Town Board – March 2026
Town Board Meeting
March 2, 2026
The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 2nd at the Town Hall. Those present were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson, Councilwoman Lusher Shute and Councilman Anthony Finta.
Meeting called to Order @7:00PM with the Pledge of Allegiance Led by Supervisor Staats
Presentation Columbia County Engineering Commissioner Raymond Jurkowski regarding Buckwheat Bridge Project- The county applied for funding for the bridge replacement project in 2024. Site Survey has been completed; Environmental review has been completed. There is significant erosion noted in the abutments. The current span is 70 Feet and will be increased to ~ 100ft per the State highway specs. The structure will be similar to the Pleasantvale bridge structure. Buckwheat bridge is currently 2 lanes and will remain a two-lane bridge and is currently listed as a narrow bridge. Traffic study completed in August of 2025 over the course of 300 days there were approximately 600 cars average per day. County would like to reduce the turn on the bridge to increase site distance for Pedestrians and other vehicles. There were concerns raised during this presentation by residents and the Town Board regarding straightening of the bridge and increased speeds and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and livestock. Commissioner Jurkowski suggested additional signage and speed limit signs (solar).
The bridge is expected to take 12-18 months for completion with possible start in Spring of 2027. A public meeting will be held on Monday May4th at 5:30PM at the Town Hall. Notices will be posted on the website, sign board at Town Hall and in the Newsletter. The county will post in the newspaper. This meeting will be open to the public.
Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes
Motion to accept the February 2nd, 2026 meeting minutes by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Finta. All in Favor. So Carried
Town Clerks Report
TOTAL FOR GENERAL FUND $ 2621.38
NYS Ag & Mkts $ 5.00
COLUMBIA COUNTY SOLID WASTE $276.00
TOTAL FOR FEBRUARY 2026 $2902.38
Mail Review- NYS AG&MARKETS-Inspection letter regarding DCO. DCO services were rated as Satisfactory. No deficiencies reported.
Web Committee-Councilman Finta would like Real property Grievance links and Docs added to the website.
Committee Reports and Updates
Lindsey-
Park Pavillion-no estimate yet from Parkitect
Streetlights-Maybe in March
Park Committee-Earth day project 4/26/26-Planting a tree
Climate Smart Committee-Jennifer Philips needs office appointment by Town Board in order to try for the current available grant. Motion by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried
Town Clerk will draft a letter.
Possible Climate smart Grant for $5000.
Kris- Tax Collector lap top on order and should arrive later this week.
Dawn-
Need Float Ideas and help for Hudson Flag Day parade.
Grant- Anthony to assist
Old Business
School bus cameras—Lindsey to reach out to Red Hook Bus Company for wording needed for requested use in Columbia county
Door Replacement -Soon with better weather approaching.
Audit-8 Minor findings-missing 3 years of AFR’s to state.
Road Safety Discussion- Other towns paying for extra patrols, Striping road is $1578 per mile. Other options to explore are enforcement, speed cameras and rumble strips.
Buckwheat Bridge discussion: Walkway, speeding concerns regarding straightening bridge etc.
New Business
Board of Assessment Review-2 Candidates interviewed, Appointments as follows:
Motion to appoint Jack Lester Jr. to the Term ending 9/30/2026, Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried
Motion to appoint Michale Serrapica. to the Term ending 9/30/2029, Motion by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried
Highway Surplus- Motion to Surplus the 2018 Pickup and Snowplow/Sander Motion by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried
Salt budget-Expected to be overspent. Current Salt shortage
Supervisors Report
Sales Tax last quarter 2025 is ~ 8% over last year
Solid Waste committee still meeting, Gallatin and New Lebanon expected to be closed at least through June. Committee is still investigating additional cost saving measures.
Motion To Pay Abstracts
Motion to pay Prepaid abstract #3A Vouchers #43-49 $1151.08 By Councilman Finta, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
Motion to pay Highway abstract #3 Voucher #24-45 $101954.27 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
Motion to pay General abstract #3 Vouchers #50-70 $10331.93 By Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried
Received check from Auction International for Tires #330.00
Check from Visage Construction for $702.80 replacing one of the Town Truck mirrors due to a minor mishap.
Public Communication/Comments to Board–
Motion to adjourn at 9:24PM by Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk