East Mountain Neighborhood Association

Minutes April 19, 2006

   Called to order at 7:07pm by President, pledge given and treasurer's report.  Inland/Wetlands meeting-plans look doable and will probably pass the Inlands/Wetlands.  The Planning Commission is the next step to be followed by Zoning. Ned Mencio checked on the Monday before the meeting for reports submitted.  The developers submitted new reports on Tuesday and Wednesday.

   Dirt Bikes--DOT Inspector made them close off the original entrance but they just moved it down to another location.  Decimal meter is available with the Police Department--we just need to call them when ever the noise becomes a problem.

   Earth Day--Workers should meet at the Park at 9:00am on May 6, 2006.  Gloves and bags will be available and areas will be assigned.

   Country Breakfast--April 29, 2006.  Set-up will take place on Friday evening before the breakfast.  Donations received:
   1. Coffee--Nancy Santarpia
   2. Tea--Dollyanne Martin
   3. Store Donation--Oliver's ($50.00)
   4. Bacon & Sausage--Peoples Bank

   Tag Sale--Scheduled for 5/13/06 with a rain date of 5/20/06.  The dumpster is being donated by Ace Van & Storage.

   Flower Planting and flag Installation--Both are scheduled for 5/27/06.  Flower planting will start at 8:30am and a sign up sheet was passed around.  We will ask Engine 5 to assist with the flags on poles we are unable to reach with our ladders.  A visiting fireman (John Keane) spoke on the renovation of City Hall and the addition to Firehouse #2.  He said the firemen are concerned that if trucks are moved from the firehouse by city hall it will leave the West End of the city unprotected.  The feeling is that a firehouse needs to be kept on the West Side.  He also reported the conditions in the current firehouse connected to City Hall.  The heat for the firehouse/city hall is one zone with the controls in City Hall.  It was also suggested that Engine 5 be moved further out East.  The bonding will be voted on at the Aldermens meeting for the addition to Firehouse 2.  If approved the addition should be completed by 2007.

   East Mountain Park--The bid of $499,000 was submitted and accepted.  This would include the fields, track and possibly the playscape.

   Police report-- Radar will be set up on Prospect Rd and Pearl Lake Road.  Dumping on Harpers Ferry Road continues but violators have been identified.  There continues to be car break-ins up on East Mountain.  Cars are being entered (usually not locked) and change/loose items snatched.  This has happened on Purdy Road.

   While waiting for the arrival of Nancy Johnson, Selim spoke on what was happening in Hartford.  He did report that he submitted a request for another $750,000 for the Park but was not feel we would get it this time around.  He did say that 42 million was put in the budget for the Teachers retirement Fund. 

   Also reported that the Condo's behind Blackie's were denied--expect this to come back again.  150 units are being put in where Red Bull Inn was located.

   Nancy Johnson arrived and was welcomed by those in attendance.  Things she is working on are:
   1. Working with Waterbury Seniors for the sign-up of Medicare Part D.  She suggested that seniors make a list of medicines they take and then come to one of the meetings or call her Waterbury office for assistance.  There are plans that will save Seniors money.  You have 2 months to sign-up after receiving a letter stating you are eligible to participate.
   2. She is taking a strong stand against the President's budget.  Feels dollars can be better spent on other issues.  Critical dollars should flow into Waterbury to support items such as smaller classes, etc.  Also getting insured electronic medical records on a data base that all doctors can access.
   Nancy took questions from the audience:
   Q.) why can't the government surplus oil be funneled into the market.
   A.) This oil is not refined.  We lost many refineries with the hurricanes.  Price gouging studies are due back in the next few weeks.  Studies are also being conducted on moving the refineries further inland by pipelines.  No new refineries have been built in 40 years.
   Q.) Why aren't we pushing energy efficient products.
   A.) We passed new standards for energy efficient buildings.  Texas Instruments beat out China in energy efficient building.
   Q.) Immigration Issue: What is being done about this problem?
   A.0 this is very serious as it effects health care, housing, schooling, etc.  Back in 1988 the government tried to control this problem by requiring 3 forms of identification.  This no longer works as almost anything can be counterfeited.  A bill on immigration has passed the House but not yet the Senate.  Companies using guest worker programs must be more closely controlled.  The Border issue is being addressed and is very important.
   Q.) Why don't we just demand the public learn English?
   A.) The United States does not have English as an official language as other countries have with their language.

   Nancy thanked everyone for inviting her and passed out her business cards and encouraged the people of Waterbury to call her with problems/questions.

   The meeting ended at 9:15pm.

   Flower Planting sign-up sheet signatures.
   Larry Davino  755-6955
   Harold Andrew 755-5288
   Gail Andrew 755-5288
   Pat Kelly 755-2515
   Bill Burnes 755-5843