Meeting Minutes 2024

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

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.

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
April 10, 2024

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Ton Jantzen, Jesse Cutaia, Mary Howard, and Nathan Hempel. Matthew Griesemer, Town Attorney, was also in attendance.

After review of the March 13, 2024 minutes, motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Centerline Communications/ AT&T, represented by Brenda Blask, is seeking to add wireless transmission equipment to the existing Verizon tower located at 195 Pleasantvale Road, Tax ID #192.-1-29.1.
After presenting the Site Plan to the Board, and following discussion of the project, motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to deem the application complete and schedule the Public Hearing for May 8, 2024. Tom Jantzen recused himself.

Billy Cole, 9G North Storage, 3571 Rt 9G, Tax ID #190.-1-31, came before the Board seeking an amendment to the previously approved site plan for the storage units located at 3571 Rt 9G. Construction of one 170’x30’ building, and two 110×30’ buildings are being proposed. The buildings will be climate controlled. Following review of the Site Plan, the Board required designated parking for the U-Haul vehicles. The existing exterior lights must be adjusted downward. The Applicant will return with updated maps.

With no further business, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

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