Yorktown Town Board Work Session - April 8, 2025

The Yorktown Town Board held a work session on April 8, 2025, beginning with presentations recognizing community heroes and a departing employee, followed by discussions on infrastructure, land use, and administrative policies. Key topics included a proposal to reline a drainage pipe on Hill Boulevard, multiple stormwater permit applications, a solar law amendment to restrict large-scale systems in residential zones, a tree inventory initiative, and a rezoning request for multifamily housing on Foothill Street. The board also approved several personnel and financial items, and debated a sensory garden engineering agreement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the appointment of Frank Rendina as Sewer Maintenance Foreman (promotional position).
• Adopted a policy for digital records and retention (from Town Clerk).
• Adopted a policy on the release of employee-related information under FOIL (from Town Clerk).
• Authorized the Supervisor to sign an agreement with LaBella Associates for professional consulting services (Building Department).
• Authorized the Controller to release the remaining balance of $271.69 to Underhill Farms.
• Authorized a budget transfer of $21,471.87 from General Fund to Engineering for pond maintenance (reimbursable by East of Hudson grant).
• Authorized payment of $37,663.00 to Michael Carducci for unused time payout (Finance).
• Authorized a budget transfer from Sewer reserves for lump sum payments (Finance).
• Extended a bid for John Deere OEM parts to JESCO, Inc. (Highway).
• Authorized advertising a bid for the replacement of the Krom Pond Road culvert (Highway).
• Authorized advertising a bid for Cummins OEM parts (Highway).
• Authorized signing a proposal with Marshall Alarm Systems Inc. for security cameras (Justice Court).
• Authorized advertising a bid for removal and installation of new coping at the Brian J. Slavin Aquatic Facility (Parks & Recreation).
• Authorized appropriate pay differential for Michael Tillestrand (military service, Police).
• Authorized a member of the Yorktown Police Department to attend a seminar in Princeton, NJ (five overnight stays).
• Authorized signing a stormwater control maintenance agreement with Garden Lane Development (Sewer).
• Authorized release of erosion control bond money to Pan Bar Realty LLC (Sewer).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the session.

Discussion Items

• Hero Recognition: The board honored Chris Perez, Elise Koenig, Renee Lopez, and Ed Hammond (absent) for their heroic actions in rescuing a resident from a structure fire at Jefferson Village on April 28, 2025. They received certificates from the Town Board, Congressman Mike Lawler, and Assemblyman Matt Slater. Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble commended their bravery.
• Thomas Galelo Retirement Proclamation: Thomas Galelo was recognized for 30 years of service (17 in Building Department, 13 at the Library). Library Director Ivan Czech praised his dedication, including opening the library at midnight during a storm.
• Hill Boulevard Drainage Piping: Town Engineer Dave Paganelli proposed relining 809 linear feet of 18-inch drainage pipe with cement (cost: $142,656) instead of excavating, due to unknown utilities (Con Edison, Verizon) and a transite force main. Relining would avoid road closure and take a few days vs. 3+ weeks for excavation. The board expressed support and noted the project could be funded from fund balance if available.
• 2258 Sawmill River Road (SWIPP): Engineer Joe Rena presented applications for a stormwater permit, erosion control permit, tree permit, and a public sewer extension. The sewer line would serve the applicant’s flag lot and four adjoining properties via an existing easement. The board referred the application for review.
• 29 Town Road (SWIPP): Engineer Ralph Alphonzetti presented a plan for a single-family lot with pool, patio, and tennis court on 7.6 acres, requiring removal of 41 trees. The board referred the application for review.
• Foothill Street Solar Law Amendment: The board discussed a proposed local law to prohibit large-scale solar energy systems in all residential districts. Supervisor Ed Lachterman noted it was received late but moved to refer it out for agency comments and set a public hearing. The moratorium expired March 31, but Town Attorney Adam Schulman stated pending applications cannot be approved in the interim. The board voted to refer the draft.
• Tree Conservation Advisory Commission – Street Tree Inventory: Commission member Keith proposed starting a street tree inventory in downtown Yorktown and Shrub Oak, using funds from the Tree Bank (estimated $120,000 balance). He suggested a complete inventory, possibly costing around $10,000, and receiving free consultations from arborists. The board supported the idea and asked Keith to coordinate with Planning to integrate with existing GIS, and to obtain informal quotes before proceeding.
• Foothill Street Rezoning Request: Engineer/architect Peter Scott presented a plan for 20 two-bedroom multifamily units (in two-story buildings) on 16.8 acres (RI-40 zone) as an alternative to 7 single-family lots. The applicant argued the cluster approach would reduce disturbance, preserve open space, create a buffer against the adjacent solar farm, and use private sewer pumping station via HOA. Planning Director John did not endorse the proposal, noting policy questions about neighborhood compatibility and comprehensive plan alignment. The board decided to let the applicants continue through the Planning Board for a recommendation before making a formal rezoning petition.
• Sensory Garden Engineering Agreement: The board authorized an agreement with Site Design Consulting PE PLLC for $14,500 to design a sensory garden at Tom Diana Park (Granite Knolls). Councilwoman Susan Siegel opposed, citing undefined elements (splash pad, picnic area) and lack of board consensus. Other members argued the engineering was needed to assess feasibility. The agreement passed 4-1 (Siegel opposed). Siegel requested no groundbreaking until the board approves a final project.

Key Outcomes

• Heroes honored: Unanimous approval of recognition awards.
• Thomas Galelo honored: Unanimous proclamation.
• Hill Boulevard drainage: No vote taken; project will be revisited when funding is confirmed.
• 2258 Sawmill River Road SWIPP: Referred out for review.
• 29 Town Road SWIPP: Referred out for review.
• Foothill Street solar law amendment: Motion to refer out and set public hearing carried unanimously.
• Tree inventory initiative: Board directed Keith to gather informal quotes and coordinate with GIS; no formal vote.
• Foothill Street rezoning: No formal action; applicant to continue with Planning Board for a recommendation.
• Sensory garden engineering agreement: Passed 4-1 (Siegel dissenting).
• Other resolutions: All consent calendar items approved unanimously.

Note: The transcript references a fire occurring on "April 28th, 2025" but the meeting date is April 8, 2025. This discrepancy was noted but not resolved in the session. Councilwoman Siegel raised concerns about the Peekkill O&M district (resolution delayed pending bond counsel opinion) and commercial vehicles parked on town-owned land at the Fieldstone Manor property (under negotiation by Town Attorney). No board action was taken on these items.