Yorktown Town Board Meeting – December 16, 2025: Police Promotions, CAD System Approval, and Homeland Towers Public Hearing
Yorktown Town Board Meeting – December 16, 2025: Police Promotions, CAD System Approval, and Homeland Towers Public Hearing
This was the final town board meeting of 2025, held on December 16, 2025. The meeting included police department promotions and new officer introductions, a resolution to authorize a new Motorola CAD/RMS system, a lengthy public hearing on the Homeland Towers telecommunications facility at 109/62 Granite Springs Road, and various routine personnel and administrative actions. The board also recognized the service of outgoing Councilwoman Luciana Howitt.
Consent Calendar
- Approved three conditional police officer appointments: Mark Anthony Adamas, Timothy Kozlosky, and Madison Esposito (Deputy Supervisor Esposito recused himself from the Esposito vote and left the room during that discussion). All effective January 2, 2026, subject to medical/psychological examinations and probationary periods. Salaries: Adamas $71,070; Kozlosky and Esposito $53,243 annually.
- Accepted the retirement letter of Richard Flacco from the sewer department.
- Authorized supervisor to sign an agreement with Lero GIS and Survey PC for tax map update ($23,480).
- Released an erosion control bond for work at 2991 Hickory Street ($500).
- Authorized two employees (Steven Melillo and Jake Vicaro) to carry over 2025 vacation time into 2026.
- Amended the collective bargaining agreement with the PBA to change compensatory time terms (buyout instead of carryover).
- Authorized advertisement of bids for pool pump and motor rebuild at the Junior Lake Aquatic Facility.
- Authorized supervisor to sign an agreement with Barton & Loguidice for Sparkle Lake Dam engineering ($44,000).
- Granted a 50% discount on pool passes for volunteer board/committee members who meet at least 10 times per year.
- Authorized supervisor to sign maintenance contract with DataWorks Plus for police department services.
- Authorized supervisor to sign an MOU with U.S. Capitol Police for potential reimbursement of police services.
- Approved a change order ($6,840) for stainless steel coping and grading at the Brian J. Slavin Aquatic Facility to remove deteriorated nails and apply sealant.
- Approved a resolution correcting Councilman Sergio Esposito’s record of activities to better reflect time worked (Esposito recused himself; resolution passed and will be subject to a 30-day public referendum period).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Doug Erickson (54 Granite Springs Road): Raised concerns about the Homeland Towers agenda listing 109 Granite Springs Road instead of 62, questioned the validity of the hearing, noted lack of referrals to other boards, and argued the prior alienation hearing lacked proper written notice to adjacent properties.
- Mary Capauchia: Congratulated elected officials and thanked Councilwoman Howitt for her service.
- Mark Lieberman: Asked about hardware costs, replacement, and double-payment periods for the new police CAD system.
- Larry Killian: Criticized the budget presentation for using decimals instead of percentages for tax rate changes; pointed out that the assessed value decrease and refund amounts were not properly reflected in the adopted tax rate.
- Michael (no last name): Thanked Howitt, asked about the cloud option for the police system, and expressed concern about the narrow sidewalk on Underhill Avenue and a fire hydrant obstructing it.
- Ron Vienberg (Wild Street): Discussed ongoing noise issues from the T-Bar establishment; requested that the new noise ordinance address low-frequency bass and be enforceable; noted that deposition requirements have been ineffective and that the town needs to protect residents before tenants.
- Karen Erickson (54 Granite Springs Road): Expressed concerns about the revised site plan for Homeland Towers: questioned setbacks (driveway too close to property line), inconsistency between 109 and 62 addresses, double standards for homeowners vs. commercial projects regarding wetland buffer impacts, removal of 35 mature trees affecting water absorption and flooding, and the need for a proper spring wetland delineation because past delineations were done in winter.
- Laszlo Borhe: Asked about vehicle turning radius for the 10-foot access road, power source, drainage redirection, financial benefit to the town, and foundation construction methods in wetland areas.
- Doug Erickson (again): Confused how an eight-foot space between property line and wetland now allows a 10-foot road without wetland impact; asked about existing drainage outlets being buried; questioned why alternative sites identified by the applicant’s consultant were not pursued; argued that technology changes will make the tower obsolete within 10 years.
- Monica Cole: Questioned how the site went from protected parkland to buildable; asked if any board member would want this in their neighborhood; cited health concerns, potential property devaluation, and the need for more public information.
- Julie McNamara: Concerned about wildlife impact, property values, health risks from RF, and whether residents’ voices truly matter.
- Lauren Sagorski (Curry Street): Opposed the tower due to health concerns and disruption of wildlife at Crystal Lake; urged protection of natural spaces.
- Ingrid Gerson: Spoke about electromagnetic sensitivity and health concerns; noted that EMF-sensitive individuals may be forced to leave their homes; requested alternatives to the tower.
- Katie Raymond: Asked for updated plans to be made publicly available before decision; cited confusion over address numbers.
- Sarah Wilson: Inquired about CEQR, SHPO approval, cost for fire department integration, stealth monopole alternative, and town’s liability for stormwater damage.
- Joan Kineso: Stated she was not notified about the hearing despite living close; questioned the notification radius.
- Kathy Barletti: Also not properly notified; asked about multiple carriers on the new tower and impact to wildlife.
Discussion Items
- Police Promotions & New Hires: Chief Noble introduced Sergeant Timothy Curtin (promoted June 23, 2025), Detective Colin Hoolahan (promoted September 8, 2025), and new officers Stephen Santoro, Christopher Robasco, and Michael Margey. Each officer shared their background and took the oath. The chief highlighted Officer Santoro’s return from NYPD, and Officer Robasco’s local roots.
- Motorola CAD/RMS System: Chief Noble and Deputy Supervisor Esposito presented the need for a new computer-aided dispatch and records management system due to the current vendor’s impending end-of-life. The resolution authorizes a notice to proceed with Motorola Solutions for $99,606 covering startup and 10 years of service. Chief Noble noted $100,000 in law enforcement technology grant funds and $90,000 withheld from the previous migration to offset costs. Deputy Supervisor Esposito explained the system will allow officers to close calls from their vehicles, streamline records, and improve data sharing with other agencies. Councilwoman Siegel expressed concern about lack of discussion, rushed timeline, and overall cost (approx. $700,000 including service), and abstained. The resolution passed with all other members in favor.
- Homeland Towers Public Hearing: The applicant (Robert Gordioso, Snyder & Snyder) and engineer (Joe Tremelli, KCJ Consulting) presented a revised plan for a 130-foot monopole with three carriers and space for municipal antennas. Changes included narrowing the access road to 10 feet, shifting the alignment away from the neighbor’s property, adding a curve, and increasing landscaping. The board discussed wetland buffer impacts, drainage, stormwater mitigation, alternative sites, and the need for better cell service in the area (especially for first responders). Many residents opposed, citing concerns about health, property values, wetlands, wildlife, and lack of proper notification. The board decided to hold the hearing open, refer the updated plan to the conservation board, planning board, and tree commission for technical review, and continue the hearing tentatively to February 3, 2026.
Key Outcomes
- Police hires approved (all three conditional officers).
- Motorola CAD/RMS system approved (councilwoman Siegel abstained).
- Homeland Towers hearing continued; plans to be referred to conservation, planning, and tree boards; public hearing to resume tentatively on February 3, 2026.
- Parking restrictions from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. on town streets until April 20 were reiterated.
- Old Crom Pond Bridge Road will open by Friday, December 19, with final paving in spring.
- Inauguration of elected officials set for January 1, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Yorktown Stage.
- Councilwoman Howitt’s service acknowledged by multiple board members and the public; she received a parting gift.
- Noise ordinance revision for low-frequency bass will be pursued based on resident concerns about the T-Bar establishment.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to our final town board meeting of the year, December 16th, 2025. If I could ask you all to stand and I will ask the honor guard to advance the colors, and if I could ask Chief Noble to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance today. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God in the visible of liberty and justice for all. Order on if we could remain standing for a moment of silence as we remember the uh the many victims uh as Hanukkah started uh the Bondi Beach shooting uh with a special thought and prayer for Rabbi Heber as the Rabbi uh Eli uh Schlager was a friend and classmate of Rabbi Heber when he was doing his rabbinical studies, uh the Brown University shooting, and also the senseless deaths of uh Rob Reiner and his wife. Thank you. Uh if we can start with introductions. Good evening, Diana Quas, Town Clerk. Good evening, Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman, Supervisor Red Lachterman, Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito. Good evening, Patrick Murphy, town council. Susan Siegel, Councilwoman. Good evening, Adam Rodriguez, town attorney. All right. Uh as we uh do our report to the town, um, real quick, um, and Bob will get to you right after. We'll maybe I'll make mine extremely quick. Uh just a happy Hanukkah to all. Uh at this time we uh can use the light of the menorah shining through the darkness and into our lives. Uh and uh we just pray for uh peace for and uh an end to these conflicts, especially uh as it will keep our military uh and our citizens safe. Um I have uh an announcement that's uh long overdue. Uh but unfortunately uh due to the timing constraints of what we could work on old Crom Pond Road. Uh we're very limited in the time, four months a year. We were able to, with the help of Matt Slater, get an extension this year. Uh so we are proud to say that the road will be open on Friday. So the old Crom Pond Bridge Road should be open, passable by Friday. Yes. Uh we'll do final paving in the spring uh because it's a little too cold cold to get that down. Uh and then just that the inauguration for the elected officials uh for this uh this past election will be January first. It will be at the uh Yorktown stage at 11 a.m. with some light refreshments served afterwards. And uh unfortunately Judge Cohen will be away and not be able to join us, but myself, uh Deputy Supervisor Esposito and Councilman Elect Gilbert will be there. Thank you. Susan. Um just two quick things. One, I just want to remind everyone that there's no parking on town streets from um basically from now until April 20th, from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. One resident uh did get a ticket, and he said, well, there was no sign up, and he didn't remember that there was that restriction. So again, no no parking. This is so the streets are clear for snow. And other than that, I wish everyone a very happy and joyous um holiday and a very happy, happy new year. All right, I'll make mine quick. Just uh Rabbi Herbert did a great job, Ed. He did the menorah lighting here at the town hall, and he educated me a lot on what Annika stands for. You know, he did a great job. But uh the Shrewk had their tree lighting, it was awesome. There was no couple hundred people there. It was great. And my usual library, they're gonna be uh on the 24th, they'll be closing at one. The 25th, they're closed all day, and the 31st, they close at three, and on the first, they're closed. And everybody just enjoy the holidays with your friends and your family and enjoy and stay safe. That's it. So I was at the uh Minora Lighting here in town, um, and I was privileged to speak there.
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