East Mountain Neighborhood Association
March 2013 Minutes
East Mountain Neighborhood
Association
8 East Mountain Rd.
Waterbury, CT 06706
March 20, 2013
Attendees: 36
Meeting was called to
order at 7pm. Mayor Neil O’Leary led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a
moment of silence for our deceased neighbors.
Guest Speaker: Mayor Neil O’Leary gave an overview of what is going
on in Waterbury. Fiscally there is a state deficit because of the hurricane and
blizzard. No increase in sewer and water taxes. Waterbury in
the black by 1.5-2 million dollars. Reevaluation for 2012- property
values down 22%-32%. Grand List down. Mill rate subject to
change. Would need to raise it to 55.55 to get the
same revenue before reevaluation. The Governors proposed budget eliminates
3 million dollars to Wtby because of casino losses.
City loses 4 million in lieu of state building taxes, 2 million from manufacturers reimbursments and 1
million in school transportation. Adds to total loss of 13
million dollars. City will get it back but it can only be used for 2
specific things- 10 million goes to the school board and 3 million for roads.
School board asked for 7 million and got 14 million. If car tax eliminated,
city will lose 15.2 million in revenue. City budget for this year and next year
is exactly the same at $382 million.
Discussion
on health insurance for city employees and retired workers. Waterbury is now having insurance companies bid on
our business instead of staying with Anthem. Benefits have gone up $50 million
in last 12 years. Cigna is now Waterbury’s health administrator and will save
$2.7 million per year for next 4 years. All benefits remain the same.
Police Dept. is in crisis.
Lost 10 officers to other towns. Police union went to
arbitration and did not get what they wanted. Now as officers retire they
receive no benefits. 20 openings in dept.
Fire Dept. got $3 million
grant to hire firefighters and pay for them. That is 18 openings that the city
won’t have to pay for for 2 years. Community
Relations Officers are back on city patrol. Will be back in
neighborhoods as weather improves.
Mayor
given a donation of $100 from EMNA for Pal.
Secretary’s Report: Not read because of time constraints. Minutes
accepted by Nancy Ptak and Joe Kearney.
SympathyCards:
Claudette LaFlamme, 55 Pineridge Rd. (death
of cousin, Doris Addessio)
David Perugini,
51 Rockledge Dr. (death of fiancée, Claire Forino)
New Neighbors:
George Rains, 136 Eastside
Blvd.
Orlando Ceballos, 66 Rockledge Dr.
Joseph
and Karen Karas, 176 Split Rock Dr.
Patricia
Daly, 142 East Mountain Rd.
Get well Cards:
Pam Mencio, 106 Pineridge Rd.
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance: $4662.12
Ending Balance: $4762.12
Less Grant Allocation ($750.00)
Available Cash $4012.12
Committee Reports:
City Liason
Officer- Mike Ptak reported his emails to Mark Pronovost about the park have not been answered.
“The Gathering” event will
take place on Saturday, May 18. Will start with parade at
11:00. 30 ethnic groups will march. Other festivities will begin in
Library Park.
OMG- movie night group
wants us to sign up now for a 10% discount. Looking into
dates.
Big Green Pizza
Truck: Wednesday ,
June 19th. 6pm meeting followed by pizza which
will be served form 7-9:30. $15 for members and $20
for non-members. Only 100 tickets will be sold. Must be 18 years or
older to attend. BYOB. Soda will be provided. Jan
Perigard is in charge of tickets which will be sold at April meeting. There
will be a Scholarship Award and two more honorees. Claudette LaFlamme is waiting for the scholarship applications to be
returned.
Old Business: Suggestions for speakers for next year. Please speak
to Bob Perigard.
New Business: Letter from Republican/ American asking for $100
donation to campership fund. Motion made by Mike Ptak
and seconded by Tim Connelly.
DOT- Phase III of I-84
widening meeting will be held on April 18 at 6pm at Crosby High School.
Earth Day is April 27.
Jan Perigard is looking
for someone to take over the EMNA scrapbook.
Next Meeting will be April
24th. Guest speaker will be John Shove from Grasshopper Lawns.
Motion to Adjourn made by Larry Davino and
seconded by Sally McGovern.
Respectfully submitted by,
Stacey Kearney