CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
MAY 7, 2012
The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Edward Kahle, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Nancy Moore and Councilman Evan Hempel. Others present were Paul Finch, Superintendent and Bruce Martin, Business Administrator of Red Hook School District and Patrick Gabriel, Jr., Superintendent of Germantown School District and four town residents.
Mr. Paul Finch and Mr. Bruce Martin of the Red Hook School District made a presentation on the budget for the 2012-2013 school year. There state aid was increased, retirements helped to close the gap and they estimate a 2.48% tax levy increase, which is below the cap for Red Hook. Councilman Hempel asked about the tax cap and what could be asked of the legislators in regards to mandate relief. Mr. Martin explained that the core of the problem is the Taylor Law, which dictates bargaining benefits with employees and the Tax Cap law, which provides for only so much money being raised on tax levy, not working together. He suggested that there are no adjustments with mandates to fix this problem.
Councilman Desmond asked about the increase in spending and percentage in tax levy, which is higher than increase in spending, and more state aid received, is this counter intuitive. Mr. Martin explained how funding works when half of the funding is tax levied, with no revenue changes and a 2.27% increase on expenditure side, would bring a 4 to 5% increase on tax levy side, but the additional state aide, brings it to 2.48% that Red Hook is showing.
Mr. Patrick Gabriel of Germantown School District handed out copies of the school budget for 2012-2013. Germantown School revenues has dropped to 30%. The school districts do rely on the tax levy and revenues to fund the budgets with reserve funds. He expects that the budget to budget increase is down 2%, the spending plan is down 2% but the tax levy has to increase to 5.2%. The reality for funding public schools over the next few years, if the board of education decides to lower the tax levy, they will be depleting the reserves and in time, there will be no further funds, then the tax levy will go up substantially. Mr. Gabriel went over the tax levy data back to 2001 to the present. Last year the tax levy did not go up at all. He advocates managing the budgets because they are going to go up. They have reduced 20% of staff over the last four years. Supervisor Staats said with no increase last year, then the average increase over the two years is 2.5%. The District needs 60% voter approval in order for this budget to pass because it is over the 2% cap. The Board can introduce another budget in June for vote. Supervisor Staats also asked about fund balance. The school has a reserve of $1.7 million but if this is spent down you have nothing left in a couple of years. Ray Tousey asked how state aid is determined. Mr. Gabriel said that there are many variables such as services, transportation, etc. Charlie Larsen would like to see redistricting in the Germantown, Red Hook and Pine Plains school districts because our student enrollment is down. Mr. Gabriel will continue to talk with Red Hook about this.
MINUTES:
Councilman Hempel asked for a correction on page 32, 3rd bullet to change ‘over’ the 2% cap to ‘under’ the 2% cap for Pine Plains budget.
A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve the April 2nd minutes with correction. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Kahle to approve the April 14th minutes of the special board meeting. All in favor. So carried.
TOWN CLERKS REPORT: The Town Clerk’s report for April was read. A check for the General Fund in the amount of $1,550.00 and a check for Trust and Agency for $400.00 was presented to the Supervisor. A motion was made to accept the Town Clerk’s report by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilwoman Moore. All in favor. So carried.
FINANCIAL REPORTS: Copies of the financial reports for the period ending April 30, 2012 were given to the board.
COMMUNICATIONS:
- Clermont State Historic Site will be hosting a Farmers Market on Fridays from 4 PM to 7:30 PM on 5/11, 6/15, 7/6, 7/27, 8/10 and 9/7.
- Office of Real Property Tax Service recognition of a fair and equitable assessment for the 2011 Assessment Roll.
- Assessment Roll and Grievance Information: The Assessor has been holding additional hours for residents to view the roll. Further hours will be 5/8/12 10AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 3 PM and Thursday, 5/10 from 3 PM to 5 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. Grievance Day will be Tuesday, May 22nd from 3 PM to 5 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM.
- Municipal Shelter Inspection Report – Pine Plains Vet Association has now received the town contracts and is in full compliance with NYS Agriculture & Markets.
- Email from Sherri Mesore of IOGANY regarding natural gas development and their availability to meet with towns to answer questions. Supervisor Staats has asked Councilman Kahle to make contact with Ms. Mesore and come back to the board with any information.
- The Town Clerk’s office will be closed on Thursday, May 17th and Saturday, May 20th.
COMMITTEE REPORT:
- Web Committee: No report
- GRANTS: Councilman Kahle did look into stream cleanup grant but there was not much time to apply and it was also in conjunction with other towns.
- BALLFIELD: Councilman Desmond reported that the ballfield fence is up. He and Supervisor Staats did layout a 50-foot square for a basketball half court and will address further under new business.
- INSULATION PROJECT – TOWN HALL: Councilman Desmond reported on the insulation bids, which came in and were excessively high. The estimate was for $3000.00 and the grant was for $2700.00. The lowest bid was close to $9000.00 for the base, alternates were also given. The board will be looking at other alternatives.
The original estimates were in good faith but with the prevailing wage, the bids were high.
- SURPLUS EQUIPMENT: The Highway Superintendent has suggested making the old truck and old grader surplus equipment.
- SCHOOL REPORTS: The school reports on the budget were done at the beginning of the meeting by Red Hook School Superintendent and the Germantown School Superintendent.
- EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN: Councilwoman Moore has completed the ERP and they have been given to the fire department. However, there have been changes already, specifically, with the Fire Coordinator position.
OLD BUSINESS:
- EQUIPMENT: A used grader was purchased from Germantown for $3,000.00. It is working well for the Highway department.
- SAULPAUGH PROPERTY: The survey for lot line adjustment of Saulpaugh property has not been received from Robert Zimmerman. Councilman Desmond asked if Mr. Zimmerman would be taking it to the planning board. Supervisor Staats believes so. The fees should be waived as before.
- INSULATION PROJECT: Supervisor Staats reported on bids received. Looking into alternatives.
NEW BUSINESS:
- BALLFIELD: Fence is complete, signs are up. The Little League will be seeking to hold the All-Star Games on our field because it meets all the requirements. Supervisor Staats and Councilman Desmond met at the field and staked out for a basketball halfcourt, 50 x 50 area. It would cost about $500 in gravel and $3500 for blacktop. There are funds in parkland reserve recreation fees and donations account. He will need to get price on basketball hoop. Would like authorization for Jim to dig, put down gravel. Councilman Desmond said that there are three things that would like to do - a basketball court, playground equipment and swings. The basketball court would be the next logically thing to do. This was a motion by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Nancy to allow the Highway department to dig out the area and put down the gravel. There is $7200.00 in recreation fees and $5600.00 in donations and reimbursement from the Little League for the fence, which can cover the expenses. The Little League also shares the sign income with the town, which can be put back into the field. On the motion, all in favor. So carried.
- EQUIPMENT: We have a used 1953 Galleon Grader and 1983 dump truck which could be declared as surplus equipment. Evan asked for explanation of surplus equipment. Supervisor Staats explained that in order to sell or get rid of the equipment, it has to be declared surplus. A motion was made by Councilman Kahle to declare as surplus, seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor. So carried.
Supervisor Staats said that we have an offer of $1000.00 from Hudson Valley Old Time Power Association to buy the grader. Councilman Hempel would like to know what you would get for the metal. It was determined that you might get $1500 for the metal, but you would have to pay to get rid of the tires and the expense of moving it.
A motion was made to sell the 1953 grader to the Old Time Power Association for $1000.00 by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor. So carried.
- G-TEL INFO LINE: (537-4636) Supervisor Staats met with Bruce Bohnsack about a new information line that they are starting up. It will be a free service for information about towns, fire departments, school districts, etc. for residents to dial into. There will also be emergency information line.
- SALES TAX: Received 1st qtr. sales tax for $74,613.12. This is a 15% increase countywide, and this will help us tremendously.
- MORTGAGE TAX: Received a check for the first half of the year for $22,680.00. There was approximately $29,000.00 received in all of last year.
- HETTLING PROPERTY: We have no access to the property on the western boundary to the Hettling property. We have tried to purchase or a donation of property to allow access. Supervisor Staats has talked to Ronald Miller of the Clermont Cemetery Association. Mr. Miller would be willing to donate a section of about 20 feet wide. There are a few trees, which would have to be taken down and the highway can do that. A survey would be required. Supervisor Staats would like approval for Mr. Zimmerman to do the survey. Councilwoman Moore asked if we have to get bids because it is services. This should be less than $1000.00. Supervisor Staats will verify before giving him the go ahead. Councilman Hempel’s concern is taking down the trees, but if that can’t be helped, not to hold it up. Mr. Miller would like the trees when taken down. A motion was made to approve the survey by Mr. Zimmerman, with the Supervisor looking the price, by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Moore. All in favor. So carried.
- EASTER EGG HUNT: The Easter Egg Hunt had to be cancelled because of weather and was held on a weeknight. It did work out well; there was a good turnout.
- Clermont Fire Department Steak BBQ will be held on June 9th.
- RESOLUTION NO.40 of 2012 – Budget Amendment for purchase new truck as follows:
Transfer to Highway Fund A-9901.1 $150,000.00
From Highway Capital Reserve A-9901.9 $150,000.00
Transfer to Machinery DA5130.2 $150,000.00
From General Fund DA05301 $150,000.00
A motion was made to approve transfer by Councilwoman Moore, seconded by Councilman Kahle. All in favor. So carried.
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
- COURTHOUSE PROJECT: Court Administration has approved the plans, will be going out to bid. It will be moving forward soon, most likely by summer.
- PINE HAVEN HOME: There are no new updates.
- SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING: The county will be going forward with the purchase of the DSS building on Railroad Avenue. Sale should be finalized within 90 days. There is contamination under blacktop, but is no hazard to the employees. Councilman Desmond asked about back taxes and Supervisor Staats said that this is between Mr. Concra and the City of Hudson. He has no information on this.
ABSTRACTS:
Councilman Hempel noticed that there is tax on the Verizon Wireless invoice, and we are in the process of getting this removed. It will be paid on this invoice and we are seeking reimbursement for any past taxes.
A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve General Abstract #5 – vouchers #98-126 for $6,245.76, seconded by Councilwoman Moore.
A motion was made by Councilman Hempel to approve Highway Abstract #5 – vouchers #32-48 for $163,715.56, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
- Charles Larsen: There is something needed for the younger children at the ballfield to keep them occupied. Mary Shannon suggested a sandbox for the younger children.
- Ray Tousey: There was discussion on the Clermont Cemetery Association and that the cemetery may end up coming to the town.
- Charlie Larsen also said that the Methodist Church is closing in Germantown.
A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel at 8:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk