All Jammed Up At "Otto's Full Service".

Law Office of John J. Tormey III, Esq.
John J. Tormey III, PLLC
1578 Third Avenue, PMB 188
New York, New York 10128 USA
(212) 410-4142 (phone)
(212) 410-2380 (fax)
jtormey@optonline.net
https://www.tormey.org
 
REQUEST UNDER THE NEW YORK STATE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW (“FOIL”)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
 
VIA FAX: 1-845-364-2628, and U.S. MAIL:
Dr. Mary Lahey, Commissioner
Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH)
50 Sanatorium Road, Building D
Pomona, New York 10970 USA
 
VIA FAX: 1-845-364-2628 and U.S. MAIL
Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH)
Attn: FOIL OFFICER
Department Of Environmental Health
50 Sanatorium Road, Building D
Pomona, New York 10970 USA
 
Re:
FOIL Request – “Otto’s Full Service” alias “Otto’s” - 505 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY 10968

All Safety, Health, Sanitary, Food, Drink, Beverage, Maximum Restaurant Capacity, Parking, Valet Parking, Fire Lane Access, Fire Code Citation, And Fire Code Violation Records

Dear Dr. Lahey and Colleagues:
 
Without limitation to the further specificity of my itemized queries hereinbelow, this FOIL request seeks all Records relating to the restaurant known as “Otto’s Full Service” alias “Otto’s” currently located at 505 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, New York 10968 USA and its principals David Kaliff and Jill Kaliff - including without limitation all safety, health, sanitary, food, and beverage Records, and all Records relating to maximum restaurant capacity, parking, valet parking, fire lane access, and fire code citations or fire code violations – from the time-period commencing Friday, May 23, 2025 through the present day.
 
My understanding is that “Otto’s Full Service” opened to the public during the summer of 2022.
 
The restaurant, David Kaliff, and Jill Kaliff are hereafter referred to herein as the “Otto’s Parties” for ease of reference.
 
You will please note that fire access violations at Otto’s were the recent subject of a Village of Piermont Board of Trustees meeting on June 16, 2026. Transcripts of the meeting, and analysis, can be found here:
https://unhandpiermont.blogspot.com/2026/07/ottos-makes-donations-to-village.html
https://unhandpiermont.blogspot.com/2026/07/incorporated-village-of-piermont-board.html
 
I am an attorney in New York, and a citizen and resident of the Town of Orangetown and the County of Rockland. Specifically, under the New York State Freedom of Information Law:
http://www.dos.ny.gov/coog/foil2.html
and, as may be applicable, its state, federal, and other counterparts, including without limitation New York Public Officers Law, Article 6, Sections 84-90, and Title 5 of the United States Code, Section 552 (collectively herein referred to as “FOIL”), request is hereby made that each of you provide to this, my law office, full and complete copies of each and every document and other item of material dated, generated, or otherwise materializing from Friday, May 23, 2025 forward to the present day (collectively, “Records”) which may be at all responsive to the following requests. I am seeking, in each case to the extent as may be existing:
 
1. Inspections. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any safety, health, sanitary, food, drink, beverage, maximum restaurant capacity, parking, valet parking, fire lane access, fire code citation, fire code violation, or other inspections of, or otherwise concerning, the subject location of 505 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, New York 10968 USA (the “Otto’s Location”), or otherwise relating to the Otto’s Parties or any of them – including without limitation all restaurant inspections, all “latest inspections”, all inspection reports, all “critical violations”, all “non-critical violations”, and all photographic, drawn, sketched, pictorial, and other visual images relating thereto.
 
2. Incidents. All Records - if any - reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to the Otto’s Location or the Otto’s Parties, and any of the following topics, items, or issues:
 
accidents
ambulance calls
cleaning access issues
construction issues
contact-surface issues
contagion
contamination
contamination sources
deficiencies
dirty handwashing facilities
dirty surface issues
dirty ventilation hoods
disrepair issues
double-stacked food containers
ductwork issues
EMS calls
environmental matters
epidemic
equipment issues
exhaust fan issues
filter issues
fire lane access
fire code citations
fire code violations
food display
food dressing
food handling
food poisoning
food preparation
food processing
food sale
food service
food storage
food transportation
garbage issues
handwashing facilities in disrepair
harborage areas
hazardous conditions
hazardous materials
hazardous waste
health matters
heated storage temperatures
hospitalizations
improper design
improper fixtures
improperly-drained floors
improperly-located handwashing facilities
improperly-sized plumbing
improperly-sized sinks
inaccessible handwashing facilities
inadequate lighting
inadequate sneeze-guards
inadequate ventilation
inadequate water pressure
incidents
infection
injuries
insect-proof construction issues
insect issues
installation issues
littered premises issues
maintenance issues
maximum restaurant capacity
measures to control insect entrance
measures to control rodent entrance
medical attention incidents
medical matters
mislabeled food
missing hand-drying devices
missing single-service towels
missing sneeze-guards
missing soap
on-floor storage of food
pandemic
parking
poisoning
pollution issues
poster issues
quality-assurance issues
quality-control issues
refrigerated temperatures
refuse issues
rodent-proof construction
rodent issues
sanitary code issues
sanitation issues
sewage issues
“spreader” events
surface-finish issues
training issues
unavailable accurate thermometers
uncovered food
unprotected food
un-provided cold running water
un-provided hot running water
unsafe conditions
unsanitary conditions
unshielded fixture issues
untoward occurrences
unused quality-assurance measures
unused quality-control measures
valet parking
vermin
 
3. Licenses, Permits, And Renewals. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any food-related, beverage-related, drink-related, or other licensure, licenses, permits, or renewals of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
4. Alcohol Licenses, Permits, And Renewals. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any alcohol-related or other licensure, licenses, permits, or renewals of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
5. Applications And Renewals. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any applications or renewals for licenses, permits, or other permissions, of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties or any of them – including without limitation the applications themselves.
 
6. “Retail Licenses”, Permits, And Renewals. Specifically, all Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any “retail licenses”, licensure, permits, or renewals of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them – including without limitation the licenses themselves.
 
7. Adverse Actions Against Licenses Or Permits. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any license, permit, or other suspensions, cancellations, revocations, or terminations, of or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them – if any.
 
8. License Transfers. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any transfer of any retail license or other transfers of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
9. Premises Expansions Or Real Estate Sales Or Transfers. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any premises expansions or real estate sales or transfers of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
10. Objections. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any objections to expansions, transfers, or other proposed or completed actions by, of, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
11. Stock. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any “stockholding”, stockholder, or other equity-holder information or changes thereto, of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
12. Property Documentation. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any property record, property title, or other property documentation of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
13. Insurance Or Bonding Documentation. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any insurance or bonding documentation of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
14. Tax Documentation. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any tax, tax payment, tax history, tax credit, tax arrearage, tax warrant, or other tax-related documentation of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
15. Fee Documentation. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any fee, fee payment, fee history, fee credit, fee arrearage, or other fee-related documentation of, by, for, or otherwise concerning the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
16. Employment, Labor, And Immigration Matters. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any other labor, employment, or immigration matters of, or otherwise concerning, the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
17. Complaints. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any customer, patron, consumer, or other complaints about, concerning, or otherwise relating to the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them – if any.
 
18. Proceedings. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any administrative, legal, or other proceedings about, concerning, or otherwise relating to the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them – if any.
 
19. Claims And Litigations. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any claims, mediations, arbitrations, or litigations about, concerning, or otherwise relating to the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them – if any.
 
20. Enforcement Actions. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any enforcement actions or comparable actions against, about, concerning, or otherwise relating to the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them – if any.
 
21. Fines Or Other Penalties. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any fines, citations, tickets, civil penalties, criminal penalties, administrative penalties, or other penalties assessed against or otherwise imposed upon the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them – if any.
 
22. Violations. All Records reflecting, referencing, or otherwise relating to any violation, “reporting violation”, claimed violation, or other past, present, future, or anticipated violation, breach, or other transgression of federal, state, county, town, local, or other ordinance, rule, regulation, requirement, statute, other law, or standard - including without limitation any violation of rules, regulations, or other laws enforced by the Village of Piermont, your Rockland County Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health, or any building authority, zoning authority, or code enforcement authority - as relating to the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them, if any, and including without limitation New York State Sanitary Code Subpart 14-1:
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/food_safety/regs.htm
 
23. E-Mails And Correspondence. All Records of any e-mails, memos, notes, correspondence, or other writings to, from, referencing, or otherwise relating to the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
24. Land Use. All land use Records such as those constituting or relating to applications, approvals, bonding,  building, certified plans, code enforcement, complaints, compliance vel non, construction, engineering, environmental concerns, erosion, escrows, financing, inspections, insurance, intended land use, land disturbance, neighborhood opposition, permissions, permits, planning, sediment control, sedimentation, soil conservation, stop-work orders, stormwater management, taxation, variances, and zoning, including inter alia e-mails, minutes, resolutions, and deliberative materials, relating to the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
25. E-Mails And Correspondence. Specifically, I am seeking all Records of any e-mails, memos, notes, correspondence, documents, or other writings to, from, referencing, or otherwise relating to the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
26. All Other Records. Specifically, I am seeking all other Records of any other kind or nature relating to the Otto’s Parties, the Otto’s Location, or any of them.
 
27. Definition Of “Records”. “Records” should be construed in the broadest sense and manner possible and should include “any information kept, held, filed, produced or reproduced by, with or for (your agency or office)... in any physical form whatsoever...” (FOIL,§86[4]) including without limitation all audio recordings, blog posts, correspondence, data maintained electronically, data, e-mails, executive summaries, extracts, faxes, instant messages, Internet posts, letters, log-book entries, memos, paper records, personal messages, social media communications, spreadsheets, summaries, synopses, telephone records, test-reports, visual recordings, and any other materials:
http://www.dos.ny.gov/coog/foil2.html#s86
 
28. Headings And Subheadings. The headings and subheadings used in this letter are for convenience of reference purposes only, and should not be construed to be words of limitation or otherwise of any substantive significance relative to this FOIL request.
 
29. Costs. If there are any copying or other fees for this, please let me know what they are and how they are calculated, before filling the request and forwarding the Records to me. As this FOIL should be considered a matter of public importance, and as its results will be shared with the general public and published, I am asking that any otherwise-applicable fees be waived for this document-production. I am also asking that all documents be provided to me electronically to the full extent possible, so as to obviate the need for any photocopying expense.
 
30. Denials And Appeals. In the event that any portion of my request is denied, please inform me of each of the specific reasons for any such denial in writing - and provide me with the name, address, and other contact information of the person or entity to whom an appeal should be directed.
 
31. Additional Requests. This FOIL request is not intended to be exhaustive, and I may make additional and follow-up requests.
 
I will appreciate a response from you and your office as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
 
Very truly yours,

John J. Tormey III, Esq.
 
cc:
VIA FAX: 1-518-474-1927, U.S. MAIL, and E-MAIL:
coog@dos.ny.gov
NYS Committee on Open Government (COOG)
Department of State
One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 650
Albany, New York 12231 USA

You Would Be, Too.

Yeah, I'll BET Otto's "Makes Donations To The Village".

Law Office of John J. Tormey III, Esq.

John J. Tormey III, PLLC
1578 Third Avenue, PMB 188
New York, New York 10128 USA
(212) 410-4142 (phone)
(212) 410-2380 (fax)
jtormey@optonline.net
https://www.tormey.org
 
Monday, July 6, 2026
 
VIA FAX: 1-845-364-2628, U.S. MAIL, and E-MAIL:
RCDOHAdmin@co.rockland.ny.us
Commissioner Mary P. Leahy
Rockland County Department of Health a/k/a

Rockland County Health Department (RCDOH)
Robert Yeager Health Complex
50 Sanatorium Road, Building D
Pomona, New York 10970 USA
 
VIA FAX: 1-845-364-3777, U.S. MAIL, and E-MAIL:
obcmain@co.rockland.ny.us
BuildingsAndCodes@co.rockland.ny.us
Director Ed Markunas
Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes (OBC)
Robert Yeager Health Complex
50 Sanatorium Road, Building A
Pomona, New York 10970 USA
 
VIA FAX: 1-845-364-8961, U.S. MAIL, and E-MAIL:
rcftc@co.rockland.ny.us
Christopher G. Kear, Director
Rockland County Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Fire Training Center
35 Firemen’s Memorial Drive
Pomona, New York 10970 USA
 
Re:      

Otto’s “Full Service” Restaurant

505 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, New York 10968 USA
 
Dear Commissioner Leahy, Director Markunas, and Director Kear:
 
I am writing each of you to ask that your respective offices please carefully examine health and safety concerns regarding the Piermont, New York restaurant known as “Otto’s Full Service” and its apparent proprietor, manager, spokesman, or representative, one David Kaliff.
 
Comments from Mr. Kaliff and local Piermont public officials were put on public record on June 16, 2026 at the Village of Piermont Board of Trustees Meeting (“June 16 Meeting”). I believe these comments will concern each of you. The comments definitely concerned me. Perhaps you are already apprised of these same comments. The full transcript of the June 16 Meeting minutes (“Transcript”) can be found attached and enclosed to this letter, and also here at these electronic links:
https://unhandpiermont.blogspot.com/2026/07/incorporated-village-of-piermont-board.html
https://www.piermont-ny.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06162026-113
 
Specifically:
 
Item #3 (“Department Reports”) and Item #9 (“Review Parking For Otto’s Restaurant”) cite a lengthy history of at least a year-and-a-half, regarding the rear of the Otto’s property and access and parking concerns. In the Transcript, you will read how so-called “valet vehicles” of the restaurant’s “valet operations” were repeatedly left to obstruct a sprinkler connection, a fire hydrant, and a fire lane otherwise reserved for ladder truck emergency access. While Item #3 (“Department Reports”) explicitly mentions notification of these alarming problems to a Piermont Village Fire Inspector, to the Piermont Police Department, and to one Phil Griffin, I see no mention therein of any notification of these problems to Rockland County or New York State authorities.
 
Hence this letter.
 
Additionally, colloquy transcribed in Item #3 (“Department Reports”) appears to suggest that fire zone signage in the Village of Piermont is insufficient or defective. It also appears that, for some reason at least through the date of the above-linked June 16 Meeting, Otto’s “valet parking locations” had yet to be moved to allow for the legally-required fire lane and emergency access. Worse yet, it is astounding that for some inane reason, Village of Piermont officials think of themselves as beholden to a private citizen in the form of Mr. Griffin in order to deter vehicles from blocking fire zones. See Item #9 (“Review Parking For Otto’s Restaurant”). It is difficult to imagine a weaker manifestation of local government, than this.
 
You will also please note that Item #9 (“Review Parking For Otto’s Restaurant”) leaves uncertain the extent of Mr. Kaliff’s own responsibility vel non for the parking and fire zone problems at Otto’s. Mr. Kaliff does acknowledge that he purchased the subject property, yet it is unclear whether he may have sold the property since as some social media posts previously indicated. See Item #9 (“Review Parking For Otto’s Restaurant”).
 
In any event, the fact that Mr. Kaliff apologized on the public governmental record, for “the incidents that occurred” over the weekend of what was presumably June 12 through June 14, 2026, does suggest that Mr. Kaliff maintains at least some control and accountability therefor. See Item #9 (“Review Parking For Otto’s Restaurant”). Yet in the self-same June 16 Meeting session before the Piermont Village Board of Trustees, as you will see in the Transcript, Mr. Kaliff proffered the excuse that “the valet company frequently sends different employees” – his lame attempt at justification for why fire lane and emergency access has been repeatedly blocked behind the Otto’s property in clear violation of code and law. See Item #3 (“Department Reports”).
 
In the Transcript, Mr. Kaliff proceeds to indicate that 500 people dined at Otto’s on Mother’s Day, presumably meaning Sunday, May 10, 2026. This statement led Piermont Mayor Nathan Mitchell to rightfully query Mr. Kaliff: (A) regarding the RCDOH-mandated maximum occupancy of 180 at Otto’s including its outdoor seating, and (B) regarding how Otto’s could possibly have approximately 300 seats nevertheless. See Item #9 (“Review Parking For Otto’s Restaurant”).
 
While in response Mr. Kaliff acknowledged on record that “the restaurant cannot legally exceed the Department of Health’s occupancy limit” and that “operating beyond the permitted occupancy would be illegal and could result in enforcement action by the [Rockland County] Department of Health” - the question to each of you is whether these were merely self-serving ipse dixit statements on the part of Mr. Kaliff and therefore Otto’s, intended as summarily exculpatory. 

After all, there is already sufficient evidence in the Transcript alone that the valet parking and fire access problems at Otto’s have occurred on a repeat basis, particularly given Mr. Kaliff’s express apology therein for those multiple incidents, and his admission on record therein that “Sundays present[]… the greatest challenge”. The Transcript also makes it clear that concerns regarding fire access behind the Otto’s property have subsisted for at least one and one-half years – and for whatever it is worth, Google’s AI mode indicates that “Otto's Full Service has provided valet parking since it first opened its doors in July 2022”. See also Item #9 (“Review Parking For Otto’s Restaurant”).
 
Moreover, and the most troubling aspect of the Transcript in my view - there is now at least one Kaliff-uttered insinuation on record, that Mr. Kaliff and Otto’s somehow believe that they can effectively buy themselves out of these serious safety concerns - with money:
 

“Mr. Kaliff also discussed the property tax, stating that he pays approximately $36,000 annually in Village taxes and has made donations to the Village.” 

[Emphasis supplied]. See Item #9 (“Review Parking For Otto’s Restaurant”).

 
The first and most obvious questions here are, how much money in “donations”, “donations” when, “donations” to whom, and “donations” for what stated purpose at the time? Was this cash in an envelope, or was it a documented money-trail? Is Mr. Kaliff suggesting that the silence of the Village on fire code violations has already been well-bought by sufficient price? 

And for that matter, since when did “donations to the Village” constitute any form of substitute for providing for and assuring the health and safety of those human beings who dine at Otto’s – particularly those innocent patrons who might have had no prior knowledge of the manner in which Otto’s “valet parking” has apparently obstructed fire lane and emergency access repeatedly, and therefore repeatedly put previously-unsuspecting Otto’s patrons at risk?
 
The health and safety of restaurant patrons at Otto’s in Piermont, as well as anywhere else, is a grave and solemn responsibility. It’s Mr. Kaliff’s responsibility, by his own acknowledgment in the Transcript. It’s the property owner’s responsibility. It’s Otto’s responsibility. It’s the Village of Piermont’s responsibility. And as far as I am aware, and with all due respect, it’s your responsibility as well, as the senior officials in Rockland County with jurisdiction over the matter in part or in whole.
 
Yet the comments put on public record on June 16, 2026 by Otto’s Mr. Kaliff, and by the public officials in the Village of Piermont, afford no confidence whatsoever that the health, safety, and fire access problems with Otto’s “Full Service” will be properly rectified anytime soon.
 
Accordingly, I am asking each of you to please intercede, provide oversight, and carefully examine the situation - since this problem thusfar appears to be well beyond the candlepower of the individuals in Piermont responsible for fixing it. A mass casualty incident of 500 people, 300 people, or even 180 people, would be a totally unacceptable catastrophe - not to mention totally preventable relative to Otto’s vainglorious and wholly-unnecessary boast of “valet parking”.
 
I am certain that each of you are already well-aware of past health-related problems at Otto’s “Full Service” noted previously:
https://unhandpiermont.blogspot.com/2025/05/ottos-full-service-in-piermont-insects.html
https://unhandpiermont.blogspot.com/2025/05/ottos-out-of-service-piermont-new-york.html
In fact, my next step will be to update my prior FOIL requests seeking all health-related and safety-related records of Otto’s through the present day and publish them, as it is clearly in the interests of all intended restaurant patrons to know about these things in a more comprehensive fashion.
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
 
Respectfully submitted,

John J. Tormey III, Esq.

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF PIERMONT - BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING - June 16, 2026.

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF PIERMONT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
June 16, 2026
 
Present: Mayor Nathan Mitchell, Deputy Mayor Mark Blomquist, Trustee Jeff Gordon, Trustee Kate McCabe, Trustee Michael Wright, Dennis Michaels - Village Attorney, and Jennifer DeYorgi Maher Village Clerk-Treasurer.
 
Mayor Nathan Mitchell called the meeting to order and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Item #1 Approval Of Meeting Minutes

Trustee McCabe made a motion to approve the minutes for June 2, 2026. The motion was seconded by Trustee Wright and carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
 
Item #2 Approval Of Warrant

Trustee Blomquist made a motion to approve Warrant #052526 in the amount of $85,329.62 and Warrant #061626 in the amount of $835,024.99 for a grand total of $920,354.61. The motion was seconded by Trustee Gordon and carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
 
Item #3 Department Reports

Police Department - Chief Hurley stated that during the month of June there is a total of 70 summonses being issued, and 414 incident reports were completed. Of these incidents, 64 occurred in Grand View, with the remaining 358 taking place in Piermont.
 
Fire Department – 1st Fire Chief Goswick stated that the Piermont Fire Department responded to 169 calls. He also informed the Board that the Department went to Lake George, where the Piermont Fire Department’s ladder truck earned First Place statewide, and the Department received Second Place for Dress Uniform in the Fire Service competition. 

Chief Goswick advised the Board that he received a text message from Phil Griffin regarding a parking issue behind Otto’s. He explained that approximately a year and a half ago, he, Police Chief Hurley, and Building Inspector Charles Schaub inspected the rear of the property, where the Fire Department’s sprinkler connection is located. At that time, a no-parking area was painted below the sprinkler connection. 

Chief Goswick stated that valet vehicles had recently been parked against the building and directly across from the fire hydrant, creating an obstruction. He reviewed the required parking clearance from a hydrant and provided photographs of the parked vehicles to the Board.
 
Chief Goswick stated that he notified the Village Fire Inspector and the Piermont Police Department and received permission from Phil Griffin to have the vehicles towed. He emphasized that the rear of the building should be designated as a fire lane to ensure emergency access for the ladder truck. 

He further recommended that all fire zones in the Village be properly marked as “Fire Zone – No Parking” rather than simply “No Parking”, noting that proper signage would allow vehicles to be ticketed or towed when necessary. Chief Goswick stated that he met with Otto’s valet staff and manager the day before the meeting and discussed alternative valet parking locations. He reiterated that the entire rear section of the property should be designated as a fire lane.
 
Mayor Mitchell stated that the area is located on private property and explained that the Piermont Police Department is currently unable to issue parking tickets because it is designated only as a no-parking zone. He stated that if the area were designated as a fire zone, enforcement would be permitted. 

Police Chief Hurley stated that while the designation is not currently addressed in Village Code, enforcement action may still be taken if vehicles create a safety hazard, such as blocking access to a fire hydrant. 

Chief Goswick added that he and Chief Hurley reviewed the Orangetown Code and suggested the Village review it. 

Village Attorney Dennis Michaels reiterated that, as discussed at previous meetings, enforcement on private property requires the property owner’s request or authorization.
 
Mayor Mitchell stated that the Village intends to enter into a signed agreement with Phil Griffin authorizing the Piermont Police Department to issue parking tickets for illegally parked vehicles and vehicles parked in designated fire zones on the property. He stated that he would follow up with Mr. Griffin regarding the agreement.
 
Building Department – Building Inspector Charles Schaub stated that he spoke with David Kaliff from Otto’s regarding the ongoing parking issues. David explained that one of the problems is that the valet company frequently sends different employees. 

Building Inspector Schaub stated that he contacted the valet company directly, explained the situation, and advised them that the current practices cannot continue. 

Building Inspector Schaub reported that the Town of Orangetown has identified approximately 1,400 properties for review as part of its parkland assessment. He stated that Town representatives visited the Village to inspect the property below the trail. He noted that Slattery’s had cleaned up the property, allowing sufficient access for emergency vehicles. He explained that, years ago, the Planning Board requested adequate space to ensure that ambulances and other emergency vehicles could access and turn around on the property. Building Inspector Schaub stated that Orangetown questioned why the area had been so extensively cleared and was informed that the work was completed to maintain emergency vehicle access. Mayor Mitchell stated that the property is part of the Clark Rail Trail system and is owned by the Town of Orangetown. Mayor Mitchell and Building Inspector Schaub discussed the Village Green property and Orangetown’s involvement. Building Inspector Schaub explained the ownership of the Village Green property located at the end of the trail.
 
Mayor Mitchell asked whether Building Inspector Schaub had reviewed the General Municipal Law (GML) referral from Orangetown regarding 145 Tweed Boulevard. Building Inspector Schaub responded that he had not yet reviewed it. Mayor Mitchell expressed concerns regarding erosion control and stormwater management at the property and stated that he intended to discuss with the Board whether the Village should submit a letter to the Town of Orangetown discussing its concerns. Building Inspector Schaub stated that he and Village Engineer Bart Rodi would prepare a letter for Orangetown. Village Attorney Dennis Michaels explained the General Municipal Law (GML) referral process, noting that multiple municipal departments may provide comments or opinions on a GML referral. Mayor Mitchell stated that he would first like to start with the opinions of Building Inspector Schaub and Village Engineer Bart Rodi.
 
Department of Public – Superintendent Tom Temple was not present.
 
Item #4 Old Business

Village Clerk-Treasurer - Stated that she forwarded an email to the Mayor and Board from Hank Hovorka from TWK Market for them to review. She stated that Usha Wright notified her that Dr. Phil Tierno is resigning from the ZBA.
 
Mayor Mitchell had old business to discuss.
 
Deputy Mayor Blomquist had no old business to discuss. Trustee Gordon had no old business to discuss.

Trustee McCabe had no old business to discuss. Trustee Wright had no old business to discuss.

Item #5 New Business

Village Clerk-Treasurer stated that Village taxes are due by June 30 without penalty. She also reminded the Board that, during the summer months, only one Board of Trustees meeting will be held in both July and August. She informed the Board the MS4 interns are working in the Village, they have been working with the Village Engineer Bart Rodi and Building Inspector Charles Schaub. She informed the Board that she received an email from Peter Metzler regarding the Village’s noise regulations. She also advised the Board that she received a letter from Thomas Hughes addressed to the Mayor and Board of Trustees.
 
Mayor Mitchell reported that a member of the Transportation and Parking Commission had resigned. He stated that he would like to appoint Charlie Redmen to fill the unexpired term of Paul Kadin. Mayor Mitchell requested the Board’s authorization to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a vendor to provide vending machines at four Village locations: Goswick Pavilion, the Boathouse at the end of the Pier, the Skating Pond, and the Train Station.
 
Trustee Gordon made a motion to authorize the issuance of an RFP for vending machines at Goswick Pavilion, the Boat House at the end of the Pier, the Skating Pond and the Train Station. The motion was seconded by Trustee McCabe and carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
 
Mayor Mitchell stated that the construction fence surrounding the triangle lot is in the process of being removed. He stated that the owner of the open space outside the wooden-fenced portion of the property has granted permission for volunteers to clean up the area. He noted that a sign-up sheet is available for those interested in participating. Mayor Mitchell also reported that the owner of the Paper Place and Spruce Street properties has scheduled June 29, 2026, as the date for repaving those streets.
 
Deputy Mayor Blomquist had no new business to discuss. Trustee Gordon had no new business to discuss.

Trustee McCabe had no new business to discuss.
 
Trustee Wright asked, “why is the wooden fence on the triangle lot across the street only on a section of the property?” Mayor Mitchell stated because that is the section that the developers own.
 
Item #6 Public Comment

None
 
Item #7 Request From William Hickey To Have The DPW Garage Dedicated To His Father John W. Hickey

William Hickey spoke about his family’s long history in the Village of Piermont and noted that he is a life member of the Piermont Fire Department. William Hickey discussed the history of the original Department of Public Works (DPW) garage and noted that his father served as the Village’s Superintendent of Public Works for many years. Mr. Hickey reiterated his desire to preserve the Hickey family’s legacy in the Village and ensure that its history is not forgotten. He requested that the Department of Public Works (DPW) garage be dedicated in honor of his father, John W. Hickey. He stated that he has obtained approximately 20 signatures on a petition supporting the request.
 
Mayor Mitchell stated that the Village’s Capital Budget includes funding to replace the roof of the DPW garage. He noted that once the renovations are complete, the Village could hold a dedication ceremony. Mayor Mitchell further stated that having two dedications for the same family within one year may be excessive. However, he added that dedicating the DPW garage in honor of John W. Hickey “makes a lot of sense” to him.
 
Trustee Gordon made a motion to dedicate the DPW Garage in honor of John W. Hickey. The motion was seconded by Trustee Wright and carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
 
Item #8 Request From William Hickey To Have The Piermont Police Department Dedicated To His Great Grandfather James Hickey Who Was The First Constable In The Village Of Piermont In The Early 1900’s

William Hickey spoke about his great-grandfather’s history in the Village of Piermont, noting that he passed away on January 17, 1917, at the age of 59. He discussed his family’s long-standing roots in Rockland County, stating that his great-grandfather served as a Rockland County Sheriff and was a member of the Empire Hose Company. Mayor Mitchell stated that he would be happy to work with Police Chief Hurley on a future dedication. However, he reiterated his position that one dedication per family per year is appropriate.
 
Item #9 Review Parking For Otto’s Restaurant

Mayor Mitchell addressed the issue of vehicles being parked in the fire zones behind Otto’s with Mr. David Kaliff. Mr. Kaliff apologized for the incidents that occurred over the weekend, stating that the Police Department has his contact information and that he is always available if issues arise. 

Mr. Kaliff reviewed the off-street parking available for his customers, explaining that the property has 25 parking spaces associated with it, including 22 grandfathered spaces and three spaces that he previously agreed to provide to the Village at the request of former Mayor Tucker. Those three spaces consist of two standard parking spaces and one handicapped space, which he considers part of the property’s overall parking inventory. 

Mr. Kaliff stated that he is also in discussions with the library and Pamaya Red regarding additional parking arrangements. He reviewed the restaurant’s seating capacity, including indoor dining, outdoor seating, and the bar area, noting that not all seating areas are utilized simultaneously. He stated that the Rockland County Department of Health permits a maximum occupancy of 180 patrons, including outdoor seating, but that the restaurant typically serves approximately 80 guests on Wednesdays and Thursdays and between 125 and 175 guests on Fridays. 

He added that while approximately 500 people dined at the restaurant on Mother’s Day, they arrived in shifts throughout the day rather than all at once. Mr. Kaliff stated that the restaurant’s typical hours are 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends. He believes there is generally sufficient parking available, with Sundays presenting the greatest challenge, and offered to review point-of-sale data to demonstrate customer traffic patterns.
 
Mayor Mitchell confirmed that the Department of Health’s permitted occupancy of 180 which includes outdoor seating. He questioned how the restaurant could have approximately 300 seats when the Department of Health only permits 180 occupants. 

Mr. Kaliff responded that while the physical seating may exceed 180, the restaurant cannot legally exceed the Department of Health’s occupancy limit. He stated that operating beyond the permitted occupancy would be illegal and could result in enforcement action by the Department of Health. 

Mayor Mitchell and Mr. Kaliff discussed the property’s grandfathered parking spaces, including the history of the property, its previous owners, and prior uses that resulted in the grandfathered status. Mr. Kaliff also discussed the property tax, stating that he pays approximately $36,000 annually in Village taxes and has made donations to the Village. He emphasized that the grandfathered parking spaces were part of the property when he purchased it. 

The discussion continued regarding the illegal parking that occurred over the weekend. Mr. Kaliff stated the incident as an isolated occurrence and stated that he had already spoken with the restaurant managers, valets, and the valet company, making it clear that vehicles may not be left in the fire zones behind the building, as the area is not a parking lot. 

Mayor Mitchell stated that Mr. Phil Griffin had provided photographs documenting the illegally parked vehicles and stated that he does not want cars parked in the fire zones. Mayor Mitchell stated he wants to meet with Building Inspector Charles Schaub and Mr. Kaliff to walk the property and establish an accurate count of available parking spaces. He also stated that if Mr. Kaliff has agreements with neighboring property owners to provide additional parking, copies of those agreements should be submitted to the Village to be kept on file.
 
Mayor Mitchell again questioned the number of grandfathered parking spaces. Mr. Kaliff reiterated that the property has 22 grandfathered spaces and that the three spaces previously provided to the Village bring the total parking inventory to 25 spaces. He stated that his goal is to secure a total of 60 parking spaces and that he will continue discussions with the library regarding additional parking opportunities. 

Mayor Mitchell thanked Mr. Kaliff for attending the meeting. He stated that he intends to research the property’s grandfathered parking rights and reiterated his desire to establish a definitive parking count, taking into consideration the restaurant’s valet operations.
 
Item #10 Resolution To Authorize The Mayor To Enter Into An Agreement With The County Of Rockland On Behalf Of The RCDAO LEAD Program In Which The Piermont Police Department Will Receive $5,000.00 For Participation In The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program Project Connect

Trustee Gordon made a motion to authorize the Mayor Mitchell to enter into an agreement with the County of Rockland on behalf of the RCDAO LEAD Program in which the Piermont Police Department will receive $5,000.00 for participation in the Law enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program Project Connect. The motion was seconded by Trustee McCabe and carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
 
Item #11 Review Draft Of Proposed Local Law To Establish A Landscaper Registry As A New Article IX Of Village Code Chapter 154 (Property Maintenance) And Schedule A Public Hearing

Trustee Gordon stated that he did not see a provision in the proposed Landscaper Registry requiring proof of insurance. Trustee Wright asked whether insurance is required by Rockland County for contractors. Village Attorney Dennis Michaels stated that insurance is required for home improvement contractors but was unsure whether Rockland County requires insurance for landscapers. Building Inspector Charles Schaub explained that under County law, all contractors performing residential work must be licensed. He stated that for commercial properties, only plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors are required to hold a Rockland County license. He added that contractors working on commercial properties are required to carry insurance, but they are not required to obtain a Rockland County contractor’s license. He also explained the distinction between residential and commercial properties, including how multiple dwellings are classified.
 
Trustee Wright asked if there should be something in the agreement that defines commercial property vs. residential property. Mayor Mitchell stated that Building Inspector Charles Schuab is making the distinction between residential landscapers and commercial landscapers vs. working on commercial or residential properties. He stated that he did not believe such a distinction was necessary in the proposed local law because its purpose is to establish a landscaper registry. Village Attorney Michaels stated that if the Village attempted to address all those distinctions within the local law, it would expand from a two-and-a-half-page local law into a much more extensive code. He explained that the purpose of the registry is simply to maintain a record of landscapers operating within the Village. He added that the registry could serve as a first step toward the future adoption of additional local laws addressing landscaping issues, such as gas-powered leaf blowers, and emphasized that the registry is not intended to replace the Rockland County Consumer Protection licensing requirements. Trustee Wright asked how the Village would know whether a landscaper was registered. Building Inspector Charles Schaub responded that the Building Department would verify registration through inspections and suggested issuing bumper stickers to registered landscapers for identification. Mayor Mitchell expressed concern that many landscapers operate multiple vehicles, making a single bumper sticker impractical. Building Inspector Schaub suggested charging a fee for additional stickers to accommodate multiple vehicles. Mayor Mitchell directed the Village Attorney to amend the proposed local law to include a provision stating that insurance coverage will be verified.
 
Trustee Blomquist made a motion to schedule proposed Public Hearing Local Law to establish a Landscaper Registry as a new Article IX of Village Code Chapter 154 (Property Maintenance). The motion was seconded by Trustee Wright and carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
 
Item #12 Review Cyber Security Proposal From VJ Networks For The Village Of Piermont

Moved to July 14, 2026, Village Board Meeting.
 
Item #13 Adjournment

Trustee Gordon made a motion at 8:05 p.m. to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Trustee Wright and carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer DeYorgi Maher
Clerk-Treasurer

Don't Bother. They're Here.

Pointing Out Piermont Bigotry.

Marthe Schulwolf And The Piermont Democratic Committee: NYSAG Complaint Number #1-1281771102.