The East Mountain Neighborhood Association

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Meeting Minutes

Attendance: 26 Marguerite Smith, Ned Mencio, Pam Mencio, Claudette LaFlamme, Jean Guisto, Tony Loechner, Marvin Slappy, Donna Burnes, William Burnes, Peter Amedeo, Carol Amedeo, Maureen Mead, John Gurski, Harold Andres, Ted Rozum, Larry Davino, Cecile Davino, Carrie Ferrucci, Jaime Torres, Cindy Lush, Michael Carroll, Brian Carroll, Marge Horzepa, Bob Trotter, Joanne Byrne, Bob Mc Govern.

The Meeting was called to order by Michael Ptak, who led the group in the Pledge of Allegience. Mike then thanked all in attendance.

A form letter to Governor Jodi Rell was offered to all to sign and send requesting more funding for the park renovation. One bid has been opened which is higher than the $600,000 available. The amenities would be as listed as mentioned at the last meeting ( See Sept. meeting minutes). John Lawlor stated that the money must be available before the renovations start. It is suggested to approach the Park Board, the Board of Aldermen, and the state representatives for help. Mr. Rozum suggested a walkathon to raise money. Marguerite Smith offered to contact her son in Texas who works for Home Depot, where there was a project assisted by Home Depot called “ 100 parks in 100 days” during which this was accomplished. Home Depot locally has ignored any and all pleas from us for assistance.

There is no treasurer’s report available at this time.

Next Wednesday, October 19^th , the Neighborhood Council Dinner will be held at the Villa Rosa. This year’s EMNA recipient will be Father David George, who has been our benefactor in his generosity in making the Church hall available to us.

The Wendell Cross School will be hosting a pancake breakfast on December 3, 2005 at the gym from 9:00 AM till 11:00 AM. The price is $8.00. The school wishes to give the
EMNA the proceeds; we would like to donate the money to the school for the planned playscape.

The EMNA is prepared to offer rides to any members who do not drive or do not wish to drive to meetings. All are asked to apprise anyone they know who would like to have this benefit.

Committees are being formed to elect officers, raise funds for the park renovation and for the Christmas tree lighting Social. Re/ the tree lighting: the ceremony will be held on Sunday, December 4^th.

A sign-up sheet is passed to recruit members for a membership committee to be chaired by Nancy Ptak.

The neighborhood catch basins have been cleaned on this side of East Mountain with the exceptions of Rockledge Dr. and Cottage Grove Lane. As always the crew consisted of the same few members.

The fire hydrants are going to be painted; the paint has been supplied by the city. More volunteers are desired to help the original few. More people will make the work go much more quickly. Please call Mike Ptak for date and time.

Suggestions to have all the mayoral candidates at a meeting was voted down.

Suggestions slips were passed to the attendees: the Ziti Dinner or other optional meals for fund raising and future guest speakers were among them.

Bill Burnes and Bob Perigard have fashioned a planter underneath the new EMNA sign. Nancy and Mike Ptak have placed mums into the planter. The planter and its contacts are enjoyed and appreciated. Rede Garden Center has donated the soil for the planter and will be sent a thank you note.

Ned Mencio spoke about how the Fairlawn Park has been recently renovated . Joe Summa took the park and the kids who use the park under his wing and nurtured their energies into raising money, pledging to clean and maintain the park and to foster appropriate language. The project has succeeded in getting the park repaired and updated.

Bob McGovern inquired about poorly maintained houses and how to get owners to repair such houses. Discussion took place and the conclusion was that there are not enough of willing volunteers to take on projects such as house-painting; also care must be taken not to urge people to repair homes if they are not willing to do so.

Member cards are being made available to members who have paid dues and attend meetings.

No police officer and no representative of the Fire Dept. are available at tonight’s meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25PM.

Respectfully submitted

Patricia Mencio