East Mountain Neighborhood Association

8 East Mountain Rd.

Waterbury, Ct 06706

 

April 21, 2010

Number of Attendees     33

 

Pledge was led by Mike Ptak.

 

Guest Speakers were Mayor Mike Jarjura, Jim Nemec, Assistant Deputy Chief Jannetty , Dan Lauer and Board of Aldermen: Joe Begnal, Larry Depillo, Ryan Mulchay.

 

Mayor Jarjura stated that the end of the city fiscal year is 6-30-10. As of now there is a 2.6 million dollar deficit. Revenue items that won’t materialize will be reduced. Building fees are down $1.3 million from the state. Open employment positions are not going to be filled and the Mayor hopes to end the fiscal year even.

The budget for the 7-1-10 through 6-30-11 was presented 3-4 weeks ago. The mill rate will go from 39.99  to 42. this will cost the average East Mountain home owner more than $300.00 more this coming year.  Medical benefits for city employees will cost $7 million more to $62 million.1.5 million will go to pension contributions. The debt service line item- infrastructure of the city includes city hall, public schools firehouses and parks.

The Board of Aldermen has the budget right now. They are meeting with every department and have each dept. head cutting 5% of their budget.

Out of 42 mills, 16 mills goes to liabilities unfunded for the past 20 years.

 

Dan Lauer is working on blight issues. There will be a shred-it event at the old Bernies. Donations is $5 for each box or bag. Earth Day cleanup is on May1. We can get gloves, bags water and Frankies food tickets at the parking lot of the old Shaws.

 

Assistant Chief Jannetty said there is a 7 year reduction in violent crime. Juvenile crime is down also. School Resource Officers are in the high schools and middle schools. PAL has over 3400 children involved and Police Explorers has 300 kids.

 

Jim Nemec head of the Parks Department and Public buildings said we have $7 million for renovations from the state. $120,000 for drainage help at the East Mountain Golf Course. Electrical work for the park is out to bid.

 

Joe Begnal said he is trying to lower the mill rate by looking at every line item to save money. Larry DePillo is committed to not having a tax increase this year.

 

Bob questioned the Mayor on fuel for city vehicles. The mayor said we are below market. The city is experimenting with hybrids(4). Crown Victorias are being fazed out and the Ford Taurus Platform will be used. School buses have a set 5 year contract. New schools will be K-8 and there is a movement for more students to walk to school. There are security concerns for students walking one mile.

 

June commented on the friendliness of the police and firefighters.

 

Tim wants to eliminate a lot of department of educations employees e.g. custodians. Complaints were heard about union vs non union workers. Mayor Jarjura responded by saying 99.9% of workers do their jobs. Several investigations are going on about employee theft. The city is starting to track employees through GPS system. John Theriault is videotaping city schools for structural problems.

 

Retired employees have 100% of their medical premiums paid by the city. Current employees with the average family plan costs the city$14,000 per family.

 

Secretary report passed over due to time constraints. No Treasurers Report.

 

Joe Padua said no seat belt tickets going from $37 to $92.  Counterfit 5 and 10 dollar bills are going around the area.

 

The casino trip is May 8. 36 people are going.

 

The Awards Dinner will be held on June 16. 3 nominees are Tom Connolly (refused award) Nancy Ptak and Claudette LaFlamme.  160 people attended in 2008 with 120 people attending in 2009.

 

Bob Perigard is working on East Mountain letters at 2 per day. Motion for $150.00 for paint and frames made by Tim and June.

 

Park Cleanup is May 1 at 9-12:30 clearing vines and tres and picking up trash. Meet at church parking lot at 9:00.

 

Nancy Ptak has ducks for sale for the Naugatuck Duck race. They are $5  per duck.

 

Bryan Baker is on the Charter Revision Committee. There wil be changes in hiring city and town clerk by using open and competitive exams. Aldermen by district and minority appointments.

 

Motion to Adjourn by Nancy Ptak and seconded by Ned Mencio.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Stacey Kearney

Secretary