Public Meetings - Yorktown, New York

On January 1, 2024, the Town of Yorktown held a special inauguration ceremony to swear in elected officials for new terms. The ceremony took place in the afternoon and included the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, an opening prayer, remarks from Congressman Mike Waller, the swearing-in of five officials, and a closing prayer. The event emphasized family, community, and dedication to public service. Opening Ceremonies - Alex Madero from BFW Post 8328 led the Pledge of Allegiance. - Sean Riley performed the National Anthem. - Rabbi Aber gave an opening prayer, asking for wisdom and integrity for the town's leaders and emphasizing moral values and unity. - Congressman Mike Waller offered brief remarks, congratulating the elected officials and thanking them for their service. He noted the importance of competent local government and expressed his pleasure in working with Yorktown's board. Oaths of Office - Town Clerk Diana Quast was sworn in by former town official Lonnie Gilbert. Gilbert highlighted Quast's non-partisan approach, 8 years of experience, achievements in digitization and transparency, and her role in developing Granite Knolls and securing grants for an inclusive playground. Quast thanked her family, staff, and residents, vowing to continue serving to the best of her ability. - Town Justice Gary J. Raniolo was sworn in by Congressman Waller. Raniolo reflected on his 12 years of service, expressing love for his job and commitment to reasonable, just, and fair decisions with the Yorktown community in mind. He thanked his court staff, family, and especially his wife Georgian. - Councilman Patrick J. Murphy was sworn in by his brother, Supervisor Tom Diana. Murphy thanked his family, campaign volunteers, and supporters, emphasizing the fun of the campaign and the importance of friends, family, and relationships in Yorktown. - Councilman Edward A. Lachterman was sworn in by Paul Martin. Lachterman expressed humility at the support from family and friends, noting that he loves serving the town and that he views it not as a job but as a passion. He wished everyone a happy and healthy new year. - Supervisor Thomas B. Diana was sworn in by Jay Pisco. Diana thanked his family, volunteers, and the Yorktown community. He promised to serve the greater good, be truthful, and work hard for the town. He emphasized that despite political labels, the community is one family. Closing Remarks and Prayer - Supervisor Diana briefly addressed the crowd, reiterating the theme of family and mutual respect across party lines. He congratulated the newly elected officials. - Pastor Dan O'Brien delivered a closing prayer, acknowledging God as the higher authority and praying for courage and wisdom for the officials. - Light refreshments were offered in the nutrition center after the ceremony.

The Yorktown Town Board held its final 2024 preliminary budget public hearing on December 5, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day (December 7th), and a presentation from the library director about the successful haunted house event. The board then opened the budget hearing, where Supervisor Thomas P. Diana presented a 2024 budget with a zero percent tax increase on the ADNL (general, highway, and library) funds, despite rising costs. Public comments raised questions about revenue projections, fund balances, tax abatements, and specific line items. Board members and staff provided detailed responses, and the budget was ultimately adopted unanimously. The meeting concluded with a series of resolutions and a motion to enter executive session. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was explicitly listed; routine approvals were handled via roll-call votes on individual resolutions. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark (first speaker): Questioned the 24% projected increase in sales tax revenue (vs. county’s 4.5%), the drop in taxable assessed value, the use of fund balance, and the refuse tax increase of 9.9%. He urged the board to explain the total tax picture and not just the town tax. - Larry Killian (33-year resident): Criticized the lack of maintenance on Downing tennis courts, asked about refunds for fees paid, and questioned the capital plan for parks. He also argued that tax breaks for developers (485‑B) should be reviewed, noting that new commercial development (e.g., Uncle Giuseppes) did not increase tax revenue and that traffic problems have worsened. - Mary Jane Killian: Urged the town to invest in clean energy, citing neighboring Croton’s solar parking lot generating $400,000/year in rent. She argued that using fund balance for energy projects would save taxpayer money and reduce expenses. - Gianmar Jendani: Asked where the $47.8 million total fund balance is invested, who manages it, and why the town does not use a portion for energy‑saving infrastructure rather than just saving it. - Susan Siegel (former supervisor): Criticized the board for focusing on “town tax” percentage while ignoring other taxes (refuse, EMS, water, sewer). She noted the garbage tax increase was about $50/year ($4/month) but was minimized. She questioned the 24% sales tax increase, reliance on fund balance, and the drop in assessed value. She also asked about specific line items: $60,000 for communications (PR firm), elimination of an IT hire, foreclosure spending, the part-time prosecutor’s performance, vacancies at the YCC building, capital contingency, water meter progress, sewer I&I problems, the fluoride project delay, and the need for a police officer at meetings. - Jenny Sunshine: Praised holiday decorations but asked for larger Hanukkah and Kwanzaa displays. She questioned why taxes haven’t gone down despite new development, asked about recreation fee waivers, and requested paving for Ravencrest Road and Elk Court. She also expressed concern about a possible pipeline project at Willow Pond Park. - Sheila Freyer: Noted that the planning board waived the park and rec fee for the Unicorn development in exchange for a pond/historical signage, which she called “short‑sighted.” Asked for updates on the Granite Knolls solar project, whether expected money from Competitive Carting’s bond will be recovered, and whether funds are set aside for the AAA lawsuit. - Anthony Pichette: Encouraged paying board members a full salary. Requested a discussion about a pedestrian killed by a car. Asked for more traffic safety measures, including speed limit reductions on his street and a campaign for safe driving. Also asked about grant coordination and the status of ARPA funds. - Additional public comment (last speaker): Asked about centralized grant management, a list of 2023 grants, Hallex Mill sewer expansion plans, and ARPA spending. Budget Adoption - Supervisor Diana opened the public hearing, then gave an overview: zero percent tax increase on ADNL lines, $1,050,000 from an Embridge settlement for the park sinkhole, 11 miles of paving, in‑house water main repair saving $650,000, and tightened departmental budgets. He noted that the 2024 budget rose from $65 million to $69 million, but revenues (especially sales tax) offset the increase. He also mentioned a possible town hall on NYSEG’s 30% rate hike over three years. - The board and staff responded to public comments: - Janelle, Comptroller: Explained that the 24% sales tax increase is based on historical surpluses from conservative estimates, not a new projection; mortgage tax dropped due to a 50% decrease in receipts. Stated that investments are limited to time deposits and CDs per state law. Noted that general fund balance is partly used to front‑fund grants, which are later reimbursed. ARPA: $3.7 million received, $1.8 million allocated, remainder must be encumbered by end of 2024, spent by 2026. - Kim, Assessor: The drop in taxable assessed value is due to an increase in senior exemptions (262 new filers), not a decline in market values; total assessed value actually increased by $489,913 ($28.5 million market). - Councilman Sergio Esposito: Noted that the board is reviewing the park and rec fee law to make it less than 100% mitigable. He defended the police officer at meetings, citing safety and a past fight. Reiterated that the sales tax increase reflects actual collections, not an aggressive forecast. He opposed spending fund balance without a plan and argued that the tax cap percentage matters for state rebates. - Councilman Luciana Howitt: Supported the police officer, stating “over my dead body” would she vote to remove security. She noted that the 485‑B abatements only apply to new taxes, not existing ones, and that development helps offset rising expenses. - Councilman Ed Safone: Thanked the finance team and reiterated that the use of fund balance for refuse is actually an anticipated $300,000 from the bond litigation, not a draw on savings. - Board member Lou (name unclear) turned his time over to staff for deeper dives. - Following responses, a motion to adopt the 2024 budget was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (all ayes). Resolutions - Building & Maintenance: Authorized use of room 226 at the Community Cultural Center by the Heritage Preservation Commission for two months (until February 5, 2024) to store, catalog, and scan historical documents that had been in members’ homes. The board required all boxes to be returned to town facilities by December 15, 2023. - Bid Award: Annual maintenance contract for boilers/burners/furnaces at various town locations. - Finance: Transferred $53,338.75 from Capital Contingency to Legal – Outside Counsel for extraordinary legal services (Bleakly Platt Schmidt). - Police Department: Approved donation/auction of obsolete equipment (car partitions, lighting). - Appointment: Resolution amended to appoint Fernando Dennis as permanent police officer with a start date of December 6, 2023. - Senior Services: Authorized purchase of a dishwasher from Joseph Flynn Company. - Town Clerk: Authorized RFPs for (1) grant services for the town, and (2) Lake Mohegan aquatic pesticide treatment. - Town Attorney: Authorized execution of a lease amendment with New Singular Wireless PCS, authorization to apply for a NYS grant for a police vehicle, and execution of necessary documents. - Engineer: Accepted $220,000 right‑of‑way escrow for Walgreens site improvement. - Water Department: Approved change order 3 for Michaels Pipe Services (cement relining) for a net increase of $10,383.83. - All resolutions were approved unanimously. Executive Session - The board moved into executive session at approximately 9:00 PM to discuss litigation and employment of a particular individual. Note: Meeting minutes and agenda were not provided; summary is based solely on the raw transcript. All times and attendance are as inferred from the transcript.

The Yorktown Town Board held a work session on November 28, 2023, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for first responders and military personnel. The meeting included announcements, a proclamation, presentations on the 2022 audit, a children's hospital fundraiser, pool resurfacing options, and a designated driving service, followed by resolutions and votes. Announcements & Proclamations - Teen Center: Free admission for the next three Fridays (Dec 1, 8, 15), with pizza donated by Councilman Sergio Esposito on Dec 1 and ice cream by Ed on Dec 8. Attendance last Friday was about 30 kids. - Wreaths Across America: Saturday, Dec 16; wreaths placed on veterans' graves. Donations via website ($17 each). - Turkey Trot: 300 participants; proceeds to food pantries. - Shrub Oak Tree Lighting: Dec 9 (rain date Dec 10), 6:30 p.m., with crafts, a 35-member chorus, Santa, Mrs. Claus, a reindeer, and the Grinch. - Holiday Light Parade: Dec 2 (rain date Dec 3), starting on Front Street to Veterans Field, with tree lighting. - Proclamation: Supervisor Tom Diana declared November 28, 2023, as Albanian American Independence Day. JT from Gramercy restaurant spoke about the Albanian community's gratitude and contributions. Discussion Items - 2022 Audit Presentation: Auditor Alan reviewed the town's financial statements. Key points: - Unmodified (clean) opinion issued. - General fund fund balance increased from $26 million (end of 2021) to $31.25 million (end of 2022), a net change of $5.2 million. - Revenues exceeded expenditures by $6.7 million; positive budgetary variance of $3.9 million on expenditures. - Sales tax up $800,000; interest earnings up $486,000; state aid up $1.7 million; federal aid up $1.9 million. - $2.7 million transferred to capital projects, reducing borrowing needs. - Other governmental funds (highway, special districts, etc.) all showed positive balances. - OPEB liability of $69.4 million, but actual pay-as-you-go cost was $2 million. - No material weaknesses; a few control deficiencies noted. - Maria Ferrari Children's Hospital Fundraiser: Maria Alicio (local Yorktown family) and Kevin Cook (principal gift officer) presented a fundraiser tied to the family's elaborate holiday decorations. They requested donations via website (WMCHealthgiving.org, note "decorate for the kids") to support the hospital's pediatric trauma center. The display at 3784 Wildwood Street includes a QR code. The board expressed strong support. - Pool Resurfacing: Councilwoman Luciana and Jim Motorato discussed options for resurfacing the Shrub Oak pool. The original builder advised against fiberglass due to potential water intrusion and coping issues. Options include plaster/marble dust (2-3 year warranty) or a 60-mil PVC liner with 15-year warranty. Luciana recommended hiring an aquatic engineer to guide the project, ensure proper bidding, and address Department of Health requirements. The board agreed to proceed with obtaining engineer quotes. - Idle Transports Presentation: Joe, a Yorktown graduate, introduced a designated driving service that picks up both the person and their vehicle. The service uses a lockbox for keys and retrieves cars later. He plans to transition to a nonprofit and seek grants. Supervisor Diana shared a personal story about being hit by a drunk driver and offered strong support, including involving the town's grant writer. Councilwoman Luciana suggested integrating with community groups. The board unanimously expressed enthusiasm. Key Outcomes - Resolutions Approved: The board voted on multiple resolutions (all passed, with one opposed): - Authorized budget transfers: $61,000 to electricity for Granite Knolls (to cover a billing error); $5,821 from legal foreclosed sales to legal non-retained tax certs. - Paid invoice to Civic Plus for web hosting/maintenance. - Authorized amendment to Police Chief Robert Noble's employment agreement. - Adjusted pay scale for Brianna Margie (Building Dept.) to $64,178 annually, effective Jan 1, 2024. - Authorized memorandum with Westchester County for county clerk records access. - Authorized agreement with Landline Communications for telecommunications/security audit. - Accepted a $50,000 DASNY grant for a sensory garden at Granite Knolls Sports Facility (Councilwoman Luciana opposed, citing lack of project plans; grant can be returned if not used). - Authorized final payment for 2019 police department roof repair/AC replacement. - Approved managerial employee vacation buyout for Jenna Balcastro (35 hours). - Approved budget transfer of $60,000 from water department salaries to water department purchase. - Granted 6-month maternity leave to Christy Embler (police dept.), effective Nov 15, 2023, with conditions. - Appointed Mike Campion as police sergeant (permanent promotional), effective Nov 29, 2023, salary $136,657 annually, subject to probation. - Denied a 207C benefits application (RD). - Meeting Adjourned: Motion carried unanimously.