Board Meeting Minutes

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.

CLERMONT SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MINUTES
MARCH 16, 2020

The Town Board held a special meeting which had been scheduled before the necessary shutdown of the town hall due to the Coronavirus outbreak by the Governor. The meeting was closed to the public. Those who were present at the 7:00 P.M. meeting were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve.

Councilman Lusher Shute was good enough to takes notes, in the absence of the Town Clerk.

Summary of meeting outcomes:

• The board would like the committee to continue. At the next formal town board meeting the will officially nominate a Park Committee and chairs. The board will only nominate one committee; if the group would like to have subcommittees or working groups, the group can self-organize. There is also support for a parents playground group.
• Pending a few edits, the board is interested to adopt the plan as an advisory document. Supervisor Staats is speaking with the town lawyer about how to proceed with this action.
• The board approved/prioritized several actions from the plan:
  • A simple rules sign (similar to what is now in Tivoli) to be placed near the parking lots; I will facilitate the creation/purchase of this sign.
  • Finishing the park entrance (including trees; split rail fencing).
  • Planting trees in arboretum near the Route 9 entrance; planting trees near County route 6 parking lot; and, depending on funding, some selective screening plantings.
  • Creation of crushed stone trail to veteran’s monument.
  • Benches along the mowed trail, assuming funding from AARP or other sources.
  • Planting of seed withing the monarch meadow, but not moving new topsoil to area at this time.
  • Relocating piles from stream area.

Councilwoman Brownson and Councilwoman Lusher Shute will work on several funding opportunities, immediately including AARP and Iroquois community grants.

Next Steps:

• If anyone is interested to continue on the park committee, please email Councilwoman Lusher Shute at llshuteny@gmail.com.
• If there are other individuals that you would like to nominate for the park committee, please send their current information.
• Councilwoman Lusher Shute will organize a committee meeting by phone in the next two weeks to nominate chairs, and discuss upcoming plantings and grant proposals.
• She will email Amy Parrella regarding plant material.

CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS
MARCH 16, 2020

The Clermont Fire Commissioners held their monthly meeting on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Commissioner Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, Commissioner Ronald Miller, Commissioner Raymond Bauer and Commissioner Joseph Scott, Jr. Also present was Treasurer Denise Fiore.

Chairwoman Rifenburgh opened the meeting with the salute to the flag and said that meeting would be an open format discussion and would not follow the normal Monthly Meeting Agenda due to COVID-19.

MINUTES: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the February 17, 2020 meeting with one correction on Page 2 correcting the Tax Cap from 1.81% to 1.8 by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.

TREASURERS REPORT:

March 16, 2020 Fire Commissioners’ Treasurer’s Report

RE: February 2020

Total Amount of February 2020 Invoices Paid ________________________$ 20,474.97

RE: March 2020

Proposed March 2020 Invoices ____________$ 9,428.05

Paid March 2020 Invoices ________________$ 2,932.90

———————–Total __________________________________________$12,360.95

Reconciliation of Accounts

The Bank of Greene County Balances to Date

Money Market Checking Balance _______________________________$ 223,218.83*

*Includes interest paid on 2/29/2020 in the amount of $47.31

Checking Balance ____________________________________________ 3,658.73

Plus Deposit 3/3/2020 _________________________________________ 5,000.00

Less Outstanding Checks _______________________________________3,154.13

Checking Balance to Date _______________________________________5,504.60

Money Market & Checking A/C Total ____________________________$ 228,723.43

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

———————–Total _______________________________________$41,791.87

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

———————–Total ______________________________________$33,725.65

Denise Fiore, Treasurer
March 16, 2020

A motion was made by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Miller to accept the Treasurers report for March. All in favor. So carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Physical for Richard Larsen, Jr. received
• RBC Wealth Management statement for January – $405,045.31
• Executed Agreement with Volunteer Fire Department received. Original will be kept with the Treasurer and a copy will be kept in the files.

OPEN DISCUSSION:

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh
No Discussion

INSURANCE: Commissioners Miller and Scott

• Treasurer Fiore said the Clermont Fire Company reimbursed the District for their portion of the 2020 insurance premium in the amount of $1,869.00.

FIRE EQUIPMENT: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh

• Commissioner Saulpaugh said the new truck 6035 will need tie down brackets to hold the equipment on the truck. The brackets will cost between $1,000-$1,500. A motion was made by Commissioner Bauer and seconded by Commissioner Miller to purchase the tie down brackets.

LOSAP: Commissioners S. Rifenburgh and Miller

• Commissioners Rifenburgh and Miller have posted the LOSAP points. After required 30 day posting all signed forms will be mailed.
• Chairwoman Rifenburgh said Evan Tompkins was the only firefighter to qualify in the Defined Contribution Service Award Plan for 2019. She mentioned that these monies must be kept separate.

LAWS AND POLICIES: All Commissioners
No discussion

LEGAL: All Commissioners
No discussion

OLD BUSINESS:

• Commissioner Bauer will check with the Chief to find out the status of the hose purchase from Garrison.

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Chairwoman Rifenburgh received the sexual harassment forms and will put them out.
• Treasurer Fiore said the closing for the new truck 6035 was March 16, 2020 and the funds were deposited into the District’s Money Market bank account that day.
• Treasurer Fiore said the District Accountant, Brian Fitzgerald, broke his ankle is not responding to emails re status of 2019 Audit.
• Commissioner Scott asked if any information has been received from NYS or Columbia County regarding COVID-19. Commissioner Rifenburgh said no information has not so far been received.
• Commissioner Bauer requested a moment of silence in memory of Mark Schiller.

CHIEFS REPORT:

There were ten calls in February as follows:

2/9/20 – Mutual Aid Livingston Structure Fire – 140 Maple Lane

2/10/20 – Wires down – Cedar Hill and Pine Lane

2/10/20 – AAPI – Route 9 (exact location not reported)

2/14/20 – Alarm Activation – 634 Church Avenue

2/14/20 – Mutual Aid Livingston Structure Fire – Route 31

2/15/20 – Mutual Aid Livingston Recall – Route 31

2/16/20 – Smoke Investigation – 874 County Route 6

2/22/20 – Alarm Activation – 104 Mill Road

2/25/20 – Mutual Aid Germantown AAPI – 450 Church Avenue

2/28/20 – Alarm Activation – 760 Woods Road

Monthly Drills/Work Details

2/12/20 – Drill – Thermo Imaging Camera – 7 firefighters attended

2/24/20 – Drill – Drill on roof venting and ladders – 12 firefighters attended

A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Miller to pay the bills. All in favor. So carried.

Commissioner Bauer submitted the fuel report showing 46.8 gallons used.

A motion was made to adjourn at 7:50 P.M. by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Scott.

Respectfully submitted,
Denise Fiore, Treasurer
Clermont Fire District

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MINUTES
MARCH 2, 2020

The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. at

the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. There were three others present.

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag. A motion was made to move into executive session to discuss contract negotiations by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 7:00 P.M. All in favor. So carried. A motion was made to come out of executive session at 7:25 by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.

MINUTES:

A motion was made to accept the minutes by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So carried.

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk presented a check for the General Fund to the Supervisor in the amount of $345.11.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Columbia County Department of Health Free Rabies Clinics for 2020. Will be posted on the Town website and at the town hall.
• Keeping Identities of Seniors Safe – 3/16/20 to 3/27/20 on Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• List of dates and times for Elections for 2020. Seeking Election Workers – contact Board of Elections at 518-828-3115.
• Supervisor Staats submitted the budget and revenue reports to the Board for February.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute reported on the Park. Seeking funding for the park entrance for plantings and fencing and park signage. There will be a special meeting on Monday, March 16th at 6:30 P.M.
• Councilwoman Brownson has been looking at grants for the park. AARP has a grant opportunity due April 1st. The Iroquois Community Grant for an available amount up to $10,000.00 due May 1st could be written for screening.
• Councilwoman Brownson reported that the County Historian will be having a Sacred Sites Open House and will hold it at the Clarkson Chapel on Route 9G, 5/16/2020 and 5/17/2020. She would like to have St. Luke’s Church open on one of the days.
• Councilman Gildersleeve has been working on getting some information and documents updated on the new website.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Policy Updates: Supervisor Staats has submitted our Sexual Harassment Policy and Workplace Violence Policy to the County for recommendations to update the policies.
• The town is also looking at a registration/permit system for special events, wedding venues so that we can know how many events are being held and if they are following what was approved for their permit.
• Sales Tax Revenue: Received check for 4th quarter in the amount of $102,490.30 and the Supervisor urged residents to shop locally.

NEW BUSINESS:

• RESOLUTION NO. 39 OF 2020: To approve our Attorney, Andrew Howard of Freeman-Howard, to enter into a negotiated Order of Settlement with Pleasant Vale Farm, LLC to reduce their real property tax assessment from $875,000 to $800,000.

A motion was made to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

• RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2020: The Supervisor has requested a speed limit reduction on a section of County Route 19 in the Town of Clermont between Elizaville Falls and the Milan Town line in Dutchess County. The speed limit on either end is 45 MPH but this section is 55 MPH. The resolution was approved on a motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
• ESTATE SETTLEMENT: The town has received a check relating to the distribution from the trust of Julia M. Ross who was a resident of Clermont. She lived and worked in Clermont.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

• PARK COMMITTEE: There will be a special meeting on Monday, March 16th at 6:30 P.M. to discuss going forward with the park plan. Amy Parella asked if there would be separate committees and if the plan would be officially adopted in full or in part. These issues will be part of the discussion.
• Columbia County Hazardous Waste Collection Day: To be held on Saturday, May 9th from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the County Highway Garage, Route 23A, Greenport.
• There are burn restrictions effective Monday, March 16th to May 15th.
• The Supervisor reported that the County did not vote on a proposal to make vaccinations mandatory for Camp Counselors.

ABSTRACTS:

• A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General abstract #3A, vouchers #47-79 in the amount of $8,481.96. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General prepaid abstract #3, vouchers #44 – 46 in the amount of $254.80. All in favor. So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #3, vouchers #15 – 25 in the amount of $6059.69. All in favor So carried.
• A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Trust & Agency abstract #3, vouchers 3 – 5 in the amount of $1,813.50. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
None

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute to adjourn at 8:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk

CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS

FEBRUARY 17, 2020

The Clermont Fire Commissioners held their monthly meeting on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Commissioner Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, Commissioner Ronald Miller, Commissioner Raymond Bauer and Commissioner Joseph Scott, Jr. Also present were Chief Lloyd Kukon, 1^st Assistant Evan Decker, Treasurer Denise Fiore, Robert Desmond and Peter Fingar of Fingar Insurance Agency.

Chairwoman Rifenburgh opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.

MINUTES: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the January 20, 2020 Organizational Meeting and the regular meeting by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.

Chairwoman Rifenburgh introduced Peter Fingar of Fingar Insurance Agency to speak to the board regarding our insurance coverage for 2020-2021. He went over all of our coverage and the limits of liability for each. Our liability limit for Mutual aid is $1,000,000.00 with an umbrella amount of $3,000,000.00. Our premium is increased by $312.00 to $12,217. Of this, the fire company will pay $1,869. The Commissioners thanked him for coming in.

TREASURERS REPORT:

February 17, 2020 Fire Commissioners’ Treasurer’s Report

RE: January 2020

Total Amount of January 2020 Invoices Paid________________$ 4,885.39

RE: February 2020

Proposed February 2020 Invoices ________________________$ 17,364.66

Paid February 2020 Invoices _____________________________$ 2,892.30

——————————-Total_____________________________$ 20,256.96

Reconciliation of Accounts

The Bank of Greene County Balances to Date

Money Market Checking Balance________________________$ 75,507.52*
*Includes interest paid on 1/31/2020 in the amount of $10.02
Does not include deposit $167,664.00 made on 2/10/2020

Checking Balance______________________________________$ 3,219.94

Less Outstanding Checks________________________________$ 2,200.50

Checking Balance to Date_______________________________$ 1,019.44

Money Market & Checking A/C Total______________________$ 76,526.96

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

—-Interest 1/1/2020 – 1/31/2020________________________$ 5.30

—————————————————–Total_______________$41,786.91

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

———–Interest 1/1/2020 – 1/31/2020________________________$ 4.28

——————————————————Total_______________$ 33,721.64

Denise Fiore, Treasurer
February 17, 2020

A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Miller to accept the Treasurers report for February. All in favor. So carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Physical for Lloyd Kukon received
• RBC Wealth Management annual statement for 2019 – $418,454.77
• RBC Wealth Management statement for January – $417,160.42.
• Milan Contract for 2020 to be signed and returned for signature.
• Association of Fire Distracts newsletter for February – March.
• The lease with the fire company for the bays at Station #1 will expire on June 30, 2025.
• Four members attended the Stop the Bleed Course – Les Coon, Lloyd Kukon, Evan Decker and Evan Tompkins.
• Treasurer Fiore reported that the tax cap for 2021 will be 1.8%.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh

• Commissioner Bauer would like to put an electric eye for the outside light because he sees that it is left on a lot. Will try putting up a sign first to turn off light.
• Suggested putting up some kind of fencing, such as stockade, for the extrication area.

The chief has been talking with Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh on this.

INSURANCE: Commissioners Miller and Scott

• This was discussed with Peter Fingar earlier in the meeting.

FIRE EQUIPMENT: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh

• Truck 6034 – There was a problem with the charging system. Assistant Chief Decker will order three new batteries, which he believes is the problem, and put them in tomorrow.
• The left rear brake has been hanging up. It was suggested having the truck checked out by Ben Funk for any issues before listing it for sale. An appointment will be made to take it to Ben Funk’s. Commissioner Bauer asked if the equipment check off sheets are being done and was told they are.

LOSAP: Commissioners S. Rifenburgh ad Miller

• Commissioners Rifenburgh and Miller will be working on this before next meeting.

LAWS AND POLICIES: All Commissioners
No report

LEGAL: All Commissioners
No report

OLD BUSINESS:
None

NEW BUSINESS:

• Drivers Testing – Commissioner Bauer asked if Ron Rifenburgh will still be doing the drivers testing? The Chief will work with Ron Rifenburgh and Assistant Chief Decker using the pumper.
• The County offers the EVOC Course.
• The Chief reported that because of the Cancer benefit program, gear has to be cleaned down and cannot be returned to the firehouse until it is decontaminated. It must be recorded on the call sheet that the gear was decontaminated.

CHIEFS REPORT:

There were five calls in January as follows:

1/6/20 – CO Detector activation – 149 Common s Road

1/10/20 – Automatic Fire alarm – 651 County Route 6

1/12/20 – Automatic Fire Alarm – 651 County Route 6

1/22/20 – Chimney Fire – 930 Woods Road

1/27/20 – Automatic Fire Alarm – 726 Woods Road

Monthly Drills/Work Details

1/6/20 – Officers Meeting – 6 firefighters attended

1/27/20 – Ice Rescue Drill – 7 firefighters attended

1/29/20 – Ice Rescue Drill – Airport – 7 Firefighters attended

1/30/20 – Special Detail – Bingo at Firemens Home – 7 firefighters attended

• The Chief reported that the dates for OSHA training have been set.
• He has asked to purchase SCBA masks, one large, one small from MES for $598.00 for both. A motion was made by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to purchase two masks for $598.00. All in favor. So carried.
• The Chief asked to buy gloves from NY Fire Equipment, one small for $75.00, and 4 hoods for $90.00 each ($360.00). A motion was made by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to purchase one small pair of gloves at $75.00 and 4 hoods at $90.00 each. All in favor. So carried.
• Will be meeting with Tivoli Fire Department on mutual aid response radio communications.
• The County Training Center should be operational in May with certified instructors.
• The pump test and servicing will be done this year. The hose test was done last year.
• A new blinker was installed on Truck 6034.
• Purchases of stop and slow signs and winch cover totaling $170.03
• Assistant Chief Decker would like to build a roof ventilation system frame for training and braces for hydrant at an approximate cost of $250.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to spend up to $300.00 for the ventilation frame for training and braces for hydrants. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh to pay the bills with the addition of $170.03. All in favor. So carried.

Commissioner Bauer submitted the fuel report showing 125.7 gallons used.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:40 P.M. by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Miller.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, Secretary
Clermont Fire District

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MINUTES
FEBRUARY 3, 2020

The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, February 3, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher-Shute and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. Others present were Mary Howard, Park Committee chair, Amy Parrella, Mary Louise Kalin, Ellen Earle, Anthony Finta, Jennifer Phillips, Phyllis Heiko, Dianne O’Neal, Ray Tousey and two others.

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag. He introduced Mary Howard and Amy Parrella who presented the Park committees recommendations on the Hettling and Clermont Park development. These recommendations were compiled from the committee reports and the survey which was sent out to residents seeking input for the park. The plan for short term and long-term goals, phases of development and budgeting were discussed. The board will review the plan and any questions that they have will be discussed at future meetings. Ms. Parrella will be able to amend the plan as needed based on the changes/corrections from tonight’s meeting and future meetings. A sub-committee will be set up utilizing current members. Mary Howard will not be able to chair any longer. She thanked all the committee members and the town board. The board thanked Mary and all the committee members for their hard work.

MINUTES:

• December 30, 2019 Year End – A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to accept the minutes, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. Councilman Desmond, aye; Councilwoman Brownson, aye, Councilman Gildersleeve, aye; Supervisor Staats, aye; Motion passed.
• January 6, 2020 Organizational Meeting – A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to accept the minutes, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. Councilman Desmond, aye, Councilwoman Lusher-Shute, aye; Councilman Gildersleeve, aye; Supervisor Staats, aye. Councilwoman Brownson was absent. Passed.
• January 6, 2020 Regular meeting – A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to accept the minutes, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. Councilman Desmond, aye, Councilwoman Lusher-Shute, aye; Councilman Gildersleeve, aye; Supervisor Staats, aye. Councilwoman Brownson was absent. Passed.
• January 18, 2020 – Review of the books/policies – A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson to accept the minutes, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher-Shute. Councilman Desmond, aye; Councilwoman Brownson, aye, Councilwoman Lusher-Shute, aye; Supervisor Staats, aye. Passed.

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT:

The Town Clerk presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund in the amount of $1,167.89 and a check for Trust and Agency in the amount of $2,250.00.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Office of the Aging Elder Express Newsletter for January – March
• Budget and Revenue Report for January, 2020
• Website: Councilman Gildersleeve has been updating and checking links on the new website.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond said that Councilman Gildersleeve also was able to get a new laptop for the Assessor when her old one failed. He also thanked the Highway department.
• Councilwoman Lusher-Shute brought info from Terrabilt on a receiver board that would be used in a kiosk for the park. The estimated cost would be $1400 plus shipping for each of the kiosks.

OLD BUSINESS:

• The board met on January 18^th to review the books of the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Tax Collector and Judges. Also, a review of the policies was made. The policies which will be updated are the Sexual Harassment and Workplace Violence. Supervisor Staats will review the County’s policies when they have been updated.
• The Supervisor will be looking into a registration policy for special event vendors so that the town will know how many events are being held at any particular place. This could be added to the schedule of fees with a charge for each event.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Our videographer, Fred Cartier, will no longer be videotaping our meetings. A discussion was held as to whether or not we will be videotaping the meetings in the future.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

• The County has appointed Kenneth Dow to replace Virginia Martin as Election Commissioner.
• There was a County Highway worker injured recently while at work cutting trees.
• He is very pleased with the plowing that has been done by the State on Route 9, 9G and Route 82, after recently taking it back from the County.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve Trust & Agency abstract #2, voucher #2 in the amount of $250.00, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General prepaid abstract #2, vouchers #14-16 in the amount $288.24, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher-Shute to approve Highway abstract #2, vouchers #3 – 14 in the amount of $8,450.78, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General abstract #2A, vouchers #17-43 in the amount of $7,450.42, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.

Public Comment:

Mary Howard suggested signs at venues to alert neighboring properties that there will be an event or of a subdivision or lot line adjustment.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 9:10 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk

CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

JANUARY 20, 2020

The Clermont Fire Commissioners held their Organizational Meeting on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those present were Commissioner Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, Commissioner Ronald Miller and Commissioner Raymond Bauer. Commissioner Joseph Scott was absent due to sickness. Also present was Treasurer Denise Fiore, Chief Lloyd Kukon, 1st Assistant Chief Evan Decker, Josh Williams, 2nd Lieutenant Samuel Williams and Robert Desmond.

Treasurer Denise Fiore opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.

Resolution #1 – 2020 Appointment of Chairman

The Treasurer asked for a motion to nominate the Chairperson. Commissioner Bauer nominated Susan Rifenburgh as Chairperson. Nomination seconded by Commissioner Miller. There were no further nominations. A motion was made by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Miller to close the nominations. All in favor. So carried. The Treasurer casts one ballot for Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh.

Resolution #2 – 2020 Appointment of Vice – Chairman

Commissioner Miller made a motion nominating Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh as Vice Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. There were no other nominations. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #3 – 2020 Appointment of Secretary

Commissioner Saulpaugh made a motion to appoint Mary Helen Shannon for Secretary at the budgeted salary of $2700.00, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #4 – 2020 Appointment of Treasurer

Commissioner Miller made a motion to appoint Denise Fiore for Treasurer at the budgeted salary of 2,700.00, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #5 – 2020 Appointment of Attorney

Commissioner Saulpaugh made a motion to appoint the Law Office of Freeman-Howard, Andy Howard, Esquire, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #6 – 2020 Appointment of Accountant

Commissioner Miller made a motion to appoint Brian Fitzgerald as Accountant, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #7 – 2020 Approval of Surety/Undertaking for Treasurer

A motion was made to approve the surety/undertaking for the Treasurer by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #8 – 2020 Appointment of Fire District Chief and Line Officers

• Fire Chief – Lloyd Kukon – A motion was made to accept Lloyd Kukon as Fire Chief by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.
• 1st Assistant Fire Chief – Evan Decker – A motion was made to accept Evan Decker as 1st Assistant Chief by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.
• 2nd Assistant Fire Chief – Collin Brown – A motion was made to accept Collin Brown as 2nd Assistant Fire Chief by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.
• Captain – Vacant
• 1st Lieutenant – Joseph Scott – A motion was made to accept Joseph Scott as 1st Lieutenant by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.
• 2nd Lieutenant – Samuel Williams – A motion was made to accept Samuel Williams as 2nd Lieutenant by Commissioner Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
• Fire Police Captain – Laurence Saulpaugh was appointed by the Chief to the position of Fire Police Captain.
• Engineer – Cody Rockefeller was appointed as Engineer by the Chief.

A motion was made to accept all Officers as listed by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer.

Those present were sworn in by the Secretary, the remaining will be sworn in this week.

Resolution #9 – 2020 Official Newspaper

A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh to retain the Register Star as the official District newspaper, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #10 – 2020 Official Bank

A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh to name the Bank of Greene County as the official District Bank, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #11 – 2020 Authorizing Prepayment of Bills

A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh that utilities, such as fuel oil, electric, phone and rent can be paid prior to authorization from the Commissioners, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #12 – 2020 Authorizing the Chief to spend up to $200.00 without prior authorization from the Board of Fire Commissioners.

A motion was made by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #13 – 2020 Signing of Contracts

A motion was made to empower the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, in the Chairperson’s absence, to sign any contracts when contracts are approved by at least three members of the Board by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #14 – 2020 Designation the Location, Date and Time of the Regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners

A motion was made by Commissioner Miller to hold the meetings on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #15 – 2020 Designating Membership in Associations for District purposes.

A motion was made by Commissioner Miller designating the Association of Fire Districts, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #16 – 2020 Designation of Conventions, Meetings, Seminars, Training

A motion was made by Commissioner Miller to approve Commissioners Training for newly elected Commissioners, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #17 – 2020 Operating Committees

Buildings and Grounds – Commissioner Bauer, Commissioner Saulpaugh

Insurance – Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Scott

Laws and Policies – All Commissioners

Fire Equipment – Commissioner Bauer, Commissioner Saulpaugh

Legal – All Commissioners

LOSAP – Commissioner S. Rifenburgh, Commissioner Miller

A motion was made to accept the committee designations by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #18 – 2020 Approval of any Leases of Fire Station or Administrative Facilities

A motion was made to approve the amount of the $2,000.00 per month for the lease of Station #2 Truck bay by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner bauer. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #19 – 2020 Procurement and Purchasing Policy

A motion was made to reaffirm that there have been no changes to the policy by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.

Resolution #20 – 2020 Insurance Agency

A motion was made to approve Fingar Insurance as the insurance agent for the District by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Miller All in favor. So carried.

Resolution # 21 – 2020 Appointment of District Physician and or Physical Examination Policy

A motion was made to keep Columbia Memorial Hospital for physicals by Commissioner Miller , seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made to adjourn the Organizational Meeting by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Miller at 7:15 P.M. All in favor. So carried.

Public Comment:
None

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon
Fire District Secretary

CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS

JANUARY 20, 2020

The regular meeting was called to order following the Organizational Meeting by Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh. Those in attendance were Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, Commissioner Ronald Miller, Commissioner Raymond Bauer. Commissioner Joseph Scott was absent due to illness. Others present were Treasurer Denise Fiore, Chief Lloyd Kukon, First Assistant Chief Evan Decker, 2^nd Lieutenant Samuel Williams and Robert Desmond.

Chairwoman Rifenburgh opened and called to order the regular meeting.

MINUTES: Chairwoman Rifenburgh and Commissioner Miller noted a correction on page 3, Old Business, should be winch ‘cover’. A motion was made by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Miller to accept as corrected. All in favor. So carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

January 20, 2020 Fire Commissioners’ Treasurer’s Report

RE: December 2019

Total Amount of December 2019 Invoices Paid                                                  $ 6,993.98

RE: January 2020

Proposed January 2020 Invoices                                                               $ 2,152.00 + $140.00

Paid January 2020 Invoices                                                               2,593.39

         Total                                                               $ 4,745.39 + $140.00

Reconciliation of Accounts

The Bank of Greene County Balances to Date

Money Market Checking Balance*                                                               $ 80,497.50
*Includes interest paid on 12/31/19 in the amount of $10.62

Checking Balance                                                               3,691.41

Less Outstanding Checks                                                               2,488.04

Checking Balance to Date                                                               1,203.37

Money Market & Checking A/C Total                                                               $ 81,700.87

Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Equipment                                                               $ 29,728.61 (as of 12/31/19)

Interest 12/31/18 – 1/31/19                                                               $ 3.78

Interest 1/31/19 – 2/28/19                                                               3.42

Interest 2/28/19 – 3/31/19                                                               3.79

Interest 3/31/19 – 4/30/19                                                               3.66

Interest 4/30/19 – 5/31/19                                                               3.79

Interest 5/31/19 – 6/30/19                                                               3.67

         Interest 6/30/19 – 7/31/19                                                               4.63

Deposit 7/15/19 unexpended 2018 balance                                                               12,000.00

Interest 7/31/19 – 8/31/19                                                               5.32

Interest 8/31/19 – 9/30/19                                                               5.15

Interest 9/30/19 – 10/31/19                                                               5.32

Interest 10/31/19 – 11/30/19                                                               5.15

Interest 11/30/19 – 12/31/19                                                               5.32

         Total                                                               $ 41,781.61

Capital Reserve Fund for Constr. &Improvement:                                                               $ 33,666.86 (as of 12/31/19)

Interest 12/31/18 – 1/31/19                                                               $ 4.29

Interest 1/31/19 – 2/28/19                                                               3.87

Interest 2/28/19 – 3/31/19                                                               4.29

Interest 3/31/19 – 4/30/19                                                               4.15

Interest 4/30/19 – 5/31/19                                                               4.29

Interest 5/31/19 – 6/30/19                                                               4.15

Interest 6/30/19 – 7/31/19                                                               4.29

Interest 7/31/19 – 8/31/19                                                               4.29

Interest 8/31/19 – 9/30/19                                                               4.15

Interest 9/30/19 – 10/31/19                                                               4.29

Interest 10/31/19 – 11/30/19                                                               4.15

Interest 11/30/19 – 12/31/19                                                               4.29

         Total                                                               $ 33,717.36

Denise Fiore, Treasurer

January 20, 2020

A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s report by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Letter from Columbia County Fire Coordinator office regarding Deputy Fire Coordinator for Battalion 2. A letter of interest and resume to be submitted by February 14, 2020.
• Certificate of Liability from Colarusso & Sons for paving which has been done at Station #1.
• RBC Wealth Management for December – $418,454.77.
• VRS sent pictures of the new truck. Distributed three pictures to the Commissioners.
• Distributed information on Physicals at CMH which is paid by the County. Also, physical forms to be used by firemen who prefer to use their own doctor, if they agree to pay for it.
• Letter requesting donation for a not-for-profit Mac Boston 18 Truck. This will go to the department.
• Cancer Benefit Program: Four firefighters have met the qualifications to be in program and have been reported to the insurance company, Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. Because today is a federal holiday, she will call the County Treasurer tomorrow on which plan we do want to enroll in, the Basic plan or the Enhanced plan.

Buildings and Grounds: Commissioner Bauer and Saulpaugh

• Commissioner Bauer was called by the fuel company regarding a low temperature at Station #1. It was determined that a new transformer was needed. The cost is about $200.00. They also moved the regulator so that the gauge could be seen.

Insurance: Commissioners Miller and Scott

Chairwoman Rifenburgh has called Fingar Insurance several times with questions but with no response on matters.

Fire Equipment: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh

• New Truck: Chairwoman Rifenburgh received pictures of the new truck from VRS and distributed several to the Commissioners. She has talked to Rodney and Nate and they don’t expect that we will see the truck until April. We did not opt to inspect the truck they will send a video of the truck.
• VRS suggested that they may have someone to buy the old tanker truck for $20 to $25 thousand.
• First Assistant Chief Evan Decker reported that truck #34 is having problems starting. Something is shorting out. Commissioner Bauer asked if it would help to put a master switch on it.
• Truck checks: First Lieutenant Samuel Williams has made up a new listing for truck checks.

LOSAP: Commissioners S. Rifenburgh and Miller

The Commissioners have the records to work on the points for LOSAP for 2019.

LAWS AND POLICIES: All Commissioners

• OSHA Training is scheduled for March 5^th and March 12^th at 7:00 P.M. at Station #2. Commissioners can attend for training on March 5^th.
• Physical forms were given to the Chief for CMH and for those who prefer to go to their own doctor.

LEGAL: All Commissioners
No Report

OLD BUSINESS:

• The Chief and Officers looked at an additional thermal camera from NY Fire Equipment, LLC that compares to the camera that we were shown last month. It compares to them except that the price for the EO3 is less. The full kit includes thermal imager, charger station with AC and DC power cords and bracket, 2x standard lithium batteries, lanyard and manual for $4725.00. In the event it needs to be replaced, they will hold the price if it needs to be.

A motion was made to approve the purchase of the camera by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.

NEW BUSINESS:
None

CHIEFS REPORT:

CALLS: There were no calls in December. There were 54 days since the last call.

DRILLS: The drill was held on 12/23/19 before Christmas and there were not many members present.

• The Chief also reported that the jaws were serviced by Garrison. A hose needs to be replaced and they have one they would sell us for $400.00 which are normally $1200.00 new.

A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh to purchase the hose from Garrison for $400.00 more or less, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.

• Commissioner Bauer reported on the fuel usage and it was 18.9 gallons used since last month. Discussed that the tank should be kept full and Main Care should be called when needed.
• Assistant Chief Decker reported that he fixed the siren. He would like to assign masks to each person and he needs to order a small mask and large mask for Firefighters Jackie Decker and Josh Williams.
• Company Drills: There are several drills coming up with Germantown.
• The Chief and Assistant Chief will be going down to Dutchess County dispatch to discuss some minor dispatch problems.
• Susan would like to see another hydrant put in this year and brace the one on Cemetery Road.
• Received a private fire alarm document of a equipment related alarm malfunction. Copy will go to Town Clerk and Code Enforcement.

A motion was made to pay bills by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Miller with the addition of $140.00 to be paid to MES.

A motion was made to adjourn by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer at 8:45 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon
Fire District Secretary