OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Yorktown Town Board Meeting – May 6, 2025

Town Board — Tuesday, May 6, 2025
BodyYorktown, New York
SessionTown Board
DateTuesday, May 6, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:53:46

Transcript — Verbatim
1:22

Tom, we're good.

1:22

We're going.

1:23

All right.

1:24

Whoa.

1:26

If if uh good evening all, welcome to the May 6th, 2025 uh meeting for tonight.

1:33

You have 2024 from living in the past.

1:36

Um so uh if we could all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance uh Captain Davin, can you lead us?

1:49

And to the Republic for which it stands.

1:52

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:01

As we uh as we uh have military appreciation week coming up and EMS Week, Nurses Week, Teachers Week.

2:10

We uh we uh pray and uh remember those that serve us, both uh protect us, teach us, keep us healthy and safe, and uh may they all be blessed for their services.

2:32

Thank you.

2:32

Please be seated.

2:38

Introductions will start to my right.

2:41

Good evening, Diana Quas, town clerk.

2:43

Good evening, Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman.

2:45

Supervisor Red Lacterman.

2:47

Serge Basito, Deputy Supervisor.

2:49

Patrick Murphy, Councilman.

2:51

Susan Siegel, councilwoman.

2:53

Good evening, Katie Kruhulik, acting town attorney today.

2:57

And uh we'll we will let you know that Dave Paganelli will be here shortly, our highway superintendent.

3:03

Um for reports for the town.

3:07

Um I just want to briefly mention uh three things.

3:11

Uh first I want to thank the Girl Scouts for recognizing uh the town of Yorktown for the work that we do with scouting.

3:18

Uh all of our our board contributes, uh, both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and helps out as whenever possible.

3:25

And uh we were just recognized by uh the Girl Scouts in our town for that service on Sunday.

3:32

Uh Sunday morning there was also a welcome uh for neurofibrosis, uh the steps to cure uh NF.

3:41

And uh it was the first one up here.

3:43

They they m met their goal of twenty-five thousand dollars.

3:47

Uh NF is uh is a uh uh a like a fibrosis disease where the uh the the patient has uh nerve damage and uh and sometimes other damage caused by these uh fibrosis that grow in their system and they're three different types and it can be quite painful and it can be uh quite uh uh harmful to people.

4:15

So we're we're very happy that they're doing this and people got together in Yorktown and had a very very successful walk.

4:23

And then I also want to thank everyone uh for coming for coming to our Holocaust Remembrance event uh this past uh Thursday, May first.

4:35

Uh it is really truly uh one of the one of the things that we are so proud of doing in the town, and I thank uh all that participated and uh all of our elected officials get involved in it in one way or another.

4:49

And I thank you all for that.

4:52

Susan, we'll go down to your side of the table.

4:56

Um I'd like to talk about a word we uh talk about very frequently these days called transparency.

5:00

Um I'd like to talk about a word we uh talk about very frequently these days called transparency, and my comments deal specifically with two financial financial transparency issues or unfortunately the the lack of transparency.

5:13

The first issue involves the online financial records.

5:17

I was surprised to learn recently um that somebody in town hall made the decision to stop a 16-year practice of putting the town's expense and vendor reports online, the monthly reports that have been online for 16 years.

5:32

Right?

5:33

This came as a surprise to me.

5:35

Um, yes, I know that they can be um you can get them if you do a FOIL request because they are public documents, but one it's I think it's an inconvenience for the for the resident, and also it it's very time consuming for for the town staff.

5:53

I know because as a resident I foiled a lot, and I know the procedure, it goes to the clerk's office, then to the other department, then back to the clerk's office.

6:01

It's very time consuming.

6:02

It's much more efficient if it's just online.

6:05

One of the reasons I was told why they're not going to go online is that well, other municipalities don't do it.

6:12

That's not a reason that I think is um makes much sense.

6:16

Uh Yorktown doesn't necessarily do what other municipalities do.

6:20

They don't do what we always do.

6:22

We're very unique, and we have public informational hearings at the planning board, which are not required by state law, but we do that.

6:31

Other municipalities don't.

6:33

Other municipalities use state police.

6:36

We use our own police.

6:38

They have appointed highway superintendents in town clerks.

6:41

Yorktown prefers to elect them.

6:43

So the argument that we can't we shouldn't do it because others don't do it, doesn't make sense.

6:48

So I asked the supervisors to work to um to work with the finance department and put these back online, which I think it if the town wants to be transparent, there I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be transparent.

7:00

Well, Susan, I since you threw it over to me.

7:03

Well, let me address it since you threw it over to me.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning Regulations███████████████████19%
Battery Energy Storage███████████████15%
Public Engagement████████8%
Public Safety███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Solar Power Generation█████5%
Public Hearings████4%
Transportation Safety████4%
Mental Health Awareness███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Yorktown Town Board Meeting – May 6, 2025

The Yorktown Town Board met on May 6, 2025, for a regular meeting that included presentations, public hearings, and discussions on solar energy, battery storage, accessory dwelling units, and intersection improvements. The meeting began at approximately 12:30 PM and ran late into the evening.

Consent Calendar

  • Accepted retirement of Maria DeRubius from the Water Department (effective May 31, 2025, after 24 years of service).
  • Accepted resignation of Justin Garagna as motor vehicle operator in the Highway Department (effective April 22, 2025).
  • Reappointed Ken Belfort and Maura Gregory to the Community Housing Board.
  • Amended the list of management employees to add a Deputy Town Engineer position.
  • Approved resolutions related to Route 118 and Underhill Avenue intersection improvements, including budget transfers and bid awards.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ilan Gilbert (former town supervisor) thanked the board for Holocaust remembrance and mental health awareness, and reflected on the value of life.
  • Michael Hickens spoke about the Yorktown Huskers baseball team raising funds for a Cooperstown tournament and encouraged sponsorship.
  • John Ravitz (Business Council of Westchester) urged support for the Freestone Renewable Solar Project, citing 3.125 MW of solar generation, 5-20% savings for 550 residents, and grid resiliency.
  • Leo Wiegman (Sustainable Westchester) discussed community solar programs and noted 419 Yorktown households already participating, but said Con Edison capacity is full.
  • David Cooper (attorney for Freestone Renewables) asked the board to explain the policy shift in the proposed solar law amendment, emphasizing that the planning board process was working.
  • Maria Costanzo and John Clanelo (property owners) spoke in favor of their partnership with Freestone, describing a sustainable community vision and asking for individual project consideration.
  • Jake Hopstein opposed large-scale solar, argued it would not provide local energy independence, and noted that similar towns like Armonk do not have industrial solar farms.
  • Paul Harold (Somers resident) opposed lithium battery storage, citing fire risks and toxic emissions.
  • Randy Pratt (Wilkins Fruit Farm) applauded the proposed solar law changes, stating they protect trees and open space, and noted the project would be in his backyard.
  • Sarah Wilson asked for clarification on the total cost of the intersection improvements and the town's share.
  • Stephanie Azadian (Somers resident) supported a ban on battery storage systems, citing fire risks, toxic gases, and environmental contamination.
  • Leo Wiegman (Sustainable Westchester) recommended extending the moratorium on battery storage to await state fire safety regulations, and distinguished three tiers of battery storage.
  • Vidat Gashi (Yorktown resident and Westchester County official) expressed support for the town's efforts to regulate battery storage, emphasizing local zoning rights.
  • Jake Hopstein (again) read from an insurance company report highlighting dangers of lithium-ion batteries.
  • Roland (Baldwin Place resident) opposed battery storage, citing groundwater contamination risks and questioning grid benefits.
  • Corinne Simeon (Yorktown resident) opposed battery storage, raised concerns about property values, insurance, and fire risks.
  • Robert Gardioso (attorney for RIC Energy) opposed the ban on battery storage, arguing the planning process was already working and that a ban would not prevent utility status under state law.
  • Sean Morris (ESRG) provided expert testimony on battery safety, stating that modern LFP batteries have lower failure rates and that fire suppression plans are in place.
  • Catherine Honig (property owner) opposed the blanket ban, noting emerging technologies like aqueous zinc batteries with no fire risk.
  • Kevin O'Keefe (Somers resident) opposed battery storage, citing fire, water contamination, insurance, and terrorism risks.
  • Clifford Davis (former planning board attorney) corrected legal representations, stating that the county planning board's negative letter does not require a supermajority vote and that battery storage has not been declared a public utility by New York courts.

Discussion Items

  • Solar Law Amendment: The board discussed a proposed amendment to Chapter 381-4 to restrict large-scale ground-mounted solar in residential neighborhoods. Public comment was split, with supporters citing community character and opponents arguing for renewable energy benefits. The board set a public hearing for May 20, 2025.
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): The board held a public hearing on a proposed local law to ban battery storage systems in all zoning districts. Extensive testimony was heard on safety, environmental, and legal issues. The board closed the hearing but left written comment open for 10 days. Several members expressed a desire to learn more about evolving fire codes before voting.
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): The board conducted a public hearing on six proposed amendments to Chapter 300 to relax ADU regulations. Key changes included reducing minimum lot size for detached ADUs from 2 acres to 40,000 sq ft, increasing maximum size from 800 to 1,000 sq ft (detached kept at 800), and eliminating owner-occupancy requirement. The board agreed to add a five-year waiting period for newly built detached structures before conversion. The hearing was closed with a plan to vote after the required seven-day waiting period.
  • Route 118 / Underhill Avenue Intersection: The board debated the scope of improvements, including pedestrian crosswalks and traffic signal options. Councilwoman Siegel raised concerns about the lack of board discussion on reducing from four to two crosswalks and the use of potential state grant money. The supervisor and town engineer clarified that the town's contribution is capped at $543,032.44, with the developer covering any additional costs. The board approved the agreement and awarded bids for the intersection improvement and traffic signal installation.

Key Outcomes

  • ADU Amendments: Public hearing closed; board to vote after seven days with the five-year waiting period added.
  • Battery Storage Ban: Public hearing closed; written comments accepted for 10 days; no immediate vote.
  • Solar Law Amendment: Public hearing set for May 20, 2025.
  • Intersection Improvements: Approved agreement with Underhill Soundview LLC and awarded bids to Abbott & Price Inc. ($1,053,221) and Verde Electric ($315,526.80). Councilwoman Siegel voted against the budget transfer resolution due to process concerns; Councilman Murphy recused himself.
  • Personnel and Administrative Resolutions: All approved unanimously.
  • Proclamations: Recognized Military Appreciation Month, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month.

Meeting Transcript

Tom, we're good. We're going. All right. Whoa. If if uh good evening all, welcome to the May 6th, 2025 uh meeting for tonight. You have 2024 from living in the past. Um so uh if we could all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance uh Captain Davin, can you lead us? And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. As we uh as we uh have military appreciation week coming up and EMS Week, Nurses Week, Teachers Week. We uh we uh pray and uh remember those that serve us, both uh protect us, teach us, keep us healthy and safe, and uh may they all be blessed for their services. Thank you. Please be seated. Introductions will start to my right. Good evening, Diana Quas, town clerk. Good evening, Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman. Supervisor Red Lacterman. Serge Basito, Deputy Supervisor. Patrick Murphy, Councilman. Susan Siegel, councilwoman. Good evening, Katie Kruhulik, acting town attorney today. And uh we'll we will let you know that Dave Paganelli will be here shortly, our highway superintendent. Um for reports for the town. Um I just want to briefly mention uh three things. Uh first I want to thank the Girl Scouts for recognizing uh the town of Yorktown for the work that we do with scouting. Uh all of our our board contributes, uh, both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and helps out as whenever possible. And uh we were just recognized by uh the Girl Scouts in our town for that service on Sunday. Uh Sunday morning there was also a welcome uh for neurofibrosis, uh the steps to cure uh NF. And uh it was the first one up here. They they m met their goal of twenty-five thousand dollars. Uh NF is uh is a uh uh a like a fibrosis disease where the uh the the patient has uh nerve damage and uh and sometimes other damage caused by these uh fibrosis that grow in their system and they're three different types and it can be quite painful and it can be uh quite uh uh harmful to people. So we're we're very happy that they're doing this and people got together in Yorktown and had a very very successful walk. And then I also want to thank everyone uh for coming for coming to our Holocaust Remembrance event uh this past uh Thursday, May first. Uh it is really truly uh one of the one of the things that we are so proud of doing in the town, and I thank uh all that participated and uh all of our elected officials get involved in it in one way or another. And I thank you all for that. Susan, we'll go down to your side of the table. Um I'd like to talk about a word we uh talk about very frequently these days called transparency. Um I'd like to talk about a word we uh talk about very frequently these days called transparency, and my comments deal specifically with two financial financial transparency issues or unfortunately the the lack of transparency. The first issue involves the online financial records. I was surprised to learn recently um that somebody in town hall made the decision to stop a 16-year practice of putting the town's expense and vendor reports online, the monthly reports that have been online for 16 years. Right? This came as a surprise to me. Um, yes, I know that they can be um you can get them if you do a FOIL request because they are public documents, but one it's I think it's an inconvenience for the for the resident, and also it it's very time consuming for for the town staff. I know because as a resident I foiled a lot, and I know the procedure, it goes to the clerk's office, then to the other department, then back to the clerk's office. It's very time consuming. It's much more efficient if it's just online. One of the reasons I was told why they're not going to go online is that well, other municipalities don't do it. That's not a reason that I think is um makes much sense. Uh Yorktown doesn't necessarily do what other municipalities do. They don't do what we always do.

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