Board Meeting Minutes

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
April 4, 2022

1. Call Meeting to Order- 7PM Supervisor Raymond Staats
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes Motion to accept Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve
3. Written communications
   1. Rate increase Gtel
   2. Email discontinuation to be addressed before end of year

• Town Clerk Report-reported by Deputy Town Clerk-Lee Gallant Total for General Fund $905.25. Total report for March 2022 $1,090.45.
• Correspondence for Web Committee-No report
• Update on Comp Plan given by Mary Howard-Deadline was March 17th. Point system explained for 4 proposals. Handout provided with strengths.
  • Interboro partners
  • Labella Assoc
  • MJ Engineering
  • Hardesty & Hanover

All are proposed 10-16 Month projects

Committee recommends Interboro with Labella to be also be a consideration. Mary is willing to set up interviews. We have 45 days to respond ~ May 10th. Interview/workshop for 2-3 proposals either in person or via Zoom Tuesday, April 19th at 7PM approximately 30 minutes per interview. Supervisor Staats to let Mary Howard know which proposals/companies they would like to interview.

4. Committee Reports and Updates

• Bob-Highway report-Port a Potty fencing discussion

• Lindsey-
  • Climate Smart task force-Working on Training to achieve certification
  • Park Committee present-added to agenda
• Kris-
  • Reset password on CEO laptop
  • Email update-Will investigate how to move forward with new email server.
  • Created google account for Town
  • Website updates specifically for the Comp Plan Committee-Mary Howard will be provided access
• Dawn-
  • Columbia Land Conservancy-Grant
  • Bank of Greene County-Pending
  • Swings-emailing pictures so that vendor can see issue
  • List of donors to Park-Help with completing information

5. Old Business

• Charging Stations-Atty has not reviewed yet. Decision needs to be made so that it can be forwarded to Attorney for review.
  • Discussion regarding charging stations

• Additional Duties/Position Deputy Clerk
  • Discussion regarding need of position pros/cons
    • Possible email blasts

6. New Business

• Park Committee-Summary Provided to Town Board
  • Kiosk (2) $8114.00/Justin Ledek

Motion to approve Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

• Entrance Sign- $2070 does not include Sign board/Justin Ledek

Motion to approve Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

• Park stencils-$2182.10

Motion to approve Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor

Veteran’s Monument Planting $1010.92-Top soil (possibly Tyler order and pick up to save on Delivery) Motion to approve Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

• Donation Plaques-Pricing ~$50/ea. Can be ordered.
• Potty Enclosure-Gate swings open for delivery/cleaning.
• No Mow May-Park kickoff day April 30th. Mowing only walking paths, sports fields and Route 9 and Parking lot areas. Additionally field is only to be mowed 1X per year.
• Postcard Mailing calling for volunteers and clean up days. Dawn will check with Cheryl for mailing list. Motion to approve $650.00 Postcard mailing. Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

• Appoint Building Inspector-Town Board has decided to Hire Eli Fieser as Building Inspector expects to be fully certified by August. Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried. Effective immediately.
• Workplace Violence Training Video-To be distributed to all Town Employees/paid. Required viewing and test. Should be completed by June 1st.

7. Supervisor Report

• County Route 6 to be Tarred and stoned for Maintenance-prolongs blacktop.
• Complaint regarding sunken drainage grate at Apple Valley Lane & Cty 6
• Some building maintenance needs to be addressed.

8. Motion To Pay Abstracts

Motion to pay General abstract #4 Vouchers #76-92 $5454.00 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay Highway abstract #4 Vouchers #31-43 $14,517.71 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Desmond All in Favor. So carried.

9. Public Communication/Comments To Board-NONE

Motion to adjourn at 8:49PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully Submitted
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals
1795 Route 9
Germantown, New York 12526

March 23, 2022

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March23, 2022 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. The meeting opened at 7:30pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, and Cheryl Werner.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, December 15, 2021. A motion to approve the December 2021 minutes was made by Cheryl Werner, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor. So carried. The January and February ZBA meeting was not held.

There were no new applications brought before the Board.

The ZBA had previously voted ago not have an audio recording of the meetings. Another vote was held regarding the video and audio recording of the ZBA meetings with the unanimous vote of no recordings.

Hank Himelright discussed the appointment of a permanent Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer. The Town Board has conducted serveral interviews and an appointment will be made at the next Town Board meeting.

With no other business, motion was made by Luke Kumbutis, seconded Lee Gallant, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M Webber
Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
March 9, 2022

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Mary Howard, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen, Ron Miller, and Nathan Hempel. Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town, was also in attendance.

After review of the February 9, 2022 minutes, a motion was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Mary Howard, to approve the minutes as corrected. All in favor. So carried.

Southwood Property LLC, 726 Woods Road, John and Annie Marvin came before the Board regarding noise, hours, fireworks, and frequency of events being held at the the Southwood location. They provided documentation regarding the issues and their concerns for the actions being taken by the Town of Clermont. It was explained to them the Town is in the process of appointing a new Code Enforcement Officer who will review and address the complaint.

James Wright and Emily Sartor, Tax ID # 201.00-01-25, represented by Matthew Bowe, came before the Board regarding a Lot Line Adjustment of a 13.613 acres. They are seeking to create parcel #1 with 5.004 acres and parcel #2 with 8.609 acres. The applicant returned with the revised site plan to include the proposed residences, wastewater treatment, legal descriptions of both lots as well as the needed driveway permits. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hemple, to declare the application as complete and accepted. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Ron Miller, to schedule a Public Hearing for April 13, 2022. All in favor. So carried.

Discussion and vote was held by the Board members for recording and live streaming the Planning Board meetings. Voting Yes, was Mary Howard. Voting No, was Larry Saulpaugh, Nathan Hemple, Ron Miller, Jennifer Phillips, and Clayton Andrus. Tom Jantzen abstained.

With no further business, a motion was made by Mary Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:53pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont
Monthly Meeting
Date: March 7, 2022

Call Meeting to Order by Supervisor Staats at 7PM

Assessment Presentation-by Assessor Cheryl Kaszluga
Discussed equalization rates
Assessed values may increase up to 20%
This does not mean a significant increase in property taxes
Also distributed fact sheet with key dates

Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes

Motion made to accept by Councilwoman Brownson
Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute
All in favor.

Written communications

1. Town Clerk Report-
   The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for February and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $2,128.021 and Trust and Agency for $20,000.00.

2. Mail Review
   Public Notice-regarding new area code proposed for the southeastern portion of NYS-Current 845 customers would retain their number. A new number would only be assigned when the current 845 numbers are exhausted.
   
   KISS-Keeping Identities of Seniors Safe-Shredding box will be available during Town Hall Business hours through 3/26/22
   Columbia Opportunities-Weatherization program-Information available at Town Hall.

3. Correspondence for Web Committee
   Town Hall Stream posted on website for February Meeting

Committee Reports and Updates

• Councilman Desmond
  • Nature trail in park

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute
  Climate Smart Task Force-
  Electric Vehicle Charging Station.
  Committee is interested in doing an alternative energy event later this spring-to be discussed at next board meeting.
  Open meeting law-Would like to discuss at next meeting.

• Councilman Gildersleeve
  Anti virus update on Town Computers

• Councilwoman Brownson
  2 Grants pending Bank of Greene County and Columbia Land Conservancy-no response yet

Old Business

– Interviews Building Inspector and BAR
Interviews conducted on past Saturday
1 additional interview tonight for Building Inspector
1 interested party for the BAR position

– Charging Stations-Contract emailed for consideration-will need to be reviewed by attorney prior to next meeting. Additional discussion followed

– Fuel Oil Charges-Error found in amount of Fuel Oil used. Supervisor spoke to Valley Oil-records have been reconciled and corrected

– Recordings Town Meetings-Supervisor did find out that we cannot force other Boards/Committees to use the recordings/town hall streams. Per the the Attorney Yes the Town can pass a resolution requiring all Boards to record meetings. However, the Attorney made a recommendation that the Town allow each respective board to vote on its own use. Supervisor Staats spoke to both Board Chairmans and encouraged them to record and they would both speak to their respective boards. Additional discussion followed.

– Additional Duties/Position Deputy Clerk
Discussed if it was needed for an additional paid position for the town for work that is already distributed.
Newsletter-Discussion regarding needs for this and the content.

New Business

• Appointment BAR Member-Al Costello has volunteered and will be appointed to fill the remainder of the open term until 9/30/24. Motion made by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.

• Hate-Resolution 42 of 2022
  Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson All in Favor So Carried

• Zoning Enforcement -Some local infractions that need to be addressed and resolved. CPL will be asked to help cover as needed.

• Park update by Ellen

• Comprehensive Plan update by Mary Howard

Supervisor Report-Nothing to report at this time.

Motion To Pay Abstracts

General Prepaid Abstract 3A #43 to #4 $426.07 Motion made to approve by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.

General Abstract 3 #46 to #74 $8,227.31. Motion made to approve by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.

General Abstract 3B #75 $570.00 Motion made to approve by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.

Trust & Agency Abstract 2 #6 $214.50 Motion made to approve by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried.

Highway Abstract 3 #16-30 $17,026.13 Motion made to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.

Public Communication/Comments To Board-Tentative rolls will be posted March 1st. You may access through County Site-Findings can be discussed with assessor through May 1st.

No further business will be conducted after Executive Session.

Executive Session–Motion to enter Executive session made by Councilman Desmond and seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 8:27PM regarding Building Insp. Position/interview. All in Favor. So Carried.

Adjourned Executive Session at 8:58 PM. Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So Carried.

Motion To Adjourn at 8:58 PM. Motion made by Councilman Desmond. Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tracey J Gallant, Town Clerk

No meeting minutes, ZBA for February 23 meeting canceled.

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

February 9, 2022

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Mary Howard, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen, and Nathan Hempel. Others present were Bryce Recer , Engineer for the Town and Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the December 8, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Micah Geraghty, Tax ID #191.1-1-87, area of Cedar Hill Road and County Route 6, represented by Christian Denniston, came before the Board regarding a Minor Subdivision of vacant land into 4 parcels as well as a Lot Line Adjustment for access with property owned by Fay Warner. The applicant will return with additional information regarding driveway permits and Board of Health approval.

James Wright and Emily Sartor, Tax ID # 201.00-01-25, represented by Matthew Bowe, came before the Board regarding a Lot Line Adjustment of a 13.613 acres. They are seeking to create parcel #1 with 5.004 acres and parcel #2 with 8.609 acres. The applicant will return with 2 driveway permits from the Town of Clermont as well as a perc test approval letter from the Board of Health.

Chris Gilbert came before the Board for needed information regarding the construction of a building on vacant land. The Planning Board is referring the applicant to the ZBA for an interpretation of the Zoning Laws for the proposed use.

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 8:25pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
February 7, 2022

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday February 7th, 2022. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Also present were additional members of the community.

Supervisor Staats asked to open the meeting with a moment of Silence for the recent passing of our Board of Assessment Review Member, John Halterman.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the January meeting were previously distributed to the board and accepted Motion made by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.

All in favor. So Carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for January and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $3,261.41 and Trust and Agency for $1,275.50.
• MAIL REVIEW: None

WEB COMMITTEE: Councilman Gildersleeve spoke regarding cleaning up/organizing website and adding much needed plugins.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond: Latest ice storm was significant. Highway Department did a very good job.
• Councilwoman Lusher Shute: Park committee/Friends of Clermont discussion. Ellen has been appointed as Chair of park committee. Amy has been appointed Secretary of Park Committee Dawn as Treasurer. Discussion regarding communication specialist or 2nd Deputy Clerk. Created job description. Climate smart Task force in attendance regarding Charging stations.
• Councilman Gildersleeve: No additional business to report aside from Web Committee report.
• Councilwoman Brownson: Grant Bank of Greene County submitted. Due at end of February is the Columbia Land Conservancy. Discussion re: celebration of Country’s 250th anniversary and having the celebration at Clermont Historic site.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Motion made to enter Executive Session at 7:15 PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute regarding ongoing contract negotiations.
• Motion to end Executive session at 7:31 by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond.
• Appointments for interviews for BAR member and CEO will be held on Saturday February 26th starting at 10AM in 30-minute sessions.
• Live stream has been set up for Broadcasting of Town Board meetings with 2 Cameras and microphones-Other Boards and committee meetings may choose to use it or not.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Climate Smart Committee presentation by Renua Energy-Todd Pegelow regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

• Resolutions:
  • Audit and Review of Books and Policies No 38 of 2022. Motion to accept by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor. So Carried.
  • Town Assessor Authority to Grant Exemptions on the 2022 Town Assessment Roll No 39 of 2022. Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So Carried.
  • Authorizes Supervisor Staats to execute Irrevocable Offer of Cession and Road Performance Security Agreement 360 Cedar Hill Road LLC No 40 of 2022. Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried.
  • Town Board acceptance of Fox Lane as acceptable for Town Road name in 360 Cedar Hill Road subdivision No 41 of 2022. Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

Appreciative of the Highway department. Thanks to Kris, Lindsey and Lee for spending most of the day to get the Town Hall stream set up.

Covid tests are available. Masks are also available. Please come in when Town Hall is open Thursdays evenings and Saturday mornings.

Sales tax check should be in soon, the last of the year.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Prepaid General abstract #2A, vouchers #12-14 in the amount of $343.81 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General abstract #2, vouchers #15-42 in the amount of $9,187.64 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Trust & Agency #1, vouchers #1-5 in the amount of $6, 369.98 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #2, vouchers #1-11 in the amount of $13,544.42 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Mary Howard-Comprehensive Plan Committee first meeting held on 1/24. Regular meeting will be held on the 2nd Monday monthly. Requesting volunteers from the multiple town committees.

Questions for board: regarding delivery of the proposals to Chairperson personal address? Review of Proposals by Board or acceptance of committee recommendation?

Acceptable to have the proposals delivered to Chairs home address and yes, the board would accept recommendations of committee.

Mr. Frisco presented and demonstrated veteran flags and will provide additional information at a later date.

Motion to adjourn at 9:13PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

The January 26, 2022 ZBA meeting has been cancelled as a precaution due to Covid.

No meeting minutes, Clermont Planning Board for Wednesday January 12, cancelled as a precaution due to Covid.

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
January 3, 2022

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 3rd, 2022 immediately following the organizational meeting at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Councilman Gildersleeve was not present. Additional members of the public were also present.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for December and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $1,497.52.
• MAIL REVIEW: None
• Web Committee: Question arose regarding Park committee minutes

WEB COMMITTEE: Mary Howard indicated she was aware of a Climate Smart Committee presentation, however there was nothing posted regarding this on the town website. The CSC does have someone that will be able to provide this to Councilman Gildersleeve for posting on the website.

Councilwoman Lusher Shute has noted that a Town Newsletter has not been done although it was started at the beginning of the Pandemic.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond: Sander has been ordered and the Chipper is still pending
• Councilwoman Lusher Shute: Town Hall Stream is on track-2 Cameras with microphones. Installation January 10th. Will be available for February meeting.

Minutes for Park committee should be posted on website. Additional discussion regarding website.

• Councilwoman Brownson: CFA Grant was not awarded to Clermont as well as Iroquois Grant. She will be submitting grant application to Columbia Land Conservancy and Bank of Greene County.

OLD BUSINESS:

• None to report

NEW BUSINESS:

• Set date for review of books, January 15th at 10AM.
• Advertising for open position of CEO for interviews Feb 5th starting at 10AM.-3 people are already interested

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

Columbia County Emergency Management was approved by the County Supervisors to be removed from under the Sheriff’s Department-This was not political as it is rumored to be. Discussion regarding this was initiated in June. Most other counties have this department outside of the Sheriff’s department.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve General abstract #12, vouchers #285-313 in the amount of $18,616.83 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Lusher Shute, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #1, vouchers #1-11 in the amount of $24,445.69 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General prepaid abstract #12A, voucher #1 in the amount of $3,784.52 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Resident Chris Nolan -Regarding Tax Bills and why he still has a bill when property has sold-He has been in touch with assessor. Books are closed in March, after BAR reports back to county the books are closed on July 1st.

Resident Chris Nolan-Regarding using Brine on roadways by highway department. This would be a much higher cost for the Town vs using Sand/Salt.

Mary Howard-Comprehensive Plan planning. Sent out survey for Planning/ZBA members to find interest. No State or Federal dollars to be used only general fund.

Meetings will be public when a committee is formed.

The park committee would like to do a joint mailing.

Motion to adjourn at 7:55PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So Carried

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk