Yorktown Town Board Meeting – October 7, 2025
Yorktown Town Board Meeting – October 7, 2025
The Yorktown Town Board met on October 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scout Troop 173, followed by a moment of silence marking the two-year anniversary of the attacks on Israel at a music festival. The board then issued proclamations, recognized police promotions, received public comments, discussed several town projects, and voted on resolutions.
Proclamations
- Boy Scout Troop 173 60th Anniversary: The board proclaimed October 7, 2025, as Boy Scout Troop 173 Day, honoring the troop's 60 years of service, 117 Eagle Scouts, and the newest Eagle Scout, Lewis Cecino, who completed a project renewing the BFW sign.
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Councilwoman Howitt read a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting Support Connection's work.
- LGBTQ+ History Month: Deputy Supervisor Esposito read a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as LGBTQ+ History Month, affirming the town's commitment to inclusion.
Police Promotions and Awards
Police Chief Robert Noble presented the following promotions, each officer took the oath of office administered by Town Clerk Diana Quast:
- Captain Justin Foley: A lifelong Yorktown resident and former NYPD officer, promoted to captain after serving as lieutenant and operations commander.
- Lieutenant Matthew Rassiopo: A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and drug recognition expert, promoted to lieutenant.
- Lieutenant Anthony D. Pietra Antonio: A Yorktown High School graduate and former school resource officer, promoted to lieutenant.
- Detective Sergeant Thomas Byrer: A third-generation police officer and K9 handler, promoted to detective sergeant.
- Sergeant Chad Delgado: A former NYPD officer and U.S. Navy Seabee, promoted to sergeant. Chief Noble also thanked the town board for its support and highlighted the importance of license plate readers and scam prevention for seniors.
Supervisor's Report
Supervisor Ed Lacterman provided updates:
- Old Crom Pond Road Bridge: Work is progressing – water diversion, gas main relocation, and water main diversion are underway. The contractor is Montesano Brothers.
- Firehouse Vote: Misinformation about the vote was addressed; the fire district followed all legal requirements, and turnout was five times the average.
- DRI Grant: The town is applying for up to $10 million in downtown revitalization funds. The grant writer is compiling community projects, and the town board will have final say on submissions.
- 118 Underhill Road: Construction is ongoing, including utility pole relocation.
- Burn Ban: A state burn ban is in effect until October 15 due to dry conditions.
- Fund Balance: Clarified that fund balance is account-specific (general, water, sewer) and cannot be used interchangeably; it is also necessary to front reimbursable grants.
Councilmember Reports
- Councilman Murphy: Highlighted upcoming events, including the Run for Recovery, drug epidemic awareness, and the Yorktown High School first responders night.
- Councilwoman Howitt: Announced the grand opening of Sportime Pickleball, the senior center Oktoberfest, and senior night for Yorktown Bar City Soccer. Also noted National Recovery Month activities.
- Councilwoman Siegel: Requested broader distribution of the senior survey; noted delays in the solar RFP on town buildings (signed agreement with Sustainable Westchester that evening) and the streetscape project for Downing Drive (RFP not yet written, causing loss of a $15 million county grant). Discussed affordable housing – five existing rental units need compliance verification, and an RFP for administration is pending. Urged town board discussion on DRI projects before the grant writer finalizes the application. Also called for discussion on a steep slope ordinance.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Howard Gould: Expressed strong support for the John C. Hart Memorial Library, thanking the board for recent renovations and grants.
- Resident (unnamed): Praised the town's recognition of diversity and the police department's reflection of the community.
- Sarah Wilson: As chair of the Community Housing Board, thanked the board for funding the Section 8 program to cover a healthcare benefit shortfall, noting the program's importance for residents. Also announced the Yorktown Repair Cafe on October 25.
- Mark Lieberman: Reported frequent brownouts and blackouts in Jefferson Village; requested a direct contact with Con Edison.
- Rich Sottner: Questioned the referral process for his business (recycling center) and expressed concern about delays.
- Brian Shrewok: Urged the board to move proposed EV charging stations at the library away from the front of the building to preserve aesthetics and safety, and to avoid taking six prime parking spaces.
- Maurice Treludi: Raised concerns about water contamination and flooding in neighborhoods, particularly Jefferson Valley, Shrub Oak, and Mohegan Lake, calling for a coordinated plan.
- Jan (scouting advocate): Congratulated Troop 173 and the new Eagle Scout, explaining the rigor of the Eagle Scout project.
- Joanne Sillick: Questioned the potential impacts of the Navajo project (traffic, flooding, tree removal), the overlay law, and home rule, citing specific legislative details.
- Dwayne Simmons: Described persistent flooding in Jefferson Village, expressed frustration with the developer's promises, and asked the town to help.
- Ann O'Neill: Stated that Jefferson Village water has been tested and is clean; encouraged residents to view the lab results.
- Brian Sellick: Asked about the status of the lawsuit regarding the recycling plant zoning change, noting the town's exposure to a $12 million claim.
- Anthony Pichette: Emphasized the danger of Veterans Road for pedestrians, especially children, and called for speed bumps or other measures.
Discussion Items
- EV Charging Stations at Library: The board discussed three options from the county: keep current location (no cost), move 250 feet (town cost ~$13,000 after county reimbursement), or withdraw and reapply (risk losing grant and paying $18,000 in sunk costs). Fire Commissioner Brian Shrewok argued the current location is too close to East Main Street, creating traffic and safety risks in case of a battery fire. The board voted to move the chargers, with the town paying up to $15,000. Councilwoman Howitt and Councilman Esposito made and seconded the motion; it passed unanimously.
- Section 8 Funding Resolution: A resolution to authorize additional funding for the Section 8 program to cover 2024 healthcare benefit shortfall and 2025 costs was debated. Councilwoman Siegel questioned whether the 2024 portion was already funded. After clarification, the resolution passed.
Key Outcomes
- Vote to Move EV Chargers: Approved (unanimous) to spend up to $15,000 to relocate the EV charging stations at the library away from the main entrance and holiday tree. The county will reimburse approximately $17,000, leaving a net town cost of about $13,000.
- All Other Resolutions Passed: Including refunds, budget transfers, police department purchases (license plate readers via grant), personnel actions, and the Section 8 funding resolution.
- Next Steps: The supervisor will work with Con Edison regarding power outages; the senior survey will be posted online using SurveyMonkey; the DRI grant application will be discussed at the next work session; the solar RFP with Sustainable Westchester is moving forward; the streetscape RFP for Downing Drive and Veterans Road is to be written.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening all and welcome to the board meeting of October 7th, 2025. And we will uh have the colors brought in. Detail. Oh, left face. Arms. Okay. And if we could have our uh Boy Scout Troop 173 lead us in the uh Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And if we could remain standing and hold a moment of silence. Today is the uh two-year anniversary of the uh attacks on uh Israel at the music festival. Um we've had a couple of events in town, uh making sure that we uh stand strong in condemning all acts of terrorism. Uh and uh if we could just have a moment of prayer for uh not only peace but the return of the hostages and uh hopefully an end to this uh this encounter. Thank you. So we'll do introductions real quick, and then we're gonna skip around a little bit on the agenda. Yeah, oh I'm sorry. I apologize. We do we do have a special treat today, so we'll all need to stand once again as uh Joyce Pagliucca will uh lead us in God bless America. No, I'm sorry, the national anthem. At the twilight screen, who's what shines and bright stars through the hair or the rail parts we watched were so good, we stream and the monster singing proof through the night that our flag was little hair stangled or the land of the free and the hall. Thank you so much, Officer Padre. Detail order, arms right march. Thank you. Please be seated. All right, sorry about that. Thank you for the reminder, Chief. Um if we can uh start with our uh introductions to my right. Good evening, Diana Quas, town clerk. Good evening, Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman. Supervisor Red Lacterman. Sergio Esposito, Deputy Supervisor. Good evening, Patrick Murphy, town council. Good evening, Susan Siegel, Councilwoman. Adam Rodriguez, town attorney. Good evening. Great. So now we're gonna move into some uh proclamations and as I said, skip ahead a little bit. Uh I'm gonna start as we have uh a special uh we have the 60th anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 173 here in Yorktown. Uh if our scouts can stand and come up front, and and their leaders. Chris, don't think you're sitting back there, bye. All right, uh we have a proclamation for uh for our scout troop and uh this seventh day of October 2025, whereas for 60 years, Boy Scout Troop 173 of Yorktown has been a guiding light for young men in our community, instilling the core values of leadership, service, and integrity through the principles of scouting. And whereas, since its founding in 1965, Troop 173 has provided countless scouts with opportunities for personal growth, outdoor adventure, and civic engine engagement, while emphasizing the importance of community service and good citizenship. And whereas Troop 173 has produced a hundred and fifteen Eagle Scouts, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional commitment, character, and leadership, both within the troop and in service to the broader community. And whereas the success and longevity of Troop 173 is a testament to the dedication of the Scoutmasters, leaders, volunteers, and families who have generously given their time, energy, and support over the past six decades. And whereas for six decades, Troop 173 has served as a cornerstone of the Yorktown community, developing generations of young men into leaders of strong character, civic responsibility, and selfless service. Whereas in recognition of their 60 years of outstanding service, leadership and commitment to shaping future generations of responsible citizens, we do hereby proclaim today October 7th, 2025, as Boy Scout Troop 173 Day. Uh now therefore be it resolved that I Edward A. Lacterman and the town board of the town of Yorktown celebrate this milestone and express our deepest gratitude for 60 years of meaningful impact. So I need to ask a question. Is that number off now? It is off.
openpublica.com