The meeting was called to order at
6:58 p.m. by President Rosalie Dupont followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance. A moment of silence followed for all those active
service men and women, veterans and all others that died in service
to our country.
Secretary Barbara Giroux read the Minutes of
the February Meeting. Bill Lonczak made a motion to accept as read,
seconded by Paul Bluemer.
Community Police Officer Sergeant Steve
Dickinson came at this point of the meeting to speak to us regarding
the Safety of the Hampton Ponds Area. Steve had attended a meeting
previously at the HPA, and this was basically a follow-up to talk
with us to see how things were going in our area. He has a total of
7 guys, and they have patrolled our area on bicycles in the past,
and will CONTINUE to do so as soon as the good weather begins.
Steve reported that the call rate to the Police Department dropped
significantly two years ago when the gates were changed at the boat
ramp area and closer patrols were set up to monitor the area. Last
summer, they tried to work with the State Park’s Office to share
space, but was unable to get anywhere with the State on this.
Steve’s suggestion was that someone from the HPA should contact our
former Mayor Rick Sullivan in Boston to solicit his help here.
Nancy Pasquini mentioned that the East Mountain Road area needs to
be covered as well. Doris Rivard said that if the 3 towns,
Southampton, Holyoke & Westfield all become involved here, they
should be able to make a request to the State Parks and get this
very much needed office space. There is going to be a meeting on
March 11th that Steve is attending along with Holyoke and
Southampton, and he will bring this up at this meeting for
discussion with the other Towns to see if the 3 will get involved to
work with the State to relinquish office space to them. Steve will
also discuss this with his Chief in Westfield. Steve stressed that
he’d like to have set up in our community as other communities do, a
Neighborhood Crime Watch Program. The website to refer to is:
www.westfieldcommunitypolice.com. These programs are designed
to accomplish several things: 1) Get to know their neighbors; 2)
Get the neighborhood residents to work together with the Police
Department; 3) Educate neighborhoods in crime prevention and home
security.
Steve reported the area that has had most
concerns recently is on Pequot Point Road, and Neighbor Bill Lonczak
gave copies of the Complaint filed by the Neighborhood to Steve that
had been submitted to the Town. Steve assured us that they are
addressing these problems, and will report back with progress. He
stressed that people NEED to call the police when problems arise –
the number to call is 413-562-5411, and his E-Mail address is:
sdickinson910@comcast.net – Only use 911 in an emergency.
Steve also reported that Officer Harry Sienkiewicz is the Code
Enforcement Officer and he is working to clean up the area of junk
cars, etc.
Nelson Dionne asked Steve if it’s against the law to have fires on
the Ice, and Steve said the best one to answer that question is the
Fire Department. He also mentioned that people leave wood piles out
on the ice and this needs to be cleaned up.
We thanked Steve very much for coming to speak
to us. Steve thanked us for the GREAT meeting and he said it was a
much more orderly meeting than the first time he came, which means
they must be making some progress! He will keep in touch with us.
We then went back to our regular
meeting…..Treasurer Janet Sanuita reported that we have a total
cash in all accounts of $14,663.98. Total income for the month of
February was $3,386.00, and expenses totaled $1,712.91. Janet
distributed the Hampton Ponds Budget – February 2008 for everyone’s
review. Paul Bluemer made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s
report, seconded by Nelson Dionne.
Janet Sanuita reported that she’s contacted
Emma re: Candy Bar Sales - we need to find out the status of how
many have been sold, and there are still boxes that need to be
sold. Tabled until the next meeting. Membership Drive tabled until
next meeting.
Don Leger updated us on the Weed Eradication
Program and we should have a commitment letter by the end of this
week (March 3rd week) from Aquatic. Treatments to begin
mid June. Barb Giroux made a motion to authorize Aquatic to do
these treatments, seconded by Doris Rivard. We currently have a
balance of $5,177.69 in our clean lakes account, but the bill will
not have to be made until after the work has been completed, so with
the 4th of July Raffle, etc., we should have the funds
needed. Don also mentioned that some hand pulling may be required,
which has to be done with a net. Nancy Pasquini said we need to get
some “water watchers”, and scuba divers to help us out here and we
have plenty of volunteers to help with this program.
Nelson Dionne also reported that he was in
touch with Charlie and Charlie advises that our request for Grant
Monies for Clean Lakes was presented to the Mayor and Planning
Board, and is now in the Grant’s department. Nelson will give us
another update at the next meeting.
Janet Sanuita reported that our Director and
Officer’s Insurance is expiring soon and we discussed the options
available. Barb Giroux made a motion to stay with our current
carrier with a premium of $1,244 and a $2,000,000 liability
coverage, and lock this premium in for a 3 year period, seconded by
Patsy Bluemer.
Doris Rivard reported that the scholarship
letters to all the schools have been mailed.
Mike Potenza reported that Waste Management
received our Thank You Letters and loved the plaque! Janet also
reported that Froggy’s were very happy with theirs as well! Special
thanks to Art and Kim for getting these plaques at half price!
Paul Bluemer brought up that an employee of
Wal-Mart can submit for the HPA for an event and Wal-Mart will match
funds. Paul was not sure if they match the total dollars or total
profit. Paul already has the employee in mind at Wal-Mart that can
do this for us, and he will follow up to get all the pertinent
information for the next meeting.
The HPA presented both Fran and Deb with $50.00
restaurant gift certificates and life time memberships with HPA at
our corned beef and cabbage dinner. We TRULY appreciate all the
delicious food prepared, dedication, time and hard work put in by
Fran and Deb and all their families and friends.
Kerry Sicard Volunteered to cook for our April
dinner. April 5th was suggested as the date, but Leslie
advised via E-Mail this week that the Hall is booked for that night,
so Friday, April 4th is now the date with hours from 6:00
p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Janet is organizing with Kerry. It will be a
Prime Rib dinner, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. The price of
the tickets were discussed at our meeting, and Barb Giroux made a
motion that Adult tickets be priced at $12.00, and children $4.00,
seconded by Patsy Bluemer. It was also noted that the heavy
cardboard type plates are to be used and these will be purchased if
we don’t have a supply of them.
Paul Bluemer said that the Vets have approached
him re: clearing for the pavilion area – around 11 trees, most of
which are deformed, and they will burn brush as well. Doris Rivard
made a motion to have the Vets start this work, seconded by Paul
Bluemer.
A motion was made at 8:10 p.m. to adjourn by
Bill Lonczak, and EVERYONE seconded the motion!
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Giroux
Secretary
March 6, 2008
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FOR DISCUSSION AT NEXT MEETING
-
1)
Community Police Update;
-
2)
Candy Bars for Playground Fund – Emma;
-
3)
Clean Lakes City Funding Update – Nelson;
-
4)
Wal-Mart Matching Contributions – Paul;
-
5)
Weed Eradication Program – Don;
-
6)
Vet’s Clearing Project - HPA Grounds – Paul;
-
7)
Membership Drive - Kim.
-
8)
4th of July parade marshal.
