Meeting Minutes 2025

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

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
August 13, 2025

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Mary Howard, Jesse Cutaia, Nathan Hempel, and Jennifer Phillips. Attorney Matthew Griesemer was also in attendance.

After review of the July 9, 2025 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, to approve the minutes with corrections. All in favor. So carried.

Raymond Tousey, The Tin Barn, 1783 State Route 9, came before the Board regarding a complaint received by Code Enforcement Officer, Eli Fieser, about activities at The Tin Barn. After appearing before Judge Banks, Ray was directed to speak with the Planning Board, which had previously approved the site plan application for The Tin Barn to be an event venue. Larry Saulpaugh asked what type of events were being held at The Tin Barn. Ray Tousey replied parties and dance parties. Jennifer Phillips pointed out the original plan stated the events were going to be weddings, reunions, and community events. A license has been applied for with New York State, allowing alcohol beverages to be sold. The Board questioned what the violation is per Eli Fieser since a specific violation was not listed in the letter Ray Tousey received regarding the complaint. The Planning Board will communicate with Eli Fieser, to question the violation of the original approval of the permitted events.

Nancy Baker Cahill, 166 Moore Road, Tax Map ID #191.1-1-28, represented by Hudson River Solar, regarding ground mount solar panels. Following review of the application, motion was made by Jesse Cutaia, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to accept the application as presented. Following additional discussion, motion was made by Jesse Cutaia, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to waive the Public Hearing and complete the SEQRA. All in favor. So carried. Mary Howard read SEQRA, with a motion made by Jesse Cutaia, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to declare a negative impact. All in favor. SO carried. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel, to approve the application for the

Town Board Meeting
August 4th, 2025

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 4th 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

Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes from 7/7/25 (Amendments made for typographical errors) 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 –

Continues to see many cars at the Park/Playground on an almost daily basis.

Lindsey-

Sept Meeting may present potential Pavilion options/recommendations for the Park

Kris-

Website update. Jeff @JCF? Sees opportunities for improvement for website. Hosting/Email service? Motion to approve spending up to $500.00 by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried
File Cabinets-Will paint file cabinets (damage seen) and resend photos.

Dawn-

Grant presentation Bank of Green County Tuesday, August 5th @4PM unable to attend.
Will follow up on Grants for Playground.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Scenic By way- Further questions regarding clarification on signage allowed. This resolution has been tabled until further investigation and information is provided and will be discussed again at the September Meeting.

Old Business

Turkey Hill Road Repair should begin within next couple of weeks by the end of the month. Signs for detour should be going up soon.

New Business

Attorney appointment for Planning Board. Hudson Valley Law Partners, Matthew Griesemer. Same attorney as in the past however with new Law Firm. Rates remain the same. Motion to approve of Supervisor signing contract by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried

Sales Tax check received: $ 162,809.04

Supervisors Report

Solid Waste-Still working on Budget process

County Manager Elected Position will not be moving forward based on petition errors.

Later in September for Budget Workshop (4th wk. of September)

September meeting will be held on Tuesday due to Labor Day holiday.

Road Signs-No update

Motion To Pay Abstracts

Motion to pay General-Prepaid abstract #8A Vouchers #175-177 $313.89 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay General-Prepaid abstract #8B Vouchers #178-181 $353.58 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay Highway abstract #8 Vouchers #82-90 $7912.57 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay General abstract #8 Voucher #182-199 $309768.47 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

.

Public Communication/Comments to Board– Question regarding Buckwheat Bridge Road repair-It has been approved for repair.

Executive Session:

Motion to enter executive session at 7:42 PM by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

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

Motion to exit executive session at 7:53 PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to adjourn at 7:53 PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Meeting cancelled, no minutes.

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
July 9, 2025

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Ron Miller, Mary Howard, Jesse Cutaia, and Tom Jantzen.

After review of the June 11, 2025 minutes, motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to approve the minutes. 
All in favor. So carried.

Motion was made by Jesse Cutaia, seconded by Mary Howard, to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing for Josephine Barraco, in continuation from the June 11, 2025 meeting. All in favor. So carried. Josephine Barraco, 1429 State Route 9, Tax ID #191.4-2-28.4 & 191.4-2-27, represented by Attorney Amanda Miller, came before the Board seeking a Minor Subdivision, located at the corner of State Route 9 and Quail Lane. The existing lot is 7.5535 acres. The Minor Subdivision would create two lots which would be 1 acres each. Neighbor Rick Martin had previously presented Deed Restrictions from the original subdivision by BB & J Corporation. Attorney Amanda Miller clarified how some of the subdivided lots had covenants and restrictions, however the Barraco parcel does not have restrictions. Amanda Miller also presented Title Report showing there are no restrictions to the subject property. Motion was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jesse Cutaia, to close the Public Hearing and return to the regular meeting. All in favor. So carried. Larry Saulpaugh requested the letter of approval from the Columbia County Department of Health. Driveway permits from the Clermont Highway Department are also needed. SEQRA was read by Mary Howard. Motion for a Negative Declaration was made by Tom Jantzen, seconded by Jennifer Phillips. All in favor. So carried. Motion to approve a 2 lot subdivision was made by Mary Howard, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, contingent on the following mitigating factors:

1) Letter of Approval from the Columbia County Health Department

2) Driveway Permits from the Clermont Highway Department

3) Descriptions for the new Deeds

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 8:30pm.

Respectfully submitted, 
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town Board Meeting
July 7th, 2025

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 7th 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

Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes from 6/2/25 Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried

Written communications/Mail review

Mail Review-None

Web Committee-None

Committee Reports and Updates

• Bob -Received Public comments while visiting the playground/Park

• Lindsey- Future Traffic safety issue regarding Playground/Park-Would like to establish small committee for workshops to investigate any opportunities for increased awareness. Volunteers. Sidewalks on the state road/Large project and costly

• Kris-Website update. ClermontNY.gov domain approved for use. Reported on Vendors for the website. File Cabinets-HV office equipment has used 4-6 currently available $900-1000 with $200 delivery fee. Kris to obtain pictures and make sure they have locks/keys. Motion to approve purchase up to $2700.00 by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried.

• Dawn-Grants Iroquois Grant received $2565.00 for 6 new trees Red Maple or Oak. Motion to approve ordering by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried

Guard Rails for Playground parking lot-Safety- ~ 75 Ft of Pressure treated lumber with Posts for installation by Roma Fence cost ~ $2800.00. Motion to approve by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried

There were some added expenses for the Park Build—Including Cement and a telehandler.

250th anniversary will be celebrated in 2026 in conjunction with Flag Day in Hudson. More discussion and details will be provided at a later date

Thank you letter read from Ripley Hathaway for use of the Church and Community House for the celebration of Life/Memorial for Aileen “squeeky” Hatch.

Old Business

Park/Playground- Park/Playground is being enjoyed by many people, always seems to be someone there. Video has been posted of the opening with photos of the build in progress.

Picnic Shelter/Pavilion-Leaving the backside of the playground undeveloped for future building. List of sponsors read. Park committee working on a permanent design for a sign.

Road Signs-Permit has been ok’d by the state. Thank you to Ray Jurkowski for the work on getting these approved. Highway department is working on scheduling set up of signs.

Turkey Hill Road Repair is currently scheduled for August barring any large amounts of Rain.

New Business

Resolution-42 of 2025 Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Scenic By way- This resolution has been tabled until further investigation and information is provided and will be discussed again at the August Meeting.

*Questionable wording, does it apply to Clermont- Route 9 or Route 9G. Does our zoning even permit these signs?

Resolution-43 of 2025 Re Appointment of Sole Assessor. Motion to appoint Cheryl Kaszluga for the Term ending 9/30/2031 by Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried

Supervisors Report

No update yet regarding County Solid Waste Department cost savings ideas.

Motion To Pay Abstracts

Motion to pay Genera-Prepaid abstract #7A Vouchers #141-147 $631.27 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay Highway abstract #7 Vouchers #65-81 $142714.07 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.

Motion to pay General abstract #7 Voucher #148-174 $309768.47 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.

Additional note received a check for State aid regarding the reassessment done in the amount of ~ $2205.49.

Town Hall Main room has been completed. Thank you to Dianne Oneill for the color coordination assistance.

Public Communication/Comments to Board-None.

Motion to adjourn at 7:51PMby Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk