Town Board Meeting

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD

JUNE 1, 2009

The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, June l, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilwoman O’Neal, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Lent and Councilman Nolan. Others present were Bruce Bohnsack and Sherri Barringer of G-tel, Jane Churchhill, OFA Representative for the Town, Andy Howard, Town Attorney, Ray Jurkowski, Town Engineer and thirteen residents.

The Supervisor opened the meeting with a salute to the flag.

Jane Churchhill, representative to the Office for Aging, spoke on the recent meeting. It was reported that three hundred meals are in served in the County, one hundred and fifty in the meal center. Although the finances are in good shape, it was suggested that the Meals on Wheels donation go up from $2.00 to $3.00 including envelopes with meals so that donations can be mailed in. There were over 1000 helped over the winter with Home Energy Assistance. Health insurance counseling is available by appointment. They are seeking volunteers for the meals on wheels program and other jobs in the office. They are also working on a newsletter. Seniors were recognized for their volunteer hours.

The OFA has a booth at the Chatham Fair. Densy Dyer, program coordinator is available to speak to all groups. There is an AARP driver safety course being taught which they hope to hold at Columbia Greene Community College. Supervisor Staats praised the Administrator Kary Jablonka for his work. Councilman Nolan asked if there had been any discussion about the proposed relocation of Pine Haven or Social Services. Jane has not heard anything other than OFA will be moving to the Ockawamick building when that happens.

Bruce Bohnsack and Sherri Barringer of G-Tel made a presentation on the new services that G-Tel will be offering for cable and internet. Mr. Bohnsack explained the new fiber optics and copper wiring being installed now in sections of Clermont and future installation, which will make more available to those who did not have the services before. Sherri Barringer has done the work on the programs and packages that will be available. Mr. Bohnsack went through some of the services that are provided such as the TV guide, channel menu, favorites menu, world and local news, sports information, local weather, local movies, games, etc.

QUESTIONS:

  1. Internet Protocol: The language that everything is translated in. It is all digital and everything is much clearer.
  2. Do we need a digital television? No, the modem is digital but you do not need a digital television.
  3. Modems: Three modems will be supplied to each household and you can watch three programs at one time in a household. The first will be supplied free, fee for additional two modems.
  4. In the Nevis Road area, will they be able to get internet from G-tel with this service? Yes, they cannot provide telephone service to those in the 845 area code but can provide a package of digital data.
  5. Can another package of channels be provided somewhere in between what we have now and the new package being offered? Unfortunately, the providers do not allow their lineups to be split up; we are obligated to take the channels that they offer if we take any.
  6. For a fourth television, it would be necessary to buy a modem for the fourth television. Three programs is the most that can be watched at one time, without adding another box for televisions above three.
  7. Speed of internet service: Standard is 1.5 mg up but can go up to 6 mg.
  8. This installation will be done over a period of time and some will be going on line as soon as a few weeks.

MINUTES:

May 4, 2009 Regular Meeting: Corrections: Page 4, No. 6 change Viewmont Road to Church Avenue. Page 6 – last paragraph strike ‘otherwise’ and ‘if we went outside to a company to do it’. A motion was made by Councilwoman O’Neal, seconded by Councilman Jones to accept the minutes of May 4th with corrections. Councilwoman Lent abstained because she was not present at the meeting. So carried.

May 22, 2009 Special Meeting: Corrections: Spelling of Ryan Meagher’s name, Delete: ‘and it will help with taxes’, add: ‘will take effect for next year’s taxes’. A motion was made to approve the May 22nd minutes with corrections by Councilman Nolan, seconded by Councilman Jones. All in favor. So carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  1. Town Clerks Report for May: A check in the amount of $668.88 for the general fund was presented to the Supervisor. A motion was made to approve the Town Clerk’s report by Councilman Nolan, seconded by Councilman Jones. All in favor. So carried.
  2. Association of Towns will hold Planning and Zoning School in Albany on July 23rd.
  3. Swine Flu updates on the Columbia County Health Department web site regarding one case of Swine Flu in Columbia County.
  4. Pine Plains Central School – Results of annual meeting and Board of Education Election.
  5. Email in opposition to wind farms.
  6. NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation regarding Senior Fishing and Senior Sportsman hunting licenses and the elimination of discount for Seniors age 65 – 69 after October 1, 2009.
  7. Marine Fishing License: Additional license fee of $10.00 for marine fishing license after October 1, 2009.
  8. Web Site: Councilwoman O’Neal asked if a blog could be set up for town board members. Supervisor Staats explained that local businesses would now be able to post their information on the web site. Councilman Nolan also asked if the information from the Keep Farming committee could also be listed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

  1. DEC REIMBURSEMENTS: Councilwoman Lent prepared vouchers for reimbursement from DEC for attorney fees in the amount of $107.66, which is 5% of $2,153.25 and C.T.Male Payment #5 in the amount of $1,393.03, which is 90% of $1,547.81. .
  2. LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD: Councilman Jones expressed his concern over the need for a little league field. He would like to talk about this at a meeting.
  3. STIMULUS FUNDS: Councilman Nolan reported that he received a letter from Timothy Gilcrest dated May 7, 2009 on the application for stimulus funds for the Highway Garage and we will be contacted in a few weeks with a decision. Since it is a construction project, the Dormitory Authority will review it.
  4. QUADRICENTENNIAL: Councilman Nolan noted that the Flotilla of Tall Ships from Manhattan to Albany would be arriving in Hudson on June 11th. On June 10th there will be a cannon salute as it proceeds up the Roundout in Kingston.
  5. QUADATHALON: To be held on August 2nd starting at Columbia Greene Community College, run across Rip Van Winkle Bridge to Catskill, swim in Catskill Creek, bicycle to Athens and canoe or kayak around the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse to Hudson. Check the web site www.hudsonquad.org. for information.
  6. HUDSON WATERFRONT PARK: Check the web site www.cityofhudson.org for events to be held.
  7. CLERMONT STATE PARK: A new tour program begins on July 11th at 11:00 AM.
  8. NYSERDA: Councilwoman O’Neal reported that two projects are on the stimulus funding list: Weatherization for Community House for insulation and storm windows.
  9. QUADRICENTENNIAL: Councilwoman O’Neal reported that Mary Howell, Columbia County Historian will do a presentation on the history of the Clermont Hamlet and the Clermont Historic Site in October.
  10. Louse Kalin picked up a ten-foot long model of the Clermont steamboat from the Columbia County Historical Society. There is a group that is interested in displaying a model of steam engine of Clermont for a demonstration in October.
  11. Councilman Nolan reported on a Stamp Expo 400, which will be taking place in Albany, September 25 – 27th related to the Quadricentennial and those communities named for the celebration. We will be seeking any memorabilia related to the former post office, stamps or envelopes.

OLD BUSINESS:

  1. DATA COLLECTION: The Supervisor reported that Ryan Meagher is taking the course in Albany and started today. He will coordinate with the Assessor.
  2. HIGHWAY GARAGE UPDATE: Ray Jurkowski, town engineer spoke about the options for the highway garage. He submitted a report on two proposals for a new garage and an option for an addition to the current garage. This would include trussing the existing roof, an addition onto the back for office space, truck bay and storage. Demolition of existing salt shed and construction of a new one.

    3. Councilman Nolan asked about demolition costs for existing salt storage in option #1 or #2. This would be an additional cost and may be something that highway department could do. Councilman Jones asked about square footage of addition. The addition would be approximately 1000 square feet; finished would be 4000 square feet. Councilwoman Lent asked about prevailing wage which is required for either option and Mr. Jurkowski also stated that with option #1 or #2 the Wicks Law applies. There was discussion regarding the salt shed and possible contamination to the new well, as it will be closer to the well. This option provides for an asphalt pad on the outside of the shed for loading and unloading for collecting where it then evaporates. Councilman Jones would like to see the salt shed moved further back behind the cemetery in order to keep away from well. He would like the well shown on the map. A special board meeting is tentatively set for Monday, June 15th at 6:30 P.M. to discuss this further.

  3. GENERATORS: Better Light and Power’s bid has been accepted by the State. Ray Jurkowski would prefer that both generators be shipped to the highway garage. He will inspect them and get the fire companies generator to them. He would like to have a site meeting with the Fire Company, Highway Superintendent and electrical provider on the electrical installation.
  4. SEQRA: The time for any agencies to request lead agency status expires on June 4th. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
  5. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Memorandum of Understanding from Clermont Fire Company for use of Firehouse Station #2 in the event of an emergency has been returned. The Carmelites MOU should be forthcoming.
  6. AUDIT: Ken Magi from the Comptrollers Office advised that the audit would be forthcoming. The Supervisor asked if Councilwoman Lent has any figures that she wants to discuss for the audit and this can be discussed at the special meeting.
  7. RESOLUTION: Prepare a resolution to transfer $1000.00 from General A5132.41 Heating Oil to A5132.42 for electric to cover additional costs.
  8. LOCAL LAWS: Discussed the proposed Local Laws to change the zoning ordinance and scheduled a public hearing on Monday, July 13th at 6:30 P.M. on Local Laws #3 Wind Energy Conversion/Wind Energy Facility, #4 Accessory Apartments and #5 Solar Energy Equipment. We are also working on a Local Law for Multi-Family residences.
  9. LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD: A temporary bench has been set up on the Route 9 field.

MOTION: A motion was made to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues by Councilwoman Lent, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal at 9:05 P.M.

MOTION: A motion was made to come out of Executive Session on a motion made by Councilwoman O’Neal, seconded by Councilman Jones at 9:25 P.M.

Councilman Nolan motioned to authorize the Town Attorney to draft a contract agreement for private consulting services for data collection and pay on a per parcel basis, inclusive of all expenses, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal. All in favor. So carried. It is expected that this will be ready for the special meeting.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

  1. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Still investigating satellite services for DSS at 325 Columbia Street.
  2. PUBLIC WORKS: Free appliance disposal has been extended through June at Greenport Transfer station. They will also be holding Hazardous Pesticide Cleanup day this Saturday between 8:00 and 11:00 AM.
  3. REAL PROPERTY: Discussed property taxes, attending by Judy Neary, about paying property taxes in two payments. There is a lot involved in changing the laws, all school boards must be involved. Pictrometry is a tool to help the Assessors do the reevaluation. Considering training classes at CGCC for Assessors.
  4. CONSOLIDATION OF SERVICES: Supervisor Staats is not in favor of consolidation of assessing services for towns due to the cost involved, which is what the county is looking at.
  5. BUILDINGS: Ockawamick building renovations – there are 9 firms bidding on renovations.
  6. PINE HAVEN: Supervisor Staats toured Pine Haven for the first time. It is not in bad shape, but does need some work. Carol asked if the Town Board would pass a resolution against the move of Pine Haven. The Supervisor has not seen all the information to make a decision.
  7. MORTGAGE TAX CHECK: Received mortgage tax check for the first quarter for $16,713.17, which is lower than what was expected.
  8. FEMA REIMBURSEMENT: The Town has been approved for $51,677.00 to be reimbursed for December ice storm. We may get the whole amount or 80% of this amount. Supervisor Staats talked about using part of these funds for data collection.
  9. PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD: The County has enjoined with ProAct for prescriptions. A prescription discount card will be mailed out to every individual in the County for a 20% discount, even if you have insurance, and even for pets.
  10. CLERMONT FIRE COMPANY BEEF BBQ: Saturday, June 13th at 6:30 P.M. at Station #2 on Firehouse Road.
  11. CLERMONT STATE PARK: Bush Plant sale on Saturday, June 6th.
  12. AMIDON CONTRACTORS: Councilwoman Lent asked if the prevailing wage statements had been received from Amidon Contractors for the window project. Councilwoman O’Neal will call Mr. Amidon about this.

ABSTRACTS:

A motion was made by Councilman Nolan, seconded by Councilman Jones to approve Highway abstract #6, vouchers #63-70 in the amount of $4,405.46. All in favor. So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Nolan, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal to approve General abstract #6, vouchers #132-162 in the amount of $10,120.71. All in favor. So carried.

Trust and Agency #6 – no vouchers

PUBLIC COMMENT:

William Kahle: He has seen the assessments go up to 100%, but then it usually starts going down, what is going to keep it at 100%. He hopes that this assessor will be able to keep it at 100%.

Judy Neary: The taxes are inequitable. At a meeting several years ago with assessors and they determined that the school taxes are handled incorrectly. If the property committee doesn’t start somewhere to make a change, we will not get anywhere. There was a state report that made recommendations for changes to the tax structure, so it was suggested to write to your senators, assemblymen or the governor.

Residents thanked the board for working on the data collection

Councilwoman Lent asked if the Supervisor had found out anything about the $800.00 from the Easter Egg Hunt which she turned over to the Village Green Committee. He will find out for the next special meeting.

 

A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal at 9:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Mary Helen Shannon, RMC

Town Clerk

 

 

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