CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
MAY 6, 2013
The Clermont Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, May 6, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Edward Kahle, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Evan Hempel and Councilwoman Nancy Moore. There were 23 others present including John Mason of the Register Star.
Supervisor Staats opened the regular meeting with a salute to the flag.
Supervisor Staats introduced Paul Finch, Superintendent of Red Hook School District, Bruce Martin, Business Manager and Perry Sheldon, Facilities Director to discuss the 2013-2014 Red Hook School Budget. The school budgets will be voted on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 in all local districts. The proposed budget will be under the 2% cap and maintaining opportunities for the kids. The health insurance costs will increase by 3.7% and there were six retirements. They have had to use savings to balance the budget for the first time. There are two board seats, which are up this year. They also have a capital project referendum for buses, boiler replacement, replacement of the phone system, wireless internet system to enhance the educational environment, door locks, camera system and card access system to improve the security system.
If the budget fails to pass, they would go to the contingency budget, which would probably mean the elimination of two grade levels and twelve positions.
Supervisor Staats asked about increase in aide, is this because enrollment has increased? Mr. Finch said that enrollment has actually decreased, but it is part of releasing funds to the local districts. Councilman Desmond asked about the boiler system and if it is under the cap or in addition to the cap. Mr. Martin said that neither the bus proposition nor the capital project would have an impact on the 2013-2014 budget. It will impact 2014-2015 budget. Councilman Desmond asked if there is any reimbursement from the state for these projects. Mr. Martin said there is a 64.4% building aide rate. Mr. Sheldon said that they are applying to NYSERDA for energy grants and debt service, which will reduce in future years to offset.
Public Comment: There were a number of questions ranging from how to budget for taxes, security in the schools, effect of Obamacare on health insurance, possibility of merging with Germantown school and a class recently held for eighth graders where role play was involved. Supervisor Staats thanked them for coming to the meeting.
MINUTES: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the April meeting by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Kahle. All in favor. So carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- TOWN CLERKS REPORT: The Clerk presented the Supervisor with a check for the General Fund in the amount of $1,240.95 and read the report for the month. A motion was made by Councilman Hempel to accept the report, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
- The Supervisor submitted the Budget report for April.
- The Clerk read information about the filing of the Tentative Assessment role, Grievance Day information and the Assessors hours for anyone with questions.
- Dog Control Officer Inspection Report from the Department of Agriculture and Markets indicated a satisfactory report on their recent inspection.
- Notice of Public Hearings for Town of Red Hook on May 14, 2013 prohibiting Brine on Town Roads, prohibiting disposal of Natural Gas or oil drilling waste products and prohibiting heavy industry.
- The Clerk reported that the Court is changing their hours for the 4th Thursday to 6:00 P.M. The Clerk will still be in the office at 5:00 P.M. but does not know how late she will be staying. Also, her office will be closed on Thursday, May 9th and Saturday, June 1st.
- There was no correspondence for the web committee.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- GRANTS: Councilman Kahle, with Mary Howard, will be working on a grant from the Hover Fund for the town park.
- HIGHWAY SPECIFICATIONS: Councilman Desmond has been discussing with the town attorney and Highway Superintendent about a change of one word in the specifications. A public hearing will be held on June 3, 2013 at 6:45 P.M. to correct this typographical error. He also attended a public hearing in Livingston on the communications tower. He sees this as a safety issue and should be passed. It has not come up for a vote yet.
OLD BUSINESS:
- BRIDGE UPDATE: The County is proceeding on Mill Road Bridge but no report has come back at this time.
- DATA COLLECTION: The data collection has been started. If a resident isn’t at home when the collector comes, she is leaving a card and taking pictures of homes.
- AUDIT: The Supervisor received an email from the auditor and they have all the information from the bookkeeper and will be meeting with Supervisor and Town Clerk next.
NEW BUSINESS:
- The Supervisor received 1st quarter sales tax of $72,428.55, which is about $3,000.00 less than last years payment.
- The mortgage tax should be in next month. Draft numbers were received from the County Clerk of about $18,000.00 for first six months, which is around where we have budgeted.
- LOCAL LAW NO. 1: Supervisor Staats asked for a motion to declare a negative declaration on the SEQRA for Local Law No. 1 relative to earth filling and depositing Councilman Desmond made the motion, seconded by Councilman Kahle.
Councilman Desmond made a motion to pass Local Law No. 1, seconded by Councilman Hempel. A roll call vote was as follows:
Councilman Kahle, aye; Councilman Desmond, aye; Councilman Hempel, aye; Councilwoman Moore, aye; Supervisor Staats, aye. Motion passed unanimously.
- LOCAL LAW NO. 2: Amending the Code of Ethics to provide that the Ethics Board shall consist of four (4) members. A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve, seconded by Councilwoman Moore. A roll call vote was as follows:
Councilman Kahle, aye; Councilman Desmond, aye; Councilman Hempel, aye; Councilwoman Moore, aye; Supervisor Staats, aye. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS:
- Resolution #46-13 – Provides for a permit fee for exceeding the 50 cubic yard in a year for filling and depositing restrictions for landscaping, driveways and septic systems to coincide with Local Law No. 1 of 2013 which establishes a limit for filling and depositing in a one year period. The fee added is $25.00 for the permit and a maximum of two inspections by the building inspector at $25.00 each. Councilman Hempel asked if we don’t approve this would the inspections be free? Councilman Desmond stated that the building permit fee is a two part fee, the permit and the inspection fee. Councilman Hempel said if someone has a driveway which may be longer and requires a lot of gravel, we would be able to save them the $25.00 inspection fee, if it goes over 50 cubic yards. Councilman Desmond said that we have these inspection fees built into the permit process to make sure that what the permit was issued for, is what is being done.
A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve this resolution, seconded by Councilwoman Moore. Councilman Hempel voted nay. Motion passed.
- Resolution #47-13 – Resolution opposing the Process of Enactment of and certain provisions contained within the New York Safe Act. Supervisor Staats stated that this resolution was presented last month and has been reviewed by all the board. Mrs. Cassidy asked if the citizens get to comment on this resolution. Councilman Desmond stated that this resolution was presented last month but he felt changes had to be made to be more respectful. She also asked why the videotapes of the last meeting were not posted on the website. Councilman Hempel said that he takes responsibility for not posting the last meeting. He explained that this resolution is very similar to that passed by the County with a few changes. A motion was made by Councilman Hempel to approve, seconded by Councilman Kahle. There were four ayes, Councilwoman Moore voted nay. Motion passed.
- Resolution #48-13 – Resolution Opposing Frivolous Use of Messages of Necessity and calling for due process in New York Legislative Process for the Protection of Civil Liberties and Rights. Councilman Desmond was appalled to find out how many times the message of necessity has been used. Supervisor Staats feels that open debate on issues by our state representatives is critical. A motion was made by Councilman Kahle, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve. There were four ayes, Councilwoman Moore voted nay. Motion passed.
- Resolution #49-13 – Resolution to Balance Accounts for Additional CHIPS Funding.
Increase CHIPS revenue DA-3501 $11,507.16
Increase CHIPS appropriation DA-5112.2 $11,507.16
The total amount received for CHIPS Projects for 2013 will be increased to $46,507.16. Supervisor Staats explained that this is additional money received from the State for road repairs.
A motion was made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor. So carried.
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
- COUNTY COURTHOUSE: The asbestos abatement is being done and the project is still within budget. The electrical equipment is being updated to handle additional voltage. There is also discussion on updating the heating system.
- PINE HAVEN HOME: The County is voting on architectural bids for design of the building. There is still question as to whether to build a new home. Currently the home is running efficiently and not losing money.
- EGER COMMUNICATIONS TOWER: The need for this tower is a crucial safety issue for the County and the Supervisor agrees that the visual of the tower is minimal and not offensive.
- COUNTY AIRPORT: The County’s bid to purchase property to extend the runway from the owners of Meadowgreens Golf Course was denied by the owners. Several appraisers appraised the property and the bid was in line with the appraisals. The next step would be for the County to take by imminent domain.
- NEW LEBANON LANDFILL: This is the only landfill in the county, which has not been closed. The owner would not allow it to be done in the nineties. DEC is going to levy fines on the town because now it is the town’s responsibility. The town has asked the County to pay $625,000.00 towards closing the landfill.
- COUNTY FINANCES: The Supervisor mentioned at the last meeting that the County’s financial situation is not great. There was a 0% increase in the budget but the Supervisor thinks that there could be many cuts to reduce the budget. The County Home Health Agency is one area where funds could be saved and someone is still interested in purchasing it. The City of Hudson has five Supervisors on the board, which get $14,000.00 each, and he thinks that the City of Hudson could have one Supervisor. He believes there has to be a reduction in the workforce in the County.
- Grievance Day – It was reported earlier that Grievance day is Tuesday, May 28th from 3 PM to 5 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM.
- Clermont Fire Steak BBQ – June 8th Serving at 6:30 P.M. at the Route 9G firehouse.
ABSTRACTS:
A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve General abstract #5, vouchers #93-124 in the amount of $6,405.25, seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Kahle to approve Highway abstract #5, vouchers 36-49 in the amount of $6,393.91, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
- Catherine Kahle read a statement that she is disappointed in Councilwoman’s Moore voting against the Resolutions against the New York SafeAct.
- Judy Blessinger-Neary handed the Supervisor an opinion from the State Comptroller office that addresses payments to employees. At the last meeting the Supervisor stated that the Assessors salary was incorrectly paid and resolutions were passed to correct the salary. The Supervisor explained what had happened and how the Assessor came to be paid incorrectly. He will have our attorney look at this opinion.
- Supervisor Staats explained the reason why the county is seeking to purchase the additional property at the airport. They are not extending the runway but clearing the land beyond each end of the runway for a safety area. If not done they will not be able to land larger jets and will loose revenue.
- George Davis: Supports Councilwoman Moore to think for herself and make her own choices.
A motion was made to adjourn at 8:55 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Moore.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk