Minutes of the West Norwalk Association
July 11, 2016
Board Members Present: Anthony Carrano, Brian Forschino, Isabelle Hargrove, Rob Notley, Ted Stepanoff, Kristin Clemens and Stephen Galyas. Ken D’Arinzo was not present.
Anthony called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. Isabelle motioned to approve the June meeting minutes, Brian seconded and the Board members present unanimously approved. The May meeting minutes were posted to the Website after no changes were received via e-mail.
Treasurer’s Report – As Ken was not present, no update was provided.
Oak Hills – No update was presented as no board members were able to attend the June meeting. The Oak Hills Park Nature Committee meeting scheduled for July 12th at 9am. No board members will be able to attend.
CNNA Meeting – No update was present as the CNNA did not hold a June meeting.
Proposed Changes to West Norwalk Association Bylaws
The Board discussed whether we could combine the Annual Meeting and the Holiday Party under the current bylaws. Given the desire to have local candidates speak at the Annual Meeting in advance of the upcoming elections, the Board did not feel this would be possible. The Board agreed to invite all candidates both for federal and local positions to speak at the annual meeting.
In order to make changes to the current bylaws, the Board must solicit input regarding proposed changes 30 days in advance of the vote to approve any changes. The Board agreed to solicit changes via our Facebook page and our Website. Agreed changes will be outlined in the Newsletter and on the Website in order to serve as Notice of the proposed changes. The proposed changes will need to be approved via vote at the Annual Meeting.
The election of Directors also need to be approved at the Annual Meeting. Advance notice will be given with respect to the Name and Address of prospective Directors. Officers will be voted on at the first meeting following the Annual Meeting.
The current bylaws allow for a total of 18 Directors who serve three year terms with a staggered voting of 6 directors every year. Under the current bylaws, no director can serve more than two terms. The Board suggested changing this to allow current directors to serve additional terms to the extent the Board is not full. Additional terms would be approved via on a 2/3 vote by current directors. Directors do not need to be dues paying members. Prospective directors will be announced in the Newsletter with a vote held at the Annual Meeting. If the Board is not complete, new Directors can be brought in interim by current Director.
Officers serve one year terms. Currently 1 President, 1 or more Vice Presidents, 1 or more Secretaries and 1 Treasurer. The Board proposed to amend to allow for 1 President, 1 Vice President, 1 Secretary and 1 Treasurer. Officers are elected by a majority of the Directors.
The Board agreed not make changes to the bylaw sections concerning Standing Committees.
Stephen will put the current bylaws up on Google Docs. Directors will make changes which will be reviewed and agreed at the August meeting.
Annual Meeting – Will be held at Fox Run on Thursday, October 20th. Anthony will confirm with City Hall.
Annual Newsletter – The Newsletter will need to be mailed before September 20th in order to provide as Notice for the proposed changes to the bylaws. Anthony will reach out to the 3 principals and Dr. Levinson at Norwalk Community College. The Newsletter will contain an update on the Five Mile River Committee, the Changes to the bylaws, the annual scholarship, and an update on the Fillow Street Property.
Holiday Party – Anthony will speak to Dolce them about Friday, December 9th.
Quarterly Newsletter – Ted and Isabelle discussed sending 3 quarterly newsletters in March, June and December to e-mail addresses we have. Topics could include: Upcoming events (e.g., Concerts at Calf Pasture, Oyster Festival, Beach Passes), New Board Members, safety tops, back to school tips, and periodic Five Mile River updates. We will encourage recipients to forward the e-mail to friends who may not be receiving it.
Next Door Social Media – Stephen Galyas. The site is free to join and allows for direct communication regarding current events, community updates and general West Norwalk news. The Board agreed it would make sense to join. Stephen will set up the account.
Facebook – Stephen Galayas. Stephen noted that residents should be able to post events, etc. to our Facebook page. We should let residents know this through the newsletter. Isabelle suggested “Boosting”. Stephen will look into the cost.
Social Event – Kristin Clemmens. The Board discussed a social event that would not be paid for by the West Norwalk Association but would invite West Norwalk residents to come together with other residents and members. The Board discussed the possibility of a weekday evening at the Oak Hills Restaurant to take advantage of the outside patio. It was thought that a Thursday night would draw the greatest crowd and that the Board should speak to Omar about providing a few special priced drinks.
Anthony closed the meeting at 8:50pm.