Resources & Documents
Town Board – September 2019
CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2019
The Clermont Town Board held their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 due to the Labor Day Holiday at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilman Evan Hempel and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. There were two other resident present.
Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with a salute to the flag.
MINUTES: The minutes were reviewed and a few minor spelling errors will be corrected on a motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Clerk read the August Town Clerk’s report and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General fund in the amount of $414.73 and for Trust and Agency in the amount of $250.00.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Keeping Identities of Seniors Safe shredding program will take place September 9 thru September 20.
- Notice of Public hearing in Livingston for a special use permit and site plan approval for a wireless telecommunications facility on September 4, 2019 at 7:00 P.M.
- A letter was received from Germantown Central School requesting the use of the Clermont soccer field while the work is being done on their capital project which will make their fields temporarily unusable. Supervisor Staats has spoken to Superintendent Susan Brown and the school has used the field a few times.
- The board was given the budget and revenue reports for August.
- Web Committee – There was no correspondence or comments.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- HIGHWAY: Councilman Desmond reported that the old highway truck was sold at auction.
- WEBSITE UPDATE: Councilman Hempel reported that he has been working on the new website. Councilwoman Brownson had a few questions regarding departments that she did not see information on, such as the Planning Board, Board of Ethics and Board of Assessment Review. Councilman Hempel will look into this.
- GRANTS: Councilwoman Brownson did receive the check from Bank of Greene County for $750.00 for the park entrance. The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation wrote that the application for construction design for the park did not meet the criteria for funding. She will call about this.
OLD BUSINESS:
- PARK SIGNAGE: Amy Parrella, a member of the park committee, contacted Supervisor Staats suggesting a kiosk for the sign with park rules. Supervisor Staats asked Councilwoman Brownson to work with Amy on an estimated cost for this. Councilman Desmond thinks there should also be a sign at the entrance to the park.
- SALES TAX REVENUE: Supervisor Staats reported that the sales check received is $105,301.04, about $7000 more than last year at this time. We are up about 5% over last year’s amount. Councilman Desmond asked if the county is looking at doing something in light of the stores closing. Supervisor Staats is not aware.
- HIGHWAY: The truck on the auction site sold for $10,000.00. When the check is received it will go into the highway fund.
NEW BUSINESS:
- BUDGET WORKSHOP: The budget workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 17th at 6:30 P.M. and if necessary, Monday, September 23rd at 6:30 P.M. This will include any other business that may come before the board.
- RESOLUTION #33-19 in Organizational meeting minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Hempel to change the hourly rate from $10.00 an hour to prevailing minimum wage for Assessment Review Board, Trial Juror and Secretary – BAR. All in favor. So carried.
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
- MILL ROAD BRIDGE: The Mill Road bridge has been taken down and they will be putting additional guard rails to keep anyone from going over the edge.
- COUNTY ROADS: Columbia County has in the past contracted with the State to plow roads. The State is going to take back maintenance of Route 9 and Route 9G. They were paying the County to maintain these roads in the winter in the past.
- COUNTY BUDGET: There will be an increase in the County tax and mostly because of the expenditures for health care, which is 3.7 million over budget. But the County says it will stay within the tax cap. Supervisor Staats has not seen the final numbers at this point. They are looking at changing insurance providers.
- RECYCLING: Councilman Hempel asked if there has been any discussion about recycling costs. They reported that the costs have leveled out. The Solid Waste Director is happy with what has been collected to date.
ABSTRACTS:
- A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve Trust & Agency abstract #9, voucher # 24 in the amount of $33.00. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General abstract #9A, vouchers #238-257 in the amount of $5,145.94. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General Prepaid abstract #9, vouchers #235 – 237 in the amount of $200.13. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve Highway abstract #9, vouchers #78-87 in the amount of $5,241.22. All in favor. So carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mary Howard reported that the Park committee have been meeting and working on a conceptual design for the Park in and around the Little League Field. They will hold meetings on Monday, September 30th from 6 – 8 PM on the design for the Hettling Park: Sunday, October 20th from 2 – 4 PM for full review of the draft document and Sunday, November 17th from 4 – 6 PM for community input on the draft document. They are hoping to present this to the Town Board at the December 2nd meeting. The volunteers have been watering the new plantings at the entrance and she thanked the volunteers for their work.
The committee is also requesting a budget of $20,000 to $25, 000 for engineering design work for a plan that would cover the project for the next five to ten-year period. It was also suggested that there be a line item in the budget for someone to coordinate the work getting done in the park, possibly in the form of a stipend. They will continue to look for grants to help defray expenses.
Phyllis Heiko asked if there was any update regarding homes taken over by the state for persons with disabilities. There has been no update. She also announced that Lindsey Shute received an award from the Columbia County Land Conservancy, one of three women to be honored because for her impact on landscapes and the community.
A motion was made to adjourn at 7:35 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk
Zoning Board of Appeals – August 2019
Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals
1795 Route 9
Germantown, New York 12526
August 28, 2019
The meeting opened at 7:30 pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending: Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner, Phyllis Heiko and alternate Ben Peacock.
Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, July 24, 2019. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor. So carried.
Joyful Acres, 485 Lasher Road, Tax Map ID# 200.-1-1.200, applicant Alex Wenner, represented by Andrew Didio of Taconic Engineering, presented a Special Use application for a Brewery and Tasting Room. An existing barn will be converted to the Brew House with an addition of a Tasting Room. There is an existing well. The septic plan will be finalized. The location is 31.6 acres, with an expected disturbance of 3.48 acres. Developing will be done on the Eastern half of the property. The tasting room will be adjacent to the existing building, which will be the brewery. There will be a patio with tables next to the tasting room, a food truck area and walking trails. Screening will be added to the property line along Lasher Road. The Board reviewed the site plan. The developing will be done in phases, with the completion date for the brewery to be early 2020 and the tasting room to be completed in the Summer of 2020.
Motion to declare the application as complete and accept the application was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor. So carried. The Application Fee of $100.00 and Escrow of $250.00 was paid by the applicant.
Phyllis Heiko made the comment for Hank Himelright and Desiree Webber to receive a pay increase, with Luke Kumburis agreeing. Phyllis Heiko said she will present it to the Town Board at their September meeting.
Motion to adjourn was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary
Fire Commissioners – August 2019
CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS
AUGUST 19, 2019
The Clermont Fire Commissioners held their regular meeting on Monday, August 19, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Ronald Rifenburgh, Commissioner Ronald Miller and Commissioner Raymond Bauer. Others present were Treasurer Denise Fiore, Robert Desmond and Firefighter Evan Tompkins
Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.
MINUTES:
A motion was made to accept the minutes by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
TREASURERS REPORT:
August 19, 2019 Fire Commissioners’ Treasurer’s Report
RE: July 2019
Total Amount of July 2019 Invoices Paid $39,926.99
RE: August 2019
Proposed August 2019 Invoices $ 2,409.30
Paid August 2019 Invoices 2,154.61
Total $ 4,563.91
Reconciliation of Accounts
The Bank of Greene County Balances to Date
Money Market Checking Balance* $ 125,385.90
*Includes interest paid on 7/31/19 in the amount of $45.32
Checking Balance 5,583.49
Less Outstanding Checks 2,475.98
Checking Balance to Date 3,107.51
Money Market & Checking A/C Total $ 128,493.41
Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Equipment $ 29,728.61 (as of 12/31/18)
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
Total $ 41,755.35
Capital Reserve Fund for Constr. &Improvement: $ 33,666.86 (as of 12/31/18)
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
Total $ 33,696.19
Denise Fiore, Treasurer
August 19, 2019
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to accept the Treasurer’s report. All in favor. So carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Firefighter Evan Tompkins stopped in and expressed interest in taking a CPR course. The district will sponsor him in taking the course.
- Association of Fire Districts is offering Targeted Regional Training on September 26 in Port Ewen from 6 PM to 9 PM. Topics will include General Secretary duties, legal issues, annual and special elections and communication between district secretary and commissioners. The cost is $25.00 per person.
- RBC Wealth Management account statement for July – $415,666.14.
- Fire District Affairs for August – September was distributed.
- NYS Police Incident report regarding missing radio.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Commissioner Bauer
- Commissioner Bauer reported that the flag at Station #1 appears to be torn. If so, he will get a new flag at Williams Lumber. He also reported that the water softener seems to be working.
INSURANCE: Commissioners Rifenburgh and Miller
- The claim for the stolen radio will be submitted to the insurance company by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh.
FIRE EQUIPMENT: Commissioner Bauer and Commissioner R. Rifenbugh
- Truck #6013 has an issue with steering. Joes Auto greased the front end. It still has a steering issue. VRS was called and it seems like it is a relief valve.
- On one of the compartments a sensor did not go off when the door was open.
- In the Mini- one compartment light does not go off.
Commissioner Bauer asked if Commissioner R. Rifenburgh will help him out with the fire equipment because he is not that familiar and does not go to fire calls.
LOSAP: All Commissioners
No report
LAWS AND POLICIES: All Commissioners
- Chairwoman Rifenburgh has been looking into the Sexual Harassment policy. She will be working on this. She asked the secretary to find a template for a new policy and posters that can be printed.
LEGAL: All Commissioners
No report
OLD BUSINESS:
- FIT TESTS: As of a week or so ago Jackie and Evan Decker had not gotten their FIT tests.
- HYDRANTS: We have gotten permission from the Viewmont Church to work on the dry hydrant and Jim Potts will be putting it in.
- AED: The AED was ordered from Garrison but not sure if it has shipped. The address is wrong on the invoice so it needs to be changed. Treasurer Fiore will check into it.
- THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA: Prices on new batteries and/or a new camera are to be looked into by the Chief.
NEW BUSINESS:
The truck went to the Fireman’s Convention in Chatham. It was realized that there was a problem with the steering. When Commissioner R. Rifenburgh went to check it out he found that the truck was parked close to the gear rack, the gas tank was half full and there was no driver logged in. This is unacceptable.
There was discussion on the new truck and when the first payment would be and what we have to budget for.
CHIEFS REPORT:
There were 11 calls in July as follows:
7/5/19 – Mutual Aid Tivoli – Tivoli Firehouse
7/6/19 – Wire on tree burning – 703 Church Ave.
7/6/19 – Tree down – Woods Road/County Route 6
7/6/19 – Mutual aid Tivoli/Wires down – Davis Lane
7/6/19 – Wires Down – Route 9/Pine Lane/Sharon Drive
7/10/19 – Mutual aid Standby Livingston – structure fire
7/17/19 – Mutual aid Tivoli – AAPI – 8403 Albany Post Road
7/17/19 – Mutual Aid Germantown – Fill site at Palatine Park
7/17/19 – Mutual Aid Germantown –Standby – 1320 Woods Road
7/25/19 – Electrical odor in residence – 850 County Route 8
7/26/19- Generator assistance for medical issue – 555 Lasher Road
MONTHLY DRILLS/WORK DETAILS:
7/22/19 – Draft site hose connections – 6 firefighters
7/23/19 – Drill nozzle trial – 7 firefighters
7/25/19 – Truck detail for parade – 3 firefighters
7/27/19 – Chatham Parade – 6 firefighters
7/30/19 – Driver training/Josh Williams – 2 firefighters
7/31/19 – Driver training/Josh /Williams – 2 firefighters
MOTION TO PAY BILLS: A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to pay the bills. All in favor. So carried.
Treasurer Fiore will check on shipping address.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Bob Desmond asked if a truck went to the Red Hook parade. It did not because it was being used for Les Coon’ wedding.
FUEL USAGE:
88.1 gallons
Next month is the budget meeting.
A motion was made to adjourn by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer at 8:20 P.M. All in favor. So carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon
Fire District Secretary
Planning Board – August 2019
CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
August 14, 2019
The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Nathan Hempel, Mary Howard, Ron Miller, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen and Clayton Andrus. Others present were Richard Andreassen, Engineer for the Town, Brian Henchy, Attorney for the Town.
After review of the July 2019 minutes, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.
Billy Cole came before the Board with a revised site plan for storage units be located on Rt 9G. There was the addition of storm water drainage and lighting. Storm water will drain to a level spreader at the back of the property. George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town, will review the revised plans and present his comments to the Planning Board at the next monthly meeting in September.
Joyful Acres, 485 Lasher Road, Tax Map ID# 200.-1-1.200, applicant Alex Wenner, represented by Andrew Didio of Taconic Engineering, presented a site plan for a Brewery and Tasting Room. An existing barn will be converted to the Brew House with an addition of a Tasting Room. There is an existing well. The septic plan will be finalized. The location is 31.6 acres, with an expected disturbance of 3.48 acres.
Motion to adjourn was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary
Town Board – August 2019
CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
AUGUST 2, 2019
The Clermont Town Board held the August meeting on Friday, August 2, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. This meeting was rescheduled from the normal Monday night meeting because of conflicts. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. Councilman Evan Hempel was absent. Others present were representatives from New York Transco, a New York Energy Solution company, Shannon Baxevanis, Courtney Canfield and Nicole Marron of Burn & McDonnell, Lindsey Shute of Hearty Roots was also present.
Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag. He then introduced Shannon Baxevanis to address the electric transmission upgrade to take place from Schodack to Pleasant Valley. The upgrades will replace aging infrastructure, stay within the existing ROW, eliminate some towers from the ROW, create clean energy resources, create jobs and tax revenues. A new switching station would be created in Schodack on utility-owned property. The area in Clermont affected is approximately 0.7 miles with eight structures being removed and replaced with four in existing rights of way or on utility owned property in the Turkey Hill Road area.
A meeting for the public will held at the Clermont Community House on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 11:00 A. M. to 1:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Further details will be made available as they develop.
MINUTES: The minutes of the July meeting were reviewed and a motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to accept them. All in favor. So carried.
TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Clerk read the Town Clerk’s report for July and a check in the amount of $6,545.56 for the General fund was presented to the Supervisor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- The Reach Center, a program of the Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties provides free and confidential services to survivors of crime and abuse in the twin counties. Brochures have been provided on services of referrals and information, education and prevention programming, advocacy, crisis counseling and therapy, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
- Received the budget and revenue reports from July from Supervisor Staats.
- There were no questions or comments for the web committee.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- HIGHWAY TRUCK: Councilman Desmond reported that the old highway truck is on the auction website and is hoping to get around $10,000.00.
- HETTLING PARK: Councilman Gildersleeve wants to thank everyone on the park committee. They have been rotating watering of the plants at the entrance on Route 9 and everything is in bloom and looking good.
- OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION, HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT: Councilwoman Brownson and Mary Howard worked on submitting a grant for $25,000 to fund engineering services to develop the park trails development. This is a matching fund grant.
OLD BUSINESS:
- BUILDINGS: Supervisor Staats reported that the building repairs have been completed from the May 2018 hail storm. Payment will be made on this abstract to B/T General Contractors. The total was about $30,000.00 and is offset by insurance.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Because of additional money received for Storm recovery and additional CHIPS money it is necessary to do Budget amendment #4 in the Highway Fund to Improvements DA5112.2 in the amount of $8,906.25 from State Aid – Chips DA03601 $8,906.25. A motion was made to approve Budget amendment #4 of 2019 by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
- PARK SIGN: The Park Committee has submitted suggestions for a sign outlining the rules for the park. The Board reviewed these suggestions and below is the final version with corrections: Welcome to the Hettling Park at Clermont Grounds are open sunrise to sunset. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
For the safety of all guests, please:
- Carry in, carry out
- Be aware that ticks in this area may carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
- Keep domestic animals on a leash no more than six feet in length.
- Remove any domestic animal waste.
The following are prohibited:
Glass containers Alcohol and illegal drugs
Smoking or Vaping Open fires, grills or barbecues
Vandalism Fireworks or explosives
Snowmobiles Swimming or bathing
Pets on Sports Fields Hunting
Discharging of firearms or other weapons
Causing or risking a public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm
Driving any motorized vehicle on non-paved areas or off designated roadways.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Please notify Law Enforcement of any concerns or hazardous conditions by calling Columbia County 911 and/or Columbia County Sheriffs Department at 518-828-3344.
For a complete list of park rules, please go to www.clermontny.org/park. …
There was discussion as to how to anchor the sign without penetrating the membrane.
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
- Received the sales tax 2nd quarter check from the County in the amount of $105,301.40. This is about 7 ½% more than received last year. This is good news for our budget.
- Supervisor Staats thanked the volunteers that have been watering the plantings at the park entrance.
- The Mill Road bridge has been taken down. It has not been completely closed off and there is more to be cleaned up.
- County Budget: The preliminary talks have begun and the Supervisor will vote against any increase in the County budget as the revenues have been increasing.
- Sexual Harassment Training: Councilwoman Brownson asked about the training of employees. Supervisor Staats has talked to the insurance company and they feel that as long as the full-time employees have had their training, which is three in Clermont, that it is not necessary for all to go through the training.
ABSTRACTS:
A motion was made to approve Highway abstract #8, vouchers #69-77 in the amount of $40,438.80 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to approve Trust & Agency abstract #8, vouchers #22-23, in the amount of $427.00 by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to approve General abstract #8A, vouchers #208 – 234 in the amount of $34,223.95 by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to approve General prepaid abstract #8, vouchers #205-207 in the amount of $173.48 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
The Zoning Board has requested the Town Board to review the process for the applicant who is applying for a special permit. Currently, the applicant appears before the ZBA and then is sent to the Planning Board for site plan review. The ZBA would like the applicant to go to the planning board first because legal and engineering counsel is readily available to the Planning Board. After their review it would come back to the ZBA. The town board thinks that they should continue working as they are now and if they have any questions refer to the attorney or engineer. We can look into this further with the chairpersons.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Lindsey Shute, a member of the park committee, has asked about joining the two parks together which has been discussed at the committee meetings. This is something that can be discussed in the future.
Lindsey asked if a decision had been made as to the design for the park entrance sign. There have not been any definite designs submitted but will talk to Mary Howard.
A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson at 8:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk
Zoning Board of Appeals – July 2019
Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals
1795 Route 9
Germantown, New York 12526
July 24, 2019
The meeting opened at 7:30 pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending: Hank Himelright, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner, John Rusconi and Phyllis Heiko.
Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, May 22, 2019. A motion to accept the minutes as corrected was made by Phyllis Heiko, seconded by John Rusconi. All in favor. So carried.
Anne Katrin Spiess, 356 County Route 6, Tax ID# 179.-1-48, Eric Maskell contacted Hank Himelright regarding the need to move the panels further back on the Spiess project, due to an unknown right of way.
Hank Himelright said every special permit is dependent on the Planning Board and feels the applicants should go before the Planning Board prior to coming before the ZBA. The fact the Town Attorney and Town Engineer are present at the Planning Board meetings, errors could be avoided by the ZBA when issuing a special permit. Motion to submit a letter to the Town Board, asking for a change in the order of applicants to appear before the ZBA and Planning Board was made by Phyllis Heiko, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor. So carried.
Motion to adjourn was made by Phyllis Heiko, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary
Fire Commissioners – July 2019
CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS
JULY 15, 2019
The Clermont Fire Commissioners held their regular meeting on Monday, July 15, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Ronald Miller, Commissioner Raymond Bauer and Commissioner Ronald Rifenburgh. Others present were Chief Lloyd Kukon, Captain Les Coon, Treasurer Denise Fiore and Robert Desmond.
Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.
MINUTES: A motion was made to accept the minutes was made by Commissioner Ron Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
TREASURERS REPORT: July 15, 2019
RE: June 2019
Total Amount of June 2019 Invoices Paid $20,563.44
RE: July 2019
Proposed July 2019 Invoices $ 6,043.97 + 33648.00 = 39691.97*
Paid July 2019 Invoices 235.02
Total $ 6,278.99 + 33648.00 = 39926.99*
*Additional invoices paid for $400.00, $160.00 and $33,088.00.
Reconciliation of Accounts
The Bank of Greene County Balances to Date
Money Market Checking Balance* $ 177,340.58
*Includes interest paid on 6/30/19 in the amount of $54.56
Checking Balance 5,944.33
Less Outstanding Checks 991.69
Checking Balance to Date 4,952.64
Money Market & Checking A/C Total $ 182,293.22
Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Equipment $ 29,728.61 (as of 12/31/18)
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
Total $ 29,750.72
Capital Reserve Fund for Constr. &Improvement: $ 33,666.86 (as of 12/31/18)
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
Total $ 33,691.90
Denise Fiore, Treasurer
July 15, 2019
MOTION: A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s report by Commissioner S. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh. All in favor. So carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- RBC Wealth Management Account Statement – June – $383,944.62
- A thank you letter was written to Jimmy Potts for help with blacktopping.
- Physicals were received for Joshua Williams, Daniel Pax Farr, Evan Decker Joseph Scott and Wesley Werner, Jr.
- 2019 Leadership Summit Vendor Expo- Team Fire Services Activities
- Lead Agency Designation Notice for Carmelite Sisters from Clermont Planning Board to build a 2200 sq. foot guest house on the Woods Road property.
Chairwoman Rifenburgh reviewed those that have had their physicals and their OSHA classes. There are two members who have not had their physicals, Natasha Moyer Brown and Ryan Brown and one member, Harry Pease, who has not had a physical or OSHA training. Letters will be written that their status will be inactive until these are done and also that they should return any gear or radios within two weeks. They should contact the Chief with any questions. There are also two members who did not have their FIT tests, Evan Decker and Jackie Therrian Decker. The Chief will contact them.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Commissioner Bauer
911 Sign – The 911 sign at Station #1 needs to be replaced. Commissioner R. Rifenburgh will get the new sign and has the numbers for it.
INSURANCE: Commissioners R. Rifenburgh and Miller
A police report is still needed for the insurance claim for the missing portable/radio. Will check with Assistant Chief Brown about it.
FIRE EQUIPMENT: Commissioner Bauer
Commissioner R. Rifenburgh asked where the fire extinguisher is for truck #6012 that has not been on the truck since February. It is believed that it is in the firehouse but it should be on the truck.
LOSAP: All Commissioners
Received participant statements from PENFLEX and they will be distributed to the members by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh.
LAWS AND POLICIES: All Commissioners
No report
LEGAL: All Commissioners
No report
OLD BUSINESS:
- HYDRANTS: Jim Potts will help put in the new equipment in the dry hydrant on Cemetery Road. It was discussed to do this hydrant and then plan for doing others.
- AED: Captain Coon received one quote from Garrison on the cost of a new unit. Two others did not respond, MES and Mark Hildebrand. Garrison’s quote is $2,020.00 not including shipping. A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to purchase the AED from Garrison and pay for it from the Chiefs budget. The Captain will order it.
- THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA: Captain Coon will get prices on batteries for the thermal imaging camera we have and on a new camera similar to what we have.
NEW BUSINESS:
- TIVOLI FIRE DEPARTMENT: There was discussion about the loss of Tivoli’s trucks, ambulance and damage to their firehouse on July 5, 2019.
- GRANT: We have not heard anything regarding the grant.
- TRUCK PAYMENTS: Treasurer Fiore has transferred $12,000 for the payment of the truck.
CHIEFS REPORT:
There were five calls in June:
6/1/19 – Mutual aid to Germantown – Barn Fire – Lasher Avenue
6/1/19 – Alarm activation – Inflight, Mill Road
6/2/19 – CO Detector activation – 1500 Route 9
6/3/19 – Chemical odor – 574 Nevis Road
6/22/19 – AAPI – Nevis Road and Route 9
DRILLS:
6/23/19 – Mutual aid drill with Livingston tanker and pumper exercises – 7 firefighters
6/24/19 – Company drill – hose advancement into 2nd floor. Operations of hose and nozzle, air pack operations – 10 firefighters
- The Chief would like to use Truck 6013 for the convention/parade in Chatham.
- A pipe is being installed for a hydrant at the Carmelite Sisters.
- The Chief has offered help to Tivoli when they need it. They will respond under mutual aid when called.
- Call Sheets: The Chief has noticed changes have been made to the call sheets after he has completed them and will be discussing this will the other officers. There were discussions on who is in charge at a scene.
Treasurer Fiore has amended the July proposed bills by adding $400.00 for Emergency Response Technology, $160.00 for Tracey Gallant and $33,088.00 to Penflex for LOSAP.
MOTION TO PAY BILLS: A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Miller to pay the bills as amended. All in favor. So carried.
There was discussion about paying for the calls entered into the state system before they are actually entered. Chairwoman Rifenburgh will speak with Tracey about this.
FUEL USAGE: 45.9 gallons reported by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Captain Coon asked if Truck #6013 could be used to take him to the church on August 17th for his wedding. This was approved by the Commissioners.
He also reported that the water softener at Station #1 is not working properly.
Captain Coon also asked the owner at 577 County Route 6 if we could put in a hydrant there and they said that it will be fine. He asked for additional funds in the training budget next year.
A motion was made to adjourn at 8:20 P.M. by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Miller.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, Secretary
Clermont Fire Commissioners
Planning Board – July 2019
CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
July 10, 2019
The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Nathan Hempel, Mary Howard, Ron Miller, Jennifer Phillips and Clayton Andrus. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town, Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town.
After review of the June 2019 minutes, a motion was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.
Motion to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Pamela Haug of Moore Farm LLC, was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Clayton Andrus. All in favor. So carried.
Pamela Haug, Moore Farm LLC, 301 Nevis Road, Tax ID# 191.01-1-29, is applying for a Minor Subdivision. The Board reviewed the survey map. There were no questions from the audience. Motion to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel. All in favor. So carried.Matthew Griesemer read the SEQRA, recommending a negative impact. Jennifer Phillips made a motion to declare a negative declaration, seconded by Mary Howard. All in favor. So carried. Motion to accept as presented was made by Clayton Andrus, seconded by Nathan Hempel. All in favor. So carried.
Carmelite Sisters, 600 Woods Road, Tax ID# 179-1-69, represented by Rob Sasser from Tighe and Bond, proposes to build a 2400 square foot visitors’ cottage. The Clermont State Historic Site raised the questions regarding the historic aspect of the current guest house. Lighting will be dark sky compliant. The site placement was discussed regarding the ability to view the new cottage from Woods Road. Motion to accept the postal documentation of certified letters being sent to adjacent property owners in lieu of the returned signature cards was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel. All in favor, with the exception of one nay from Mary Howard. So carried. Motion to to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel. All in favor. So carried. Matthew Griesemer read the SEQRA, recommending a negative declaration. Motion for a negative declaration was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Clayton Andrus. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel to approve the project based on the fact it was in compliance with town and state zoning and environmental laws. All in favor. So carried.
Anne Katrin Spiess, 356 County Route 6, Tax ID# 179.-1-48, represented by Eric Maskell of Natural Energy Solutions, appeared before the Board explaining the solar panels will be moved north, closer to the rear of the property, placing the panels 193 feet off the property line. He was instructed to obtain a letter of approval from the abutting neighbor. Motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to hold a Public Hearing on August 14, 2019 should the letter of approval from the neighbor not be obtained. All in favor. So carried.
Motion to adjourn was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:53pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary