Yorktown Town Board Meeting: August 5, 2026

The Town Board of Yorktown met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included reports from officials, proclamations, presentations, public comments, two public hearings, a discussion on cell tower regulations, and approval of multiple resolutions. The board voted to adopt a local law amending procurement rules to require apprenticeship training standards for contracts over $500,000, despite opposition from Councilwoman Susan Siegel.

Consent Calendar

• Authorized the promotion of Rachel Scarano to Accountant (effective August 10, 2026, with 12-week probation).
• Modified the Assistant Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent position from Group 16 to Group 17 and authorized a $10,000 stipend for maintaining a Grade 4 license.
• Authorized a $5,000 stipend for Kyle Glitz for administrative duties in the wastewater department.
• Accepted retirements: Marker McClennan (John C. Hart Memorial Library, effective August 22, 2026) and Michael Mattis (Police Department, effective August 14, 2026).
• Approved bid awards for town hall ramp and portico work (Spitali Construction Resources), disposal of obsolete items from central garage and police department, regional kitchen agreement for nutrition programs, budget transfer of $375,000 for police overtime, fireworks display contract with Garden State Fireworks ($9,500), art education agreement with ABRACadoodle at the Yorktown Museum, animal sheltering agreement with South Salem Animal Hospital, advertisement of towing service bid, and setting a public hearing for September 1, 2026, on a "Do Not Knock" registry.
• Approved sewer rate increase from $1.20–$1.50 to $3.00 per thousand gallons for all operating zones.
• Released performance and erosion control bonds for stormwater permits.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jay Copstein (Yorktown resident): Criticized board members for opining on law without consulting the town attorney. Specifically challenged Councilwoman Siegel’s statement that a bicycle sign at the sixth-grade school was unenforceable, citing Town Code section 213-6.
• Howard Goulds (Yorktown resident, 27 years): Expressed support for a memorial for Sheridan Gorman, a Yorktown High School graduate and Loyola University student who died in March 2026. He criticized Councilwoman Siegel for delaying and abstaining from the vote on the tribute, calling it a disappointment.
• Carl DeLaberto (Veterans Advisory Committee): Questioned the process and statements regarding the Veterans Road field naming. He disputed claims that Jack DeVito owned the field and alleged that the board’s discussion on May 19 turned into a decision without proper input. Requested a meeting with the board, the DeVito family, and the veterans advisory committee.
• Ken Balfer (Mohegan Lake resident): Raised public safety concerns about e-bikes and dirt bikes racing through intersections, and reported that town parkland on Lakeshore Drive was being cleared by adults and children for bike paths without authorization.
• Mark Lieberman (Yorktown Heights): Asked about a camera on a telephone pole at Underhill and Overhill avenues, wanting to know if it was a town-owned license plate reader.
• Sarah Wilson (Yorktown Heights): Promoted the upcoming Yorktown Grange Fair (September 11–13, 2026), highlighting contests for vegetables, baking, and crafts.
• Ron Bainberg (Yorktown resident): Urged the board to pass a noise nuisance law addressing low-frequency sound, providing examples from other cities. He noted that the current law is unenforceable by police and that the T-Bar venue has been responsive but incidents still occur.

Discussion Items

• E-Bike and Bicycle Regulations: Councilwoman Susan Siegel requested a discussion on regulating both e-bikes and standard bicycles for safety on sidewalks and in parks. Supervisor Ed Lacterman noted that state law already bans e-bikes on sidewalks and in parks, but the town can designate permitted areas. He suggested a meeting with the recreation commission, parks superintendent, and residents. The police department has already issued educational materials on e-bike laws.
• Wetland Permit Application – Tom Diana Park: The board held a public hearing on a permit for placing clean fill at the park. The Conservation Board recommended locating fill outside the wetland buffer. Parks Director Jim reported that fill would be placed across the street atop an old concrete foundation to create a trailhead. Councilwoman Siegel cautioned against any trail clearing without board approval. The permit was granted unanimously.
• Local Law Amending Procurement – Apprenticeship Training Standards: A public hearing was held on a proposed law requiring contractors bidding on town projects over $250,000 to have state-approved apprenticeship programs. Several union representatives and an apprentice spoke in favor. Councilwoman Siegel opposed, arguing it would reduce competition and increase costs. Supervisor Lacterman and other board members supported the law, noting that it would not necessarily raise costs and could be paired with project labor agreements. After debate, the board amended the threshold to $500,000 and passed the law 4-1, with Siegel voting no.
• Cell Tower Law Revision: Doug Fishman, a consultant, discussed updating the town’s 1998 cell tower regulations. Key topics included prioritizing co-location, setback distances, prohibiting towers in certain zones, and whether the town should follow the same rules on town-owned land. Fishman agreed to send examples from other towns for review. The board will work with Town Attorney Adam to draft revisions.

Key Outcomes

• Apprenticeship Law Adopted (4-1): The board passed Local Law amending Chapter 78 to require apprenticeship training standards for contracts over $500,000. Councilwoman Siegel voted no, citing potential higher costs.
• Wetland Permit Approved (unanimous): The permit for clean fill placement at Tom Diana Park was granted, with conditions to mitigate wetland buffer disturbance.
• Public Hearing Set for Do Not Knock Registry: The board set a public hearing for September 1, 2026, to consider a new ordinance.
• Sewer Rate Increase Approved: Sewer rates rose to $3.00 per thousand gallons across all operating zones.
• Affordable Housing Management Contract Awarded: The board voted to award a one-year contract (with an option to renew) to Community Housing Innovations Inc. for $36,200 per year, to manage affordable housing lottery, eligibility, and lease-up. The contract covers seven existing rental units and two more approved but not yet built.
• Veterans Road Field Naming Issue: Supervisor Lacterman stated he would work to schedule a meeting with the DeVito family, veterans advisory committee, and the board to revisit the naming dispute.
• Camera Inquiry: Supervisor Lacterman and Sergio Esposito explained that the town uses license plate readers owned by the Westchester County Real-Time Crime Center, not Flock cameras. The system is closed and only used for criminal investigations.
• Noise Nuisance Law: Councilwoman Siegel requested that Ron Bainberg send her examples of low-frequency noise laws, and she will work with Lacterman and Esposito to advance the issue.