Meeting Minutes

Attendees: 47

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance led by President, Michael Ptak. A moment of silence was observed for those who died at Virginia Tech.

Community Officer’s report: Joe Padua cited the recent articles and photos printed in the newspaper regarding trash littered throughout all parts of the city. He said that PAL and police volunteers will be participating in some cleanup. Joe mentioned continuing graffiti problems, stealing cars, especially Hondas, and breaking into cars as well as speeding issues. There will be enforcement of speed limits and there will be radar setups.

The guest speaker for this evening is Michael O”Connor of the WDC. His topic of discussion is the City Hall renovation. Mike had numerous enlarged photos of the deterioration of the City Hall, inclusive of water damage, rust, roof problems, holes made in walls to reach leaking pipes and never repaired.

Also discussed was whether to keep the fire station as attached to the building or to separate it or to move it. He also described the terrible living quarters of the firefighters stationed there.

The Historic Commission dictates that the building is of historic significance and must not be demolished, but returned to historic standards.

Mike also mentioned the rental expenses to use other local buildings, i.e. the Sovreign Bank, since the City Hall is now closed, except for Public Records Dept.

There were multiple concerns raised by attendees as to how the building, once repaired, would be maintained, since it never was in the past, which is why it is in such disrepair now. Mike responded that there would have to be a long-term maintenance plan

Questions were raised about obtaining government funds for repair since it is an historic building, allocating funds for maintenance, whether green specialists would be involved, the prospective plan to begin the project.

Larry Depillo requested some time to refute Mr. O’Connor’s presentation. He then was provided five minutes during which he reported that the building is not as badly deteriorated as the WDC presents and cited several problems that were reputed to be worse that they actually are.

The Secretary’s report: is presented in hard copy for perusal.

The Treasurer’s report is submitted by Jean Guisto, Treasurer. It is also available upon request in hard copy. Jean reports that income for professional assistance to oppose the condo development was $12, 278. ( All are grateful for the generosity of those who helped ). A motion to accept the report was made by Larry Davino and seconded by Ned Mencio.

Condominium Update: As per the recent Public Hearing some issues are still being addressed, such as recent and frequent changes by the developer to the proposed detention pond. Consideration is being given as to whether Inlands-Wetlands Commission should re-assess that plan.

A letter has been sent to Paul-Mar Assn. to stop recreational activities at the site and to smooth the land, pour topsoil and plant seed, as they were previously ordered, but never did.

Much discussion occurred around the fire hydrant issue and private versus city fire hydrants.

Art Denze from the Town Plot Neighborhood Association encouraged us to keep working hard at opposing the development. He urged the group to watch the legal notices and try to attend the Inlands- Wetlands and Planning meetings.

May 1st is set for the next hearing at 5:30 PM regarding the Cluster development. The opposition sign will go up again next week.

Park Update: the $750,000 allotted for the park is now out of committee for bonding and now awaits the governor’s signature.

The $400,000 from the Aldermen is still intended

The $25,000 obtained by David Aldorando should be coming in 2 weeks.

It is noticed that the malfunctioning drain in the park has functioned this time.

Many are using the park even though it is not opened. Still to come is the gazebo, basketball court, plantings, spray pool, drinking fountains, flag pole and fence.

Earth Day Cleanup: the day is May 5^th. A volunteer sheet is passed. Gloves and bags will be distributed at the stadium. Bob McGovern asked if police cars could be placed at either end of East Mountain Rd for traffic safety reasons.

The Flower Flag: The flowers are being purchased from Michael’s Garden Center this year because they can be available in larger size and can and will be stored for us until the day of planting, which is set for May 19^th at this time. Mike Ptak estimated that the cost would be approximately $400. A volunteer sign-up paper was passed A motion was made to allow for the purchase by Frank DePaulo and seconded by Ned Mencio.

Flags: Mike announced that 106 replacement flags are needed. 6 brackets are needed, as well as 6 poles. The cost would be $1, 512.36. Individual flags cost $13. It is suggested that anyone who wishes to purchase and donate a flag may do so. Suggestions were made to scale back on hanging flags because of our other expenses, or to purchase just 50 flags. A motion to accept was made by Jean Guisto and seconded by Nancy Ptak.

Pancake Breakfast: Is set for September 22. The volunteer sign-up was again passed. The committee is in need of a chairman. We will have free use of the kitchen and the building. In return we have promised our assistance to Father Charbel in work at the church.

Scholarship Update: The scholarship will be presented in June. The closing date for application is May 1^st.

Neighborhood Council: We are in need of two representatives to the Council. Each neighborhood sends reps to that council, which meets monthly. Contact Mike if you wish to be a rep.

New Business: The East End Neighborhood Association met last evening with 17 members. Under discussion was an area in the east end, now in remediation as,? commercial, residential, congregate or living facility. The hearing is set for Thurs. April 26.

The hearing on the proposed Vivian Drive development will be held on April 24^th. We are encouraged to attend to support the East End neighbors in their opposition to the proposed development.

There is a Ziti Dinner on Thursday, tomorrow from 4PM to 7PM at the Mount Carmel Church Hall. Tickets are $7. We are encouraged to attend, to support the Town Plot opposition to the proposed condo development in their area.

Camille Atallah, a member of Our Lady of Lebanon Church addressed the group, announcing that he has purchased the old East Mountain School property across from this church. His intent is to have either a day care center or a convenience store in that building. The area is a legally nonconforming zone. Mr. Atallah will apply for a zone change.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Jean guisto and seconded by June Augalis.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Mencio, Secretary