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Tuesday: School Taxes, Apartment Debates

Clarkstown Board will vote on waiving school tax surcharge for 2013-2014

 

Clarkstown’s accessory housing proposal and school tax surcharge have drawn considerable public attention in recent weeks. Both of these items are on the agenda for Tuesday night’s town board meeting.

The 8 p.m. session will begin with a less controversial topic - a special presentation to the New City-Suffern-Congers 9-10 Softball All-Stars Team.  The team won a host of titles including the Eastern Regional Division Championship.

The board is scheduled to hold three public hearings.  The first is on the proposed local law to allow accessory apartments in single-family residences. The second hearing deals with amending the town’s wireless communications facilities law and the subject of the third hearing is authorizing the town attorney “to institute a proceeding pursuant to the town property maintenance code.”

Additionally, the board will vote on rescinding the one percent collection fee for school property taxes for the 2013-2014 school year.  The surcharge was imposed for the 2012-2013 school year on properties in the Clarkstown, Nanuet, Nyack and East Ramapo school districts that are within Clarkstown’s borders. Town officials took the action to raise about $1.5 million after Rockland County shifted $2 million in expenses to Clarkstown. 

The board is expected to set a public hearing for Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. on Clarkstown’s preliminary 2013 budget. On Friday, officials announced the proposed budget would bring a 6.2 percent tax increase.  

The following agreements will be brought up for a vote:

  • Employee Assistance Program Agreement with Nyack Hospital.
  • New York State Power Authority regarding a solar installation
  • Harbridge Consulting Group
  • Settlement Agreement regarding Wireless Communication Facilities.

Tentative resolutions may be added that deal with a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) of the Samuel Road closure and the tax levy limit.

Expected votes on personnel changes include the:

  • Resignations of Thomas Trevor from the planning board and Nicolas Zoda and Jean Luther as crossing guards with the Clarkstown Police Department
  • Appointment of Joanne Castaldo as a principal clerk typist in the Town Clerk’s office
  • Reappointment of Dolores Avaras as a member of the Board of Assessment Review.

The board is scheduled to vote on:

  • Authorizing a street light installation at 113 New York Avenue, Congers.
  • Authorizing installation of “Stop” Sign at Ember Drive, New City.
  • Removing “Two Hour Parking “ signs on the east side of Maple Avenue from Demarest Avenue south to First Street.

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CONCERNED CITIZEN May 18, 2013 at 08:17 am
The bid process should NOT have been pressure laden. It was a straight forward bid. But one of theRead More bidders did not like the specifications. Even after the County Executive kept watering it down it still was not enough. The bidder took the county to court in Putnam County of all places and that judge agreed with the bidder. The County then went to a higher court and they threw out that decision, but he may still get the contract, makes no sense right? This has gone on for almost 3 years and has paralyzed the Transportation Department. Almost everything they wanted to do to improve the system was put on hold. Mr Schule was basicly handcuffed and could not perform his job like he wanted. He is a good man, this should not have happened. Shame on a County Legislature that could be so easily manipulated, I guess that is why the state comptroller will be taking over the county's finances.
Heywood Jablohme May 18, 2013 at 07:21 am
Could you elaborate on the pressures that the County Transportation office is under from TOR and TZRead More Xpress? It seems like one the Transportation Manager's manager's main function would be negotiating with these entities. He left because he couldn't handle it? That seems like an expected part of the job. How often are these bids renewed? Why is a bidding process pressure-laden?
Heywood Jablohme May 18, 2013 at 07:17 am
What professional doesn't spend $500 per year on out of pocket expenses related to their jobs?Read More Staples offering 10% (or 5 in some cases) is hardly an example of the community getting involved. Thankfully, there are other examples of the community and PTA's getting involved and providing needed services. Clarkstown and surrounding areas hardly have substantial unmet needs in their classroom, thankfully.
Truth4all May 16, 2013 at 11:37 am
I guess better late than never. LaCorte is serving his 4th year as Mayor and was Trustee for I thinkRead More 4 years before that. This year is the only time he has brought the idea to the village about participating in this program. He is motivated by the opportunity of getting positive press for his County Executive campaign. The village should have been involved in this program ( as well as the Americorps program) long before this. On a positive note, hopefully the Village will continue this worthwhile partnership for many years to come.
Sunny May 16, 2013 at 03:50 pm
Is there an article on patch about it? I am unable to find except on lohud.com
Green Farmer May 15, 2013 at 08:23 pm
Finally!!
b May 15, 2013 at 07:31 pm
Thank God. It's been a long time coming. Finally someone has paid attention.!!! That man has gotRead More to go.
Watchdog May 16, 2013 at 04:37 pm
George, don't you have enough to do straightening out the affairs of Clarkstown. Overtime in theRead More Police Department is rampant and the Town Attorney is out of control. As Tom Nimick says, we need an outside auditor for that operation since taxpayers were abused with the hiring of a political operative Jay Savino who I understand is singing like a canary. Get on the right side George before the FBI comes a lookin" I hear that the Gromack war chest is the first place they are looking for clues. Do the right thing George or you will get trampled with the rest of them.
Tom Nimick May 15, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Congratulations, George. Now about your other responsibilities as a member of the Town Board withRead More primary oversight over budget and expenditures: Won't you be the one to propose the needed audit of the Office of Town Attorney? You know the problems exist - likely you know more about the problems than I do. It is sad to see you silent in the face of the abuse of patronage. When will we hear your voice on it?
Teacher May 16, 2013 at 07:24 am
The new format is attractive but it is hard to find the comments that go with stories.