Meeting Minutes

Attendees: 45

The meeting was called to order at 7:10PM by President, Michael Ptak, who led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The minutes are available in hard copy for review.

The treasurer’s report will be provided at the April meeting. Jean Guisto, Treasurer is presently on vacation.

Mike acknowledged several neighbors from the Vivian Drive area, who are in opposition to a proposed condo development in their area, Mike expresses appreciation to the group and pledges our support for their cause. Their next meeting will be on April 24th

There are two guest speakers present this evening and they are presented by Bob Trotter. Their organization is called,”Tough Love”. It is a support group for parents of troubled children. Bob related that his problems with his children led him to Tough Love and it helped him. The first speaker, Patty Pavlik, stated that she has been a member for eleven years, but that the organization has been in existence for 27 years. Mary stated that the group is also known for helping older people. The network can change the perception of what is taking place and how to change, whether it be drugs, alcohol, or out of control behavior.

The second speaker, Mary Marinello, had a 16 year old daughter who needed support and a second daughter with an eating disorder. She obtained help from Tough Love in dealing with their behaviors.

The women related that the group works differently from professionals and that the group is not one comprised of professionals.

The women provided several pieces of literature pertaining to the program. Including phone numbers and website, www.TOUGHLOVE.com. The local meetings are held on Wednesday nights at St. Anthony’s Church at 7 PM. The women fielded several questions from the audience.

Mike informed that the bylaws have been amended by the board and asked for a vote. Tony Loechner made a motion to accept the bylaws, Ned Mencio seconded the motion; the group accepted the changes which had previously been discussed and reviewed. The motion carried.

Park update: The project has gone back to Milone and Macbroom. Mike spoke with Jim Nemec from the Parks Dept. and it’s hoped that the changes will be ready by next Wednesday. The EMNA and the EMAA will get together on those changes. The contract should be approved soon, so the project can be completed. Bob Perigard took pictures of the malfunctioning drainage pool. Some children have been seen skating on the pool during the cold weather. Payments are being withheld until the repairs are made to the pool.

Commemorative bricks are now and will continue to be available.

Condominiums: Mike asked for recognition of those people who have been attending meetings and working on the opposition to the development. He reminds all that all must make every attempt to attend the public Hearing on the re-submission of the condo development plans on Tues., March 27^th at 6 PM at the Wendell Cross School. Speakers are needed. Letters have been sent to all listed members of EMNA to attend the hearing and to donate for the hired professional services of Attorney Patrick Zailckas and Civil Engineer. Bill Katt. Mr. Katt has found some questionable issues with the plans. The state will have to do a traffic study. Mike will contact Channel 8 to publicize the hearing.

Mike announced that two members have loaned the association $ 525, each, toward the needed professional help. Bob McGovern asked that if he speaks, could he mention the overcrowding of schools. Mike responded that Atty Zailckas will advise what topics can be used in speaking.

Ned states that we need to get people to the hearing because this development does not fit this neighborhood; that we may not “win the war”, but we can make it better.

Pat Norton asked to be provided stats that he can mention in speaking, i.e. mortgages falling, financing dropped. Mike stated that we cannot mention that the project may become low-income housing. Having a petition was mentioned. Nancy Ptak replied that 330 signatures to a petition were previously obtained. Tim Connelly reminded that if the attendance is low at the hearing, it will be a victory for the developer.

Maureen Mead said that she read that developers always make a profit from peoples’ taxes.

Rosemary Carlson said there is no reason for attendance to be low because no other meetings are scheduled for that night and asked if people can send a letter to the commission ahead of time if they cannot attend.

It is recommended that all the documentation available should be provided to the commission as proof and confirmation that the words were spoken.

Nazih Noujaim asked that the Mohawk neighbors be notified. Mike has notified Bunker Hill and the Democratic Town Committee.

The Vivian Drive members reminded the group that they must call people, “bombard “ the Mayor with phone calls, make certain to have a reporter at the hearing.

Bob Perigard asked for the association to recommend ride sharing. Rides should be offered to those who cannot drive at night.

Erin Norton asked, since public speaking is now limited to 3 minutes, can the atty. and the engineer speak as long as necessary.

Mike Stere asked about having an ad in the paper, or flyers placed in places such as Sop N Shop and Dairy Mart

A member mentioned a radio ad since WATR does all day advertising, another stated to try to get the event into the Community calendar, and on Channel 13.

Breakfast fundraiser: Some difficulty in scheduling the church hall because it is being actively rented for event, and seasonal problems created difficulty in getting a date for a pancake breakfast. The first appropriate date and the one selected is September 22. More to follow on plans and formation of committees, etc.

Mr. Rozum, again offered that a bus trip will be going to a winery in New York on June 10^th and that there are a few tickets still available. It is sponsored by St. Mary’s Church senior and the cost is $69.95, including dinner.

There will be a speaker in April from Michael’s garden center to speak about flowers. We will be purchasing them from Michael’s this year, because they can provide larger plants ( and so not as many will be needed) and can store them for us.

The speaker for May will be a representative from the Water Dept.

Nancy Ptak reports that $725 was donated tonight toward the money needed to pay the lawyer and the engineer.

Mike Ptak thanked D&R for the great snow removal work they did again this year. The city streets were not as well cleared.

The motion to adjourn was made by Nazih Noujaim and seconded by Pat Norton. The meeting adjourned at 8:20

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Mencio, Secretary