EAST MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MINUTES
JANUARY 20, 2016
Attendees:
31
Meeting
was called to order at 7 pm. Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Mark Tierney, followed by a Moment of Silence for our
departed neighbors.
Vice-President
Dave Muccino was absent because of knee surgery.
Community Relations Officer
Matt Lemos did not have the prior month’s crime numbers but reported that
several cars were rummaged through and one car had all the wheels removed. He
again reminded everyone to be sure to lock cars and not to leave valuables in
your vehicles. Also be conscious of clearing snow from fire hydrants and
sidewalks during storms.
Alderwoman
Stephanie Cummings reported that the teachers’ contract was approved, the HAS
will save city approximately $5 million. Discussions regarding East End needs
to either expand Wendell Cross or build another school. Possible
locations 1. Near Hamilton Park, off Windy Drive, near
Pine Grove Cemetery or somewhere on East Main Street. Chase School is
also overcrowded.
There
is a book available detailing the new plan for downtown Waterbury.
Also
reminded neighbors to purchase a protection plan for water and sewer lines in
case of major repairs, water is about $70 for 3 years, sewer is $109/year.
Special
guest speaker State Representative Selim Noujaim was introduced. He advised
that the laws are changing regarding executive members of neighborhood
community associations. All resolutions on behalf of the association need to be
approved by the President of the group.
Rep.
Noujaim also indicated that there was a proposal in the past to open up streets
leading to the industrial park on Reidville Drive, it was not approved. If it
comes up again it would have to be presented to at least Planning, Zoning Board, Board
of Alderman, & possibly Zoning Board of Appeals so there would be many
opportunities to oppose its approval.
Senator
Joan Hartley was introduced to speak. She indicated that the ribbon was cut for
the Rectory Building near Palace Theater. First floor will be a Starbucks
Coffee Shop, second, third & further floors will be used for UCONN classes.
In
the Spring, or sooner, work will begin on the train station, change parking
area, landscaping, old ticket station will be remodeled with kiosks for
newspapers, etc. No new staff needed, Parking Authority will man the area. Also working on parallel train tracks.
In
response to questions, Sen. Hartley acknowledged that the pull out of state by
G.E. will definitely affect the state and small businesses that were servicing
GE and its employees. Goal is to offer more incentives for business to come to
CT and stay in CT.
Car
taxes being reduced over next three to four years may be a problem since that
was supposed to be subsidized by the state. In the new budget, city lost $5
million.
Lorraine
Mills, Bouley Manor Association was introduced, she
passed out flyers for benefit pasta dinner on 2/29/16, all proceeds used to
restore the Hobart Welton Carriage Shed.
Secretary’s
Report: Minutes are available on website. Motion by Sally
McGovern, 2nd by Bill Paternoster to accept December 16, 2015 minutes.
Treasurer’s
Report:
12/17/15
to 1/20/16
Opening
Balance: $ 7315.79
Income: 250.00
Expenses: 115.00
Closing
Balance: $ 7401.29
Motion to accept Treasurer’s Report by Donna Burns, 2nd by Cathy
Filippone.
Committee
Reports:
City
Liaison Officer: Mike Ptak – Advised that there may be a request to change the
zoning behind properties located on Split Rock Drive from residential to
commercial, overlooking Reidville. The City Planning Department has not
received any application, there were just comments submitted to the Plan of
Conservation and Development and that any changes for development of
substantial size would need a zone change, wetlands permit, etc. and at least
two alternatives for emergency egress.
Waterbury
Development Corp., Mike Guisto – no report
Harry
Northrop Grant – working to get the grant application online
Neighborhood
Watch Commander – reminder to lock cars
Old
Business: none
New
Business: Motion by Bill Paternoster to donate $500.00 to Our Lady of Lebanon
Church, 2nd by Mike Ptak. Also, there will be a Communion Breakfast
at the church on 1/31/16 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Upcoming
Events:
February
17th – Ginger Manning from DOT I84 Project
March
16th – Alderwoman Stephanie Cummings – Wills & Estate Planning
Nominating
Committee to elect President & Secretary, terms
end in June.
Next
month hospitality is Nancy Ptak and Donna Burns
Motion
by to adjourn by Bill Burns, 2nd by Bob McGovern.
Respectfully
submitted,
Noella
Mott, Secretary