Yorktown Town Board Work Session – October 14, 2025

The Yorktown Town Board held a work session on October 14, 2025, to discuss personnel actions, infrastructure projects, sewer revenue restructuring, and community presentations. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence, and remarks on recent hateful messages, proclamations for the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday and a resident’s 100th birthday, and a reflection on the meaning of Columbus Day.

Consent Calendar

• Personnel Resolutions (unanimous): Authorized the transfer of Angela Cavallo from the Highway Department to the Water Department as a Stock Clerk with a $5,000 annual stipend for assisting with NYC DEP reporting; appointed Robert J. Reddy Jr. as Motor Equipment Operator/Stock Clerk in the Highway Department effective October 20, 2025. Both motions carried unanimously.
• Resolutions (all passed unanimously):
  • Authorized the Town Supervisor to sign an amendment to the contract with Wesson & Sampson for engineering services related to the Brian J. Slavin Aquatic Facility coping project.
  • Authorized the Comptroller to process a budget transfer for change order #1 to Wesson & Sampson for replacing existing tile coping at the facility.
  • Awarded the bid for water maintenance materials to the lowest responsible bidder for each item.
  • Authorized the Town Clerk to issue an RFP for real estate brokerage and auction services for the town-owned property at 3650 Lexington Avenue (8.9 acres).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the session, though citizens were present for specific agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Statement on Hateful Messages: Councilwoman Luciana Howitt read a statement condemning racist, anti-Semitic, and misogynistic messages reported by Politico involving New York State Young Republicans and local elected officials. The board expressed unity in rejecting hate and division.
• Proclamations: The board proclaimed October 13, 2025, as the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday and celebrated the upcoming 100th birthday of Philomena Lou Remsen on October 19, 2025.
• Columbus Day Remarks: Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito shared the historical context of Columbus Day as a commemoration of the persecution of Italian Americans, emphasizing its broader meaning against racial and religious persecution.
• Appointment of Deputy Town Engineer: The board voted 4-1 to appoint Heather McVeigh as Deputy Town Engineer. Councilwoman Susan Siegel voted against, citing concerns about the need for a reorganization of the Engineering Department rather than adding a third engineer. Supporters emphasized the workload, the need for a second professional engineer (PE) to stamp documents, and McVeigh’s experience with wastewater treatment.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Presentation: Matt Silvestri of Hudson Valley Prestige Enterprises presented an opportunity to install Level 3 DC fast chargers in municipal lots with little to no upfront cost, funded through Con Edison’s Make Ready program. Estimated revenue of up to $26,000 per port per year (based on one full charge per day) would go to the town after costs. The board requested a detailed proposal and noted their Climate Smart Community Task Force’s interest. No action taken.
• Stony Street Properties (2824 & 2830): The town engineer (Dan) and project representatives discussed tree permits, wetland buffers, and steep slopes for two lots. Councilwoman Susan Siegel proposed a steep slope ordinance; Supervisor Lakerman scheduled a discussion for late November. The board voted to refer the applications to the Planning Board and set a public hearing for November 18, 2025. The motion included a directive to address steep slope concerns through existing processes.
• Route 118 / Underhill Avenue Intersection Update: Phil Greeley of Colliers Engineering presented the final design, which includes a dedicated left-turn lane on Underhill, a right-turn lane on Route 118, new mast-arm signals with cameras, and ADA-compliant pedestrian crossings. Utility relocations are ongoing; signal installation is expected by end of 2025 with final paving in spring 2026. The board emphasized that no certificates of occupancy for the Underhill Farms development should be issued until the road improvements (minus top coat) are operational.
• Sewer Revenue Restructuring: Town Engineer Dan presented a plan to simplify sewer billing by consolidating 11 Peak Skill sewer districts into a single operating district funded through water usage ($3 per thousand gallons). Yorktown Sewer district rates would also increase to $3 per thousand. Districts with paid-off bonds would cease collecting sewer taxes and only pay through water bills. The board discussed equity and accounting accuracy; a draft code amendment will be reviewed by the town attorney before referral.
• Hallex Mill Sewer District Expansion Phase One: Dan updated the board on a revised plan serving 148 parcels at an estimated cost of $13.5 million ($950 per parcel), down from the original 315 parcels and $20 million. The town is awaiting DEC approval for a gravity sewer through wetlands and continues to seek grants. The board expressed support for moving forward with a town-initiated motion subject to permissive referendum.
• Project Labor Agreement Presentation: Ed Cook, Vice President of Westchester Putnam Building Trades, advocated for PLAs on municipal projects over $250,000, citing 3-5% savings, on-time/on-budget performance, and local workforce benefits. Board members asked about consultant costs ($16,000–$19,000 per study) and process. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Personnel: Appointed Heather McVeigh as Deputy Town Engineer (4-1 vote).
• Stony Street: Referred to Planning Board with public hearing set for November 18, 2025.
• Sewer Revenue: Board directed staff to finalize a code amendment and master fee schedule for the new rate structure, with aim to implement in the 2026 budget.
• Route 118/Underhill: Board committed to withholding COs until road improvements are functionally complete (top coat excluded).
• Resolutions: All four consent resolutions passed unanimously.
• Next Steps: Town will schedule November work session on steep slope ordinance; continue grant applications for Hallex Mill; review PLA feasibility for upcoming projects.