Town Board – June 2020
CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MINUTES
JUNE 1, 2020
The Clermont Town Board held their regular meeting on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. via teleconference due to the COVID-19 virus. Those participating were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher-Shute and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve and Town Clerk Mary Helen Shannon.
Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance.
MINUTES:
Councilwoman Brownson asked for corrections to the May minutes under committee reports, section on Grants. The corrections will be made. A motion was made to accept the minutes with corrections by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
TOWN CLERKS REPORT: The Clerk’s report was sent out via email and after review was accepted by the Supervisor. The Supervisor was presented with a check for the General Fund in the amount of $146.09 and for Trust and Agency for $1416.90.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- The Democratic Presidential Primary will be held on June 23, 2020 from 6 AM to 9 PM.
- The Republican Primary to choose a representative in the U.S. Congress, 19th Congressional District will also take place on this date and times.
- There is early voting scheduled from June 13 to June 21 at 401 State Street, Hudson. Check County Elections website for times which do vary.
- The Supervisor submitted budget and revenue reports to board members.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- PARK DISCUSSION: There was discussion on the following regarding the Park.
- Councilman Desmond would like to see this added to the sign ‘using park at your own risk’. This was something that was approved previously by our attorney for the Little League field sign.
- Also, add ‘all children must be supervised by parent or guardian’. This could be added to sign. This could be determined by age of children, such as, ‘under age 12’ etc.
- Discussed the wording about contacting 911 or the Sheriff’s department with any concerns, etc. on the sign.
- Discussed ‘Use of illegal drugs’ as opposed to ‘recreational drugs’ citing the difference between ‘illegal and recreational’ as currently described. The suggestion was to change to ‘or drug use’.
- The discussion about whether or not ‘firearms’ should be prohibited and on sign. Councilman Gildersleeve is still against having firearms prohibited as doing so, would make the park a ‘soft target’. He has not seen this on other park signs. Supervisor Staats stated that this would not follow state guidelines for state parks, schools or recreational parks to not restrict firearms. Councilwoman Lusher-Shute believes it is consistent with the workplace violence policy. Councilman Gildersleeve believes that was written for community park. Suggested ‘no display or discharging of firearms’ as an alternative. Supervisor Staats will get opinions from the attorney on these.
- Councilwoman Lusher-Shute said the committee will be making a recommendation on where to move the piles of gravel which are on the park site. On this the Supervisor suggested that the needs of the Highway department be considered and it must be discussed with the Highway Superintendent.
- The committee is seeking adoption of the official plan for the park. Councilman Desmond suggested adopting as a guide rather than a plan.
- Veterans Pathway: It might be necessary to meet with the committee on the relocation suggested of the pathway to be sure it is accessible and not more costly.
- We should consider any input from neighbors of the park.
- WEBSITE: Councilman Gildersleeve has been updating the website concerning Coronavirus, minutes, meeting schedules, etc. G-tel has updated the website also.
- GRANTS: Councilwoman Brownson has inquired about the 2019 Iroquois grant and if it can be extended until August 31, 2020 to complete the fencing. She is waiting for a reply on this. The 2020 Iroquois grant was submitted for 77 trees and fencing to protect from deer for a total of $9,000.00 and we should hear in a few weeks. The AARP Community Challenge grant was sent in requesting 10 park benches and materials for the Veterans pathway for a total of $9,000.00.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Supervisor Staats thanked all that have been involved with the meetings and realizes it is difficult doing these meetings over the phone.
- CHIPS Funding: The funds are still secure and the Highway Superintendent will only do the work on the roads that are covered by the funds.
NEW BUSINESS:
- SALES TAX: Councilman Desmond asked if the 2nd quarter sales tax check has been received, but the Supervisor said it has not but should be in the next few weeks. Councilwoman Brownson asked if we should meet in the next few weeks to discuss any budget adjustments.
- RE-OPENING TOWN HALL: Supervisor Staats is recommending re-opening the town hall beginning with the Planning Board meeting on June 10 at 7:30 P.M. The Town Clerk’s office will reopen on Saturday, June 13th from 10 AM to 12 PM and the ZBA meeting will be held on the 24th of June at 7:30 P.M. The Town Board will hold their July meeting on July 6th.
ABSTRACTS:
- A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #6, vouchers #45-51 in the amount of $5,356.18, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General abstract #6A, vouchers # 133 to 146 in the amount of $2,676.60, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve General prepaid abstract #6, vouchers #126-132 in the amount of $565.85, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
Councilwoman Brownson if anyone had received any phone calls from anyone needed assistance with shopping, etc. No one has heard from anyone.
A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 8:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk