EAST MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD ASOCIATION

MINUTES

JANUARY 16, 2019

 

 

Attendees:  42

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm which began with the Pledge of Allegiance and followed by a Moment of Silence for our departed neighbors.

 

Community Relations Officer Charles Carangelo reported:

·         He summarized critical incidents which occurred in Waterbury during the past month.  None involved private citizens and none occurred in East Mountain.

·         Car thefts are still an issue.  He suggested that key fobs be placed in a coffee can in the home so that they cannot be copied by potential car thieves.

·         If anyone has any complaints or concerns call him at 203-525-8797.

 

Guest Speaker Waterbury Recycling Coordinator C.J. May reported:

·         In 2017 recycling was at 6%.  The new larger green recycling cans were then introduced.

·         In 2018 recycling has doubled to 12%.

·         65% of all households are now recycling.

·         China is no longer buying our recycling because it is “dirty” (Items that are not recyclable are being put in the cans).

·         He passed out flyers explaining what items can be recycled.

·         Suggestions by residents included:  putting in a full page ad in the newspaper every three months explaining which items are appropriate to recycle.  Someone also suggested that refuse personnel put down the lids on the blue cans so they don’t fill up with water due to rain or snow.

 

Secretary Dory St. John reported:

·         A brief summary of the December meeting was presented.  A full report of the December minutes is posted on the EMNA website.

·         Minutes for today’s meeting will be posted on the EMNA website

·         Correspondence included:  a Get Well card was sent to Beatrice Perigard.

·         Three new neighbors moved into the East Mountain neighborhood:  East Side Blvd., Deering Lane, and East Mountain Road.

 

Treasurer Colin Coburn reported:

·         Current report for December 1st through December 31st was presented at the meeting and will be on file.  If anyone would like any further information regarding the Treasurer’s Report please contact him.

·         Motion to accept Treasurer’s Report:  Dave Muccino, 2nd Cecile Davino.  Motion carries.

 

City Liaison Officer Mike Ptak encouraged people to complain about water accumulation on Hamilton Ave.

 

Due to their absence there were no reports from:

Neighborhood Watch Council Bob McGovern

Community Property Project Tom Brunnock

 

State Representative Stephanie Cummings reported:

·         Session resumed on January 9th and bills are due on Friday.

·         Some bills being brought forward include:

Highway Tolls

Paid Family Leave

$15.00 Minimum Wage

Legalization of Marijuana

Four bills are being brought forward to address out of state license plates.

·         There has been an increase in car thefts by Juveniles.

·         Legislators are discussing the introduction of bills for:

Free mammogram testing

More benefits for Gold Star Families

An Education Account

·         Stephanie would like to propose a bill to eliminate lifetime health insurance and pensions for Legislators.

 

Alderman George Noujaim reported:

·         Car thefts are still a big problem.  There were 720 car thefts last year and 29 this past month alone.  95% of the car thefts had the keys in them.  Many of the car thefts were committed by 14 to 17 year olds.

·         Funding for a partial renovation and rebuild of Wendell Cross School are now in place.  There has been discussion of putting this on hold to ask for additional funding for a complete tear down and rebuild.  He encouraged people to go to these meetings for their input.

 

Old Business:

·         New Police Chief Fernando Spagnola will be invited to a future meeting of EMNA.

·         There was a suggestion that we also invite Mayor Neil O’Leary.

 

New Business:

·         The needed flag replacements would include 4 poles and 40 flags which would cost $660.  Motion to approve Mike Ptak, 2nd Stephanie Cummings.  Motion carries.

·         There will be a survey sent out as to whether or not to purchase additional Neighborhood Watch Signs which will be $23. per sign or $20.50 for 5-9 signs.

 

·         There will be a “Winter is the Pits Firepit Festival” on February 23rd from 2:00-6:00pm at the historic Stone House Pavilion in Hamilton Park.  There will be fire pits, ice sculptures, blacksmith exhibitions, winter activities, music, food, marketing and more.  This will be the first of its kind in Connecticut.

·         They are asking for financial support from community organizations.

       Motion to donate $300. Nancy Ptak, 2nd Stephanie Cummings.  Motion carries.

·         The Wendel Cross Reconstruction Project has secured $46 Million.  The State will fund 68% of this.  They will need to break ground by October 1st or the grant will be lost.  The reconstruction would accommodate:  2 pre-K classes, 3 K classes, and 2 classes up through grade 8. 

·         If they do a total tear down and rebuild additional money will have to be secured and it will take two years to build.  This would accommodate 1,000 students with three classes K through 8.

·         Residents are encouraged to give their input via Letters to the Editor and attending meetings.  Meeting schedules will be forwarded to the East Mountain Neighborhood Association.

 

Motion to Adjourn Mike Stere, 2nd Dave Muccino.  Motion carries.  Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.

 

Submitted by Dory St. John