West Norwalk Association Board Meeting
February 4, 2008
Minutes West Norwalk Association Board of Directors Meeting
February 4th 2008
Directors in Attendance: Peggy Yff, Ron Paladino, Jim Hirshfield, Bob Wagman, Chris Potts, Charles Wilhelm, and Regina Krummel, Gay Mac Leod (for Joel Zaremby)
Visitors:
Common Council Members for District E- William Krummel, Andy Conroy, And Hal Alvord – Dept of Public Works.
In addition residents with concerns about flooding:
Bill McClenahan -19 Geneva Rd.
Syndi Buckley/Ron Buckley 14 Shadybrook Lane
Marlene Cohen 285 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton
Ken D’ Arinzo 28 Morehouse Lane
Molly Wash 1 Mckendry Court, Rowayton
Nancy Nelson 37 Prince’s Pine
Al Pfiser 36 Prince’s Pine
Ken and Rosemary Romano 30 Bonnybrook Rd.
Meeting called to order at 7:36 PM in room 217 at NCC.
Minutes from January approved.
Treasure Report approved.
Discussion:
Hal Alvord recaps flooding Issues: Basically the city has two issues, flooding and erosion of land. DEP has responsibility of correcting river issues but repair of eroded banks is the owner’s responsibility. There are several rivers/streams of concern- 5 Mile River, Stonybrook, and Norwalk River. Residents were most concerned about the 5 Mile River and flooding of their homes. All expressed frustration about fixing the problem.
Bob Wagman has put together a list of 78 names with homes that have been affected by the flooding. There are over 200 properties along the river. There was a group suggestion that we involve State Reps Bob Duff and Larry Caffero to assist. We should also keep the Mayor updated. Information should be gathered and presented, and involve all of the above elected officials, and Norwalk Conservation Department. Bob Wagman offered to follow through.
The meeting and its purpose should be advertised, so flooding victims have direction and a voice. Suggested ways to reach them were flyers, our website, and Channel 12 news. NOTE: There is a gap here; what meeting are we referring to?
A Watershed study (including Darien and New Canaan) will be conducted By DEP (they are seeking funding). It was mentioned that a possible Hazard Fund is available (possibly a million dollars) The Hazard Mitigation Fund is available to prevent future damage. Several residents discussed that they filed a claim with FEMA reporting damage from the April 15th storm. Only one resident claimed he received any money back from the government.
Hal, who worked for the Core of Engineers recommended not to go to them to obtain help with controlling the flooding issues. Stated we would end up with levees, and not the way to solve the problem.
Hal warned the residents that a Cost/Benefit ratio analysis would be prepared before any funds would be allocated to address the flooding issue. The ratio should be less than 1:1. For example, it would cost one million to repair, and in turn Insurance bills for the damage incurred would equal to or greater than $ One million.
Hal mentioned that a phone number of 854-3200 (customer service) can be called at the first sight of any flooding.
New Business
Concern over dumpster billboard at NCC on Richards Avenue. Several West Norwalk residents had contacted WNA to complain about the “Can Man” Advertisement. Hal informed us the city (DPW) owns the trash can, and approves
Of the creative. He stated the “Can Man” pays the city ($10) for advertising and in Turn keeps the trash can and surrounding area clean. Hal stated he would Evaluate whether the trash can is blocking vision to traffic. Bill Krummel Noted that the creative “Can Man” campaign might be an aesthetic problem And not necessarily the actual trash can.
Still need to:
Set date for Spring Newsletter
Set date for spring clean-up and planting of bulbs
Old Business
Bob Wagman discussed CNNA update and WNA representative needed. Peggy suggested alternating each board member to attend the meeting (once A month). William Van Deventer will attend the first meeting.
WNA meeting running very late will cover remaining Old Business at the March Meeting.
City Scan update
Tree Alliance
Meeting House Society update
WNA and Fox Run PTO
By-law standing committees
Membership dues
Assignment of Street Captain
Getting advertising for Website
The next meeting will be on March 3.
Meeting adjoined at 9:40