West Norwalk Association Board Meeting
April 7, 2014
MINUTES OF THE WEST NORWALK ASSOCIATION
April 7, 2014
Board members present: Gay Mac Leod, Galen Wells, Lucy Arecco, Anthony Carrano& Brian Forschino.The Reverend Holly Adams, Rosemarie Maiere and Frank DiGregorio attended as guests.
Gay Mac Leod called the meeting to order at 7:37pm.
The Board reviewed the January, February and March meeting minutes. Candide motioned, Anthony seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the January minutes. Antony motioned, Candide seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the February minutes. Candide motioned, Anthony seconded and the Board voted to approve the March minutes.
Treasurer’s Report – Galen Wells
There was no activity to report since the March Board meeting.
Oak Hills Update – Anthony Carrano
The Oak Hills Park Authority conducted a walk through the proposed driving range location 2 weeks ago. Ken and Rebecca attended on behalf of the WNA Board. It appears as if there is strong support for putting the range in the currently proposed location.
WNA Website
Rebecca has offered to take over responsibility for the WNA website with assistance from Ken. Rebecca will also take over responsibility for desktop publishing, the newsletter, etc. Brian will also work with Rebecca and Ken to avoid keyman dependency going forward.Rebecca will also put together a straw man of an operating manual for the various processes.
Family Fun Event – Gay Mac Leod
The Board agreed that it should invest in a banner that could be used at the Family Fun Event. If a decision could be made quickly, it may be possible to have the banner available for the Spring Clean Up. Anthony also suggested ordering balloons with the WNA logo.
Anthony has been working with a vendor to provide a bouncy house, a slide, a popcorn machine, a cotton candy and a hot dog cart. Gay will also reach out to the Norwalk Police, Fire Department and DPW to see if they would like to be part of the event. Candide will speak to tree companies about providing equipment for children to play on.
All Board members working the event will wear West Norwalk Association t-shirts to identify themselves.
Anthony and Candide agreed to work out the power requirements.
The Board plans to advertise in the Norwalk Hour and speak to Nancy on Norwalk. We will also speak to News Channel 12. Rebecca has agreed to design a sign that can be posted in local businesses.
Guest Frank DiGregorio who works for New York Life said he would see if his Company would provide free child identification cards for children in attendance.
The Board discussed the charge for the various parts of the event. Tickets will be $0.50 and will be used for food items, the bouncy house and the slide. Any part of the event donated by the City will be free of charge. Anthony motioned, Candide seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposal.
Spring Clean Up
The event will be held on for May 3rdfrom 10 am to 1 pm at Fox Run School. Brain will work with the Cub Scout Pack 68 Junior Webelos to attend to help fulfill their volunteer requirement. “Keep Norwalk Beautiful”will provide water, work gloves, trash bags and pickers. Gay will work with the DPW to have all garbage bags picked up at Fox Run School on Monday.
Board members will assist with driving volunteers to different locations. Candide and Anthony offered to bring folding tables and some chairs. Galen offered to bring coffee and donuts.
There will also be a table with membership forms for residents that have not yet paid their 2014 dues.
Blight Update for 286 Richards Avenue
The Blight Ordinance came into effect on January 1, 2014. The house at 286 Richards Avenue has been abandoned. The Police Department has indicated that the City is in the final stages of taking possession of the house.
Scholarship Update – Gay Mac Leod
Gay has been working with guidance counselors at Brien McMahon to identify candidates. The Board would like to give 2 scholarships of $800 each.As in prior years, all WNA Board Members will personally donate to the scholarship fund.
Fox Run Copper Beech Tree – Candide Valadares
As the tree survived the winter, the Board would like to have a ceremony and a plaque identifying our tree. Timing of the ceremony will be discussed at future Board meetings.
New Business – Anthony Carrano
Tree Cutting on Fillow Street – A new state law went into effect on January 1, 2014 that no trees can be within 8’ of electrical wires or poles. CL&P has hired Lewis Tree Company to remove trees around the City. Trees being cut down are being left on people’s lawn for extended periods of time. The law allows 3 – 4 weeks for the trees to be removed once cut down. Neighbors are complaining about the number of trees being removed.The Board will include an explanation this in the newsletter and will keep watch to ensure that trees are being removed.
New Stop Sign on Fox Run Road – The signs were put there in response to neighbors complaining about cars speeding on Fox Run Road. Now neighbors are complaining about the signs and a letter to the editor in the Hour complaining about the new sign.
Placement of Lawn Signs – Lawn signs are Not illegal under Norwalk law but they cannot be put in an adopt a spot or on private property. Removing signs is a crime.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 pm.