EAST MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES

OCTOBER 16, 2019

 

 

Attendees:  33

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

 

Community Relations Officer Charles Carangelo reported:

·         Break -ins on Purdy Rd. and Sprucedale Dr.

·         Robbery at Webster Bank

·         Gun shots fired – no victims

·         Fatal accident involving a pedestrian

·         Wheels stolen on Plank Rd.

·         Car stolen on Wolcott St.

·         Overdose on Elliott St.

·         He encouraged everyone to report anything suspicious to 203-574-6991 or his cell #: 203-523-8797

 

Alderman George Noujaim reported:

·         Work on municipal stadium has been finalized with renovations to fields, lockers, etc.

·         Comments from residents included pumps and bubblers at East Mountain Park need checking.

·         Construction at Wendel Cross School will be a disruption to the immediate neighbors and they will need updates.

 

Rachel Guest, Director of the Silas Bronson Library reported:

·         New cards with a key tag will be issued

·         New app for phones called “Acorn” has been implemented

·         Besides books the library provides movies, CDs, DVDs, e-books, audio books, and museum passes.

·         Online resources include learning new languages with an app for phones, auto repair references, small business references, World Book Encyclopedia, news bank for the Republican American and linda.com (owned by Linked in with tutorials).

·         Programs are offered for adults, teens, and children

·         On Saturday, October 26 there will be “Mardi Gross” which is a Halloween event with free items and a spooky walk.

·         Friends of the Library is a volunteer organization.  They do fundraising and provide a wish list for donations.

·         There is a bookstore which sells books at the rate of 10 cents, 50 cents, and $1.00.

 

 

State Representative Stephanie Cummings reported:

·         80/20 rule which affects wait staff – 80% tipped wage and 20% minimum wage

·         New session will run from February through May

·         The Waterbury Neighborhood Council will be having a dinner on Thursday, October 24 from 7:00-9:30 pm at the Bella Vista.  Mike Stere will be one of the honorees.  Tickets are $50.00.

 

Secretary Dory St. John reported

·         A brief summary of our last meeting in September was read.  These minutes are posted on the EMNA website.  This month’s minutes will also be posted on the EMNA website.

·         Correspondence included:  A get well card was sent to Matt Lemos.

·         Five new neighbors moved into the East Mountain neighborhood:  Hamilton Ave, Bracewood Rd., Sprucedale Dr., Piping Rock Dr., and Brackenridge Dr.

·         Motion that the secretary’s report is on file.  All in favor.  Motion carries.

 

Treasurer Colin Coburn reported:

·         Current report for September 1st through September 30th was presented at the meeting and will be on file.  If anyone would like additional information regarding the Treasurer’s Report please contact him.

 

City Liaison Officer Mike Ptak reported:

·         There is a change of venue for the upcoming November election.  Voting for East Mountain residents will be at Our Lady of Lebanon Church.

 

Neighborhood Watch Commander Bob McGovern was absent but it was reported to him that loud music has been coming from Hamilton Park.

 

Vice President and Community Property Project Tom Brunnock reported:

·         In regard to the Vistas 84 proposed development the Judge agreed with the appeal filed.  It was a 30 page decision and was very scathing to the Zoning Commission:  rules were relaxed or ignored, there was an absence of transparency and some of what they did was contrary to law. 

·         If Vistas 84 does not appeal within 20 days this decision remains.

·         If anyone wants a copy of the Judge’s decision, please email him.

·         He stressed how important it was for as many people as possible to attend the city meetings.

 

Kathy Brunnock read a Letter to the Editor she wrote and thanked everyone for their support and for attending the meetings.

 

Old Business:

·         Anna Rosa will oversee hospitality.

 

New Business:

·         Flag removal will take place hopefully after Veteran’s Day weather permitting.  Bob Perigard will make calls or email people to set a time and a date to take them down.

·         Waterbury Neighborhood Council Awards Dinner will take place at the Bella Vista Thursday, October 24th from 7:00-9:30 pm.

·         There is a vacancy for the EMNA Vice President position for the next two years.  Anyone interested should contact Mike Stere.

·         Mike Jarjura thanked the Brunnocks for all of their time and effort regarding the proposed development in East Mountain by Vistas 84.  He also mentioned a Comprehensive Plan that was put into place years ago changing this area from commercial to residential and that should be looked into.

·         Larry Davino mentioned new signs have been put up near East Mountain Park to curtail speeding, etc.

 

Motion to adjourn:  Larry Davino.  All in favor.  Motion carries.  Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

 

Submitted by:

Dory St. John