Town Board - Regular Meeting

TOWN OF CLARKSTOWN TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING Town Hall Auditorium June 24, 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 owner of Plastic Craft, located in West Nyack, New York, Mr. Mark Drescher, recently passed away. He was a combat Veteran in Vietnam. The Supervisor asked for a moment of silence in his memory The Supervisor George Hoehmann declared the Town Board meeting opened. Assemblage saluted the flag. The Town Clerk read the roll call. POLICE DEPARTMENT MATTERS . A member of Clarkstown Police Department Administration will report.

PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC HEARING #1: PH-1.

RESOLUTION No (297-2025) - Authorizing the Continuation of a Public Hearing on a Proposed Local Law Entitled: A Local Law Amending Chapter 290 (Zoning) of the Town Code and the Zoning Map of the Town of Clarkstown to Establish the Hamlet Center - Congers (HC-C), Valley Cottage (HC-VC) and West Nyack (HC-WN) Zoning Districts — Adopted

PUBLIC HEARING #2: PH-2.

RESOLUTION No (298-2025) - Adopting a Local Law Amending Chapter 262 of the Town Code of the Town of Clarkstown Concerning Prorated Exemptions and Expansion of Exemptions to Certain Military Personnel — Adopted

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS AND GENERAL

PUBLIC COMMENTS Mattew Brennan, New City The Veterans who wanted to counter demonstrate the anti-Trump, No Kings Protest of Saturday, June 14th was moved from one side of the intersection of Route 59 and Middletown Road Nanuet,to a location across the street - at a different corner. It was moved from the Veteran Park corner to the corner across the street, in front of the gas station.

He feels this was not a proper action. Mr. Brennan stated that he notified the Town Board and the Police Department in advance. Mr. Stan Pascoo was instrumental in cleaning up the park and transforming it into the beautiful park it is today. New signs, sidewalks, stonework, benches American flags and waterfalls make this park distinguished and beautiful.

The counter demonstration, supporting the current Commander and Chief, did not receive a visible corner location. He feels this is disrespectful for those who served in the armed forces. There were not many counter demonstrators, but hopefully their numbers will increase and this will not happen again. Chief Wanamaker The Chief's son is a Veteran.

He has a high regard to all Veterans and all that are currently serving. These are public properties. The Town park is public. We coordinate the differences between the demonstrators, and keep them away from each other. They were there first so we are not going to kick anyone out. Again, it is public property. We do not want the Town to get sued for removing anyone from public property.

The job of the police department is to make sure everyone can protest legally. Their rights cannot be infringed upon. The demonstrations have gone back to the Gulf War. There has never been any issues. The police have been present so everyone can remain safe. If there is a counter demonstration, take that piece of property that you are looking to use, before the others do. There is always a time frame.

The CPD knew about the June 14th demonstrations., and they were prepared for it. It happened without any incidence. The safety of the residents of Clarkstown is the Police Department's main concern. It was one of the largest demonstrations in the Chief's 39 year career in Clarkstown. Everyone remained safe. The Supervisor stated that this was a nation wide protest that was highly coordinated.

Professional signs were made up. A degree of organizing came from several groups. The Town spent a significant amount of overtime (25 hours) based on the size of this protest. He thinks we should be having conversations with the state regarding permits for assembly. Particularly if it is this large - whether it is pro or con. It was very peaceful, but people were trying to occupy the median of the road.

When you have 2,000 people occupying all four corners, it uses a lot of resources. He again asked the Chief of Police if anyone was ever in danger during the protest and did the counter protesters get a designated spot? The Chief responded that there has been no damage to property and he is proud of the Police Officers who worked it.

No one was injured and everyone was allowed to speak their mind and express their freedom and rights. The Supervisor stated that these are National Protests that are tapping into local groups. It is a State roadway. Now there are no permits that are required. This may change. The protesters cannot impede traffic or pedestrians. Stan Pascoo Contrary to belief, he was the first person on that corner on June 14th.

He was there at 11:15 AM. They've been on that corner, every Saturday, from 1-3 PM to support our troops. He thought it was imperative to someone to stand on that corner on that day - even it was only him. He and others fought to have that corner cleaned up, flags installed, signs displayed, fountains fixed, and the ground repaired......because 25 years ago, it was an eye saw.

Jackie Drechsler, Valley Cottage She went over to the Veteran's side to let the three people know that no one was there to hurt them or stop them expressing their own feelings. She wanted to thank the police for doing a great job keeping everyone safe. Everyone stayed compliant by not going into the street. She thinks that this may be money well spent with overtime. She was very proud of the police department. Ms.

Drechsler wanted to thank the Town for taking care of the problem with Mountainview Avenue in Valley Cottage and the O&R work that was completed there. The Highway Department got involved and now it is resolved. She also wanted to thank the Town for the repaving of Sierra Vista Lane. She asked the Town to look at the gullies on the sides of the road.

She would like to know what the Town plans to do with grant money on number 3. She is also questioning resolution number 5 and 6. Are they repairs? Emergency repairs? Daphne Bertrand Ms. Bertrand is questioning why resolution #4 was withdrawn from the Town Board Agenda. She asked the Town to support the resolution to save Social Security, Medicare and Social Services. She believes this is not a Federal Issue.

She feels this is about your neighborhood and your community. The Supervisor stated that the resolution was just to keep the West Nyack Office opened. This is a Federal issue. The Town does not weigh in. You will need to speak with Congressman Lawler, Senator Gillibrand, or Senator Shumer. It is not the job of this Town Board to pass Political resolutions.

The issue was the Social Security Office was not opening up on time due to an air conditioning problem. It is delayed due to construction. The staff from there are available at other locations. The West Nyack will be opening mid-July to beginning August. If that changes, at that point, the Town will get involved. Emily King, New City There are two parties in this Town and in this Country.

We all want the same things. We want there to be livable Clarkstown, livabe New City. She is concerned with the water situation in 5 or 10 years. Where is the sewage going. When she hears about projects being proposed, with TAC, Planning Board, Town Board, Zoning Board of Appeals...etc...She hears there are six possible projects with Clarkstown plaza that will feed into Main Street of New City.

When Planning reports are done, and SEQUA is completed, we will be turning New City into a City. Please keep in mind how many of these projects are getting the approvals and moving ahead. In five years, we will not have enough water with regards to residential toilets, showers and washing machines. Gregory Sheehan, Valley Cottage He is questioned the renewal of Mr.

FJ Rella's contract with the Town Assessor's office. Has there been any attempt to bid it out in order to find a better rate? Why do we keep continuing the renewal. This is something that should be reviewed. He would like to see approvals of more than $1,000,000.00 get approved by the entire Town - instead of just the Town Board. Anna DeSousa, Valley Cottage Ms. DeSousa complained about a roofing job on her home.

She went to court in addition to contacting Consumer Protection and they replied back to her explaining that she had been scammed. She is also having trouble with a neighbor and the way they are taking care of their home. She is asking for help from the Town. The Supervisor stated that he knows how difficult this is, but she went to court and it is now a civil issue.

The Building department has been out, and the roof has passed inspection. The Code Enforcement has looked at issues that have come to his attention. As far as the roof is concerned, there is nothing that the Town can do. It is a Civil issue and a Judge ruled on it. Ms. Drechsler raised some questions about items #5 and #6. Mike Gianatasio, Director of Engineering Facilities Management, spoke regarding this.

Number 5 has to do with the emergency repairs to the diving pool at Germonds Park. The steel structure was inspected. It was unstable, concrete was cracked, and he felt this was very unsafe for anyone to use. They hired a contractor with eight days to get the pool open. They removed the concrete platform, they removed the decking, and put all new concrete and decking while painting the steel structure.

The slide was secured. Supervisor Hoehmann made an Interruption: The Supervisor went out of order due to the time constraints of the evening. The Clarkstown Police Department is promoting Police Officer, Shaun Weaver, to Police Sergeant. The Town Board moved and seconded this resolution. To Ms. King: The Supervisor stated that Schriever Lane is a Rockland County Program.

It is not something that this Town Board is pushing. People need to stop going on Facebook and state that there is a Public Hearing in regards to Development and Zoning - High Density Housing in downtown areas. It is all available for public record. People can go take a look. The Town Board has concerns about Schriever Lane. This is being driven by Rockland County.

Legislature Davidson and Legislature Malowitz - the head of the Affordable Housing Committee for the Legislature, came into the Supervisor's Office and demanded that the Town down zone in New City. The Supervisor stated that "we are not going to do that." We are not in agreement. I see here present tonight, the leadership of the Clarkstown Democratic Committee.

Everyone with concerns needs to speak tothe Legislature. They are trying to allocate density in our Town and so is the Governor. Not everyone in leadership is in sync. Clarkstown has grown conservatively and appropriately. We take our zoning very seriously. The Supervisor suggests that they get facts in order and get their facts to the Democrat members of the Legislature.

If you want to complain about density housing, go across the street and speak with them. Jackie Drechsler, Valley Cottage Ms. Drechsler stated that many of her team is against "over-over" development. She appreciates the Supervisor trying to keep things moderate. She is concerned about some of the big projects that have been already approved.

The Supervisor stated that the Clarkstown Democratic Committee put out a post on Facebook that the Town is considering High Density, High Rise Housing, Multi Story, High Density Developments in each of the Hamlet centers. Facts matter. Hannah Kirk, Nanuet Ms. Kirk admitted that she made the flyer based off of the agenda that was sent out.

We believe that it is important that people come out and take part in their civic responsibility. She tried to put together information that was neutral and straight to the point. She actually did not know what Hamlet Centers meant. She searched it and that is what she found. If this is inaccurate to what is being discussed, she apologizes. As elected officials, these things should be promoted ahead of time.

More information is necessary so residents can come and speak informed - rather than googling it. She is just the average person living in Nanuet. No stance was taken with the Democratic Committee. We just let people know what was on the agenda at tonight's meeting. She works very hard to try to express information (personally and professionally) - as directly as she can.

The average person that does not understand zoning laws should have a better understanding prior to a meeting or a public hearing. The Supervisor asked Mr. Simoes who hired him? Mr. Simoes answered, former Supervisor Charles Holbrook. Mr. Simoes is a highly respected, one of the top planners in New York State. The Town has received multiple awards.

The Supervisor was a member of the Planning Board, in charge of the Comprehensive Plan with the late Shirley Thormann. Clarkstown has received national recognition, statewide recognition, and County recognition with regards to the Comprehensive Plan. The plan was done as an Environmental Impact Statement. We were the first to do this - in the entire state. What Ms. Kirk put out was wrong.

In the future, if you have any questions or concerns, call Mr. Simoes. If you can not get an answer, please call my office. We will be happy to speak to you. The Supervisor stated that he has been running for office and involved in local government for over twenty years. He understands loyal opposition. This was not the issue to get people to come out to "create opposition".

The height requirements for the buildings in the hamlet centers is 35 feet. This is three stories. This is basically our height across the residential zoning districts. Single family homes can go up to 35 feet - measuring from the average of all four corners (to mid point of the roof line). In terms of densities - eight units an acre with a bonus to ten is low density.

Nyack's density is similar to the Nanuet TOD - which is about 40-60 (around the Nanuet Train Station). The Supervisor stated that we are the only Town in the entire county that does the Tele Town Hall Meetings. We do about nine a year and we get about 3,000 people who have opportunities to ask any questions. We also offer Coffee with the Supervisor. This meeting is being broadcast in the Town right now.

It is available to anyone that wants to watch on TV. We do a pretty good job about getting the word out. The fact is that there is a push from the County Legislature and from our Governor in Albany for density in the suburbs. We are controlling our own zoning. We may not be perfect, but we do a good job in terms of protecting our integrity of our zoning.

RESOLUTIONS

AGENDA ITEM #1: RESOLUTION No (299-2025) - Accepting the Town Board Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #2: RESOLUTION No (300-2025) - Amending the Budget — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #3: RESOLUTION No (301-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Submit an Application Requesting Financial Assistance from the New York State Climate Smart Communities Grant Program on Behalf of the Town of Clarkstown ($1,590,934 matching grant funds)

AGENDA ITEM #4: 4. ~ Withdrawn

AGENDA ITEM #5: RESOLUTION No (302-2025) - Authorizing Emergency Repairs to the Pool Slide Steel Structure at Germonds Park Dive Pool (Total cost: $34,500 (Serial Bonds))

AGENDA ITEM #6: RESOLUTION No (303-2025) - Authorizing the Financing of the Costs of Improvements to Germonds Park Dive Pool ($34,500 Serial Bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #7: RESOLUTION No (304-2025) - Authorizing the Director of the Department of Engineering and Facilities Management (DEFM) to Hire Page Contracting Corp. to Perform Asbestos Abatement at Town Hall Located at 10 Maple Ave, New City (Total cost shall not exceed: $34,900.00 (Serial Bonds))

AGENDA ITEM #8: RESOLUTION No (305-2025) - Authorizing the Financing of the Costs of Asbestos Abatement at 10 Maple Avenue ($35,000 Serial Bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #9: RESOLUTION No (306-2025) - Accepting Deed for Road Widening, Accepting Declaration of Covenant, and Accepting a Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreement 54 North Pascack Road, LLC Subdivision (57.11-2-13.1, 13.2, and 13.3 f/k/a 57.11-2-13) — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #10: RESOLUTION No (307-2025) - Authorizing Execution and Acceptance of Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreements Regarding Splash Nanuet Car Wash Site Plan (Tax Map Designation No. 57.20-1-26) — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #11: RESOLUTION No (308-2025) - Authorizing the Purchase of Audio Visual Display Upgrades for the Clarkstown Police Department (Amount not to exceed: $120,000/serial bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #12: RESOLUTION No (309-2025) - Authorizing the Financing of the Costs of Acquisition of Audio Visual Display Upgrades for the Police Department ($120,000 Serial Bonds)

AGENDA ITEM #13: RESOLUTION No (310-2025) - Authorizing Expenses for Assessor Conference (Cornell Seminar on Professional Development) (Not to Exceed: $3,000)

AGENDA ITEM #14: RESOLUTION No (311-2025) - Advertising Bid #13-2025 -- Sidewalk Improvements - Maple Avenue, New City, NY — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #15: RESOLUTION No (312-2025) - Authorizing Settlement of Tax Certiorari Regarding Floor & Décor Outlets of America Tax Map No. 64.5-1-27 (Total refund: $51,149.03)

AGENDA ITEM #16: RESOLUTION No (313-2025) - Authorizing Settlement of Tax Certiorari Regarding SPS Portfolio Holdings II, LLC Tax Map No. 63.8-3-2 (Total refund: $133,298.62)

AGENDA ITEM #17: RESOLUTION No (314-2025) - Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into an Agreement with F. J. Rella and Co., LLC As Consultant to the Town Assessor ($75 per hour as needed, not to exceed $20,000)

AGENDA ITEM #18: RESOLUTION No (315-2025) - Waiving the Notice Requirement in Section 110-b of the New York State ABC Law with Respect to a Liquor License for Mangia Pizza Corp. d/b/a Mangia Pizza & Restaurant (68 North Main Street, New city, NY 10956) — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #19: RESOLUTION No (316-2025) - Granting Permission to Congers Fire Department to Have a Licensed Fireworks Display at Congers Veterans Memorial Field Congers, New York — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #20: RESOLUTION No (317-2025) - Authorizing Refund of Building Permit Fees to Junior and Efrain Castro Jr. for Property Known as Tax Map No. 35.9-1-14 (f/k/a 99-A-8) (Refund Amount: $990.00)

AGENDA ITEM #21: RESOLUTION No (318-2025) - Invoking Town Code Chapter 216-9(B) Maintenance of Vacant Properties — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #22: RESOLUTION No (319-2025) - Appointing Shaun Weaver to the Position of (Permanent) Police Sergeant - Clarkstown Police Department, Effective June 25, 2025 ($188,778/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #23: RESOLUTION No (320-2025) - Appointing Daniel McCormick to the Position of Groundskeeper I - Department of Engineering and Facilities Maintenance, Effective and Retroactive to June 16, 2025 ($83,395/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #24: RESOLUTION No (321-2025) - Appointing Scott Weck (Permanent) to the Position of Assistant Automotive Mechanic - Town Garage, Effective and Retroactive to June 23, 2025 ($55,289/annual)

AGENDA ITEM #25: RESOLUTION No (322-2025) - Appointing Raymond Francis (Permanent) to the Position of Code Enforcement Officer III - Building Department, Effective and Retroactive to June 5, 2025 (No increase in salary.)

AGENDA ITEM #26: RESOLUTION No (323-2025) - Accepting the Resignation (by Retirement) of William Conklin - Groundskeeper I - Department of Engineering and Facilities Management, Accepted July 24, 2025 — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #27: RESOLUTION No (324-2025) - Reinstating Eileen O'Connell to Work Part-Time Hours Against the Full Time Position of Senior Clerk-Typist - Building Department Over a Period of Six Months, Effective and Retroactive to June 9, 2025 ($45.77/hourly)

AGENDA ITEM #28: RESOLUTION No (325-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of One (1) R2-1 30mph Speed Limit Sign on West Street at the intersection of Chestnut Street, Central Nyack — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #29: RESOLUTION No (326-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of a No Parking Anytime Signs with Directional Arrows on West Street, Central Nyack — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #30: RESOLUTION No (327-2025) - Authorizing the Installation of Limited Sight Distance Signs with 20mph Speed Advisory Plaques on West Street, Central Nyack — Adopted

AGENDA ITEM #31: RESOLUTION No (328-2025) - Declaration of Emergency Proclamation — Adopted

ADJOURNMENT At 8:28 PM the Supervisor made a motion to close the Town Board Meeting. This was offered by Co. Licker, seconded by Co. Graziano. All were in favor. Respectfully Submitted, Lauren Marie Wohl, Town Clerk UPCOMING MEETING Next Town Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.