Yorktown Town Board Meeting - November 21, 2023

The Town Board of Yorktown held its regular meeting on November 21, 2023, at 12:45 PM (UTC) (evening local time). The meeting included reports from board members and department heads, a proclamation for a centenarian veteran, public comments on proposed ATV legislation, discussion on revising the town's ATV law, and approval of multiple personnel appointments and routine resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Personnel Appointments Approved:
  • Eduardo Hernandez as temporary motor equipment operator in the Highway Department (effective Nov 22, $57,300 annually).
  • Carla Esposito as temporary office assistant in the Building Department (effective Dec 11, $59,317 annually).
  • Olivia Kim as Librarian 1, Children's Services at John C. Hart Memorial Library ($75,426 annually).
  • Fernando Dennis as police officer in the Yorktown Police Department (effective Dec 4, $61,200 annually, contingent on medical/psychological exams, 12-52 week probation).
• Resolutions Approved (en bloc, except two tabled):
  • Managerial employee vacation buyouts.
  • Authorization for Chabad of Yorktown to use the Community Center on Dec 10, with fee waiver.
  • Authorization for Supervisor to execute a 15-year PILOT agreement with HB Steel Community Solar, LLC for solar energy systems at 500 Croton Avenue.
  • Authorization to sign an agreement with O'Connor Davies for additional audit services.
  • Authorization to establish a capital project for replacement of the Old Crompond Road culvert and related budget transfer ($150,000).
  • Budget transfers for Highway Department, Parks and Recreation, Water Department, and Water Pollution Control Plant.
  • Release of a road opening permit to Derek A. Gilbert Landscaping.
  • Authorization to auction obsolete Parks and Recreation equipment.
  • Refund of 2023/2024 first-half tax penalty ($195).
  • Purchase of a 2024 Toyota Sienna LE hybrid minivan for Senior Services.
  • Release of an erosion control bond ($750).
  • Authorization for Supervisor to sign a change order with Corn Main for water meter project ($225,880).
• Resolutions Tabled:
  • Budget transfer to pay New York Power Authority for electricity at Granite Knolls ($61,000 billing error). The board tabled this to investigate why Con Edison did not bill correctly in prior years.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Daniels (New York-New Jersey Trail Conference) expressed support for revising the ATV law but raised concerns about confusing terminology. He suggested referencing state law definitions for vehicle types, excluding e-bikes and mini-bikes from the ban, and allowing e-bikes on roads with speed limits ≤30 mph.
• Jane and Walt (Trail Conference) continued the discussion. They requested removal of e-bikes and mini-bikes from the law (both are unregisterable under state law), recommended fines of $200 for first offense with additional charges for damages, confiscation of vehicles for second offense, and raising the unsupervised minor age to 18. They pointed out a double negative in section 2753 of the draft.
• Susan Siegel (President, Yorktown Trailtown Committee) urged the board to separate ATVs from e-bikes in the law, noting they are "apples and oranges." She recommended adding a permit requirement for ATVs (state law allows, fee up to $5) and suggested collaboration with stakeholders.
• Mr. Strauss expressed frustration that two and a half years had passed since the issue was first raised. He read from a prior email noting that the alleged perpetrator in a recent ATV-related incident was charged but that more victims may occur.
• Sarah Wilson (Yorktown 100) announced a climate change pub talk at Mahansock Grill and Lounge on December 3 (3:30-5 PM and 5:30-7 PM) featuring a bingo game to educate residents on household emissions and savings.

Discussion Items

• Old Crompond Road Bridge Update: Highway Superintendent Dave announced that the bridge (closed since July) will reopen as a one-lane road with traffic lights, likely by the end of the following week (after Thanksgiving). The center structural integrity is sound; weight restriction to 4 tons (passenger vehicles only). A capital project of $150,000 was authorized for the replacement culvert.
• ATV Law Revision: Town Attorney Adam Rodriguez stated the board is collecting input from stakeholders (including advocacy groups) and will carefully draft a revised law before a public hearing. Supervisor Diana emphasized the need for a thorough process, noting the rise in electric vehicles and the complexity of enforcement, especially with juveniles. Councilwoman Luana Hallett highlighted that companies selling ATVs often require liability waivers, and she called for proactive legislation that can adapt to new vehicle types.
• Proclamation for Norman Bussell: The board presented a proclamation honoring Norman Bussell’s 100th birthday (born October 2, 1923). Bussell was a WWII B-52 radio operator/gunner shot down over Berlin, held as a POW, later became a national advocate for veterans and POWs, and served on the National POW Advisory Commission. The proclamation was delivered to his home.
• Upcoming Events:
  • Holiday Lights Parade: December 2 at 5 PM (year 12). Pre-concert from 2-4:30 PM by Showtime Dance Band. Front Street closure from Underhill to Richard Place.
  • Shrub Oak Tree Lighting: December 9 (rain date Dec 10) with arts, crafts, carolers, Santa, and Grinch.
  • Menorah Lighting: December 10 at 4 PM at the Community Center gazebo.
• Reports: Council members Mary Capoccia, Luana Hallett, Ed Lacterman, and Supervisor Diana gave thank-you messages, announced Toys for Tots boxes, turkey drive results (over 60 to schools, 125+ to St. Mary’s, 50 to Presbyterian church), congratulations to Maya Montalvo for Eagle Scout project, and encouragement for the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot (Nov 23, 8:30 AM, Front Street, ~200 runners).

Key Outcomes

• Old Crompond Road Bridge to open as one-lane with traffic lights by end of next week, weight-restricted to 4 tons.
• ATV Law: Continued drafting with stakeholder input; public hearing to be scheduled later.
• Personnel appointments all approved as listed.
• Resolutions approved en bloc, except the NYPA billing adjustment and Chief’s item (tabled).
• Proclamation for Norman Bussell was formally adopted and will be delivered to him.