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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Westchester County Board of Legislators Regular Meeting - October 19, 2026

Board of Legislators & Committees — Monday, October 19, 2026

BodyWestchester County, New York

SessionBoard of Legislators & Committees

DateMonday, October 19, 2026

StatusNEW · FILED

Video Record

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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:08

This webinar is being recorded and summarized.

0:12

That's how

Speaker 2

0:12

we know we're getting started.

0:14

Good evening, everybody, and welcome to the board's annual celebration of Italian American Heritage Month.

0:20

We're here to appreciate the many ways in which Italian Americans have shaped and continue to shape life in Westchester.

0:27

For generations, families of Italian descent have helped build Westchester.

0:33

The county's neighborhoods and businesses, its churches and civil groups, and yes, some of its very best kitchens

Unassigned speaker

0:40

that

Speaker 2

0:40

have been taken over by Albanians.

0:54

The love of family, the dignity of hard work, and a deep commitment to community.

1:01

First, we have Senator Nicholas Spano, who served in Westchester for 28 years in the New York State Assembly and the State Senate.

1:10

Proud to welcome him to this chamber where his father, Leonard Spano, served uh for the board, on the board, rather, uh, for over two decades for more than two decades.

1:21

And also here to uh uh with us today is Dave Fran uh Franci, a first generation Italian American.

1:29

Um he founded the West Harrison Fitness Center in 1979, and uh has spent decades bringing music to this community from the St.

1:39

Anthony of Padua Festa to Harrison's free summer concerts in different ways.

1:47

Each of them has drawn on their heritage to make Westchester a better place for everyone who calls it home.

1:53

Um we first invite um legislator James Nolan to introduce the first nominee.

Speaker 3

2:12

Good evening, everyone.

2:13

It's a great honor to be here tonight as we celebrate Italian Heritage Month and to recognize an individual or individuals who have dedicated so much time to their public life to the community, and that is Senator Nick Spano.

2:28

Senator Spano has spent decades serving the people of Yonkers and Westchester County, both as an elected official and dedicated community leader.

2:37

Throughout his career, Nick has remained proud of his Italian American roots and has worked to keep the tradition, culture, and values of our Italian American community alive for the fortune of general future generations, whether through public service, supporting local organizations, or bringing people together.

2:58

Senator Spano has always demonstrated the importance of giving back to the community to help shape them.

3:04

During his 20 years in New York State Senate from 1987 to 2006, Senator Spano has a tireless advocate for Yonkers and the community through Westchester County.

3:16

Rising to the position of majority leader, Senator Spano worked to ensure that communities have a strong voice in Albany.

3:24

He fought to secure state funding support local organizations and approve lives of residents, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities.

3:34

Through his time in public office, Senator Spano never forgot where he came from.

3:39

His years in the State Center helped establish a legacy of public service that continues to benefit our community today.

3:48

As someone married into an Italian-American family, because I know if I don't mention that, my wife will see and be very upset.

3:56

I understand how important it is to preserve our heritage, honor the sacrifices for those who came before us and pass the traditions down to our children and grandchildren.

4:08

Senator, thank you for your service, for your friendship and your continued dedication to our community.

4:15

It is my privilege to recognize you tonight as an outstanding contribution to Westchester County and to American Italian American Heritage.

4:25

Congratulations, Senator Spano.

4:43

Senator, I'm happy to announce that you now have October 29th.

4:54

Thank you.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

Thank you very much to my county legislator Jim Nolan, uh Ms.

Speaker 4

5:03

Chairman, uh members of the board.

5:05

Uh it's uh let me just first say that my honor to share uh this recognition this evening with Dave French and all the members of his family who are here uh and to say that it's it's a nostalgic time for me to walk into here.

5:20

I haven't walked into this chamber probably in 25 years.

5:24

Uh my father served as Radat said for over 20 years

Unassigned speaker

5:29

here,

Speaker 4

5:29

uh serving as chair of the budget committee.

Unassigned speaker

5:32

Speaker 4

5:32

so it's very very nostalgic, and my brother Michael uh served here as

Unassigned speaker

5:36

well

Speaker 4

5:37

uh as a county legislator.

5:39

Uh so it's uh it's it's a real pleasure for me to uh to be here and I uh it's certainly uh uh just walking in.

5:49

Well I just felt my father's presence uh as as we walked in there.

5:53

Uh so the you know people talk about the Spano family, you know, because we're we've been involved in government uh and public service for decades.

6:04

Uh, and people say uh, you know, it's it's a magical uh name.

Unassigned speaker

6:10

Well,

Speaker 4

6:10

I'll tell you the magic of the Spano family name came from a guy named Nick Spano, not me, but my grandfather,

Unassigned speaker

6:17

uh,

Speaker 4

6:18

who came here from Body Italy in 1916 uh with a dream uh with no money in his pocket uh and came to Southwest Jonkers and delivered ice and coal uh with a uh with a horse and wagon and then went into kerosene and fuel oil and built a business that was a very successful business.

6:40

That reputation in Southwest Chiacos is what enabled my dad to run for office, me to run for office, my father, my brother to uh to run for office, and it was that reputation that was built on hard

Unassigned speaker

6:53

work

Speaker 4

6:54

and knowing that like so many other immigrant uh families and so many uh uh that who came to who come to this country seeking the American dream.

7:05

Uh and and it and it makes it makes it why we have this beautiful beautiful mosaic called America.

7:12

Uh so I'm I'm c I'm very happy, I'm proud uh to uh have this recognition this evening.

7:19

I uh I humbly accept that and say thank you very much to especially the members of the of the county legislature for your help and your support.

7:28

And and to Dave, congratulations as well.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural████████████████████████24%

Italian American Heritage Month██████████████████████22%

Affordable Housing██████████10%

Public Safety████████8%

Memorial Resolutions████████8%

Public Transportation██████6%

Energy Policy█████5%

Flood Mitigation████4%

Appointments████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Westchester County Board of Legislators Regular Meeting - October 19, 2026

The Westchester County Board of Legislators held its regular meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Legislative Chamber of the Michaelian Office Building. The meeting was called to order at 7:11 PM following an Italian American Heritage Celebration and recessed until 7:35 PM for the formal agenda. Chair Vedat Gashi presided, with 16 members present and Legislator Alvarado absent. The meeting included public comment, five public hearings, multiple committee reports, and unanimous votes on all actions taken.

Consent Calendar

Agenda Changes: The consent agenda was amended to add the Legislation Committee to items 2026-501, 2026-502, 2026-521, and 2026-522, and to add the Infrastructure & Housing Committee to item 2026-507. The consent agenda was adopted unanimously (16-0).
Minutes Approval: The minutes of the September 28, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

Four speakers addressed the Board:

Dr. Major Tom (District 14): Raised concerns about cooperative board corruption, judicial system failures, and the illegality and health hazards of high-intensity LED lights. He alleged that Yonkers corporate counsel withheld body camera specifications and that courts have failed to enforce orders.
Joe Cinquimani (New Rochelle): Expressed full support for recommissioning the Indian Point nuclear plant, arguing that shutting it down caused 70% higher energy bills in Westchester and that renewable energy cannot meet industrial demand.
Dan Demico (Yonkers, real estate broker): Called for legislation to cap cooperative apartment application fees, which he stated can reach $1,200–$1,500, while state law limits rental credit checks to $20. He also urged mandatory cameras-on for remote legislators and criticized a $9 million solar canopy at Croton Park, suggesting instead that funds address homelessness and affordable housing.
Erica Bakchi (Fairview): Questioned the lack of transparency and implementation of flood mitigation funds allocated under District 8 Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, stating that $24 million over six years has not been effectively spent. She also noted that flooding reduces property values by 3%–40%.

Public Hearings

Five public hearings were conducted consecutively after 7:30 PM. No members of the public registered to speak on any of them. Each was declared closed by Majority Leader Holstein and the regular order resumed.

Saw Mill Valley Sanitary Sewer District Modification – Removal of two parcels at 52 and 62 Larrys Lane, Mount Pleasant.
Septage Removal Reimbursement – Local Law amending Section 237.311 to set a three-year deadline for reimbursement applications and extend the program until August 31, 2032.
Real Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens – Local Law amending Section 470.11 to expand exemptions.
Red Light Camera Demonstration Program – Local Law amending Section 709.31 to allow cameras at state-authorized intersections.
Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection Licensing – Local Law amending Section 826-a.200 to broaden food waste hauler licensing.

Discussion Items

Appointments (Multiple): The Board unanimously approved appointments to the Women's Advisory Board (Acacia Mauriello), Parks, Recreation & Conservation Board (Robert Cummings), Traffic Safety Board (Nzingha Milanes), Board of Plumbing Examiners (Craig McGlinchey, Hernane DeAlmeida – deferred to next meeting), and Youth Board (Denver Boone, Alana Innocent). All passed 16-0.
Sewer District Modification (2026-409, 2026-410): Environmental resolution and act to remove two parcels from the Saw Mill Valley Sanitary Sewer District, noting neither is connected to sewer service. Passed 16-0.
Septage Reimbursement Extension (2026-444): Legislator Smith explained the program benefits property owners who pay sewer taxes but maintain septic systems. Passed 16-0.
Senior Tax Exemption (2026-460): Legislator Woodson-Samuels and Legislator Tubiolo highlighted income-adjusted exemption levels, e.g., 65% exemption for seniors earning $0–$47,000. Passed 16-0.
Red Light Camera Update (2026-462): Legislator Smith noted the law expands authority to state-owned intersections, specifically the Saw Mill River Parkway in Pleasantville, pending NYSDOT approval. Passed 16-0.
Solid Waste Licensing (2026-464): Cleaned up language for food waste haulers and included cooking oil and grease trap waste. Passed 16-0.
330 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers – Affordable Housing Preservation (2026-465): Legislator Woodson-Samuels and Majority Whip Williams emphasized the importance of preserving 170 affordable units at or below 60% AMI for an additional 50 years, with over $1 million in capital improvements. Passed 16-0.
Flint Avenue Pumping Station Forcemain Replacement (2026-475, 2026-476): Approved a capital budget amendment and $14,180,000 bond to replace a 14-inch force main that experienced six breaks since 2021, including two in August 2026. Passed 16-0.
Woodfield Cottage Pay Plan Amendment (2026-489): Legislator Woodson-Samuels noted a revised staffing structure for youth detention services, including Youth Detention Specialists and Rapid Response Specialists. Legislator Barr explained the county is taking over direct operation from outside organizations. Passed 16-0.
Playland Parking Lot Drainage Improvement (2026-490): Approved an amended bond act for additional $14,000,000 (total $21,000,000) to reconstruct the employee and bus canopy parking lot, with design completion in Q4 2026 and 12-month construction. Legislator Pierce noted the project includes restoration of a degraded historical structure and pedestrian safety improvements. Passed 16-0.
Set Public Hearing: Deferred Compensation Board Dissolution (2026-486): Set for November 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Passed 16-0.
Set Public Hearing: E-Bikes and Scooters Regulation (2026-491): Set for November 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Passed 16-0.

Key Outcomes

All 20 standing committee items were adopted unanimously (16-0, with Legislator Alvarado absent).
Memorial resolutions were adopted recognizing the passing of 11 individuals: Joanne Henry, Joan Potenza, Thomas Anunziato Jr., Peter R. Larkin, Florin Hoxha, Eris Hoxha, Florida Hoxha, Ian Alexander Kirkpatrick, Osman Osmani, Paul Eugene Piwnicki, Sally Maros, Dorothy Janet Smyth, John Pizzuto, John Bruton, Bruce Odland, Lamont S. Granby, and Andy DiJusto.
The Board adjourned at 8:26 PM, with the next regular meeting scheduled for November 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

This webinar is being recorded and summarized. That's how we know we're getting started. Good evening, everybody, and welcome to the board's annual celebration of Italian American Heritage Month. We're here to appreciate the many ways in which Italian Americans have shaped and continue to shape life in Westchester. For generations, families of Italian descent have helped build Westchester. The county's neighborhoods and businesses, its churches and civil groups, and yes, some of its very best kitchens that have been taken over by Albanians. The love of family, the dignity of hard work, and a deep commitment to community. First, we have Senator Nicholas Spano, who served in Westchester for 28 years in the New York State Assembly and the State Senate. Proud to welcome him to this chamber where his father, Leonard Spano, served uh for the board, on the board, rather, uh, for over two decades for more than two decades. And also here to uh uh with us today is Dave Fran uh Franci, a first generation Italian American. Um he founded the West Harrison Fitness Center in 1979, and uh has spent decades bringing music to this community from the St. Anthony of Padua Festa to Harrison's free summer concerts in different ways. Each of them has drawn on their heritage to make Westchester a better place for everyone who calls it home. Um we first invite um legislator James Nolan to introduce the first nominee. Good evening, everyone. It's a great honor to be here tonight as we celebrate Italian Heritage Month and to recognize an individual or individuals who have dedicated so much time to their public life to the community, and that is Senator Nick Spano. Senator Spano has spent decades serving the people of Yonkers and Westchester County, both as an elected official and dedicated community leader. Throughout his career, Nick has remained proud of his Italian American roots and has worked to keep the tradition, culture, and values of our Italian American community alive for the fortune of general future generations, whether through public service, supporting local organizations, or bringing people together. Senator Spano has always demonstrated the importance of giving back to the community to help shape them. During his 20 years in New York State Senate from 1987 to 2006, Senator Spano has a tireless advocate for Yonkers and the community through Westchester County. Rising to the position of majority leader, Senator Spano worked to ensure that communities have a strong voice in Albany. He fought to secure state funding support local organizations and approve lives of residents, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities. Through his time in public office, Senator Spano never forgot where he came from. His years in the State Center helped establish a legacy of public service that continues to benefit our community today. As someone married into an Italian-American family, because I know if I don't mention that, my wife will see and be very upset. I understand how important it is to preserve our heritage, honor the sacrifices for those who came before us and pass the traditions down to our children and grandchildren. Senator, thank you for your service, for your friendship and your continued dedication to our community. It is my privilege to recognize you tonight as an outstanding contribution to Westchester County and to American Italian American Heritage. Congratulations, Senator Spano. Senator, I'm happy to announce that you now have October 29th. Thank you. Thank you very much to my county legislator Jim Nolan, uh Ms. Chairman, uh members of the board. Uh it's uh let me just first say that my honor to share uh this recognition this evening with Dave French and all the members of his family who are here uh and to say that it's it's a nostalgic time for me to walk into here. I haven't walked into this chamber probably in 25 years. Uh my father served as Radat said for over 20 years here, uh serving as chair of the budget committee. Uh so it's very very nostalgic, and my brother Michael uh served here as well uh as a county legislator. Uh so it's uh it's it's a real pleasure for me to uh to be here and I uh it's certainly uh uh just walking in. Well I just felt my father's presence uh as as we walked in there. Uh so the you know people talk about the Spano family, you know, because we're we've been involved in government uh and public service for decades. Uh, and people say uh, you know, it's it's a magical uh name. Well,

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TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
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Westchester County Board of Legislators Regular Meeting - October 19, 2026

Consent Calendar

Agenda Changes: The consent agenda was amended to add the Legislation Committee to items 2026-501, 2026-502, 2026-521, and 2026-522, and to add the Infrastructure & Housing Committee to item 2026-507. The consent agenda was adopted unanimously (16-0).

Minutes Approval: The minutes of the September 28, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

Four speakers addressed the Board:

Dr. Major Tom (District 14): Raised concerns about cooperative board corruption, judicial system failures, and the illegality and health hazards of high-intensity LED lights. He alleged that Yonkers corporate counsel withheld body camera specifications and that courts have failed to enforce orders.

Joe Cinquimani (New Rochelle): Expressed full support for recommissioning the Indian Point nuclear plant, arguing that shutting it down caused 70% higher energy bills in Westchester and that renewable energy cannot meet industrial demand.

Dan Demico (Yonkers, real estate broker): Called for legislation to cap cooperative apartment application fees, which he stated can reach $1,200–$1,500, while state law limits rental credit checks to $20. He also urged mandatory cameras-on for remote legislators and criticized a $9 million solar canopy at Croton Park, suggesting instead that funds address homelessness and affordable housing.

Erica Bakchi (Fairview): Questioned the lack of transparency and implementation of flood mitigation funds allocated under District 8 Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, stating that $24 million over six years has not been effectively spent. She also noted that flooding reduces property values by 3%–40%.

Public Hearings

Saw Mill Valley Sanitary Sewer District Modification – Removal of two parcels at 52 and 62 Larrys Lane, Mount Pleasant.

Septage Removal Reimbursement – Local Law amending Section 237.311 to set a three-year deadline for reimbursement applications and extend the program until August 31, 2032.

Real Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens – Local Law amending Section 470.11 to expand exemptions.

Red Light Camera Demonstration Program – Local Law amending Section 709.31 to allow cameras at state-authorized intersections.

Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection Licensing – Local Law amending Section 826-a.200 to broaden food waste hauler licensing.

Discussion Items

Appointments (Multiple): The Board unanimously approved appointments to the Women's Advisory Board (Acacia Mauriello), Parks, Recreation & Conservation Board (Robert Cummings), Traffic Safety Board (Nzingha Milanes), Board of Plumbing Examiners (Craig McGlinchey, Hernane DeAlmeida – deferred to next meeting), and Youth Board (Denver Boone, Alana Innocent). All passed 16-0.

Sewer District Modification (2026-409, 2026-410): Environmental resolution and act to remove two parcels from the Saw Mill Valley Sanitary Sewer District, noting neither is connected to sewer service. Passed 16-0.

Septage Reimbursement Extension (2026-444): Legislator Smith explained the program benefits property owners who pay sewer taxes but maintain septic systems. Passed 16-0.

Senior Tax Exemption (2026-460): Legislator Woodson-Samuels and Legislator Tubiolo highlighted income-adjusted exemption levels, e.g., 65% exemption for seniors earning $0–$47,000. Passed 16-0.

Red Light Camera Update (2026-462): Legislator Smith noted the law expands authority to state-owned intersections, specifically the Saw Mill River Parkway in Pleasantville, pending NYSDOT approval. Passed 16-0.

Solid Waste Licensing (2026-464): Cleaned up language for food waste haulers and included cooking oil and grease trap waste. Passed 16-0.

330 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers – Affordable Housing Preservation (2026-465): Legislator Woodson-Samuels and Majority Whip Williams emphasized the importance of preserving 170 affordable units at or below 60% AMI for an additional 50 years, with over $1 million in capital improvements. Passed 16-0.

Flint Avenue Pumping Station Forcemain Replacement (2026-475, 2026-476): Approved a capital budget amendment and $14,180,000 bond to replace a 14-inch force main that experienced six breaks since 2021, including two in August 2026. Passed 16-0.

Woodfield Cottage Pay Plan Amendment (2026-489): Legislator Woodson-Samuels noted a revised staffing structure for youth detention services, including Youth Detention Specialists and Rapid Response Specialists. Legislator Barr explained the county is taking over direct operation from outside organizations. Passed 16-0.

Playland Parking Lot Drainage Improvement (2026-490): Approved an amended bond act for additional $14,000,000 (total $21,000,000) to reconstruct the employee and bus canopy parking lot, with design completion in Q4 2026 and 12-month construction. Legislator Pierce noted the project includes restoration of a degraded historical structure and pedestrian safety improvements. Passed 16-0.

Set Public Hearing: Deferred Compensation Board Dissolution (2026-486): Set for November 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Passed 16-0.

Set Public Hearing: E-Bikes and Scooters Regulation (2026-491): Set for November 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Passed 16-0.

Key Outcomes

All 20 standing committee items were adopted unanimously (16-0, with Legislator Alvarado absent).

Memorial resolutions were adopted recognizing the passing of 11 individuals: Joanne Henry, Joan Potenza, Thomas Anunziato Jr., Peter R. Larkin, Florin Hoxha, Eris Hoxha, Florida Hoxha, Ian Alexander Kirkpatrick, Osman Osmani, Paul Eugene Piwnicki, Sally Maros, Dorothy Janet Smyth, John Pizzuto, John Bruton, Bruce Odland, Lamont S. Granby, and Andy DiJusto.

The Board adjourned at 8:26 PM, with the next regular meeting scheduled for November 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript