Yorktown Town Board Meeting – May 21, 2024

The Town Board of Yorktown met on May 21, 2024, at approximately 12:45 PM (evening session) to conduct regular business, including proclamations, personnel appointments, public hearings, and discussions on a proposed cell tower, doggy daycare legislation, and a noise ordinance. The meeting featured multiple public comments and a series of resolutions approved unanimously. Supervisor Edward Lacterman and Council members Sergio Esposito, Patrick Murphy, and town attorney Adam Rodriguez led the proceedings.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Emergency Medical Services Week (May 19–25, 2024): Proclamation read; representatives from Mohegan and Wyback EMS agencies accepted. Two members, Rich (50 years of service) and Jeff (50 years), were honored. Call volume statistics: 1,842 calls in 2022, 1,711 in 2023, a 30% increase over 10 years.
• Police Week: Proclamation for National Police Week read by Councilman Murphy; Officer John accepted on behalf of the department.

Personnel & Administrative Resolutions

• Approved appointments: Mark Bistro (Water Service Worker), Mark Rapasarda (Police Lieutenant, effective June 3), John Doherty (Police Sergeant, effective June 3), Samuel Sansone (stipend for administrative sergeant of detective bureau), and Kelby Castulo (Police Officer).
• Approved change to cook position at Nutrition Center; Franz Rahm moved to Group 10, Step 5, salary $71,483 annually.
• Approved budget transfers for Parks (rental safety fencing) and Highway (paving/chips, reimbursed by NY State funds).
• Authorized agreement with Rec Times Inc. for online field scheduling.
• Authorized agreement with Westchester County for police radio antennas at no cost to town.
• Authorized contract with Optimum Controls Corp for water booster pump station upgrade ($18,320).
• Authorized master contract with Environmental Facilities Corp for water main cleaning/relining along Route 202, Greenwood St., and Mill St. (1,200 ft of 12-inch and 250 ft of 8-inch lines).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cell Tower (109 Granite Springs Road): Multiple residents (Roseanne, Tina Rascona, Jean Pollock, Karen Erickson, Doug Erickson, John Szevsky, Jake Hopstein) expressed concerns about health effects of electromagnetic radiation, environmental impact on wetlands and wildlife, removal of over 120 trees, lack of transparency (agenda posted only two hours before meeting), and whether alternatives like smaller repeaters were considered. One resident (Jean Pollock) supported the tower due to poor cell service. Doug Erickson noted the land was donated as parkland and questioned the need for a 130‑foot tower.
• Ethics Law Revision: Jan Mirchandani criticized removal of the word “indirect” from conflict-of-interest definitions and lack of transparency in reporting violations. Supervisor Lacterman defended the changes, noting the Ethics Board recommended removal of “indirect” and that advisory opinions must be disclosed within 60 days.
• Fluoridation Update: Susan Siegel asked when fluoridation would resume. Supervisor stated parts have been ordered and that once received, a public notice will accompany water bills; delays attributed to regulatory requirements.
• Traffic & Parking: Dan Strauss complained about vehicles parked in fire zones, especially in the Heights area, endangering first responders. Supervisor acknowledged enforcement efforts and recent ticketing increase. Mark Lieberman raised dangerous cut-through traffic on Hallocks Mill Road into Route 202; Supervisor said studies suggested some solutions might worsen the problem but pledged to ask traffic safety officers for extra enforcement.
• Noise Ordinance: Michael Beaks and Susan Siegel questioned enforceability, measurement methods (ambient noise), and cost of decibel meters. Councilman Esposito proposed raising decibel thresholds (e.g., 55 dBA too low) and extending Friday/Saturday noise curfew to 11 PM. The public hearing was closed, but the board reserved the right to reopen for further input.

Discussion Items

• Doggy Daycare Legislation: Town Planner John suggested drafting a special permit for dog daycares to regulate outdoor runs, hygiene, and soundproofing. Council members supported the idea; sample legislation will be prepared within a week or two.
• Toll Brothers – Catherine Street Project (Fieldhome/Holy Comforter): Representatives Jacqueline Cohen and Kevin Moses provided an update. The Planning Board and Conservation Board have commented; an updated Environmental Assessment Form is pending. The board agreed to set a meeting for June 4 to review remaining items (historic consultant report and Barton & Lajudis environmental review).
• Lake Osceola Planned Design District Overlay Extension (Creative Living Property): Attorney Michael Grace presented a proposal to extend the overlay district to approximately 50 acres for a housing project with active recreation and critical sewer infrastructure. The project aims to revitalize the Route 6 corridor, address septic pollution in Lake Osceola, and is supported as a long-awaited opportunity. The board approved a resolution declaring intent to act as lead agency and to circulate the application for agency review.

Key Outcomes

• Home Rule Request for Cell Tower (Jake’s Law): Authorized (vote unanimous) to support state legislation allowing work zone cameras for worker safety. Supervisor expressed disappointment that the bill has not moved out of committee in the Assembly.
• Home Rule Request for Parkland Alienation (109 Granite Springs Road): Approved (vote unanimous) to seek state authorization to use a portion of parkland for a radio transmission tower. The board noted this is a preliminary step; a public hearing will follow if the state approves.
• Noise Ordinance Public Hearing: Closed but tabled for further revisions based on council feedback (decibel levels, weekend curfew). Board will consider a revised version at a future meeting.
• Public Hearing on Vehicle Parking (Golf Course Service Road): Held and closed; the amendment to prohibit commercial vehicle parking on the service road adjacent to the golf course was adopted.
• Memorial Day Observance: Supervisor reminded residents of multiple ceremonies on May 27 (Thursday through Monday) and asked the community to remember fallen service members.