Yorktown Town Board Work Session - November 25, 2025

The Town Board of Yorktown held a work session on November 25, 2025, beginning at approximately 12:45 PM. The meeting included a presentation from Motorola on a proposed records management and dispatch system, a public hearing on a stormwater/tree permit application, a request from the Veterans Advisory Committee, a proposal for a wireless communication facility, and discussion on the use of a CREST grant. Several routine personnel appointments and resolutions were also approved.

Consent Calendar

• Personnel Appointments: Libra Cosme Tavares was appointed provisionally to Senior Office Assistant in the Comptroller's Office (motion approved unanimously).
• Community Housing Board Appointment: Judy Elithan was appointed to the Community Housing Board for a six-year term expiring December 31, 2031 (motion approved unanimously). The board noted two additional openings on the Community Housing Board.
• Resolutions: The board approved a series of routine resolutions en bloc, including: authorizing a tax certiorari for property at Downing Drive (Oster Properties/Uncle G's); authorizing bid advertisements for chemicals and sludge/grease removal for the Water Pollution Control Plant; approving vacation carryover and buyout for employees; authorizing a reimbursement agreement with NYS STOP-DWI Foundation; authorizing a maintenance agreement for the police department's voice recorder equipment; and authorizing payment of unused time to a terminated employee.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stormwater/Tree Permit Public Hearing (3370 Hollywood Street, Mohegan Lake): Several neighbors spoke: Lars Locovacs (3096 Hollywood St.) questioned enforcement of the proposed rain garden and noted the property's high water table. Rosie Laheran and Charles Beakers (neighbors) described existing flooding issues, collapsed storm drains, and water runoff across the street. Anna Obligado (40+ year resident) reported a recurring river in her backyard and street flooding. Andre Obligado (geologist) explained the high water table makes infiltration difficult. All expressed concerns that the rain garden would not solve pre-existing drainage problems and might worsen conditions. The board acknowledged the need to investigate the street drainage system and deferred a decision until the next meeting.

Discussion Items

• Motorola Flex Pro CAD/RMS System Presentation: Chief Noble introduced Sam Rabati (Senior Solution Specialist) and John Muller (former Yonkers Police Commissioner) from Motorola to present a new integrated computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management system. The current system (Impact/Central Square) is nine years old, with a 10-year shelf life. The proposed Motorola system (Flex) offers seamless integration, mobile applications, data sharing with other Flex agencies, and AI capabilities. A budgetary quote of $969,000 total was presented, with a first-year cost of $741,000 (excluding hardware) and annual maintenance of $27,278. A three-year payment option ($241,000/year) was proposed. The discount expires December 15, 2025; after that the system would shift to a more expensive subscription model. Board members raised concerns about the tight timeline, cost, need for hardware compatibility, and the lack of comparison with other vendors. The chief noted the department has a $100,000 law enforcement technology grant and that current annual costs are rising to $41,000. No decision was made; further technical discussions and comparisons are planned.
• Veterans Advisory Committee – School Tax Exemption Parity: Major Mike Sheridan reported that the school tax exemptions for veterans have not been updated since 2014, resulting in veterans receiving about half the relief on school taxes compared to property taxes. He requested the town board support in approaching the Yorktown and Lakeland school districts to update their exemption calculations. The board voted unanimously to draft a letter of support and to schedule meetings with the school superintendents.
• Homeland Towers Wireless Facility: Robert Gordiosa (attorney) requested the board schedule a public hearing and authorize the supervisor to sign DEC application forms for a proposed wireless facility at 62 Granite Springs Road. A brief discussion occurred regarding shifting the access road away from a wetland buffer. The board authorized a public hearing for December 16, 2025, and authorized the supervisor to execute the DEC application.
• CREST Grant – Sparkle Lake Playground: The town received a $100,000 CREST grant from Senator Harkham for public space improvements. Parks Director Jim suggested using the funds for a major upgrade to the Sparkle Lake playground, which is one of the oldest and most used playgrounds, with ample parking and fencing. An additional $50,000–$80,000 in matching funds would be needed. Board members discussed the need for a capital plan and prioritization of projects. The board requested incremental cost breakdowns and agreed to proceed with the Sparkle Lake project as the best use of the grant, contingent on available fund balance.

Key Outcomes

• Personnel and Appointments: Approved unanimously.
• Motorola Proposal: No decision; further information gathering and stakeholder meetings scheduled.
• Public Hearing (3370 Hollywood St.): Continued to the next meeting pending a site inspection of drainage issues, completion of tree inventory, and review by the Planning Board.
• Veterans School Tax Exemption: Board passed a motion to draft a letter of support for the Veterans Advisory Committee's request to school districts.
• Homeland Towers: Public hearing set for December 16, 2025; authorized DEC application submission.
• CREST Grant: Directed Parks to provide incremental cost options for the Sparkle Lake playground upgrade; project to be considered within overall capital plan and fund balance analysis.
• Routine Resolutions: All approved unanimously.