P.M. at the town hall.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

• Supervisor Staats thanked those who donated to the Park. All donations are appreciated and can be sent in to the Town Clerk.
• The Clermont Fire Department and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department held a Halloween drive through at the Hettling Park on October 31st for the children.

ABSTRACTS:

• A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Highway abstract #11, vouchers #84-90 in the amount of $5,171.98. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher-Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Trust and Agency abstract #7, vouchers #11 – 13 in the amount of $260.00. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve General abstract #11, vouchers #251 – 275 in the amount of $19,390.48. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Chris Nolan continues to work with the County on getting a deed transfer for part of Commons Road which was, to his knowledge, never transferred to the Town. This is partly on his property.

A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson at 8:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk

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

October 28, 2020

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, Phyllis Heiko and alternate, Ben Peacock.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, September, 2020. A motion to approve the September, 2020 minutes was made by Phyllis and 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 application was deemed as complete, with the addition of the Deed. There will be a site visit by the Board at noon on October 31, 2020. The applicant will return after the Planning Board meeting on November 11, 2020.

Susan Bodo and David Behl, 34 Hill N Dale Road, Tax ID #169.-1-6.111, represented by Jeff Irish with Suncommon, is seeking a solar expansion with the addition of 6 panels to the existing 14 panels. The application was deemed as complete, with the addition of the Deed. Motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Ben Peacock, to hold a Public Hearing for this project on November 18, 2020. All in favor. So carried.

Billy Cole, 3571 Route 9G, Clermont, Tax Map ID#190.-1-4, came before the Board regarding the construction of self storage buildings. The application was deemed complete and motion was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to accept the application. All in favor. So carried. The question was raised regarding emergency entrance should it be needed since the gates are locked after hours. So carried. A motion was made by Phyllis Heiko, seconded by Ben Peacock, to hold a Public Hearing on November 18, 2020. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to adjourn by Phyllis Heiko, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS
October 20, 2020

The Clermont Fire Commissioners held the public hearing on the 2021 Budget on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 6:30 P.M. ahead of the regular meeting at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Raymond Bauer, Commissioner Ronald Miller, and Commissioner Joseph Scott. Others present were Chief Lloyd Kukon, Robert Desmond, Mary Helen, and Jennifer Flandreau.

The Budget public hearing was opened at 6:35 P.M with a solute to the flag by Chairwoman Rifenburgh. The Budget was presented to the Board and there were no questions or comments by anyone present. A motion was made at 6:45 by Commissioner Joseph Scott to close the hearing, seconded by Commissioner Ronald Miller. All in favor. So carried

The regular meeting was opened by Chairwoman Rifenburgh at 7:00 P.M. Those in attendance were Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Raymond Bauer, Commissioner Ronald Miller, and Commissioner Joseph Scott. Others present were Chief Lloyd Kukon, Treasurer Brian Fitzgerald, Robert Desmond, Mary Helen, and Jennifer Flandreau

MINUTES:​ The Minutes of the meeting were reviewed and one correction made. Commissioner Miller asked to Fix/omit the budget hearing date in August minutes. A motion was made by Chairwoman Rifenburgh to accept the minutes of the September meeting, seconded by Commissioner Scott. All in favor. So carried  

TREASURER’S REPORT:  October 20, 2020, Fire Commissioners’ Treasurer’s Report

A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s report by Commissioner, Miller, seconded by Commissioner Scott. All in favor. So carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:

•PHYSICALS: Received Even Tomkins and Chris Farewell

•Staples coupon $5.00

•RBC Wealth Management statement for September $433,612.69

OPEN DISCUSSION: no report

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Commissioners Bauer 

Waiting on an estimate from Kyle Johnson for paving: for springtime Contacted automatic delivery needs a lock serviceman to fix gage on the tank. A new meter from Tractor supply runs about $150.00

INSURANCE: Commissioners Miller and Scott

No report

FIRE EQUIPMENT: Commissioners Bauer 

No report

LOSAP: Chairwoman Rifenburgh and Commissioner Miller

 New York State passed a law about the point system. Ron will read up on it to decide on points. We have been in a state of emergency for eight months now, we decide how many points and allow up to 5 per month per firefighter.

LAWS AND POLICIES: All Commissioners

No report

LEGAL: All Commissioners

No report

OLD BUSINESS: 

• RE: Rejected application from a former firefighter. Commissioner Rifenburgh contacted the fire district association lawyer. The final decision is on the fire company. The Firefighter in question would be going through three fire districts to attend our fires, he would be better/more helpful at a closer department. A rejection based on non-resident is a valid reason.

• All physicals have been completed
• Collin Brown is back on regular duty
• The letter was sent to the investigator of the August Coffey Fire.

NEW BUSINESS: Chairwoman Rifenburg

• Commissioner Bauer made a motion to adopt our 2020 budget, seconded by Commissioner Scott. All in favor. So Carried
• Election letter of intent needs to be turned in by November 18, 2020
• This year’s election is on December 8th from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M.

Chiefs Report:

There were Three calls in September as follows:

• 9/5/20 – alarm activation – 760 Woods Road
• 9/5/20 – Reported bonfire – 239 Pleasant Vale Road
• 9/24/20 – House filled with smoke from the fireplace – 3829 Route 9G & Jug Road

Drills and Training

• 9/10/20 – Mutual Aid Tanker Drill in Germantown
• 9/12/20 – Driver training
• 9/27/20 – Truck Cleaning
• 9/28/20 – Company Drill – Nozzle practice

Total of 14 Firefighter and 34 hours

Work Details

• August report was updated and adjusted with a missing August 24th call
• Fit test set for November 1st in Livingston
• Two cars were donated
• 6035 scheduled to be detailed November 1st through the 4th
• Chris Farewell – BFO Course
• Even Tompkins – Fire Police School
• Looking to form a “fast team” must have five years of experience.
• New York State will no longer cover Covid relief supplies. Fire departments need to purchase out of pocket.

Fuel report:

50.7 Gallons Used

Public Comments:

Raymond has extra sanitizer

Public Relations: Chief Lloyd Kukon and the company are offering to check and place batteries in private home fire alarms.

A motion was made by Commissioner Miller to pay the bills, Seconded by Commissioner Scott. All in favor. So Carried

A motion was made to adjourn at 8 P.M by Commissioner Bauer, Seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So Carried 

Respectfully submitted
Jennifer Flandreau Secretary,
Clermont Fire District

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

October 14, 2020

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Clayton Andrus, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen and Ron Miller. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the town and Matthew Gallagher, Attorney for the town.

After review of the September 2020 minutes, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Susan Bodo and David Behl, 34 Hill N Dale Road, Tax ID #169.-1-6.111, represented by Suncommon, is seeking a solar expansion with the addition of 6 panels to the existing 14 panels. The application was deemed as complete. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to accept the application and schedule a Public Hearing for November 11, 2020. All in favor. So carried.

Billy Cole, 3541 Route 9G, Clermont, Tax Map ID#190.-1-4, came before the Board with an update to the storm water system for the storage unit project. A motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to deem the application complete and to accepted. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to schedule a Public Hearing for November 11, 2020. All in favor. So carried. Motion to declare the Planning Board as the lead agency was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Tom Jantzen. All in favor. So carried.

Marissa Rendon, 23 Maisello Road, Tax Map ID #201.-1-33, represented by PLUG TV regarding the installation of 25 solar panels, inquiring what info is needed to complete the application. The Board asked for a survey of the site. He will return with further information for the application.

Anne Katrin Spiess, 356 County Route 6, Tax ID# 179.-1-48, Windhorse Farm, represented by Kurt Andernach, presented a lighting modification for the parking area . Solar LED dock lights would replace the pole lights. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to accept the modification for the parking are for Windhorse Farm. All other aspects of the original site plan remain as approved. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to adjourn by Ron Miller, seconded by Tom Jantzen. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:25pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary