Author: Kris Gildersleeve

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
June 10, 2026

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Jennifer Phillips, Jessie Cutaia, Tom Jantzen, Mary Howard, and Nathan Hempel.
Planning Board Attorney Matthew Griesemer was also in attendance. In the absence of Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard conducted the meeting. After review of the May 13, 2026 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Patricia Werner, 353 Nevis Road, 191.1-1-19.3, represented by Katterskill Associates, is seeking a Minor Subdivision. Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing. All in favor. So carried. The Board reviewed the revised maps. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. Mary Howard read SEQRA with the Board agreeing to a negative declaration. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to accept as revised and Approve the Application. All in favor. So carried.

Nicolas and Alma Suarez, “Alma’s Tacos”, 32 Cemetery Road, Tax ID #179-1-18, represented by Patricia Hinkein, is seeking to establish their food truck at the their residence. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing. Revisions were made to the Site Plan map as requested at the May 2026 meeting. The additions included designated parking, handicap parking, and additional lighting. A letter from the Clermont Fire Department stated a turn around was not needed since the house and proposed food truck are close the road. Per the Columbia County Board of Health requires food preparation to be conducted at a commercial kitchen which is located in Philmont. Lauren Williams spoke on behalf to the Applicants, supporting their business. Tim Knoonz, a neighbor, spoke to the Board with concerns of how his property would be affected by the addition of a business. The Board requested the addition of the hours be added to the map as follows: 10am-6pm during Winter Months
10am-8pm during Summer months

Also to be added is the placement and size of a sign, foot print of lighting,
and clearer location of the parking areas. Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to continue the Public Hearing at the July 8, 2026 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

Richard Popp, (doing business as Sprout Works) 54 Cemetery Road, Tax ID #179-1-16.111, represented by Jordan Valdina of Synergy Design from Rhinebeck, NY is seeking Site Plan approval for a contractor yard consisting 1,344 square feet garage, 1,176 square feet covered area, six 100 square foot (each) storage bins, curb cut, and six parking spaces. The Applicant presented a Site Plan map showing the placement of the proposed buildings as well as the parking area. Following discussion by the Board, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to accept application as presented and schedule a Public Hearing for the July 8, 2026 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:50pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town Board Meeting
June 1, 2026

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 1st at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lusher Shute Councilman Kris Gildersleeve and Councilman Anthony Finta.

Meeting called to Order @7:00PM with the Pledge of Allegiance Led by Supervisor Staats

Presentation by Ray Tousey-Pictures of Local Buildings presented to Town Board. 8 Pictures can be framed and mounted withing Town Hall.

Question regarding Display-Possible location at future pavilion

Presentation by Climate Smart Committee David Szalas-

Recommendation to replace Thermostats within buildings

Requesting approval to obtain quotes for windows upstairs at Community House

Garage-Recommendation for injection spray foam insulation, Mini split for Garage office

And to replace furnace with a propane furnace.

Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to accept the May, 2026 meeting minutes by Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. Motion Carried

Written Communications

Town Clerks Report-May 2026

TOTAL FOR GENERAL FUND $ 2752.55

TOTAL FOR TRUST & AGENCY $350.00

TOTAL FOR NYS AG & MKTS $1.00

TOTAL FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY SOLID WASTE $20.00

Letter of clarification read from resident Diane O’neal-There is no petition for closure of Buckwheat Bridge.

Clermont Fire Department supports maintaining bridge

Committee Reports and Updates

Web Committee

No Fire Commissioner minutes have been received-Kris has reached out with no response.

Suggestion to complete a redirect to their website

Anthony- Needs access to DNS for .Gov email address set up. Motion to add Anthony to Web Committee by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. Motion Carried

Lindsey- Design of Park Pavillion distributed to the Board, May need to add an access path from North Road to Pavillion. Cost of $7800.00 for clear coat/staining was not included in the original estimate. Question arose regarding payment of Pavillion. Pay for Pavillion now and Installation later. State budget just passed, unclear for future funding to support the pavilion. Proceed with ordering structure? Currently filing for reimbursement for one grant, other grant is at the division of budget.

Kris- Reviewed the list of specific email addresses and agrees there are not many.

Dawn- June 11th will accept grant that was awarded for $1000.00 from Bank of Greene County. Clermont Ladies Auxiliary is disbanding and donating $3000 to the Clermont Park.  Presented Credit Card Policy-Resolution #49 of 2026 Motion made by Councilman Finta, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. Resolution passed.  Expected to be a 250th Commemorative Coin 

Shout out to Clermont Park Committee and helpers.

Old Business

Mortgage Tax $38156.70 Total in budget for 2026 &50000.00

Backhoe Bid for $15,200-Rejected Counteroffered $20,000.

Highway department would like to replace dump truck-Funds are available.

New Business

Thank you to the Clermont Ladies Auxiliary.

Painter for the front door $950.00 Motion to approve by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.

Auction for Tractor/Mower-Currently ongoing

Portable speed radar signs-Attempting to get quote ~$13,500 each

Supervisors Report

Solid Waste-Bag prices have officially increased, still working on other possibilities to increase revenue for Solid Waste.

Motion To Pay Abstracts

Motion to pay Highway abstract #6 $66025.34 Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. Motion Carried

Motion to pay Prepaid abstract #6A $710.98 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor

Motion to pay Trust & Agency abstract #2 $70.07 Motion by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Finta. Motion Carried

Motion to pay General abstract #6 $6631.63. Motion by Councilman Finta Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. Motion Carried

Public Communication/Comments to Board– Additional discussion regarding Buckwheat Bridge.

Steve-Resident of Buckwheat Road read a letter to the Board

Josh/Dirty Dog Farm-Read a letter to the Board

Resolution requested for Supervisor Staats to discuss additional options with Commissioner Jurkowski: One lane bridge consideration/narrower 2 lane bridge or narrower sidewalk. Resolution #50 of 2026 Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Fina. All in Favor. Resolution passed.

Resident expressed concern regarding assessor letter dated 5/4/26 and received later.

Motion to adjourn at 9:30PM Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. Motion Carried

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk