East Mountain Neighborhood Association

Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Meeting Minutes

Attendees: 53 Jan and Bob Perigard, Tony Loechner, Philip Gervais, Carl and Genevieve Santagati, Annette O’ Toole, Michael and Nancy Ptak, Nancy Santarpia, Diane Barth, Dollyanne Martin, Maria Lopes, Nazih Noujaim, Connie Copes, Laurine Ghent, Fran DePaula, Frank DePaula, Marguerite Smith, Turner Langdon, Bob McGovern, Ned and Pam Mencio, Mike Carroll, Richard Harrison, Terry Harrison, Larry and Cecile Davino, Claudette LaFlamme, Ron Stolfi, 4 members of Fire Engine Co. 5, Harold Andrew, Carol Lynne Penta, Maureen Mead, Bill Hubbell, Jean Guisto, Debi Schatzle-Baker, Bryan Baker, Julie Stefanelli, Evelyn Carrah, Peter and Carol Amedeo. Donna Burnes, Keith Schultz, Mark and Kathy Tierney, Bob Trotter, Chris Harmon, Joe Padua, Jan Lesnikoski.

Meeting began at 7:10 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mike Ptak thanked all in attendance.

Financial Report: Provided by Turner Langdon, who retained the hard copy and no additional copies were available at this meeting. The documentation will be provided at a future meeting: anyone with interest to have immediate knowledge of financial report to contact Turner.

Report on the American Flag project: Ned Mencio reports that an additional expense has been added to the original cost of the new flags, because of additional parts needed, since those parts were not figured into the original price quote. As a result, $ 387 more had to be spent. The executive board agreed to the additional expenditure. The increase, however, has already been covered by new donations. 42 flags have been installed as of last Saturday and 15 new brackets were placed yesterday. Ned and Bob Perigard have requested help to continue the project this weekend. Chris Harmon volunteered his truck.

Guest Speaker: This evening’s guest is Jan Lesnikoski, owner of Finch Brook Herbary and Garden Center, 2143 Meriden Road, Wolcott. Jan is the owner of the former Exotic Garden. He is a University of Ct. horticulturist with 20 years in the industry. His garden’s offerings are eclectic, in that, it offers nursery products, gifts and is a full-scale florist. The subject of his talk this evening is growing herbs in containers. Jan presented examples of container plants, particularly herbs, and the various containers he uses. Jan throws his own pottery, keeps a mailing list and will have a newsletter due in June. He presented several beautiful containers with a variety of herbs planted in each. Other items that Jan brought are plant markers and hanging plaques and many varieties of herbs. Jan advocates for mixing herbs with flowers in containers. Some of his favorite herbs are: scented geraniums, chocolate mint, pineapple and honey melon salvia, lemon rose geranium, santalina, variegated oregano, chives ( blossoms for chive vinegar), Japanese parsley, lavender, oregano, hyssop. Many attendees asked questions of Jan, some purchase a few of his containers and several took his magnets and flyers. Jan’s website is www.herbalgifts.com.

Neighborhood police officer report: Officer Joe Padua reports identification of items dumped behind Stop and Shop—and elusive person by the name of Clemente. Officer Padua advises to report any dumping issues, although they’ve been unable to find the person who dumped on East Mountain. Nancy Santarpia voiced her concerns about many speeding vehicles on East Mountain Road. Joe advises anyone who notes incidents to report them. He responded to Larry Davino’s question about the winter break-ins on the mountain by stating that he believes that the person has been apprehended. Carol Lynne Penta voiced great concern about the area around the reservoir that is being overrun by late night “ partiers”. She hears much commotion at 2AM, noises, screaming ( possibly nesting geese being disturbed or abused), fires burning and other noises. Joe Padua asked that she call the WPD if it continues.

CPR Course: Last evening, May 18^th, city firefighters, Dan Chieffo, assisted by Mike Farrell, presented a “ friends and family” course for at least 18 members, here, at the church hall. Each student was provided a book, film and lecture, as well as a demonstration with return demonstration on 2 adult, 1 child and 1 baby mannequin. Dan is an EMT, as well, so is well experienced in providing CPR and any type of CPR course. The instructors are eager to provide courses at any time to all interested.

Tag Sale: The May 1^st tag sale was very successful in many ways. The day was perfect, the vendors numbered about 20 and the profit on vendor tables totaled $200. Ace Movers ( Bob Perigard) donated a dumpster to dispose of all unwanted, unsold items. Bob also provided water and soda for sale. Mike asked for feedback on what can be done to improve on the success next time. Ned offered that, since the dumpster was donated this time, we should not expect to secure a free dumpster next time, and so, should consider the expense. Nancy Ptak believes that we should raise the table fee next time. Mike thinks we should consider having the sale concurrent with Prospect’s tag sale next time. Bob Trotter suggested that we advertise earlier than we did.

City Plan Development meeting: Will be held at Wendell Cross School on May 26^th at 7PM. Item to be discussed are such proposals as the golf course, walking path, etc. The meeting is to be open to all suggestions.

Crosby Play: Crosby High School is presenting “Bye-Bye Birdie” at 8 PM on this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8PM. Tickets are $8.

Earth Day recap: Bob McGovern reported that there is a pile of trash in the woods which has always been there. Mike Ptak responded that Community Service will remove it.

Newsletter Report: Tony Loechner reported that some neighbors have received the newsletter, but some have not to date. He complimented Marguerite Smith for her advertisement sales success. A more complete discussion and report will take place at the June meeting, when everyone has finally received the news.

The Christmas Tree: Mike, Ned and Joe Geary have decided on the proper spot for the tree. The method of when and how the tree will be delivered is to be determined. Mike cites a mound in front of the sign at the golf course, which Joe said could be extended for planting flowers. Consideration could also be given to either touching up the sign, or perhaps ask the inmates at CCCI to make a new sign , the cost of which would just be wood and paint expense. The sign would read “ East Mountain Golf Course”

East Mountain Sign: Mike states that the small area of land down by the Valero gas station is the property of the DOT. We would have to request permission in writing and, if allowed, we might possibly erect a sign worded “Welcome to East Mountain”.

Park Renovations: Ron Stolfi strongly urges the neighbors to form a committee to put pressure on the park board and the state to try to keep the allotted funds for the renovation from going elsewhere. He firmly states that we should be at the next park board meeting scheduled for the first Thursday in June.

Correspondence: The Winona Rebekah Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has sent a letter inviting the EMNA to a Social Tea at their temple of East Main St. on May26th at 7PM. Their purpose for inviting us is to meet new people and to explain what their goals and objectives are.

Mayor Jarjura has sent an acknowledgement of the condolence card we sent on the death of his mother.

Melissa Hidri has sent thank you notes to all those who were at the park at the time of the Easter egg hunt.

Flower Flag: Measurements remain 15 ft x 12 ft. The blue field is 6 ft. x 6 ft.4 in. We purchased 32 flats of flowers with 48 flowers in each flat. The blue field is blue ageratum, the stars are represented by white ageratum this year. (Last year artificial white flowers were used for the stars). The post of the flag is white ageratum this year, a change from the marigolds of last years, which grew much too large and bushy. The red stripes and the white stripes are red and white salvia this year to give the garden more height. Marigolds were, again, used for the fringe and the top of the flag pole. We requested and received 2 yards of soil from the city ( park dept.). Ned, Bob, Larry and Harold Andrew worked the soil into the garden and added fertilizer. The planting was done on Saturday, May 14^th. On Saturday Ned and Bob plotted the area and marked it with string as a guide. Volunteers on hand that day were: Mike Ptak, Bob Perigard, Bill Burnes, Maureen Mead, Claudette La Flamme, Bob Trotter, Carol Amodeo, Annette O’Toole, Larry Davino, Bill Hubbell and Nancy Ptak. After the planting, Preen weed killer was added, the area was watered, the letter areas were trimmed and fallen crushed was placed back in the letters, flags were erected along the park, fencing and reflective tape were placed around the garden. Volunteers are needed to help with the watering.

Keith Schultz announced that his support group of families of military service people is having a bus trip to Mohegan Sun at $30 per ticket with 8 tickets left. This trip is to fund the purchase of holiday packages to be sent to their adopted 118^th battalion, out of New Britain.

Mike states that the building project on the town line know as Pond Place has recently been dropped. The excavation across Rte 69, however, has begun again and the digging and trucking in and out of the area is clearly audible every day, even across East Mountain Rd and into the neighborhoods on the opposite side.

Scholarship: Claudette LaFlamme announces that a recipient has been chosen, but not yet notified. Beverly Guevin will, again, be invited to do the presentation, since the scholarship is given in the name of her father, Harry Northrup.

Engine 5: Roy Howard of Engine 5 reports that the firefighters are in negotiation with the city. Talks have broken, since concerns that attempts are made to try to remove staff from stations so they can close some stations. Other issues are trying to terminate staff that may be on sick leave. The firefighters are in need of public support. They believe that the system is working and must not be changed. They sincerely ask that neighbors

call the mayor’s office to voice concern. The firefighters are presently picketing the city hall.

Complaints continue about ATV’s, now, at Pond Place. Reports to the Lestorti’s and requests for a barrier to deter the vehicles have met with refusals. The police state they have no vehicle with the ability to chase the ATV’s.

Charter Revisions: are coming up soon. There are many issues to be aware of, such as Pond Place, the golf course, the Carpinella leasing of the waterworks to the pension fund, raises, such as the salary of the probate judge, 4 year term for mayor. Bob Trotter suggests publicizing such events in the newsletter. Larry Davino states he is not informed about planned changes. Mike states that there are 2 members from all neighborhoods on the Neighborhood Council. The proposed changes will be placed on the website.

June Meeting: The scholarship will be presented at the June meeting. A pot- luck supper of finger foods will be provided. A sign-up sheet was, again, passed for any additional volunteers of food.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:29PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Mencio