Author: Kris Gildersleeve

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
April 8, 2026

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall.  Those in attendance were Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, Jessie Cutaia, Tom Jantzen, Mary Howard, and Nathan Hempel.  In the absence of Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard served as Chair.

After review of the March 11, 2026 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the minutes.
All in favor.  So carried.

Nicolas Suarez, 32 Cemetery Road, came before the Board seeking a Site Plan approval for conducting business as Alma’s Tacos.  Discussion included hours of operation, parking, lighting, and signage.  The Board referred the Applicant to the ZBA for information on zoning allowance.  The Applicant will return to the May 13, 2026 meeting.

Altos Solar (formerly ELP,  Roe Jan Solar Project Solar), came before the Board seeking approval for a modification to the previously approved site plan by moving the turn around.  The turn around would have a depth of 60’, width of 15’, a radius of 35’ and leveling the ground.  Applicant will return with a revised map showing the new dimensions.  Motion to amend the site plan approval was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel.  All in favor.  So carried.                 

Phil Gellert, County Route 8, 180.2-5.111, located on County Route 8.  Motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to close the regular meeting and return to the Public Hearing.  All in favor.  So carried.  The Board reviewed the new survey map.  With no further comments from the audience, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting.  Motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to deem the application complete.  All in favor.  So carried.  SEQRA was read by Mary Howard.  Motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to determine a Negative Impact.  All in favor.  So carried.  Motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to approve the application as presented.  All in favor.  So carried.

Patricia Werner, 353 Nevis Road, 191.1-1-19.3, represented by Andrew Holock of Kaaterskill Associates, came before the Board seeking a Minor Subdivision.   The existing parcel is 78.82 acres.  The subdivision would be in the amount of 6.5 acres, with each new parcel in the amount of approximately 3.25 acres.  After review of the Site Plan Map, motion was made to accept the application, pending Board of Health approval and the addition of proposed driveway placement and driveway approval from the Town Highway Department.  All in favor.  So carried.  Motion was made to hold a Public Hearing at the next Planning Board meeting on May 13, 2026.  All in  favor.  So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to adjourn.  All in favor.  So carried.  The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town Board Meeting
April 6, 2026

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 6th at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, and Councilman Anthony Finta. Absent were Councilman Kris Gildersleeve and Councilwoman Lusher Shute.

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

Presentation by Jennifer Phillips to discuss a $5,000 grant received from an anonymous donor through Partners for Climate Action. The intention of this Grant is to use for Administrative Services for the Climate Smart Committee. 50% to be paid upfront $2500.00 and additional 50% upon completion of services. There is no $ commitment required from the Town. Motion to move forward with Services. Motion by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Finta. Motion Carried

Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to accept the March, 2026 meeting minutes by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Finta. Motion Carried

Town Clerks Report

TOTAL FOR GENERAL FUND $ 2450.02

NYS Ag & Mkts $ 4.00

COLUMBIA COUNTY SOLID WASTE $135.00

TOTAL FOR March 2026 $2611.52

Web Committee-Request from Mary Howard to update the Planning and Zoning documents, requirements and timelines to the website.

Committee Reports and Updates

Anthony-

Request by the Supervisor to postpone initiation/discussion regarding .gov email addresses etc until a full board is available.

Dawn-

Restrictions on Community House-Dawn awaiting response from Shipbo.

Grant is expected to be distributed soon for playground.

Float needed for Hudson Flag Day parade/Clermont participation requested

Chris Nolan spoke of the local artifact collections

Playground parking lot Fencing. Quotes received. Will Use Oakwood Fencing $3500.00 once the length has been confirmed since it is not included in the quote documents

Old Business

Doors done-Touchup painting to be done soon

Road Safety-Public Meeting with the county next month

Park update-Arbor day celebration in the Park

Attic Insulation-Completed

Streelights replaced-Very bright

New Business

Karli Chiavelli-Presentation on behalf of the local Girls Softball teams requesting a softball field at Hettling Park. Need the footprint size/dimension for the field to look at it further.

Board of Assessment Review-Sarolta Takacs appointed Chair of the Board of Assessment review. Motion by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Finta. Motion Carried

New Laptop purchased for Tyler-Highway Superintendent

Highway Funds-Move $30,000 to cover excess winter cleanup/snow removal. Motion by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Finta. Motion Carried

Supervisors Report

Solid Waste committee still meeting, Gallatin and New Lebanon expected to be closed Permanently, Potential of closing one more facility locally as both Germantown and Livingston are very close in proximity. Committee is still investigating additional cost saving measures.

Motion To Pay Abstracts

Motion to pay General abstract #4 Vouchers #78-89 $32390.19. Motion by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Finta. Motion Carried

Motion to pay Highway abstract #4 Voucher #47-59 $14739.44 Motion by Councilman Finta Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. Motion Carried

Motion to pay Prepaid abstract #4A Vouchers #71-77 $1106.58 By Councilman Finta, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. Motion Carried

Public Communication/Comments to Board–

Comments in support of a Softball field, Suggestions on Trash bags prices

Note: Locks have been added to Town Dumpster

Motion to enter executive session @7:59PM in regards to potential legal matters. Motion by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Finta. Motion Carried

Motion to exit executive session @8:18PM Motion by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Finta. Motion Carried

Motion to adjourn at 8:19PM Motion by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Finta. Motion Carried

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
March 11, 2026

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall.  Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Ron Miller, and Nathan Hempel. 

After review of the February 11, 2026 minutes, motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to approve the minutes.
All in favor.  So carried.

Phil Gellert, County Route 8, 180.2-5.111, located on County Route 8,
was unable to attend due to the needed revised maps not being ready.   The Public Hearing will continue at the April 8, 2026 meeting.

Jutta Middel, 218 Pleasantvale Road, Tax ID #210.-1-17,  came before the Board seeking information regarding a Major Subdivision of 27+/- acres, for as many as ten, 2 acre lots.  Discussion was held regarding needed set backs, well and septic placement, driveways, as well as a private road vs Town road.  The Applicant will return after more research.

With no further business, a motion was made byJennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller, to adjourn.  All in favor.  So carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town Board Meeting
March 2, 2026

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 2nd at the Town Hall.  Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lusher Shute and Councilman Anthony Finta.

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

Presentation Columbia County Engineering Commissioner Raymond Jurkowski regarding Buckwheat Bridge Project-     The county applied for funding for the bridge replacement project in 2024.  Site Survey has been completed; Environmental review has been completed.   There is significant erosion noted in the abutments.   The current span is 70 Feet and will be increased to ~ 100ft per the State highway specs.    The structure will be similar to the Pleasantvale bridge structure.   Buckwheat bridge is currently 2 lanes and will remain a two-lane bridge and is currently listed as a narrow bridge.  Traffic study completed in August of 2025 over the course of 300 days there were approximately 600 cars average per day.   County would like to reduce the turn on the bridge to increase site distance for Pedestrians and other vehicles.     There were concerns raised during this presentation by residents and the Town Board regarding straightening of the bridge and increased speeds and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and livestock.     Commissioner Jurkowski suggested additional signage and speed limit signs (solar).

The bridge is expected to take 12-18 months for completion with possible start in Spring of 2027.       A public meeting will be held on Monday May4th at 5:30PM at the Town Hall.    Notices will be posted on the website, sign board at Town Hall and in the Newsletter.  The county will post in the newspaper.   This meeting will be open to the public.

Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes   

Motion to accept the February 2nd, 2026 meeting minutes by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Finta.   All in Favor.  So Carried

Town Clerks Report

TOTAL FOR GENERAL FUND    $ 2621.38

NYS Ag & Mkts                          $   5.00

COLUMBIA COUNTY SOLID WASTE     $276.00

TOTAL FOR FEBRUARY 2026                     $2902.38

Mail Review- NYS AG&MARKETS-Inspection letter regarding DCO.   DCO services were rated as Satisfactory.  No deficiencies reported.

Web Committee-Councilman Finta would like Real property Grievance links and Docs added to the website.

Committee Reports and Updates       

Lindsey-

Park Pavillion-no estimate yet from Parkitect

Streetlights-Maybe in March

Park Committee-Earth day project 4/26/26-Planting a tree

Climate Smart Committee-Jennifer Philips needs office appointment by Town Board in order to try for the current available grant.    Motion by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute.   All in Favor.  So Carried

Town Clerk will draft a letter.

            Possible Climate smart Grant for $5000.

Kris- Tax Collector lap top on order and should arrive later this week.

Dawn-

            Need Float Ideas and help for Hudson Flag Day parade.

            Grant- Anthony to assist

Old Business

School bus cameras—Lindsey to reach out to Red Hook Bus Company for wording needed for requested use in Columbia county

Door Replacement -Soon with better weather approaching.

Audit-8 Minor findings-missing 3 years of AFR’s to state.

Road Safety Discussion- Other towns paying for extra patrols, Striping road is $1578 per mile.  Other options to explore are enforcement, speed cameras and rumble strips.

Buckwheat Bridge discussion: Walkway, speeding concerns regarding straightening bridge etc.

New Business

Board of Assessment Review-2 Candidates interviewed, Appointments as follows:

Motion to appoint Jack Lester Jr.  to the Term ending 9/30/2026, Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor.  So Carried

Motion to appoint Michale Serrapica. to the Term ending 9/30/2029, Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor.  So Carried

Highway Surplus- Motion to Surplus the 2018 Pickup and Snowplow/Sander Motion by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.   All in Favor.  So Carried

Salt budget-Expected to be overspent.  Current Salt shortage

Supervisors Report 

Sales Tax last quarter 2025 is ~ 8% over last year

Solid Waste committee still meeting, Gallatin and New Lebanon expected to be closed at least through June.   Committee is still investigating additional cost saving measures.

Motion To Pay Abstracts

Motion to pay Prepaid abstract #3A Vouchers #43-49   $1151.08 By Councilman Finta, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay Highway abstract #3 Voucher #24-45 $101954.27 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay General abstract #3 Vouchers #50-70   $10331.93 By Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried

Received check from Auction International for Tires #330.00

Check from Visage Construction for $702.80 replacing one of the Town Truck mirrors due to a minor mishap.

Public Communication/Comments to Board–            

Motion to adjourn at 9:24PM by Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.  All in Favor. So carried.       

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
February 11, 2026

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall.  Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Tom Jantzen, Jennifer Phillips, Jesse Cutaia, and Nathan Hempel. 

After review of the January 14, 2026 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the minutes with corrections.  All in favor.  So carried.

Phil Gellert, County Route 8, 180.2-5.111, located on County Route 8,
was unable to attend due to the needed revised maps not being ready.  A motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, to continue the Public Hearing at the March 11. 2026 meeting.  All in favor.  So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to adjourn.  All in favor.  So carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary