The East Mountain
Neighborhood Association
April 20, 2005 Meeting
Minutes
Attendees 33: Michael Ptak, Nancy Santarpia, Maria Lopes, Dollyanne Martin, Diane Barth, Cathy Filippone, Tony Loechner, Claudette La Flamme, Bob Perigard, Pam Mencio, Ned Mencio, Larry Davino, Cecile Davino, Harold Andrew, Jean Guisto, Marcia Schultz, Peter Amedeo, Carol Amedeo, Bob McGovern, Maureen Mead, Marge Horzepa, Joe Padua, Bob Trotter, Alice Rebhorn, Ted Rozum,Sr., Barbara Stere, Mike Stere, William Burnes, Donna Burnes, Marguerite SmithNancy Ptak, David Ferraro.
Mike called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mike then introduced the first guest speaker of the evening
Guest Speaker: Anita Bologna.
Anita Bologna is representing the Silas Bronson Library . She is the daughter of Sando Bologna, who authored the book, “Growing up Italian in America”, which he followed with another book about the Italians of Waterbury. Anita spoke read excerpts of the books and interviews with some of the Italians of the city, including those of East Mountain.
Anita also gave an informative, but interesting talk about the Library in the form of the David Letterman “ 10 most…” nightly routine. These bits are as follows:
10. Library cards are free.
9. The Bronson has an inventory of 265,000 items
8. The Library serves the handicapped with Large print reading material, special computers for audio and visually impaired Phone 574 8226
7. Computers can be used for free for 90 minutes; computer classes are offered
6. Look for books at www.bronsonlibrary.org
5. Articles on health, business and all readers digests can be found on line.
4. Books may be reserved on line from the home page. One can review one’s account on line.
3. Children and adult programs are available.
2. There are book sales
1. Use the library, because you pay for it ( taxes).
The library sponsors the Waterbury Hall of Fame.
Anita passed brochures and book marks to tonight’s attendees. She also stated that the library is trying to get a grant from the state in order to expand.
Mike introduced the second guest speaker of the evening:
The report on the progress of the park renovation is the subject of his appearance this evening. Mr. Nemec states that the current pump house needs to be upgraded, a permit for water diversion is needed per the DEP. The specifications are being awaited at this time. Next the job will be sent out to bid, a contractor will need to be chosen and the project will need to be approved by the mayor and the board of aldermen. There may be groundbreaking at the end of spring? The park may be ready for dedication by next spring. The spray pool is considered to be an “alternate” Mr. Nemec stated that in as much as the process is frustratingly slow for the residents, it is as well for the people working on it.
The golf course project was a secondary topic of discussion-- that project just getting underway. Questions were raised as to the need for the netting on the road side of the fairway, neighborhood canvassing on behalf of the golf course to generate some revenue by selling golf cards with special rates for those who purchase such cards, and whether it is possible to facilitate watering of the flower flag. Later in the meeting two satellite marketing representatives appeared, to explain the promotional packaging certificates for free golf rounds. These are the reps. who have been canvassing the neighborhood, offering certificates for 8 rounds of golf for $40, can be used all season and 2 rounds free for 2 people plus an additional round @ 2 for 1.
The Ziti Dinner: We’re still waiting for the rental charge on the use of the kitchen for the dinner If the charge remains $250. we will have made $700. This year’s dinner was less well attended. Ideas that a change in the day and the charge for the dinner might be changed were shared.
The May Meeting: There will be a flag retirement ceremony at 6:30 PM at the church parking lot prior to the meeting. It will be presided over and directed by Engine 5 Fire Station crew. Part of the ritual is to separate the blue field from the stripes.
The June Meeting: The notion of having a barbecue at the June meeting in honor of the scholarship recipient and to close the meeting year were aired.
The Flower Flag: The flowers will be changed again this year and we’ll be, again, using red and white begonias for the stripes.
Wendell Cross School: the school will be sponsoring a golf outing on Saturday, September 17th. The school is asking for sponsorships. and the association will consider a $100 donation. The goal is to raise money to build a playscape on the school grounds.
The association has also formed a committee to help the school paint a stenciled map of the United States on the upper school parking lot. The supplies are now available and ready.
Earth Day Cleanup: Mike Ptak will not be heading up the local cleanup, since he is involved with the city cleanup on that day. The Mayor has requested the citywide cleanup, which will be postponed if rain. The date is Saturday, April 23.
Zoning Meeting: Will be held in the Aldermanic Chamber on April 27th concerning a zoning change for the Town Plot area for a building project. It is the first time all three town committee chairman are against a project.
Land Sale: 9.6 acres of land off Purdy Rd has been sold for $300,00. to a buyer from New York. The land had first been purchased by Bart LoRusso. There is concern about what will be built on that land.
Police Business: Joe Padua, the community officer reports that there is a suspect in the previously reported East End burglaries.
Joe states that anyone who has been burglarized can ask for an inspection of their home. This will include recommendations for: steel doors, 3” screws, audible alarm, dead bolt, locking windows, papers and mail not to be left out, lights on, shrubs trimmed, lighted doors, lawn mowed, tools and ladders secured inside, trash and recyclable bins off the street. Joe will also do such inspection for us.
The Association sign: The sign is almost ready to be installed ( the sign is for the association announcements ). Some suggestions were to place it at the bottom of the hill for all to see, or perhaps ask Father David if we could adopt a spot on the church grounds. Bob Perigard presented a photo of the sign and explained its function. Mr. Watterworth made the sign and will be donating the letters and numbers. His son is a resident of East Mountain. He will install it for the cost of materials.
The sign will measure 4’ by 6’
Flag Pole: Mr. Rozum suggested actually installing a flag pole on top of the dam at the reservoir near the flower flag. Mike Ptak responded that he would look into it, and would have to ask the water dept. Mr. Rozum states that the actual flag would enhance the flower flag.
Tag Sale: Tony Loechner raised the issue of a 2nd tag sale and questioned if it would be an idea on hold because of the park project. He stated that the Prospect Tag sale will be held on June 6
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Patricia Mencio