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Fire Commissioners – March 2019

FIRE COMMISSIONERS MEETING

                                                            MARCH 18, 2019

The Clermont Fire Commissioners held their regular meeting on Monday, March 18, 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,Treasurer Denise Fiore, Captain Les Coon, Assistant Chief Collin Brown and resident and Milan Firefighter Al Sardaro

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

MINUTES: After review, a motion was made by Commissioner Miller to accept the minutes of the February meeting, seconded by Commissioner Bauer.  All in favor.  So carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

March 18, 2019 Fire Commissioners’ Treasurer’s Report               

RE:  February 2019

Total Amount of February 2019 Invoices Paid                                 $ 15,149.83

RE:  March 2019

Proposed March 2019 Invoices                                             $ 5,159.10

Paid March 2019 Invoices                                                        2,622.81  

                                                Total                                                                   $ 7,781.91

Reconciliation of Accounts

The Bank of Greene County Balances to Date

Money Market Checking Balance                                                        $ 217,102.11*

*Includes interest paid on 2/28/19 in the amount of $33.85

Checking Balance                                                                                              5,550.78           

Less Outstanding Checks                                                                                2,728.05

Checking Balance to Date                                                                              2,822.73

Money Market & Checking A/C Total                                                $ 219,924.84

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

                                                                                Total                                $   29,735.81                                                                                                                                           

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

                                                                               Total                                $   33,675.02

Denise Fiore, Treasurer

March 18, 2019

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

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • Received a card from Anthony Hill, formerly of Penflex, that he is now with Firefly Admin, Inc. Service Awards Programs.
  • Received Commissioner S. Rifenburgh’s Commissioner’s Training Certificate
  • RBC Wealth Management account statement for February $382,084.50.
  • CMH sent new forms for Cancer History and Disability History which they suggest be added to the physical package handed to new applicants.
  • Doyle Security is now joining with Commercial Instruments and Alarm systems.
  • Physicals were received for James Potts, Sr. and Ronald Rifenburgh.  Upon reviewing these forms used for private doctors it was decided to change the requirements for Category C – Exterior Support and Category D – Administrative/Fire Police.  Commissioner S. Rifenburgh will work on this.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Commissioner Bauer

  • Commissioner Bauer reported on the paving of Station #1.  The quote that we have from Colarusso’s is to pave station #1 with 3 inches of binder on top of existing asphalt and top with 1.5 inches of 9.5 mm top for $15860.00, materials to be hauled by ACS. May request fire department for traffic control while work is being done. Also, would need approval to have Steve Werner of B&K Electric to move the electric so it is not under the blacktop.  The funds for blacktop are in the budget. A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh to approve work being done by Colarusso’s and B&K Electric, seconded by Commissioner Miller.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • Commissioner Bauer also said that Richard Bauer will still be doing the mowing at Station #1.

INSURANCE: Commissioner R. Rifenburgh and Miller

  • Commissioner Miller will contact insurance company with questions from last months meeting.

FIRE EQUIPMENT: Commissioner Bauer

  • The new microphones have come in.
  • The light tower is being repaired for a missing pin.

LOSAP: All Commissioners

  • The Length of Service Awards reports for 2018 have been completed and needs signatures.  The report has also been posted at Station #2.  There are several who have not made any fire calls and Commissioner R. Rifenburgh wants to know if they have any gear or pagers.  The Chief will be getting those items back from Tyler Case and Pete Cichetti.
  • Commissioner R. Rifenburgh said there should be 12 drills per year for LOSAP and they should be done in our district.
  • The three new members this year will be in the new LOSAP program which took effect January 1, 2019. They are Evan Tompkins, Thomas O’Connell and Christopher Farewell.

LAWS AND POLICIES: All Commissioners

No report

LEGAL: All Commissioners

After the resignation of Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, it is necessary to nominate a new vice Chairman.  A motion was made by Commissioner S. Rifenburgh to nominate Commissioner Ronald Miller as new Vice Chairman, seconded by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh.  All in favor.  So carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

  • AUDIT: The Treasurer, Denise Fiore, reported that the State comptroller has asked for a fixed assets report in the audit report, and that the accountant will work on that.
  • TRUCK BOND: The Treasurer has talked to the Bank of Greene County regarding the bond for the new truck. On a seven year term bond, the interest rates are  3.25% and 2.89%. 
  • The open Lieutenants position was not brought up at the last fire company meeting and they have said that it will be brought up at the April meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • Chairwoman Rifenburgh said that the Association of Fire Districts is holding a sexual harassment training in Albany on May 4th and she would like to attend.  The cost is $125.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Bauer for Chairwoman Rifenburgh to attend and pick up a check from the treasurer before the next meeting.  All in favor. So carried.
  • Chairwoman Rifenburgh told the Commissioners that at the training it was suggested that we have a Deputy Treasurer and Deputy Secretary.
  • It was also learned that when the fire company is going to hold fund raising/benefits they are supposed to ask the District.
  • Also, the Chief cannot be the maintainer of the firehouse. ie: the cleaner of the building.

CHIEFS REPORT:

There were five calls for February:

  1. 2/11/19 – AAPI – County Route 8 and Hill n Dale Road
  2. 2/15/19 – Alarm Activation – 694 Church Ave.
  3. 2/21/19 – Alarm Activation – 726 Woods Road
  4. 2/21/19 – Alarm Activation – 600 Woods Road
  5. 2/22/19 – Alarm Activation – 726 Woods Road

Drills:

2/25/19 – Drill SCBA review packs, Non SCBA members reviewed trucks/operations and location of tools – 10 firefighters present (+ Les Coon at FAST)

2/16/19 – SCBA initial training for Evan Tompkins, refresher for Thomas O’Connell – administered by Les Coon.

The FIT Test been not been scheduled because they don’t have someone who is certified to do the test.  Livingston will have a certified technician so maybe we can do it with them.  The Chief will check into it.

Commissioner R. Rifenburgh asked Captain Coon if he knows what happened to the fire extinquisher from one of the trucks. It has been replaced on the truck.

MOTION: A motion was made to pay the bills by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was discussion about having maps of the Clermont Fire District and Bob Desmond said the map of the town in Town Hall could be used but it does include the parcels which are in the Livingston Fire District.

Assistant Chief Collin Brown said that at the Officers meeting they discussed the possibility of building an office at station #1 where files can be kept and locked up.  At the present there is no safe place to leave them.  May be able to get donated materials.  They can come back with a more concrete plan next month.

Commissioner R. Rifenburgh asked if there was anything new on the missing radio and three microphones.  A claim should be filed with the insurance company after getting a quote on the items.

Al Sardaro told the Commissioners that they use Bud Carey as a certified technician for the FIT tests. He also expressed interest in the open Commissioners position.  He has been a member of the Milan Fire Department for thirty-two years, a past Chief and has lived in Clermont on Shields Road for 22 years.  The board thanked him for his interest and will let him know.

Fuel Report: 36.5 gallons

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:25 by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor.  So carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Helen Shannon

Secretary, Clermont Fire District

Planning Board – March 2019

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

March 13, 2019

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Nathan Hempel, Mary Howard, Ron Miller, Tom Jantzen, Jennifer Phillips and Clayton Andrus. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town, Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the February 2019 minutes, a motion was made by Mary Howard, and 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 the Jantzen project was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Jennifer Phillips.  All in favor.  So carried.

Tom and Nancy Jantzen, 199 Commons Road, Tax ID# 192-1-28, represented by George Schmitt, for the addition of an accessory apartment.  Matthew Griesemer read the SEQRA, recommending the Board declare a negative impact.  Motion to declare a negative impact was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Clayton Andrus.  All in favor.  So carried.  Motion to approve the Jantzen project as presented was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel.  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, came before the Board presenting the plan for tracker solar panels for the applicants home.  After discussion by the Board, there were no additional comments.  Motion was made to close the Public Hearing was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Tom Jantzen.  All in favor.  So carried.  Approval is pending the outcome from the ZBA. 

Motion to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for the Spiess project was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips.  All in favor.  So carried.

Carl Whitbeck appeared before the board representing Greg and Donna Fingar, asking to subdivide/  The application was accepted pending review by the ZBA for interpretation.  Motion to refer the application to the ZBA for interpretation was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel.  All in favor.  So carried.

Motion to adjourn was made by Mary Howard and seconded by Ron Miller.  All in favor. So carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Desiree M Webber
Secretary

Town Board Meeting – March 2019

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MINUTES

                                                               MARCH 4, 2019

The Clermont Town Board held its monthly meeting on Monday, March 4, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall.  Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Evan Hempel and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve.  Councilwoman Dawn Brownson was absent.  There were five residents present. 

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made to enter into executive session at 7:00 P.M. to discuss litigation matters by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor.  So carried.

A motion was made to come out of executive session at 7:35 P.M. by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.  All in favor.  So carried.

MINUTES: After reviewing the minutes of the February meeting a motion was made to accept the minutes by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor. So carried.

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the February Town Clerk’s report and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General fund in the amount of $181.50 and for Trust & Agency for $317.50.  

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • Hudson Valley Distillers in Clermont is holding a Grand Reveal of remodeled tap room with beer, cider and wine dispensing systems to be held on March 9th.
  • Keeping our Seniors Safe shredding program to be held March 18 to March 29th.
  • The assessment inventory and valuation data is available for examination and review with the Assessor by appointment on March 5th and March 12th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 
  • Office for the Aging will be holding three discussions on aging issues March 15 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Palatine Manor, May 23r from 10 AM to 11 AM at Office for the Aging and June 5th from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Office for the Aging, 325 Columbia Street, Hudson.
  • The Supervisor handed out the budget and revenue reports for February 28, 2019 to the board members.
  • Website: There was no correspondence or any questions.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

  • Councilman Desmond reported that the new highway truck should arrive this week.  He also thanked the highway department for the work they have been doing during the recent storms.
  • Councilman Hempel reported that there were some meetings about the new website and it is coming together.
  • Councilman Gildersleeve reminded us that the outdoor burn restrictions go into effect on March 16th thru May 14th.

OLD BUSINESS:

  • DEC: Supervisor Staats reported that he had a conference call this month with the town engineer, attorney and the Department of Environmental Conservation to discuss the recent invoices, which were received regarding the remediation of the brownfields. We questioned whether or not we were responsible for these charges. The State did audit the claims and found that this was for work that was done at the site. We will have to pay the invoices or they will find us responsible to pay for the entire remediation. The invoices are on this month’s abstract to be paid.
  • DEVEREUX ADVANCES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: The Town attorney and Supervisor Staats met in Poughkeepsie with the State and a representative of Devereaux.  They listened to our arguments regarding the loss of taxes on the property they are looking to purchase at 32 Scenic Hill Drive and the other parcels that have been removed from the tax rolls. Supervisor Staats asked for a motion to approve Resolution #39-2019 to have our Town Attorney enter into an agreement with Devereaux, which was made by Councilman Desmond and seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor.  So carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • Budget amendment No. 1 of 2019: The Town Board authorized the Supervisor to make budget amendments to transfer $25,000 from the General Fund’s Appropriated fund balance into the Brownfields account A-7110.42 to cover DEC invoices. The motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • REVIEW SCOPE OF WORK FOR BIDS: The Supervisor would like to put the repairs for the Community House roof, Storage building roof and Town Hall & Community House painting out to bid.  The damage is the result of the hail storm on May 15th, 2018. He will send bids out to local contractors to be returned and read at the April 1st meeting.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

  • COUNTY SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM: The County will be hiring 18 to 23 young adults between the ages of 18 – 24yrs.old for positions in the county. They must provide proof of enrollment in school, pass a drug test and physical. They can work up to 40 hours at $12.00 per hour. If anyone is interested they should contact the Supervisor or Town Clerk.
  • SOUTHERN COLUMBIA LITTLE LEAGUE & SOFTBALL: The Southern Columbia Little League and Softball League is seeking players 4 years old and up. Go to the website SCYSPORTS.COM for information.
  • COUNTY: The North Bay proposed park on the landfill in Hudson does not seem to be going forward. Supervisor Staats proposed fenced in solar panels but it doesn’t seem that the Supervisors want to do anything on it. 
  • RECYCLE PERMITS: The recycle permits have been selling.  Currently there are three permits available, regular, senior and out of county.  It is believed that there are some coming from out of state with their garbage, so the county is looking into that.

ABSTRACTS:

  • A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve Trust & Agency abstract #2, vouchers #,4,5,6 in the amount of $533.82.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #3, vouchers #13-21 in the amount of $15,366.21.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve General abstract #3A, vouchers #59 – 89 in the amount of $32,463.34.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve General pre-paid abstract #3, vouchers #56,57,58 in the amount of $305.08.  All in favor.  So carried.  

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Mary Howard: Park – A site analysis has been completed by members of the park committee. Mary thanked Amy Parella, Lindsey Shute and other members for their work on this. The next meeting will be held on Sunday, March 17th at 6:00 P.M.

Phyllis Heiko:  Recently, there have been ATV’s using the park and since the committee has been working so hard to make the park usable she would like to see signs prohibiting certain activities. This was brought up at a past meeting. The board suggested that the committee look into this and the placement of the signs. Councilman Desmond suggested that listing limited prohibited uses on the sign and a complete list be available on a pamphlet.

Charles Robinson: The mining permit for Red Wing Properties mining operation on County Route 19 in Clermont is expiring on 9/13/2021.  They are applying to extend their mining operation from property on County Route 19 and truck to their mining facility on County Route 19 in Clermont.  He is a resident of Clermont, living on the Roe Jan Kill, Turkey Hill Road, and is asking Clermont to get involved with this effort to stop the expansion of the mine and use of County Route 19 to haul the materials. There is a website to learn more about this at Livingston Neighbors.org.

A motion was made to adjourn 8:40 P.M.by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by  Councilman Hempel. All in favor.  So carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Helen Shannon, RMC

Town Clerk

Fire Commissioners – February 2019

                                               CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS

FEBRUARY 18, 2019

The Clermont Fire Commissioners held their regular meeting on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall.  Those in attendance were Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Ronald Rifenburgh, Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, Commissioner Ronald Miller and Commissioner Raymond Bauer.  Also present were Fire Chief Lloyd Kukon, Treasurer Denise Fiore, 2nd Lt. Samuel Williams, Firefighter Josh Williams, Robert Desmond and Peter Fingar of Fingar Insurance who went over the policy with the Commissioners.

Mr. Fingar went over the policy, what is covered, limits of liabilities and replacement costs. He was asked to add the gear dryer, purchased last year, to the policy at a value of $5200.00.  He will also change the replacement cost of the 1987 GMC Step van to $25,200 and the 1988 International to $76,000. The premium increased $300.00 over last year. There were some questions asked which he will look into.

MINUTES: A motion was made by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh to approve the Organizational meeting of January 21, 2019.  All in favor.  So carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to approve the regular meeting minutes of January 21, 2019.  All in favor.  So carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

February 18, 2019 Fire Commissioners’ Treasurer’s Report                           Page 1 of 1

RE:  January 2019

Total Amount of January 2019 Invoices Paid                       $ 3,513.50

RE:  February 2019

Proposed February 2019 Invoices                                         $ 12,506.05

Paid February 2019 Invoices                                                      2,643.78

                                                Total                                                                  $    15,149.83

Reconciliation of Accounts

The Bank of Greene County Balances to Date

Money Market Checking Balance                                                        $   67,691.26*

*Includes interest paid on 1/31/19 in the amount of $8.62

  Does not include deposit $164,377.00 made on 2/15/2019

Checking Balance                                                                                              3,851.43            

Less Outstanding Checks                                                                                2,769.47

Checking Balance to Date                                                                              1,081.96

Money Market & Checking A/C Total                                                 $68,773.22

Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Equipment                                         $29,728.61 (as of 12/31/18)

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

                                                                                Total                                  $29,732.39                                                                                                                            

Capital Reserve Fund for Constr. &Improvement:          $33,666.86 (as of 12/31/18)

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

                                                                               Total                                   $33,671.15

Denise Fiore, Treasurer

February 18, 2019

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

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • PHYSICALS: Received for Les Coon, Thomas O’Connell, Evan Tompkins, Lloyd Kukon and Larry Saulpaugh.
  • MacBoston 18 Truck – 2019 Winter Training Seminar to be held in Halfmoon on Residential Fire Sprinkler systems and Post traumatic syndrome.
  • RBC Account Statement – January $379,434.52

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh

  • At last month’s meeting, a request for proposal was put out for cleaning services for Station #1 and the bays at Station#2.  A proposal was received from Lloyd Kukon to clean both for $95.00 per month. A motion was made by Commissioner Bauer to accept the bid, seconded by Commissioner Miller.  All in favor.  So carried.

FIRE EQUIPMENT: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh

  • Pager was sent out and it was repaired by Motorola for $200.00.  It will be programmed.
  • The Assistant Chief reported that there is a missing radio and several missing microphones. The missing radio was discovered at a drill on January 28 and seem to be swapped out from truck #60-13.  Asst. Chief Brown is talking to the state police about it.

INSURANCE: Commissioner R. Rifenburgh and Miller

No Report

LOSAP: All Commissioners

  • Original call sheets and original training certificates will be kept for the year together to be used in computing for LOSAP benefits.

LAWS AND POLICIES: All Commissioners

No Report

OLD BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

  • The Treasurer reported that the yearly audit report received an extension due to our accountant having had surgery.
  • The check received from the town for payment of taxes has been deposited.
  • The Treasurer, Denise Fiore, has decided to sell her home and relocate. She will help a new treasurer that the Commissioners appoint.
  • Fuel Oil cost $2.25 from Main Care Energy at state price.

CHIEFS REPORT:

There were two calls for the month of January:

1/8/19 – Mutual Aid (Livingston) – 16 Major Road – 9 firefighters

1/26/19 – Pump out – 1678 Route 9 – 6 firefighters

Drill:

1/28/19 –  Radio Communications – 9 firefighters

  • OSHA Class will be held on Wednesday, February 20th.
  • Chief would like to purchase a CO Detector from Fire End for $315.00. It works on regular batteries and has auto shutoff.  Tivoli and Red Hook are using this type.
  • There are several members in fire school and later in April will need permission to take a truck to a fire school. 
  • At this time there is no county mutual aid plan but it is being worked on.  They are also working on radio frequencies.

A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to approve the Chief to purchase a CO detector from Fire End for $315.00. All in favor.  So carried.

MOTION TO PAY BILLS:

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

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Josh Williams has his certificates to qualify for the position as 1st Lt. but he does not have the necessary two years as required.  There was an election by the company but at the time Josh did not have the qualifications to take the position.  There was someone else also running for the position who did qualify.  Commissioner Saulpaugh feels that he did not resign from the membership and was still actively doing things with the company.  It was discussed and suggested that this be brought up at the fire company meeting and they hold another election. The company could waive the requirements of having to be in the district for two years consecutively. The Commissioners feel that he would do a good job but that the company should hold the election over under the circumstances.

Commissioner R. Rifenburgh asked to have the minutes reflect that Commissioner Larry Saulpaugh had not apologized for his outburst and language at the previous month’s meeting.

Commissioner Saulpaugh exchanged words with Commissioner Rifenburgh and then wrote his resignation letter and as he left the building, offered his apologies to all.

With the submission of the resignation, a roll call vote was held on whether to accept the resignation submitted by Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh as follows:

                        Ronald Rifenburgh – yes

                        Raymond Bauer – no

                        Ronald Miller – no

                        Susan Rifenburgh – yes

This was not a unanimous vote either aye or nay.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Helen Shannon

Fire District Secretary

Planning Board – February 2019

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

February 13, 2019

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Nathan Hempel, Mary Howard, Ron Miller, Tom Jantzen, Jennifer Phillips and Clayton Andrus. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town, Brian Henchy, Attorney for the Town.

After review of the January 2019 minutes, a motion was made by Mary Howard, and seconded by Ron Miller, to accept the minutes.  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, came before the Board presenting the plan for tracker solar panels for the applicants home.  The planned site will not be visible from neighboring homes or County Route 6.  The Board reviewed the site plan.  Jennifer Phillips explained the need for additional wording regarding replacement of existing screening should it become necessary in the future.  Mary Howard made a motion to accept the application as compete.  Seconded by Nathan Hempel.  All in favor.  So carried.  A Public Hearing will be held at the March 13, 2019 meeting.

Tom and Nancy Jantzen, 199 Commons Road, Tax ID# 192-1-28, represented by George Schmitt, for the addition of an accessory apartment.  Motion to close the regular meeting was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel.  All in favor.  So carried.  Motion to open the Public Hearing was made by Ron Miller.  Seconded by Clayton Andrus.  All in favor.  So carried. There were no attendees in the audience for comments.  Decision from the Board is pending the County Planning Board approval.  SEQRA will be read at the March 13, 2019 meeting.   

Motion to adjourn was made by Mary Howard and seconded byTom Jantzen.  All in favor. So carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town Board – February 2019

                                               CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MEETING

                                                            FEBRUARY 4, 2019

The Clermont Town Board held their regular meeting on Monday, February 4, 2019 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 five residents present. 

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.

A motion was made to move into executive session to discuss personnel issues regarding the cleaning of the Town Hall at 7:00 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.  All in favor.  So carried.

A motion was made to come out of executive session at 7:10 P.M. by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.  All in favor.  So carried.

MINUTES:

The minutes of the Organizational Meeting and regular meeting held on January 7, 2019 were approved on a motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor.  So carried.

The minutes of the Review of the books and policies held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 were approved on a motion made by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor. So carried.

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the January Town Clerk’s report and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General fund in the amount of $1,429.00 and a check for Trust & Agency in the amount of $400.00. 

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • There were no questions or comments for the web committee.
  • The Columbia County Rabies Clinic dates are set.  Flyers are available at the town hall or check the town website.
  • Columbia County Office for the Aging nominee forms for Seniors of the Year.
  • Budget and revenue reports for January 31, 2019.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

  • Councilman Desmond thanked Councilman Gildersleeve for looking for information on a POW flag for the park flagpole.  The cost is $55.00.  Councilman Desmond made a motion to purchase the POW flag for $55.00, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. Diane O’Neal asked if there were any POW’s from Clermont. It is not known if there are.  Councilman Desmond explained that we have a new veteran’s monument in the park and a flagpole which has not been put up.
  • Councilman Desmond also commended the Highway department for the work that they did during the recent storms.
  • Councilman Hempel said that he has been working with Ellen Earle on the website and also met with the clerk on posting announcements, minutes, etc.
  • Councilman Gildersleeve explained that the POW flag is double sided and sun resistant.
  • Councilwoman Brownson applied for a grant for $2,500.00 to the Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation for the funding for landscaping for the entrance to the park. The budget was between $7000 and $8000 and she applied for $2500. It usually takes several months before we would receive anything. 

OLD BUSINESS:

  • The Supervisor met with the insurance adjuster on additional damage that he found from the hail storm of May 15, 2018. The adjuster saw even more damage and estimated an additional $13,495.00 in damages.  We will be receiving a check for this. He said that it was a very pleasant experience working with NYMIR. The work will be scheduled to be done in the spring.
  • Columbia County Bus Route: The bus route does not run into Clermont, as was thought, but they do run into Germantown. They pick up on Tuesday at 8:30 AM and drop off at 12:45 P.M.  There is a schedule for pick up in other towns.  The schedule is online if interested. 
  • WORKPLACE VIOLENCE POLICY: This County has changed their policy and the Supervisor has asked them to look at our policy so that we can update ours.  The county did leave him a sample which he will be looking at.  They will also hold the training for this. Councilman Desmond asked if you can have someone from town trained.  It is more expensive to train someone in house. Councilman Gildersleeve asked if this is available online.  Ray is not sure if it is an option.  Councilwoman Brownson thought NYMIR might be doing the training.
  • HIGHWAY PERSONNEL POLICY: There was a request to review the sick leave policy, which was done at the January review meeting.  Currently the Highway employees are allowed to carry over 30 days sick from year to year.  It is now allowed for 60 days to be carried over.
  • DEVEREAUX: Devereaux has proposed purchasing another house in Clermont.  This would be the sixth house to go in Clermont.  They have agreed to a hearing to hear our concerns about having another home in Clermont, which will come off the tax rolls,  when surrounding towns have fewer or none. The Supervisor and our attorney will be attending on February 20th.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • Interviews were held on January 19th for a vacant position on the Zoning Board of Appeals.  There were three interviewed for the position of member on the ZBA and a motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to appoint Phyllis Heiko to fill the position vacated by Peter Cichetti for the remainder of the term to 12/31/2020. All in favor.  So carried. To replace Phyllis Heiko as the alternate on the ZBA the board appointed Ben Peacock on a motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Dawn Brownson.  All in favor.  So carried. A motion was made to appoint Cody Rockefeller to the vacant alternate position on the Planning Board by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Evan Hempel.  All in favor.  So carried. A motion was made to appoint Barbara Rivenburgh to the cleaner position by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.  All in favor.  So carried. Supervisor Staats thanked Patricia VanWagner for all her years of dedicated service as our building cleaner.
  • The Supervisor reported that the sales tax check was not yet received but should be $105,642.00.  This is an increase over last year by $10,000.00.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

  • Bingham’s Mill Bridge: Last year the County voted to take the bridge down.  It was necessary to coordinate with National Grid before the bridge can be taken down but once that is taken care of it will happen. 
  • Recycling Permits: The County has sold more permits than was anticipated. Recycling seems to be supported by our residents.
  • North Bay Project: A County landfill located by the Hudson River in Hudson, which has been closed for years, has received grant funding to turn it into a park.  The County has offered the land to Hudson for $1.00, but they do not want to take it over either. This will probably come up for a vote by the Supervisors very soon and Supervisor Staats is going to be fighting for solar panels to be placed on it. There is 3 phase power nearby and it would be easy to hook up to.
  • Supervisor Staats also thanked the Highway department for all that they do.

ABSTRACTS:

  • A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve Trust & Agency abstract #1, vouchers 1-3 in the amount of $374.18.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #2A, vouchers 5-12, in the amount of $5,082.85.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General Prepaid abstract #2, vouchers #20-22, in the amount of $298.00.  All in favor. So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve General abstract #2A, vouchers #23-55 in the amount of $7,248.51.  All in favor.  So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

  • Phyllis Heiko thanked the board for appointing her to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
  • Maureen Barca: Found the meeting very interesting.
  • Chris Nolan:  He has heard that a large section of Red Hook Village is for sale, we in Clermont should watch for these kinds of changes, and make planning decisions and anticipate changes. The demographics of Clermont have changed in the thirty years he has been here and will change more.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:10 P.M. by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor.  So carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Helen Shannon, RMC

Town Clerk