CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
APRIL 3, 2017

The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, April 3, 2017 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.  Also attending were Superintendent Martin Handler of Pine Plains Central School District and five residents.

Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag and introduced
Superintendent Martin Handler of Pine Plains Central School District who is here to talk about the school budget and capital project.  Their budget is increasing 4.4%.  This is due to increase to the Special Education services, BOCES Career and Tech Program, health insurance and salaries. The tax cap limit is 2.29%, which is higher than the 2% allowed but there is a carryover from last year. The total budget is $31,752,001.00 using $610,883 from fund balance, appropriated reserves $642,200, other revenue $289,500, additional revenue to balance budget $320,848. The state aid is an unknown but is estimated to be $7,339,019.00.
There are three propositions on the ballot May 16, 2017:
1. Proposed budget for 2017-2018  $31,752.001.
2. Purchase of Buses – using excess funds from last years budget $410,000.
3. Capital Reserve – renovation and reconstruction of Stissing Mountain Jr/Sr. High auditorium and replacement of Jr. High School gym floor.  $2,897,160.00.
4. Election of two board members for three year terms.
Raymond asked about the fund balance once they use $610,000 and if there would be a balance in the reserve account.  Mr. Handler thought the remaining balance might be in the million dollar amount and the renovation would use most of the reserves.
They are entering an energy performance contract, which will cover nearly 85% of the energy usage at the high school.  Sara Takacs asked about hospitalization costs.  He explained that it is the medications that are costing so much.
Evan asked about technology at the school and the costs. They have a contract with McGraw- Hill for 6 year contract for e-books which saves on the purchase of books. The board thanked Mr. Handler for coming in to explain their budget.  

MINUTES: A motion was made to accept the minutes by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor.  So carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:
 TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Clerk presented checks in the amount of $l,127.50 for the General Fund and $718.64 for Trust & Agency to the Supervisor.  A motion was made to accept the Clerk’s report by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel.  All in favor.  So carried.
 The Clerk reminded residents that dogs must be licensed with the Town.  Dogs must have a recent rabies vaccination and the cost is $3.50 for spayed/neutered dogs and $10.50 if not spayed or neutered. There is a rabies clinic in Germantown on Saturday April 15th at Palatine Park and Gallatin on Saturday, May 6th at the Town highway garage.
 Reminded residents to sign up for Code Red Alerts through the Columbia County website for updates during storms, power outages and road closures.
 The Town Clerk’s office will be closed on Saturday, April 15th and tentatively on Saturday, May 6th.
 Website: Councilwoman Brownson noticed that the historical photos that had been on the website are no longer on.  She will check with the former Historian for a copy of the pictures to be added back on.  Councilman Hempel advised that the video of the March meeting has been added.  Other months that were not posted will be added.
 The Supervisor submitted the budget and revenue reports for period ending March 31st.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
 HIGHWAY: Councilman Desmond said that the paver, which was declared surplus equipment has not yet been sold but is expected to be. Superintendent Potts is looking for a used tractor to replace the old one that we have.  Existing funds would be used and budgeted for in next year’s budget.
 Councilman Gildersleeve said that the Assessor has received a new laptop and we will talk about Town Clerk’s laptop later in the meeting. He reminded residents that the burn restriction went into effect March 15 and is in effect until May 16th.
 Councilwoman Brownson told the board that the application to Berkshire Taconic Community foundation for a multi-use field at Hettling Park was denied.  They had an excess of applications this year for the money that they had. We should be hearing from the Bank of Greene County grant that she wrote.  The Iroquois Community funding deadline is May 15th but it is for passive recreation.  She may try to get funding for historic buildings for the Town Hall roof project.  She also reported that Robyn Reynolds, program administrator for the Clean Energy Program said that it has not been determined by the State if training for code enforcement training could be used towards credit. There is also a solar campaign for rooftop, ground mounted, etc. being installed.  There also may be a solarized Albany campaign, which may include our area.
 Councilwoman Brownson read a thank you letter from Louise Ingham, a resident of the town, who has recently celebrated her 101st birthday.  The Town had sent her a birthday card.
 The Village Green Easter Egg Hunt is being held Saturday, April 8th from 2-3 P.M. Rain date, Sunday, April 9th.

OLD BUSINESS:
 LAPTOPS: As was reported the Assessor has a new laptop, which was under $600.00. The Town Clerk has been authorized for up to $500.00 for the purchase of a new laptop.
 SHIELDS ROAD: Last month a resolution was presented and voted on to abandon a turnaround on a residents property and letters were received from Clermont Fire Commissioners and Clermont Planning Board that they agree with abandoning the turnaround on Shields Road property and the agreement with the landowners was updated that all fees for our attorney would be paid by the applicant.  The Supervisor will get a copy of the letter from Milan Fire Company.
 BROWNFIELD: Supervisor Staats has received the driveway permit from DOT for the entrance to Hettling Park for our file. He has not heard from DEC since December, but expects that when the weather and ground improve they will be back to finish up. He will advise when he hears from them.

NEW BUSINESS:
 TEATOR LANE: Supervisor Staats introduced Resolution No.43 of 2017 relating to the discontinuance and abandonment of Teator Lane, a dead end roadway, formerly a private driveway.  This road is utilized by one resident and has been removed from the Town’s road listing inventory by the State. Pursuant to Highway Law the County Highway Superintendent is required to hold a public hearing, with 20 days written notice to owners and occupants of lands adjoining Teator Lane of the time and place of the hearing.  A motion was made for the approval of this resolution and for the County Highway Superintendent to hold the public hearing by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor.  So carried. Councilman Desmond noted that it was mentioned in the minutes of 1942 to make this a town road.  
 WATER TANK: Supervisor Staats got an estimate for the water tank replacement at Town Hall from Harkins Heating and Plumbing for $775.00. A motion was made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.  All in favor.  So carried.
 TOWN HALL ROOF: Supervisor Staats has prepared the Request for Proposal for the Town Hall roof project. It will be advertised for sealed bids to be opened at the June meeting at 7:00 P. M.  A motion was made approving putting this out to bid by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.  All in favor.  So carried.
 APPOINTMENT FOR THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW:
Due to a recent resignation on the BAR, a motion was made to appoint Sara Takacs to fill the unexpired term of Al Costello through September 30, 2020 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor.  So carried.
 Supervisor Staats noted the passing of Peter Paul Dempsey, father of our highway employee Patrick Dempsey.
 The Village Green Easter Egg hunt will be held on Saturday, April 8th 2-3 P.M.
 The Highway did an excellent job clearing the roads during the March 14-15th snowstorm.

If anyone has any questions regarding County business please contact the Supervisor.

ABSTRACTS:
 A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General Fund abstract #4, vouchers #89 – 117, in the amount of $5,385.12, seconded by Councilman Hempel.  All in favor.  So carried.
 A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Highway Fund abstract #4, vouchers #28 – 36, in the amount of $7,710.70, seconded by Councilman Desmond.  All in favor.  So carried.
 A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve Trust & Agency abstract #3, voucher #6 in the amount of $1,003.63, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor.  So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Chris Nolan: Commended the board for the efficient running of the town meeting and to get the videos of the meetings uploaded to the website. He would also like the town board to consider alternative energy strategies, such as considering structural support for mounting solar panels on the town hall or leasing for solar panels, giving relief to the taxpayers through a revenue stream. He would like to see a reinforcement of the roof while putting up a new roof. He asked Councilwoman Brownson if there are any grants for a solar study.
Sara Takacs is interested in hearing about screening.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:30 P.M. by Councilman Grildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.  All in favor.  So carried.

Respectfully submitted,


Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk