Town Board - Regular Meeting

TOWN OF CLARKSTOWN TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING Town Hall Auditorium December 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM MINUTES

PRESENT: Supervisor George Hoehmann Councilman Mark Licker Councilman Michael Graziano Councilman Donald Franchino Councilman Robert Axelrod Town Clerk Lauren Wohl

ABSENT: The Supervisor George Hoehmann declared the Town Board meeting opened. Assemblage saluted the flag. The Town Clerk read the roll call.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Rev. Rhonda Hoehn, Chairperson, Board of Ethics will report. POLICE DEPARTMENT MATTERS Chief Jeff Wannamaker gave a brief Police Report for the year 2025. The Supervisor extended his gratitude to the Clarktown Police Department and the Clarkstown Auxiliary Police Department. A member of Police Department Administration will report.

PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC HEARING #1: PH-1.

RESOLUTION No (531-2025) - Adopting a Local Law Entitled: A Local Law Approving the 2026 Salary of the Elected, Appointed and Boards and Commissions Members of the Town of Clarkstown.Adopted

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS AND GENERAL

PUBLIC COMMENTS The Supervisor asked if there were any comments on any resolutions. Ms. Dawn Coffey, New City Ms. Coffey wrote a letter to express her continued opposition to the proposed Cluster Plan for the Eberling Homes Project behind her home. The letter is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.

The Supervisor stated that the applicant's attorney indicated that the Standard Plan or Yield Plan were developed, this would result in market rate development. This is legal and acceptable. The Supervisor asked how large these homes would be at this location with the Standard Plan. Joe Simoes, Town Planner stated that they would be about 3,450 square feet.

The current homes on Eberling, are currently about 2,000 square feet. Mr. Simoes explained the floor air ratio of homes on Eberling and the surrounding streets. This development that we are talking about is more difficult - because there are hills and a lot of fill would have to be removed. They would have to extend the roadway and include new infrastructure.

The Supervisor stated that the surrounding homes are smaller, but they could be larger due to the floor/area ratio. They could be 4,400 square feet. The Planning Board can not dictate and reduce floor/area ratio on a standard plan. Mr. Simoes stated that clustering is different. You are clustering down these lots and the Planning Board now has the ability to adjust floor/area ratio.

In the Cluster plan, the floor/area ratio would be different, and now the Planning Board can lock into smaller homes (according to State Law). The Supervisor asked about the trees. Mr. Simoes stated, in order to put the road in, and have enough room to grade to put the homes in, all of the trees would have to go.

In order to be more protective to the environment, preserve scenic land and environmental lands, the cluster development would answer. The main preservation is environmental features. The Supervisor wants to make sure they are all 8 ft trees. Mr. Emmanuel reviewed his plans and agreed to meet the 8 feet tree requirement. He would like the Town Board to approve the Cluster Plan.

The 30 year plan for this development is the standard under the financial grants that they are receiving. Clarkstown does not have a law in place to continue beyond 30 years. Clarkstown has affordable housing standards within its code. This applies to Senior Housing, Active Adult Housing, They do not apply in the R15 Zone. Co.

Licker asked if there is the ability for the developer to go back under the Standard Plan and take less of the trees down? Mr. Emmanuel stated that they looked. The Yield Plan will be far more destructive with trees. They cannot even come close to what the Cluster Plan allows. John Atzel, the Engineer stated that under the Yield Plan, 72 trees are required for the site. Of the 348 trees, we would have to remove 338.

They would have to plant 62 new trees, 8 feet tall. Under the Cluster Plan, of the 348 trees on site, they would be able to keep 169 would remain. They will add 87 trees with the proposal. Ms. Coffey wants a third plan. A plan to have smaller homes built throughout the forest. "Why can't we match the size homes to the existing neighborhood?"

She thought only affordable housing was the issue for Rockland County to build on the property". Why can't there be a Yield Plan that is affordable, where all of these trees would not be taken down?" The Supervisor asked Mr. Atzel: Regardless of bigger houses or smaller houses in the Standard Plan, there still would be significant grading with the hill and cut down every tree. Mr.

Atzel answered, Yes, that is due to the zoning requirements. This is the final determination. The Supervisor stated that most of the developments that come into the Town are in the 3,000 - 3,500 square ft range. Mr. Atzel agreed with the Supervisor. The Supervisor asked Joe Simoes, as the Town Planner, in conjunction with the Town Engineering Staff and other department, to recommend the Cluster Plan. Mr.

Simoes stated that he did the Environmental Review and the Cluster Plan protects the Environmental issues. Co. Axelrod stated that he wants the residents in this area to know that the Town Board is sensitive to what the neighborhood is asking. As a homeowner, he can understand this as well. We take all of the information that we have available to them.

Last year this was tabled because they wanted to discuss the Yield Plan versus the Cluster Plan. All necessary information that the Town receives, comes from Planning Board and Mr. Simoes. They are our experts. We depend on them and we make our decisions based on their expertise. Co. Licker asked Ms. Coffey - there really is not a three option answer.

The answer is based on two options with the Standard Plan having the ability to build these larger homes (3,400 sq ft). He is asking which plan she prefers? They are going to be able to build something, and he wants to know what she prefers. She thought no matter what, they were going to be affordable housing. She does not understand why these homes could not be built under the Yield Plan with smaller homes.

The Supervisor stated that they are going to lose more trees in the neighborhood, whether with a smaller house with a standard plan or a larger house with a standard plan. They would need to do a massive amount of earth movement. The Town Board has done everything it could to protect everyone involved. In his opinion, it is pretty obvious. From an Environmental Standpoint, the Cluster makes the most sense. Ms.

Coffey stated that this is new information that she only learned yesterday. Frank Voce, Congers - Dawn Coffey's Cousin) Mr. Voce has been a member of the Congers Fire Department for over 40 years. He is a large advocate for Volunteer Services. Out of the Cluster homes, he would like to see at least one of them - a lottery - offered to a Volunteer First Responder.

Let's keep an eye on this to make sure it is done right. Daniel Konuchin, Valley Cottage The expected Market Value of the proposed homes, even under the Cluster Plan, would be roughly double what the median Clarktown household is expected to afford. It speaks to the severity of the housing crisis that we are facing. There is a mismatch of what zoning allows and what the community actually needs in terms of housing.

This proposed development is very close to downtown New City. It is in walking distance. This is an ideal place to be putting more people. We should be gradually increasing the density of housing developments. He wishes Town Housing was on the table. John Lyon, Chief of Staff to the Rockland County Executive Office (Ed Day) Mr. Lyon lives on South Little Tor Road in Ward 1 of Clarkstown.

The County Executive supports the Cluster Plan of Eberling Homes. He has supported this project from the start. Executive Ed Day, being a Civic Association President from this area - wants to balance the needs of the Community. People moved here for Parks and Open Space, but people need housing to live here and be able to afford to live here. They want to live here and add to our workforce.

The County workforce, the Town workforce - a lot of people making starting salaries here would qualify to live in some of these homes. One of these units should have a Veteran's preference. This balance of some limited development, with the ultimate preservation of almost half of this property, which will be deeded to the Town, to be preeminently preserved is an incredible win.

That is what brought the County Executive to support this type of project. This brought this County Legislation to help fund this project ($1.4 million for this property). On behalf of County Executive Ed Day, he thanked the Town Board and the Public for their time and consideration of this proposal. Dominic Fillipone, Pearl River He has had some experience on a Zoning Board for 10 years.

He has experience with Real Estate for 25 years as well as some Building Department experience. We heard that there is a steep slope. Has anyone thought about terracing? You Terrace the land, leave the trees there, and continue constructions. He is here with a few Veterans, and he has seen a lot of projects. They are usually huge projects.

An example of this is the one that was outside of the Monroe Woodbury High School. The Town granted the building and part of it (maybe 33%) were considered affordable - then Middle Income - then Luxury Homes. It would be difficult to do that here. The Veteran's are here to see if there is anything feasible. The bigger the house, the more non-affordable for people that are in need.

The Supervisor stated - he believes Mr. Voce's suggestion is a great suggestion. Possibly a first responder that could serve the New Ctiy community. He is asking Mr. Lyon to take that suggestion back with him to work with the Housing Coalition. He also would like to see if Veterans are in need, have opportunities. Mr. Lyon's responded that one of the things he can do is extend local outreach.

There are fair housing laws and regulations that need to be followed based on the funding. He has met with non profits, local chambers, New City Ambulance Corp, etc. to accomplish this outreach. He wants to be prepared so when the time comes, there are people that will be putting applications in for these homes. The county is trying to get a strong outreach for this and do the best they can.

The Supervisor stated that his office will get Mr. Lyon's connected to the Fire Department. Susan Bloom, Nanuet Ms. Bloom is questioning resolution #52. The Clarkstown Housing Development Fund Company Inc. is purchasing the Grace Baptist Church property for a cash price. There is no price on the resolution. It does not say how much this company will be giving the Town to purchase this property.

Secondly, she questions the Clarkstown Housing Development Fund Inc.. How is this company that has no financial income going to pay the Town for the Grace Baptist Church? Has anyone consulted the Nanuet School District of putting Low Income Housing as opposed to what was supposed to be Senior Housing? Does the Nanuet School District have the ability to take on more students?

The area that surrounds this, is single family housing. You are looking at a development of Low Income Housing. This does not match the neighborhood. How can you say that the traffic will not be affected? The streets are so small, they do not even have street parking. You cannot even put a double yellow line on the street. How is this development going to connect to the Public Water Supply, or is it Not?

This is a factor that needs to be considered. The Supervisor stated that this is Senior Housing development. This is the Middlewood II Corporation. This is controlled by the Town. It will be Senior Affordable Housing. It is a portion of the Grace Baptist property. It has been appraised and it is being sold for $4 million to the Town itself.

The Town is buying it from an entity where the Town already has the money from Middlewood for the express purposes of creating additional affordable senior housing. It is on a much smaller scale. This will go through its own Public Hearing process in the future with an application with the Town Planning Board.

The Supervisor announced at 1:15 PM, the Town Board will move up upstairs for a photo opportunity and will convene the Middlewood Meeting.

RESOLUTIONS

AGENDA ITEM #1: RESOLUTION No (532-2025) - Regarding Salaries of All Town Officials and Employees - 2026 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #2: RESOLUTION No (533-2025) - Authorizing the Planning Board of the Town of Clarkstown to Apply Town Law Section 278 to the Eberling Homes Subdivision (Map 43.14-3-48) — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #3: RESOLUTION No (534-2025) - Accepting the Town Board Meeting Minutes of November 24, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #4: RESOLUTION No (535-2025) - Amending the Budget — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #5: RESOLUTION No (536-2025) - Authorizing the Comptroller to Amend the 2025 Budget — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #6: RESOLUTION No (537-2025) - Adopting Fee Schedules for 2026 Recommended by Various Departments and Boards within Town of Clarkstown — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #7: RESOLUTION No (538-2025) - Scheduling Town Board Meetings for the Year 2026 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #8: RESOLUTION No (539-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into an Agreement with Certified Public Accountants to Audit Town Deferred Compensation Plan — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #9: RESOLUTION No (540-2025) - Authorizing an Agreement with the Law Office of Vincent Toomey, Esq. to Handle Labor, and Employment ($160,000/Annual Retainer)

AGENDA ITEM #10: RESOLUTION No (541-2025) - Retaining Thomas Dunham for Legal Services ($125/hour up to 300 hours)

AGENDA ITEM #11: RESOLUTION No (542-2025) - Obtaining Insurance Coverage from Alliant Insurance Services, Inc, and Third Party Claims Management from PMA Group — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #12: RESOLUTION No (543-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into a Lease Agreement with the Congers Fire District to Use the Lake Road Firehouse Facility in Congers ($13,500 for the year)

AGENDA ITEM #13: RESOLUTION No (544-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into an Agreement with Partners in Safety, Inc. Concerning the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program ($4,600. for the year

2026)

AGENDA ITEM #14: RESOLUTION No (545-2025) - Amending Resolution No. 479-2024 Awarding Bid #16-2024 – Cul De Sac Building and PD Carport (Total amount not to exceed: $39,900.00 (Serial Bonds))

AGENDA ITEM #15: RESOLUTION No (546-2025) - Authorizing the Financing of the Costs of Cul-de-Sac Building Improvements — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #16: RESOLUTION No (547-2025) - Authorizing Acceptance of Drainage Easement 4 Louis Road LLC ZBA

Appeal No. 4412 (Tax Map Designation No. 42.16-3-3) — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #17: RESOLUTION No (548-2025) - Authorizing the Director of Engineering and Facilities Management (DEFM) To Retain Atzl, Nasher & Zigler, P.C., to Provide Professional Land Surveying Services (Total amount not to exceed: $235,000.00 (Serial Bonds))

AGENDA ITEM #18: RESOLUTION No (549-2025) - Authorizing the Financing of Land Surveying Services in Nanuet ($235,000 Serial Bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #19: RESOLUTION No (550-2025) - Retain Tremco Roofing to Replace the Highway Department Roof at 12 Seeger Dr. Nanuet (Total Cost Shall Not Exceed: $1,072,649.05 plus $50,000 contingency/previously issued serial bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #20: RESOLUTION No (551-2025) - Authorizing Execution and Acceptance of Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreement Regarding Valley Heights Apartments Site Plan (Tax Map Designation No. 57.10-1-9) — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #21: RESOLUTION No (552-2025) - Granting Certificates of Registration to Perform Sewer Related Work — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #22: RESOLUTION No (553-2025) - Advertising Bid #23-2025 -- Service Contract for HVAC and HVAC Control Systems — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #23: RESOLUTION No (554-2025) - Advertising Bid #24-2025 -- Generator Service and Maintenance Contract (Natural Gas and Diesel) — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #24: RESOLUTION No (555-2025) - Awarding Bid #14-2025 -- Hereford Lane Culvert Improvements (Total proposed cost: $406,376.00 plus a 18% contingency (Serial Bonds))

AGENDA ITEM #25: RESOLUTION No (556-2025) - Authorizing the Financing of the Costs of Hereford Lane Culvert Improvements ($480,000 Serial Bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #26: RESOLUTION No (557-2025) - Awarding Bid #20-2025 -- Purchase of Vehicles for Various Departments (Not Including Highway Department) (Total cost not to exceed: $660,000.00 (Serial Bonds))

AGENDA ITEM #27: RESOLUTION No (558-2025) - Authorizing the Financing of the Acquisition of Vehicles for Various Town Departments ($660,000 Serial Bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #28: RESOLUTION No (559-2025) - Authorizing Expenses for Conference (Fire Investigator) (Total Not to Exceed: $3,700.00)

AGENDA ITEM #29: RESOLUTION No (560-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into a First Amendment to the Inter-Municipal Agreement with the County of Rockland for Reimbursement for RCIC and RIRC Participation — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #30: RESOLUTION No (561-2025) - Granting Permission to the Rockland Community Farm Network to Dispense Alcoholic Beverages — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #31: RESOLUTION No (562-2025) - Setting Hourly Rates for Student Office Workers and Summer Recreation Positions — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #32: RESOLUTION No (563-2025) - Reclassifying the Position of Computer Installation Assistant - Information Technology Department to ITS Specialist and Appointing Roy Sico to the (Permanent) Position of ITS Specialist - Information Technology Department, Effective January 5, 2026 ($83,395/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #33: RESOLUTION No (564-2025) - Appointing Julius Lombardi to the Position of Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator, Effective January 1, 2026 ($65,000/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #34: RESOLUTION No (565-2025) - Appointing Nicole Mathis to the Position of Constituent Services Assistant (Town), Effective January 12, 2026 ($53,000/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #35: RESOLUTION No (566-2025) - Accepting the Resignation (by Retirement) of Linda Willows - Senior Records Clerk - Police Records, Accepted and Retroactive to November 29, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #36: RESOLUTION No (567-2025) - Accepting the Resignation of Jon Valentino - Member and Vice Chairman - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Accepted Effective, at the End of Business Day, on December 31, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #37: RESOLUTION No (568-2025) - Appointing Keith Price - Member- Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to Fill the Unexpired Term of Jon Valentino, Effective January 1, 2026 and Expire on December 31, 2031 ($3,029/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #38: RESOLUTION No (569-2025) - Granting Leave to Robert Sambevski, Effective and Retroactive to December 11, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #39: RESOLUTION No (570-2025) - Accepting the Resignation of Christopher Ryan - Groundskeeper I - Department of Engineering and Facilities Management, Effective and Retroactive to November 25, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #40: RESOLUTION No (571-2025) - Termination of Edward Cifuni - Maintenance Mechanic I - Department of Engineering and Facilities Management, Accepted Effective and Retroactive to December 12, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #41: RESOLUTION No (572-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of One (1) R1-1 Stop Sign with Stop Line on Gregory Street, New City — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #42: RESOLUTION No (573-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of One (1) 15mph Speed Limit Sign with School Plaque on Gregory Street, New City — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #43: RESOLUTION No (574-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of a Two (2) W11-2 Pedestrian Crossing Signs with W16-7P Diagonal Arrow Plaques on New Hempstead Road, New City — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #44: RESOLUTION No (575-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of One (1) One Way Sign with Arrow on Demarest Avenue, Nanuet — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #45: RESOLUTION No (576-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of One (1) One Way Sign with Arrow on East Prospect Street, Nanuet — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #46: RESOLUTION No (577-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of a Pedestrian Crosswalk with One (1) S1- 1 Pedestrian Crossing with a W16-7P Diagonal Arrow Plaque on School Street, New City — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #47: RESOLUTION No (578-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of One (1) 15mph Speed Limit Sign on Gregory Street, New City — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #48: RESOLUTION No (579-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of a Pedestrian Crosswalk and S1-1 Pedestrian Crossing Signs with W16-7P Diagonal Arrow Plaques and Two (2) Crosswalk Warning Ahead Signs on Brewery Road, New City — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #49: RESOLUTION No (580-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of a Pedestrian Crosswalk with One (1) S1- 1 Pedestrian Crossing with a W16-7P Diagonal Arrow Plaque on School Street, New City — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #50: RESOLUTION No (581-2025) - Adopting a Determination of Significance Under the Provisions of 6nycrr Part 617 State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) for the Sale of Town-Owned Property Located at 22-26 Demarest Avenue and 9 Highview Avenue, Nanuet — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #51: RESOLUTION No (582-2025) - Accepting Offer for Surplus Municipal Property (22-26 Demarest Avenue, 9 Highview Avenue, Nanuet – 64.9-1-47, 64.9-1-51, 64.9-1-50, 64.9-1-48) — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #52: RESOLUTION No (583-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into a Property Management Agreement with Clarkstown Housing Development Fund Company (HDFC) — Adopted

ADJOURNMENT At 1:15 PM, the Supervisor made a motion to close and adjourn this Town Board Meeting. This was offered by Co. Graziano and seconded by Co. Licker. All were in favor. Respectfully Submitted, Lauren Marie Wohl - Town Clerk SPECIAL MEETING The Board of Directors of the Clarkstown Housing Development Fund Company, Inc. will meet immediately after the Town Board Meeting.