Author: Kris Gildersleeve

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

August 23, 2023

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Ben Peacock, Don Van Wagner, and Lee Gallant.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, July 26, 2023. A motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Lee Gallant, to approve the July 2023 minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made to by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Colin Brown. All in favor. So carried. Colin Brown, 73 Trout Creek, Tax ID #192-00-01-96, is seeking an Area Variance for the side setback in order to construct an addition to his house. There was no public input or correspondence. After discussion by the Board, motion was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Ben Peacock, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Motion to approve the Area Variance was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor. So carried. Vote was held with all Board members approving the Area Variance.

Daric Schlessman, Van Burnt Stillhouse, 1931 Route 9, TAX ID#181-1-12, was unable to attend the meeting. his Public Hearing will be continued at the September 2023 meeting. Discussion was held regarding the letter sent to the Town Board in
reference to the modifications made by the Planning Board for Southward Event Venue’s Special Use Permit. It was determined the Planning Board is not involved in a variance request or interpretations.

With no other business, motion was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Ben Peacock, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

August 9, 2023

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Tom Jantzen, Ron Miller, and Nathan Hempel. .

After review of the July 12, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the minutes.
All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Ron Miller, to close the regular meeting and resume the Public Hearing for Daric Schlessman, Van Burnt Stillhouse, 1931 Route 9, TAX ID #181-1-12. All in favor. So carried. Per the recommendations from the County Planning Board, minor modifications were made to the site plan map. The County Highway Department is scheduled to make a site visit in regards to the entrance off County Route 8. Motion to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Tom Jantzen. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron Miller, to accept the plan as proposed. All in favor. So carried. Mary Howard read the SEQRA. Motion was made for a Negative Declaration by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. Motion to approve the application was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Mary Howard, with the conditions of a letter of confirmation from the Clermont Fire Chief and the County Highway Department. All in favor. So carried.

Pamela Haug, Moore Farm LLC, 301 Nevis Road, Tax Map ID #191.1-01-29, came before the Board seeking a Minor Subdivision of 38 acres, subdividing 20 acres from the original parcel. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing. All in favor. So carried. Per the Clermont Zoning Code, the side set back for an accessory building is 10’. The Applicant has a side set back of 13’. There were no comments from the audience. Motion was made to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Ron Miller, to accept the application for the subdivision. All in favor. So carried. Mary Howard read the SEQRA. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Ron Miller, for a Negative Declaration. All in favor. So carried.
Motion to approve the application, pending new deed descriptions, was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Tom Jantzen. All in favor. So carried.

Kristy Koerner, 3690 Route 9G, Tax ID #179-1-38, came before the Board for a Lot Line Adjustment. After discussion, motion to waive a Public Hearing was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. Motion to approve the Lot Line Adjustment, pending new deed descriptions, was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Mary Howard. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber,
Secretary

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
August 7, 2023

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 7th, 2023 at the Town Hall. All Town Board members present. Multiple town residents in attendance for scheduled presentations.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7PM by Supervisor Staats with the Pledge of Allegiance.
   • Presentation by Suzette Booy from Columbia County Real Property-Update on current reassessment project in the Town of Clermont.
     • Data Collection is completed
     • Data Entry is currently being done
     • Data collected will be mailed to each property for review by owners within the next couple of weeks. Any corrections will need to be sent to the Town Assessor.
     • New values will be mailed ~ May 2024
     • Additional discussions followed
   • Presentation by Ray Jurkowski -Columbia County Engineer
     • Slide presentation regarding replacement of Stall Bridge
     • Slide presentation will be emailed to Town Clerk for posting on town website
     • Questions presented from Town Board
     • Buckwheat Bridge Discussion
     • Letter read regarding injured bicyclist

Some residents would like the Trusses maintained, per Engineer possible but costly and the cost would be on the Town, Engineer will provide estimates for restoration of truss work.

• Improved warnings regarding bridge and slope of hill on Clermont side

Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes- Motion Made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

2. Written Communications
   • Town Clerk Report
     • Total for General Fund $2680.51
     • Total for Trust & Agency $1000.00
     • Total for Ag & Mkts $3.00
     • Total report for July 2023 $3683.51
   • Mail Review-None
   • Web Committee-None
3. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond-
     • Loader being worked on
     • Flanders Field poem posted and removed. Will be reposted in glass cabinet
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute-
     • No report
   • Councilman Gildersleeve
     • Printer/Copier-Present proposal for review by Board members:
       Motion to approve purchase of Color printer/copier by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried.
   • Councilwoman Brownson-
   • Bank of Greene County Grant accepted check for $1000.00 to be used to offset the final costs of the Kiosks
   • Still working/making progress on Wording for Park Kiosk signage
     
4. Old Business

• Park Committee-Presentation by Ellen
  • Supervisor Staats to check on junk/debris in park
  • Cost of Planting donated trees $976.73 by Lehans. Motion to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, 1 abstained. Motion Carried.
  • Fencing to prevent children/others from crossing property line. Cost of project would require a minimum of 2 bids.
  • Park would like the Berm to be replanted ~ 160 plantings-Discussed with Board
  • Again Mary Howard has offered the matching funds fundraiser for the Park Committee
  • Wedding-The bride has asked for a little extra mowing to be done at the park; she should reach out to the Highway superintendent.

• Comprehensive Plan update-Presentation by Mary Howard
  • Next Meeting on Monday August 14th.
  • Open House Clermont Fire House Clermont Fire Station #2 65 Firehouse Rd. August 19th, 2023 Noon to 5PM

• Supervisor Staats
  • Painting-Reynolds has been busy Scraping and pressure washing
  • Electrical-Materials have been ordered
  • Revenues
    1. Sales tax ~ $150,000,
    2. Tobacco Settlement ~ $12,000
    3. Thank you again to Bank of Green County
    4. Interest ~$5000 which is more than last year already
  • Turkey Hill Road
    • Released for bid, Bids due 8/29, September board meeting bids will be reviewed and considered.

5. New Business
   • Decibel Reader, Help alleviate/resolve noise complaints of loud music and enforce local law
     • Cost ~ $150.00, to be replaced after 2 years vs re-calibration:
       Motion to approve purchase Decibel reader by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.

6. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay General Prepaid abstract #8a Voucher #200-202 $248.73 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #8 Vouchers #92-102 $6866.40 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #8 Vouchers #203-227 $21223.32 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to the Board

Sign in Front of Town Hall needs replacement.

Policies/Procedures regarding archives

Solar Question/Large projects-Requirement on soil testing or soil type testing

Motion to adjourn at 9:22PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

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

July 26, 2023

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, and Lee Gallant.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, May 24, 2023. A motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to approve the May 2023 minutes. All in favor. So carried. The June 2023 meeting was not held.

Daric Schlessman, Van Burnt Stillhouse, 1931 Route 9,
TAX ID#181-1-12, Motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Lee Gallant, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Daric Schlessman of Van Burnt Stillhouse. The response letter from the Columbia County Planning Board was presented for discussion. Motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Lee Gallant, to return to the regular meeting and hold the Public Hearing open for the August 2023 meeting, allowing the Applicant to address the comments and suggestions from the Columbia County Planning Board. All in favor. So carried.

Colin Brown, 73 Trout Creek, Tax ID #192-00-01-96, is seeking an Area Variance for the side setback in order to construct an addition to his house. Zoning Code requires a 30’ setback. The applicant is requesting a variance of 14’, allowing him construct the addition with a 16’ setback. Motion to accept the application and schedule a Public Hearing was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Lee Gallant. All in favor. So carried. The Public Hearing will be held at the August 23, 2023 meeting. The Clermont ZBA will be the lead agency.

Discussion was held regarding the letter sent to the Town Board in reference to the modifications made by the Planning Board for Southward Event Venue’s Special Use Permit. The ZBA is awaiting a response.

With no other business, motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Lee Gallant, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:32pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

July 12, 2023

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Tom Jantzen, Ron Miller, Jennifer Phillips, Jesse Cutaia, and Nathan Hempel. Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town was also in attendance.

After review of the June 14, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the minutes.
All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Daric Schlessman, Van Burnt Stillhouse, 1931 Route 9, TAX ID #181-1-12. Larry Saulpaugh and Jennifer Philips recused themselves since they neighbor the project. The Applicant presented the revised maps with required changes. Columbia County Planning Board will need to review the plans at their July 18, 2023 meeting. Signature cards from neighboring property owners need to be submitted. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, to recess the Public Hearing until the next Planning Board meeting on August 9, 2023. All in favor. So carried.

Richard Arnstein, 254 Cemetery Road, Tax ID #179.-1-83, came before the Board seeking a Lot line Adjustment of 10 acres, belonging to Phil Gellert. The 10 acres will be added to the 6.18 acres belonging to the Arnstein property, which includes his residence. Motion to waive a public Hearing was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jesse Cutaia. All in favor. So carried. SECRA was read by Matthew Griesemer. Motion for a negative declaration was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. Motion to accept and approve the Lot Line Adjustment, adding the 10 acres to 6.18 acres was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel. All in favor. So carried.

Pamela Haug, Moore Farm LLC, 301 Nevis Road, Tax Map ID #191.1-01-29, came before the Board seeking a Minor Subdivision of 38 acres, subdividing 20 acres from the original parcel. Discussion was held regarding the set back of the existing barn from the roadway. the required setback is 30’. Evidence of setback within 1 year would be needed for a conditional approval from the Planning Board, or a variance from the Clermont ZBA for the setback. Motion to accept the application and schedule a Public Hearing for the August 9, 2023 meeting was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber,
Secretary

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
July 3, 2023

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 3 2023 at the Town Hall. All Town Board members present.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7PM by Supervisor Staats with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes- Motion Made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
3. Written Communications
   • Town Clerk Report
     • Total for General Fund $1214.10
     • Total report for June 2023 $1239.50
   • Mail Review
     • Friends of Clermont-Morning Tea at Clermont Gardens. Posted at Town Hall and will be posted on Town Website
   • Web Committee-None

4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond-
     • Paving done
     • Loader still in for repair-Cab repair
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute-
     • No report
   • Councilman Gildersleeve
     • Printer/Copier-Present proposal for review by Board members. Some questions regarding need for color/cost and maintenance. Councilman Gildersleeve will get answers and send an email to the board for review prior to next meeting.
   • Councilwoman Brownson-
     • Bank of Greene County Grant presentation will be 7/20/23 at 4 PM, All board members and Park Committee members are welcome to attend
     • Still working/making progress on Wording for Park Kiosk signage

5. Old Business
   • Park Update-Presented by Ellen
     1. Junk removal on backside of park? Supervisor Staats will look into it.
     2. Small allowance for needed supplies. Park committee should reach out to Supervisor Staats for approval of small amounts. Supplies can be picked up by Tyler at Williams if needed.
     3. Tree donation by David Salza
   • Comprehensive Plan update-Mary Howard unable to attend
     • Next meeting will be July 10th
     • Open House Clermont Fire House Route 9G August 19yh noon to 5PM
   • Interest Rates Bank of Greene County are increasing again to 3.6%

6. New Business
   • Open Bids Electrical & Painting
     1. Painting-Reynolds Painting ~ $22,000 bid -Supervisor Staats will request references for the Board to review.
     2. Electrical Bid- Mini Split $18,500 Court Grant will pay $13498 remainder will be the responsibility of the Town. Lights $8050 Court Grant will pay up to $9000. Mac Electric Sole Bidder. Motion made to accept above bids by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.
   • Planning/Zoning Alternate
     • 1 letter of interest received to date from Tamera Connolly-Past Secretary for Zoning/Planning. Motion made to appoint as alternate for Zoning Board by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So Carried.

7. Supervisors Report-
   • Thank you to Bank of Greene County for the Grant award
   • School bus meeting rescheduled for next month-Supervisor Staats will report at next meeting.
   • Pleasantvale Bridge-All signed off on and approved, will go to bid soon. On track to start in Spring of 2024. A presentation may be done at next meeting of the Town Board in August.
   • Buckwheat bridge deterioration is not structural and will not be closed.

8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay General Prepaid abstract #7a Voucher #174-176 $214.01 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #7 Vouchers #177-199 $21026.26 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #7 Vouchers #77-91 $128229.63 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to the Board

Resident asked for additional microphones for recorded meetings.

Christopher Nolan would like to volunteer to be involved in research for the historical data with the historian.

Motion to adjourn at 8PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Meeting was cancelled.