Monthly Minutes - February 2012

Public Portion top

Peter Cipriano, a community resident, spoke regarding the proposed 2012 district maps put forth by the New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. He urged residents to attend the redistricting hearings to speak on the proposed district lines.

Louise Martini, representing State Senator Martin Golden, announced that the Senator will be hosting a town hall meeting on teenage drug abuse and bullying, on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 7PM at IS 201, 8010 12th Avenue.

Sylvia Maraia, representing Councilman Domenic M. Recchia Jr., announced that the Councilman will be hosting a free tax preparation day to those who qualify, on Friday, March 2nd at Gravesend Library from 10AM - 5PM.

Jane Carey, representing Councilman David Greenfield, provided community updates. She further advised that Councilmembers Greenfield and Recchia hosted a restaurant forum to discuss the newly implemented Health Department rating system and the effects it has on their businesses. In addition, the Councilman is addressing litter conditions on Bay Parkway and is scheduling a clean-up in the near future.

Maya Kremen, representing Congressman Nadler, spoke regarding the Transportation Bill before Congress. The bill would remove the dedicated funding for the Mass Transit Account, which would result in a loss of $1.7 billion for New York State. The Congressman opposes this and is fighting for transit funding.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Bart Allegretti to close the public portion of the meeting. Seconded by Man Wai Lau. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

A motion was made by Mafalda DiMango to accept the minutes of the January 12, 2012 meeting. Seconded by Tom Colasanto. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello reminded those board members who are seeking reappointment to Community Board 11 to return their applications to the Borough President's office as soon as possible.

The Chairman advised that with the Mayor's release of the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2013, the Community Board will be holding a public hearing at next month's meeting on the agency responses to our capital budget requests.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia advised that she attended a follow-up meeting regarding rodents with the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit, Dr. Corrigan and the Department of Health Pest Control Services.

She stated that the group conducted a walkthrough of New Utrecht Avenue and the group observed general improvements in the area. However, there are still problematic issues, one being the bags of food garbage placed on the sidewalk for collection at New Utrecht High School. The school, which generates a sizable amount of garbage, needs to be addressed in order to eliminate a possible food supply for rodents. The other issue that box bait was not been placed within the open columns along the D line rehabilitation project.

The District Manager was advised that both of these issues would be addressed with the Mayor's Citywide Rodent Task Force.

She further reminded the board that at last month's meeting, the Chairman advised that we would be sending a saturation mailing to the community containing educational material on how to rid our community of rodents. She was pleased to announce that by taking advantage of a reduced cost postage program offered through the Postal Service, we were able to mail the educational packets to every person who receives mail within a 1/4-mile radius of New Utrecht Avenue and 78th Street. The mailing consisted of 1600 pieces.

The District Manager thanked the staff and the student volunteer from Fontbonne Hall Academy who worked on this project.

Marnee Elias-Pavia reported that she attended a meeting with the Mayor's Street Activity Permit Office regarding rule changes. The most significant change, as it relates to our community is the increase in filing fee for block parties from $15.00 to $25.00. Additionally, since all street activity permits are required to be filed electronically, we will be hosting a Block Party Filing Day at the community board office. We will provide a computer, internet access and assistance to those interested in filing for a block party permit.

The District Manager closed her report by thanking Sonia Valentin, and the residents of the 1500 Block of Benson Avenue, for inviting her to the check presentation by Citizen's Committee of NYC on the award of their Love My Block Grant.

A motion was made by Frank Segreto to adjourn. Unanimously adopted.

Seconded by Man Wai Lau.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Matt Bromme
• Maria Campanella
• Rosa Casella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Warren Chan
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Don Clark
• Tom Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Alessio
• Claudio DeMeo
• Mafalda DiMango
• Eric DiNapoli
• Joe DiSanto
• Marc D'Ottavio
• Yoketing Eng
• Charles Farrauto
• Shirley Fineman
• William Guarinello
• Man Wai Lau
• Tim Law
• Vito Marangelli
• Vito Marinelli
• Albert Milone
• Nick Miraglia
• Vincent Nativo
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Frank Segreto
• Antonio Troia
• Sonia Valentin
• Laurie Windsor
• Robert Yee

Absent
• Leonard Beninson
• Steve Chung
• Anthony Favale
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Camillo Messina
• James Orlando
• Barbara Parisi
• Salvatore Rao

Excused
• Al Campanelli
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Paul DiSpirito
• John Garvey
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Raymond Mollica
• Stan Roher

Guests
• Lily Wong
• Brooklyn Borough President
• Louise Martini - Senator Martin Golden
• Peter Cipriano
• Karen Fischer
• Jennifer Thorpe-Moscon - South Brooklyn Dems
• Jane Carey - Councilman Greenfield
• Mike Fieni - Councilman Gentile
• Maya Kremen - Congressman Nadler
• Sylvia Maraia - Councilman Recchia
• Lucretia Regina-Potter - Republican District Leader 49th AD
• Kela Rosario - South Beach Psych Center
• Al Fazio - Assemblyman Abbate
• Vera Brenner