OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Yorktown Town Board Work Session - April 29, 2026

Town Board — Wednesday, April 29, 2026
BodyYorktown, New York
SessionTown Board
DateWednesday, April 29, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:09

Good evening and welcome to the town board uh work session for April 28th, 2026.

0:15

Uh today we will have uh Girl Scout Troop 2182 lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:21

If you could come up front.

0:31

Okay.

0:34

Lead us lead us off, ladies.

0:35

I to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

0:49

And if we could all remain standing for a moment of silence as we um think about those that served uh serve our country, serve our community, our first responders, our military, uh, and also a special prayer uh for Barbara and her family on the passing of John uh McMullen, our poet laureate, uh, who's uh was uh a man of uh good words and good humor.

1:26

Thank you.

1:28

Thank you, ladies.

1:35

All right.

1:36

Well, since we're in a we're in the library, we'll do introductions as well, starting to my right.

1:41

Good evening, Diana Class, Town Clerk.

1:43

Good evening, Patrick Murphy, town councilman.

1:45

Supervisor Ed Lacterman, Deputy Supervisor Sergio Oscosito, Councilman Mr.

1:50

Susan Siegel, Devon Gilbert, Councilman, Adam Rodriguez, Town Attorney.

1:56

All right, so uh John did pass, but his spirit goes on.

1:59

I do believe we have a poem in John's honor.

2:03

Barbara, Michael.

2:05

Sergio.

2:06

Uh Mike, you you have something?

2:08

Yeah, yeah.

2:08

Uh I uh appreciate the time.

2:11

Um as you know, John was a very special special guy.

2:15

He um we met uh probably I don't know decades ago when I had good knees on the basketball court, and we had been friends for for decades since uh when I was town supervisor, he always bugged me about becoming the the poet laureate for the town.

2:32

So I finally got around to do it before I left office and uh he I said that you know when I read his bio, I was always shocked in at his past history and IT and and all the things that he did because one thing I always say with you you meet someone, you never know what they do for a living.

2:52

They really are you know the special human beings because that they're not defined by what they do by a lit uh for a living.

2:58

And he was definitely you know, an IT is kind of funny.

3:02

He was much more that's very prose, and he was very poetic.

3:06

But uh I I I will miss him, but I decided I I have to uh I'll do my own poem for in John's honor.

3:16

Um a poem to my good friend John McMullen.

3:20

I often told I go on too long.

3:24

So in honor of my friend, master of the verse, I will make the effort to be terse.

3:31

Hustling for rebound, our friendship was found.

3:35

On the hardwood and hoops is where we met.

3:39

From from there, who would have thought or bet that I would make you Yorktown's first poet laureate.

3:47

For eight years you inspired as the town's news, breaking provoking thought upon the day's news.

3:54

Every line from your heart was your own, now to entertain at the Lord's throne.

4:00

You've joined the choir of angels singing, not an end, but a new beginning.

4:06

A new journey now surrendered to God's loving hands, Yorktown's creative artist lands.

4:13

Though it would be a sorrowful fairly well, as we know, there are no poets in hell.

4:20

We remember you with a loving smile, a life well lived upon words so versatile.

4:27

Off to God's great glorious and eternal joy.

4:31

We love you and we will miss you, my dear friend Johnny Boy.

4:36

Thank you.

4:44

And we have one more poem.

4:52

Okay.

4:53

So this was a poem that he wrote, and uh his wife Barbara picked one out uh for me to read tonight on his behalf, which I've always enjoyed doing for him, and I really miss him.

5:03

And uh, I uh I really didn't expect all of this.

5:07

I spoke to him a couple times right before, and uh he sounded great.

5:12

You know, he sounded great.

5:14

Uh okay, so this is Who Could Foresee by John F.

5:19

McMullen.

5:20

When I moved to Yorktown almost 40 years ago, there was much that I could not foresee.

5:25

For instance, I could not foresee that cows would no longer tip up uh uh tie up traffic on Route 6.

5:32

Three local movie theaters could disappear, the Jefferson Valley Mall would be built, the bats would disappear from my property, as would later, the rabbits, skunks, and bees, the Baldwin Mall would die, but a resurrect uh again under another name, the Westchester Mall would die and rise from the ashes as the Cortland Town Center, and urgent care would sprout up on every block.

5:57

A recent flood would destroy much furniture, personal records, and my early earlier publications and manuscripts.

6:05

As I sit in one of the last barns in Jefferson Valley, I now I now realize that all I can foresee for sure is that there is much that I cannot foresee at all.

6:17

By John F.

6:18

McMullen and I uh I have one other thing.

6:22

Um this is by um we were at the uh the wake, and Christina Ordellani said she wrote a poem that uh that John would write.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Veterans Affairs████████████████████20%
Historic Preservation███████████████15%
Arts And Culture██████████10%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Zoning Regulations██████6%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Yorktown Town Board Work Session - April 29, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was held on April 28, 2026, but the provided date for summarization is April 29, 2026. This summary uses the assigned date.

The Town Board held a work session on April 29, 2026, at the John C. Hart Memorial Library. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Girl Scout Troop 2182, a moment of silence, and tributes to the late poet laureate John F. McMullen, who passed away on April 17, 2026. Presentations were made by the Girl Scouts and the library director. Discussions covered an EMS study, a cell tower moratorium, the naming of a veterans field, outdoor dining regulations, and a proposed sign-on letter opposing CEQR reforms. Numerous resolutions were approved.

Consent Calendar

  • Proclamation in memory of John F. McMullen, poet laureate.
  • Certificate of appreciation presented to Alison Bergman for her work with Girl Scouts and Operation Cookie Drop.
  • Proclamation honoring Nils Mockler's 100th birthday, designating April 26, 2026 as Nils Mockler Day.
  • Appointment of Dan Buckley to the Industrial and Commercial Incentive Board (term ending December 31, 2031). (Passed 3-0 with two abstentions; Councilwoman Siegel abstained citing lack of balance.)
  • Authorization of stipulation of settlement with Town of Poughkeepsie (up to $33,000).
  • Authorization for public hearings on May 19, 2026 for proposed local laws regarding lockboxes (Chapter 130) and sewers/septic systems (Chapter 240).
  • Personnel appointments: Andrew Bergen as heavy motor equipment operator ($81,891); David Nicoshir as water maintenance worker ($65,671). Acceptance of retirement of Detective Tommy Nadorowski.
  • Stipend of $8,000 to Marissa Leitro for annual website maintenance.
  • Adoption of information systems usage security policy and cybersecurity training policy.
  • Agreement with NYC DEP for $885,000 for membrane replacement at water pollution control plant.
  • Various budget transfers for workers' compensation and other accounts.
  • Acceptance of bonds and fees for Dorchester Glen Subdivision; release of bond for 174 Power Global Northeast.
  • Purchase of 2026 Ford F-350 for Water District ($55,667.56) and SCADA system upgrade with three-year agreement with CORI.
  • Allocation of $125,000 from park land trust for volleyball court at Tom Diana Park.
  • Agreement with Bartlett Tree Experts for tree inventory ($5,280) from tree fund.
  • Pool deck concrete slab refurbishment at Brian J. Slavin Aquatic Facility ($23,047.13).
  • Allocation of $3,000 to partially fund Battle of Pines Bridge event.
  • Police vehicle equipment installation ($14,223) and budget transfer for F-150 canine vehicle.
  • Amendment to contract for elderly nutrition services (additional $120,600).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Veterans Advisory Committee (Carl Verto and Major Mike Sheridan): Requested renaming of field on Veterans Road (currently unofficially Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field) to "Veterans Field" and memorial gazebo to "Jack DeVito Memorial Gazebo." Argued the field has never been officially named and the current name excludes other veterans. Presented FOIA evidence showing no official naming resolution in 1994. Stated that past promises for correction were not kept, citing a flyer in town hall lobby referring to "Jack DeVito Field." They requested that board members with affiliations (Lions, VFW, American Legion, DeVito Foundation) recuse themselves from voting.
  • Parks Superintendent James (John?): Noted that common usage may constitute informal naming, and many parks lack formal resolutions. Suggested a comprehensive review of park names.
  • Additional public comment from Robin (likely a resident or official) on outdoor dining law.

Discussion Items

  • EMS Study Panel: Supervisor announced the second panel meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Albert A. Cappellini Community and Cultural Center. Councilman Esposito expressed frustration that progress was delayed, stating the volunteer ambulance corps had already submitted an outline. Supervisor countered that due diligence required hearing from all parties. Debate ensued about urgency and whether the need is immediate.
  • Cell Tower Moratorium: Supervisor introduced a proposed six-month moratorium on telecommunications tower applications to allow review of current law. Town Attorney will draft a law based on previous solar law moratorium. Councilwoman Siegel requested a town board discussion before drafting to gather community input. Major Sheridan (public) urged quick adoption.
  • Veterans Field Naming: Extensive discussion. Councilman Murphy proposed keeping the name "Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field" and constructing a veterans plaza (maintained by DeVito family). Veterans committee rejected compromise, stating they only want "Veterans Field" to honor all veterans. Supervisor suggested further research, including conversations with former Supervisor Aaron Bach and Councilman Greg Bernard. Councilwoman Siegel did not support immediate resolution. No vote taken; discussion to continue offline.
  • Outdoor Dining Law Amendments: Councilman Esposito proposed amending the code to increase the number of seats for building inspector permits from 12 to up to 24, remove temporary COVID-related section, and clarify seasonal expiration. Aimed to expedite permitting. Councilwoman Siegel raised concerns about parking impacts and sidewalk obstruction. Esposito emphasized life/health/safety as priorities. Comments to be collected; law to be drafted.
  • CEQR Reform Letter: Councilwoman Siegel presented a letter from Riverkeeper opposing proposed CEQR reforms in the executive budget, arguing they undermine local review and environmental safeguards. She asked board to sign on. Motion carried with support from all present, with some noting that the changes may not directly affect Yorktown but oppose the process. Councilman Murphy noted the Association of Towns supports CEQR reform, but board voted to sign on.
  • Sensory Garden and Trail at Granite Knolls: Discussion arose during budget transfers. Councilman Esposito sought assurance that volleyball court funding would not affect planned sensory garden. Councilwoman Siegel cautioned against spending on planning without committing capital; suggested exploring lower-cost alternative at Sylvan Glen. No decision made.

Key Outcomes

  • Vote to sign Riverkeeper letter opposing CEQR reforms – approved.
  • Appointment of Dan Buckley to ICI Board – approved (3-0, with two abstentions).
  • Scheduling of public hearings on lockbox law and sewer/septic law for May 19, 2026.
  • All other resolutions in the consent calendar were approved (tallies not specified but passed).
  • No resolution on veterans field naming; discussion to continue.
  • No final action on cell tower moratorium or outdoor dining law; drafts to be prepared.
  • EMS panel meeting set for May 28, 2026, 6 p.m. at Cappellini Center.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting date as April 28, 2026, but the required date for this summary is April 29, 2026. This summary uses the assigned date.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the town board uh work session for April 28th, 2026. Uh today we will have uh Girl Scout Troop 2182 lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. If you could come up front. Okay. Lead us lead us off, ladies. I to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And if we could all remain standing for a moment of silence as we um think about those that served uh serve our country, serve our community, our first responders, our military, uh, and also a special prayer uh for Barbara and her family on the passing of John uh McMullen, our poet laureate, uh, who's uh was uh a man of uh good words and good humor. Thank you. Thank you, ladies. All right. Well, since we're in a we're in the library, we'll do introductions as well, starting to my right. Good evening, Diana Class, Town Clerk. Good evening, Patrick Murphy, town councilman. Supervisor Ed Lacterman, Deputy Supervisor Sergio Oscosito, Councilman Mr. Susan Siegel, Devon Gilbert, Councilman, Adam Rodriguez, Town Attorney. All right, so uh John did pass, but his spirit goes on. I do believe we have a poem in John's honor. Barbara, Michael. Sergio. Uh Mike, you you have something? Yeah, yeah. Uh I uh appreciate the time. Um as you know, John was a very special special guy. He um we met uh probably I don't know decades ago when I had good knees on the basketball court, and we had been friends for for decades since uh when I was town supervisor, he always bugged me about becoming the the poet laureate for the town. So I finally got around to do it before I left office and uh he I said that you know when I read his bio, I was always shocked in at his past history and IT and and all the things that he did because one thing I always say with you you meet someone, you never know what they do for a living. They really are you know the special human beings because that they're not defined by what they do by a lit uh for a living. And he was definitely you know, an IT is kind of funny. He was much more that's very prose, and he was very poetic. But uh I I I will miss him, but I decided I I have to uh I'll do my own poem for in John's honor. Um a poem to my good friend John McMullen. I often told I go on too long. So in honor of my friend, master of the verse, I will make the effort to be terse. Hustling for rebound, our friendship was found. On the hardwood and hoops is where we met. From from there, who would have thought or bet that I would make you Yorktown's first poet laureate. For eight years you inspired as the town's news, breaking provoking thought upon the day's news. Every line from your heart was your own, now to entertain at the Lord's throne. You've joined the choir of angels singing, not an end, but a new beginning. A new journey now surrendered to God's loving hands, Yorktown's creative artist lands. Though it would be a sorrowful fairly well, as we know, there are no poets in hell. We remember you with a loving smile, a life well lived upon words so versatile. Off to God's great glorious and eternal joy. We love you and we will miss you, my dear friend Johnny Boy. Thank you. And we have one more poem. Okay. So this was a poem that he wrote, and uh his wife Barbara picked one out uh for me to read tonight on his behalf, which I've always enjoyed doing for him, and I really miss him. And uh, I uh I really didn't expect all of this. I spoke to him a couple times right before, and uh he sounded great. You know, he sounded great.

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