OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Yorktown Town Board Meeting: December 3, 2024 – Budget Adoption and ALS Expansion

Town Board — Tuesday, December 3, 2024
BodyYorktown, New York
SessionTown Board
DateTuesday, December 3, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:06:10

Transcript — Verbatim
0:14

Good evening all and welcome to the uh town board meeting for uh what is today, December 3rd.

0:20

Yeah, Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024.

0:23

If we could all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:27

Chief Noble, if you could lead us off on the pledge.

0:34

And two, three probably stands, America, liberty, and justice.

0:42

And uh, if you could remain standing for a uh moment of silence, uh as we remember as we come along to the uh uh anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day on uh the 7th is coming uh Saturday.

0:58

Uh remember those that have defended our country uh through the years, uh those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice uh and those that are that are still there giving their all and signing that blank check to keep us safe and free.

1:18

Amen.

1:19

Thank you.

1:28

So we'll do some quick introductions since we have some uh people on the far left that you may or may not know.

1:34

We'll start on my right, though.

1:37

Good evening, Diana Kwas, town clerk.

1:39

Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman.

1:42

Supervisor Red Lachterman.

1:43

Sergio Esposito, Deputy Supervisor, Patrick Murphy, Councilman.

1:47

Susan Siegel, Councilwoman.

1:49

Janelle McNeil, town com troler.

1:52

David Wong, Deputy Comptroller.

1:54

Very good.

1:55

Um I think uh I thought I saw our attorneys in the back today getting getting a day to to sit in the background and hide.

2:06

Yes.

2:07

Um we're going to start uh with a uh proclamation for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7th, 2024, where that's whereas at 7 55 a.m.

2:21

on December 7th, 1941, the silence of Sunday morning was shattered when the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked our forces on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, leaving 2,403 Americans dead and much of our nation's Pacific Fleet destroyed.

2:38

And where has this attack led President Roosevelt to call on Congress to declare an act of war the following day, stating that November 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, and whereas the crystal waters of Pearl Harbor have been the resting place of sailors and marines aboard the USS Arizona, USS Utah, and USS Oklahoma for 83 years.

3:02

And today we remember the greatest generation who showed great courage and resolve to secure the freedom of millions around the world, and we honor these patriots and commemorate the valor of all those who served.

3:14

And whereas as we mourn the lives of those we lost on that fateful day, we remember those who defended Pearl Harbor and all those who answered the call to serve our country in battlefields across the world.

3:27

And we are eternally grateful for members of our military and their families, and it is fitting to observe a day in honor of everyone who served in the United States Armed Forces at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, and reflect on their sacrifices and those of those those of their family and loved ones who freely risked all for the benefit of others.

3:49

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Edward A.

3:52

Lacterman, town supervisor of the town of Yorktown, along with the town board, do hereby direct the flags of the United States to be flown at half staff on all town buildings and grounds on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, as we respectfully recognize National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor those who died in a result of the attack of the U.S.

4:13

military force in Hawaii.

4:24

They're actually down to single digits.

4:27

At this time, I believe there are only 16 remaining Pearl Harbor survivors.

4:38

I was honored to meet a World War II veteran yesterday at a uh 17th Congressional District uh Veterans of the Year award, in which our own uh Yorktown Post adjutant uh Patrick McDonough was also recognized.

4:54

Uh and uh I just want to thank all of the people in our audience who served.

5:00

Actually, uh, if you have served in the military, can you please stand?

5:06

Thank you.

5:11

But I also want to thank the families and all of those who have served.

5:15

Um it's it's what makes America great, and it is truly appreciated every day.

5:22

Uh so thank you.

5:23

Thank your families and uh God bless all of our armed forces and their families.

5:28

Thank you.

5:30

All right, uh, did anyone get here from ALS Commission?

5:34

Uh yes.

5:35

Come on up.

5:36

So we're gonna skip ahead just real quick as we have um a resolution today for ALS services, and we have relied on the uh assessment of our ALS commission.

5:49

So if you would like to introduce yourself to the room and we could talk a little bit about the proposals.

5:58

Sure.

5:59

Good evening, everyone.

6:00

My name is Tony Ianone.

6:01

I serve on the uh ALS Commission for Yorktown.

6:04

I'm a member of the Mohegan Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and in case you're not aware, the uh our commission is made up of two members from uh the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps and two members from the Mohegan Ambulance Corps.

6:17

Uh, my fellow committee members uh unfortunately could not be here.

6:20

They had other commitments, they were unable to reschedule.

6:23

So we apologize for that.

6:25

But uh, Mr.

6:26

Supervisor, the town board, thank you very much for hearing us and having our for us.

6:31

Uh as you're all probably aware, uh we had been working for several uh for quite a bit of time to try to increase the uh ALS coverage, that's the paramedics that serve the town.

6:45

And uh we again with the assistance of the board and the supervisor, we had some pretty significant discussions.

6:52

And uh being that you guys did go out for a uh a new RFP, uh there were three bids that came back.

7:01

Um the current provider was our lowest bid, and we felt as a board that that would be our best option.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Taxation███████████11%
Economic Development██████████10%
Fiscal Sustainability██████████10%
Libraries████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Public Utilities███████7%
Solar Power Generation██████6%
Emergency Services Planning█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Yorktown Town Board Meeting – December 3, 2024

The Yorktown Town Board held a regular meeting on December 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a presentation from the ALS Commission, a public hearing on the 2025 preliminary budget, and adoption of the budget along with several resolutions. The board voted 3-2 to adopt the $73,000,795.54 preliminary budget, which includes a 6.6% town tax increase ($9.24/month for the average homeowner).

Proclamation

  • The board read a proclamation declaring December 7, 2024, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, directing flags to be flown at half-staff. Supervisor Lachterman noted there are only 16 remaining Pearl Harbor survivors.

ALS Commission Presentation

  • Tony Ianone, representing the ALS Commission, presented a recommendation to expand Advanced Life Support (ALS) services. The proposal moves from two medics sharing one vehicle for 12 hours/day to two medics with two vehicles 24 hours/day, using Empress EMS (the current vendor and lowest bidder). The cost is $27.10 per year for the average assessed home. Ianone explained that increased call volumes and an aging population necessitate the upgrade. Board members asked clarifying questions about paramedic capabilities. Councilwoman Howitt recused herself from the subsequent vote (her husband works for Empress EMS).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jay Copstein questioned budget expenditures: $119,188 for two water meter readers (when smart meters exist), lack of enforcement of resident-only park rules, increases in town vehicles/cell phones, and the cost of a PR firm. He also asked about ALS run statistics and billing.
  • Pam Curtin (Friends of the Library) spoke in strong support of the library, highlighting its many programs, and urged financial support to maintain Sunday hours.
  • Larry Killian advocated using fund balance to invest in solar panels to reduce electricity costs, suggested purchasing hybrid vehicles, and argued for replacing the 485B tax exemption policy with a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) approach to gain control over development.
  • Mark (last name not given) criticized the 6.6% tax increase, questioned the business community’s tax share, and asked for more cost-cutting measures, including eliminating the PR firm and reducing the forecasted 6% annual increases.
  • Jan Mirchandani echoed support for reevaluating the 485B policy, suggested a vacant building registry, and urged solar investment using fund balance.
  • Reese Fallon (7th grade) spoke passionately about the library’s value and requested increased funding.
  • Dan Strauss supported solar on town buildings, criticized misuse of ALS services, questioned the need for two meter readers, and suggested fining residents who refuse smart meter installation.
  • Sarah Wilson encouraged purchasing hybrid/electric vehicles and using available grants to offset costs.
  • Anthony Pichette requested more library funding/hours, a new sign for the Yorktown Theatre, and safety improvements on Veterans Road.
  • Ophelia Chen (7th grade) argued that libraries are essential, not a luxury, and asked for increased funding and Sunday hours.
  • Ken Belfer shared positive experience with hybrid vehicles (Toyota Prius) and suggested the town consider them.

Discussion Items

  • 485B Tax Exemption Debate: Several residents and board members debated the efficacy of the 485B program. Supervisor Lachterman and Councilman Esposito defended it as a necessary incentive to attract businesses (e.g., TJ Maxx, Five Below, Uncle Giuseppe’s). Councilwoman Siegel and others argued that many businesses would come anyway, and that the policy should be reexamined. Supervisor noted that PILOTs are not under town control and can be detrimental. The board agreed to take a closer look at the program.
  • Water Meter Readers: Town Engineer Paul explained that there is only one meter reader (not two), who also handles maintenance and installations. The remaining 400 residential customers who refused smart meters will be tested for accuracy; if they refuse testing, they may be required to purchase a mechanical meter. The board discussed enforcement and the need for a policy update.
  • Solar and Hybrid Vehicles: Supervisor Lachterman noted that many town roofs are not suitable for solar, and that a fleet of EVs would require infrastructure not yet in place. He ruled out police and plow vehicles as EVs. Councilwoman Siegel urged an RFP for solar vendors and a multi-year capital plan.
  • Legal Fees: Councilwoman Siegel questioned why the town does not charge fees listed in the master fee schedule for legal reviews. Town Attorney Adam explained that most reviews are within the monthly retainer; only complex work is billed back to developers. The board agreed to reevaluate the fee schedule.

Key Outcomes

  • Budget Adoption: The 2025 preliminary budget of $73,000,795.54 was adopted by a 3-2 vote (Councilwoman Howitt and Councilman Esposito voted no; Councilman Murphy, Councilwoman Siegel, and Supervisor Lachterman voted yes). The budget includes a 6.6% town tax increase ($9.24/month for the average home).
  • ALS Contract: Approved awarding the ALS contract to Empress EMS for 2025-2027, with Councilwoman Howitt recused. (Motion carried unanimously.)
  • Resolutions Approved: The board approved a consent agenda including:
    • Use of the nutrition center for a Hanukkah celebration (fee waived).
    • Purchase of copiers, scanners, and Granicus equipment upgrades (enabling live remote broadcasts and closed captioning).
    • Public hearing for a stormwater/tree permit at 2991 Hickory Street.
    • Purchase of a 2025 Ford Explorer for the engineering department.
    • Advertising for temporary traffic light rental.
    • Release of street opening permits for Boniello Land and Realty.
    • Approval of benefits and vacation carryover for managerial employees.
    • Authorization for wetland delineation for a Homeland Tower site.
    • Acceptance of a Hudson River Valley Greenway grant ($5,375) for Veterans Memorial Circle beautification.
    • Maintenance contract for police LiveScan equipment.
    • Budget transfer for the Water Department.
  • Next Steps: The board will schedule a public hearing on sewer rent rates and continue discussions on the 485B policy, solar investments, and a multi-year capital plan.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening all and welcome to the uh town board meeting for uh what is today, December 3rd. Yeah, Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024. If we could all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Chief Noble, if you could lead us off on the pledge. And two, three probably stands, America, liberty, and justice. And uh, if you could remain standing for a uh moment of silence, uh as we remember as we come along to the uh uh anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day on uh the 7th is coming uh Saturday. Uh remember those that have defended our country uh through the years, uh those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice uh and those that are that are still there giving their all and signing that blank check to keep us safe and free. Amen. Thank you. So we'll do some quick introductions since we have some uh people on the far left that you may or may not know. We'll start on my right, though. Good evening, Diana Kwas, town clerk. Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman. Supervisor Red Lachterman. Sergio Esposito, Deputy Supervisor, Patrick Murphy, Councilman. Susan Siegel, Councilwoman. Janelle McNeil, town com troler. David Wong, Deputy Comptroller. Very good. Um I think uh I thought I saw our attorneys in the back today getting getting a day to to sit in the background and hide. Yes. Um we're going to start uh with a uh proclamation for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7th, 2024, where that's whereas at 7 55 a.m. on December 7th, 1941, the silence of Sunday morning was shattered when the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked our forces on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, leaving 2,403 Americans dead and much of our nation's Pacific Fleet destroyed. And where has this attack led President Roosevelt to call on Congress to declare an act of war the following day, stating that November 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, and whereas the crystal waters of Pearl Harbor have been the resting place of sailors and marines aboard the USS Arizona, USS Utah, and USS Oklahoma for 83 years. And today we remember the greatest generation who showed great courage and resolve to secure the freedom of millions around the world, and we honor these patriots and commemorate the valor of all those who served. And whereas as we mourn the lives of those we lost on that fateful day, we remember those who defended Pearl Harbor and all those who answered the call to serve our country in battlefields across the world. And we are eternally grateful for members of our military and their families, and it is fitting to observe a day in honor of everyone who served in the United States Armed Forces at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, and reflect on their sacrifices and those of those those of their family and loved ones who freely risked all for the benefit of others. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Edward A. Lacterman, town supervisor of the town of Yorktown, along with the town board, do hereby direct the flags of the United States to be flown at half staff on all town buildings and grounds on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, as we respectfully recognize National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor those who died in a result of the attack of the U.S. military force in Hawaii. They're actually down to single digits. At this time, I believe there are only 16 remaining Pearl Harbor survivors. I was honored to meet a World War II veteran yesterday at a uh 17th Congressional District uh Veterans of the Year award, in which our own uh Yorktown Post adjutant uh Patrick McDonough was also recognized. Uh and uh I just want to thank all of the people in our audience who served. Actually, uh, if you have served in the military, can you please stand? Thank you. But I also want to thank the families and all of those who have served. Um it's it's what makes America great, and it is truly appreciated every day. Uh so thank you. Thank your families and uh God bless all of our armed forces and their families. Thank you. All right, uh, did anyone get here from ALS Commission? Uh yes. Come on up. So we're gonna skip ahead just real quick as we have um a resolution today for ALS services, and we have relied on the uh assessment of our ALS commission. So if you would like to introduce yourself to the room and we could talk a little bit about the proposals. Sure. Good evening, everyone. My name is Tony Ianone. I serve on the uh ALS Commission for Yorktown.

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