Meeting Minutes 2025

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
November 12, 2025

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Tom Jantzen, Jennifer Phillips and Jesse Cutaia.

After review of the October 8, 2025 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Midwood Village LLC, 760 Woods Road, Tax ID #179.-1-30,
represented by Ashay Shah of Crawford & Associates, came before the Board regarding a Lot Line Adjustment, which will add 22.4 acres to the adjoining property. Following discussion of the application, the Board determined a Driveway permit from the County will be required. In addition, the Applicant will need a letter from the County Highway Department and the application will need to be reviewed by the County Planning Board. The proposed driveway will need to be added tot he Site Plan map. Motion was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to schedule a Public Hearing for the December 10, 2025 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

Susan Kotulak and Andrew Sartorius, Oki Doki Studio, came before the Board for information regarding the property located at 1727 Route 9, presently Hudson Valley Distillers. They intend to purchase the property and move Oki Doki Studio, a pottery studio, from its current location on Woods Road to the subject property at 1727 Route 9. The Board explained which forms and application will be needed. They will return to the December 10, 2025 meeting.

Phil Gellert, County Route 8, 180.2-5.111, Minor Subdivision, came before the Board seeking a Minor Subdivision of 4 acres from the existing 35 acre parcel. The need of a driveway vs an easement was discussed. The Applicant will need a driveway permit from the County, as well as a revision of the Site Plan Map showing a proposed house site with placement of the septic and well. Motion was made by Jesse Cutaia, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to schedule a Public Hearing for the December 10, 2025 meeting. All in favor. So carried.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:40pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont
Town Board Meeting
NOVEMBER 3, 2025

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, November 3rd, 2025at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7PM by Supervisor Staats with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Presentation for the Harriet Tubman Byway-Handouts provided.
   • Restrictions are placed by DOT
   • Board questioned wording in resolution of “any” signage
   • New wording provided by DOT will be incorporated into the Resolution upon receipt for December meeting.
3. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of October Minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
4. Written communications/Mail review

Clerk Report

1. • Total for General Fund $4557.53
   • Total for Escrow Fund $ 250.00
   • NYS Ag&Mkts $6.00
   • Total report for October 2025 $4813.53

Mail Review

1. • Red Hook (2) Public notices
   • Letter from Resident opposing re configuring the Bridge on Buckwheat Bridge Road
   • Election Day Dinner

Web Committee-None

5. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Bob-None
   • Lindsey
     • Traffic Safety survey
     • Camera enforcement update for busses?
   • Kris
     • Rope broke on flagpole while trying to replace POW flag. Highway department will get new rope and try to replace.
     • File Cabinets should be all set
     • Website-.gov is up and running and still being updated. .org site is no longer accepting new information. Redirect will happen soon
   • Dawn
     • Trees received and planted from money received for Iroquois grant
     • No dates for Park visit
     • Working with Dormitory Authority regarding Grants
6. Old Business
   • Dawn meeting with Roma Fence regarding parking lot fencing
   • Pavilion-Awaiting quote responses
   • Turkey Hill Road-Completed and Road open, Roadway still needs blacktop
   • Generator-Electrician is currently working with National Grid
   • Front Door replacement-Door and hardware on order
   • Sales Tax $175,966. 8 % increase
   • Mortgage Tax check should arrive soon
7. New Business
   • 2026 Budget-Public Hearing completed prior to Board meeting Supervisor Staats reviewed the budget

Motion made to adopt 2026 budget by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in favor.

8. Supervisors Report-
   • Currently still working on County Budget -expected to be increase. Will provide an update at the December Meeting
9. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Trust & Agency abstract #4 Vouchers #4 $36.72 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #11 Vouchers #111-120 $6761.59 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #11 Vouchers #248-275 $21376.53 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General-Prepaid abstract #11A Vouchers #247 $107.64 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to Board- Questions regarding the Audit (No word from comptroller’s office yet)

Motion to enter executive session at 8:18 PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

There will be no additional business for the Town Board after executive session.

Motion to exit executive session at 8:33PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to adjourn at 8:34PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

TOWN OF CLERMONT
PUBLIC HEARING 2026 BUDGET
NOVEMBER 3, 2025

The Clermont Town Board held the 2026 Budget Public Hearing on Monday, November 3rd, 2025 at 6:45 P.M. at the Town Hall.

Those in attendance were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher-Shute.

Supervisor Staats opened the public hearing for the 2026 Budget. The Town Clerk read the Public hearing notice.

Supervisor Staats read the highlights of the 2026 Budget

Total Budget $1,107,288
General Budget $581,183
Highway Budget $526,105
Tax rate per thousand at 19.01%
2.5-3.5% Salary increases and 5% increase for full time employees

Taxes raised by revenue $800,200
Less Fund balance $202,508
Raised by Taxes $104,580

No tax increase 2026

Above budget accounts for the following:
Infrastructure updates included Community house, Highway garage and Town Hall
Park Pavilion
New Pickup Truck for Highway
Reserve account for Highway

Supervisor Staats opened up the floor for any comments or questions on the 2026 budget.

David Szalas provided documentation for the NYS non competitive bid for electric vehicles w/rebate.

Questions regarding how projects around town are funded.

The hearing was closed at 7:04 P.M.

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
October 8, 2025

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall.  Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Nathan Hempel, Ron Miller, Tom Jantzen, Jennifer Phillips and Jesse Cutaia.

After review of the September 10, 2025 minutes, motion was made by Ron Miller, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to approve the minutes.  All in favor.  So carried.  

There was no new business.

The Board discussed the letter which was sent to the ZBA, Ray Tousey, Eli Fieser, and Judge Ron Banks regarding the Tin Barn.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Tom Jantzen, to adjourn.  All in favor.  So carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town Board Meeting
October 6th, 2025

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 6th at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, and Councilwoman Dawn Brownson. Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute was absent.

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

Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes from 9/2/25 Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve after slight spelling correction. Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor So Carried

Approval of prior Budget Workshop and Meeting Minutes from 9/22/25 Motion to accept by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried

Written communications/Mail review

• Mail Review-GCS Resolution Pending for Tax Exemptions
• Web Committee-None

Committee Reports and Updates

• Bob –Nothing to report
• Lindsey- Absent
• Kris- File Cabinets-1 Working/repaired. 1 Cabinet awaiting part will be repaired.
  Website Updated to .gov-Sent out for review, will work on possible emails for Town officials.
  POW flag for Park on order.
• Dawn- Finalizing paperwork for the Grants for Playground.
  The Village Green committee will also Participate in the 2026 anniversary event.
  Possible Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblywoman Didi Barrrett will come down for grant presentation at playground-TBD

Old Business

• Park Update-Nothing new to report.
• Turkey Hill Road update-Almost completed, backfilling in progress expected to be completed by end of wk. of 10/13.
• Audit Update-Phone conference for Exit Interview to be held week of 10/13. No other information available.
• 2026 Budget Highlights-
  – No Tax increase
  – Total Budget: $1,107,288.00
  – Community Housing indoor painting and upgrades, Garage Painting, Engineer for Addition to Town Hall, New pickup truck for Highway, Continued growth of the Town Park.
  – Highway 5% salary increase, Most other positions 2.5-3% increase

New Business

• Tentative Budget- Motion to approve by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
• Climate Smart presentation to be held at November Meeting
• Grievance Settlement- Motion to approve by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried

Supervisors Report

• County Budget Process still in work in progress-Supervisor Staats has vowed to vote against a Tax increase again.

Motion To Pay Abstracts

• Motion to pay Trust and Agency abstract #3 Voucher #3 in the amount of $36.72 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
• Motion to pay General-Prepaid abstract #10A Vouchers #221-223 $264.20 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
• Motion to pay Highway abstract #10 Vouchers #101-110 $8119.88 By Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
• Motion to pay General abstract #10 Voucher #224-246 $30949.09 By Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to Board– None

Motion to adjourn at 7:31 PM by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals
1795 Route 9
Germantown, NY 12526

Clermont ZBA Meeting: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 7:30pm at Town Hall. Motion to open Meeting Lee Gallant second to accept Luke Kumbris.

The Meeting started with Salute to the Flag, Members attending were Luke Kumnris, lee Gallant, Scott Shafranek , Robert Barry and Ben Peacock.

Absent: Tammy Connelly.

Corrections or Omissions to the last Minutes meeting,

No Corrections.

New Business Solar Panel

Jim Goff and Jeff Solar, acting as agents, presented the details of the project.

Nancy Baker Cahill

166 Moore Rd Germantown, NY 12526. Tax ID 191.1-1-28

Ground mounted solar system.

The aesthetic impact of visible panels will be cover by evergreen’s

The structure set- backs are 85/ft front road. Jim requested expedited approval of the project due to time-sensitive considerations.

1.The rebate ends at the of the year

2. Ensure the subcontractor is scheduled according to the project timeline.

Lee Gallant suggested to Jim & Jeff to notified & send certified mail to the neighbors about his next public hearing.

For the Hudson Register Star: The Columbia County Public Hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2025.

List of Contiguous Owners

Brian & Melanie Piotti

James, Yun & Yujin Yohe

Mark Delucca

Phyllis Heiko

Matthew & Deanna Huer

Brian & Caitlin Stickles

Jonathan Burleigh & Rachel Daley

Michael & Charlene Prounis

Stony Creek Farm, Elaine Tate

Patrick & Patricia Meehan

John & Eileen Graziano

Steven Boice & Alyssa Kortessis

Add For Hudson Register Star, was schedule for October 8 ,2025 Columbia County Public Hearing.

The public hearing for the ZBA meeting will be scheduled one week earlier than usual, October 15, 2025.

With no Other Business, Motion to accept application Lee Gallant Second, Scott Shafranek, all in favor Luke Kumbris Robert Berry Ben Peacock.

Respectfully
Peggy Fieser, Secretary

CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
BUDGET WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 22, 2025

The Clermont Town Board held a budget workshop on the 2026 Budget on Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Desmond, Councilwoman Brownson, Councilman Gildersleeve and Councilwoman Lusher-Shute.

Supervisor Staats opened the workshop and went through all the budget and revenue accounts in the General and Highway funds.

Discussion regarding Salaries:

• SALARIES OF TOWN OFFICIALS
• SUPERVISOR $ 6,200.00
• TOWN BOARD (4 Members each getting $2,900) $11,600.00
• TOWN CLERK $ 9,800.00
• TOWN JUSTICES (2 Justices each getting $6,100) $12,200.00
• TAX COLLECTOR $ 5,100.00
• SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS $61,200.00
• BUILDING INSP/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER $16,500.00 (plus $1000.00 for deputy)
• ASSESSOR $17,500.00

*Salary increases were approved for 2 full time highway employees 5%

The following are the changes that have been suggested:

GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS
Town Board
A1010.4 contractual – increase from $1000. To $1500.

Justices
A1110.11 Personal Services-Clerk $4900 to $5000.

Supervisor
A1220.4 contractual-Increase from $12,500 to $13,000

Tax Collection
No Change other than Salary

Assessor
No change other than Salary

Town Clerk
A1410.4 increase from $3100 to $3500

Buildings
1620.4 – contractual – decrease to $50,000
1620.4G-Moved Video to Central Communications

Central Communications
1650.4 Contractual Increase from $5000 to $13,500 (now includes, video meetings, monthly newsletter and Website)

Special Items
A1910.4 Unallocated Insurance Increase from $23,000 to $25,000

Parks
7110.2 Equipment Decrease from $310,000 to $5000
7110.41 Contractual Exp. Increase from $25000 to $160,000
7110.42 Contractual Exp (Brownfields) Increase from $15,000 to $25,000

Library
7410.4 Contractual Exp. Increase from $3000 to $4000

Celebrations
7555.4 Contractual Exp Increase from $1000 to $5000

Zoning
8010.2 Equipment decrease from $3000 to $1000
8010.4 Contractual Exp. Increase from $3000 to $4500

Employee Benefits
9010.8 Retirement Increase from $12,000 to $13.000
9060.8 Hosp & Med Ins. Increase from $11,000 to $12,000

Tax Rate ~ 19.01 per 1000.

Total Tax Levy $104,580.

A motion was made at 8:05 PM to initiate a short Town Board

Call Meeting to Order by Supervisor Staats with the Pledge of Allegiance.

.gov website–Report by Councilman Gildersleeve regarding website update to .gov. Estimated cost $455-$975. Motion to approve up to $1000 by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So Carried

File cabinest-1 Drawer on each does not lock, Councilman Gildersleeve will see if we can get them repaired by the company that delivered them.

Generator-Supervisor Staats provided and updated quote for the Generator $35,899. We will attempt to have set by Winter.

Front Door-Follow up on Quote ~ $16,000- Motion to approve up to $16,000 by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried

Motion to adjourn at 8:28PM by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So Carried

Respectfully submitted,
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
September 10, 2025

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Nathan Hempel, and Jennifer Phillips.

After review of the August 13, 2025 minutes, motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Mary Howard, to approve the minutes with corrections. All in favor. So carried.

There was no new business.

The Board discussed The Tin Barn, 1783 State Route 9, owned by Raymond Tousey. A letter will be sent to the Clermont ZBA, regarding The Tin Barn being out of compliance with their Special Use Permit with the presence of food trucks and the addition of selling alcoholic beverages. in addition, Eli Fieser will be asked for clarification of the complaint filed by an area resident. In addition to the ZBA, the letter will be copied to Eli Fieser, Judge Ron Banks, and owner Ray Tousey.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town Board Meeting
September 2nd, 2025

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 2nd at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute.

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

Columbia County Public Works Engineer-Ray Jurkowski present to provide update on Turkey Hill Road Project. Design has been completed. Verta blocks available at Keeler vault and have been quoted. Warning signs of pending detour have been placed. Road will be closed with a detour set. Expected start date is Thursday, September 11th. The closure should be for about 3 weeks-dependent on weather. Notification has been sent out to Ems providers and Schools of the pending closure.

Clermont signs are being placed soon, 3 have been approved for placement and 1 is still pending.

Next visit will be in regards to bridge replacement for Buckwheat Bridge Road.

Councilwoman Lusher Shute asked if he could be of any assistance regarding pedestrian traffic on Route 9 in regards to Park. He indicated since it is a state road he would not be involved however suggested a presentation to the County Safety Board requesting a letter of support.

Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes from 8/425 Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor So Carried

Written communications/Mail review

• Mail Review-None
• Web Committee-None

Committee Reports and Updates

Bob –

Highway superintendent has placed new truck in budget.

Lindsey-

Pavilion discussion-Quotes provided from Parkitect
28’x44’ OR 30’x44’, Fill will be needed and a 4” concrete pad.
Raymond will check locally for quotes.
Possible site visit prior to Budget Workshop.

Kris-

File Cabinets-Cabinets ready for delivery just need locations for them to be placed.
Website update. Quote did not involve .gov website conversion-awaiting updated quote

.Dawn-

Finalizing paperwork for the Grants for Playground.
Hosting that the Village Green Committee will partner an event for 2026
Clermont will be hosing the October or November Historians

Old Business

• Painting completed inside Town Hall

New Business

• Harriet Tubman Byway presentation will be at October meeting.
• Audit Notification by the Office of the State Comptroller for Transparency and Accountability Audit for 2024
• Budget Workshop Monday, September 22^nd at 6PM with a site visit to park at 5:30PM

Supervisors Report

County Manager Elected Position will not be moving forward based on petition errors as ruled by Judge. May be filed again 2026 or 2027.

Motion To Pay Abstracts

Motion to pay General abstract #9 Voucher #203-220 $17132.44 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay General-Prepaid abstract #9A Vouchers #200-202 $342.73 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay Highway abstract #9 Vouchers #91-100 $6024.26 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

.Public Communication/Comments to Board– None

Motion to adjourn at 8:05 PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals
1795 Route 9
Germantown, NY 12526

August 27, 2025

Clermont ZBA Meeting: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 7:30pm, Town Hall. Motion to open Meeting Lee Gallant second to accept Luke Kumbris.

The Meeting started with Salute to the Flag, Members attending were Luke Kumnris, lee Gallant, Scott Shafranek , Robert Barry and Greta Hempel.

Absent, Tammy Connelly and Ben Peacock.

Corrections or Omissions to the last Minutes meeting,

No Corrections. May, June and July’s meeting have been cancelled.

New Business, new application for Solar Panels. The solar company was unable to attend the meeting. I contacted Jim Goff, the Solar Agent, at 518-719-9004 and left a voicemail message. I called Nancy Baker Cahill at 323-646-1156 and left a voicemail.

With no other business, motion to adjourn was made by Luke Kumburis, Second Lee Gallant, all in favor

All in favor

Respectfully
Peggy Fieser, Secretary