Minutes of the West Norwalk Association Board
October 5, 2015
Board members present: Anthony Carrano, Ken D’Arinzo, Isabelle Hargrove and Brian Forschino. Rob Notely, Kristin Clemens and Bob Wagman attended as guests.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm. Isabelle motioned to approve the September meeting minutes, Ken seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved subject to a comment being added with respect to the date change of the Annual Meeting.
Treasurer’s Report – Ken D’Arinzo
Current bank balance is $2,356.94. This does not include an expected invoice from Total Printing for the Newsletter which is estimated to be $1,200. A deposit with Dolce for the Holiday Party will be due shortly. Anthony will speak with Dolce about the amount of this year’s deposit.
The Association has not yet given its annual $300 donation to Fox Run for use of the library and cafeteria. Anthony will e-mail Mr. Martinez to discuss the timing of the donation which will most likely be made after the Holiday Party.
We are also expecting and expense of over $400 for the Holiday Party invitation mailing and associated postage.
Oak Hills Park Update – Ken D’Arinzo
The Oak Hills Park Authority is continuing with the approval process for Phase I which currently does not include the driving range. Initial plans are being drafted by the Oak Hills Park Nature Authority. Initial discussions include the addition of things like a volleyball court, bocce court, etc. in the area near the tennis courts.
CNNA Update – Isabelle Hargrove
The main issue of the CNNA continues to be opposition to the 95/7 project. The Association would like to issue a position statement against the proposal. The WNA has notified them that we do not want to be included in the statement.
Newsletter – Anthony Carrano
The newsletter is at the printers and should be mailed by the end of the week.
Annual Meeting Update
The date has been moved to October 29th from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Fox Run Cafeteria due to scheduling conflicts. Isabelle reached out to the politicians and we are expecting both mayoral candidates, 4 district candidates and 8 at large candidates. The meeting was advertised in the Newsletter. Stephen will send out an e-mail blast and will post the information on our Facebook page and Website.
Board members will arrive at 6 pm to set up. Brian bring water, coffee urn and snacks. Anthony will provide a cooler and brownies. Rob will bring a veggie / fruit platter, milk and sugar. Isabelle will bring chess and crackers and other beverages. Kristin will bring a coffee cake and paper goods. Ken will bring cookies.
Anthony will open the Meeting with a Statement from the Board and will introduce the current Board. Isabelle will announce the candidates who will be speaking. Mayoral candidates get 5 min each and district candidates each get 3 min. Due to time constraints, at large candidates will not be given individual speaking slots but there will be a time for a meet and greet / Q&A after the speakers. Ken will make name tags for all Board members. Stick on name tags will be provided for all other attendees. Brian will set up a spreadsheet for collecting names, addresses and e-mails. Anthony will update the the membership form.
Holiday Party – Anthony Carrano
Dolce has voiced concern about the headcount estimate in order to ensure they have enough food. The Board agreed on an estimate of 150 people but will try to get an accurate count the night of the Party. Two tables will be set up at the entrance to the party to collect entry fees and dues and membership applications. There will also be a table set up inside the Party to collect dues and membership applications. Kristin will sell 50/50 tickets.
All Other Business
New Board Members – Rob Notley and Kristin Clemens would like to join the Board. The current Board Members unanimously voted to accept both as new Board Members. They will be added to the membership application and the website. Mr. Wagman offered to call 10 people asking if they would like to become Board members.
Five Mile River (Bob Wagman) – Mayor Rilling reached out to Mr. Wagman to set up a phone conversation to discuss issues with the Five Mile River. The Mayor has agreed to set up a commission to look into eliminating the contamination of the Five Mile River. Mr. Wagam asked if the West Norwalk Association is truly behind the matter. He feels promises made by the Board have not gone anywhere. The Board indicated that given our limited number of Board Members and the fact that the majority of them are not affected but the Five Mile River issues, it has been difficult to put substantial WNA effort behind the cause.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 pm.