Minutes of the West Norwalk Association Board
July 6, 2015
Board members present – Anthony Carrano, Ken D’Arinzo, Isabelle Hargrove & Brian Forschino. Stephen Galyas & Bob Wagman attended as guests. The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm. Ken motioned to approve the June meeting minutes, Anthony seconded the motioned and the Board members present unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report – Ken D’Arinzo
There has been no change to the Bank balance since June. The balance stands at $3,056.94. Upcoming expenditures: Holiday Party, Newsletter, Family Fun Day. Without additional dues, we are going to begin to put pressure on the funds.
Five Mile River Flooding – Bob Wagman
Mr. Wagman has presented his position to the City. The issue has been raised as to whether the City could apply for money out of a Federal Grant.
Bob Wagman would like the West Norwalk Association to take control as the recognized body in the area. Bob will assist but would like the Association to rally the neighbors living along the river. Should try to get someone affected by the river on the Board to be the representative.
The Board agreed that the more people who show up at meetings, the more we could be able to get done. The Board discussed sending an e-mail blast to residents who live along the river informing them of the issues.
The residents are partly responsible for polluting the River (e.g., fertilizers, septic tanks, asphalt driveways, etc.). The City is also partly responsible for not cleaning storm drains, salt on the roads. Additionally, the flow of the River has changed over the years and the River has become very silted. This is causing the River to overflow its Banks.
The Board discussed the possibility of forming a Five Mile River Association of neighbors who live on the river. It is thought that residents who don’t live on the River and are not impacted by the problems may not have a vested interest in getting onboard.
The Board agreed to post on its website a letter written by Mr. Wagman outlining the issues with the River and asking the West Norwalk Association for assistance. The board also agreed to send out an e-mail blast about a possible special meeting to discuss the issues. Anthony suggested putting something in the newsletter about the Five Mile River flooding and having a talking point at the Annual Meeting.
Oak Hills Park Authority Update – Anthony Carrano
There was no update as no one from the Board attended this month’s meeting.
CNNA Meeting Update – Isabelle Hargrove
CNNA is looking to fight against the 95/7 mall. Also continuing to fight against the Oak Hills Driving Range.
Annual Meeting
Principal Martinez will allow us to use the school cafeteria for a meeting in October. Anthony will handle paperwork with the City. Isabelle agreed to reach out to get a slate of politicians who would like to address the Association.
The Board tentatively discussed Thursday, October 15th or Thursday, October 22nd as dates. Anthony agreed to discuss dates with Principal Martinez.
Newsletter
Ken believes that in the past the Association has used Total Printing and will reach out to Gay and Linda to get the templates that were used in the past. The Board would like to get something out in September and will consider selling advertising.
The Board also discussed the following possible articles: Oak Hills Park, The Five Mile River, A 95/7 Mall Update and an update on Dolce.
Family Fun Day
Will not be held this year due to lack of resources and lack of funding.
Holiday Party
Anthony will reach out to Dolce about dates and timing. Tentative date: Friday, December 4th.
Nursing Home
The nursing home location is not within the borders of West Norwalk according to the map but not according to the signs. Residents have voiced concerns over zoning laws and whether the construction would erode land into the Five Mile River. The Board agreed to help disseminate information about the proposal.
All Other Business
The Board will consider sending out an e-mail to current WNA members asking them to forward it to others they know in West Norwalk. Should ask people who are interested to continue to get e-mails to go to our website and log in their e-mail.
The Board discussed running a community tag sale at Fox Run or a neighborhood tag sale where people sell at their own homes. The Board also discussed a service where we help recycle things that are not sold during the sale.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55.