CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING
OCTOBER 4, 2010
A public hearing was scheduled for 6:45 P.M. to hear the information on Local Law No. 2 of 2010 which will regulate the types of activities that will be permitted upon land owned by the Town of Clermont located along Buckwheat Road. The Town wishes to prohibit swimming due to liability concerns and the interference such activity may have upon neighboring landowners. Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilwoman O’Neal, Councilman Desmond, Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Moore. Also present were Andy Howard, Town Attorney, Barbara Packer, Livingston resident and seven Clermont residents. Andy Howard explained that this local law would specifically prohibit the use of the Town’s real property along Buckwheat Bridge Road for swimming. The law does allow certain recreational activities including boating, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Barbara Packer, who is a landowner on the Livingston side of the bridge, thanked the board for their consideration. Councilman Desmond asked about the format of the local law, specifically Section #1 through #4, and Andy explained that this is the standard format required by the State.
The Public hearing was closed at 6:50 P.M.
TOWN BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2010
The Board welcomed Jane Churchill, our representative to the Office for the Aging. At the spring meeting, the Office for the Aging set specific goals including eliminated waiting lists for clients, conducting outreach and public relations for seniors and program development. Amy Anderson, Nutrition Coordinator hopes to increase participation, activities and speakers. The Livingston Nutrition site has opened. The Administrator hopes to expand in home services for elderly such as maintenance and repairs, building ramps and personal care services. This year they had a booth at the Columbia County Fair. October 16th there will be a Golden Gathering at Columbia Greene Community College. There is program to find a County Senior Citizen for the year 2011. The senior must be at least 60 years of age and a county resident. If you know a senior who is active in doing volunteer work, helping neighbors, community involvement, member of organizations, reputation for reliability and makes a difference in peoples lives, etc. should send a letter to the Town Supervisor.
Bill Black, Emergency Management Coordinator has been reviewing our Emergency Preparedness Plan and thanked the Town Board for working on this plan.
He made the following suggestions:
- Documentation during an emergency is very important in order to be eligible for reimbursement.
- In order to be eligible you must have National Incident Management System (NIMS) training. This states that you will participate in the plan, one commander delegates authority. This can be added into the plan and decided who will act as incident commander.
- Identify each person who is part of the plan. This information can be annexed to the plan.
- Shelters: Mr. Black asked if there is a Red Cross Shelter? The Red Cross will set up a day or overnight shelter and it will have to be certified.
- The Town can request security from the State Police or Sheriffs Department.
Mr. Black will send a draft for next month’s meeting. Councilwoman Moore, who has been working on the plan said that this can be approved at the first meeting of the year. Councilwoman Moore stated that the medical group is headed by Dr. Teubl and as soon as the plan is in effect, it will be sent to the medical group. Councilman Desmond asked if the Red Cross would take over from the Fire Company or the Carmelite Sisters, which is where we have shelters. They would come in and train the fire personnel or Carmelites, bring in food, etc. They will not permit media into the shelters. They run a good program and have a lot of supplies. Most fire companies participate but not all. Residents can sign up to be a volunteer for the Red Cross. Mr. Black can contact the Fire Chief and the Carmelites.
- BUCKWHEAT BRIDGE ROAD: A motion was made to adopt Local Law No 2 of 2010 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal. A roll call vote was held as follows:
Councilwoman O’Neal, aye; Councilman Desmond, aye; Councilman Jones, aye, Councilwoman Moore, aye; Supervisor Staats, aye.
- DOG LICENSING: Andy Howard has prepared a Local Law for Dog licensing in the Town of Clermont, as the State has shifted the responsibility of dog licensing to the towns. This local law would go into effect on January 1, 2011 and can be scheduled for a public hearing for next month after review by the board.
- BUDGET HEARING: A Public hearing will be held on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 6:30 P.M. on the preliminary budget.
- DOG LICENSING: A public hearing will be held on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 6:45 P.M. on Local Law No. 3 of 2010 – Dog Licensing.
- EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN: A public hearing will be held on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 6:55 P.M. on the Emergency Preparedness Plan.
- BROWNFIELD: Andy Howard will check with Bob Zimmerman, surveyor, for a description of the town property and follow up with Kirk Moline.
- A resident has requested that a change be made to the August minutes, and although the Clerk would like the record to be as accurate as possible, they are the Clerk’s minutes and they have been approved by the Town Board. This will be tabled until next month when Andy can make a review of this type of request.
- DEED FOR TRANSFER OF PROPERTY: Andy will meet with Bruce Bohnsack regarding the deed for the transfer of property from G-tel to the Town.
MINUTES: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the September 7 meeting by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Budget Workshop, September 13th by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Building Committee Workshop held on July 27th by Councilwoman O’Neal, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Town Clerk’s Report: A check was presented to the Supervisor for the General fund in the amount of $537.69 and for Trust and Agency in the amount of $5,237.63. A motion was made to accept the Town Clerk’s Report by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Moore. All in favor. So carried.
- Germantown 300th Birthday Celebration October 8th – October 9th.
- Election Day Dinner – Tuesday, November 2nd at the Community House from 5 to 8 PM. Ham dinner with all the trimmings.
- Elder Express Newsletter from Office for the Aging.
- Web Committee: No report
COMMITTEE REPORTS AND UPDATES:
- Councilman Jones thanked the Highway staff for removing the trees by St. Luke’s church and for regrading the salt shed drainage to avoid salt runoff. He asked that they locate the Community House septic system. The landscape committee would like to undertake planting trees/bushes and this should be located. It was also discussed that the entrance to the Town Hall/Community House/Garage should be expanded three to five feet to the south because there is not sufficient space for ingress or egress. Councilman Jones supports the plan to improve the view between the Cemetery and the salt shed and the landscaping plans for the Academy.
- Councilwoman O’Neal: The garage plan is complete and was under budget. The landscaping committee would like to mitigate the garage view from different directions. Angela Goetz and Councilwoman O’Neal presented a plan for trees to be planted at different locations around the property. They got a sale price of $3,298.00 from Phantom Gardeners for a package of a variety of 31 trees, delivered, help in staking them out and supervision of the planting of one or two trees, with the highway staff planting the remainder. Councilman Jones suggested getting prices from Wolfs Nursery. Supervisor Staats concern is digging near the Community House, however, Councilwoman O’Neal thinks that because it would not be right next to the Academy it would likely be approved. The other concern is the close proximity to the Cemetery, and would need their approval. Councilman Desmond is concerned about the septic system and that there is not enough room and would like to have a meeting to discuss this. Councilman Jones would support $3,000.00 for the committee.
- Councilman Desmond: The deed for the ballfield property has been prepared. The Clay has been ordered for baselines, topsoil and grass seed have been laid down by the Highway Department.
- Councilman Desmond reported that there has been a review of our buildings and Buckwheat Bridge by the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal and they agreed that there was a liability with swimming at the bridge. Also, NYMIR has an online university for Planning and Zoning. He has asked Councilwoman O’Neal to check on this so that we can give our board members approval for using this course online for four-hour training.
- Councilman Desmond reported that there will be a Benefit Tractor Pull for Laurence Saulpaugh in Dover Plains on October 17, 2010.
- Councilwoman Moore will contact the Carmelite Sisters to let them know that Bill Black will be calling and will be looking for volunteers.
A motion was made by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal to allocate $3000.00 for the purpose of landscaping. Councilman Desmond voted nay.
Motion carried. There will be a workshop on Tuesday October 5th at 5:00 P.M. to review the plan.
OLD BUSINESS:
- BALLFIELD: Little League laid out the baseline and Jim has dug out the baselines, prepared the field, spread topsoil on infield and outfield, at very little cost to the town. Clay has been ordered for the baselines. They will move the fence from across the street to our field. Little League will pay for a home run fence.
- PLEASANTVALE ROAD BRIDGE: The County is waiting on final documents from architects and it is believed it will be done before the end of the year.
- ROUTE 9G BRIDGE: Will open before end of month, but may only be one lane.
NEW BUSINESS:
- BUDGET TRANSFER: A transfer to balance accounts from Town Board A1010.4 to the Dog Control A3510.4 in the amount of $30.00. A motion was made to approve this transfer by Councilwoman O’Neal, seconded by Councilman Jones. All in favor. So carried.
- BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 1 of 2010: A transfer needs to be made to pay for the 2011 Ford Pickup from the Highway Capital Reserve Fund DA5301 to the Machinery Fund DA5130.2 in the amount of $22,334.00. A motion was made to approve this transfer by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal. All in favor. So carried.
- The term of Alan Costello on the Board of Assessment Review expired on September 30, 2010. A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal to reappoint Mr. Costello for a five-year term. All in favor. So carried.
- A workshop will be held on Tuesday, October 26th at 6:00 P.M. to review our audit response, which must be submitted to the State before November 1st.
Councilman Desmond stated that the price on this truck was very low because it was purchased on state bid and the Highway Superintendent and staff are doing the upgrades to it themselves. This truck has crank windows, not power, which is unusual these days.
REVENUES:
- Received CHIPS payment of $36,152.12.
- Received Aim payment of $8989.00 this year
- Mortgage Tax: It is expected that the next quarter will be roughly $20000.00, which will put us over by $5000.00 for this year.
- Sales tax receipts will be under.
FUND BALANCES:
- Highway Fund Balance: Beginning balance of $140,000.00; allocated 40,000, remaining fund balance $100,000.00. Reduced highway fund balance by 29%.
- Capital Highway Equipment Reserve: Beginning balance of $70,000.00, transfer from General fund $100,000.00 from audit, 2010 budget transfer of $25,000.00. Total Capital Equipment $195,000.00. Transfer from 2011 budget of $25,000.00, total available for 2012 $215,000.00, which will allow for Highway Superintendent to purchase a new plow truck in several years.
- General Fund: Beginning balance of $322,000.00; after transferring to Capital Equipment remaining balance will be $148,500.00. A reduction by 54%.
- Con Ed Fund: This fund is designated for recreation or infrastructure. Beginning balance of $87,700.00. Budgeted for Academy storm windows, $10,000.00; Attic Insulation $3,000.00; Balance of $74,700.
- Parkland Reserve Fund – Beginning balance of $13,000.00; budgeted $7000.00 for ballfield; Balance of $6000.00
- Building Capital Reserve - $14,000.
- Capital Garage Project - $28,000.00
- Trust and Agency - $40,000.00
- Checking -$5000.00
- The 2011 tax rate per $1000 will be .42 per thousand, reducing taxes by $225.00.
- Salaries were increased across the board as follows:
The main increases in the budget are for storm windows, insulation for town hall, academy repair and painting of church, ballfield, retirement insurance and health insurance. Total budget - $621, 800.00.
Town Board Members: $2000 to $2500.00 each.
Justices: $4900 to $5145.00 each
Justices Clerks:
Supervisor: $5000 to $5500.00
Budget Officer: $0 to $300.00
Tax Collector: $3500 to $4000.00
Assessor: Increased by $2000.00
Town Clerk: $6200 to $6500.00
Superintendent of Highways: $42,000 to $44,000.00
Councilman Desmond asked if we are going to still budget for Germantown Park Commission in the future. Supervisor Staats will talk to the Germantown Supervisor.
Copies of the 2011 Budget are available from the Town Clerk.
The Highway Superintendent has a problem with water running off the salt shed in between the shed and the garage. It was suggested that extending the fabric, at a cost of approximately $1000.00, might correct the problem. B&T Contractors will be spraying foam insulation for $4900.00.
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
- PINE HAVEN: The committee has been meeting with architects and it will be a very nice facility, which will take about two years.
- EARLY RETIREMENT PROGRAM: the County sent out Retirement eligibility letters to employees and there was an overwhelming response. Not all employees will be able to retire under this program. This incentive will only be used to restructure departments by the elimination of positions.
- COUNTY BUDGET WORKSHOPS: They are looking at reduced revenues and consolidating positions where available.
- AUDIT: The Town of Ancram hired an outside audit firm to audit there books. It is suggested that every couple of years, an outside audit firm should be used.
- ELECTION DAY DINNER: The Election Day dinner will be held on November 2 from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Community House.
- GERMANTOWN 300TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION begins with a parade on Friday afternoon at 4 P.M.
- COMMUNITY HOUSE: The Highway Superintendent and crew have leveled out the ground behind Community House.
ABSTRACTS:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilman Jones to approve Highway abstract #10, vouchers #90-99 in the amount of $46,351.32. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilman Jones to approve Capital Projects abstract #8, voucher #16 in the amount of $100.00. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to approve Trust and Agency abstract #5, vouchers #6 – 7 in the amount of $506.50. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilman Jones to approve General Fund abstract #10, vouchers #280 - #308 in the amount of $6271.01. All in favor. So carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Eileen Cassidy spoke on the process with the Board of Assessment Review and requested that the board pass a resolution that the Board of Assessment Review should give their reasons as to why they approve or disapprove a grievance.
A motion was made by Supervisor Staats, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal to adjourn at 9:05 P.M. All in favor. So carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk