Town Board - Regular Meeting

TOWN OF CLARKSTOWN TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING Town Hall Auditorium September 9, 2025 at 7:00 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 ~ Girls Scout Troop 40179 -- Bluebird Boxes Project at Traphagen

PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC HEARING #1: PH-1.

RESOLUTION No (406-2025) - (406A-2025) : Authorizing Continuation of Public Hearing-Local Law - Hamlet Zoning — Adopted

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS AND GENERAL

PUBLIC COMMENTS Mitali Caruso, New City Ms. Caruso lives with her parents and her three children in her home on South Mountain Road in New City. Ms. Caruso is explaining the dangerous road condition that takes place outside her driveway. She has gone to the Town several times and is very worried that someone is going to get hurt. This is a safety issue.

There have been multiple near accidents at this location and she is asking the Town to have someone come out and inspect the situation. The Supervisor agreed to have a representative from Department of Environmental Facilities Management come out and inspect the situation. The Supervisor asked for stepped up traffic enforcement in and around this area. Jackie Drechsler, Valley Cottage Ms.

Drechsler is questioning the RCDS surplus property (Res #10). All four Towns in Rockland originally voted opposing CHPE pipeline throughout the County. Ms. Dreschler is questioning the funds to purchase the RCDS property. She thought these funds were allocated from CHPE - along with $200,000 grant money. She feels the funds are not being used accordingly. Jane Rippa, Valley Cottage Ms.

Rippa is concerned about the speed limit on Lake Road going from Route 303 to Kings Highway. Many deer are getting killed on this road. Ms. Rippa has spoken about this to the Highway Department. There is no posted speed limit. She would like to see drivers slow down. The Supervisor asked the police to step up their presence on this road. The Traffic Advisory Board is hearing and reviewing this request as well.

Bob Montalvo, Congers Mr. Montalvo has experienced CHPE construction in his immediate neighborhood. It has been extremely loud and dusty. He has lived in his home for 50 years. The noise continues day and night. He has lost two summers in his home due to the construction. He would like to see neighbors in congers that are impacted and reimbursed for the situation.

No one could have prepared the neighborhood for what is going on. There is nothing you can do - its for the good of the people. However, what about the people that have to live through this, day and night? There is no end in sight. Jocelyn Decresenzo, Valley Cottage Ms.

Decresenzo believes all communities in Rockland County that are affected by CHPE deserve to get compensated for their massive loses that they have lost personally. Businesses need to be compensated too. In regards to #22 on the agenda, he should show discretion on social media. Personal information should not be shared. Michael Gillepsie, Nanuet Regarding #7 - the Highview/Nanuet Cemetery. Mr.

Gillepsie stated that the last Deed for this Cemetery property was in 1909. In 1915, the Nanuet Cemetery Inc. was founded by three owners of three lots in the Nanuet Cemetery. The purpose of this incorporation was not to purchase the Cemetery, it was to maintain it. Not to own, buy or make any claim to the property. In 1868, the Nanuet Cemetery was laid out on an official map, made by a well known surveyor.

This map laid out the plots and avenues in the cemetery. The Town of Clarkstown has never received the title to the land. The Nanuet Cemetery Inc., never had title to the property. Later, in deeds that were produced, the Town of Clarkstown was never the grantor. The three original individuals, from 1909 deed were listed as grantor's. Mr. Gillepsie believes that plots can not be sold by the Town.

The Supervisor stated that when a cemetery becomes out of commission, it goes to the Town. The State of NY would never have given the town over $200,000 to do in the cemetery, if we did not have clear title. He stated that Mr. Gillepsie and some neighbors, have taken a significant portion of what the cemetery was. This could get legal and we will have to figure this all out.

The Town is coming up with a plan to better manage the overall cemetery. There are still plots that people have title to. More people can get buried in the cemetery. There are questions that the Town has regarding trees on the property. We will have a conversations. It is clear that there is a boundary dispute. The Supervisor asked Mr. Conway, Town Attorney, to reach out to Mr. Gillepsie. Laura Biden, New City Ms.

Biden is trying to get more information on Res. #10, the RCDS. The proposed sale of the RCDS. She understands it is 13 acres. Is it the portion with the buildings on it? Ms. Biden would also like to know what the property is zoned for? What will happen to the rest of the property? Steve Levine, Congers Mr. Levine would like to talk about item #10. Its a great piece of property. It abuts a park.

Maybe the Town should expand the parks, making room for Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts. If we sell the parcel, is there a plan for the Town to put any restrictions? Maybe the Town should make it a Community facility for people with disabilities, EMS, Veterans...etc...Also, he understands how the Town ended up with the cemetery. Why are there two resolutions with the same company? Why two different bids?

The Supervisor stated that there are actually two different cemeteries, therefore two separate resolutions. Tom Porcelli, Congers Regarding the Rockland Country Day School - Can anyone purchase the land? Does it have to be a corporation? Could it be a House of Worship, a Supermarket? Because here in Clarkstown, anytime you want to make a zone change, it is usually granted. Emily King, New City Ms.

King is happy to see that BRIDGES will be using Street School's kitchen. It's is a great charity. Can we lower the amount that they have to pay for the permit, which is $2,500? She understands the financial complications of the purchase/sale of RCDS, If we are going to sell off 13 acres, she would like to know which 13 acres they are. We want to make the sale a benefit to the community.

What is the zoning going to be in terms of maximum population? Al Osterlitz, New City Mr. Osterlitz is concerned that some highway street signs may be obsolete, but they are still posted. He wants to make sure the Town Highway department reviews them and takes down those that are obsolete. He would like item #22 removed from the agenda.

He believes an officer of a party should not have access to personal information. Dana Ramirez, Nanuet Ms. Ramirez asked if the Envision Committee for the RCDS will have input on the sale of the property. If so, will there be a public referendum? Paul Frisch lives next door to Mike Gillepsie - regarding the cemetery property - He has been taking care of much of the property that was abandoned. Its 40 feet.

There has been fires back there and it has been a hangout for kids. He cleaned it out and mulches it. I put rocks back there because cars back up into it. Susan Bloom, Nanuet She has questions about number 2 on the agenda. She sees that some funds are being moves over to capital projects. What is the 1.3 million dollars being earmarked for? Also, regarding #9, does the licensing agreement include using the kitchen.

This could be hazardous and wants to make sure we are insured properly. This is an opportunity for Bridges. It is a gift of public funds to use this money towards this. The kitchen is not underutilized. We have seniors in there and other organizations. There will be inspections. Councilman Mark Licker, Ward 1 Regarding #22. He is disturbed that Mr.

Rowan is showing Board of Election applications on Social Media with personal information. Mr. Licker believes Mr. Rowan should not be handling documents in the Town Clerk's Office. He will be abstaining on this resolution. Ms. Lauren Marie Wohl asked for permission to speak with a point of order. Ms. Wohl, Town Clerk, explained how she reviewed the opening and the employment needs in the Town Clerk's office.

She had worked with Aidan Rowan in the past. She knew he was an excellent worker and welcomed the fact that he could help the Town Clerk's Office for four weeks during the Tax season. Ms. Wohl recalled the hiring conversation that she had with Mr. Licker (regarding Mr. Rowan) and disagreed with him as to how the conversation was conveyed. Ms.

Wohl also explained how Tax Bills are and have always been public information. Nothing in the Town Clerk's Office - that Mr. Rowan would be handling - is private information. Ms. Wohl wishes that Mr. Licker would have approached her, as the Town Clerk's Office liaison, to explain his concerns. The Supervisor stated that the Town Board can vote as they wish.

It has been the practice of the Town Board to voice concerns if they wish. The Supervisor stated that everyone needs to be careful what they say in a public forum. Regarding the Rockland Country Day School - He asked Mr. Gianatasio and Mr. Simoes to comment on the property. We are engaging all of the residents that live near the property.

There will be a meeting scheduled for residents within 1000 feet of the property. Mr. Gianatasio is studying the potential layout of the property. Mr. Simoes, Planning Administrator can review it too. The Supervisor stated that the Town is looking into keeping a chunk of the property and merge it into our fields and Town Park. We have met with the residents and have done extensive work throughout the years.

We hired an architect to see what our options are. We were looking for about 10 units for volunteers. There is a lot of work that needs to be done. We purchased this property many years ago. People are coming forth now, stating what they want to see there. It is zoned single family residential. It is not on a County road. So it can be single family residential.

We are also looking for a couple of units for Volunteer Housing. A roof is needed on the old children school. Buildings need to be painted, a new roof, and windows need to be repaired. The buildings are old. Mike Gianatasio spoke regarding various options. It cost too much money to renovate the property. Co. Graziano stated that there is a need for first responder housing. We need to keep our volunteers here.

Rockland County is hurting for volunteers and first responders. Since he has taken office, six years ago, this has been one of the largest request. They wanted to build Senior Housing there at the RCDS site. Co. Graziano felt that it did not conform to the community. He suggests they walk the neighborhood and see exactly what the neighbors want.

The Supervisor stated that they have been very aggressive getting grants at the state level, considering the amount of grants that are available are very limited. We will make a decision and have a public hearing. We want to unload this property. We do not need additional fields here. The Town has spent millions creating two new parks, fields, playgrounds, nature preserves etc.

He would like to do affordable, volunteer housing rentals to help our volunteers. He is hopeful that the town can create upward of 40 units of volunteer rental housing over the next couple of years. All Mr. Simoes wants to add to the Supervisor's comments is that the plan is for the Town to continue what has been taking place there since the 1960s. It is zoned R40 and R22.

It is parallel to Kings Highway and Lake DeForest, but none of the homes there are situated on lots of those sizes. They sit on 15,000-17,000 sq ft lots. Average density and cluster housing was performed on all of that property along Kings Park. It will match the feel of the area. The Supervisor stated that there will be a Public Hearing on this subject within the next couple of weeks.

The Supervisor stated that whenever the Town sells a piece of property, it is everyone's right to put this out on a petition. He would not put this out on a permissive referendum because he does not believe any other use would be better. This will be larger lots, single family homes, tax paying lots, along with some additional housing that is needed across the Town. This is a conservative upscale subdivision.

Regarding CHPE - The Supervisor is disappointed with the project. They have taken a very aggressive approach to the construction. They did not tell the Town ahead of time. He has been told that the work should be complete and the line commissioned in 2026. We have been told that the Clarkstown work should completed by year end. The work that is taking place now is actually Orange and Rockland Utilities.

Some residents have blown tires due to the work. They will be reimbursed. They are working with CHPE to see what can be done now. We do not have the authority to reimburse residents....it would then be a gift of Public Funds. The State can do things differently. The Supervisor stated that there will be a follow- up meeting from the people with CHPE. The Line is approved. It is happening.

In the end this is clean power coming to NYS, that was negotiated by Governor Cuomo, then approved by the Assembly and the Senate. The public benefit to this project is CHPE is paying taxes. They have a PILOT agreement with all the school districts. The Clarkstown Central School District will be receiving a significant PILOT agreement every year. They are an entity that is making money, so they will be paying taxes.

That is a good benefit for Clarkstown and other Districts in Rockland County. Whenever a Utility tears up a road, they do not have to repave the entire road. They only need to repave the portion that was disturbed.

RESOLUTIONS

AGENDA ITEM #1: RESOLUTION No (407-2025) - Accepting the Town Board Meeting Minutes of August 19, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #2: RESOLUTION No (408-2025) - Amending the Budget — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #3: RESOLUTION No (409-2025) - Authorizing Execution and Acceptance of Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreement Regarding MC Route 303 LLC Site Plan (Tax Map Designation No. 59.7-2- 8) — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #4: RESOLUTION No (410-2025) - Authorizing the Purchase of a Matrice Survey System for the Department of Engineering & Facilities Management (DEFM) (Total Cost Shall Not Exceed: $27,800.00/Serial Bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #5: RESOLUTION No (411-2025) - Authorizing the Financing of the Acquisition of a Matrice 4E Survey System for the Department of Engineering & Facilities Management ($28,000.00 Serial Bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #6: RESOLUTION No (412-2025) - Authorizing Expenses for Conference (NYSAA Annual Fall Conference 2025) (Total Shall Not Exceed: $3,200.00)

AGENDA ITEM #7: RESOLUTION No (413-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into an Agreement with Grever & Ward Regarding Nanuet Rural Cemetery (Not to exceed $18,200)

AGENDA ITEM #8: RESOLUTION No (414-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into an Agreement with Grever & Ward Regarding Nyack Rural Cemetery (Not to exceed $30,500)

AGENDA ITEM #9: RESOLUTION No (415-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into a Licensing Agreement with Rockland Independent Living Center, Inc. d/b/a BRIDGES for Use of the Kitchen at the Street School, New City to Prepare Food for Food Truck — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #10: RESOLUTION No (416-2025) - Authorizing the Declaration of a Portion of Rockland Country Day School Property as Surplus Municipal Property and Marketing Same for Sale — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #11: RESOLUTION No (417-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Sign an Extension of Agreement with the County of Rockland to Reimburse the Police Department for 9-1-1 Dispatcher Training — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #12: RESOLUTION No (418-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into an Agreement with the County of Rockland for Mass Transportation — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #13: RESOLUTION No (419-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into an Agreement with the County of Rockland Concerning the Participation in the “Super Saver” Discount Program on the Town of Clarkstown Mini Trans — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #14: RESOLUTION No (420-2025) - Granting Permission to The Nanuet Restaurant to Dispense Alcoholic Beverages at the Nanuet Fall Festival at Lake Nanuet, Nanuet, New York — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #15: RESOLUTION No (421-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into a Contract to Reappoint John J. Noto as Town of Clarkstown Assessor ($190,000/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #16: RESOLUTION No (422-2025) - Amending Resolution #398-2025 Appointing Rosa Lema Morales to the Position of Principal Payroll Clerk - Town Comptroller's Office — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #17: RESOLUTION No (423-2025) - Accepting the Resignation of Sara Shea - Clerk-Typist - Personnel Department, Accepted Effective and Retroactive to August 25, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #18: RESOLUTION No (424-2025) - Accepting the Resignation of Maryfrances Ginnity-Zayas - Police Radio Dispatcher (CAD) Police Department, Effective and Retroactive to September 4, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #19: RESOLUTION No (425-2025) - Appointing Brittany Taddeo to the (Permanent) Position of Senior Clerk-Typist - Building Department, Effective and Retroactive to August 29, 2025 (No increase in salary.)

AGENDA ITEM #20: RESOLUTION No (426-2025) - Appointing Sean Treacy to the Position of (Permanent) Police Radio Dispatcher (CAD) - Police Department, Effective September 12, 2025 ($72,301/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #21: RESOLUTION No (427-2025) - Appointing John Mulgrew to Fill the Unexpired Term of Nicholas Windman in the Position of Member - Traffic Advisory Board, Term Effective and Retroactive to September 4, 2025 and Expire on March 31, 2026 ($2,570/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #22: RESOLUTION No (428-2025) - Appointing Aidan Rowan to the Position of Clerk (Seasonal) - Town Clerk's Office, Effective and Retroactive to September 8, 2025 ($23.00/hourly)

AGENDA ITEM #23: RESOLUTION No (429-2025) - Granting Leave to Christopher Voce — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #24: RESOLUTION No (430-2025) - Granting Leave to Tara Hayman — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #25: RESOLUTION No (431-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into a Voluntary Sick Leave Donation Agreement with the CSEA — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #26: RESOLUTION No (432-2025) - Invoking Town Code Chapter 216-9(B) Maintenance of Vacant Properties — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #27: RESOLUTION No (433-2025) - Referring Zone Change Petition from The Dells, Inc. for Parcels Designated on Tax Map as Sections 34.11-1-1 and 34.10-1-50 Located in New City from R-160 to R-22 District — Adopted

EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board may move into Executive Session to discuss personnel, negotiations, and/or litigation matters.

ADJOURNMENT At 8:58 PM, the Supervisor made a motion to Exit into an Executive Session. This was offered by Co. Franchino, seconded by Councilman Axelrod. All were in favor. At 9:18 PM, there was a Supervisor made a motion to close and adjourn the Town Board Meeting. This was offered by Co. Licker, seconded by Co. Franchino. All were in favor. Respectfully Submitted, Lauren Marie Wohl UPCOMING MEETING Next Town Board Meeting is scheduled fort Thursday, September 25, 2025.