Yorktown Heights Fire District

The Board reviewed and authorized the payment of vouchers, discussed the status of various grant-funded projects including the Training Center and chiefs' vehicles, and addressed apparatus equipment updates. Decisions were made regarding the approval of a new firefighter member and various training requirements for personnel. Bids were evaluated for a temporary building and oil tank removal and supply. Building and grounds maintenance issues at three stations were discussed, along with the replacement of server infrastructure and procurement of new tablets for apparatus. Financial records, including payout records and reserve expenditures, were reviewed and certified.

The board discussed multiple operational and administrative matters, including the audit and payment of vouchers, the approval of new firefighter memberships, and reports from the Secretary/Treasurer regarding bank balances and reserve funds. The Chief's report covered fire call statistics, the maintenance of existing department vehicles, and the need for IT upgrades and equipment replacements. Discussions also focused on building maintenance at Station #3, concrete work procurement, and the allocation of funds for a training facility. In a subsequent special session, the board reviewed and approved the contract of sale and a use and access agreement regarding a property transfer, and authorized the issuance of RFPs for a title search.

The board meeting involved discussions on several key operational and financial matters. Financial reports included a review of bank balances, reserve fund allocations, and the 2025 annual report filing. Operational discussions focused on apparatus maintenance and potential surplus of Engine 270, the purchase of equipment such as whiteboards and suspenders, and updates on building maintenance including backflow testing and concrete work for fuel tank replacement. Construction topics covered the status of a use and access agreement, deed transfers, and bond structuring for capital projects. The board also reviewed fire call statistics for the preceding month and addressed procurement policy inquiries and user agreements for security systems.

Key discussions included the change of the primary bank from PCSB Bank to Beacon Bank, effective February 9th, and a review of bank balances as of December 31, 2025. The Chiefs' Report covered alarm statistics for December 2025 (totaling 69 calls), planned training schedules including OSHA refreshers and driver training for specific firefighters, and the potential purchase of a Blue Door training apparatus. An executive session was held regarding a financial matter. In Buildings & Grounds, quotes for fuel tanks necessitated a future bid process, and approval was granted, with funds withdrawn from the Repair Reserve, for the installation of a compliant water meter. Discussions also covered the initiation of cyber security seminars for members and progress on new construction matters, including property sale permissions.

During this organization meeting, key administrative actions were taken. This included the appointment of officers, such as the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Salaries for the Secretary and Treasurer were set at $29,000 per year, and the attorney's annual retainer was set at $32,000 per year. The Board designated the JOURNAL NEWS as the official newspaper, with the Yorktown News serving as a secondary publication, and PCSB BANK as the designated depository. The Treasurer was authorized to invest district funds according to state law. The regular monthly meeting schedule was established, with exceptions for December due to annual elections. The Board ratified and adopted several policies for the coming year, including the Procurement Policy and Procedure (where the threshold for no specific procedure for purchase contracts was changed from under $1,000 to $1,501), Investment Policy, Sexual Harassment Policy, Social Media Policy, Travel/Training and Reimbursement Policy, and Code of Ethics.