January 17, 2007
Meeting Minutes
Attendees: 31
The meeting was called to order at 7:10PM by President Michael Ptak who led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mike expressed thanks to all in attendance
The Treasurer’s report was presented by Jean Guisto who verbalized the yearly report, which concluded with the actual balance of $ 57. 06 at year’s end.after reserving for the scholarship.
A question was raised as to how many bricks have been sold so far, the response—17 to date. It was explained that blank bricks would be placed in the designated area in the park to be replaced as the inscribed bricks are sold.
Mike stated that he spoke with Jim Nemec of the Parks Dept., who stated that we will not be able to choose the style of bench to be placed in the park, since the Parks Dept. will choose them; however if one wishes to donate a bench, that person may choose the bench style.
The EMNA will meet with the EMAA to discuss a sign for the park.
A question was raised about the site of the EMNA sign at the bottom of the hill lateral to the Valero Mart as opposed to on city property. Mike responded that the sign needed to be visible to all who approached the “mountain”, and reminded that the Calabro’s refused to allow the sign to be placed on their property adjacent to Rte 69.
Mike recapped the public Hearing of last evening, declaring that the moratorium on condo- building has been passed. He reported that 20 people from East Mountain were in attendance---more than from any other neighborhood.
The Public Hearing on zoning moratorium will take place on Tues. Jan. 24th at 7 PM at Kendrick Ave. Mike stated that we are not helped by the fact that the Guastaferri development is still in the works, since they just submitted new plans, one for a subdivision and one for cluster development yesterday and today, respectively. However if this is turned down, they will have to resubmit.
Mike requests that a new by-law committee be formed, because of needed adjustments to the by-laws.
Mike reports that the Assn. is seeking new prices for printing a newsletter, having met with Tower Printing personnel. They are also looking to revise the style of the newsletter in having fewer pages, fewer colors and smaller ads.
Community Officer, Joe Padua reports graffiti problems on lower East Main St. and copper pipe larceny on Reidville Dr. Blight enforcement has been stepped up.
There are unclaimed pictures of the children with Santa Claus. If not taken, they’ll be placed in the scrap book
Future speaking guests are discussed. Mike will try to get the Mayor to address the group at a future meeting. Neighbor Bob Trotter, a worker with “Tough Love” will provide a speaking guest soon.
New neighbor, June Laugelis expressed concern that she has been hand- delivered a letter from the tax collector. Some members reassured her that it is probably because her house is relatively new and that the office wants to see if additions have been made.
Claudette La Flamme announced that the scholarship information and forms are going out on Feb. 1, 2007. The students will need to get to their guidance counselors to apply.
Jean Guisto asked that there may be a change of name from Harry Northrup to Dom Davino Scholarship. The response is that the scholarship is called the East Mountain Neighborhood Association Scholarship given in the name of Harry Northrop, but it is not called the Harry Northrup scholarship. Other comments were that it would be inappropriate to remove one name to honor another name, also that Harry Northrup started the EMAA and was instrumental in providing free uniforms for the players, among many other benevolences to the neighborhood and their children. A motion was made by Mike Stere to keep the original scholarship honoree; the motion was seconded by Larry Davino. Pat Norton spoke to request that Harry Northrup’s name should remain. Rosemary Carlson asked where the plaque in Harry’s honor is, the response was that it is back in the park.
The park: Problems are: the puddle on a back field, brush overgrowth onto the walking path, the pole in the middle of the path ( resolved).
Pending: ?paving and widening the path, gazebo, plaques for Dom Davino, who procured the original renovation money and for Tom Conway who has fought for more funds to obtain appropriate continuation of renovations of the park.
Rosemary Carlson stated the information is needed on the origins of the golf course, since it is 75 years old. She has been having difficulty obtaining any data.
Mike reminded that the drain on East Mountain Rd. has been replaced and the holes patched, but the areas of problem on Rockledge Drive and Peach Orchard Rd are natural springs and are uncontrollable.
Mike invited all to enjoy refreshments and concluded the meeting at 7:55PM
Respectfully Submitted
Patricia Mencio, Secretary