Board Meeting Minutes

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
June 10, 2020

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Nathan Hempel, Mary Howard, Ron Miller, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town, Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the March 2020 minutes, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

John Moran, Tax ID# 192.00-01-37.11, represented by Lindsey Schultz, came before the Board regarding a Lot Line change. 50’ from the property will be added to an existing parcel of 27.2 acres. Motion to deem the application complete was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen. All in favor. So carried. The Short Environmental Assessment Form was read with motion made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Ron Miller, to declare a negative impact. All in favor. So carried. Motion to waive a Public Hearing was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard, to approve the lot line change. All in favor. So carried.

110 Mill Road, (Solar), Falck Renewables, represented by Teddy Epstein and Jerry Leone, came before the Board presenting a proposed large scale solar project at 110 Mill Road and seeking information on the requirements for a variance. It was explained by the Board Clermont zoning permits 10 acres. The proposed site is 25.9 acres. An application was not submitted.

Billy Cole, 3541 9G, presented revised plans for four self storage buildings, each 130’x130’.

Discussion was held regarding Red Wing Quarry. The Planning Board agreed to be lead agency. A motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to appoint Matthew Griesemer, Town Attorney, to act on its behalf in relation to Red Wing Properties, Inc. and request lead agency status in the DEC permitting process. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to adjourn by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MINUTES
JUNE 1, 2020

The Clermont Town Board held their regular meeting on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. via teleconference due to the COVID-19 virus. Those participating were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher-Shute and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve and Town Clerk Mary Helen Shannon.

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance.

MINUTES:

Councilwoman Brownson asked for corrections to the May minutes under committee reports, section on Grants. The corrections will be made. A motion was made to accept the minutes with corrections by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

TOWN CLERKS REPORT: The Clerk’s report was sent out via email and after review was accepted by the Supervisor. The Supervisor was presented with a check for the General Fund in the amount of $146.09 and for Trust and Agency for $1416.90.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• The Democratic Presidential Primary will be held on June 23, 2020 from 6 AM to 9 PM.
• The Republican Primary to choose a representative in the U.S. Congress, 19th Congressional District will also take place on this date and times.
• There is early voting scheduled from June 13 to June 21 at 401 State Street, Hudson. Check County Elections website for times which do vary.
• The Supervisor submitted budget and revenue reports to board members.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• PARK DISCUSSION: There was discussion on the following regarding the Park.

1. Councilman Desmond would like to see this added to the sign ‘using park at your own risk’. This was something that was approved previously by our attorney for the Little League field sign.
2. Also, add ‘all children must be supervised by parent or guardian’. This could be added to sign. This could be determined by age of children, such as, ‘under age 12’ etc.
3. Discussed the wording about contacting 911 or the Sheriff’s department with any concerns, etc. on the sign.
4. Discussed ‘Use of illegal drugs’ as opposed to ‘recreational drugs’ citing the difference between ‘illegal and recreational’ as currently described. The suggestion was to change to ‘or drug use’.
5. The discussion about whether or not ‘firearms’ should be prohibited and on sign. Councilman Gildersleeve is still against having firearms prohibited as doing so, would make the park a ‘soft target’. He has not seen this on other park signs. Supervisor Staats stated that this would not follow state guidelines for state parks, schools or recreational parks to not restrict firearms. Councilwoman Lusher-Shute believes it is consistent with the workplace violence policy. Councilman Gildersleeve believes that was written for community park. Suggested ‘no display or discharging of firearms’ as an alternative. Supervisor Staats will get opinions from the attorney on these.
6. Councilwoman Lusher-Shute said the committee will be making a recommendation on where to move the piles of gravel which are on the park site. On this the Supervisor suggested that the needs of the Highway department be considered and it must be discussed with the Highway Superintendent.
7. The committee is seeking adoption of the official plan for the park. Councilman Desmond suggested adopting as a guide rather than a plan.
8. Veterans Pathway: It might be necessary to meet with the committee on the relocation suggested of the pathway to be sure it is accessible and not more costly.
9. We should consider any input from neighbors of the park.

• WEBSITE: Councilman Gildersleeve has been updating the website concerning Coronavirus, minutes, meeting schedules, etc. G-tel has updated the website also.
• GRANTS: Councilwoman Brownson has inquired about the 2019 Iroquois grant and if it can be extended until August 31, 2020 to complete the fencing. She is waiting for a reply on this. The 2020 Iroquois grant was submitted for 77 trees and fencing to protect from deer for a total of $9,000.00 and we should hear in a few weeks. The AARP Community Challenge grant was sent in requesting 10 park benches and materials for the Veterans pathway for a total of $9,000.00.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Supervisor Staats thanked all that have been involved with the meetings and realizes it is difficult doing these meetings over the phone.
• CHIPS Funding: The funds are still secure and the Highway Superintendent will only do the work on the roads that are covered by the funds.

NEW BUSINESS:

• SALES TAX: Councilman Desmond asked if the 2nd quarter sales tax check has been received, but the Supervisor said it has not but should be in the next few weeks. Councilwoman Brownson asked if we should meet in the next few weeks to discuss any budget adjustments.
• RE-OPENING TOWN HALL: Supervisor Staats is recommending re-opening the town hall beginning with the Planning Board meeting on June 10 at 7:30 P.M. The Town Clerk’s office will reopen on Saturday, June 13th from 10 AM to 12 PM and the ZBA meeting will be held on the 24th of June at 7:30 P.M. The Town Board will hold their July meeting on July 6th.

ABSTRACTS:

• A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #6, vouchers #45-51 in the amount of $5,356.18, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General abstract #6A, vouchers # 133 to 146 in the amount of $2,676.60, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve General prepaid abstract #6, vouchers #126-132 in the amount of $565.85, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.

Councilwoman Brownson if anyone had received any phone calls from anyone needed assistance with shopping, etc. No one has heard from anyone.

A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 8:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk

No meeting held due to the Town Hall closure during COVID-19.

No meeting held due to the Town Hall closure during COVID-19.

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MINUTES
MAY 4, 2020

The Clermont Town Board held their regular town board meeting on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. via teleconference due to the covid-19 virus. Those participating were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve and Town Clerk Mary Helen Shannon.

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance.

MINUTES: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the April meeting by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried,

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk’s report was sent out via email and after review was accepted. The Town Clerk presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund in the amount of $3,584.58.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Supervisor Staats sent the board members copies of the budget and revenue reports, deposits for the month and town clerk’s report for April.
• Website: Councilman Gildersleeve has been updating the website with information concerning the Coronavirus and a link for anyone that needs assistance during this difficult time. The emergency preparedness has been updated but there will be additional additions to come.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• PARK: Councilman Desmond commented that the volunteers planted the trees and shrubs ordered since last month. The pathway to the Veterans Monument has also been marked out.
• Supervisor Staats was at the town garage distributing masks and sanitizers provided by the County to about 35 – 40 people. New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal will be sending more masks. An announcement will be made on G-tel and the newspaper when the next distribution will be held. Councilman Desmond and Councilwoman Brownson helped with the distribution.
• GRANTS: Councilwoman Brownson will seek an extension on completing the 2019 Iroquois Grant. The AARP Community Challenge grant is due on May 15th. She will request five park benches, fill for the pathway to the Veterans memorial which overlooks the soccer fields used by three local towns. The Iroquois Community Grant Program for $9,203.00 for purchasing and planting trees and deer protection materials for the park was submitted on May 1st.

OLD BUSINESS:

• PARK: Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported that the park committee met on April 26th and nominated Amy Parrella as chair and Jennifer Phillips as secretary.

MOTION: A motion was made to appoint Amy Parrella as chair of the Park Committee by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.

The Town Board will communicate with the committee as to what the next projects will be to work on. Councilman Gildersleeve would like to be sure that he is on the email list for the committee. Councilwoman Lusher Shute has not heard back from Fast Signs on the entrance sign.

NEW BUSINESS:

• SALES TAX: The Supervisor received the check for Sales Tax Revenue for the 1st Quarter of 2020 which is 4% higher than last year at this time. The County is estimating a 20% lower revenue of the rest of the year. Supervisor Staats believes we will still be on par with what we budgeted. The CHIPS funds for essential road repair should be arriving and we will only do repairs and maintenance which will be covered by these funds, using none from our budget.
• FUEL OIL BIDS: The Supervisor requested price estimates on rates for next year.

Valley Energy – 1.899

K & H Fuel Oil – could not compete

Main Care Energy – No lock in rate available

Bottini Fuel – 2.05 or 2.35

We currently get our fuel from Valley Energy.

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to accept the bid from Valley Energy at $1.899 gallon. All in favor. So carried.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

• TOWN HALL BATHROOM: Supervisor Staats donated his time and crews time to bring the ladies room in the town hall up to physically handicapped accessibility. Also, installed a ramp from the main room to the bathroom access. The board and clerk thanked him for a very nice job that was done.
• The Supervisor thanked all that have helped with the park work and Councilman Desmond and Councilwoman Brownson for helping with the masks and sanitizer.

ABSTRACTS:

• A motion was made to approve General Abstract #5A, voucher #111-125 in the amount of $6,246.75 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made to approve Highway abstract #5, voucher #37 – 44 in the amount of $18,645.85 by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made to approve General prepaid abstract #5, vouchers #108 – 110 in the amount of $184.53 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.

GRIEVANCE DAY: The date for Grievance Day would be Tuesday, June 2nd this year. We have not heard officially if this will take place on that date. Will wait for word from Suzette Booy, Director of Columbia County Real Property and our Assessor Cheryl Kaszluga and John Gall, Chairman, Board of Assessment Review. It will be posted on the website.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:00 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk

No meeting held due to the Town Hall closure during COVID-19.

CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS
APRIL 20, 2020

The Clermont Fire Commissioners did not hold a regular meeting but held it by email contact and telephone due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, Commissioner Ray Bauer, Commissioner Joseph Scott and Commissioner Ronald Miller were contacted.

MINUTES: Treasurer Denise Fiore submitted the minutes from the March meeting in the absence of the Secretary. They were accepted with one correction from Chairwoman Rifenburgh on page 11 to change the name Cody Rockefeller to Evan Tompkins on a motion made by Commissioner Ray Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Joe Scott. All in favor. So carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT;

Treasurer Fiore emailed the following Treasurer’s report for April:

Total amount of March 2020 invoices paid ……………………………………………………$ 12,360.95

Proposed April 2020 Invoices ……………………………………………………………………..$ 3,520.00

Paid April 2020 invoices ……………………………………………………………………………$399,232.41

Total ………………………………………………………………………….$402,752.41

Reconciliation of Accounts

The Bank of Greene County Balances to Date

Money Market Checking Balance** ………………………………………………………………$591,094.63*

* Includes interest paid on 3/3120 in the amount of $121.80

** Transfer to checking ($396,925.00) for truck not reflected in

Money Market balance

Checking balance ………………………………………………………………………………………..$ 4,556.62

Plus Deposit 4/1/2020 ………………………………………………………………………………..$396,925.00

Less Outstanding Checks …………………………………………………………………………..$399,746.00

Checking Balance to Date ……………………………………………………………………………..$ 1,735.62

Money Market & Checking A/C Total …………………………………………………………….$195,905.25

Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Equipment ……………………………………………………….$41,786.91 (as of 12/31/19)

Interest 1/1/2020 – 1/31/2020 ………………………………………………………………………………$ 5.30

Interest 2/1/2020 – 2/29/2020 ………………………………………………………………………………$ 4.96

Interest 3/1/2020 – 3/31/2020 ………………………………………………………………………………$ 5.31

Total …………………………………………………………………………….$41,797.18

Capital Reserve Fund for Constr. & Improvement ……………………………………………$33,717.36 (as of 12/31/19)

Interest 1/1/2020 – 1/31/2020 ………………………………………………………………………………$ 4.28

Interest 2/1/2020 – 2/29/2020 ……………………………………………………………………………….$ 4.01

Interest 3/1/2020 – 3/31/2020 ………………………………………………………………………………$ 4.28

Total …………………………………………………………………………….$33,729.93

A motion was made to approve the Treasurers report with all in favor.

With the arrival of the new truck the 1996 International Pumper/Tanker will be declared as surplus equipment by the following resolution approved this date:

RESOLUTION NO. 22 OF 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO DECLARE A FIRE DISTRICT VEHICLE AS

SURPLUS EQUIPMENT

WHEREAS, The Clermont Fire Commissioners, at the April 20th teleconference made a motion to declare the 1996 International Pumper/tanker, 2500 gallon tank with 1250 gpm pump as surplus equipment,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the motion was made to request $60,000.00 for the pumper/tanker:

Motion: Commissioner Raymond Bauer

Seconded: Commissioner Joseph Scott

Upon question of the foregoing Resolution, the following Board members voted “Aye” in favor of the Resolution:

Commissioner Raymond Bauer
Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh
Commissioner Joseph Scott
Commissioner Ronald Miller
Commissioner Susan Rifenburgh

The following members voted “No” in opposition thereto:

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

The resolution having been approved by a majority was declared duly adopted.

DATED: 4/20/2020 Mary Helen Shannon, Secretary

Following the approval of the resolution a Notice of Permissive Referendum will be prepared which is required when the sale price is from $20,000 to $100,000.

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on April 20, 2020 the Clermont Fire District adopted Resolution No. 22 of 2020 authorizing the District to declare a 1996 International Pumper/Tanker with a 2500 gallon tank capable of pumping 1250 GPM as surplus equipment with a purchase price of $60,000.00 subject to a permissive referendum pursuant to Article 7 of the Town Law of the State of New York.

Said resolution is subject to a permissive referendum and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days after the date of its adoption.

By Order of the Clermont Fire Commissioners

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Physicals were received for Richard Larsen, Jr. and Fred Gooderham
• RBC Wealth Management Account Statement for March – $374,505.87
• Fire District Affairs for April – May

FUEL USAGE REPORT:

• 54.7 gallons used from 3/29/20 thru 4/19/20.

CHIEFS REPORT:

There were three calls as follows:

• 3/7/20 – Mutual aid to Claverack – brush fire – 7 firefighters
• 3/13/20 – 51 Quail Lane – smoke/appliance fire – 4 firefighters
• 3/27/20 – 1124 County Route 8 – extinguish brush pile – 11 firefighters

Officers meeting – 3/1/2020 – 2 Officers

Training – 3/5/2020 and 3/12/2020 – OSHA Training – 22 firefighters – 132 hours

The 2020 Toyne Tanker/Pumper arrived on Aril 14^th. Several firefighters attended.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, Secretary
Clermont Fire District

No meeting held due to the Town Hall closure during COVID-19.

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MINUTES
APRIL 6, 2020

The Clermont Town Board meeting was held via a phone conference call on Monday, April 6, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. with the Town Board members and Town Clerk participating. This was necessary as Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a State of Emergency due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Participating are Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve and Town Clerk Mary Helen Shannon.

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES: The minutes of the March 2nd meeting were reviewed and a motion made to accept them by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

The notes taken by Councilwoman Lusher Shute at the special meeting regarding the park committee on March 16, 2020 were accepted as minutes.

Councilman Gildersleeve does have an objection to the wording on the signs for the park indicating or referencing “No Firearms” in the park. He would challenge the use of this wording as a violation of 2nd amendment rights. He does not want any indication about firearms on the signs. Councilman Desmond would motion to accept the signs as amended with no mention of firearms, Supervisor Staats seconded. This will be further discussed with the update to the Sexual Harassment/Workplace Violence Policy.

TOWN CLERKS REPORT:

The Town Clerk read the report for March and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General fund in the amount of $140.70.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond pointed out that local and state parks are closing because of the virus and wondered if we should think about closing off the parks. The Supervisor noted that there are no scheduled games in the near future and there has been no congregating reported.
• Councilwoman Brownson reported that the Landmark open house which the County had scheduled in May to view the Clarkson Chapel on Route 9G has been postponed. She had hoped to have St. Luke’s church opened that weekend, as well.

She will submit the AARP grant application for benches and tables and Iroquois Community grant for trees. She will ask our Highway Superintendent for a quote for gravel material for a pathway to the Veterans monument. Councilman Desmond suggested marking the pathway off so all can see the location.

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute will work on updating the email list on the website.
• PARK SIGNS: Councilwoman Lusher Shute has an estimate for two park entrance signs from Fast Signs in Kingston – two 36-inch high metal signs for $266.04 and two 48-inch high signs for $347.64. She has also received a quote from Amy Parella for plantings and fencing. The estimate is as follows:

Locust posts and rails delivered from Adams – $537.00

Garden soil from Hudson Valley Organics – $235.00

Composted mulch from Hudson Valley Organics – $235.00

Plantings from Chestnut Ridge Nursery – multiple trees – $5369.00

Deer Protection fencing from AM Leonard – $1298.00

Total approximately $7000.00

Supervisor Staats would need a second quote for the trees and would like to purchase local and avoid the freight charges if possible. We do not know how our revenues will be coming in and if we will get any from the state during this crisis.

Councilman Gildersleeve is opposed to the purchase of the signs with any mention of firearms and Councilman Desmond would like to see a proof of what will be on the signs. Councilwoman Lusher Shute will make up a proof of the sign.

Mary Howard of the Planning Board has requested a quote from three business’ for 50 double sided signs to be used the planning and zoning public hearings. They are as follows:

Minute Man – Red Hook $540.00

ColorPage – Kingston – $589.00

Nancy Scans – Chatham – $389.00

It was suggested to wait on purchasing these because of budget concerns. No one was opposed to waiting until next month.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Highway abstract #4, vouchers 26 -36 in the amount of $7,263.40. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve General abstract #4A vouchers 83-107 in the amount of $5,810.71. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General Prepaid abstract #4, vouchers #80 – 82 in the amount of $223.66. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Trust and Agency abstract #4, vouchers #6 – 7 in the amount of $1,062.90. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to adjourn at 7:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk

No meeting held due to the Town Hall closure during COVID-19.