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Zoning Board of Appeals – July 2018

Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals

1795 Route 9
Germantown, New York 12526

July 25, 2018

The meeting opened at 7:30 pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending: Hank Himelright, Pete Cichetti, John Rusconi, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner and Phyllis Heiko.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, May 2018.  A motion to accept the minutes was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Luke Kumburis.  All in favor.  So carried.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the joint Public Hearing held with he Planning Board on June 13, 2018.  A motion to accept the minutes was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Luke Kumburis.  All in favor.  So carried.

Marcia Slatkin, 1693 Route 9, came before the board regarding repair work she has done on the barn at that location.  Additional work done on the barn, without having been issued a permit,  created an accessory apartment.  Instruction was given for steps needed to prepare the site plan and obtain the previous survey so a permit can be applied for.

Motion to adjourn was made by John Rusconi, seconded by Don Van Wagner.  All in favor.  So carried.  The meeting closed at 7:55pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Fire Commissioners – July 2018

                                                 CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS

                                                                JULY 16, 2018

The Clermont Fire Commissioners held their regular meeting on Monday, July 16, 2018 at 7:00 P.M.  Those present were Commissioner Ron Miller, Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, Commissioner Ronald Rifenburgh and Commissioner Raymond Bauer.  Chairwoman Rifenburgh was absent. 

Others present were Treasurer Denise Fiore, Captain Les Coons, Chief Lloyd Kukon and Tami Connolly.

Commissioner Saulpaugh opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.

MINUTES: Treasurer Fiore noted that on page 24 a correction was needed to change the name of Mr. Meehan from Pete to Pat.  A motion was made to accept the minutes with correction by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer.  All in favor.  So carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Total amount of June 2018 invoices paid                                           $39,401.00

Proposed July 2018 invoices                                                               $ 3,988.64     *

Paid July 2018 invoices                                                                       $    150.94

Total                                                                                                    $ 4,139.58     *

                        * Adjusted total – added $732.28

RECONCILIATION OF ACCOUNTS:

            The Bank of Greene County Balances

                        Money Market Checking Balance                              $131,583.06

                        Checking Balance                                                        $    3,078.12

                        Less Outstanding Checks                                            $         17.48

                        Checking Balance to Date                                           $    3,060.64

            Money Market & Checking Account total                              $134,643.70

Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Equipment                                           $  29,717.22

Capital Reserve Fund for Construction & Improvement                    $  33,653.95

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

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • RBC Wealth Management account statement for June – $397,236.24
  • Physicals were received for Wesley Werner and Brendan Hegarty.
  • Chairwoman Rifenburgh sent in a physical for Cody Rockefeller and a letter from Emergency Response Technologies of those that completed the HazMat portion of the training, which had not been reported before.  There were a total of 23 on the list.  She also reported that we have not received a physical for Peter Cichetti or Don VanWagner, or Fred Gooderham and Scott Dow who are currently inactive.
  • Received a letter releasing Harry Pease to return to active duty effective 6/12/18.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh

  • Commissioner Bauer got a quote from Darryl Millius for Station #1 roof. He would apply a fiber aluminum roof coating for $900.00 when the weather cools. A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh and seconded by Commissioner Miller to accept the bid.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • B & K Electrical gave a quote for removal of 3 light fixtures and installation of 2 LED light fixtures for $400.00.  We are the list for the work.
  • The fan at Station #1 is being used to keep the air circulating.
  • The Highway Superintendent Jim Potts will try to take care of the edges and swale of the entrance to Station #1.  

INSURANCE: Commissioners R. Rifenburgh and Miller

No report

FIRE EQUIPMENT: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh

  • All trucks have been inspected and serviced (Correction: with the exception of #6034, which has not had filters changed).  Suggested that the motor be washed off. The tanker has been welded and patched.  The tank did have a crack and is getting stressed and worn.
  • Truck #6034 fuel filters were changed but does not show on invoice.  Truck #6012 and #6013 also had the filters changed.

LOSAP: All Commissioners

Commissioner R. Rifenburgh received projected fee for LOSAP for 2019.  The contribution is $33,088.00 this is less than last year but when we do the budget we will probably have additional fees so he suggested keeping it the same. The only new benefit being paid this year is for Peter Cichetti and there are no members reaching entitlement age in 2019.

There are several members who need to complete beneficiary forms.

LAWS AND POLICIES:  All Commissioners

  • Commissioner Bauer asked if we could take a look at revising the travel policy especially with the mileage rate which is currently $.55. He suggested paying a certain percentage for meals and lodging.  Commissioner R. Rifenburgh suggested looking at this next month.

LEGAL: All Commissioners

No report

OLD BUSINESS:

  • The new television is at Station #1.  It has not been hooked up. If mounted on the wall will need a bracket, etc.
  • PRINTER: Commissioner Miller did purchase a printer for Station #1 from Staples.
  • DRYER: The salesman told the Chief that we could try the dryer for 30 days.  The cost is $200.00 per piece.  Commissioner R. Rifenburgh did get prices for a dryer at the convention from Dry Gear Solutions.  A four unit metal dryer would be $4,845 plus shipping and a two unit dryer $3545 plus shipping. MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh to purchase the four unit model.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • GEAR: Commissioner R. Rifenburgh asked the Chief how much gear has been ordered, if any.  The Commissioner did talk to someone from Viking about gear.  The Commissioners need a quote for what gear has to be purchased. 
  • The Chief said that it is possible that the County will pickup the cost of the insurance to cover cancer for firefighters.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • The tax cap will be 2% for 2019 as reported by the Treasurer.
  • The Commissioners will begin the budget process in September at the meeting on September 17th at 7:00 P.M.  Milan Volunteer Firefighters will be notified and asked to report on how many calls were answered on Shields Road and what they were. 
  • The Commissioners will meet on Friday, August 10th at 7:00 P.M. to review the specs for the new truck.
  • After discussion of the conditions of the bays at Station #2, a letter will be written to the Directors of the Fire Company requesting that they hire a cleaner to clean monthly.  If they are not interested, the District will get someone and deduct it from the monthly lease payment.

CHIEFS REPORT:

There were three calls in June as follows:

6/1/18 – Alarm Activation – 694 Woods Road

6/11/18 – Alarm Activation – 168 Pleasantvale Road

6/24/18 – Alarm Activation – 760 Woods Road

Monthly Drill:

6/25/18 on engine placement and water operations – 10 firefighters attended.

The Chief reported that he ordered the scot pack holders for #6013.  He purchased the entire unit.  A Veterans for Veterans show will be held July 21 at Fully Loaded Garage on Route 9G. Truck #6010 will be taken.  They will demonstrate cutting up a car.

The Chief thanked Captain Coon for cleaning the trucks.

He also thanked Assistant Chief Decker and Captain Coon for doing a good job at the mutual aid garage fire in Germantown.

MOTION: A motion was made to pay additional bills for the following by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Miller to Les Coon for $284.74 and $30.57 and to Staples for $416.97, total of $732.28.  All in favor.  So carried.

FUEL USAGE: Commissioner R. Rifenburgh reported the fuel usage as 47.50 gallons, 37.25 inches.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Tami Connolly asked how many active interior firefighters there are now. Commissioner R. Rifenburgh responded that there are five.  He explained about the purchase of new gear for rotation with the interior firefighters.

Captain Coon asked if the power washer is district or company because it does not seem to be working correctly, it is tripping the breaker.  Commissioner Saulpaugh suggested taking it over to Kingston for it to be checked out.

MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Miller to adjourn at 8:30 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Helen Shannon

Fire District Secretary

Planning Board – July 2018

 CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

July 11, 2018

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Clayton Andrus, Tom Jantzen, Nathan Hempel and Mary Howard. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town, Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town. After review of the June 13, 2018 minutes, a motion was made by Clayton Andrus, and seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to accept the minutes.  All in favor. So carried.

Marcia Slatkin, 1693 Route 9,  came before the board regarding work she has done on the upstairs of her barn.  She will speak to Sam Harkins, the Building Inspector, about what permits are needed for the work that has already been done as well as any future work.

Billy Cole, 3541 Route 9G, Tax ID# 190.-1-02, presented site plan for 322 storage units on 6 acres.  The units will be dry units and not climate controlled. George Schmitt will provide the applicant with a comment letter.

Bob McCarthy, Jr and Amanda McCarthy, 382 Nevis Road, Tax ID# 191.00-01-19.12, came before the Planning Board regarding subdividing 2-3 acres from the existing parcel of 98 acres.  George Schmitt will provide a comment letter to the applicant.

Motion to adjourn was made by Mary Howard and seconded by Jennifer Phillips.  All in favor. So carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town Board – July 2018

                                                               CLERMONT TOWN BOARD

                                                              JULY 2, 2018

The Clermont Town Board held their regular meeting on Monday, July 2, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Evan Hempel and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve.  Councilwoman Dawn Brownson was absent.  Also present were Ray Jurkowski, Engineer from Morris Associates, Honorable Dr. Carrie O’Hare, Town Justice from Stuyvesant and eleven town residents.

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.  He introduced the Honorable Dr. Carrie O’Hare, Town Justice from Stuyvesant and President of the Columbia County Magistrates Association who is making a presentation to the Town of a plaque to honor past and present Town Justices of Clermont.  Dr. O’Hare has researched all the towns and villages in Columbia County and will make presentations to all. The Justices on the plaque are as follows:

Claude Decker            1926 – 1947               

Fred Moore                 1940 – 1942

Royden Lasher            1943 – 1956

Burton Coon               Circa 1948

Roger Moore               1946 – 1960

Chester Looney           Circa 1956

Guido Ziliani               1960 – 1980

William E. Banks        1968 – 1981

Bernard Broast            1981 – 1997

Louise Platti                1981 – 1991

Ronald W. F. Banks    1998 to present

Richard Christensen    1992 to present

Town Justice Ronald W.F.Banks, Diane Moore and Michael Moore, daughter and grandson of Justice William E. Banks, now deceased, were also present for the presentation. The Board thanked Justice O’Hare.

The public hearing on Local Law No. 2, Noise Control Ordinance and Local Law No. 3, to amend the zoning law was continued from the June meeting.

There were six written responses received.  The Supervisor asked for comments from only those that have not responded at previous meetings.  Barbara Gentile spoke about the decibel level and the 11:00 P.M. hour reduction of sound level on weekends. She does not believe that people who are having an event, will be deterred from holding it because of a 10:00 p.m. reduction in decibel level.  There is a difference between a residential road such as Route 6 and Woods Road where practically no one would hear the music.

Anthony Miserendino asked what the procedure would be tonight.  Supervisor Staats explained that we will take comments, the Part II of SEQRA and vote on whether to approve or not.

Supervisor Staats did cite the names of those that sent in written responses, Ms. Wickham Boyle, Anthony Finta, Sara Takacs, Michael Serapica, Dana Matthews and Ripley Hathaway.  Last month Anthony Miserendino submitted a letter.

Supervisor Staats explained how we came to this point, trying to reach a reasonable compromise.

Councilman Desmond explained that currently there is no noise control ordinance in place, and we are trying to get something in place and at a reasonable level.

Sara Takacs lives very close to the town hall and the music from Tousey’s venue was very loud.  She feels that this law will already be challenged if it passes because of the noise level.

MOTION: Supervisor Staats asked for a motion to close the public hearing on Local Law No. 2 of 2018 and Local Law No. 3 of 2018.  A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 7:25 P.M. All in favor.  So carried.

Supervisor Staats introduced Ray Jurkowski of Morris Associates to read the SEQRA Impact Assessment, Part II for Local Law #2 and #3. After this review, a negative declaration was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor.  So carried.

Councilman Desmond pointed out that the Town Board’s action is not increasing noise in the town, but it is lessening it.

MOTION: Supervisor Staats entertained a motion to adopt Local Law No. 2 of 2018, so moved by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.  A roll call vote was as follows: Councilman Desmond, aye, Councilman Hempel, nay, as he does not think we need these laws, Councilman Gildersleeve, aye, because it reduces the noise level we have presently, Supervisor Staats, aye.  Motion passed.

MOTION:  Supervisor Staats entertained a motion to adopt Local Law No. 3 of 2018, so moved by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  A roll call vote was as follows: Councilman Desmond, aye, Councilman Hempel, nay, Councilman Gildersleeve, aye, Supervisor Staats, aye: Motion passed.

Until the town has the necessary equipment and training, we will be asking Morris Associates to conduct testing when necessary.  At some point, the Town Code Enforcement will be called to go out. Phyllis Heiko suggested putting this on the website.

MINUTES: A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to accept the minutes of the June 4th meeting.  All in favor.  So carried.

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT:

The Town Clerk read the report for June and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General fund in the amount of $$2,590.76.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • The Columbia County Office for the Aging newsletter “Elder Express” for summer was received.
  • The Supervisor provided copies of the June budget and revenue report to the Board.
  • Web Committee: Phyllis Heiko said that the June Zoning Board meeting was cancelled and was not posted on the website.  It was posted for several weeks before the normal meeting date. There was discussion about the website changes and Councilman Hempel thinks it will be several months before it is ready.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

  • Park Committee: At the last meeting a subcommittee was appointed to work on the survey to go out to residents.  The survey will be done online and also would like to send out a postcard to all the residents.  Mary Howard and the committee will work on this. After researching costs of postcards,  ProPrinters estimates about $600.00 and in-house would be about $565.   Bob recommends a budget not to exceed $600.00. Mary Howard explained that she is working on the merging of residential property owner list and the board of elections list, eliminating duplicate family names, etc. Phyllis Heiko complimented Councilman Desmond on the running of the meeting.  They will meet on Tuesday, July 3rd at 6:00 P.M. to walk the park starting at the Little League field on Route 6. Councilman Desmond said the Veterans memorial was discussed and it is very expensive to get the list of names.  He had proposed a generic statement to go on the memorial and Louise Kalin’s husband is working on something.  Flag poles have also been suggested.  Councilman Hempel asked if there is a protection to stop people from submitting duplicate surveys.  Mary Howard said that the survey monkey will detect duplicates.  There will also be surveys available at the Town Hall.  

OLD BUSINESS:

Executive Session: A motion was made to enter into executive session to discuss contract negotiations by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 7:50 P.M.

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel to come out of executive session at 8:00 P.M.

COMMUNITY HOUSE: Supervisor Staats reported he inspected the Community House after the May 15th hail storm and found that there was roof and siding damage, mainly on the west side. The insurance inspection warranted replacement on the roof and siding, cupola and gutters.  There was also some damage to siding on the Town Hall. He will be working on specifications to go out to bid.

PARK ENTRANCE: The Department of Transportation required berms at the entrance to the park.  The contractor had a bond with DOT and he asked if the highway department could do it. He just wants to get approval from DOT.  Our highway department did the work and also put in some lilies in order to get the approval from DEC.  

BRIDGE: Bingham’s Mill Road bridge that was closed to vehicle traffic six or seven years ago, has been closed to all pedestrian and bicycle traffic due to the deterioration of the bridge.  There has been pushback from the residents that they want it open for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.  His position is, as well as the Livingston Supervisor, is that unless the county is going to put money into it to fix it for foot traffic, because it is a hazard.  He believes that it should be either be repaired for foot traffic, torn down or replaced.  Councilman Desmond also commented that it should be re-opened for emergency vehicles and in the event of detours. He cited various agencies that would like to have it open.

LIBRARY PLANS: Mary Howard is working on a library box that people will be able to borrow books and the Library will reimburse $200.00 for paint, etc.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • FUEL OIL: The Supervisor explained that we had a difficult time with our supplier last winter, which was off the county bid.  During the heating season we ran out of fuel several times and there was a delay in getting fuel delivered. We switched suppliers. He would like to put out a public notice that we are looking for bids for fuel oil and propane.  A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel to put out a bid for fuel oil and propane.  All in favor.  So carried. 
  • A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to send out survey postcards for the park at a cost not to exceed $600.00, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor.  So carried.  This expense would be paid from the Parks account.

SUPERVISOR REPORT:

  • Recycling:  The County cost for recycling is going through the roof.  We spent $125,000.00 to $150,000.00 on recycling and it will be $250,000.00 this year.  He has suggested a user fee for those that recycle. Councilman Gildersleeve asked what is the effect of the $.05 return on recyclables?  Is there a state mandate that could stop this recycle fee? Would that help?
  • Budget process will be starting in the County.  There was a surplus of $1,700,000.00 last year.  Supervisor Staats is opposed to raising the taxes just to put money in the bank and cannot see how you can continue to raise taxes.

ABSTRACTS:

  • A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve General abstract #7A, vouchers #177-198 in the amount of $8,924.61, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor.  So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Hempel to approve General abstract #7, Prepaid, vouchers #174-176 in the amount of $$157.80, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #7, vouchers # 63-73 in the amount of $92,600.09, seconded by Councilman Hempel.  All in favor.  So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

  • Phyllis Heiko commented on those that use the Community House must be made aware that there is now a noise ordinance.
  • Anthony Miserendino asked if the new ordinance will be on the website.  It will be added. Councilman Gildersleeve noted that the Waste haulers should be notified that 6 AM is the earliest on a weekday that they can pick up.

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to adjourn at 8:30 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Helen Shannon, RMC

Town Clerk