Town Board Meeting

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD

APRIL 4, 2011

 

The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, April 4, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dianne O’Neal, Councilman Richard Jones and Councilwoman Nancy Moore. There were six residents and Kinderhook Councilman Peter Bujanow present.

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

MINUTES:  The minutes of the March 7, 2011 meeting were approved on a motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal. All in favor. So carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

  • Town Clerks Report – A check for the General Fund in the amount of $363.40 was presented to the Supervisor for March. A motion was made to accept the Town Clerk’s report by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal. All in favor. So carried.
  • Schedule for Columbia County Department of Health Rabies Clinics. The next clinic is in Germantown at the Community Building on Saturday, April 16th.
  • Volunteers Needed by the Columbia County Office for the Aging for Meals on Wheels, 60+ Food and Friendship Centers, clerical assistance during busy periods at OFA. Telephone – 518-828-4258 for information.
  • Elder Express Newsletter from OFA
  • Public Notice – Town of Saugerties on Codification of Local Laws.
  • Webmaster: Councilwoman O’Neal has found that the subdivision regulations are not on the website. She would ask Stephen Hammer to scan it onto the website, but they do not always come through as clear. She suggested the subdivision might be an appendix to the zoning ordinance, and should probably be updated. Councilman Desmond will check with our engineer’s office to see what he can do, but he thinks there could be a reference in the zoning ordinance, but it should remain a separate document. Will also check on the Highway Regulations.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

  • RECREATION: Councilman Jones would like to see access to the twelve acres, which is not contaminated, by moving shale from the twelve acres and depositing it on the existing farm road from Route 9. In this way, we could have access. In a letter to Randy Hough from DEC, they have no adverse comments, but we need to put in twelve inches of shale, wide enough for two cars on the existing farm road. In talking to the Highway Superintendent, it would probably cost less than $5000.00 by using shale from nine acres and if Highway Department does the work. Superintendent Potts will talk to State DOT regarding curbing. Before putting down stone, Mr. Hough would want a demarcation between contaminated and uncontaminated soil such as orange snow fence laid down between layers. Also, signage on south border, which would state that the contaminated area is not to be used by the public. There were concerns about keeping the public off the contaminated area with signs. Supervisor Staats asked if we were to do this if we would lose any reimbursement? Councilman Jones stated that Mr. Hough wasn’t optimistic that there would be state funds. Councilman Desmond said that in meeting with Kirk Moline, he said that if the town did any work, reimbursement would be lost. The Supervisor asked Councilman Jones to get the figures together and we will look at it.
  • COMMUNITY HOUSE: Councilwoman O’Neal reported that the stoves have been removed and floor painted in kitchen. We budgeted $1000.00 to purchase a gas stove. It was determined that the donated kitchen stove was not repairable without a lot of work, so they have been looking for a new stove. A four burner 30 inch stove would cost $800-$1000, a 5 burner, 40 inch wide with double oven would be $2,199.00 plus 89.95 for conversion, including installation. The Village Green decided to get the larger stove and pay the difference. After further discussion, a motion was made by Councilwoman O’Neal, seconded by Councilman Jones to prepare the budget transfer for next month. All in favor. So carried. Charlie Larsen thanked the board on behalf of the Village Green Committee. Desiree Webber suggested that the committee check that larger pots will fit on all five burners at the same time.
  • LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD: Councilman Desmond reported that the backstop and bleachers are in place.
  • ZONING: Councilman Desmond has gotten an estimate of approximately 10 hours at $35.00 an hour from Morris Associates to integrate the four local laws into the zoning ordinance. We will also have changes that the zoning board and planning board have been requesting. Councilman Jones suggested that the final result should be online. It will be online in the finished form.
  • PALATINE PARK: Councilman Desmond also has a copy of the Palatine Park Brochure, which says that the 5 day summer camp program for residents is $25.00 for first child, $15.00 for second, non-residents pay $50.00 per child. There is a 2 day camp for pre-school for $15.00 residents, $25.00 non-residents The park use permit is $10.00 per year for residents, non-residents, $10.00 for 2 days or $50.00 for three months and good at four park locations. Use of the activity building is $1.00 per person, residents get priority and there is no charge for swimming lessons. Councilman Jones would still like some understanding of how many are using the park services and the Supervisor will get these numbers after this year’s season for budget purposes. Councilman Jones also reported that Taconic Hills School provides swimming and use of the gymnasium for $1.00 per person, and you can also have parties for $1.00 per person. Councilwoman Moore said the Hudson High School facilities can be used also, but the hours are restrictive.
  • EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN: Councilwoman Moore went to the Fire Company and discussed the Emergency Plan. They have asked if it could be noted that they could not handle animals at the firehouse. Councilwoman Moore has spoken to the Red Cross about training. She must talk to Bill Black and research the training on the FEMA website. There was discussion about shelters for pets. Councilwoman Moore suggested putting information on the website regarding how to prepare for an emergency. Councilman Desmond suggested that we might do a mailing to residents with this information.

OLD BUSINESS:

  • PLEASANTVALE ROAD BRIDGE: Supervisor Staats reported that a contract was awarded and work should last one to two weeks.
  • LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD: As reported earlier the backstop, shed and bleachers have been moved to our field. New dugouts will be built and benches are being provided. Also a Port-a-let has been ordered.
  • ANIMAL CONTROL: At last months meeting, Animal Control Officer, Desiree Webber asked for a pre-determined amount that the town would pay to the veterinarian for an injured animal, for which she cannot locate the owner. She reported at this meeting that the average for x-rays, sutures, IV and pain medications is $250.00. By their ethics law, veterinarians are required to provide immediate care for an injured animal. Supervisor Staats will talk to other supervisors to see what they do, but this sounds like an acceptable amount. Councilman Desmond isn’t sure that this is an expense that town should be incurring, but he doesn’t want to see an injured animal not get the care they need. He would like to hear from residents about how they feel. Desiree reported that this was a suggestion made by the investigator from Department of Agriculture & Markets. She also asked for a contract for an alternate veterinarian suggesting Round Top Animal Hospital in Germantown. A contract was prepared for Round Top’s review. Also, Desiree prepared a non-ownership form, which the Supervisor will ask our attorney to review.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2011: Authorizing the Supervisor to transfer $100.00 from the Town Board account A-1010.4 to the Control of Dogs account A-3510.4. A motion was made by Councilwoman O’Neal, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve this transfer. All in favor. So carried.
  • FINANCIALS: The Supervisor has checked with several banks, including Key Bank, Bank of Kinderhook and Bank of Greene County into moving our funds. Bank of Greene County has the highest interest rate for municipalities at .55%. He has deposited $500,000 into Bank of Greene County. He is considering moving all our money to them.
  • HIGHWAY LAWN MOWER: Highway Superintendent Jim Potts has budgeted $7000.00 for a lawn mower purchase this year. For a purchase over $3000.00, two quotes are needed. He has received one quote but will need another one. A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Jones to approve up to $6000.00 for a mower purchase. All in favor. So carried.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

  • MORTGAGE TAX: The expected amount for October 2010– March 2011 mortgage tax is $19,672.00. This falls in line with what we budgeted.
  • DSS BUILDING: The Board has authorized a Phase II study on current building housing DSS. There was an oil spill years ago, which was capped over. There could be no disturbance of the parking lot or building on this property. This will probably be the cheapest and best alternative to keep the budget down over the next few years. We still have a refundable deposit on the former Wal-Mart property until June when a final decision has to be made but this will have an effect on the budget.
  • MEETINGS OF SUPERVISORS: Supervisor Staats reported on the Supervisors who are meeting outside of 401 State Street. They feel that the current two party system is not working. There are a number of individuals who have no politics involved, but have been meeting to talk about county issues. There has never been a quorum of Supervisors at these meetings. A caucus is where everything is decided in the county and not open to the public. We are sharing information about committee meetings that all supervisors are not able to attend or are not on the committee. These Supervisors are working together for the County.
  • EASTER EGG HUNT will be held on Saturday, April 23rd 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. on Town grounds.
  • NATIONAL GRID: Councilman Desmond has asked the Supervisor to contact National Grid regarding late fees on our invoices. He has spoken to them and they will change the billing date so that there will be no further late fees and will credit us back these charges.
  • PAYMENT OF TAXES: The Real Property meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5th at 5:00 P.M. The Supervisor advised Judy Blessinger-Neary if she would like to attend to discuss the installment plan for taxes. She has prepared the estimated cost for changing the payments and will try to attend.

ABSTRACTS:

  1. A motion was made by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilman Jones to approve payment of General Fund Abstract #4, vouchers #72 – #100 in the amount of $7,604.56. All in favor. So carried.
  2. A motion was made by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway Fund Abstract #4, vouchers #39 - #48 in the amount of $6,580.74. All in favor. So carried.
  3. A motion was made by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilman Jones to approve Trust and Agency Abstract #2, vouchers #2 - #3, in the amount of $417.50. All in favor. So carried.
  4. A motion was made by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal to approve Capital Projects Abstract #2, voucher #3 in the amount of $1,374.04. All in favor. So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

  • Judy Blessinger-Neary: She objects, as a citizen, of the meetings taking place by the Supervisors. Some Supervisors were not invited. If all are not attending, they could get a slanted view. We have a two party system and this is the way it was setup. Judy asked the Supervisor why he said he was in favor of Pine Haven Home staying in Philmont, but asked the town to put in a sewer line so Pine Haven could be moved to Ockawamick. It would cost $5 to $6 million in site development at the present site. Ockawamick would save approximately $2 million, which still keeps it in the Town of Claverack. On the meetings, the Supervisor said that certain supervisors have a tendency to talk to the newspaper more regularly and information could get out.

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:20 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman O’Neal. All in favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Helen Shannon, RMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

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