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Town Board – June 2018

                                                                CLERMONT TOWN BOARD

                                                                        JUNE 4, 2018

The Clermont Town Board held a public hearing at 6:30 P.M. on Local Law #2 of 2018, Adopting Noise Control Regulations and Local Law #3 of 2018 amending the Clermont Zoning Law before the regular Town Board meeting.

Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilman Evan Hempel and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. There were eighteen town residents present. The Town Clerk read the public notice as posted in the Register Star.

Local Law No. 2 of 2018 – Adopting Noise Control Regulations in the Town of Clermont.

Ripley Hathaway read a prepared statement opposing the suggestion of the 10:00 P.M. closing time on the weekends for venues. 

Dana Perry is also in favor of the ordinance as written, opposing the 10:00 P.M. closing time on the weekends.

Wicky Boyle spoke about the quality of life and environmental changes and without some legal parameters.

Janet Kraus agrees that there should be an ordinance and is wondering why we are opting for 11:00 P.M. rather than 10:00 P.M. as other towns in the county.

Sara Takacs appreciates the town’s efforts with the noise ordinance.  She did take some sound tests when there were two weddings at the same time.  The noise level became an issue later on in the evening but the hours seem to be the issue.  She suggested lowering the dba to 65 and that 11:00 is late for those that work during the week.  She would also like the legislation to be written so that it doesn’t have to be revisited in a month or two.

A letter was read from Anthony Miserandino suggesting the “designation of time periods with no distinction for weekends and holidays”. He is in favor of a 10:00 P.M. closing time on weekends.

Dana Perry would like to submit a written comment. Phyllis Heiko commented on the noise level when there were two weddings taking place at one time. Michael Serapica commented on the effects of noise on your health.

Because it is necessary to send this local law to the Columbia County Planning Board, we will leave this public hearing open until next month when we will have a recommendation back from them.  This will also accommodate those who want to submit written comments to the Town Board. Councilman Desmond commended the Supervisor for allowing residents to speak at many town board meetings on this subject.

Local Law No. 3 of 2018 – Amending the Clermont Zoning Law pertaining to Noise Control.

This law allows the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant a variance to a venue for relief of the ordinance as explained by Mary Howard. Several residents commented that they hope we are not promoting the town as the “get down town”.

The public hearing for Local Law #3 was closed at 7:30 P.M.

Supervisor Staats called the meeting to order with the salute to the flag.

A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to move into executive session to discuss contract negotiations, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 7:30 P.M. All in favor.  So carried.

A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to come out of executive session, seconded by Councilman Desmond at 7:40 PM.  All in favor.  So carried.

MINUTES: Councilman Gildersleeve noted a correction to the spelling of ‘Christina’ Gildersleeve in the May minutes.  A motion was made to approve as corrected by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor.  So carried.

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk presented the Supervisor with a check for the General fund in the amount of $1,889.43 for May.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • Keeping Identities of Seniors Safe (K.I.S.S.) From 6/11/18 to 6/29/18 the shredding container will be at the Town Hall for Seniors to bring in their confidential, personal papers during the Town Clerks regular hours.
  • The Town Clerk’s office will be closed on Saturday, June 9th.
  • Clermont Fire Company will hold its steak barbecue on Saturday, June 9th at 6:30 P.M.
  • Notice of public hearing from the Town of Red Hook for May 30, 2018 to amend the zoning in regards to drive-thru businesses in certain districts.  Unfortunately, this notice arrived after our last meeting and the date has passed.
  • Received the results of the Red Hook Central School District election results. The budget passed and Kate Kortbus was appointed to the Board of Education.
  • The Supervisor provided the budget and revenue report for May 2018.

COMMITTEES:

  • PARK COMMITTEE: Councilman Desmond reported that there was a meeting of the Park Committee. A smaller subcommittee is working on an on-line survery. Discussed possible uses for the park, such as a soccer field, veterans monument, beautification.
  • WEBSITE: Councilman Hempel said there was no meeting of the web committee.

OLD BUSINESS:

  • PARK: Supervisor Staats said that because of a lack interest in softball this year in the league, we are leaning more towards a soccer field. There seems to be more of a demand and less maintenance necessary for this. The soccer league will be willing to help out with setting up.  Phyllis Hieko reminded that the population has decreased and there is more need for a park than a soccer field. Supervisor Staats said there is enough room for all of this.  She said that Sarah Takacs and Jennifer Phillips have noise and screening issues which must be addressed.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • MORTGAGE TAX: Supervisor Staats received the mortgage tax check for $25,129.82. This is more than was budgeted.
  • STORM DAMAGE: There was some damage to the Community House roof from the May 15th hail storm. There was no damage to the town vehicles.  The roof was damaged slightly and some paint and screens were damaged on the south side. The insurance company was notified and the adjuster did call about meeting with Supervisor.  The Supervisor will get an estimate on damage.

SUPERVISORS REPORT:

  • CLERMONT FIRE CO. STEAK BBQ: June 9th at the Route 9G Firehouse at 6:30 P.M.
  • FIREWORKS: The County is proposing to ban the sales of sparklers.  Columbia County is one of the few counties to ban the sale and use of fireworks. Now they want to ban sparklers. Supervisor is opposed to this and was opposed to the ban of selling and use of fireworks. 
  • GREENE COUNTY JAIL: Greene County is probably going to go to a referendum for a new jail in Greene County.

ABSTRACTS:

  • A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General abstract #6, vouchers #149 – #173 in the amount of $5,514.39, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Desmond to approve Highway abstract #6, vouchers #54- #62 in the amount of $9,709.63, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in favor.  So carried.
  • A motion was made by Councilman Hempel to approve Trust & Agency abstract #5, vouchers #9 – #11 in the amount of $123.75, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.  All in favor.  So carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

  • Richard Bump- Hog Trough Road:  Mr. Bump received an increase of his escrow, which is up $3,000 over last year. He is asking what made the taxes increase. It was recommended that he speak with the Assessor because it does not look as though the assessment was increased.
  • Mary Howard: She reported that on Tuesday, June 26th 12 PM to 9 PM there is a Federal primary for the Democrats and Womans Equality Party.
  • Mary Howard says that there is an opportunity for Little Free Library where people can borrow or leave books.  It is a not for profit which gives guidance on this program. 

A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson at 8:20 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Helen Shannon, RMC

Town  Clerk