Resources & Documents
Town Board – February 2019
CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 4, 2019
The Clermont Town Board held their regular meeting on Monday, February 4, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilman Evan Hempel and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. There were five residents present.
Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.
A motion was made to move into executive session to discuss personnel issues regarding the cleaning of the Town Hall at 7:00 P.M. by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to come out of executive session at 7:10 P.M. by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
MINUTES:
The minutes of the Organizational Meeting and regular meeting held on January 7, 2019 were approved on a motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor. So carried.
The minutes of the Review of the books and policies held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 were approved on a motion made by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
TOWN CLERK’S REPORT: The Town Clerk read the January Town Clerk’s report and presented the Supervisor with a check for the General fund in the amount of $1,429.00 and a check for Trust & Agency in the amount of $400.00.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- There were no questions or comments for the web committee.
- The Columbia County Rabies Clinic dates are set. Flyers are available at the town hall or check the town website.
- Columbia County Office for the Aging nominee forms for Seniors of the Year.
- Budget and revenue reports for January 31, 2019.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Councilman Desmond thanked Councilman Gildersleeve for looking for information on a POW flag for the park flagpole. The cost is $55.00. Councilman Desmond made a motion to purchase the POW flag for $55.00, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. Diane O’Neal asked if there were any POW’s from Clermont. It is not known if there are. Councilman Desmond explained that we have a new veteran’s monument in the park and a flagpole which has not been put up.
- Councilman Desmond also commended the Highway department for the work that they did during the recent storms.
- Councilman Hempel said that he has been working with Ellen Earle on the website and also met with the clerk on posting announcements, minutes, etc.
- Councilman Gildersleeve explained that the POW flag is double sided and sun resistant.
- Councilwoman Brownson applied for a grant for $2,500.00 to the Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation for the funding for landscaping for the entrance to the park. The budget was between $7000 and $8000 and she applied for $2500. It usually takes several months before we would receive anything.
OLD BUSINESS:
- The Supervisor met with the insurance adjuster on additional damage that he found from the hail storm of May 15, 2018. The adjuster saw even more damage and estimated an additional $13,495.00 in damages. We will be receiving a check for this. He said that it was a very pleasant experience working with NYMIR. The work will be scheduled to be done in the spring.
- Columbia County Bus Route: The bus route does not run into Clermont, as was thought, but they do run into Germantown. They pick up on Tuesday at 8:30 AM and drop off at 12:45 P.M. There is a schedule for pick up in other towns. The schedule is online if interested.
- WORKPLACE VIOLENCE POLICY: This County has changed their policy and the Supervisor has asked them to look at our policy so that we can update ours. The county did leave him a sample which he will be looking at. They will also hold the training for this. Councilman Desmond asked if you can have someone from town trained. It is more expensive to train someone in house. Councilman Gildersleeve asked if this is available online. Ray is not sure if it is an option. Councilwoman Brownson thought NYMIR might be doing the training.
- HIGHWAY PERSONNEL POLICY: There was a request to review the sick leave policy, which was done at the January review meeting. Currently the Highway employees are allowed to carry over 30 days sick from year to year. It is now allowed for 60 days to be carried over.
- DEVEREAUX: Devereaux has proposed purchasing another house in Clermont. This would be the sixth house to go in Clermont. They have agreed to a hearing to hear our concerns about having another home in Clermont, which will come off the tax rolls, when surrounding towns have fewer or none. The Supervisor and our attorney will be attending on February 20th.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Interviews were held on January 19th for a vacant position on the Zoning Board of Appeals. There were three interviewed for the position of member on the ZBA and a motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to appoint Phyllis Heiko to fill the position vacated by Peter Cichetti for the remainder of the term to 12/31/2020. All in favor. So carried. To replace Phyllis Heiko as the alternate on the ZBA the board appointed Ben Peacock on a motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Dawn Brownson. All in favor. So carried. A motion was made to appoint Cody Rockefeller to the vacant alternate position on the Planning Board by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Evan Hempel. All in favor. So carried. A motion was made to appoint Barbara Rivenburgh to the cleaner position by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried. Supervisor Staats thanked Patricia VanWagner for all her years of dedicated service as our building cleaner.
- The Supervisor reported that the sales tax check was not yet received but should be $105,642.00. This is an increase over last year by $10,000.00.
SUPERVISORS REPORT:
- Bingham’s Mill Bridge: Last year the County voted to take the bridge down. It was necessary to coordinate with National Grid before the bridge can be taken down but once that is taken care of it will happen.
- Recycling Permits: The County has sold more permits than was anticipated. Recycling seems to be supported by our residents.
- North Bay Project: A County landfill located by the Hudson River in Hudson, which has been closed for years, has received grant funding to turn it into a park. The County has offered the land to Hudson for $1.00, but they do not want to take it over either. This will probably come up for a vote by the Supervisors very soon and Supervisor Staats is going to be fighting for solar panels to be placed on it. There is 3 phase power nearby and it would be easy to hook up to.
- Supervisor Staats also thanked the Highway department for all that they do.
ABSTRACTS:
- A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve Trust & Agency abstract #1, vouchers 1-3 in the amount of $374.18. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve Highway abstract #2A, vouchers 5-12, in the amount of $5,082.85. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve General Prepaid abstract #2, vouchers #20-22, in the amount of $298.00. All in favor. So carried.
- A motion was made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Hempel to approve General abstract #2A, vouchers #23-55 in the amount of $7,248.51. All in favor. So carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
- Phyllis Heiko thanked the board for appointing her to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Maureen Barca: Found the meeting very interesting.
- Chris Nolan: He has heard that a large section of Red Hook Village is for sale, we in Clermont should watch for these kinds of changes, and make planning decisions and anticipate changes. The demographics of Clermont have changed in the thirty years he has been here and will change more.
A motion was made to adjourn at 8:10 P.M. by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk
Zoning Board of Appeals – January 2019
Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals
1795 Route 9
Germantown, New York 12526
January 23, 2019
The meeting opened at 7:30 pm. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending: Hank Himelright, John Rusconi, Luke Kumburis, Don Van Wagner and Phyllis Heiko.
Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, December 19, 2018. A motion to accept the minutes was made by, John Rusoni, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor. So carried.
Motion to close the regular meeting was made by Phyllis Heiko, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor, so carried. Motion to open the Public Hearing for Paul and Quennie Clemente was made by John Rusconi, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor. So carried.
Paul and Queenie Clemente, 18 Buckwheat Road, Tax ID# 181.3-2-2, The applicant is seeking a variance to increase the front corner the house and a variance for the basement well to the back of the building and sunken patio area. There were no comments from the public. Motion to leave the Public Hearing open was made Don Van Wagner, seconded by Phyllis Heiko. The Ag Data Statement will be sent to adjacent agricultural properties and the Public Hearing will continue at the next meeting, February 27, 2019. All in favor. So carried.
Motion to return to the regular meeting was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor, so carried. Motion to open the Public Hearing for Tom and Nancy Jantzen was made by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Phyllis Heiko. All in favor, so carried.
Tom and Nancy Jantzen, 199 Commons Road, Tax ID# 192-1-28, application is for an accessory apartment. There were no comments from the public. Following discussion by the Board, motion was made for approval by Phyllis Heiko, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor. So carried.
Motion to close the regular meeting was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by John Rusconi. All in favor. So carried. Motion to open the Public Hearing for Anne Katrin Spiess was made by Phyllis Heiko, seconded by Luke Kumburis. All in favor. So carried.
Anne Katrin Spiess, 356 County Route 6, Tax ID# 179.-1-48, Eric Maskell of Natural Energy Solutions represented the applicant requesting solar trackers to be added to the property. Motion to leave the Public Hearing open was made Don Van Wagner, seconded by Phyllis Heiko. The Ag Data Statement will be sent to adjacent agricultural properties and the Public Hearing will continue at the next meeting, February 27, 2019. All in favor. So carried.
Motion to return to the regular meeting was made by Phyllis Heiko, seconded by Don Van Wagner. All in favor So carried.
Discussion was held regarding the Clemente application.
Motion was made to adjourn by Luke Kumburis, seconded by Phyllis Heiko. All in favor. So carried. The meeting closed at 8:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary
Fire Commissioners – Organizational Meeting – January 2019
CLERMONT FIRE COMMISSIONERS
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2019
The Clermont Fire Commissioners held their Organizational Meeting on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those present were Commissioner Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, Commissioner Ronald Miller, Commissioner Raymond Bauer, Commissioner Ronald Rifenburgh, Treasurer Denise Fiore, Chief Lloyd Kukon, 1st Assistant Chief Collin Brown, Josh Williams, Samuel Williams and Robert Desmond.
Treasurer Denise Fiore opened the meeting with the salute to the flag.
Resolution #1 – 19 Appointment of Chairman
The Treasurer asked for a motion to nominate the Chairperson. Commissioner Bauer nominated Susan Rifenburgh as Chairperson. Nomination seconded by Commissioner Miller. There were no further nominations. A motion was made by Commissioner Ronald Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to close the nominations. All in favor. So carried. The Treasurer casts one ballot for Chairwoman Susan Rifenburgh.
Resolution #2 – 19 Appointment of Vice – Chairman
Commissioner Ronald Rifenburgh made a motion nominating Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh as Vice Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. There were no other nominations. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #3 – 19 Appointment of Secretary
Commissioner Saulpaugh made a motion to appoint Mary Helen Shannon for Secretary at the budgeted salary of $2600.00, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #4 – 19 Appointment of Treasurer
Commissioner R. Rifenburgh made a motion to appoint Denise Fiore for Treasurer at the budgeted salary of 2,600.00, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #5 – 19 Appointment of Attorney
Commissioner Saulpaugh made a motion to appoint the Law Office of Freeman-Howard, Andy Howard, Esquire, seconded by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #6 – 19 Appointment of Accountant
Commissioner R. Rifenburgh made a motion to appoint Mark Fitzgerald as Accountant, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #7 – 19 Approval of Surety/Undertaking for Treasurer
A motion was made to approve the surety/undertaking for the Treasurer by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #8 – 19 Appointment of Fire District Chief and Line Officers
- Fire Chief – Lloyd Kukon – A motion was made to accept Lloyd Kukon as Fire Chief by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.
- 1st Assistant Fire Chief – Collin Brown – A motion was made to accept Collin Brown as 1st Assistant Chief by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.
- 2nd Assistant Fire Chief – Evan Decker – A motion was made to accept Evan Decker as 2nd Assistant Fire Chief by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh. All in favor. So carried.
- Captain – Les Coon – A motion was made to accept Les Coon as Captain by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.
- 1st Lieutenant – Josh Williams – was elected to the position by the Company, but Commissioner R. Rifenburgh pointed out that he cannot approve the appointment because Firefighter Williams, although a member since 2015, had left the district for some months. The Operating Procedures state that you must be a member for two consecutive years. He also does not have EVOC or OSHA training completed. First Assistant Chief Brown asked if this could be tabled contingent upon receiving the OSHA and EVOC records. Firefighter Williams will have his records sent from western NY for the OSHA and EVOC. After further discussion, it was decided to revisit this in a month.
- 2ndLieutenant – Samuel Williams – A motion was made to accept Samuel Williams as 2nd Lieutenant by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
- Fire Police Captain – Laurence Saulpaugh was appointed by the Chief to the position of Fire Police Captain.
- Engineer – Wes Werner was appointed as Engineer by the Chief.
Those present were sworn in by the Secretary, the remaining will be sworn in this week.
Resolution #9 – 19 Official Newspaper
A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh to retain the Register Star as the official District newspaper, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #10 – 19 Official Bank
A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh to name the Bank of Greene County as the official District Bank, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #11 – 19 Authorizing Prepayment of Bills
A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh that utilities, such as fuel oil, electric, phone and rent can be paid prior to authorization from the Commissioners, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #12 – 19 Authorizing the Chief to spend up to $200.00 without prior authorization from the Board of Fire Commissioners.
A motion was made by Commissioner Saulpaugh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #13 – 19 Signing of Contracts
A motion was made to empower the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, in the Chairperson’s absence, to sign any contracts when contracts are approved by at least three members of the Board by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #14 – 19 Designation the Location, Date and Time of the Regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh to hold the meetings on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #15 – 19 Designating Membership in Associations for District purposes.
A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh designating the Association of Fire Districts, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #16 – 19 Designation of Conventions, Meetings, Seminars, Training
A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh to approve Commissioners Training for newly elected Commissioners, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #17 – 19 Operating Committees
Buildings and Grounds – CommissionerBauer, Commissioner Saulpaugh
Insurance – Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, Commissioner Miller
Laws and Policies – All Commissioners
Fire Equipment – Commissioner Bauer, Commissioner Saulpaugh
Legal – All Commissioners
LOSAP – All Commissioners
A motion was made to accept the committee designations by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #18 – 19 Approval of any Leases of Fire Station or Administrative Facilities
A motion was made to approve the amount of the $2,000.00 per month for the lease of Station #2 Truck bay by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #19 – 19 Procurement and Purchasing Policy
A motion was made to reaffirm that there have been no changes to the policy by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #20 – 19 Insurance Agency
A motion was made to approve Fingar Insurance as the insurance agent for the District by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Chairwoman Rifenburgh said that Peter Fingar will be at our February meeting to discuss our insurance.
Resolution # 21 – 19 Appointment of District Physician and or Physical Examination Policy
A motion was made to name Columbia Memorial Hospital for physicals by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made to adjourn the Organizational Meeting by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Saulpaugh at 7:40 P.M. All in favor. So carried.
Public Comment:
Robert Desmond asked if there was any opposition to Josh Williams being elected to 1st Lt. and if not, would they leave the position open or make an exception to fill it? There was further discussion because there was another candidate for 1st Lieutenant at the election. The Commissioners have decided to revisit this next month.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon
Fire District Secretary
Fire Commissioners – January 2019
CLERMONT FIRE DISTRICT
JANUARY 21, 2019
The Clermont Fire District held their Organizational Meeting and Regular Meeting on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those present were Commissioner Susan Rifenburgh, Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, Commissioner Ronald Miller, Commissioner Raymond Bauer and Commissioner Ronald Rifenburgh. Also present were Treasurer Denise Fiore, Chief Lloyd Kukon, 1st Assistant Chief Collin Brown, 2nd Assistant Chief Evan Decker, Josh Williams, Sam Williams and Bob Desmond.
Chairwoman Rifenburgh opened the regular meeting:
MINUTES: Commissioner R. Rifenburgh noted a correction on page 53 paragraph 4, ‘The Secretary opened and read’, not Commissioner R. Rifenburgh. Commissioner Miller noted a correction on page 55, #5, should read, ‘may ask’. A motion to accept the minutes with the corrections was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.
TREASURERS REPORT:
December 2018
Total amount of December 2018 invoices paid $10,472.11
Proposed January 2019 invoices $2,933.49 + $125.00 = 3,058.49 *
Paid January 2019 invoices $ 455.01
Total $3,388.50 + $125.00 = 3,513.50 *
*Adjusted total for payment for Commissioner S. Rifenburgh training
Reconciliation of Accounts
The Bank of Greene County Balances to Date
Money Market Checking Balance to Date $67,682.64
Checking Balance $ 9,965.57
Less Outstanding Checks $ 3,633.77
Checking Balance to Date $ 6,331.80
Money Market & Checking Account Total $74,014.44
Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Equipment $29,728.61
Capital Reserve Fund for Construction & Improvement $33,666.86
Commissioner R. Rifenburgh asked about an invoice from Sausbiers and why there was no purchase order attached. The invoice was signed by Commissioner Saulpaugh and he was very upset when questioned about why he did not do a purchase order. He did not know that the invoice had come in. It was received and put in the Treasurer’s mailbox to be paid. He left the meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer to accept the Treasurers report.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- The new file cabinet was purchased from Staples.
- Background checks were received for three new members, O’Connell, Tompkins and Farewell.
- Notification was received that a Child Care Service Home will be located at 1743 Route 9, Clermont for approximately 16 children, Monday – Friday, 7AM to 5:30 PM. A copy was given to the Clermont Code Enforcement Officer.
- Received the Milan Volunteer Fire Department contract to be signed by the Chairwoman.
- Fire and EMS Conference at Turning Stone, 3/28/19 to 3/31/19.
- Letter for Cleaning services to be handed out for anyone interested.
- RBC Wealth Management Contact List to be completed.
- RBC Certificate of Investment Powers
- Received a refund from Arch Insurance for an overpayment of premiums from 2012 discovered in an audit by NYS Department of Financial Services.
- RBC Account Statement for December $368,042.55.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh
- National Grid, said to disregard the letter received in November because they put in a new meter and they did not have difficulty getting to the meter.
- Commissioner Bauer fixed flashing on shed.
INSURANCE: Commissioners R. Rifenburgh and Miller
- Peter Fingar of Fingar Insurance will be coming to the February meeting.
LAWS AND POLICIES: All Commissioners
No Report
FIRE EQUIPMENT: Commissioners Bauer and Saulpaugh
- The hose and ladder test have been scheduled for April.
- A motion was made to award the bid to Shakerley Fire Truck Sales (VRS) for the new pumper tanker for $396,651.34 by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. A roll call vote was as follows: Commissioner Ronald Rifenburgh, aye; Commissioner Raymond Bauer, aye; Commissioner Ronald Miller,aye; Commissioner Susan Rifeburgh, aye; Commissioner Laurence Saulpaugh, absent. All in favor. So carried.
Bob Desmond thinks that another bid should go out because of the appearance of impropriety of looking at only one bidder. There was discussion on how it is possible for these agents to get a bid in in a short time.
A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh, seconded by Commissioner Miller for the Chairwoman to sign the contract for the truck. All in favor. So carried.
LOSAP:
Commissioner R. Rifenburgh made a motion that original reports for calls, drills, alarms and work details be in the Town Hall on the day of the meeting. Also, any fire alarm system notices should be attached, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
LEGAL:
The attorney for the purchase of the truck asked that the minutes reflect that a change was made at the last minute before the election to appoint a new election inspector, Robin Daley, replacing Tracey Gallant and that this was authorized by the Commissioners.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Commissioner R. Rifenburgh is striping the floor on Station #1. He is trying different types of materials.
- Copies of the cleaning proposal will be handed out to prospective applicants.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Chairwoman Rifenburgh will attend the Commissioners training on March 2, 2019 in Clifton Park. A check will be issued for $125.00 to attend and the Chairwoman will be reimbursed gas and tolls on a motion made by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Miller. All in favor. So carried.
CHIEFS REPORT:
There were five calls for December 2018 as follows:
12/1/18 – Unknown type fire (unattended controlled burn) Church Avenue
12/2/18 – Possible transformer explosion – 3712 Route 9G
12/7/18 – Standby for Tivoli
12/8/18 – Alarm Activation – Devereaux – 168 Pleasantvale Road
12/21/18 – Water Problem – 335 County Route 6
Monthly Drill/Work Detail
12/15/18 – Children’s Christmas Party – work detail – 8 firefighters
12/18/18 – Interior drill at Milan – 3 firefighters
12/18/18 – Station #1 Equipment Check – 1 firefighter
There was not report from the Chief as he was called away.
A motion was made by Commissioner R. Rifenburgh to pay the bills including the $125.00 for Commissioner training, seconded by Commissioner Bauer. All in favor. So carried.
Commissioner R. Rifenburgh reported the Fuel Usage at 23.4 gallons.
A motion was made to adjourn by Commissioner Bauer, seconded by Commissioner Miller at 9:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon
Fire District Secretary
Town Board – Audit and Review Meeting – January 2019
CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2019
The Town Board held the meeting to review the books for the year ending 2018for the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Tax Collector and Town Justices. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Evan Hempel and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. Also present was Joan Buser, Tax Collector, Ronald Banks, Town Justice, Lee Gallant, Court Clerk for Richard Christensen, Town Justice and Mary Helen Shannon, Town Clerk. Supervisor Staats opened the meeting.
The records were reviewed of the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Justice Banks and Justice Christensen and the Tax Collector by the Board.
The Board also held interviews for a position on the Zoning Board of Appeals. There were two interviewed today, Phyllis Heiko and Cody Rockefeller. There will be one more interviewed on 1/24/19, Ben Peacock at 7:00 P.M. Councilman Desmond will contact one more who was interested, Brenda Case.
There were no changes to the lease with the Canaan Fellowship for use of the Community House and no changes to the agreements with Pine Plains Veterinary Associates and Round Top Animal Hospital for their services.
The following policies were reviewed with no changes:
Cash Management Policy
Code of Ethics
Investment Policy
Procurement Policy
Sexual Harassment Policy
Workplace Violence Prevention Policy
The board reviewed the Highway Personnel Policy and a motion was made to increase the number of sick days which can be accumulated and carried over to the next year from 30 days to 60 days. This motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
Discussed Councilman Kris Gildersleeve attending the Association of Towns training session in NYC on February 17th through February 19th. A motion was made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel. So carried. Councilwoman Brownson had left prior to this vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 P.M. on a motion made by Supervisor Staats, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk
Planning Board – January 2019
CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD
January 9, 2019
The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 7:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Nathan Hempel, Mary Howard, Ron Miller and Clayton Andrus. Others present were George Schmitt, Engineer for the Town, Matthew Griesemer, Attorney for the Town.
After review of the December 2018 minutes, a motion was made by Clayton Andrus, and seconded by Mary Howard, to accept the minutes. All in favor. So carried.
Anne Katharine Spiess, 356 County Route 6, Tax ID# 179.-1-48, represented by Eric Maskell of Natural Energy Solutions, came before the Board presenting the plan for tracker solar panels for the applicants home. The planned site will not be visible from neighboring homes or County Route 6. The applicant will return to the February meeting with a complete application.
Tom and Nancy Jantzen, 199 Commons Road, Tax ID# 192-1-28, represented by George Schmitt, is applying for an Accessory Apartment be added to the side of an existing barn. The septic has been approved by the Health Department. The application was deemed complete. Motion was made to accept the application by Mary Howard, seconded by Nathan Hempel. All in favor. So carried. The Public Hearing will be at the February 13 meeting.
The Board reviewed the proposed Lot Line Adjustment Law. No further comments were made.
Motion to adjourn was made by Mary Howard and seconded by Ron Miller. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary Date:
Town Board – January 2019
CLERMONT TOWN BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 7, 2019
The Clermont Town Board held the regular meeting of the Town Board following the Organizational meeting on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilman Evan Hempel and Councilman Kris Gildersleeve. There were four others present.
Supervisor Staats opened the meeting with a salute to the flag.
MINUTES: After review of the December 3rd and December 26th, a motion was made to accept them by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in favor. So carried.
TOWN CLERKS REPORT: The clerk read the report for December and presented a check for the General fund for $1,799.50 and for Trust & Agency for $1,025.00 to the Supervisor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The budget and revenue reports for December 31, 2018 were presented to the board.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- OPEN POSITION ON ZONING BOARD: The Town Board will hold interviews for an open ZBA position on Saturday, January 19 at 11:00 A.M. Any interested parties should contact the Clerk or a member of the Board.
- PARK COMMITTEE: Mary Howard, Chair reported that Amy Parella has worked up a budget for the grant from Bank of Greene County for $8000 for the park entrance. Councilwoman Brownson said that the period for applying for the grant is open until January 15th and has received the proposed budget.
- WEBSITE: Councilman Hempel is hoping to finish up work on the website now that the holidays are over.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Supervisor Staats and members of the Board met with Peter Fingar of Fingar Insurance at the year-end meeting. There is an increase of $499.00 over the previous year which is mostly from adding new equipment. We can possibly reduce this by looking at our vehicles and their value which can reduce our policy amount.
- INVESTING IDLE MONEY: Supervisor Staats has been looking into investing idle monies. He met with the Bank of Greene County and he has decided to lock in at a 2% flat rate, transferring money in and out with no penalty. He has transferred into this account.
NEW BUSINESS;
- The date to review the books of the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Tax Collector and both Town Justices is January 19th starting at 10:00 AM, The Board will be interviewing for the ZBA, Alternates for the ZBA, Planning and Environmental Management Council also at 11:00 A. M.
- PARK: We have the new flagpole for the park, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Clemente and Councilman Desmond asked if Councilman Gildersleeve would look into a POW flag for the flagpole.
- HAIL STORM DAMAGE: Supervisor Staats will be in contact with the insurance adjusters to come back out to see the additional damage which has been found from the hail storm.
- DEC: They are still looking for their payment from us for the Brownfield work that was done on the former Hettling property. After our attorney reviews it all, we will be meeting with DEC.
- DEVEREAUX: We have not received anything regarding our objection to the purchase of another home in Clermont. Our attorney is handling this.
SUPERVISORS REPORT: There were no meetings at the County.
- There is a special election for the bonding for the purchase of a new fire truck to be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Town Hall for registered voters in the Clermont.Fire District.
ABSTRACTS:
A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson to approve Highway abstract #1, vouchers #1 – 4, in the amount of $4,276.75. All in favor. So carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve to approve General abstract #1, vouchers #1 – 19 in the amount of $21,569.45. All in favor. So carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Chris Nolan asked about County bus transportation. Supervisor Staats said that this is subsidized by the County and they do come down this way once a week. Mary Howard explained that they are funded 80% for purchases by the federal government, 10% by the state and 10% by the county. The operating expenses are funded 50% by the federal government, 50% by the county. For more information on the routes contact the Columbia County Planning Department. Supervisor Staats will bring more information next month.
Sarah Takacs asked about the purchase of a home in Clermont for a group home and if we get payment in lieu of taxes because of the loss of taxes on the purchase of this residence? Supervisor Staats said we could ask if we do get to appeal this purchase by Devereaux.
A motion was made to adjourn at 7:40 by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk
Town Board – Organizational Meeting – January 2019
RESOLUTIONS JANUARY 7, 2019
2019 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
RESOLUTION #01-19
Time/Date for Regular Town Board Meetings
First Monday of every month at 7:00 P.M. In the case of Monday holidays or cancellations due to inclement weather, the meetings will be held on the Tuesday after the 1st Monday.
Motion made by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #02-19
Town Board Meeting Rules and Regulations
- Call to order
- Salute of Flag
- Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting
- Written communications to the Town Board:Town Clerk Report
Mail Review
- Committee Reports and Updates
- Old Business
- New Business
- Supervisors Report
- Pay Abstracts
- Public Comment/Communication – Public comments will be taken at the end of the meeting at the discretion of the Supervisor, unless engaged during the meeting.
- Adjournment
Motion made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #03-19
Naming Official Newspaper
Register Star
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #04-19
Naming Bank for Deposits
1. Supervisor Bank of Greene County
2. Town Clerk Key Bank
3. Tax Collector Bank of Greene County
4. Justice Christensen Key Bank
5. Justice Banks Key Bank
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #05-19
Authorize Town Supervisor to appoint a bookkeeper.
- Pursuant to Section 29 of the Town Law
- Necessary for proper conduct of Town Affairs
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #06-19
Authorize Town Supervisor to temporarily invest idle monies in accordance with the Town Investment policy (General Municipal Law, Section 11)
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #07-19
Appoint Official Dog Shelter
Pine Plains Veterinary Hospital Associated PC
Route 199
Pine Plains, New York 12567
(518) 398-7575 or 398-9494
Round Top Animal Hospital
71 Palatine Park Road, Suite 8
Germantown, New York 12526
(518) 537-7387
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #08-19
Appoint Official Dog Control Officer at the Budgeted Amount.
Desiree Webber
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #09-19
Authorize Town Justices to hire a Court Stenographer when necessary.
- For a proper record of testimony
- Within limit of 2019 budget
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #10-19
Appoint Town Historian
Dawn Brownson
Motion made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #11-19
Appoint Code Enforcement Officer
Sam Harkins at Budgeted amount
Deputy Code Enforcement Officer at $100.00 per month, if needed.
(Appointed by Code Enforcement Officer)
Motion made to approve by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #12-19
Appoint Town Attorney (for Town, Planning & Zoning Boards, Assessor)
(Within 2019 budget limits)
Freeman-Howard, P.C., Hudson, New York
Motion made to approve by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #13-19
Appoint Town Engineer
CPL (Clark Patterson Lee)
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #14-19
Designate Official Representatives to Association of Towns Annual Meeting
Supervisor Staats and Councilman Desmond
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Hempel.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #15-19
Establish .58 Cents Per Mile Rate for official Town Travel. (Per Federal Guidelines)
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #16-19
Authorize Town Supervisor to sign 2019 State and Local Youth Contracts
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #17-19
Appoint Registrar of Vital Statistics
Mary Helen Shannon
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #18-19
Re-appoint Laurence Saulpaugh, Chair of the Planning Board
Re-appoint Clayton Andrus, Deputy Chairman.
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Hempel
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #19-19
Re-appoint Desiree Webber, Planning Board Secretary
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #20-19
Re-appoint James (Hank) Himelright, III, Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals
Appoint Luke Kumburis – Deputy Chairman
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #21-19
Appoint Desiree Webber Zoning Board Secretary
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #22-19
Town Clerk’s appointments for Deputy Clerk and Deputy Registrar of Vital
Statistics – Tracey Gallant
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #23-19
Town Highway Superintendent’s appointment for Deputy Highway
Superintendent – Adom Lawyer
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #24-19
Town Supervisor’s appointment for Deputy Supervisor
Robert Desmond for term of January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019.
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
All in favor – So carried.
RESOLUTION #25-19
Town Supervisor’s appointment for Budget Officer
Raymond J. Staats
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #26-19
Town Supervisor’s appointment for Town Bookkeeper
Brian Fitzgerald, CPA, PC
Motion made by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #27-19
Town Board Committees CHAIR CO-CHAIR
Auditing All Town Board Members
Building & Grounds Robert Desmond Raymond Staats
Cable TV Kris Gildersleeve Evan Hempel
Grants Dawn Brownson Kris Gildersleeve
Highway Robert Desmond Raymond Staats
Insurance All Town Board Members
Legal Raymond Staats
Planning, Zoning and
Board of Assessment Review Robert Desmond Evan Hempel
Recreation and Community Event Kris Gildersleeve Dawn Brownson
Village Green Committee Liaison to Town Board – Tammy Connolly Easter Egg Hunt
Barbecue
Election Day Dinner
Holiday Program
School Liaison Evan Hempel
Historical Committee Dawn Brownson Kris Gildersleeve
Parkland Use Robert Desmond Evan Hempel
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor – So carried
RESOLUTION #28-19
Appoint Evan Hempel Webmaster for Clermont’s website
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #29-19
Re-appoint representatives to the Columbia County Office for Aging for the term of
January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019.
Clayton Andrus
Motion made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #30-19
Re-appoint members of the Board of Ethics for the term of
January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019.
Mary Howard
Susan Rifenburgh
Mary Helen Shannon
Ray Tousey
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #31-19
Re-appoint John Rusconi to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term –
January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2023.
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #32-19
Re-appoint Clayton Andrus to the Planning Board for a seven-year term,
January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2025.
Motion made by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson.
All in favor. So carried.
RESOLUTION #33-19
Accept 2018 Salaries stated in the 2018 Budget, as follows:
OFFICE SALARY PAY BASIS
Supervisor $ 5,500.00/yr Monthly Payroll
Councilpersons (4) $ 2,500.00/yr Monthly Payroll
Town Justice $ 5,450.00/yr Monthly Payroll
Town Justice $ 5,450.00/yr Monthly Payroll
Town Clerk $ 6,900.00/yr Monthly Payroll
Tax Collector $ 4,500.00/yr Monthly Payroll
Highway Superintendent $50,533.00/yr Bi-Weekly Payroll
Certified Assessor $15,270.00/yr Monthly Payroll
Court Clerk (1) $ 366.67/mo Monthly Payroll
Code Enforcement Officer $ 9,000.00/yr Monthly Payroll
Deputy Code Enforcement Officer$ 100.00/mo Monthly Payroll
Town Custodian $ 1,650.00/yr Monthly Payroll
Assessment Review Board Mtg. $ 100.00/day By Voucher
Additional time $ 10.00/hr By Voucher
Secretary – BAR $ 10.00/hr By Voucher
Zoning Chairperson $ 1,000.00/yr Yearly Payroll *
Planning Chairperson $ 1,000.00/yr Yearly Payroll *
Zoning Co-Chairperson $ 800.00/yr Yearly Payroll *
Planning Co-Chairperson $ 800.00/yr Yearly Payroll *
Zoning Members $ 800.00/yr Yearly Payroll *
Planning Members $ 800.00/yr Yearly Payroll *
Zoning Secretary $ 1,000.00/yr Yearly Payroll
Planning Secretary $ 1,000.00/yr Yearly Payroll
Trial Juror $ 10.00/hr By Voucher
Dog Control Officer $ 360.00/mo Monthly Payroll
*If any Planning or Zoning Board member is absent for more than two meetings, that members salary will be reduced by $100.00 for each additional absence.
Alternate members of the Planning and Zoning Board will be paid $50.00 per meeting when called upon to participate by the Chairperson.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Full Time $ 19.97/hr Bi-weekly Payroll
Part Time ( Summer ) $ 12.50/hr Bi-weekly Payroll
Part Time ( Winter ) $ 12.50/hr Bi-weekly Payroll
Deputy Highway Superintendent $1,000/yr ½ in June, ½ in December
Motion made to accept 2019 Salaries per Town Budget made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. – So carried.
Resolution #34 -19 – Town of Clermont Fee Schedule for Building Department Fees and Zoning and Planning Fees.
A motion was made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilman Desmond to approve this resolution. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #35-19 – Town of Clermont Official Undertaking of Municipal Officers
A motion was made to approve by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #36-19 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board with the Canaan Fellowship for the use of the Clermont Community House for the period January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 according to the terms and conditions of the lease.
A motion was made to approve this agreement made by Councilman Gildersleeve, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. Councilman Hempel abstained due to a conflict. Motion passed.
Resolution #37-19 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Pine Plains Veterinary Associates to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
A motion was made to approve by Councilwoman Brownson seconded by Councilman Hempel. All in favor. So carried.
Resolution #38-19 – Agreement between the Clermont Town Board and Round Top Animal Hospital to act as kennels for the town for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
A motion was made to approve by Councilman Hempel, seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
These agreements will be reviewed with the other policies of the Town.
- Review Highway Personnel Policy (Note Changes if Any)
- Review Procurement Policy (Note Changes if Any)
- Review Fixed Assets
- Review Investment Policy (Note Changes if Any)
- Sexual Harassment Policy
- Code of Ethics
- Cash Management
- Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Review Road Bonds (If any)
- Review Other Bonds (If any)
- Review Workplace Violence Policy
Set time and date to review books and records of Town Clerk, Town Justices, Tax Collector and Supervisor by January 20th. Enter in February minutes.
A motion was made to adjourn the organizational meeting and enter into the regular meeting by Councilwoman Brownson, seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve at 7:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk