The East Mountain Neighborhood Association

Wednesday January 16, 2008

Meeting Minutes

 

 

Attendees 40

 

The meeting was called to order by President Patrick Norton, at 7:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Patrick noted how thankful he was for the past President Michael Ptak’s efforts as president and will have a hard act to follow but with do his best to fill Michael’s shoes.

 

The secretary’s report was available for anyone to view.  Also Secretary Nancy Ptak noted as Patrick did to thank the past secretary Patricia Mencio she will do her best to fill Patricia’s shoes.

There was correspondence received by Mr and Mrs Gasparri thanking the association for the Dunkin Donuts gift certificates from the drivers of D & R Sand and Plowing.   Nancy also reminded the next person scheduled for hospitality are Evelyn Carrahy Cathy Filippone and Lorraine Klish.  There are more slots open for anyone interested in signing up for hospitality. 

 

The treasurer’s estimated budget report was given with approximate amounts for expenses for the following:

Bricks                          ($2,400.00)

Condos                        ($2,500.00)

Flags                            ($1,200.00)

Flowers                        ($   250.00)

Scholarship       ($   500.00)

 

Total Estimated Expenses ($ 6,850.00)

 

Patrick Norton introduced Kevin Zak the presenter this evening who discussed the work he is involved with in cleaning up the Platts Mill section of the Naugatuck River. He gave a wonderful power point presentation with before and after photographs of sections of the Naugatuck River that has been cleaned up.  The group of volunteers Kevin has gathered are organizing themselves as a non profit corporation in hopes to promote fundraising for his cause. 

 

They have set goals to: change the attitude toward litter to make our environment cleaner, create a river walk, stock fish, encourage recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing hiking, and eradicate invasive plant species. Some of the many items pulled out of the river included 250 tires,60 shopping carts,100 yards of carpeting,3 motorcycles, 60 yards of debris, 12 pay telephones and a sawed off shot gun to name a few. 

 

He explained how he tied a dozen tires together and pulled them out with a truck.  In some of the photos there were religious artifacts such as candles, US mail bags used to release pigeons. He has approached many repeat offenders who continually leave alcoholic bottles ,needles and condoms along the river. His son and his son’s friends have taken an interest in cleaning as well as friends and relatives. His son and his friends have built a small bridge out of tree branches.

 

Kevin also told us that with the recent notoriety he received in the press, he has seen a drop in those that litter. One particular section he nicknamed Lunch Rocks area people would stop by the side of the road for lunch and toss their trash out the window. The area is clean now and kept clean due to his efforts. Jan Piergard asked how deep the river was. He said it is quite shallow.

 

Patrick Norton asked if he has caught any fish lately, Kevin shared his story about catching a pink salmon. Kevin pointed to the spot on the map where the pink salmon was caught.  The upcoming event to be held on the river is a 6 mile Canoe and Kayak Race May 10th, 2008.  There will be a street festival where vendors can purchase a table for $ 100.00 each. Kevin also noted those who are helping in his efforts were the City of Waterbury Refuse ,Naugatuck Refuse Department as well as the Waterbury Litter and Beautification Commission. Some of these departments have received compensation for picking up metals such as copper. 

 

A police report was given by Joe Padua.  There have been citings of a white pick up truck removing copper piping from abandoned homes. Kids were found drinking by the water tower on Austin Road. Surrounding  towns have experienced bank robberies, Reports of illegal dumpings and car break ins at Rockledge Drive.  The suspect was apprehended.  Be on the lookout for tall black male and a short black male.

 

A fireman’s report was given by Mike Farrell. The fireman encourage carbon monoxide alarms. Be sure the number appears on your house as well as on the mailbox. Neighbors are encouraged to adopt a fire hydrant to ensure the area is cleared of snow as well as the storm drains. The lower end of East Mountain has been reassigned to Engine 4. The File for Life forms for updated information can be obtained at the firehouse. The contract for the firemen ends July 1,2008.  They will be doing negotiations. If anyone has any questions about the contracts contact the firehouse they will be happy to answer questions. One item that has been part of the contract is the EMS service will fall under the fire department. Mike Farrell believes this is a good change. It will better serve the Waterbury community.

 

A Flag update was given by Bob Piergard.  We need to replace 50 new flags. We are contacting the Waterbury Neighborhood Council and the other neighborhood groups to get a count so that we can reduce the cost if we order 75 or more.      

 

The Mohegan Sun Casino Trip update organized by Nazih Noujaim will by either on April 25,2008 or April 26,2008.  The cost will be $ 35.00 per person to include free buffet. The bus holds 55 people anyone interested contact Nazih.

 

An update of the Park was given by Patrick Norton. He contacted James Nemick at the Park Department.  The cost was 300k came back at 500k. Patrick asked about repairing and painting the sign at the golf course.  Pat also asked about planting flowers in front of the sign and about running an electrical cord for the tree lighting. Jim said that would be ok. We will dig the area needed. We would need the city electrician to hook it up and we would patch up the hole.  Jim requested Pat to send a letter to the park commission board with request and Jim will recommend approval.

 

A Condo development update was given by Michael Ptak.  He spoke to Jim Sequin and said a meeting was to be held on January 28,2008 with corporation council, the two attorneys and the judge. Michael Ptak made a motion to hire Patrick Zailkas again to monitor the situation as an intervener at $ 150.00 per hour.  There was discussion about the process from Erin Nolan. There was also discussion about putting a cap on the expense for Patrick Zailkas for $ 2,500.00 and then readdress the issue once the cap is met or if the decision is made to fight the decision in court. The motion was seconded by Patrick Norton. The motion carried.

 

Art Denze read a letter concerning condo projects in other parts of the city favoring interveners.

In order to secure more funds for the park, a letter was written and a petition was started to be sent to Governor Rell . 

 

An update on the Scholarship was given by Claudette LeFlamme.  February the forms will go out to the high schools. The deadline will be in April.  She encourages anyone living in East Mountain to apply for the scholarship.  Some people in the area are unaware of the award that is offered to a child, or grandchild of an East Mountain resident. 

 

An update on the flower flag was given by Patricia Mencio.  The Blue area and White star area grew too big.  We used Agaradam and Dusty Miller last year. Looking for another alternative. The red and white flowers did well this year since they were planted at the florist early.  We will try to plant later than May this year.  We encourage anyone to volunteer to plant this year.  We will either go with Plumb farm or Michaels Greenhouse. Barbara Stere commented on how beautiful the flowers were this year. She felt this was the best year so far.  Ned Mencio commented on Michael’s as a favorable place because they could reserve them and had a better storage area for us.

 

Under old business, Bob Piergard suggested we paint the framed letters this year since they have not been painted in 5 years. The cost for paint will be minimal. This will be done in the spring.

 

Nancy Ptak brought up the bricks. She spoke to Mr. O’Donnell about the status of the bricks. She has 25 more orders to submit. Then once they are complete we will pick up the bricks and pay the bill.

 

Tony Loechner commented how wonderful the response has been relative to the last mailing with memberships.  It was decided to do it again in August of 2008.

 

Under New Business, Ned Mencio brought up an idea about honoring a special person from the organization at the June meeting. Perhaps instead of having a barbecue, we could have a buffet to be catered at the church and for a fee. We could have both the presentation of the scholarship and the person we would like to give recognition to for their good efforts on behalf of the organization. There was discussion about whether the turnout would be smaller if we charged people. Since we could not fill 2 tables at the Neighborhood Council Dinner, we may not have a favorable turnout. There was a show of hands of about 30 people who said they would attend such an event.  This idea was tabled until the next meeting.

 

Art Denze spoke about encouraging people to deny the request for a power plant to be built close to our neighborhood. The details about a public hearing to be held in New Britain were not specific as to time and location.   Steven Shrag along with Art and Elaine Denze asked to speak and for our support against the first light power plant proposed for the south end. Discussions were held and no decision was made at this time.

 

 Motion was made to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Bob Piergard.