Minutes of the West Norwalk Association
April 3, 2017
Board Members Present: Anthony Carrano, Brian Forschino, Kristin Clemens, Ken D’Arinzo, Ted Stepanoff & Rob Notley. Isabelle Hargrove attended via telephone.
Anthony called the meeting to order at 7:35pm.
Tree Advisory Committee Presentation
Anthony introduced Gay McLeod, Vice Chairperson of the City of Norwalk Tree Advisory Committee. Gay provided a slideshow presentation about the impact of trees on our property values. She noted that trees also offer wind protection and shading that can help decrease heating and cooling costs. Gay noted that some insurance policies cover the replacement cost for trees on their property damaged by vehicle accident or storms, even if there is no damage done to the house. Gay also presented other benefits of trees including beauty, privacy and crime reduction.
Gay then offered tips on picking the right tree and the correct way to plant it and care for it.
Anthony asked about EverSource trimming trees near power lines in Norwalk. Hal from the City indicated that the rules have changed as a result of recent storms including Irene and SuperStorm Sandy. Any trees within the City right of way can be trimmed without permission of the homeowner. Prior to the storms, EverSource needed a homeowner’s permission to trim any trees on their property. Post the storms, EverSource can trim any tree where branches are touching power lines without a homeowner’s permission. To the extent no branches are touching the power lines, EverSource continues to require homeowner permission.
Paul from the City indicated that there is no standard right of way in the City of Norwalk. The Commission has maps of many properties but suggested that homeowners contact the City for specific maps of their properties.
The contract with Lewis Tree Service is generally fixed fee by area or a price per tree. In order to do the work, Lewis requires a permit issued by the City. Trunks and stumps should be removed within 10 days. The Commission also mentioned that if homeowners have issues with what has been done on their property they should call the City or EverSource.
Hal mentioned that the City is doing its best to prevent trees from taking down power lines including putting in larger poles and installing protective steel cables to keep branches from falling directly on the wires.
A neighbor asked what the City of Norwalk is doing to replace trees lost across the City. Paul noted that the City of Norwalk plants approximately 60 trees per year. The City would like to plant more but is limited by the budget.
Andrew from the Commission noted that Fodor Farm on Flax Hill Road has a “Tree Nursery” to grow new trees to be relocated to other areas of the City.
The Commission provided a significant amount of information, as well as, a membership form. Membership is $10 per year. They announced and Event at Fodor Farm April from 6pm to 9pm The Commission is also holding an Arbor Day Celebration at Brookside School on April 28th at 1:30pm.
General Board Meeting
Anthony presented the March meetings minutes for approval. Anthony motioned to approve the minutes and Ken and seconded. The Board unanimously approved The March meeting minutes.
Treasurer’s Report – Ken D’Arinzo
Current bank balance is $3,616.33 which represents no change from last month.
CNNA Update – Isabelle Hargrove
CNNA is looking for people join a POCD committee for Charter Revision. The WMA Board may want to have a meeting for West Norwalk residents who want to comment on the proposed revisions. Isabelle discussed potentially sending out polls.
The Silvermine Association has hired an attorney to fight the Main Avenue proposed Box Store.
Spring Clean Up
The City of Norwalk Clean-Up and Earth Day is scheduled for April 22nd. Mayor Rilling will be at Lowe’s handing out pickers and other clean-up supplies.
The Board believes April is a little early for the West Norwalk clean-up and set a tentative date for May 20th.
Spring Social
Isabelle spoke to the Oak Hills Restaurant who indicated that the restaurant is available on Thursday, May 25th. Amar told Isabelle that he would not be able to give the same prices as last year.
Amar has hired an attorney to fight the Oak Hills Park Authority’s efforts to take away some of the current restaurant space for a Pro Shop, Offices and other Golf Course related facilities. Original rent was $9,000 per month. A few years ago Amar renegotiated the rent to $6,000 per month during a time a financial trouble.
Anthony will speak to Dolce about possibly having a social event on the patio.
Neighborhood Burglaries
The Board decided against having the Norwalk Police come to a meeting to address West Norwalk residents regarding recent burglaries. Isabelle stated that the West Norwalk Association needs to put links to the Norwalk Police Department on our Website and FaceBook page. The Board agreed to be more proactive and get issues up on the website quicker.
West Norwalk Association Scholarship – Isabelle Hargrove
The scholarship application has been provided to Brien McMahon High School and it has been posted on our Website and FaceBook page. The deadline for applications is the end of April. We should expect to receive the applications by April 25th and will need to get a response to the High School by May 2nd. The scholarship presentation is May 5th. Anthony will follow up with Chad & Paola at Brien McMahon.
Anthony adjourned the meeting at 8:50pm.
Next meeting scheduled for May 1st.