CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MINUTES
MAY 4, 2020
The Clermont Town Board held their regular town board meeting on Monday, May 4, 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: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the April meeting by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried,
TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk’s report was sent out via email and after review was accepted. The Town Clerk presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund in the amount of $3,584.58.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Supervisor Staats sent the board members copies of the budget and revenue reports, deposits for the month and town clerk’s report for April.
- Website: Councilman Gildersleeve has been updating the website with information concerning the Coronavirus and a link for anyone that needs assistance during this difficult time. The emergency preparedness has been updated but there will be additional additions to come.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- PARK: Councilman Desmond commented that the volunteers planted the trees and shrubs ordered since last month. The pathway to the Veterans Monument has also been marked out.
- Supervisor Staats was at the town garage distributing masks and sanitizers provided by the County to about 35 – 40 people. New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal will be sending more masks. An announcement will be made on G-tel and the newspaper when the next distribution will be held. Councilman Desmond and Councilwoman Brownson helped with the distribution.
- GRANTS: Councilwoman Brownson will seek an extension on completing the 2019 Iroquois Grant. The AARP Community Challenge grant is due on May 15th. She will request five park benches, fill for the pathway to the Veterans memorial which overlooks the soccer fields used by three local towns. The Iroquois Community Grant Program for $9,203.00 for purchasing and planting trees and deer protection materials for the park was submitted on May 1st.
OLD BUSINESS:
- PARK: Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported that the park committee met on April 26th and nominated Amy Parrella as chair and Jennifer Phillips as secretary.
MOTION: A motion was made to appoint Amy Parrella as chair of the Park Committee by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.
The Town Board will communicate with the committee as to what the next projects will be to work on. Councilman Gildersleeve would like to be sure that he is on the email list for the committee. Councilwoman Lusher Shute has not heard back from Fast Signs on the entrance sign.
NEW BUSINESS:
- SALES TAX: The Supervisor received the check for Sales Tax Revenue for the 1st Quarter of 2020 which is 4% higher than last year at this time. The County is estimating a 20% lower revenue of the rest of the year. Supervisor Staats believes we will still be on par with what we budgeted. The CHIPS funds for essential road repair should be arriving and we will only do repairs and maintenance which will be covered by these funds, using none from our budget.
- FUEL OIL BIDS: The Supervisor requested price estimates on rates for next year.
Valley Energy – 1.899
K & H Fuel Oil – could not compete
Main Care Energy – No lock in rate available
Bottini Fuel – 2.05 or 2.35
We currently get our fuel from Valley Energy.
MOTION: A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to accept the bid from Valley Energy at $1.899 gallon. All in favor. So carried.
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
- TOWN HALL BATHROOM: Supervisor Staats donated his time and crews time to bring the ladies room in the town hall up to physically handicapped accessibility. Also, installed a ramp from the main room to the bathroom access. The board and clerk thanked him for a very nice job that was done.
- The Supervisor thanked all that have helped with the park work and Councilman Desmond and Councilwoman Brownson for helping with the masks and sanitizer.
ABSTRACTS:
- A motion was made to approve General Abstract #5A, voucher #111-125 in the amount of $6,246.75 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made to approve Highway abstract #5, voucher #37 – 44 in the amount of $18,645.85 by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made to approve General prepaid abstract #5, vouchers #108 – 110 in the amount of $184.53 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
GRIEVANCE DAY: The date for Grievance Day would be Tuesday, June 2nd this year. We have not heard officially if this will take place on that date. Will wait for word from Suzette Booy, Director of Columbia County Real Property and our Assessor Cheryl Kaszluga and John Gall, Chairman, Board of Assessment Review. It will be posted on the website.
A motion was made to adjourn at 8:00 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk
