Yorktown Town Board Meeting - August 8, 2024

The Yorktown Town Board met on the evening of August 8, 2024, for a regular meeting that included reports from town officials, discussion of several major policy items, and public hearings. Key topics included the long-delayed fluoride fluoridation plant, a proposed zoning amendment to remove the recycling facility use, a new ATV law, a pet care facility ordinance, and a revised noise ordinance. The board also approved personnel changes, bid awards, and the Section 8 housing plan.

Consent Calendar

• Personnel Appointments & Resignations: Appointed Thomas Murphy as police sergeant, Sarafina Bravo as senior account clerk, Ryan Hurd as motor equipment operator, and reappointed Jean Zapia to the library board. Accepted resignations from Christy Embler, Nancy Milanay (with tribute from planning director John Tagator), and Mary Ann Cronk (rescinded previous appointment).
• Bid Awards: Awarded tree removal services to New England Property Maintenance ($ low bidder) and awarded highway garage addition construction (grant-funded $375,000 plus $375,000 from highway fund balance). Awarded residential refuse and recycling collection bid to Triple A Carting for initial two-year term with three one-year renewal options (board member Susan Siegel abstained, not having been part of bid discussions).
• Other Resolutions: Approved payment for unused time for separation, authorized erosion control bond releases, approved sole source purchase for water pollution control plant parts, authorized agreement with East of Hudson Watershed Corporation for stormwater retrofit plan, and approved duplicate tax refunds.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Fluoride: Many residents spoke for and against fluoridation. Supporters cited decades of scientific consensus and public health benefits (e.g., Mel Tanzman, Susan Siegel, Dr. Tegmeyer's letter). Opponents raised concerns about fluoride as a neurotoxin, lack of individual choice, and potential health risks (e.g., Maureen Stark, Claudia Laraya, Lonnie). Several speakers requested a new public hearing and more transparency.
• Recycling Facility (Triple A): Multiple residents (Charles O'Neill, Howard Gould, Jay Copstein, others) expressed concerns about traffic, noise, safety, and the scale of the proposed recycling center on Route 6, noting 432 trucks per day estimates and potential impacts on neighborhoods.
• Garbage Collection: Carla Geldman and others criticized the town's practice of having residents call the contractor for complaints, urging the town to oversee contracts directly.
• ADA Ramp: Mel Tanzman raised the non-compliance of the ramp into the meeting room, asking for remediation and accountability.
• Welcome to New Councilwoman: Several speakers welcomed Susan Siegel to the board.
• Other: Comments on traffic, cell tower, overlay districts, solar panels, and the town's response to public input.

Discussion Items

• Fluoride Fluoridation Plant: Supervisor Lachterman and board members discussed the history of the plant, $940,000 in grants, contractual obligations, and current readiness. The board heard from councilwoman Susan Siegel (strongly supportive) and councilman Sergio Esposito (mixed, citing pending court case). Supervisor Lachterman stated he would honor the town's legal and contractual obligations and turn on the plant once the final equipment is tested, despite opposition. The decision was not put to a vote but was announced as an administrative decision.
• Recycling Facility Zoning Amendment: The board discussed a proposed local law to delete the permitted use of recycling centers in light industrial zones (Section 94 C 10). Supervisor Lachterman and councilman Sergio Esposito expressed concern over the scale of proposed operations (up to 800 tons/day). The board voted unanimously to refer the amendment to planning boards and set a public hearing for September 17, 2024.
• Pet Care Facility Zoning: The board held a public hearing on a proposed local law to allow pet daycare by special permit in C3, C4, and OB districts, with limited overnight boarding on detached, five-acre properties. Councilwoman Susan Siegel raised questions about definitions, noise, and waste disposal. After public comment (none against), the board voted unanimously to adopt the law.
• Noise Ordinance: The board opened a public hearing on the revised noise ordinance. Diane Glass (resident) testified about six weeks of rock hammering from a nearby construction site, requesting restrictions on weekends and holidays for high-decibel work. Councilwoman Susan Siegel suggested clarifying decibel thresholds and formatting. The board decided to adjourn the hearing and bring back a revised version for further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Fluoride Plant: Supervisor Lachterman announced he will direct the plant to be turned on as soon as final monitoring equipment is installed and tested, citing contractual obligations and town law. No board vote was taken.
• Recycling Zoning: Unanimously voted to refer the zoning amendment to advisory boards and set a public hearing for September 17, 2024.
• ATV Law: Unanimously adopted the local law prohibiting ATVs and dirt bikes on town roads and property.
• Pet Care Facility: Unanimously adopted the local law allowing pet daycare with special permit.
• Noise Ordinance: Public hearing adjourned; further revisions to be prepared.
• Section 8 Housing Plan: Unanimously adopted the five-year plan and annual certifications for the Housing Choice Voucher program.
• Garbage Contract: Awarded to Triple A Carting (lowest responsible bidder) for two-year initial term with three one-year renewal options; councilwoman Susan Siegel abstained.