Yorktown Town Board Meeting Summary - September 15, 2026

The Yorktown Town Board held a regular meeting on September 15, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:30 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the future of emergency medical services (EMS), a proposed local law to override the state tax levy cap, e-bike and traffic safety regulations, short-term rental concerns, and multiple resolutions. A significant portion of the meeting involved a heated debate over the handling of an RFP for EMS services, with Councilwoman Susan Siegel accusing the Supervisor of delaying a study on ambulance districts. The board also voted to enter executive session to discuss a property conveyance, and later passed several resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Authorized an unpaid leave of absence for employee #302010 through October 5, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved multiple routine resolutions, including: authorizing use of the nutrition center for Chabad of Yorktown's Hanukkah celebration (Dec. 6, 2026) and Lights of Tomorrow event (Oct. 1, 2026); releasing erosion control bonds ($500 each); authorizing a fire alarm system installation at the Alice E. Roker Archival and Records Center; setting a public hearing date for the tax levy override local law; authorizing the Section 8 program director to sign annual certifications; setting a public hearing for the Housing Choice Voucher program; authorizing an RFP for fee accounting services for Section 8; authorizing an agreement with Rayburn Consulting for water billing software procedures; and designating Town Clerk Diana Quast as a delegate to the NY Association of Towns legislative meeting (Sept. 22-23, 2026).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zamir Kutra (resident): Expressed concern about non-owner-occupied short-term rentals (Airbnb) in residential neighborhoods, noting two such properties in town. Requested the board consider regulations similar to neighboring towns like North Salem.
• Dan Curtin (resident): Advocated for increased funding for the Yorktown Library, noting high book prices and the library's value to the community.
• Bill Catucci (owner, Fieldstone Manor): Addressed a donated park property, stating the town had not formally accepted the deed and that he had been defamed. He claimed the town should have checked records before legal action. He left before further discussion.
• Major Mike Sheridan (Veterans Advisory Committee): Announced the committee's meeting on Sept. 16 at 7 PM in Room 104, and mentioned two topics: risk assessment for a fireworks display that dropped debris on the VFW property, and stolen valor comments made during a May 12, 2016 work session.
• Howard Gould (resident): Urged stricter regulation of e-bikes and high-speed scooters, calling for parental financial responsibility and safety training. He noted the gap between state law and local needs.
• Sarah Wilson (resident): Supported clarifying rules on short-term rentals and announced the Garden Club's public tours of the native plant garden at Veteran Memorial Circle on Sept. 20.
• Michael Hickens (resident): Asked about the completion of striping at the intersection of Route 118 and Underhill Avenue (Supervisor said temporary striping is in place, with final striping pending fire department testing) and expressed concern about runoff from the Granite Point development in Somers into the Amawalk Reservoir.
• Jamir Chandani (resident): Asked whether the Sept. 29 special meeting on EMS would be in open or closed session (Supervisor confirmed closed session for interviews, with a brief open portion to allow EMS corps members to attend).

Discussion Items

• EMS RFP and Ambulance District Study: Councilwoman Susan Siegel delivered a prepared statement accusing Supervisor Ed Lacterman of political delays in studying the creation of a special purpose ambulance district to provide additional revenue to the two volunteer ambulance corps (Yorktown VAC and Mohegan EMS). She noted that only one of seven RFP responses addressed the original study purpose; the other six proposed far more expensive comprehensive EMS studies. She argued the board should interview only qualified respondents and criticized the decision to postpone discussion to a closed session on Sept. 29. Supervisor Lacterman and Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito defended the approach, emphasizing the need for a holistic study and stating that all seven respondents would be interviewed to avoid legal challenges. Councilwoman Stuzen Siegel and other board members noted that the board consists of five members and that the public should decide on a potential tax increase.
• Tax Levy Override Local Law: The board discussed and set a public hearing date for a proposed local law to override the state tax cap for fiscal year 2027. Councilwoman Siegel expressed opposition, arguing the tax cap exists for a reason and that the board should not rush to override it. The supervisor and others noted that the law is a necessary precaution due to inflation and rising costs, and that it does not directly raise taxes but allows the board to exceed the cap if needed.
• E-Bike and Traffic Safety Laws: Supervisor Lacterman announced that a work session on e-bike regulations, traffic safety, sign laws, and cell tower laws will be held on October 13, 2026. Councilwoman Siegel stated she had sent memos with specific suggestions, but noted that state law limits local action and that Westchester County must act first before municipalities can strengthen regulations. Howard Gould's public comments reiterated the need for stricter enforcement.
• Short-Term Rentals (AirBnb): The supervisor confirmed the building department is already looking into the issue, and that it may be addressed with a new law by next year. Councilwoman Siegel noted the town has a boarding house regulation but may need a specific provision.
• John Tageter Consulting Contract Extension: A resolution to extend John Tageter's planning consulting contract (up to 18 hours/week at $105/hour for six months) sparked debate. Councilwoman Siegel argued the work (Comp Plan review, Field Home reuse, streetscape) is largely complete and that new Planning Director Robin Steinberg can handle it, saving $45,000. Other board members supported the extension, noting that Tageter provides institutional knowledge and that Steinberg requested the support. The funding comes from the assistant planner salary line (currently unfilled), and Tageter averages 12 hours/week. The resolution passed 3-2, with Siegel and one other opposed.
• Field Home Reuse and Other Planning Issues: During the Tageter discussion, the supervisor mentioned ongoing work, including the Field Home reuse (a deadline looms within 60 days of plat signing), historical signage at Underhill Farm, and a potential senior center location at Sparkle Lake (opposed by some due to accessibility concerns).

Key Outcomes

• Set September 29, 2026 Special Meeting: Approved a resolution to hold a closed-session meeting on Sept. 29 at 5 PM to interview all seven EMS RFP respondents, with a public session to follow. The vote was unanimous.
• Public Hearing Set for Tax Cap Override: Set a public hearing for a proposed local law to override the tax levy limit for fiscal year 2027. Vote: 4-1 (Councilwoman Siegel opposed).
• Approved Do Not Knock Registry: Adopted a local law amending Chapter 219 (Peddling and Soliciting) to add a registry where residents can opt out of door-to-door solicitation, with enforcement by police. The law does not cover political or charitable solicitations. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Passed Multiple Resolutions (Consent Calendar): See Consent Calendar above. All passed unanimously except as noted.
• Conveyance of Real Property at 3680 Lexington Avenue: After a closed executive session, the board voted to accept the conveyance. The vote was not recorded in the transcript but was approved.
• Grant Application Authorization: Approved the supervisor to sign the CREST grant preliminary application for $100,000 for safety and security projects.
• Tom Diana Park Parking Lot Completion: Accepted the completed parking lot paving project and authorized final payment to Cerone Construction Inc. (motion approved).
• John Tageter Contract Extension: Approved 3-2, with two council members opposed.