Town Board Discusses Trump Park's Dog Park

Here are some matters the town board discussed during their June 22 work session meeting:

Dog Park

The town board discussed the off-leash dog park proposal at the Donald J. Trump State Park. When it was initially reviewed, the Yorktown Community Dog Park wanted one acre of the property. Then, it was determined there was an abandoned building, subject to vandalism, which could be a liability to the town. So, the Yorktown Fire Department agreed to take down the building, Siegel said. However, the building also had an asbestos problem for which the state wouldn't pay for. The dog park committee had agreed to pay for it, but they wanted to take the all 153 acres.

The town board was opposed to having all 153 acres dedicated to the dog park, and said they would lease the acres from the state, and then sublet the one acre to the dog park, Siegel said.

During Tuesday's meeting, the town made a decision to split the cost (roughly $8,000) for the abatement in a 4-1 vote, with Siegel casting the opposing vote, despite the fact that when the issue of a dog park first came up, it was said there would be no cost to the town, Siegel said. 

Fire Inspector

Supervisor Susan Siegel announced they have appointed a person to be hired as the town's new fire inspector, who wouldn't start working until late July.

Yorktown Community and Cultural Center usage

The board members discussed the need for a general policy about the people and organizations that rent the Yorktown Community and Cultural Center (YCCC). The board discussed the fact that they had to consider keeping the building well maintained, but also provide cultural events. Currently, some not-for profit organization are not charged to use the building, others pay a smaller rate than the for-profit organizations which use the building. Siegel said there were three options- to generate money from rent, not to fix the building, or have the tax payers pay for the maintenance.

School Resource Officer

Police Chief Daniel McMahon spoke in front of the board about the town of Cortlandt, which participates in a program sharing school resource officers. Cortlandt's share toward the cost of employing an SRO is $35,000, same as Yorktown's share, while the school district pays the remaining 50 percent.

However, based on current binding arbitration, the cost for 2011 and 2012 is expected to increase. The increase has been estimated at 4 percent. In addition, there would be an increase in expenses related to medical, pension plans and the gas the vehicle would use. But Cortlandt does not want to pay the 25 percent of the projected rate to equal Yorktown's share, Siegel said. If that were to happen, Yorktown would be shy an estimated $1,600 in 2011, and $5,500 in 2012. 

Siegel said the town will be sending a letter to Cortlandt to tell them that if they don't agree to pick up the equal share, YPD would not be sending an SRO to Copper Beech Middle School in 2011. Chief McMahon said he would be happy to explain to the situation to the town of Cortlandt, despite their refusal to take on a previous offer. 

Bike Racks

The town had the approval to locate new BOCES student fabricated bike racks on three town properties.  

Outdoor Summer Meetings

The outdoor summer business meeting schedule is as follows:

• July 6, 2010, Downing Park at 6 p.m.
• July 20, 2010, Mohegan Colony Beach at 6 p.m.
• August 3, 2010, Hilltop Hanover Farm at 6 p.m.
• September 7, 2010 Teatown at 6 p.m.