The East Mountain Neighborhood Association
December 21, 2005
Meeting Minutes
Attendees 36: Julie Stefanelli, Mike Stere Barbara Stere, Turner Langdon, Peter Amedeo, Carol Amedeo, Maureen Mead, Jean Guisto, Nancy Ptak,Claudette LaFlamme, Donna Burnes, William Burnes, Marge Horzepa, John Gonshi, Maria Lopes, Nancy Santarpia, Diane Barth, Dollyanne Martin, Bob Mc Govern, Evelyn Carrah, Michael Ptak, Ned Mencio, Pam Mencio, Cathy Filippone, Tony Loechner, Dorothy Bock, Ronnie Ayotte. Alice Rebhorn Mary Repko, Harold Andrew, Cecile Davino, Nazih Noujaim, Jan Perigard, Bob Perigard, Marguerite Smith,Tom Conway, Irene Conway
The meeting came to order at 7:12 PM and Mike Ptak led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Turner Langdon provided the treasurer’s report. There is a current sum of $2, 512.94 available. The report hard copy is offered for the review of the membership.
Nancy Ptak reports that 20 scarves, bearing the EMNA logo were sold which netted $100 as fundraising..
Mike Ptak reports that the Wendell Cross School pancake breakfast netted $250, which the school wishes to donate to the EMNA.
The secretary’s minutes were made available for review—no verbal report was requested.
By- Law Changes:
As promised, the eligible voters have been notified in writing of the move to change the by-laws. The change from 2 year term limits for officers to eliminate term limits. Larry Davino, Ned Mencio and Marguerite Smith comprised the committee to work on that change.
Bob McGovern stated that the by-laws state that elections shall be made in October and that they were not. Mike responded that nominations were requested in September and that there were no responders; this issue was also brought up in October with the same result. Father David voiced that Ned should recommend a motion be made as to amend by-law, Article X!V. Section 5 to read that officers may run for office every 2 years. Ned made the motion and Peter Amedeo seconded the motion; the motion passed and the change was made. Officers elected this year were: Mike Ptak, since no other persons were willing to be nominated, Marguerite Smith, Vice President, Jean Guisto, Treasurer, the secretary will remain to complete the 2 year term.
Proposed Development on Rte 69:
There are 2 sets of plans for the perusal of the attendees, which have been drawn up to show the pending development of the property. The first is proposed 192 units on 7 acres. The second is for 164 units. Obviously the plan is for multi family dwellings, A resident medium development, which would be available to investors to but whole buildings without owner occupied requirement. There would be a zoning change from single homes zoning or RS. Mike requested a meeting with the mayor to request ERT studies, to studies environment, traffic, etc. He also consulted with an Atty. Marjorie Shamski, who has experience with zoning changes. Her fee is $300/ hr. and 3 to 3 hours would be necessary. Mike also received a call from Mark Gustaferi, the developer, who wants to address the association.
Ned Mencio referred to a newspaper article, in which he read that developers in the Winsted area were planning 455 units on 510 acres to equal 1.1 acre per unit. Note the comparison ( 192 units/ 7 acres) Ned obviated the great need for many more people from this neighborhood to be actively involved in dealing with this over-population.
Father David stated for involvement:
Nazih Noujaim recommended that people go house to house with handouts, in groups of two, dividing the entire area into streets.
Ronnie Ayotte recalled that, years ago, when a development was proposed for Farrell Rd., the neighbors collected money from individual households to hire a lawyer to sue the city to stop the project.
It is noted that there are 5 abutters to this area.
Nazih recommended getting reporters to do articles on the proposal and then elicit the support of other neighborhoods.
Evelyn Carrah suggested letters to the editor, since everyone reads those.
At this juncture a committee was formed to meet and compose a letter to be distributed to everyone on the mountain, to include such information inclusive of the plan to erect high density, low income housing. Volunteers for the committee are Nancy Ptak, Maureen Mead, Barbara Stere, Father David, Pam Mencio, Nezih Noujaim, Jean Guisto.
Other suggestions are to pass leaflets at stores and banks, contact representatives and try to get them involved ( Selim Noujaim has already objected to the project), talk to the aldermen, although there are not all seated at this time.
Discussion of other by-law changes: 2 votes per household, when 2 members are EMNA members in good standing, dues changes, when dues payments are due, etc. Those committee members are: Turner Langdon, Jean Guisto, Marguerite Smith and Larry Davino.
There were 75 to 100 people at the Christmas tree lighting; approximately 30 were children. Hot chocolate was supplied by Teri Robillard and friends, cookies and other treats by members, popcorn balls and candy canes by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Our Santa also paid a visit to Father David’s friends.
Tom Conway was applauded by everyone present, showing their appreciation and happiness to see Tom returned to good health. Tom stated he spoke with our rep., David Aldorando, who reported that he spoke to the house speaker about obtaining $750,000 more for the park renovation. He spoke about projects in the city planned and funded 8 years ago that have never been started. Mike has contacted the “Make a Wish” Foundation to request help. Tom said that the original money, obtained by the EMAA was slated for irrigation, which is now being left out of the plans.
Old Business:
Remember the book swap next meeting, which will continue at the future meetings.
Bob McGovern suggested sending card to the former mailman, John Samoska, since he has had to leave our area to take a riding route for medical reasons. The address will be shared, hopefully at the next meeting.
Mary Repko voiced concern about the ice covering East Mountain Rd, which is dangerous. The cause is water pouring from an electrical conduit attached to a pole to the right of the 18th hole, but right on the street. It pours out across the road and freezes, inches thick, resulting in large potholes. It has been occurring for at least 2 years.
Other chronic ice problems are on Rockledge Drive, Hamilton Ave, and on Piping Rock Rd. They have been addressed with the city many times.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:37PM
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Mencio