Work Session of the Yorktown Town Board – February 13, 2024

The Yorktown Town Board convened a work session on February 13, 2024, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence for first responders, military personnel, and municipal workers. Board members present included Councilmen Patrick Murphy and Sergio Esposito, Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman, Town Clerk Diana Kowast, and Town Attorney Adam Rodriguez. A diaper drive by Assemblyman Slater was announced for families in need.

Discussion Items

1. Water Department Updates

• French Hill Tank Repainting: Superintendent Paul Vasillo and James Waterhouse presented a plan to repaint the French Hill water tank, following a recommendation from the Department of Health’s November 2023 sanitary survey. A contract with Woodard and Curran for $115,000 (later authorized in resolutions) was proposed, with cost sharing through the Northern Westchester Joint Waterworks and the Town of Somers. Town Attorney Rodriguez confirmed proper procurement.
• Water Meter Non‑Compliance Fee: Of the 5,100 planned meter installations, 4,100 have been completed; 950 customers have not scheduled appointments despite repeated solicitations. To encourage compliance, a manual meter read fee of $200 per account per read (three reads per year, total $600 annually) was discussed. Council members supported the fee as a necessary step to recoup costs and complete the metering system, while also noting the need to assist residents who may face accessibility issues. Benefits of the new meters—such as leak detection, conservation monitoring, and email alerts—were highlighted. A backflow prevention program was also noted, with letters sent February 1 and a good early response.

2. Willow Park Tree Nursery

• Keith Shepard and Jim Matorano Jr. reported on the nursery, which uses funds from the town’s tree bank (paid by developers for tree mitigation). Zone 1, planted in autumn 2021 and 2023, contains 64 trees (with 3 losses). They requested authorization to purchase 90 smaller understory trees for Zone 2, but a dedicated water spigot is required (currently relying on the Garden of Hope’s supply). Board members expressed support for using tree bank funds to install a water line. Jim Matorano noted coordination with Highway and Water departments for trenching and piping. A tree‑spade attachment for the excavator was also discussed for future harvesting. Board directed Keith to coordinate with Paul Vasillo for cost estimates by Friday.

3. Hunterbrook Sewer District Extension

• Attorney Adam Wexteen and developer representatives requested an extension of the Hunter Brook sewer districts to encompass the Garden Lane Development (approved by the planning board in August 2023). The developer would pay all costs. The board must adopt an order under Town Law §193, publish it, and hold a public hearing, then petition the county to include the parcel in the Peksco Sanitary Sewer District. Town Engineer Dan CRC confirmed the tie‑in to an existing force main. The board voted unanimously to refer the matter to appropriate departments for review and to schedule a public hearing.

4. Toll Brothers Petition for Zoning Map Amendment

• David Cooper, Kevin Moses, and Joe Arena presented a proposal for a 118‑unit active adult (55+) community on about 50 acres of the Field Home/Holy Comforter property on Catherine Street. The site would be rezoned to RSP‑2. Since the last presentation, the footprint was compressed to avoid a wetland, a 14‑acre conservation easement (with restrictive covenant) was added, and the existing practice soccer field (leased by the town) would be removed. Toll Brothers offered $150,000 toward upgrades at Hunterbrook Field (to offset field loss) plus a $472,000 recreation fee for the development. Annual tax revenue was estimated at over $1 million. The historic Field Home building would be preserved and offered to the town for adaptive reuse (e.g., restaurant, community space). Board members expressed interest in discussing building reuse and noted the need to address sewer capacity at the Hunter Brook Pump Station; Toll Brothers committed to working with the town on mitigation. The submission is expected to be complete by next week, with a goal of a March meeting for procedural actions.

5. Navajo Fields Project

• Michael Grace (representing the applicant) outlined a proposal near Route 6N that includes housing, a recreational sports facility, and extension of sewer infrastructure to the Osceola Lake corridor. The project would require either a new zoning district or flexible legislative standards rather than forcing the development into existing, outdated zoning. Key benefits include addressing drainage issues, providing sewer access to the commercial strip and residential hillside, and potentially revitalizing Osceola Lake. Planning Board liaison John Taggart (via video?) confirmed that a memo is expected within a few weeks. The board agreed to begin collaborative work with the applicant and staff to draft new zoning language, with a target outline in six to eight weeks.

6. Farm Walk Pump Station Upgrade

• Town Engineer Dan CRC requested authorization to sign an agreement with EDR for electrical design services ($45,000) for a new variable‑speed pump at the Farm Walk pump station. The current progressing cavity pumps create pulsation that has caused repeated main breaks (covered under a DEC order on consent). The redesign will use centrifugal pumps with variable frequency drives to eliminate pulsation and extend the life of the force main. The cost is grant‑reimbursable (80% grant). The board later approved the agreement.

Consent Agenda (Resolutions Passed Unanimously)

• Personnel: Appointed Gary Link as Assessor effective March 25, 2024 (filling remainder of retiring assessor’s term); modified stock clerk job class to Group 11 and adjusted Angela Cavallo’s salary to $82,297 annually.
• Deputy Supervisor’s Office: Authorized two signs for Taconic Bridge kiosks.
• Engineering: Authorized EDR agreement ($45,000) for Farm Walk pump station electrical design; authorized release of $38,364.86 retainage to ELQ Industries Inc. for the fluoridation project.
• Highway Department: Extended bids for asphaltic concrete, Cummings engine OEM parts, traffic light maintenance, John Deere parts, and towing/emergency repair; advertised new bids for asphalt concrete materials and rental of traffic signals for Old Crom Pond bridge repair.
• Library: Authorized agreements for HVAC monitoring (up to $5,000) and online calendar program.
• Parks & Recreation: Advertised bid for pool pump/motor rebuild at Shrub Oak Park aquatic facility; authorized senior club agreements.
• Water Department: Authorized Woodard and Curran agreement ($115,000) for French Hill tank repainting.

Additional Business

• Underhill Property Covenant: Town Attorney Rodriguez reported that negotiations with the property owner (Mr. Galero) have expanded protections beyond the original requirement to preserve the main building. The covenant, to be filed with the county clerk, now requires town board approval before demolition of the main building and prohibits material modification of the stone wall on Underhill Avenue and Route 118, its gates and pillars, the entry drive, and the pond. Councilman Murphy recused himself due to a family member’s involvement. The board voted unanimously to accept the covenant.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda resolutions passed unanimously.
• The Hunterbrook sewer district extension was referred to departments for public hearing scheduling.
• Toll Brothers will submit full documentation next week, aiming for a March board meeting on SEQRA determination and rezoning.
• Board and applicant will begin intensive zoning work sessions for the Navajo Fields project, with an outline expected in six to eight weeks.
• The Farm Walk pump station design agreement was authorized.
• The Underhill property building and landscape protections were finalized and approved.