East Mountain Neighborhood
Association
November 15, 2006
Meeting Minutes
Attendees: 35
The meeting was called to order at 7:10PM by President Michael Ptak with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer’s Report: Jean Guisto, Treasurer provided the report, as well as a hard copy, available upon request. Current balance in treasury is $2,600.
Condo development update: Mike reported on the recent public hearing, which was held at the Wendell Cross School. The developer submitted new plans, but not on a timely enough basis for review. The developer then voluntarily withdrew.
Jim Sequin stated that the re-submitted plan will be reviewed and may or may not pass based on the review. Mike stated that there were recent comments about flyers not being distributed. He also stated that the developer has yet to comply with the zoning regulations.
The suggestion was raised that perhaps we could afford to mail flyers along with membership forms, since walking the neighborhood can be hazardous in winter weather. This suggestion was made, since the entire process will have to begin again, once the plans are resubmitted. Jean Guisto made a motion to approve spending the money to do the mailing. Ned Mencio seconded the motion.
Maureen Mead suggested a handout of printed concerns to be distributed on the nite of the next hearing.
Larry Davino suggested a possibility of hiring our own traffic engineer. The cost of a traffic study is $10,000.
Park Update: The playground equipment is being installed. Mike reported that a backfield is flooded after the heavy rain and remains so 4 days after the rain.
The possibility of removing overgrowth in front of the park was questioned.
Request was made to widen the walking path and pave it.
State Rep. Selim Noujaim spoke to the concerns about the promised $750,000 from the state and the policy to put the funding into the budget and then to push it through the government and into the bonding dept. The funding will be signed off on by the governor.
A letter has been submitted as to how the $25,000 from the state to the WDC, which controls that money in order to get approval, will be used.
The Christmas tree lighting: The ceremony date has been moved from Dec. 3rd to Dec. 2nd at 5:30 PM. At the golf course clubhouse Janice Perigard will be taking pictures of the children with Santa Claus. Attendees are asked to bring non- perishable food items and/or an unwrapped toy. Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided.
Plans are in progress to present a gift to Engine 5 firefighters in the form of an engraved wooden plaque. The cost will be $100. Selim Noujaim states he will cover the cost of the plaque.
City Christmas Tree Lighting: Will take place the Friday after Thanksgiving.
The newsletter is in print and will be out next week. In this issue the needs of the elderly will be addressed by asking for a list of people willing to lend a hand.
Welcome to all new neighbors and members, especially the three new members at tonight’s meeting: Tom Matthews of Peach Orchard Road, Pete Wolfgang of 1183 Hamilton Avenue, and John Salvestri of Woodedge Ave.
The Christmas party will be held at the next meeting, on December 20th. Each year members bring their favorite pot luck appetizer, sandwich or dessert.
Mike suggested that we, again this year, provide gift cards to the Gasparri snow removal team who do a wonderful job on East Mountain snow. Last year we gave $200 in gift cards for Dunkin’ Donuts.
The commemorative bricks are on display this evening and will be in the future. The cost is $50 for small and $100 for the large. There is no time limit on purchasing the bricks.
Mike requests a $100 donation to purchase turkeys for Thanksgiving for distribution by a charity. Jean Guisto made the motion to approve the donation. Evelyn Carrah seconded the motion.
The flags have been removed—many will need to be replaced.
Mike reported that we are appreciated by city officials because of the work some members do, such as painting fire hydrants, cleaning storm drains,etc. Their appreciation is shown in the streets that are being paved.
One of the members has requested of Mike that stop signs are needed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20PM