44 Attendees: Mike Ptak, Nazih Noujaim, Nancy Santarpia, Diane Barth, Dollyanne Martin, Jean and Mike Guisto, Cathy Filippone, Tony Loechner, Marguerite Smith, Ned and Pam Mencio, Bob Perigard, Keith and Marcia Schultz, Larry and Cecile Davino, Bob Trotter and Alice Rebhorn, Claudette LaFlamme, David Fortier, Fran DePaola, Frank DePaola, Nancy Ptak, Harold Andres, Maria Giordano, Donna Burnes, William Burnes, Chris Harmon, Maureen Mead, Dennis Guillaume, Bill Hubbell, Colin Coburn, Bobbi Cremins, Rosemary Carlson, Susan LaCava, Mike Stere, Barbara Stere, Melissa Hidri, Carl and Genevieve Santagati, John Keane

Meeting began: 7:10 PM

Treasurer’s Report: Mike presented the Treasurer’s report in the absence of Turner due to another meeting. The Association ended the year with a positive balance of $2,701.33 with $360.04 earmarked for purchase of flags and $500 designated for the scholarship, leaving a new balance of $1,841.33 to spend. After a depositing dues and entertainment book money we have a balance of $1,965.06 after the Christmas party expense of $173. New members dues and money from entertainment books brought $378.50 which will go to the next year’s scholarship fund.

Meeting change: The March meeting date has been changed from the 17^th to Wednesday, March 10^th at 7:00 PM here, at the Church thanks to Father David. The reason for the change is because March 17^th is St. Patrick’s Day.

CPR Course: A discussion was held by the executive board, as to the possibility of having a CPR course. Mike inquired of the Engine 5 firefighters whether they might have a staff member who would present a course for members. They willingly agreed to provide the course for $12 per person. The date will be determined. A "sign-up" sheet was passed with positive response.

Tag Sale: The association is planning a Tag sale to be scheduled in early May. The fee would be $5.00 per vendor payable to the association. It would take place in the park, on the fields, with scheduled rain date. Dave Fortier announced that the fields are already scheduled for use every day all day and suggested that another area of the park be used. Reasons were given that any other part of the park is improperly graded and with obstacles. Ned Mencio asked Dave Fortier if those days might be considered as team rain dates and games scheduled on those days be rescheduled. Some members suggested alternate sites, i.e. the school, the golf course parking lot and the church, all of which are inappropriate for obvious reasons. 5 attendees suggested individual home sales. Mike and Jean cited an individual tag sale 2 years ago in which only 3 residents participated. A vote resulted in the overwhelming majority for having the sale in the park on the fields. Bob Perigard will provide a dumpster for disposing of trash and unwanted items after the sale. Resistance to relinquishing the park fields for even one day continued throughout the discussion—this on the part of Dave Fortier, who is involved with the East Mountain Atheletic Association. A sheet was passed for signatures interested in the tag sale and many signatures were noted. Plans for the tag sale will be finalized at the February meeting.

Flags: Mike announced that 95% of all the flags that flew on the mountain during the last year have been rendered useless by the elements and have to be replaced. Ned Mencio is searching for a company who will sell flags of durable materials at a reasonable price. Some funds have been donated and allocated for the replacements, but more will be needed.

Ziti Dinner: Some discussion has been taking place at previous meetings about having a ziti dinner to raise some funds to help with the purchase of flags or for flowers for the flag garden. Several caterers have been approached for prices with Ann’s Deli being the most reasonable at $3.75 per person. This would include all food and utensils. The association will have to purchase soft drinks on our own and we would be responsible for bringing it to the place of the dinner, which will be this hall. Father David has graciously agreed to rent the hall to us for $150 for three hours, instead of the normal rate of $250. The price of admission is up for discussion at this time with a prospective price of $10 per person over age 13, half price for those over 7 and under13 and under 7 years, free. Mike figured that if the chare is $10, after expenses the profit would be $531, if $9. was charged, the profit would be $408 and if the tickets cost $8 , the profit would be $281.25. The discussion was opened for the decision on the ticket price. Suggestions were made to send 2 tickets to every family, but instead of posting them separately, to send them with the upcoming newsletter, due out in February. It was suggested to number the tickets for tracking and assign them to each name and to be vigilant about documenting pre-paid tickets. The newsletter will be reaching the Board of Aldermen, the state representatives and the radio stations with returns requested by around March 15^th, in order to obtain an approximate number. A sign up sheet was circulated and discussion continued about how to proceed with the tickets. The possibility of having a raffle was also mentioned and Mike was amenable to that, if donations were made. The date is tentatively set for Wednesday, March 31^st at the church from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Shaw’s will print the tickets at no cost. This plan will be finalized at next meeting.

Scholarship: The scholarship committee met earlier this week at Claudette LaFlamme’s home and a new member was added. Claudette formally introduced Marguerite Smith as that new member. The committee is planning to add new information to the application this year to facilitate filing for the students who will be applying. The applications will be available on February 2^nd with a return date of April 7^th. Also in attendance at the meeting were all other committee members, Barbara Stere, Bob Perigard and Ned Mencio. The scholarship will be awarded at the June meeting.

Newsletter: As was mentioned earlier this evening, there will be a newsletter going out in early February. A number of articles have been submitted, along with recipes and announcements. Tony Loechner lauded Marguerite Smith who has undertaken and is succeeding at the task of obtaining advertisements for the newsletter. This is to offset the cost of enlarging the newsletter. There are forms available for anyone interested in purchasing an advertisement.

New Business: There is a rumored proposal to privatize and sell part of the golf course land, supposedly for senior housing. There has been a general "wait and see" stance on the recommendation until the city decides on the issue. Mike recommends that we be alert as to what is taking place. Tom Cullen made a motion that we be very vigilant about protesting against the taking and spoiling of our land. We must meet and meet often in large numbers to protest against this proposal. Frank DePaulo seconded Mr. Cullen’s motion. Keith Schulz remarked that both nine hole of the golf course are used at one time, generating more money than if the 18 holes were used at once. Most of the residents do not want the area changed. It is common knowledge that the oversight board cares only about money and not about public property. Other neighbors strongly advocate for a walking path around the golf course, which would improve and enhance the beauty of the area. It was noted that there are only three parks in the city that are trusts and cannot be touched by privatization or sale: Hamilton, Fulton and Hayden Parks. It is also noted that the Board of Aldermen must approve what the oversight board approves. The general feeling is a strong sense of urgency to draft letters, both collective and individual voicing concern and protest to: the mayor, the Board of Aldermen, the Parks board, the oversight board, the Works Board. Nazih Noujaim also recommended that a petition of protest be circulated. The Association has 250 members and all are urged to write letters. Mike states that he will have a draft letter prepared by the next meeting. Larry Davino raised the question of a non-binding resolution format that the people of Waterbury are against selling assets. There is referendum necessary before self- sustaining assets such as sewers, golf courses and Water Dept. can be sold.

Park Renovations: Mike states that Tom Conway tells that the renovations money has been released and is in the general fund. Maria Giordano states that she asked him to try to get more money allocated for the park. An irrigation system would be expensive and maintenance is questionable. The walking path intention is extremely popular with residents. Maria remarked that if it is handicapped accessible, even more funding might be available, since the elderly are a presumed benefit. Fencing and benches are also needed for the ball fields. The actual installation of new bathrooms based on the expense and on actual need for them, since other parks, i.e. Bunker Hill, do not have bathrooms.

Mattatuck Museum: Cathy Fillipone reported on the opening of the new neighborhood exhibit at the museum. The opening day is Friday, January with a reception from 6:00 to 8:00 PM . East Mountain was not included, even though many residents were interviewed because it was not deemed old enough yet to be presented.

Old Business:

Water problems are present under the streets on Rockledge Drive and Hamilton Avenue. These areas freeze in winter and make driving and walking hazardous. These areas have been a problem for several years.

A TVs are running through the neighborhood, on streets, where they are illegal, and on the golf courses and in the park where they tear up the grass. Anyone who sees them is asked to notify Officer Bob Kennedy, who is the officer assigned to this neighborhood.

Seven Angels Theater offers group rates for 20 or more people. A sheet is circulated to determine interest in having a group entertainment outing to the theater. If not enough interest is generated, the idea will be tabled. A report will be presented at next meeting.

Addendum: after circulating a sign up sheet it is obvious that there is, indeed, interest and so arrangements for the group will be obtained.

The Morris Foundation continues to be a point of informal sponsorship. Annette O’Toole donated "goody" bags to the shelter at Christmas time. Pam donated several coats and toilet articles. Anyone who has items, soon to include furniture, please contact Pam Mencio. ( 756 1952, email pam926@concentric.net )

Earth Day will be on April 24^th. There will be a citywide cleanup on that day. Volunteers will be needed. In our area previous clean up days have usually brought out the same 6 or 7 volunteers. We’d like to have more help. A sign up sheet will be circulated at a future meeting.

Dave Fortier invites the EMNA members to the EMAA dance scheduled for March 13^th, at the Grand Oak Villa. There will be a buffet dinner, D.J., and open bar. Tickets are $30. Please see Dave Fortier for tickets.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Thanks to Marcia and Keith Schultz for the evening’s refreshments. Future providers of refreshments are needed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Patricia Mencio