OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Yorktown Town Board Meeting - April 15, 2025

Town Board — Tuesday, April 15, 2025
BodyYorktown, New York
SessionTown Board
DateTuesday, April 15, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:21:17

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the town board meeting of April 15th, 2025.

0:16

If we could all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:21

Okay, and uh Mr.

0:22

Copstein, could you please lead us up?

0:28

And we could stand one nation under God invisible liberty and justice for us for all.

0:36

And if we can remain standing for a moment of silence, um today today's moment of silence, I would like us to keep the families of uh Lion Sharif Rachette and uh former town employee uh Stuart Glass in mind is both passed last week, and uh both were very uh important members of our community.

1:00

Thank you.

1:08

All right, we'll start with introductions to my right.

1:11

Good evening, Diana Kwas, town clerk.

1:13

Good evening, Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman.

1:15

Supervisor Rad Lakterman.

1:16

Good evening, Patrick Murphy, Councilman.

1:18

Susan Siegel, councilwoman, Adam Rodriguez, town attorney.

1:23

Paganelli, highway superintendent.

1:25

Great, thank you.

1:26

Uh for reports for the town.

1:30

Had some uh great events this past week.

1:33

Uh we had the Shrub Oak Little League parade, and uh more important at the end of it, there was a dedication of the uh the old mudfield to uh Steve Rosen.

1:43

Uh it's now the Steve Rosen Field, and Steve gave uh many many years of his service to the uh Shrub Oak Athletic Club.

1:51

I believe 40 years of service, 25 as president.

1:55

Uh so we thank Steve for all that service, and it was a well-deserved honor.

2:00

Uh the Lions also had their Easter egg hunt, the rain held out for them uh on the lower fields of Downing along with the parks and recreation department.

2:09

Uh on Sunday uh of the 6th, uh Wivac celebrated uh 62 years in their anniversary brunch, and uh it was a pleasure to be there.

2:20

Uh uh it was uh nice to see the people recognized for their service to our community.

2:27

Uh this past Saturday had a couple things.

2:30

We had two openings.

2:31

Uh we had Michaels have their grand opening and exclusive cuts, moved their location and had their grand opening for that.

2:39

They're now located uh at the old Patavani building, which is sort of uh to the left of the diner and behind 7-Eleven.

2:46

Um squished in between that.

2:48

We had a seniors breakfast at Beaver Ridge, and that was with the uh youth advisory council.

2:55

Uh, and it was amazing to see the youth interacting with the seniors, and that was really pushed by one of one of the members, Jillian, who's uh uh good a junior in high school, and she really wanted to try to build that community and that recognition.

3:10

So we were thrilled, uh thrilled to be there for that.

3:14

A couple things coming up, uh a few that are uh very important.

3:18

Of course, Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd.

3:22

Uh we always have the Battle of Yorktown centered around that, which will be on April 26th this year.

3:28

Uh we will have on the 25th Arbor Day right here, starting at 3 30.

3:33

Uh we'll have the uh contest for the second and third graders, I believe it is.

3:38

Um, and uh then we'll have an Arbor Day ceremony and celebration outside uh weather permitting with refreshments and uh hopefully some uh saplings that you can take home.

3:49

Um the 26th, we it is a busy day.

3:52

We have uh the Nostro Mercato uh Di Yorktown, which is uh with the Yorktown uh Friends of Yorktown Parks and Recreation and the Small Business Association.

4:03

It's sort of like a uh flea market cell.

4:05

So they'll be doing that at the Capolini Center uh or the community center, however you look at it, or the old sixth grade school.

4:12

Uh and that'll be an all-day event in the gymnasium.

4:15

Uh and the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce is going to have the Chamber Spring Show on the 26th at the JV Mall from 11 to 4.

4:26

Uh, they'll have plenty of vendors.

4:27

I believe they're gonna have an auto show again this year, and it's uh it's always a great day there for that.

4:32

Uh we will have our annual Yorktown Holocaust remembrance event here uh May 1st at 6 p.m.

4:42

in town hall.

4:43

Our speaker is a survivor, uh Sonja Geismer.

4:46

Sonia uh was a um was a uh passenger on the uh steamship St.

4:54

Louis, which was uh they had a lot of trouble finding someone to accept them.

5:00

One of the uh one of the darker uh marks on history where we took people from a war zone uh that were being per persecuted and murdered by the millions, and uh did not let them land.

5:12

It started in Cuba and came across to the states.

5:15

But she'll be sharing her story uh about being on that ship.

5:19

Uh we will have the mobile shredder the next day at the mall, uh, and that uh runs from 10 to 1.

5:27

So each uh each resident is allowed to bring up to four file-sized boxes of paper for shredding, uh, and that is a service that uh the county comes up, and our uh refuse and recycling department uh handles that arrangement.

5:43

And you will also be able to that same day drop off your electronics, textiles, and paint at our refuse and recycling center actually usually set up in front of the police station, but uh I I did not find the exact location this year.

5:58

It's either in front of the PD or they go they have you drive around to the back.

6:02

The nice thing about the paint recycle that we started uh last year is that you do not have to fill your cans with sand.

6:09

You can just bring it if it's in the original can, you could bring the paint as is, and they will take it and it gets recycled through the town.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management███████████11%
Traffic Safety███████████11%
Youth Programs█████████9%
Snow Removal█████████9%
Community Engagement████████8%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Procedural███████7%
Public Safety█████5%
Economic Development█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Yorktown Town Board Meeting - April 15, 2025

The Town Board of Yorktown, New York, met on April 15, 2025, at 7:30 PM. The meeting included reports on community events, proclamations, recognition of Special Olympics athletes, public comments, several public hearings, and approval of numerous resolutions. Discussions covered sewer infrastructure, affordable housing, traffic safety, and code amendments.

Consent Calendar

  • Appointed James Waterhouse to permanent water meter maintenance position, James Say to laborer in water department, Michael Antonucci as permanent assistant wastewater treatment plant superintendent, and Kyle Golitz as permanent wastewater treatment plant operator (grade 3).
  • Approved fee waivers for use of community center for an event honoring October 7th attack families and for Nostro Mercato Di Yorktown.
  • Authorized advertisement of bids for a waste oil heater replacement and for procurement/installation of solar power systems on town buildings.
  • Authorized the supervisor to sign an agreement with Colliers Engineering for the Route 118/Underhill intersection project.
  • Approved stormwater maintenance agreement with Gina Di Paterio for property at 3901 Crompond Road (Savannah's restaurant).
  • Approved inclusion of parcels in sewer districts: Garden Lane (Peak Skill) and Kipling Drive (Hallex Mill).
  • Approved budget transfers for highway drainage ($142,680 from fund balance) and water meter equipment.
  • Authorized payment of unused time to retiring employees Thomas Galelo and Ryan Heard.
  • Authorized agreement with Precision Group for pipe relining on Hill Boulevard.
  • Approved elevator maintenance agreement with Schindler Elevator Corporation.
  • Awarded biological treatment contract for Lake Mohegan to Lakesavers, LLC.
  • Acknowledged receipt of draft findings statement for 800 East Main Street redevelopment (AMS project).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ilan Gilbert (former supervisor) delivered a tribute to former town employee Stuart Glass, recalling his dedication and service.
  • Jake Epstein commented that there is only one supervisor (Lacterman), argued that legal advice given to town officials must remain confidential, and criticized councilmember Siegel for lengthy comments. He asked about construction permits at 385 Kear Street (Yorktown Green) and questioned whether permits were issued in violation of board direction regarding HVAC.
  • Michael Hickens asked why the town repealed the 2016 law requiring 10% affordable housing set-aside in new developments, noting that currently less than 1% of units are affordable.
  • Dan Strauss raised concerns about parking in fire zones (specifically at Jefferson Village), litter at the basketball court, questioned whether pollinators were planted under the Hill Boulevard solar farm, and criticized approval of two restaurants under luxury apartments at 685 Kear Street when retail was expected.
  • Larry Killian argued that large businesses hurt small businesses, that tax breaks like 485B are unnecessary when development is robust, and that Yorktown Green's tax assessment did not increase with Uncle G's arrival.
  • Howard Gould praised the town board and supervisor for honesty and not making false promises, and commended the response to a recent fire in Jefferson Village.
  • Sarah Wilson (Repair Cafe) announced the 25th Repair Cafe on April 26 and addressed food insecurity, mentioning collaboration with local organizations.

Discussion Items

  • Supervisor's Report: Ed Lacterman reported on community events, including the dedication of Steve Rosen Field, Easter egg hunt, WIVAC anniversary, senior breakfast, and upcoming Earth Day/Arbor Day events, mobile shredder, and Holocaust remembrance ceremony (May 1).
  • Councilmember Susan Siegel raised concerns about a closed-session discussion that should have been open, specifically about the Hallex Mill sewer extension and Peak Skill sewer district. She apologized but urged the board to allow public attendance at pre-meetings. Supervisor Lacterman responded that the discussion involved privileged legal advice and that Siegel herself initiated matters that crossed the gray line.
  • AMS Project Presentation: Mark Weingarten presented a draft findings statement for the 800 East Main Street redevelopment (formerly 250 units of 55+ housing, now 180 units). The next step would be adoption of zoning to allow the project, then site plan review by the planning board. The board acknowledged receipt; no public comment was taken. Supervisor indicated a decision might come in May.
  • Special Olympics Recognition: Samantha Frederick and Mike Bub, bronze medal winners in floorball at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, were honored. They described the sport and their experience.
  • Snow and Ice Removal Law: Public hearing on amending Chapter 216 (Peace and Good Order) regarding snow/ice removal. Dave Paganelli explained the need to simplify rules and eliminate snow removal districts. Discussion focused on changing the clearance time from 24 hours to 12 hours after precipitation ends. The hearing was closed and the item held over to make that change. Jay Copstein suggested licensing commercial plowing companies.
  • Deletion of Snow Removal Districts (Chapter 250): Public hearing to delete Article 6 of Chapter 250. Approved and adopted unanimously.
  • Quinlan Road Four-Way Stop: Public hearing to add a four-way full stop at Quinlan Road and London Road (with blinking lights). Discussion included accident history and effectiveness. Approved unanimously.
  • Stormwater/Wetland Permit (354 Alden Road): Public hearing for proposed residence expansion. Maria Morera claimed ownership of the sewer line and questioned the applicant's permit to connect. The board approved the permit pending verification of an easement and legal access to the sewer pipe.
  • Resolution to Schedule Public Hearing: Adopted a resolution to schedule a public hearing for May 13, 2025, on the creation of the Peak Skill Operation and Maintenance Sewer District and amendment to Chapter 240.

Key Outcomes

  • Appointments of four permanent positions confirmed.
  • Chapter 250 (snow removal districts) deleted from town code.
  • Four-way stop sign with blinking lights approved for Quinlan Road at London Road.
  • Stormwater/wetland permit for 354 Alden Road approved subject to proof of sewer easement.
  • Snow/ice removal law amendment held over for change from 24 to 12 hours.
  • Public hearing on Peak Skill O&M District scheduled for May 13, 2025.
  • All remaining resolutions (as listed in consent calendar) approved by unanimous voice vote.
  • Draft findings statement for AMS project acknowledged; no decision made.
  • The board will revisit the snow/ice law with a 12-hour requirement at a future meeting.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the town board meeting of April 15th, 2025. If we could all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Okay, and uh Mr. Copstein, could you please lead us up? And we could stand one nation under God invisible liberty and justice for us for all. And if we can remain standing for a moment of silence, um today today's moment of silence, I would like us to keep the families of uh Lion Sharif Rachette and uh former town employee uh Stuart Glass in mind is both passed last week, and uh both were very uh important members of our community. Thank you. All right, we'll start with introductions to my right. Good evening, Diana Kwas, town clerk. Good evening, Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman. Supervisor Rad Lakterman. Good evening, Patrick Murphy, Councilman. Susan Siegel, councilwoman, Adam Rodriguez, town attorney. Paganelli, highway superintendent. Great, thank you. Uh for reports for the town. Had some uh great events this past week. Uh we had the Shrub Oak Little League parade, and uh more important at the end of it, there was a dedication of the uh the old mudfield to uh Steve Rosen. Uh it's now the Steve Rosen Field, and Steve gave uh many many years of his service to the uh Shrub Oak Athletic Club. I believe 40 years of service, 25 as president. Uh so we thank Steve for all that service, and it was a well-deserved honor. Uh the Lions also had their Easter egg hunt, the rain held out for them uh on the lower fields of Downing along with the parks and recreation department. Uh on Sunday uh of the 6th, uh Wivac celebrated uh 62 years in their anniversary brunch, and uh it was a pleasure to be there. Uh uh it was uh nice to see the people recognized for their service to our community. Uh this past Saturday had a couple things. We had two openings. Uh we had Michaels have their grand opening and exclusive cuts, moved their location and had their grand opening for that. They're now located uh at the old Patavani building, which is sort of uh to the left of the diner and behind 7-Eleven. Um squished in between that. We had a seniors breakfast at Beaver Ridge, and that was with the uh youth advisory council. Uh, and it was amazing to see the youth interacting with the seniors, and that was really pushed by one of one of the members, Jillian, who's uh uh good a junior in high school, and she really wanted to try to build that community and that recognition. So we were thrilled, uh thrilled to be there for that. A couple things coming up, uh a few that are uh very important. Of course, Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd. Uh we always have the Battle of Yorktown centered around that, which will be on April 26th this year. Uh we will have on the 25th Arbor Day right here, starting at 3 30. Uh we'll have the uh contest for the second and third graders, I believe it is. Um, and uh then we'll have an Arbor Day ceremony and celebration outside uh weather permitting with refreshments and uh hopefully some uh saplings that you can take home. Um the 26th, we it is a busy day. We have uh the Nostro Mercato uh Di Yorktown, which is uh with the Yorktown uh Friends of Yorktown Parks and Recreation and the Small Business Association. It's sort of like a uh flea market cell. So they'll be doing that at the Capolini Center uh or the community center, however you look at it, or the old sixth grade school. Uh and that'll be an all-day event in the gymnasium. Uh and the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce is going to have the Chamber Spring Show on the 26th at the JV Mall from 11 to 4. Uh, they'll have plenty of vendors. I believe they're gonna have an auto show again this year, and it's uh it's always a great day there for that. Uh we will have our annual Yorktown Holocaust remembrance event here uh May 1st at 6 p.m. in town hall. Our speaker is a survivor, uh Sonja Geismer. Sonia uh was a um was a uh passenger on the uh steamship St.

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