Author: Kris Gildersleeve

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 7, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday June 7, 2021 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 opened the regular meeting with the salute to the flag.

MINUTES:

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

COMMUNICATIONS:

• TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for May and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $4,327.62 and for Trust and Agency in the amount of $500.00.
• The Town Clerk reported a correspondence was received regarding Red Hook CSD Board Members elected and the 2021-22 Budget results for the Pine Plains school district are available to be viewed.
• Web Committee Correspondence: We have not come up with an updated list for Building permits/fees yet. Hoping for update next month.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Highway Superintendent Retirement: Councilman Desmond reported that Superintendent James Potts submitted his letter of retirement. Tyler Case will be pursuing the position at the next general election. Special meeting will be held to appoint replacement in the coming month.
• Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported on the Park Committee. A Successful Volunteer Day was held about 7 people showed up and worked a few hours 90+ degree heat. Weed eating was done, mulch not completed, volunteers will complete. Looks really nice. Sign is completed. Used by 100’s of people on the weekends/evenings etc. Thank you to the Town Board for being supportive of the efforts. Bushes that were installed were dry. Irrigation lines have been added/Farm materials donated for use for the season. Some still need to be hand watered. Committee has requested a part time/summer help person to be hired to assist with watering and weeding. Hose reels needed for the large hoses-potentially with wheels. Home Depot has a possibility for $120, and the park would need 2. Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute to approve purchase up to $500 for hose reels and Timer, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried. Councilman Lusher Shute will create a job posting and circulate to the board. Some small amounts of trash have been left in the park. Request from committee requesting garbage cans. Red Raiders are done using the field. Cans are expensive perhaps the leagues using the fields can be a little better about cleaning up. Park is currently carry in/out. There is no schedule for park use as all scheduled use is completed. In the future perhaps using the calendar on the website however no individual available for continuous updating. Enclosure for the Porta Potty still working on estimates.
• Top soil-Park committee recommended 20 Yard truck of topsoil for the veterans monument to cover and make safer. $25 per yard totaling ~&640 delivered, good price. Supervisor Staats will address with Health Department to make sure no additional works needs to be done before sealing with Top Soil. Motion Made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve pending no additional work is needed. All in favor, So Carried.
• Councilwoman Brownson report regarding Park Grants Bank of Greene County has not provided the grant as of yet. They have indicated we are approved for $750 dollar grant for swing and Bike Racks. Swing will cost $570(including shipping). Bike Rack (2) recycled plastic 6 Feet long will cost $555 plus shipping Each. Park committee would like to move forward with purchase. Supervisor Staats requests a 2nd bid. Recommends approval with receipt of 2nd bid. Councilwoman Brownson will seek additional bid. Councilman Gildersleeve will attempt to get information on Red Hook swing. Supervisor Staats made motion to authorize pending receipt of another bid. Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
• Councilman Gildersleeve reported last meeting not recorded, issue has been resolved. Discussion regarding Right to Farm. Mary Howard heavily involved. Councilman Gildersleeve would like to present a draft plan to possibly be included into our comprehensive plan since the town is very agricultural. Councilwoman Brownson believed that many years ago this may have been investigated perhaps involving Judy Neary. Councilwoman Brownson will investigate additional grants for the above.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Supervisor Staats reported that the parking lot paving has been done. One area low spot will be addressed and when that is fixed/repaired we expect to receive the remaining bill for completion of labor.
• Mortgage Tax payment just over $30, 000, better than last year, will get another payment in December. Budgeted for $40,000. Expected we will go over budget.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Official Resignation of Highway Superintendent James Potts. 25 Years of Service. Supervisor Staats will be putting together a Thank you letter for him and would collect small donations for a going away present. He has been an asset to the Town of Clermont saving the town Tens of Thousands of dollars. He will be difficult to replace. The current Deputy Superintendent will act temporarily until a replacement is appointed. The candidate will be interviewed for Interim/provisional appointment on June 24th at 7PM at a special meeting.
• Discussion regarding Smart Climate Community: Councilman
  Gildersleeve inquired regarding expiring opportunities and the frequency in which new opportunities are made available. Town Board would still be responsible for approval/declination regarding any opportunities sought by the committee. The resolution is strictly for the approval to form a committee to investigate opportunities, acceptance of opportunities are not required. Resolution #40 of 2021-Smart Climate Community Motion to approve by Supervisor Staats, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor 3 Yea 2 Abstained. So Carried.
• Zoning Fee Update: Would like to update the fees for Agricultural permits, placing a cap on maximum to be charged for all Agricultural entities. A motion was made cap the building fee at $100 and inspection fee at $50.00 for agricultural buildings by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. Motion passed. Councilman Gildersleeve feels that all fees should be reviewed. Supervisor Staats will try to set up a meeting with Sam for review.
• Discussion initiated by Councilwoman Brownson regarding Purple Heart Community Resolution; Senator Daphne Jordan’s office sent information that was provided to the Town Board for review: This is a nationwide initiative. This requires nothing on the part of the Town and is only recognition based. Signs can be purchased if the town wishes. Councilwoman Brownson will investigate possible signs. A motion to adopt resolution #41 of 2021-Proclamation that the Town of Clermont is a Purple Heart Town was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. Motion passed.
• Fuel Oil-Valley Energy- $2.499 Current offered rate, will hold ~ 1 week. We do not know the county rate offered. Supervisor Staats will find out county bid winner and we can reconsider if not Kosco.

SUPERVISORS REPORT: Any questions on county issues reach out to Supervisor Staats. No other information to report.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Brownson to approve Trust and Agency abstract #3, voucher #5 in the amount of $131.00 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General abstract #6A, vouchers #137-160 in the amount of $18,381.01 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General prepaid abstract #6, vouchers #134-136 in the amount of $196.21 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Lusher Shute , seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #6, vouchers #46-54 in the amount of $48,040.22 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Contero-spoke regarding LaMunyan landfill/AHG properties.

How are speed limit requests made? Require speed study, Lasher Road would require county to review and make recommendations.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:40 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

There was no ZBA meeting for May 26 due to severe weather.

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
MAY 3, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday May 3, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Others present were Red Hook School District Superintendent Janet Warden and Bruce Martin, Business Manager and Gautam Sethi of the Tivoli Free Library, David Szlasa, Susannah Bradley, Jeffrey Scales and several residents.

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

Supervisor Staats introduced Superintendent Warden and Business Manager Bruce Martin to speak about the Red Hook School district budget for school year 2021-2022. The budget that will be presented to the voters on May 18th will be $56,026,338.00 which is a 1.90% increase. This is within the tax cap allowed.

The Tivoli free library will have Proposition 3 on the school budget vote to allow a $3500 increase to the tax levy, costing the average household only about $1.38 per year for library services and wage increase for staff.

Climate Smart Communities Program: David Szlasa, Susannah Bradley and Jeffrey Scales.

This program helps local governments reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. The program offered by New York State offers free technical assistance, grants and rebates for electrical vehicles. Points must be acquired to increase potential funding opportunities. A sample resolution was offered, which the board will review for next month’s meeting. The Town Board will decide if the committee should report to the board monthly, quarterly, etc.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the April meeting were reviewed and a motion was made to accept the minutes by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Town Clerk’s Report: The Town Clerk presented the Supervisor a check for the General Fund in the amount of $5,640.91 for April.
• Supervisor Staats provided the members the budget and revenue reports through April 30.
• Councilman Gildersleeve has been updating the website and has had no issues reported.
• The Town Clerk reported that she received notice from Red Hook Planning Board that they will hold a public hearing on a lot line change for property owned by Ralph Arlyck in Clermont to Costello in Red Hook on this date, May 3rd. Because this was received late, she emailed the Planning, Zoning and Town Boards members to let them know.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• HIGHWAY: Councilman Desmond reported that the highway department will purchase a new truck for $200,978.28. Superintendent Potts received a quote from Colarusso & Sons for paving the town hall parking lot. Superintendent Potts is preparing for retirement and will be available to assist a newly appointed/elected Superintendent.
• HETTLING PARK: Councilwoman Lusher Shute requested approval to purchase pine bark mulch and three soaker hoses in 250-foot lengths. A motion was made to approve the purchase of pine bark mulch and 3 soaker hoses by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.

The park committee members are planning a Volunteer Day at Hettling Park for Saturday, June 5th from 9 AM to 12 PM. This will be posted on the G-tel Community Channel and our website. Four varieties of shrubs will be planted this week for screening. The new sign at the entrance to the park has been installed.

• WEBSITE: Councilman Gildersleeve would like to increase the security on the website and delete one of three email accounts on the site.
• FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE: Councilman Gildersleeve noticed that the fee schedule has not been updated on the website. There are some items that are not listed that require a permit. The Supervisor will talk with the Code Enforcement Officer.
• GRANTS: Councilwoman Brownson reported on grants which have been received and grants that have been or will be requested. We were awarded $500.00 from a reimbursable grant from Columbia Land Conservancy. We were notified by Bank of Greene County that we were awarded $750.00 for two bicycle racks and an ADA compliant swing and games for the basketball court at Clermont Park. We need to decide what will be purchased.

Paperwork was submitted for the AARP Community Challenge grant on 4/14 towards the purchase and installation of an informational kiosk for Hettling Park. The paperwork was submitted for the Iroquois Pipeline Community grant on 4/30 towards the purchase and installation of the informational kiosk and the combination port-a-potty enclosure/storage shed.

OLD BUSINESS:

• STIMULAS FUNDING: The County will receive funds from the state for COVID for infrastructure and the Supervisor hopes to be able to use it for highway equipment.
• BLACKTOPPING: Highway Superintendent received a quote from Colarusso & Sons to blacktop the town hall parking lot for $26,750.00.
• SPORTS SCHEDULING: The Supervisor has received calls from the Red Hook Raiders football team to use the town field on Sundays for games, Saturday evenings for practice. The Red Hook soccer team has also asked to use the field. Anyone interested in using either of the fields should contact Supervisor Staats at 845-417-6362. Proof of insurance is required and Team COVID protocols are to be followed.

NEW BUSINESS:

• SALES TAX: Received $107,900 in 1st quarter sales tax which is an increase of $10,000.00 over last year.
• HIGHWAY TRUCK: The purchase of the new truck will be $200,978.28 to come from the Highway Equipment Reserve Fund. Supervisor Staats is suggesting some of the stimulas funds can be put back into the equipment reserve fund.

MOTION: The motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to purchase the new truck using funds from the Highway Equipment Reserve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.

• The Supervisor received a speed reduction request from a resident on Hill N Dale road to reduce the speed limit from 40 mph to 20 mph. Supervisor Staats will request that the county do a study, but he feels that 40 mph is reasonable on a dead-end road with few residences.

ABSTRACTS:

• A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #5, vouchers #31-#45 in the amount of $9,023.40, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General abstract #5, vouchers #106-#133 in the amount of $9,781.00, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute to approve General Prepaid abstract #5, vouchers #103-105 in the amount of $264.55 seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Trust and Agency #2. Vouchers #2 in the amount of $237.52, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

NONE

A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond at 9:24 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Deputy Town Clerk

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

April 28, 2021

The meeting opened at 7:30 pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Lee Gallant, and Ben Peacock.

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

There was no old business.

motion was made by Luke Kuburis, seconded by Ben Peacock, to close the regular meeting and open the Public hearing for Dee Ann Campbell. All in favor. So carried.

Dee Ann Campbell, 180 Shields Road, represented by Suncommon returned before the Board regarding their request for a Secial Permit for a solar panel array. There were no comments or questions from the audience. Motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kuburis to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Lee Gallant, to approve the Special Permit. Voting was as follows:
Hank Himelright, Aye
Lee Gallant, Aye
Luke Kumburis, Aye
Ben Peacock, Arrived after the vote.
The Special Permit was approved and granted.

No new business.

A motion was made to adjourn by Ben Peacock, seconded by Lee Gallant. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:47pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M Webber
Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
April 14, 2021

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 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 and Daniel Renehan, Attorneys for the town.

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

Dee Ann Campbell, 180 Shields Road, Tax Map ID #210.-1-28, represented by Suncommon, proposing the installation of a 656 square foot ground mounted solar array. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Dee Ann Campbell. All in favor. So carried. The site plan map was reviewed by the Board. There were no questions or comments from the audience. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Matthew Griesemer read the SEQRA. There were no environmental impacts. Matthew Griesemer recommended a negative declaration of SEQRA. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron Miller, to declare a negative impact. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the application as presented, pending the approval by the ZBA. All in favor, with the exception of Mary Howard who responded with Nay. So carried.

Christopher Nolan, 67 Commons Road, Tax ID # 192.-1-7.120, is applying for a Minor Subdivision. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing. All in favor. So carried. The Applicant proposes to divide a two acre parcel into two parcels which will be one acre each. The site is located within the Hamlet of Clermont, which requires only one acre lots. There were no questions or comments from the audience. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Mary Howard, to close the public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Matthew Griesemer read the SEQRA. There were no environmental impacts. Matthew Griesemer recommended a negative declaration of SEQRA. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to declare Part 1 as no impact and Part 2 as no impact. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron Miller to approve the application. All in favor. So carried.

Mary Jane Fuchs, 433 County Route 6, represented by Daniel Russell, came before the Board regarding subdividing a parcel of 9.392 acres into 3 parcels consisting of the following: two acres, two acres, and 5.392 acres. The existing parcel is located on the east corner of Wright Road and Cedar Hill Road. The applicant will return with additional information for the application.

A motion was made to adjourn by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary