Yorktown Town Board Work Session - February 10, 2026

The Yorktown Town Board held a work session on February 10, 2026, beginning in the evening. The meeting covered board appointments, a proposal to place a DAR commemorative plaque, an ambulance district feasibility study, a detailed discussion on sewer district consolidation, and guidelines for the Industrial and Commercial Incentive Board. Several routine resolutions were also adopted.

Consent Calendar

• Board Appointments (unanimous): The board unanimously appointed Michael Rambran to the Zoning Board of Appeals (5-year term), Michael Hickens and Thomas Pfister to the Community Housing Board (6-year terms), Frank Garcia to the Veterans Advisory Board (3-year term), and Danielle O'Mara Damon to the Accessibilities Advisory Committee (3-year term), all effective March 1, 2026.
• Resolutions: The board approved a consent agenda including fund transfers for the RW250 heritage programs ($42,150), a Beardsley contract payment ($4,027.88), release of fund balances for completed environmental reviews, a 10-year lease agreement with the John C. Hart Memorial Library, police vehicle purchases, personnel appointments, and vacation carryovers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rosemary Schmidt, Polly Cooper Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution: Ms. Schmidt proposed placing a 20x20 inch bronze Revolutionary War Patriots plaque on a granite stone near the Battle of Pinesbridge monument in Murrero Park to commemorate the America 250 semi-quincentennial. She noted the chapter's recent efforts in Yorktown, including digitizing historic newspapers and identifying a 25-star flag from circa 1836. The DAR would provide the plaque; the town would need to authorize the granite base.

Discussion Items

• Planning Board Appointment: The board debated the appointment of Luciana Howitt to the Planning Board. Council member Kulick opposed, citing a lack of transparency in the selection process and stating that two other candidates had superior credentials. Council member Gilbert supported Howell, praising her government and construction experience. The vote was 3-2 in favor.
• DAR Plaque Discussion: Board members discussed the necessity of a third Revolutionary War monument. Some questioned adding to Murrero Park, while others supported the plaque for its educational value and connection to the integrated Rhode Island Regiment. The board ultimately included funding in a later resolution.
• Ambulance District Feasibility Study: Council member Kulick outlined financial challenges facing Mohegan EMS and Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps (YVAC). Call volumes are rising (Mohegan: 4,098 calls; YVAC: ~1,800; up 40% in 10 years), with insurance recovery at about 33%. Both corps rely increasingly on paid staff. The proposal is to study creating a separate taxing district to supplement revenue. The Town of Cortland agreed to share 25% of study costs. The board authorized the Supervisor to obtain quotes; a formal vote is expected next week.
• Sewer District Consolidation: Town Engineer Dan and Comptroller Janelle presented a plan to simplify Yorktown's many sewer districts. Currently, 11 districts serve about 4,198 parcels in the Peaksville system, with some still paying off debt. The proposal consolidates all Operation & Maintenance costs into a new "Peakskill Sewer District" funded by water consumption charges rather than property taxes. The current rate of $1.50 per thousand gallons (unchanged since 2015) would increase to $2.50. Debt service remains with original districts until paid off (most by 2030-2033). The board agreed to begin public hearings for the new district and rate change, and to consult bond counsel on capital funding. Progress on the Hallex Mill lateral sewer district and Hunterbrook inflow issues were also reviewed.
• Industrial and Commercial Incentive Board Guidelines: Council member Kulick presented guidelines for the reactivated ICIB, which will review the town's 485-B tax exemption policy. She criticized the original 2017 report for lacking data and analysis. The guidelines direct the board to examine actual business development impact, vacant land availability, building permit trends, past exemption effects, and academic literature on tax incentives. The board agreed to provide these guidelines to new members and continue interviews.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: Five initial appointments approved unanimously. Luciana Howitt appointed to Planning Board (3-2 vote).
• DAR Plaque: Fund transfer of $3,700 authorized (passed by voice vote without opposition).
• Ambulance Study: Authorization given to seek quotes; formal vote on study to follow next week.
• Sewer Consolidation: Direction given to start public hearings for creating the Peakskill Sewer District and for a local law raising sewer rates to $2.50 per thousand gallons. Bond counsel to advise on capital funding.
• Other Resolutions: All remaining resolutions on the agenda passed by consent, including funding for RW250 heritage programs, library lease, police equipment, and personnel actions.