Yorktown Town Board Work Session – October 14, 2025
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.
Meeting Transcript
Work session. Good evening and working to the welcome to the work session of October 14th, 2025. If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Howard, since you have your flag bag there, you want to uh start us off. Of the United States of America and to the Republic, which is stands. One nation, God, in indivisible liberty and justice for all. And if we could remain standing for a moment of silence, uh, as we remember our first responders, our military, and uh we'll say some extra prayers for the um for the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, hoping that that sticks and that uh we see a road to to peace within the Middle East. Thank you. We'll start with introductions to my right. Good evening, Diana Quas, town clerk. Good evening, Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman. Town Supervisor Rad Lakerman. Sergio Esposito, Deputy Supervisor, Susan Siegel, Councilwoman. Adam Rodriguez, I'm sorry. Dave Paganelli, Yorktown Highway Superintendent. Okay, and before we get started on the regular agenda, um, there was some distressing news that uh that came out today about uh some comments uh that were going around in a private chat uh with members of the New York State Young Republicans as well as others. Uh rather than all of us read a statement, uh I thought Luciana's words were very potent. So if uh Luciana, if you could please. Thank you. We are deeply saddened and disgusted by the hateful messages revealed in the politico report involving the New York State young Republicans as officials and town elected officials and also Americans. We condemn racism, anti-Semitism, misogyny, and any language that spreads hate or division. Words have power, they can build up or destroy, and what we say reflects who we truly are. The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverb 1821. We must choose to be better and to do better. Let our words bright light, not darkness, let them heal, not harm. Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Psalm 3413. Hate has no home here. We can disagree without losing our humanity. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Luciana. Um, we do have something to celebrate today. Um we have uh a birthday. Actually, I'll talk about two birthdays, one that was coming up, but first we have a proclamation for the United States Navy for its 250th birthday. Sergio, would you like to unfortunately uh I did ask Alex Mandara for who's a uh Navy veteran to come today, but he informed me that he was not able to make it. But we will get this over to a copy to the post and a copy uh the VFW post and the American Legion Post. United States Navy 250th birthday. Whereas on October 13th, 1775, the Continental Congress established the United States Navy, marking the beginning of a proud tradition of maritime service, defense, and national pride. And whereas for 250 years, the United States Navy has stood as a symbol of strength, honor, and resilience, protecting our nation's shores, securing vital interests around the globe, and promoting freedom of the seas. And whereas generations of sailors, active duty, reserve, and civilian have served with distinction, upholding the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment in times of peace and conflict. And whereas the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on its storied history, celebrate its accomplishments, and express our gratitude to all who have worn the Navy uniform in defense of liberty and justice. And whereas we also honor the families and loved ones who support our sailors as well as the Navy veterans whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of service. Now, therefore, on behalf of Edward A. Lacterman, we hereby proclaim October 13th to be 2025 as the United States Navy's 250th birthday and encourage all citizens to join in commemorating this historic milestone by recognizing the valor, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the United States Navy. Happy birthday. Happy birthday, Navy, yes. And uh I did want to wish a special 100th birthday coming up on Sunday to Philomena Lou Remsen. Uh we were asked if we would recognize her birthday and uh do a proclamation at town hall, but unfortunately she did not feel comfortable coming out at night.
openpublica.com