Meeting Minutes 2023

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

April 26, 2023

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 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, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, and Ben Peacock.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, March 22, 2023. A motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Ben Peacock, to approve the March 2023 minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Daric Schlessman, Van Burnt Stillhouse, 1931 Route 9, TAX ID#181-1-12, came before the Board seeking a Use Variance and a Special Use Permit. The primary use would be a distillery. The Special Use Permit would be for a venue of a Tasting Room. The Use Variance would be for a secondary use, currently being used as a warehouse. The Applicant will return with additional information.

With no other business, motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber,
Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
April 12, 2023

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 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 unable to attend.

After review of the March 8, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, to approve the minutes.
All in favor. So carried.

Thomas Cunningham, Clermont Hudson Horse Farm, 3689 Route 9G,
Tax ID #179.-1-36, came before the Board seeking a Lot Line Adjustment. After discussion of the process, he will return with the additional needed information.

With no further business, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron miller, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
April 3, 2023

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 3rd, 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 Supervisor Staats. All in Favor. So carried.
3. Written Communications
   • Town Clerk Report
     • Total for General Fund $3283.62
     • Total report for March 2023 $3363.12
   • Mail Review Hazardous Waste Day with County, 4/29/23 8AM-Noon-Copy to be posted on website
   • Web Committee – None

4. Some New business (out of order)
   • 2024 Re-Assessment
     • Suzette Booy-Director Columbia County Real Property presented information regarding a town wide assessment. Last town wide assessment completed in 2019. State recommendations are every 4-5 Years. She provided quote for the assessment hiring an outside agency. County assistance keeps costs down for Town of Clermont. Postcards will be sent to all residents advising of the door-to-door assessments.
     • Resolution 41 of 2023 presented for “Supporting the Clermont Assessor in updating the 2024 assessment roll”. Motion made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.

5. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond-None
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute-
     • Would like to purchase projector -Discussed. Motion made to purchase projector valued up to $1000. 00 by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So Carried.
     • Playground update-2nd meeting held. Red Hook Plays did a presentation. Parkitect would complete an assessment for free based on budget/size. There are additional companies that could be utilized. Next meeting on 4/22 at 4PM at the town hall, had approximately 15-20 volunteers at last meeting.
   • Councilman Gildersleeve-None
   • Councilwoman Brownson-
     • Easter Egg hunt held at Park, no electricity but went well for the 1st year return after Covid. Fire Department assisted with Traffic. Thank you to Volunteers. Future events will need better advertising
     • Mini Grant submitted in February up to $500. Columbia Land Conservancy-Did not get the Grant
     • Iroquois Grant will be submitted next-Will repurpose a previous grant-Max Award $10,000.

6. Old Business
   • Park Update presented by Ellen. Stone has been placed where enclosure will be put up, additional updates completed.
   • Wedding in Park 9/16. Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson “Pending insurance”. All in Favor. So Carried.

7. New Business
   • GTel-Supervisor Staats will talk to Jim at Gtel again about possible upgrade.
   • Lasting Joy Brewery-Request consideration to disregard Noise ordinance for 1 Day concert Music 1-9 PM ~ 2000 People-Expected attendance from Lasting Joy to present information. This subject would need to go before the Planning board for Planning and Public input regardless.
   • Solar Permit Fee schedule-Supervisor Staats inquired with neighboring towns regarding their rates. After in depth discussion the Town Board has decided to stick with the current fee schedule.
   • Highway Personnel Policy-No changes
   • Court Grant will require TB to modify budget- Supervisor Staats will get additional quotes to meet the bid process. Motion made to accept court grant by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.

8. Supervisors Report-
   • Thank you to Lee for working on the Court Grant.
9. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Trust and Agency abstract #2 Voucher #2 $131.00 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General Prepaid abstract #4a Voucher #73-79 $687.07 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #4 Vouchers #80-110 $8074.07 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #4 Vouchers #40-52 $11299.72 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to Board-

Motion to adjourn at ~ 8:50 PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

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

March 22, 2022

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, and Ben Peacock.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, December 28, 2022. A motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to approve the December 2022 minutes. All in favor. So carried. The January and February meetings were not held.

Scott Shafranek and Caveni Wong, 925 County Route 6,
Tax Map ID# 191.-1-12.111, 180.-1-16.200, came before the Board seeking information regarding the need of an area variance for an existing barn they intend to convert an existing barn into a living space. After discussion, the Board determined a variance is unnecessary.

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
March 8, 2023

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 8, 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 February 8, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the minutes.
All in favor. So carried. Mary Howard abstained since she was not in attendance at the January 2023 meeting.

Joyful Acres, 485 Lasher Road, TAX ID #200.-1-1.200, came before the Board regarding a proposed concert in August . The concert would consist of multiple bands and estimated attendance of 1,000-2,500 people. Issues addressed were parking and noise. A modification of the previously approved Site Plan would be needed. There is also a noise ordinance in place and a mass gathering restriction in the zoning for Clermont.

Scott Shafranek and Caveni Wong, 925 County Route 6,
Tax Map ID# 191.-1-12.111, 180.-1-16.200, came before the Board seeking information regarding a planned renovation of an existing barn into living space. He was referred to the ZBA to inquire the need of a variance.

Ernst Martin Jr, 1921 Route 9, Tax ID #181-1-13, apartment at the former Clermont Inn. Site Plan was approved in 2008 for apartments, a banquet room and tavern. The banquet room and tavern were never completed. The Applicant would like to use that space as an office and 1 additional apartment, bringing the total to 11 apartments. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to deem the application complete. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to waive the Public Hearing. All in favor. So carried. Mary Howard read SEQRA. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to declare the project will not have a significant impact. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the application with the condition of approval by the Columbia County Board of Health. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:35pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
March 6, 2023

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 6th, 2023 at the Town Hall. All Town Board members present. Town Clerk absent due to death in the family (minutes drafted from recorded meeting).

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-reported by Supervisor Staats
     • Total for General Fund $1375.27
     • Total for Trust and Agency $500.00
     • Total report for February 2023 $1903.27
   • Mail Review-None
   • Web Committee-None
4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond
     • None
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute
     • Park update/Playground-Meeting cancelled due to weather rescheduled for March 25th at 4PM
   • Councilman Gildersleeve
     • Assoc of Towns
       1. Sent an email regarding possible grant
       2. Zoning Complaint forms-Samples from Assoc of Towns. Town Board approved one previously-Councilman Lusher Shute will compare and send to Councilman Gildersleeve and have the current one posted.
       3. NY is looking at legislation regarding Short term rentals
       4. Councilman Gildersleeve felt that the Assoc of Towns Conference was politically biased towards/against specific political parties as well as other messages relayed that volunteerism is racially and gender inequal. No discussion was allowed regarding these topics with the presenter.
   • Councilwoman Brownson
     • County Anniversary committee had their first meeting. Another meeting has been set.
     • Mini Grant submitted in February up to $500. Columbia Land Conservancy-Should hear back soon
     • Village Green Committee will hold the Easter Egg Hunt Sunday March 23rd 2PM
     • Memo of Understanding

5. Old Business
   • Comp Plan Update-Mary Howard provided update
   • Interest Rate Adjustment 2% for Town Accounts-Will make a tremendous difference
   • Revenues-Sales Tax 4th Qrtr – well above anticipation /Truck Sale- $4950.00
   • Closed ARPA Account- Transferred as it was spent with the truck purchase
   • Turkey Hill Road Repair-CPL still waiting for state DEC to sign off on permit and then will put out to bid.
6. New Business

• Adopt updated policies-

1. Workplace Violence added sign off sheet Motion to approve By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried
2. Sexual Harassment policy added sign off sheet Motion to approve By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried
3. Highway Personnel Policy-updated/discussed additional update needed
4. Rental Agreement for Community House-Updated rules regarding cleaning and noise. Motion to approve By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried

• Approve Loader repair- Having issues for a while, Needs new transfer case. Tyler received a price over $14,370. Other repairs to made increase total to $22,290. Supervisor Staats feels it is a good investment on this expensive machine. The board can approve the sole bid. Motion to approve By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

• Approve Brownfield change order-Need to drill new well, state requiring additional testing. $3560.00 Motion to approve By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

• Fox Hollow Bond Resolution-Request for reduction to $94,000. Engineer did not agree with that request. Agreed upon reduction to $200,000. Motion to approve By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Requires roll call vote

Councilwoman Brownson Aye

Councilman Desmond Aye

Councilman Gildersleeve Aye

Councilwoman Lusher Shute Aye

Supervisor Staats Aye

7. Supervisors Report-
   • Donation from Terri Tousey for Benches with inscriptions for Julia Ross and Gary Coons
   • Medicaid Funding being withheld from county
   • Mary Howard-Addition to abstract Bill for Labella Assoc to be added Abstract#3 Voucher #72
8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Trust and Agency abstract #1 Voucher #1 $458.50 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #3 Voucher #21-39 $12326.78 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #3 Vouchers #53-72 $26490.27 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to Board-

Discussion regarding Medicaid funding State of Massachusetts, Sign out front needs cleaning or replacement, Fee Schedule building permit/renewal Fee is at discretion of Building inspector.

Motion to adjourn at ~ 8:15 PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

No meeting. The next meeting will be March 22, 2023.

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

February 8, 2023

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Mary Howard, Tom Jantzen, Jennifer Phillips, Jesse Cutaia, and Nathan Hempel. In the absence of Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard conducted the meeting. Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town, was not in attendance.

After review of the January 11, 2023 minutes motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the minutes.
All in favor. So carried. Mary Howard abstained since she was not in attendance at the January 2023 meeting.

Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Michael Brown, 13 Maisello Road, Tax ID#201-1-34, represented by Marie Welch of Welch Surveying. An application for a Minor Subdivision was submitted at the January 2023 meeting for a Minor Subdivision. A mobile home is on the existing lot, an additional home is planned for the new lot. There was no public comment. Motion was made by Jesse Cutaia, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. SEQRA was read by Jesse Cutaia. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, for a negative declaration on SEQRA. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the application contingent on approval by the Columbia County Health Department and the update of the Site Plan Map as follows:
a) Proposed placement of the driveway
b) Proposed placement of the well and septic

With no further business, a motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
February 6, 2023

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 6th, 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-
   • Approval of January General Meeting and Organizational Minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried.

Clerk Report

• Total for General Fund $2923.68
• NYS Ag&Mkts $5.00
• Col Co Treasurer/Solid Waste $143.00
• Total report for January 2023 $3071.68
• Mail Review-None
• Web Committee-None

3. Committee Reports and Updates
   1. Councilman Desmond-Report on Highway Department-Nothing to report
   2. Councilwoman Lusher Shute
      • Open house went well
      • March 4th presentation “Red Hook Plays” regarding their experiences with playground.
   3. Councilman Gildersleeve
      • Report on Printer search for Clerk
        • Color vs B/W
        • Fax, Print, Scan, Copy
        • Motion to approve expenditure up to $1000.00 with 4-year protection plan. Motion by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson, All in Favor So Carried.
   4. Councilwoman Brownson
      • Bank of Greene County up to $2500-Will hear in April
      • Columbia Land Conservancy-Due End of February
      • Hudson Valley Climate Change Grant was denied
      • Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant approved for $10,000 for Phase 2 of the Comprehensive plan. Dawn is working on the Memorandum of Understanding.
      • Additional grant that is due on March 1st. May not make it for this year however will try for the next round/next year.
4. Old Business
   • Mary Howard provided update on progress for Comprehensive Plan-Draft Vision statement is work in progress. Next Meeting Monday February 13th. Plan is on track for completion as scheduled.
   • Park Update-Ellen.
     1. Lehan’s Landscaping estimate – ~ 14 Service visits-April to October. Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute use this service for Park Maintenance ~ $5250. All in Favor So Carried.
     2. Open house on 2/4 for new volunteers
     3. Wedding request-more info when available.
     4. Potty enclosure on hold for getting holes dug.
   • Supervisor Staats-Bank of Greene County raising Money Market Rate to 2%.
5. New Business
   • Building Permit Fee Schedule-Resolution 39-2023
     • Motion to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried. Clerk will distribute appropriately
   • Policies
     • Multiple changes will be done.
       1. Highway-remove cap on Town payment of highway medical insurance.
       2. Sexual Harassment-will add 1-800 #
   • Community House rental Complaints
     • Policy Change-Wording-No music past 10PM weekdays/11PM weekends-possible other changes
   • Audit Resolution 38-2023
     • Motion to approve by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried.

6. Supervisors Report-Nothing additional
7. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Prepaid Highway abstract #2A Voucher # 3 $.50 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #2A Vouchers # 13-16 $588.63 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #2 Voucher #4-20 $18964.28 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #2 Vouchers #17-52 $16597.90 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to Board-

1. Question regarding Bridge Status- Pleasantvale is in process should be completed by Spring 2024. Buckwheat Bridge is in good shape, no expectation of closure or need to repair.

Motion to adjourn at 7:50PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Cancelled due to the weather forecast. The next meeting will be February 22, 2023.