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Author: Kris Gildersleeve

June 23rd Primary voting location changes.

Due to the Covid-19 situation, it is not possible to open all of the usual polling places, and many voters will need to go to new polling locations in order to vote in person on the June 23rd Election Day. On June 23rd, (in person) Clermont voters must vote at the Germantown Activity Building (54 Palatine Park Road, Germantown).

For more information, see the Columbia County, NY Board of Elections web site.

Planning Board – June 2020

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
June 10, 2020

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Nathan Hempel, Mary Howard, Ron Miller, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town, Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the March 2020 minutes, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

John Moran, Tax ID# 192.00-01-37.11, represented by Lindsey Schultz, came before the Board regarding a Lot Line change. 50’ from the property will be added to an existing parcel of 27.2 acres. Motion to deem the application complete was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen. All in favor. So carried. The Short Environmental Assessment Form was read with motion made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Ron Miller, to declare a negative impact. All in favor. So carried. Motion to waive a Public Hearing was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard, to approve the lot line change. All in favor. So carried.

110 Mill Road, (Solar), Falck Renewables, represented by Teddy Epstein and Jerry Leone, came before the Board presenting a proposed large scale solar project at 110 Mill Road and seeking information on the requirements for a variance. It was explained by the Board Clermont zoning permits 10 acres. The proposed site is 25.9 acres. An application was not submitted.

Billy Cole, 3541 9G, presented revised plans for four self storage buildings, each 130’x130’.

Discussion was held regarding Red Wing Quarry. The Planning Board agreed to be lead agency. A motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to appoint Matthew Griesemer, Town Attorney, to act on its behalf in relation to Red Wing Properties, Inc. and request lead agency status in the DEC permitting process. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to adjourn by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Discussed the wording about contacting 911 or the Sheriff’s department with any concerns, etc. on the sign.
  4. 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’.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. The committee is seeking adoption of the official plan for the park. Councilman Desmond suggested adopting as a guide rather than a plan.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

School Budget Votes

Message from the Pine Plains Central School District:

In accordance with Executive Order No. 202.26, the Budget Vote and School Board Election will be held remotely, by Absentee Ballot only.  Qualified voters of the Pine Plains Central School District will receive absentee ballots by mail.

The Public Hearing on the Budget Vote and Election will be held remotely on May 27, 2020 at 7:00 pm, it will stream live at this link https://media.dcboces.org/Watch/a7G4RrYe.  The budget materials are available on the Budget Vote tab and in BoardDocs on the Pine Plains Central School District website.  If any community members have questions and/or comments regarding the budget, please email the district clerk at j.tomaine@ppcsd.org.  Please email your questions by 7:30 pm on the night of the Public Hearing, or email before the meeting.

No specific information has yet been provided to the town from the other school districts, but their web sites are provided here:
Germantown Central School District
Red Hook Central School District

Clermont Town Hall closed to the public until further notice.

May 14, 2020: The Town Hall will continue to be closed until further notice. Meetings normally held in the Town Hall will not take place until the Town Hall reopens.

April 6, 2020: Reminder that all meetings normally held at the Town Hall will NOT take place while the Town Hall is closed. This includes the month of April and will continue until further notice.

March 16, 2020: Due to the Corona virus and health concerns of the staff, the Clermont Town Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Please leave a message for the Town clerk at 518-537-6868 for assistance and/or scheduling if necessary. Sorry for this inconvenience and hope to be open as soon as possible. Thank you for understanding our concerns and efforts to protect as many people as possible.

Raymond Staats
Clermont Town Supervisor