Resources & Documents

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

October 27, 2021

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. The meeting opened at 7:30 pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, and Ben Peacock and Cheryl Werner.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, September 22, 2021. A motion to approve the September 2021 minutes was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to close the regular meeting and open the Public hearing for Zachary Aarons. All in favor. So carried.

Zachery Aarons, 45 Hill N Dale Road, Tax Map ID#169.-1-6.210, represented by Suncommon, is seeking an Special Permit to install ground mounted solar panels. There were no comments from the Public. Motion was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Cheryl Werner to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Luke Kumburis to approve the Special Permit. All in favor. So carried.

ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC, 109 Mill Road, 180.-2-5.111, came before the Board, presenting the proposed project for solar panels to be constructed at 109 Mill Road. It was explained to the Board 10 acres of 35 acres are being used for the proposed solar panels. Placement of the panels has been shifted to the West of the originally intended location to reduce the visual impact to the neighbors. There will be a gate at the entrance of the property and existing vegetation will remain with the exception of some trees being trimmed back for the purpose of solar exposure to the panels. Motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Luke Kumburis, to schedule a Public Hearing for December 15, 2021. All in favor. So carried.

With no other business, motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Cheryl Werner, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:50PM

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M Webber
Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
October 13, 2021

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Mary Howard, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Tom Jantzen, and Nathan Hempel. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town and Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the September 8, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Jennifer Philips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC. All in favor. So carried.

Fox Hollow Subdivision, 360 Cedar Hill Road,191.-1-32.111, represented by Andy Didio of Taconic Engineering, presented an update of the application. After a meeting with the Highway Superintendent, Tyler Case, the site plan had a 50’ adjustment to the East of the roadway due to a lack of visibility to the West. The site plan with further details of development of the lots since the shift of the roadway created needed adjustments within the lots. Road signs for Fox Lane were discussed. 15mph signs would need to be in yellow as a suggested speed, per NY State law. Limited sight signs on Cedar Hill would also be needed. 911 numbers for the lots have been assigned by the County and the Applicant will begin coordinating with National Grid. The bond amount for the roadway construction, Home Owner Association details, DEC and DOH approval are still outstanding. The applicant will return to the November meeting.

Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for the application of Zachery Aarons, 45 Hill N Dale Road, Tax Map ID #169.-1-6.210, represented by Suncommon. Zachary Aarons is seeking to install ground mounted solar panels. The panels will be 12’ high and 760 square feet on 27.5 acres. There were no questions from the audience. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to close the Public Hearing and open the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Matthew Griesemer read the SEQRA. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to declare a negative impact. All in favor. SO carried. Discussion from the Board included the requirement of the applicant to for existing screening to be maintained as needed. Motion to approve the application as presented was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips. All in favor. So carried.

ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC, 109 Mill Road, 180.-2-5.111, came before the Board, presenting the proposed project for solar panels to be constructed at 109 Mill Road. Requirements from the Fire Department’s review are a lock box for the entrance, 25’ between the panels and fence in the event of an emergency, and onsite training prior to energizing the panels. Decommission costs were discussed with the proposed cost, after a 20% salvage value, which would leave an end of life cost to be $65,000 which will be determined by the Planning Board and entered in a bond with the Town of Clermont in a form and substance acceptable to the Town of Clermont Planning Board, the Town Engineer, and the Town Attorney. End of life of the lease is a 25 year program. The Board believes a bond of $72,000 would offer an additional buffer for removal of the panels. At all times the applicant agrees to maintain insurance as written proof of General Libility Insurance for bodily injury and/or property damage in the aggregate of at least one million dollars per occurrence and two million dollars. SEQRA was read by Matthew Griesemer. Factors of SEQRA were: (1)The 1st gate or chain would be placed 30’ from the edge of the pavement, without a lock. The 2nd gate would be locked and (2)bond for the decommission plan will be $72,000. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to declare a negative impact and adopt the mitigating factors for SEQRA. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard,to approve the application as presented with the contingencies of maintaining insurance, compliance of the decommission plan of $72,000, and approval by the Clermont ZBA. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:20PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
October 4, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday October 4th, 2021 at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Members of the public were also present.

Supervisor Staats opened the regular meeting 7PM with the salute to the flag.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the September meeting were previously distributed to the board. Motion to accept Minutes by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So, carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the town clerk’s report for September and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund for $83.51.

• Mail Review-Distributed to Board members prior to meeting-

• Web Committee-Nothing to report

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Councilman Desmond reported on Highway Department.
  • Turkey Hill Road-Weight Limit needed for repairs-No signs yet-should be in soon
  • Broken axle on tractor fixed along the roadway during the rainstorm. Cost about $600 for parts. Saved considerable repair costs by completing it via highway personel.

• Councilwoman Lusher Shute report:
  • Climate Smart committee task force-Presentation in December requested by committee-Task force is looking more members-If interested reach out.
  • Lindsey, Dawn and Ellen will present for the Park committee

Investigating and obtaining estimates for porta-potty enclosures 3 estimates have been received. 3 different styles/designs

Clermont Park Sign near the Swings is Broken and has been removed

2 Kiosks needed 1 for each park

Park bench locations discussed

Discussion regarding additional trees for each side of the bench in the overflow parking area. . Motion made to purchase 2 trees and mulch up to $500 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.

Also interest in planting trees near the Veterans monument

• Councilman Gildersleeve report:
  • Handout to the board information regarding farmland preservation for review

• Councilwoman Brownson report:
  • Columbia Land Conservancy check received
  • Bike racks, motion made to approve purchase of 2 Waves bike racks $886.00 Motion by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve
  • Park committee looking for ways to meet the matching grant. Can GoFundMe be used?
  • Columbia County Historian 10/28 7PM Legacy of Sleepy Hollow

OLD BUSINESS:

• Parking Lot repair-as good as it will get-Will send check that has been held for the repair work

NEW BUSINESS:

• Changes to summary of tentative budget for 2022
  • Repair costs for Turkey Hill $12000 estimate for engineering with ~ $25,000 repairs
  • $3000. For recording meetings
  • $2000. For website help
  • $5000 for court security
  • $25000 for Comp Plan update
  • $205000. For Truck
  • Raises
  • NO Tax increase-Flat

Motion to accept amended preliminary Budget made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Hearing to be scheduled for 11/1 at 6:55PM

Proposed Local Law 01-2021 read aloud by Clerk

Public Hearing scheduled for Cannabis opt out on 11/1 at 6:45PM

Public Notices to be posted.

• Zoning complaint Form-Motion made to accept/adopt form by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
• Mining information will be reviewed by Attorney before any discussion-update next month

SUPERVISORS REPORT: The county is discussing possible no tax increases. Update as it progresses

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson , seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Trust & Agency abstract #6 , vouchers #25-28 in the amount of $1,098.05 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson , to approve General abstract #10, vouchers #244-253 in the amount of $5,056.66 All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute , seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #10, vouchers #89-94 in the amount of $3,929.03 to be paid. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Chris Nolan:

Nina:

Evan Hempel:

Mr. Briscoe:

Mary Howard

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:15 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, 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

September 22, 2021

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were The meeting opened at 7:30 pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, and Ben Peacock.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, August 25, 2021. A motion to approve the August 2021 minutes was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Ben Peacock. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Luke Kuburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to close the regular meeting and open the Public hearing for Billy Cole. All in favor. So carried.

Billy Cole, 3541 Route 9G, Clermont, Tax Map ID#190.-1-4, represented by Martin Williams, came before the Board for approval of an Area Variance for the construction of mini storage units. Following a summary of the project, there were no questions or comments from the audience. The addition of general property maintenance, which includes driveway repair and screening replacement as needed, will be added to the site plan. Motion to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Ben Peacock, to grant approval of the variance contingent on the additional information on the site plan regarding property maintenance as discussed. All in favor. So carried.

Zachery Aarons, 45 Hill N Dale Road, Tax Map ID#169.-1-6.210, represented by Suncommon, is seeking an Area Variance to install ground mounted solar panels. Following presentation and explanation of the project, motion was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to accept the application as complete and schedule the Public Hearing for the October 27, 2021 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

Following discussion regarding the cancellation of the November 2021 meeting due to the Thanksgiving holiday, motion was made by Luke Kumburis,seconded by Lee Gallant, to cancel the November meeting. All in favor. So carried.

With no other business, motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Ben Peacock, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:15PM

A motion was made to adjourn by Ben Peacock, seconded by Lee Gallant. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:47P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M Webber
Secretary

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
BUDGET WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

The Clermont Town Board held a budget workshop on the 2022 Budget on Monday, September 13, 2021 at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Desmond, Councilwoman Brownson, Councilman Gildersleeve and Councilwoman Lusher-Shute.

Supervisor Staats opened the workshop and went through all the budget and revenue accounts in the General and Highway funds.

Discussion regarding Salaries:

SALARIES OF TOWN OFFICIALS

• SUPERVISOR $ 5,600.00*
• TOWN BOARD (4 Members each getting $2,600) $l0,400.00*
• TOWN CLERK $ 7,100.00*
• TOWN JUSTICES (2 Justices each getting $5,700) $11,400.00*
• TAX COLLECTOR $ 4,700.00*
• SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS $52,316.00
• BUILDING INSP/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER $15,000.00*
• ASSESSOR $15,575.00*

*Salary increases were approved for 2 full time highway employees

*Salary discussions regarding Webmaster

The following are the changes that have been suggested:

GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS

Town Board

A1010.4 contractural – No change $500.00.

Supervisor

A1220.4 contractural-Increase from $10,100 to $10,600.

Assessor

A1355.4 contractural – reduced by $500 to $1000.

Town Clerk

A1410.12 – Deputy Clerk personal service – increased from $900 to $1000.00

A-1410.4 – contractural – Increased from $2,850 to $2,900.

*Deputy Clerk rate increased to $15.00/hr

Buildings

1620.1- Personal Service Increase from $1,800 to $1,900

1620.4 – contractural – increased from $6,000 to $7,000.

1620.4G- contractural Video increased from $0. to $3000.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

A9010.8- State Retirement Increase from $12,000 to $12,600

A9030.8 – Social Security – increased from $11,615 to $12,093.

Town Business conducted:

Motion by Councilman Desmond seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General abstract 9B #237-243 for $388.00.

All in Favor. So Carried

Motion by Councilwoman Brownson seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute to approve Highway abstract 9B #83-88 for $8711.73.

All in Favor. So Carried

Municipal Self Insurance Plan is no charge to town-Motion to approve Resolution #46-2021 made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried.

Motion to close meeting made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:54PM

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
September 8, 2021

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Clayton Andrus, Ron Miller, Mary Howard, Tom Jantzen, and Nathan Hempel. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town and Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the August 11, 2021 minutes, a motion was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Nathan Hempel,to accept the minutes with one correction. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Mary Jane Fuchs. All in favor. So carried.

Mary Jane Fuchs, Tax Map ID #191.-1-12.112, corner of Wright Road and Cedar Hill Road, represented by Phil Massaro, is seeking a minor subdivision of 9.392 acres. The proposed subdivision will result in 3 parcels of 2 acres, 2 acres, and 5.392 acres. There were no questions of comments from the public. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron Miller, to close the Public Hearing and reopen the regular meeting. All in favor.So carried. Matthew Griesemer read SEQRA. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, for a negative declaration. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the subdivision. All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the regular meeting and reopen the Public Hearing from August for ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC. All in favor. So carried.

ELP Roe Jan Solar LLC, 109 Mill Road, 180.-2-5.111, came before the Board, presenting the proposed project for solar panels to be constructed at 109 Mill Road. ELP has modified the array by moving the panels from one meadow to consolidate the array, minimizing the view shed interruption for adjacent properties. Driveway plans have been submitted to the Fire Department for review and approval. Question was raised regarding existing and future vegetation placement to avoid future removal or trees due to shade causing an issue with the function the solar panels. The driveway will be secured with a gate and combination lock to permit access for the Fire Department in the event of an emergency. Panels will be motorized and will move East to West, following the suns as to gain maximum light. The panels themselves will operate by solar power. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to close the Public Hearing and open the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Matthew Griesemer read correspondence from the Columbia County Planning Board who recommended approval the project based on their revidew of the application. Discussion for ELP will be extended to the October 13, 2021 meeting.

Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Ron Miller, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Fox Hollow. All in favor. So carried.

Fox Hollow Subdivision, 360 Cedar Hill Road,191.-1-32.111, represented by Taconic Engineering, presented the proposed project for a 12 lot subdivision. An updated site plan map addressing the septic size being dependent on the size of each house and bedroom count. Phase 1 will be site work for driveways and the construction two houses. Phase 2 will be the construction the remaining 10 houses. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Discussion on the Fox Hollow application will continue at the October 13, 2021 meeting.

Zachery Aarons, 45 Hill N Dale Road, Tax Map ID#169.-1-6.210, represented by Suncommon, is seeking to install ground mounted solar panels. The applicant appeared before the Board with the site map updated with the addition of County Route 8. No additional screening is needed. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to accept the applications presented. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to schedule a Public Hearing for the October 13, 2021 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:25PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary