Meeting Minutes 2025

Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals
1795 Route 9
Germantown, NY 12526

January 22, 2025

The Clermont ZBA Held its meeting on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall.

Motion to open the meeting Lee Gallant, Second to motion Ben Peacock.

The started with Salute to the Flag. Members attending were Luke Kumbris, Lee Gallant, Ben Peacock.

Luke Kumbris asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or Omissions to the last Minutes of the last meeting, December 18, 2024. A correction was made by Lee Gallant Don Van Wagner was not present. All in Favor.

The Chairperson Luke Kumburis open the meeting to Jonathan Schroeder & Katrin Hecker, at 167 Cementery Rd, Tax #179.-193. Came before the Board with architect Design plans for the Solae panels & trees. He explained that the trees will obstruct the view of the solar panels, addressing the neighbors’ concerns. Due to the Weather trees will be planted in the spring and will applied for the permit at a later time.

Motion to pass Lee Gallant, second Ben Peacock, All in favor.

New Business
The New Secretary introduced, Ben Peacock & New ChairPerson Luke Kumburis, second Chairperson Lee Gallant.
Lee Gallant will request a new email address for the ZBA Board members to check new applications 20 days before the meeting.

With no other business, motion to adjourn was made by Lee Gallant, Second Ben Peacock
All in favor

Respectfully
Peggy Fieser, Secretary.

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
January 8, 2025

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Ron Miller, Nathan Hempel, Mary Howard, Jennifer Phillips, Jesse Cutaia, and Tom Jantzen.

After review of the December 11, 2024 minutes, motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to approve the minutes as corrected. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Katrin Hecker. All in favor. So carried.

Katrin Hecker, 167 Cemetery Road, Tax ID #179.-1.93, represented by Jonathan Schroeder of Sun of NY Solar LLC, is seeking a site plan approval for a ground mount solar array. Brendon Minkler-Chorney, owner of adjoining property at the Southeast corner of the Hecker property, voiced concern about screening so the array is not visible. Following discussion regarding screening, it was agreed upon by all parties additional evergreen trees will be added by the Applicant to fill in the gaps of the existing evergreen trees. With no further public comments, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. SEQRA was read by Mary Howard. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, for a negative declaration. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the application with the mitigating factor of the addition of evergreen trees. All in favor. So carried.

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 8:35pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont

Town Board Meeting
January 6th, 2025

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 6th, 2025, at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7:00 PM immediately following the organizational meeting by Supervisor Staats
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of December 2024 Minutes. Motion to accept by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
   • Approval of Year end 2024 Minutes. Motion to accept by Councilman Gildesleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried
3. Written communications/Mail review

Clerk Report

1. Total for General Fund $725.00
2. NYS Ag&Mkts $10.00
3. Columbia County Solid Waste $ 160.00
4. Total report for December 2024 $895.00
5. Mail Review- None.
6. Web Committee-None

4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Bob-Report on Highway department-None
   • Lindsey
     • Sign Update-The sign will be thin but Rigid and should last ~ 10 years or more with regular cleaning. The sign can be repainted if necessary. Cost $5925 plus $500 for extra thickness. Motion to approve Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor so carried
     • Newsletter-Susannah Bradley will be working on the monthly newsletter
   • Kris
     • Received a website alert that was a false alarm
     • Antivirus available from existing purchase from end of 2022 New antivirus purchased for 2025
   • Dawn-
     • No updates on Grants
5. Old Business
   • Park Update-Playground equip delivered, all except one piece that was damaged prior to arrival. Playground volunteers met with Parkitect. Planning 1^st 2 weekends in May for volunteer build. Inspection completed by Mother’s Day and can open next day.
   • Comprehensive Plan Update- Public Hearing February 3^rd 6PM. Copies of plans have been emailed to all Planning and Zoning members as well as Code enforcement. Green lettering is new/added Red is removed. Town Board made a motion to accept the Drafts as received.
   • Stahl Bridge-Open
6. New Business
   • Code Enforcement would like to review PB and ZBA applications prior to submission to Boards. Need Resolution for February Town Board Meeting.
   • Review Books 1/18 10AM-Noon Interviews for ZBA position Noon.

7. Supervisors Report-
   • Town Christmas Party was a nice event.
   • Decorations-Need more for 2026
   • County Budget-New committee for Solid Waste
   • No Bus updates yet

8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #1 Voucher #1-4 $4,632.16By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #1 Vouchers #1-18 $30,259.33 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to Board-None

Motion to enter executive session at 8:21 PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

There will be no additional business for the Town Board after executive session.

Motion to exit executive session at 8:35PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried

Motion to adjourn at 8:36PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

RESOLUTIONS
January 6, 2025

2025 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

RESOLUTION #01-2025

Time/Date for Regular Town Board Meetings

First Monday of every month at 7:00 P.M. In the case of Monday holidays or cancellations due to inclement weather, the meetings will be held on the Tuesday after the 1^st Monday.

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #02-2025

Town Board Meeting Rules and Regulations

1. Call to order
2. Salute of Flag
3. Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting
4. Written communications to the Town Board:

Town Clerk Report

Mail Review

5. Committee Reports and Updates
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Supervisors Report
9. Pay Abstracts
10. Public Comment/Communication – Public comments will be taken at the end of the meeting at the discretion of the Supervisor, unless engaged during the meeting.
11. Adjournment

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #03-2025

Naming Official Newspaper

Register Star

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #04-2025

Naming Bank for Deposits

1. Supervisor Bank of Greene County

2. Town Clerk Bank of Greene County

3. Tax Collector Bank of Greene County

4. Justice Christensen Bank of Greene County

5. Justice Banks Bank of Greene County

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #05-2025

Authorize Town Supervisor to appoint a bookkeeper.

1. Pursuant to Section 29 of the Town Law
2. Necessary for proper conduct of Town Affairs

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #06-2025

Authorize Town Supervisor to temporarily invest idle monies in accordance with the Town Investment policy (General Municipal Law, Section 11)

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #07-2025

Appoint Official Dog Shelter

Columbia Greene Humane Society

Round Top Animal Hospital

71 Palatine Park Road, Suite 8

Germantown, New York 12526

(518) 537-7387

Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #08-2025

Appoint Official Dog Control Officer at the Budgeted Amount.

Desiree Webber

Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #09-2025

Authorize Town Justices to hire a Court Stenographer when necessary.

1. For a proper record of testimony
2. Within limit of 2025 budget

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #10-2025

Appoint Town Historian

Dawn Brownson

Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #11-2025

Appoint Code Enforcement Officer

Eli Fieser at Annual Salary at Budgeted Amount

Deputy Code Enforcement Officer at $100.00 per month, if needed.

(Appointed by Code Enforcement Officer)

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #12-2025

Appoint Town Attorney (for Town, Planning & Zoning Boards, Assessor)

(Within 2025 budget limits)

Freeman-Howard, P.C., Hudson, New York

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #13-2025

Appoint Town Engineer

CPL (Clark Patterson Lee)

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #14-2025

Designate Official Representatives to Association of Towns Annual Meeting

Supervisor Staats and Councilman Gildersleeve

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #15-2025

Establish 70 Cents Per Mile Rate for official Town Travel. (Per Federal Guidelines effective 1/1/25)

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #16-2025

Authorize Town Supervisor to sign 2025 State and Local Youth Contracts

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #17-2025

Appoint Registrar of Vital Statistics

Tracey Gallant

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #18-2025

Re-appoint Laurence Saulpaugh, Chair of the Planning Board

Re-appoint Mary Howard, Deputy Chairman.

Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #19-2025

Re-appoint Desiree Webber, Planning Board Secretary

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #20-2025

Appoint Luke Kumburis, Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals

Appoint Lee Gallant – Deputy Chairman

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #21-2025

Appoint Peggy Fieser Zoning Board Secretary

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #22-2025

Town Clerk’s appointments for Deputy Clerk and Deputy Registrar of Vital

Statistics –Lee Gallant and Connie Campisi

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #23-2025

Town Highway Superintendent’s appointment for Deputy Highway

Superintendent – Adom Lawyer

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #24-2025

Town Supervisor’s appointment for Deputy Supervisor

Robert Desmond for term of January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025.

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #25-2025

Town Supervisor’s appointment for Budget Officer

Raymond J. Staats

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #26-2025

Town Supervisor’s appointment for Town Bookkeeper

Brian Fitzgerald, CPA, PC

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #27-2025

Town Board Committees CHAIR CO-CHAIR

Auditing All Town Board Members

Building & Grounds Robert Desmond Raymond Staats

Cable TV, Internet Networking Kris Gildersleeve Lindsey Lusher Shute

Grants Dawn Brownson Lindsey Lusher Shute

Highway Robert Desmond Raymond Staats

Insurance All Town Board Members

Legal Raymond Staats

Planning, Zoning and

Board of Assessment Review Robert Desmond Lindsey Lusher Shute

Recreation and Community Event Kris Gildersleeve Dawn Brownson

Village Green Committee Liaison to Town Board – Tami Connolly Easter Egg Hunt

Barbecue

Election Day Dinner

Holiday Program

School Liaison Kris Gildersleeve Lindsey Lusher Shute

Historical Committee Dawn Brownson Lindsey Lusher Shute

Parkland Use Robert Desmond Lindsey Lusher Shute

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #28-2025

Appoint Kris Gildersleeve Webmaster for Clermont’s website

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #29-2025

Appoint representative Ray Tousey to the Columbia County Office for Aging for the term of

January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025.

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #30-2025

Re-appoint members of the Board of Ethics for the term of

January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025.

Mary Howard

Susan Rifenburgh

Tracey Gallant

Ray Tousey

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

RESOLUTION #31-2025

Re-appoint Thomas Jantzen to the Planning Board for a seven-year term,

January 1, 2025- December 31, 2031.

Motion made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve

All in favor – So carried

Appoint (Open Position-TBD) to the Zoning Board for a five-year term,

January 1, 2025- December 31, 2029.

RESOLUTION #32-2025

Accept 2025 Salaries stated in the 2025 Budget, as follows:

1. OFFICESALARY PAY BASIS

Supervisor $ 6,000.00/yr Monthly Payroll

Councilpersons (4) $ 2,800.00/yr Monthly Payroll

Town Justice $ 6,000.00/yr Monthly Payroll

Town Justice $ 6,000.00/yr Monthly Payroll

Town Clerk $ 9,500.00/yr Monthly Payroll

Deputy Town Clerk $ 20.00 hr. Monthly per hour

1. Tax Collector $ 5,000.00/yr Monthly Payroll

Highway Superintendent $58,300.00/yr Bi-weekly Payroll

2. Certified Assessor $17,000.00/yr Monthly Payroll

Court Clerk (1) $ 408.33/mo Monthly Payroll

Code Enforcement Officer $15,500.00/yr Monthly Payroll

Deputy Code Enforcement Officer$ $ 100.00/mo as needed

Town Custodian $ 2,200/yr Monthly Payroll

Assessment Review Board Mtg. $ 100.00/day By Voucher

Additional time Minimum Wage By Voucher

Secretary – BAR Minimum Wage By Voucher

Zoning Chairperson $ 1,150.00/yr Yearly Payroll *

Planning Chairperson $ 1,150.00/yr Yearly Payroll *

Zoning Co-Chairperson $ 950.00/yr Yearly Payroll *

Planning Co-Chairperson $ 950.00/yr Yearly Payroll *

Zoning Members $ 900.00/yr Yearly Payroll *

Planning Members $ 900.00/yr Yearly Payroll *

Zoning Secretary $ 1,100.00/yr Yearly Payroll

Planning Secretary $ 1,100.00/yr Yearly Payroll

Trial Juror Minimum Wage By Voucher

Dog Control Officer $ 375.00/mo Monthly Payroll

*If any Planning or Zoning Board member is absent for more than two meetings, that members salary will be reduced by $100.00 for each additional absence.

Alternate members of the Planning and Zoning Board will be paid $50.00 per meeting when called upon to participate by the Chairperson.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Full Time $24.06 Bi-weekly Payroll

Part Time ( Summer ) Minimum Wage Bi-weekly Payroll

Part Time ( Winter ) Minimum Wage Bi-weekly Payroll

Deputy Highway Superintendent $1,000/yr ½ in June, ½ in December

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson

All in favor – So carried

Resolution #33 -2025 – Town of Clermont Fee Schedule for Building Department Fees and Zoning and Planning Fees.

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond

All in favor – So carried

Resolution #34-2025 – Town of Clermont Official Undertaking of Municipal Officers

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.

All in favor – So carried

Resolution #35-2025 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board with the Canaan Fellowship for the use of the Clermont Community House for the period January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 according to the terms and conditions of the lease.

Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Desmond

All in favor – So carried

Resolution #36-2025 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Columbia Greene Humane Society to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

Resolution #37-2025 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Round Top Animal Hospital to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond

All in favor – So carried

These agreements will be reviewed with the other policies of the Town.

1. Review Highway Personnel Policy (Note Changes if Any)

2. Review Procurement Policy (Note Changes if Any)

3. Review Fixed Assets

4. Review Investment Policy (Note Changes if Any)

5. Sexual Harassment Policy

6. Code of Ethics

7. Cash Management

8. Emergency Preparedness Plan

9. Review Road Bonds (If any)

10. Review Other Bonds (If any)

11. Review Workplace Violence Policy

Set time and date to review books and records of Town Clerk, Town Justices, Tax Collector and Supervisor on Saturday, January 18^th, 10 AM Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond

All in favor – So carried

A motion was made to adjourn the organizational meeting and enter into the regular meeting by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve

All in favor – So carried

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk