Meeting Minutes 2024

Meeting cancelled, no meeting minutes.

No September 2024 ZBA meeting held.

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
BUDGET WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

The Clermont Town Board held a budget workshop on the 2025 Budget on Monday, September 23rd, 2024 at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Desmond, Councilwoman Brownson, Councilman Gildersleeve and Councilwoman Lusher-Shute.

Supervisor Staats opened the workshop and went through all the budget and revenue accounts in the General and Highway funds.

Discussion regarding Salaries:

SALARIES OF TOWN OFFICIALS

SUPERVISOR $ 6,000.00

TOWN BOARD (4 Members each getting $2,800) $11,200.00

TOWN CLERK $ 9,500.00

TOWN JUSTICES (2 Justices each getting $6,000) $12,000.00

TAX COLLECTOR $ 5,000.00

SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS $58,300.00

BUILDING INSP/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER $15,500.00 (plus $1000.00 for deputy)

ASSESSOR $17,000.00

*Salary increases were approved for 2 full time highway employees 3%

The following are the changes that have been suggested:

GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS

Town Board

A1010.4 contractual – increase from $1000. To $1500.

Justices

A1110.11 Personal Services-Clerk $4800 to $4900.

A1110.43 Court Security- Decrease $1000 to $900

Supervisor

A1220.4 contractual-Increase from $12,000 to $12,500.00

Tax Collection

No Change

Assessor

A1355.4 Contractual Expenses – $1000.00.

Town Clerk

A1410.12-Personal Services-Deputy-$1500.00 remains unchanged

Buildings

1620.1- Personal Service Increase from $2000 to $2500

1620.4 – contractual – remains unchanged $60,000

1620.41- contractual/oil – remains unchanged $7000

1620.42- contractual/electric – remains unchanged $4000

Special Items

A1910.4 Unallocated Insurance Increase from $20,000 to $23,000

A1920.4 Municipal Assoc Dues remains unchanged $600

Tax Rate ~ 18.73 per 1000.

Total Tax Levy $104,580.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Town of Clermont
Town Board Meeting
September 3, 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Lusher Shut, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve and Councilwoman Brownson.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7:00 with the Pledge of Allegiance Led by Supervisor Staats
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of August meeting minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried
3. Written communications
   • Election Day Dinner November 5th at Community House, Take out Only 430-630 PM. Cost is $12.00 per meal
   • Current Go Fund Me for Patrick Dempsey who recently lost his Wife.

Clerk Report

• Total for General Fund $2,522.52
• NYS Ag&Mkts $9.00
• Total report for August 2024 $2,531.52

Mail Review-None

Correspondence for Web Committee-None

4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond -Comments and concerns regarding Comp Plan in relation to Planning/Zoning Laws
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute-
   • Councilman Gildersleeve – No Updates
   • Councilwoman Brownson- (Chris Nolan) Zoom meeting with tribal leaders, regarding documentation/photos of unknown artifacts that may be in the community.

5. Old Business
   • Park Update
     • Kiosk Signs completed/installed on Front, working on backs
     • Councilwoman Brownson will take pictures of Rt 6 signs for discussion
     • Working on Flanders Field signs
     • Parkitect-No deposit or payment until project completion-Locked in 2024 pricing
     • Grant-signing of contract Ok.
   • Comprehensive Plan update-
     • Cannabis considerations-Will remain as Not permitted at this time and will be revisited as necessary
     • Next Meeting October 14th-Plan almost completed
   • Court Grant for Generator denied, not allowed.
   • Community House Painting – Painting completed, Also painted door of church
   • Stahl Bridge update-Slightly behind schedule due to delay of Steel delivery expected withing 2-3 wks., expectation is completion by Thanksgiving. Consideration should be given for travel restrictions (weight) when bridge completed.
6. New Business
   • 2025 Budget workshop-September 23rd 6PM
   • Town Logo Design Contest-Approved by attorney for cash prizes
   • BAR appointment-Re appoint Al Costello to term ending September 30, 2029 Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor So Carried

7. Supervisors Report-
   • Sales Tax revenue down slightly
8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #8 Voucher #79-85 $5,661.73 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Prepaid abstract #9A Voucher #199-201 $296.65 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #9 Vouchers #202-209 $10,785.35 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried

9. Public Communication/Comments to Board-
   • Christopher Nolan-Please remember history department when budgeting
   • Christopher Nolan-Solar Concerns.

Motion to adjourn at 8:05PM by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Town of Clermont
Town Board Meeting
July 1st, 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 1st, 2024 at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Lusher Shute and Councilwoman Brownson. Councilman Kris Gildersleeve was absent

1. Call Meeting to Order @7:00 with the Pledge of Allegiance Led by Supervisor Staats
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of June meeting minutes, Motion to accept by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried
3. Written communications
   • Clerk Report
     • Total for General Fund $3,071.05
     • NYS Ag&Mkts $5.00
     • NYS DOH $22.50
     • Total report for June 2024 $3,098.55
   • Mail Review
     • Solid Waste Flyer for Recyclables-Do’s and Don’ts. Will be posted on town website for future reference.
     • Correspondence for Web Committee-NONE
4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond -Nothing to report
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute-Bike Racks and 2 additional Benches installed, All current plaques from donations have also been installed. Thank you to the Highway department. Playground committee met in an effort to reduce costs from the previous playground estimate provided. New Estimate is at ~$315,000.00 This is assuming community build and donations from local businesses for prep work. Also included in estimate is a Climbing wall for County Route 6 Park. Parkitect is not interested in repairing current surface at swings, but recommended replacing existing surface (also included in estimate). Ordering in 2024 for arrival in spring 2025 would save ~ $15,000. Supervisor Staats renewed the willingness to assist with funding. Town Board not prepared to commit without additional funding sources identified. Town Board to approve applying for grants to assist in funding of Playground. Motion to approve by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried. Councilwoman Brownson will start applying for grants that are due by end of month.
   • Councilwoman Brownson- Bank of Greene County presented current Grant award of $1000 towards the Veterans Monument. Councilwoman Brownson has been unable to successfully reach out to Brittany Bohnsack regarding the dedication of the County Route 6 Park. Will further update at the August meeting for the sign for out front of the Town Hall.
5. Old Business
   • Comprehensive Plan update-Next meeting Monday July 8th-will be working on subdivisions
   • Community House Painting -Significant progress has been made, second payment approved for the painter per the contract.
   • Stahl Bridge update-Old Bridge removed, awaiting new structure. Expected completion by Thanksgiving
6. New Business
   • Supervisor Staats read a letter in support of the Climate Smart Task Force grant funding
7. Supervisors Report-
   • Warren Street building still work in progress.
   • School Bus Camera’s-Still work in progress at the County Level
8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay General abstract #7 Vouchers #153-176 $17,028.55 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #7 Voucher #54-66 $9,845.84 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
9. Public Communication/Comments to Board-
   • Desiree Weber-Questions regarding school bus stops on Route 9 and speed reduction request-Supervisor Staats will mention it at the county level again however we were turned down via NYS DOT for a reduction in speed.
   • Dog Warden issue regarding prosecution of violation-County Attorney is needed
   • Christopher Nolan-Questions regarding Solar Farms and amount of acreage allowed.

Motion to enter into executive session. No further town business will be discussed after executive session. Motion made at 8:04PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried.

Motion made to exit executive session at 8:14PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor So Carried.

Motion to adjourn at 8:15PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

June 12, 2024

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Tom Jantzen, Jesse Cutaia, and Nathan Hempel. Matthew Griesemer, Town Attorney, was unable to attend.

After review of the May 8, 2024 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried. Mary Howard abstained due to not being present at the May meeting.

Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Centerline Communications/ AT&T. All in favor So carried. Brenda Blask, representingCenterline Communications, provided a recap of the project, seeking to add wireless transmission equipment to the existing Verizon tower located at 195 Pleasantvale Road, Tax ID #192.-1-29.1. The response from the Columbia County Planning Board is pending and will be reviewed at their June 2024 meeting. The Board reviewed questions from George Schmitt, the Town Engineer, and discussed response from the Applicant. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Mary Howard read the SEQRA. Motion was made by Nathan Temple, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to declare a negative impact, All in favor So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to approve the project pending the review and approval from he Columbia County Planning Board and the final response from George Schmitt, the Town Engineer. All in favor. So carried.

Hank Himelright, located on Apple Valley Lane, Tax ID #191.1-1-67, 23.92 acres, is seeking a Lot Line Adjustment from a parcel of 23.92 acres. The Applicant was advised to indicate the location of wells and the Board of Health approval. Parcel A and Parcel B also need to be added to the map. The Applicant will return with updated maps.

Kelly Crimmons, represented by Sam Ferguson, came before the Board for a sketch plan review. He was directed to the ZBA and Board of Health. The Applicant will return with revised plans.

With no further business, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:25pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont
Town Board Meeting
June 3rd , 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 3rd at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Lusher Shute and Councilwoman Brownson.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7:00 with the Pledge of Allegiance Led by Supervisor Staats
2. Playground Presentation:
   • Presented by Amy Cutaia and Lindsey Lusher Shute and Sale Representative Leore Kushner from Parkitect
     • Current estimated total is $468, 893.00
     • Town Board would like to see grant opportunities and ways to scale down costs before committing any funds. Additional discussions will follow
     • Discussed repair needed at Clermont Park/Cty Rt 6
3. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of May meeting minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor So Carried
4. Written communications

Clerk Report

1. Total for General Fund $1,732.62
2. NYS Ag&Mkts $1.00
3. Solid Waste $80.00
4. Total report for May 2024 $1,813.62

Mail Review

1. Village of Tivoli Public Hearing, June, 12th 6PM at Village Hall, Local Law to establish a new Chapter 180 of the Code of the Village of Tivoli “Short-Term Rentals”
2. Red Hook School District-Board of Education Elections
3. K.I.S.S- June 17th through June 28th

Correspondence for Web Committee-NONE

5. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond -Highway completed paving of Hill n Dale Road and seasonal road that crosses from South Road to County Route 8.
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute-Bike Racks and Benches installed. Park committee requests approval for 2 signs for Kiosks Approximately $400.00 each. Motion to approve a total of $800.00 by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor So Carried. If the cost is over $800 the committee must come to the board for approval.
   • Councilwoman Brownson-Discussing possible competition for sign designs. Working with TV network for a recording on the Clermont History in the near future. Bank of Greene County will present Grant award on June 13th at 4PM. All are invited to attend.
   • Councilman Gildersleeve-Awaiting hardwiring for printer, asked about wiring to Community House and the possible need for a Router.
6. Old Business
   • Comprehensive Plan update-The next meeting will discuss Short-Term Rentals
   • Community House Painting has started.
   • MTG Tax-Decreased from last year however Sales Tax remains strong
   • Data Lines Printer/CEO Desk-Mac Electric was given the ok to run the lines and should start any day.
7. New Business
   • Replacement of Community House Lighting- Mac Electric given the ok to proceed, estimated cost ~ $2,600.00 Motion to approve by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor So Carried
8. Supervisors Report-
   • No additional Stahl bridge update yet. County Engineer should be in at July Meeting to update progress and timeline
   • Buckwheat Bridge still pending approval for full replacement in 2026
   • Turkey Hill Road has not been started yet, waiting for driest season.
   • School Bus Camera’s-Still work in progress at the County Level-Preparing an RFP

9. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #6A Vouchers #127-129 $310.71 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #6 Vouchers #130-149 $10,873.12 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried
   • Motion to pay Trust & Agency abstract #3 Voucher #4 $350.00 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #6 Voucher #42-53 $125,608.71 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

10. Public Communication/Comments to Board-
    • Coach from Southern Columbia Little League spoke about the conditions of the baseball field on County Route 6. Fields have not been mowed by the Town; a player’s dad has brought the mower to mow the field. Another parent has attempted to drop the schedule off and no one has been at the Town to accept it. The clerk provided Town Hall open hours and email address so that the schedule can be sent.

Motion to adjourn at 8:48PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals

1795 Route 9

Germantown, New York 12526

May 22, 2024

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, Luke Kumburis, and Tami Connolly.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, March 27, 2024. A motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to approve the March 2024 minutes. All in favor. So carried. A meeting was not held for April 2024.

There was no new business.

Daric Schlesselman, Van Burnt Stillhouse, 1931 Route 9, Tax ID #181-1-12, The Board discussed there has been no progress on the project. Due to a lack of information and the extended time since the application was submitted, motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to deny the application. 
 Roll Call Vote: Hank Himelright yes 
 Don Van Wagner, yes 
 Lee Gallant, yes
 Luke Kumburis, yes
 Ben Peacock, yes
 All in favor. So carried. Mr. Schlesselman will be notified the application has been denied and he is welcome to reapply should he wish to. Copies of the notice will also be sent to the Clermont Town Clerk and the Town Attorney.

With no other business, motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Lee Gallant, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:39pm.

Respectfully submitted, 

Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
May 8, 2024

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Ton Jantzen, Jesse Cutaia, and Nathan Hempel. Matthew Griesemer, Town Attorney, was also in attendance.

After review of the April 10, 2024 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Centerline Communications/ AT&T. Represented by Brenda Blask, Centerline Communications is seeking to add wireless transmission equipment to the existing Verizon tower located at 195 Pleasantvale Road, Tax ID #192.-1-29.1. There would be a 20’ increase in the height to the Verizon tower, but would not increase the diameter of the tower. The tower will not be tall enough to require the addition of a light. Question was raised regarding the affect by a higher tower to the area’s wildlife. Electrical and frequency would be reason for concern of the wildlife as well as the actual tower. Brenda Blask responded the longterm affect on wildlife, if any, is unknown. Copies are to be provided of the AT&T licenses which will also list the frequencies. Fiber optic lines were discussed. AT&T would not add to what is already in place by Verizon. The project will be submitted to the County Planning Board for their May 2024 meeting. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, was made to keep the PH open, extending it to the June 2024 meeting of the Clermont Planning Board, and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary