Meeting Minutes 2024

Town of Clermont
Town Board Meeting
May 6th, 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 6th 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. Comprehensive Plan Report Early by Mary Howard due to travel plans
   • Monday May 13th Meeting-Map out Planning/Zoning Process to clear confusion on process
   • Tuesday May 14th-Short Term rentals, opinions, regulations, plans. Draft available open for revisions
   • July/August possible adoption of Comprehensive Plan updates.
3. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of April 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 $28,196.81
2. Total for Trust and Agency $1,000.00
3. NYS Ag&Mkts $6.00
4. Total report for April 2024 $29,202.81

Mail Review- NONE

Correspondence for Web Committee-NONE

5. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond -Highway report-Tractor auctioned-Check received in amount of $11,500.00
   • Councilwoman Lusher Shute-Playground committee met and will have a draft plan soon. To be presented at workshop or future board meeting. Councilman Gildersleeve requested that the plan be emailed prior to the meeting for review. The committee would like to start applying for funding with a plan for 2025. Will be placed on Agenda for June meeting.
   • Councilman Gildersleeve-Laptop has been purchased and software is being installed. We continue with printer issues. Would also like to look at a cable to hardwire the printer to the router and also include the community house. We will repurpose the old laptop when data has been transferred.
   • Councilwoman Brownson-Grant received for $1000.00 from Bank of Greene County for Flanders Field. AED’s have been placed at Community House, Town Hall and Garage. Park Committee would like approval to replace a tree valued at $300.00. Motion to approve replacement of tree up to $200.00 by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor So Carried.
6. Old Business
   • Park Sign-Supervisor Staats would Like Park Committee to be involved with design/wording and placement of sign.
   • Community House Painting is expected to Start in June
   • Stahl Bridge replacement is on schedule
   • Turkey Hill Road repair is on schedule
   • Sales Tax Down 4.5% from last year latest check was $179427.00

7. New Business
   • Property Sale conducted at Town Hall at 5PM by Andrew Howard from Freeman Howard. One Sole bidder (Raymond Staats) in the amount of $3000.00-Supervisor Staats indicated that this is border property to his residence and will require clean up and building removal. A Motion was made to accept the sole bid in the amount of $3000.00 by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. Request to pole Board members
     • Councilman Gildersleeve-Aye
     • Councilwoman Lusher Shute-Aye
     • Councilwoman Brownson-Aye
     • Councilman Desmond-Aye
     • Supervisor Staats-Recused

All in Favor Motion Carried.

• Firehouse is requesting assistance with researching grants for the 9G firehouse being listed as an Emergency Shelter. Councilwoman Brownson will research.

Motion to accept Bid #2 Reynolds Painting LLC made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried

8. Supervisors Report-
9. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay General abstract #5 Vouchers #101-126 $8,968.62 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #5 Voucher #32-41 $7,161.13 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #5A Vouchers #98-100 $387.57 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

10. Public Communication/Comments to Board-
    • Resident Nolan
      • Questioned regarding what locations were designated emergency shelters. Clermont Firehouse 9G and Clermont Town Hall 1795 Route 9
      • Replacement/Cleaning of sign in front of Town Hall. This was budgeted for this year and Supervisor Staats has asked the Park Committee to assist.
      • Question regarding surplus property
      • Bridge Discussion

Motion to enter into executive session for potential contract negotiation. No further town business will be discussed after executive session. Motion made at 7:45PM by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor So Carried.

Motion made to exit executive session at 8:04PM by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried.

Motion to adjourn at 8:04PM by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

No meeting minutes. Meeting cancelled.

Town of Clermont
Town Board Meeting
April 1st , 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 1st at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, and Councilwoman Brownson. Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute was not present.

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 March meeting minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. Councilwoman Brownson abstained due to absence at March Meeting. All in Favor So Carried
3. Written communications

Clerk Report

• Total for General Fund $2939.52
• Total for Trust and Agency $500.00
• NYS Ag&Mkts $5.00
• Total report for March 2024 $3444.52

Mail Review- Hazardous Waste Collection Day-Saturday May 4th. Details on website.

Correspondence for Web Committee-NONE

4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Councilman Desmond -Highway report-Tractor auctioned-Auction ended today.
   • Councilman Gildersleeve-Researching new laptop for Building inspector/Code Enforcement. Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson and Seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve spending amount of $1400.00 for the new laptop. All in Favor. So Carried.
   • Dawn-Grant that was applied for should have response by next meeting. Columbia County 250^th (2026) anniversary committee meeting, Anniversary will be incorporated into Flag Day in June. Playground committed hopes to have on site meeting with Parkitect in April. 3 New AED’s need to be placed and training scheduled.
     • Chris Nolan spoke regarding Zoom call with Tribal members.
5. Old Business
   • Park Committee to meet next week.
   • Comprehensive Plan Update-Plans distributed. Next meeting discussions Assessments and Definitions. Meeting is Monday, April 8th 7PM. Scheduled completion still on track.
   • Buckwheat Bridge Repair-This bridge is on the replacement list for the county and if approved will be mostly state funded.
6. New Business
   • Fox Hollow Road-Resolution 41 of 2024-Adoption of Fox Hollow Road as Town Road. Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.
   • RFP-Painting of Community House. Two Bids received and opened
     • #1 WS Carpentry and Services LLC $71,350.00
     • #2 Reynolds Painting LLC $17,750.00
   • Motion to accept Bid #2 Reynolds Painting LLC made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried
   • County Estimate Turkey Hill Road-Resolution 43-2024. $82,500. —Road is expected to be closed 3-4 wks. Motion to accept County Estimate made by Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So Carried.
   • Brownfield Estimate-$22,500.00
   • Surplus Property-Church Avenue. Supervisor Staats recused himself from discussion and removed himself from the room as this property borders his property. Per Highway Superintendent the property is no longer utilized or necessary for the Highway department. Motion to Surplus the property via the Town Attorney for Public bid by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried. (Supervisor Staats returned)
   • Ballfield Dedication- Many years ago upon donation of property currently the ballfield on County Route 6 by GTel included and agreement to Memorialize Randy Bohnsack. Motion to allow GTel/Bohnsack Family to Create the memorial sign by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So Carried. Supervisor Staats to make the appropriate notification.
7. Supervisors Report-
   • Burn ban in effect until 5/15/24
   • County has purchased 11 Warren Street for major renovation and county offices.
8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to Pay Trust and Agency abstract #2 Vouchers #2-3 $822.06 By Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #4 Vouchers #77-97 $15,698.76 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried
   • Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #4A Vouchers #74-76 $459.03 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilwoman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #4 Voucher #19-31 $15,085.19 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
9. Public Communication/Comments to Board-
   • Presidential Primary Tuesday, April 2nd

Motion to adjourn at 8:00PM 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

March 27, 2024

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 27, 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 Ben Peacock.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, February 28, 2024. A motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Lee Gallant, to approve the February 2024 minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Anna Mclellan, 324 Pleasantvale Road, Tax ID #120.-1-13.2, Motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing. All in favor. So carried. Anna Mclellan, represented by Martin Willms, came before the Board seeking a 5’ variance for an access driveway. Martin Willms presented the description of the proposed planner the access driveway. The Highway Department has concluded the proposed location to be be acceptable. Motion to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Ben Peacock. All in favor. So carried. There is a typo on the Site Plan which will be corrected. The short form SEQRA was read and a negative Impact was declared. Role Call vote was held:

Hank Himelright Yes
Luke Kumbris Yes
Ben Peacock Yes
Don Van Wagner Yes
Lee Gallant Yes
The application was approved.

Hank Himelright, ZBA Chair, will not be available for the April 2024 meeting. Luke Kumburis will conduct the April meeting.

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

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
March 13, 2024

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Jesse Cutaia, Mary Howard, and Nathan Hempel. Matthew Griesemer, Town Attorney, was also in attendance.

After review of the February 14, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller to approve the minutes as corrected. All in favor. So carried.

Dianne O’Neal returned to report the outcome of her quest to merge 3 parcels. She reported Columbia County Real Property approved the merging of the 3 parcels. No further action was needed.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jesse Cutaia, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont

Town Board Meeting
March 4th, 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 4th at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Councilwoman Brownson was not present.

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 February meeting minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
3. Written communications/Mail review

Clerk Report

• Total for General Fund $527.00
• NYS Ag&Mkts $10.00
• Columbia County Solid Waste $ 23.00
• Total report for February 2024 $560.00

Mail Review-NONE

Correspondence for Web Committee-NONE

4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Bob -Highway report
   • New tractor -Arrived, Tyler, Adom and Pat are happy with it and it is working well. Motion made by Councilman Desmond to surplus the old tractor, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
   • Lindsey-Playground committee hopeful to have a presentation to the board soon.
   • Kris-Allstate checked in to see how we are with the new printer-some concerns discussed and Kris will follow up.
     • State conference- Standout communications regarding solar farms and several communities voicing concern regarding large solar farms on thousands of acres of farmlands. Suggestion is to reach out to your local legislator. Town of Clermont does have restrictions in place.
     • Website Updates-Assessment documentation will be uploaded soon
   • Dawn-not present however she did provide a list of Donors via email for the Park Fundraiser. Supervisor Staats read the list of donors.
     • Chris Nolan requested to speak about the artifacts and that he would be conferencing with 2 members of the Tribal community.
5. Old Business
   • Columbia Greene Humane Society Boarding-Contract Received. Motion to accept the contract and approve signature was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute and Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried
   • Turkey Hill Road Repair-Estimated cost should be ~ $82,000 vs original estimate of $350,000. There will be a possible road closure needed for safety 3-4 wks. Possible Start in June when the weather is Dry.
   • Stahl Bridge/Pleasantvale Road Work will be started soon.
   • Park Update-Packet provided to Board with Estimated costs.
     • Seeds design did not provide estimated cost for spring clean up
     • Lehans provided full estimate

Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute and Seconded by Supervisor Staats to accept Lehans estimated costs in the amount of $9675.00 for Park Maintenance services for 2024. Councilman Gildersleeve and Councilman Desmond Both abstained.

6. New Business
   • Comprehensive Plan meeting Monday, March 11th 7PM
   • RFP-Painting of Community House will be posted for Bids due April 1st. April 1st bids will be opened.
   • Updated Sexual Harassment policy received from Attorney. Resolution 40 of 2024 presented as updated policy. Motion to accept updated policy made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried
7. Supervisors Report-
   • Columbia County Solid Waste-Increase in Scale minimum to $20.00, Increased disposal fee for Tires, mattresses etc. New Fees are posted on Solid Waste website. May 4th is the next Hazardous Material Collection day.
8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #3A Vouchers #42-44 $541.13 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #3 Voucher #10-18 $121,748.80 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #3 Vouchers #45-73 $9,451.20 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
9. Public Communication/Comments to Board-None

Motion to enter executive session at 8:02PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried. No Further town business will be conducted after executive session. Motion to exit executive session at 8:13PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried

Motion to adjourn at 8:14PM by Councilman Gildersleeve, 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

February 28, 2024

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 28, 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, and Ben Peacock.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, January 24, 2024. A motion was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Lee Gallant, to approve the January 2024 minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Anna Mclellan, 324 Pleasantvale Road, Tax ID #120.-1-13.2, came before the Board seeking a 5’ variance for an access driveway. Martin Willms, representing the Applicant, stated the Clermont Highway Department has been consulted by the Applicant. Motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Lee Gallant, to accept the application as presented. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to schedule a Public Hearing for the March 27, 2024 meeting of the ZBA. All in favor. So carried.

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



Respectfully submitted,

Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

February 14, 2024

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen, Ron Miller, Jesse Cutaia, Mary Howard, and Nathan Hempel. After review of the January 10, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

There was no old business.

Billy Cole, 9G North Storage, 3671 Route 9G, Tax ID # 190.-1-31, came before the Board with updates on the proposed site plan amendment for the previously approved storage units. Constructing 2 of the storage units as climate control and adding U-Haul Rentals are part of the proposed amendment. The Applicant will return next month with the revised site plan.

Dianne O’Neal came before the Board regarding merging 3 parcels. She was advised a new deed with descriptions will be required. She will confer with the surveyor of the property.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber,
Secretary

Town of Clermont
Town Board Meeting
February 5th, 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 5th at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Deputy Clerk Lee Gallant was Clerk of the meeting.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7:00 with the Pledge of Allegiance Led by Supervisor Staats

1. Presentation by Suzette Booy-Director of Real Property and Cheryl Kaszluga-Assessor for the Town of Clermont.
   • Update regarding process of revaluation-Last done in the Town of Clermont 2019
   • Last year the equalization rate at 75%, state indicates trending increase sales in area.
   • Inventory letters were sent out several months ago to assist with evaluation
   • Preliminary values will be mailed out ~ March 1st. This notice is an assessment disclosure notice, It will display hypothetical projected taxes for Town, County and School. Changes can be expected based on County and School rates.
   • Evaluation is to make sure that everyone is assessed fairly.
   • June 4th is the Board of Assessment review for Grievances-each resident is provided 10 minutes to present
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of Organizational and January meeting minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried
3. Written communications/Mail review

Clerk Report

1. Total for General Fund $1496.63
2. NYS Ag&Mkts $11.00
3. Columbia County Solid Waste $ 90.00
4. Total report for January 2024 $1597.63

Mail Review-NONE

Correspondence for Web Committee-NONE

4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Bob -Highway report
     • New tractor will be in soon
   • Lindsey-Playground meeting Sunday the 11th.
   • Kris-Nothing to report
   • Dawn-All 3 AED’s are in. Saved over $1650 dollars in sales. Possible to have some training/overview.
     • January 15th was the deadline for Bank of Greene County Grant. Submitted and we should hear in April with receipt of money in July.
     • Comp Plan will be submitted for $10,000 Grant
5. Old Business
   • Columbia Greene Humane Society Boarding-Will send contract
   • Turkey Hill Road Repair-Met with County Highway/Tyler and engineers. Will need to rent excavator for the project-County will present an estimate for the excavator and additional costs. County is very confident that it can be done, awaiting estimates and is expected soon and to come in less than originally expected. Work is hopeful to start May or June.
   • Park Donation-Thank you to Mary Shannon for last months donation-Next Month we will have a full list of donations
   • Sales Tax Revenue-4th quarter $156,986.00 just down slightly from last years 4th quarter. $620,108.00 for the year considerably more than budgeted. Help to fund our budget, no tax increase in Town for 15 Years. Spending local helps our Town.
   • Policy review-County will no longer review policies, reached out to attorney-He will review. County will do Sexual Harassment training.
   • Park Update-Pricing for Major spring cleanup, Starting April regular maintenance. Pricing increased. 30% increase over last year. Additional estimates are needed.
6. New Business
   • Resolution Review of Books for Tax Collector, Town Clerk, Supervisor and the Court- Motion made to approve Resolution 39 of 2024 to accept and approve the review of the Books by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
7. Supervisors Report-Nothing further than already discussed
8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #2A Vouchers #14-16 $475.51 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #2 Voucher #2-9 $11,301.73 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Trust & Agency abstract #1 Voucher #1 $65.50 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #2 Vouchers #17-41 $20,668.03 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

9. Public Communication/Comments to Board-None
   • Comprehensive Plan update by Mary Howard
     • Beginning work on Zoning updates -Hopefully done by July
     • Monthly meeting 2nd Monday

– Next meeting February 12th.

Motion to adjourn at 8:08PM by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

January 10, 2024

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen, Ron Miller, Jesse Cutaia, and Nathan Hempel. After review of the December 13, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Jennifer Phillips to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

There was no old business.

Dan Russell came before the Board seeking information regarding 2 lots which are separated by 1800’ but have the same tax ID #. He was referred to the County Real Property office for the process of obtaining a new Tax ID#.

With no further business, a motion was made byJesse Cutaia, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary