EAST MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2015

 

Attendees: 58

 

Meeting was called to order at 7 pm.  Pledge of Allegiance was led by Doug Mott, followed by a Moment of Silence for our departed neighbors and for the victims and families of the tragedy in Paris.

 

Several new members introduced themselves including families from Harwood and Pineridge. Mr. Shaker introduced the new pastor of our Lady Lebanon Church, Father Joseph I Khoueiry.

 

Stephanie Cummings happy to be re-elected to serve another two year term as Alderwoman, looking forward to working with Mike DiGioncarlo and Frank Burgio. Waterbury tree lighting to take place 11/29 at 5:30 on the Waterbury Green, bring donation for food pantry. Also working to have more signs for speed control, steep hill and yellow lines on East Mountain Road.

 

Community Relations Officer Matt Lemos encouraged neighbors to report anything suspicious and to especially look out for vacant properties. Litter issue around Piping Rock apartments is being addressed and he will alert blight crew to problem on 48 bumps road. Warned everyone to be sure to keep cars locked, especially with colder weather starting cars to warm up, also hide or remove all valuables to deter crime. New ATV hotline is active but not manned, leave message.  Collecting Toys for Tots for the Salvation Army, please bring unwrapped new toys to the tree lighting on 12/6/15.

 

Guest Hon. Neil O’Leary, Mayor of Waterbury was introduced. He indicated there was a surplus at year end and an A+ rating on bonds, all debts are paid, trying to hold spending. Need to grow grand list & need more new business and community development. The fire, police and teacher contracts are pending. Major crime is down, petty crime has increased, reminder to lock your cars. Working on private investors for downtown properties, possibly housing for UCONN. The green will be getting a facelift in the Spring, fencing and underground utilities, the bus traffic will be moved up to Grand Street. New development on upper East Main will help grand list and add new jobs. New tenant for Freight Street, more jobs, Waterbury Buckle property is being cleaned up, possible CVS location. Major expansion for pipe fitting shop on N. Elm. Stadium improvements ongoing, Clemente series and Mickey Mantel series brings in a lot of  business for city hotels and restaurants, etc. Schools issue ongoing, maybe influx of students due to Catholic schools closing. I84 project is ahead of schedule. Mixmaster massive repairs scheduled for 2018. Car taxes mill rate reducing to 20 mills for 7/1/16.

 

Secretary’s Report: Minutes are available on website. Motion by Jean Guisto, 2nd by Mike Guisto to accept October 14, 2015 minutes.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

10/14/15 to 11/18/15

Opening Balance: $ 8,058.25

Income:                        365.00                 

Expenses:                       82,14     

Closing Balance:  $ 8,341.11

 

Motion to accept Treasurer’s Report by Nancy Ptak, 2nd by Donna Burns.

 

Committee Reports:

City Liaison Officer: Mike Ptak – nothing to report

Waterbury Development Corp.: Mike Guisto – nothing to report

Harry Northrop Grant – no report

Neighborhood Watch Commander  no report

 

Old Business: 

All flags have been removed, thank you to the volunteers who helped. Motion by Mike Guisto to purchase 60 new flags, 2nd by Mike Ptak.

 

Bill Grossberndt will remove the lights on the paver flag after 12/7/15 or if it snows prior to that date.

 

Larry Devino expressed appreciation for all the members who continually donated their time and the use of the personal vehicles, trucks to put up and take down the flags.

 

New Business: Lights will be put on the tree at East Mountain Golf Course either 11/28 or 11/29, President will send an email with date and time for volunteers.

  

Upcoming Events:

 

December 6th, Tree lighting & Santa’s visit at 5:30, please bring donations of desserts, also canned goods for the Soup Kitchen, and new, unwrapped toys for Salvation Army.

 

December 16th, Christmas Social – Pot Luck

 

Need ideas for guest speakers for next year.

 

Motion to donate $200.00 to WATR Sunshine Fund by Mike Ptak, 2nd by Jean Guisto.

 

January 20, 2016 – Guest speaker – Re. Selim Noujaim

 

Motion by Mike Guisto to adjourn, 2nd by Marge Horzepa.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Noella Mott