{UPDATE} Malone To Report On Town Garage Consolidation

Clarkstown Fleet Manager Dennis Malone is scheduled to give an update on the consolidation of the town's three garages at Tuesday's town board workshop. In July, the Clarkstown Town Board passed a local law voted to consolidate the town’s three garages into one department under a fleet manager, a new position. Councilwoman Shirley Lasker voted against the consolidation, citing concerns about its legality.The town had three separate garages, highway, Mini Trans and town and each garage had its own mechanics. In September, the board appointed Malone, who had been the supervisor Mini Trans, as fleet manager overseeing the mechanics.  The board members required Malone to report directly to them and not to Highway Department Superintendent Wayne Ballard.  The controversial move led to legal action by the Highway Superintendents Association of Rockland County and New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways (NYSAOTSOH). The lawsuit filed against the Town of Clarkstown in November claimed its creation of fleet manager position took state authorized responsibilities from the highway superintendent because the person was reporting to the town board. Attorney Dennis Lynch, who represents the highway superintendents, said on Monday, "The application is still pending and the parties are preparing papers to submit to the court." Lynch said he expects the papers will be submitted in mid April to Rockland County Supreme Court and his "best estimate" for a decision is mid May.  The town board acted after voters defeated a 2011 referendum to change the highway superintendent’s position from an elected to an appointed one.   Town officials said the garage mechanics consolidation was expected to result in cost savings and greater efficiencies Malone is scheduled to present an update at 7:30 p.m. workshop. Additionally, Police Chief Michael Sullivan will provide his department’s monthly statistics for criminal arrests, accidents and reported crimes.