The East Mountain Neighborhood Association

December 15, 2004

Meeting Minutes

Attendees: 46 Mike Guisto, Jean Guisto, Claudette LaFlamme, Cathy Filippone, Tony Loechner, Maria Lopes, Bob Trotter, Alica Rebhorn, Larry Davino, Cecile Davino, Donna Burnes, William Burnes, Jim Szynkiewicz, Kathy McNamara, Jim Reed, Ned Mencio, Pam Mencio, Laurie Gaetano, Nancy Santarpia, George Dinkle, Dick White, Mary White, Bob Perigard, Evelyn Carrah, Lou Stefanelli, Julie Stefanelli, Mike Stere, Barb Stere, Joanne Byrne, Mayor Mike Jarjura, Paul Nogueira, Anthony Piccochi, Robert Lyons, David Ferraro, John Lawlor, Jim Nemec, Jim Sequin, Joe Padua, Mike Gilmore, Rich Robbins, Joe Geary, Paul Pernerewski, Mike Ptak, Nancy Ptak, Carol Amedeo, Peter Amedeo.

The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM by Mike Ptak and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Mike thanked all in attendance.

Mike reported that two families were adopted by the EMNA for Thanksgiving. Thanks to all who donated food and money. Mike explained that the items were provided to one family with 13 children and to a mother with 2 children.

The Christmas tree lighting was held on December 5^th with the help of Mr. And Mrs. Santa Claus, the Engine 5 Fire Dept. and Joe Geary of the Park Dept. as well as the approximately 150 people who attended. Thanks to the golf course concession who provided hot chocolate, and neighbors who brought cookies. The children received candy canes, popcorn balls, and gifts from the Clauses.

Mike Guisto announced that this year the sports banquet will be held on March 15^th . The East Mountain Neighborhood Association will be honored. The ticket price is $35. The banquet will be catered by Celebrity Caterers. See Mike Guisto for tickets.

Mike announced that Ned Mencio, because of his work on all projects in the neighborhood, is to receive a special Christmas gift. Nancy Santarpia presented the surprise to the amusement of everyone. The gift is a large basket fashioned from vines into the form of a reindeer. It is decorated with poinsettias and filled with many stuffed bears, Santas and reindeer and glittering Christmas trees. The reindeer antlers are adorned with white lights and it sports a red light-up nose. The story of the basket began during the tag sale that we held at the park last spring. Ned “hawked” the reindeer to everyone who came by his table to no avail all day. Finally Nancy bought the reindeer for a dollar ( either out of pity, or to shut him up) only to return the long- forgotten basket in its holiday décor. Probably not the end of the story.

Neighbors are encouraged to inform us about new neighbors, those who may be ill, or those who may have a death. We’ve been reaching out to as many as we can determine.

Discussion is beginning about replacing the fencing around the park when the renovations are in progress. Suggestion was made to offer “adopt a section” of the type of fence at Bunker Hill Playground.

The speaker this evening is Mayor Michael Jarjura. It was decided to combine the Mayor’s neighborhood visit with our monthly meeting. The Mayor brings with him several city officials: John Lawlor, Dir. of Public Works, Jim Nemec, Dir. of Recreation, Jim Sequin, Dir. of Planning, Joe Padua , Police officer assigned to the East End, Mike Gilmore, Rich Robbins, Landscape Architect. Joe Geary, new Dep. Chief of staff to the Mayor, Mary White, Pres. Board of Education, and several Aldermen: Paul Nogueirs, Tony Picocchi, Jim Szynkiewicz.

Mayor Jarjura announced that we are now six months into the fiscal year and we are financially on goal. After a short review of the financial status, the meeting was directed to the park renovations which have been pending for over 2 years. Jim Nemec affirmed that the park is on the front burner for the past 2 months, the contract with Milone, Mac Broom has been signed and soil sampling was begun today. Surveying will be begun in the next couple of days. Next month the design will begin with input from this community. The project will be out to bid by winter’s end. Someone should be meeting with us within a month. The design is a million dollar design and we are allowed $600,000. Rep. Thomas Conway has secured a half million dollars for improvement to the golf course.

Bob Lyons requested police cruiser rounds and radar traps. Capt. Cortez, of WPD stated that laser radar units are purchased; he also stated that rubbish pickup should have been done today. Maria Giordano questioned whether cruisers do patrol the neighborhood and Capt. Cortez responded affirmatively. Mayor Jarjura states that the community officer is an auxiliary in addition to regular patrols.

Ned Mencio questioned how decisions are reached on what streets to pave. He also asked why all the manholes are depressed. John Lawlor stated that risers are now being placed on manhole covers, so that with new paved roads the covers are raised. He also explained how roads are selected for paving through classification, prioritizing, usually with 2 streets per year from each of 6 districts chosen.

George Dinkle asked why there cannot be a stop sign at Peach Orchard and East Mountain Road intersection. He relates that petitions and letters have been submitted since the 1970’s to no avail. Dennis Cuevas will assess the area, per the Mayor.

Bob Perigard asked why, when, after a road is paved, then sewers are placed, the road is torn up and then patched. The sewer may be placed if a permit is accepted. In winter a cold patch is placed and in spring it shoul be replaced by a “warm patch”. Before the road is paved, all companies are notified, so that if they have to do something in the road they know to do it before the paving. Yankee Gas was complimented because of its good work in repairing roads.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM and was followed by the annual pot-luck supper. Thanks to all who brought their favorite foods. Thanks to the Mayor and all who attended tonight’s meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Mencio