East Mountain Neighborhood Association

Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:17 PM by President Michael Ptak

Attendees: 74-- Michael Ptak, Fran DePaola, Frank De Paola, Constance Shea, Laurine Ghent, Nancy Ptak, Ned Mencio, Pam Mencio, Carl Santagati, Gen Santagati, Harold Andrew, Gail Andrew, Tom Cullen, Nancy Santarpia, Maria Lopes, Diane Barth, David Ferraro, Teresa Harrison, Richard Harrison, Denise Johnston, Carol Moriarty Evelyn Carrah, Bob Trotter, Alice Rebhorn, Mary Repko, Marcia Schultz, Jean Parker, Cathy Filippone, Tony Loechner, Larry Davino, Cecile Davino, Lynn Signori, Laura Nesta, Pat Hayes, Maureen Mead, Laurie Gaetano, Nazih Noujaim, Donna Burnes, Frank Burgio, Sergio Longo, Mike Stere, Barbara Stere, Veronica Ayotte, Jacqueline Eichman, John Sarlo, Paul Pernerewski, Rocco Orso, William Burnes, Selim Noujaim, Bill Hubbell, Fay Gomes, Frank Gomes, Marge Horzepa, Bill Scovill, John Keane, Anthony DeGennaro, Mark Tierney, Rosemary Carlson, Bobbi Cremins, Bob Perigard, Ed Kelley, Turner Langdon, John Theriault, Richard Cam, Shawn Horvay, Paul Nogueira, Marty Misset, Ron Napoli, Larry Butler, Paul D’Angelo, Michael Jarjura, Mary White, Dick White.

Michael Ptak thanked everyone for attending and welcomed all visiting attendees.

Michael announced that the agenda for tonight’s meeting is to interpret and discuss the impending city charter revision questions. The purpose is to try to provide reasons whether or not to vote for these changes.

Superintendent of schools of Waterbury, Dr. David Snead was the first to address the question of the school bonding issue. Dr. Snead asked for support to build three new schools. Dr. Snead stated that there is no room in the present schools for kindergarten children and less than half enough room for pre-school children. He went on to declare that the elementary and middle school classes are at maximum capacity. He, stated, therefore, that children cannot safely be placed in the schools without new school being added. Two years ago there were 14,000 children in 29 buildings; there are now 18,000 in those same buildings. Dr. Snead went on to say that Hartford has 19,000, New Haven has 20,000 in 46 buildings and Bridgeport has 22,000. The cost to build the new schools would be $101 million and the state would pay 77.5% of that cost. Ct. is more fortunate than other states, which do not pay for schools.

The next Speaker, Pat Hayes, the president of the board of education introduced himself as an activist and taxpayer, who states he is disheartened by the fact that good students don’t return to this city. He laments that schools built in the 1900’s have seen little or no renovation and that the cost of renovation and expansion would be $80 million. The dream is to return to the concept of the K to 8 schools, the nightmare is that the middle schools are too tough. Now there is an opportunity to get money for new schools. Ned Mencio questioned that if the bonding passes, how can we maintain them if we can’t maintain the schools that we now have. Pat responded that the city is doing a better job of hiring personnel. Pat states that new teachers will build new spirit. Tom Cullen addressed the question of increasing the class size. Pat responded that because special needs students are now included in regular classes, it would not be an effective solution. Carole Moriarty countered that it would be an injustice to the children to increase class size. John Theriault , also a member of the board of education, and a former principal, expounded on his misgivings about the bonding issue and the expenditures of money that would raise taxes, He would consider the plan if no hardship would be inflicted on the taxpayers. John stated that elementary schools in the city are the oldest and the most crowded. He estimated that 75 to 80 new maintenance people are needed. At present there are 2 plumbers, 5 electricians, 1 heating and air conditioning staff, 5 to 7 painters and 5 carpenters for 9,000 elementary students.

Dennis Odle, covered the political aspects of city government, the advantage of having a mayor over a city manager, possible raise for the mayor, a four term for the mayor.

The 4 year term would permit the mayor to complete his agenda, or at least solve more of the problems of the city. The downside of the provision would be that if the administration wouldn’t be doing an adequate job, the city would be again endangered.

The second change would set mayor and charter officer salaries with raises to be or not to be approved by the board of alderman. The positive aspect would be that competitive salaries would attract qualified and experienced people to the offices. The negative to this issue would be that since the aldermen automatically get raises when the mayor does, they would never disapprove the raise.

The seventh change deals with whether the charter be revised to eliminate provisions, including minority leader appointments. Currently, the minority leaders submit a list of possible appointments to the mayor. The mayor contends that appointments are made to the minority parties by the minority leaders. This change would give the mayor full authority to appoint.

The first change would give the mayor a four year term which is the way the majority of national cities make their mayoral terms.

The 5^th change would allow the school superintendent to be hired without using the civil service process.

The 6^th change would require the aldermen to set standards for implementing inter- local agreements, that is for its services to other towns.

The consensus of these discussions by the aldermen and other city appointees with questions from the audience attendees continued for the entire meeting. Conclusions will have to be reached by each individual, however, several of the speakers appeared to be stressing those revisions which they strongly advocate. An explanation of the charter revisions was passed to each attendee and will be included in the forthcoming newsletter. These simple explanations will be helpful to all who will be voting, in that when we vote we will understand the questions and be able to vote sincerely. The city will also be providing an explanation of the revision questions on the website.

The financial report was presented in hard copy due to time constraints. It will also appear in the newsletter

The next meeting will be here in the church on October 20^th. Everyone is invited to offer agenda items for the next meeting.

The cost of the new Christmas tree was $217. Thanks to donations of $200, the total cost was $17. The tree was planted in early summer and is being well attended and is thriving.

In closing, Mike thanked all the attendees and speakers for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM and followed by refreshments.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Mencio, Secretary