The Yorktown City Council got the royal treatment during their regular meeting on February 25.
The 2025 Miss Yorktown court was crowned at the beginning of the meeting by Western Days President Chad Buesing. The packed audience cheered as each royal title winner was announced and wobbly tiaras were balanced for the official photo.
This year’s Miss Yorktown is Ashley Gaida and her court includes: Junior Miss Chriselda Torres, Junior Miss Yorktown Grand Duchess Gabriella Anzaldua, Duchess Cheyenne Smolik, Young Miss Avery Watson, Young Mister Landon Smolik, and Little Miss Oakland Klein.
The Western Days Association cancelled this year’s pageant because not enough young people signed up to have a competition. Instead, each applicant went through an interview process before being awarded a title.
The 2025 Miss Yorktown Court will represent Yorktown at parades and events throughout the region until a new court is named for 2026. Those interested in the pageant continuing should look for notices of pageant entry forms in the fall.
‘Blessing Box’ initiative
After the Miss Yorktown announcements, a request to install a Blessing Box of food near the library started off the February meeting of the Yorktown City Council. In other business the May election was cancelled and five properties were approved for demolition.
Teresa Foegelle with Holy Cross Catholic Church requested the installation of a Blessing Box near the public library, so Yorktown can demonstrate its compassion by donating food and those facing the worst hardship would be able to eat.
“This initiative embodies the spirit of compassion that defines our city,” Foegelle said.
Foegelle showed council members pictures of the white Blessing Box that has been used in another, less visible location. She said it has weather-resistant features and would have clear signage and volunteer maintenance. There are three compartments, one of which can hold fresh produce.
Mayor Bill Baker asked if Foegelle’s group was volunteering to maintain the box, and she said yes. He also expressed a concern about vandalism in the City Park which is next to the library.
“We have a pretty steady stream of vandalism in the park. That worries me,” Baker said.
Turning to items on the agenda, council called off the city’s participation in the May election since no positions were contested. Mayor Baker said the city offered to help the school district which will have candidates in the election.
The council seats of Connie Hall and Crystal Hurta were set to expire this year, but both have re-applied for another twoyear term. Also, Mike Rippamonti will continue in the seat vacated by Mary Kay Mattox, which has one-year remaining in the term. No one signed up to oppose Mayor Baker, who will start a new term as well.
Clean Up
The Mayor shared the date for the Yorktown Spring Cleanup, which is Monday, April 7. The city will pick up items such as brush or lumber bundles that are no more than 4 feet in length and tied together with either string or twine and weigh no more than 35 pounds.
Although the meeting was well attended by residents, no one had comments on the five properties that were unanimously approved for demolition. The mayor reported that 13 dilapidated structures have been torn down so far, mostly by the city but a few by the owners.
Council also discussed a request for a sprinkler variance by a tire company, looking to purchase property at 7104 North Regal Street, near the Massey well, that will warehouse tires. Mayor Baker said the fire department would not have the equipment to suppress burning tire material, but there were other options such as fire proofing a wall that separates storage and employees. The mayor said the topic will be researched and that the council might need to meet in a special meeting to take a vote.
U tilities The sewer system has issues with parts needing replacement. Baker said the sewer plant was built in the mid 1970s and had a 25-year life expectancy. He said they had a bid for a new sewer plant that came in at $8 million, which is less than the $6.2 million grant that Yorktown has for the project. So, Baker said his office is pairing down the project that is $2 million short.
Baker said Rise Broadband is about two/thirds done installing fiberoptic lines in town.
“They continue to do a great job of hitting sewer lines and water lines and things like that,” he said. “Great job of that. But so far, you know, we're making it through.”
He said they requested that Rise slow down work, only using one crew which reduced the number of line breaks.
Baker also discussed how the new smart readers on water lines are helping the city see detailed usage amounts, and that they can notify residents if it looks like there’s a leak. However, utility billing has changed from a post card size to a more detailed description in an envelope.
The next Yorktown City Council meeting is scheduled for March 31 at 6 p.m.
