MINUTES
Semi-Annual
Meeting - October 23, 2001
Present:
Officers: Jim Melfi, Jennifer
Fahey, Tom Sacramone, Cheryl VanWert
Steering Committee Members: City Council member John Hynes,
and neighborhood residents
Treasurers Report:
| Balance as of Jan. 01, 2001 |
$587.13 |
| |
|
| Dues Collected |
$0 |
| |
|
| Pay Outs: |
|
| 2/2/2001
-Jim Melfi (copies-Concord Bill) |
$79.00 |
| 2/6/2001-
Cheryl VanWert(wipe board) |
$25.28 |
| Interest Accumulated |
$9.03 |
| |
|
| Balance as of 9/31/2001 |
$491.88 |
Guest Speaker:
Portsmouth Police Department - Officer
Young
Officer Young passed out the results of
a survey of the speed in which vehicles travel on Sherburne Road.
The police department installed a Still Stat Box on one of the
utility polls near the bridge on Sherburne Rd. The box records
the speed, time, and # of cars that travel on this road. The
box was there during a 3 day time period on this 20 mile per
hour road. The results are as follows:
Total # of Vehicles = 1,915
Average Speed = 29.43 mph
Minimum Speed = 12 mph
Maximum Speed = 64 mph
Officer Young also passed out a brochure
on car seat safety. He mentioned that residents can go to the
police department and have their child car seats inspected for
proper installation. There are 3 police officers that have been
through a 3-day training seminar and are certified on car seat
safety.
A resident mentioned concern about a car
has been sitting in the Sherburne Store parking lot for several
days. Officer Young told the residents to call it into the PD.
Another resident asked what the public
should do about the faulty inspection stickers. Officer Young
told the resident he could tape or glue it back on.
Discussions:
1. Country
Club Lane
State Representative Cecilia Kane wrote
a letter to NH DOT officials, as well as Portsmouth City Council
members stating her concern on the closure of Country Club Ln.
She expressed in the letter that there is only one egress in
and out of our neighborhood. The letter was sent on Oct 12th.
She has had no response yet. Rep. Kane suggested that we send
out a survey to the neighborhood asking them if they are concerned
with the closure and would they like to see it opened up again.
Resident Lee Lorusso also spoke about
her concern with the closure. She has a child that has a medical
condition, which causes her to call 911 frequently. Her concern
is that the emergency vehicles coming from Pease are not able
to respond quickly because they now have to drive around through
2 sets of lights.
The residents at this meeting voted on
whether they thought the road should be opened or stay closed.
100% of the people at the meeting (30 total) voted to have the
road opened.
City Council member John Hynes spoke about
the council's role in the closure of the road. When the park
and ride parking lot addition was to be built, the council wanted
a guarantee from the state that if there were contamination to
the Smith Well due to motor vehicles, that the state would pay
to have it cleaned up. The state said they would guarantee it
only if the road were closed. Many of the residents seemed concerned
with this negotiation.
2. Halloween
Parade
There will be a neighborhood Halloween Parade held on Sunday
Oct. 28th at 1pm. All ages are welcome. The parade will begin
at the Sherburne School and end at the playground.
3. Playground
Jim mentioned that the city needs to do the site work on
the playground, which will not be done until spring. The playground
committee is trying to get the National Guard to help with the
site work.
Cheryl Fratamico spoke about a fund raising
letter that she will be sending out to area business's asking
for donations. The letter stated that donations of $500 or more
would have the company's name put on a plaque that we be hung
near the entrance of the park.
4. Back
Gate Berm
Construction has begun on the berm being built near the back
gate. The PDA is using material from an apron at the National
Guard to build the berm.
5. I95
Noise/Safety Barrier
The proposed Noise/Safety barrier was
not approved and did not make the Seacoast MPO 10 year plan.
Jim and Jennifer mentioned that they would be putting up several
hundred feet of guard rail. They also mentioned that John Burke,
city transportation engineer, is committed to getting this project
finished. He is going to see if the city will help fund plantings
and a berm.
Other Business
There is a city wide neighborhood
meeting being held on Tuesday Nov. th at 7:00pm. Carol Murray,
the new NH DOT chair woman, will be there to speak to any transportation
issues in the city.
The Portsmouth Christmas decoration contest
will be held the weekend after Thanksgiving. The neighborhood
will be decorating the trees at the school and entering it in
the contest. A notice will go out when the decorating will be.
Our own Bill St. Laurent is running for
City Council. Bill was our past president and is very active
in the community and our neighborhood. Please get out to vote
for him on Election Day.
Steering
Committee Meeting - September 20, 2001
Present:
Officers: Jim Melfi, Jennifer
Fahey, Tom Sacramone, Cheryl VanWert
Steering Committee Members: Alan VanWert, Julie Thurber, Bill
St. Laurent
Discussions:
1. Playground
Leslie Melfi, Playground Committee Head,
gave updates on the new playground. The playground committee
chose Landscape Structures as a vendor to purchase the equipment
from. The committee presented the proposal to the city, which
is now working on a site review and bid package.
Leslie mentioned that her and four committee members attended
the Portsmouth City Council meeting on Monday Sept. 10th to accept
a challenge to area business's and the committee from Northern
Utilities to match up to $12,500 in donations for the playground.
The match would include equipment such as benches, picnic tables,
and trash receptacles. The playground is slated to be built early
spring 2002.
2. Neighborhood
Yard sales
Leslie also spoke about the upcoming neighborhood
yard sale, which is Saturday Sept. 29th. The total cost is $5
per home, which includes advertising, a directory and signs.
Any additional money will go directly to the playground fundraising
committee. Any persons who wish to participate can contact Leslie
at 436-4561. If anyone would like to donate goods to sell for
the playground can also contact Leslie. Any items not sold can
be picked up or they will be put out during trash week.
3. Back
Gate Berm
Alan VanWert spoke to the committee about
the back gate berm that was to be built the summer. The Pease
Development Authority is tearing up the armac near the Air National
Guard. This will be used to construct a bern near the back gate.
Work is scheduled to begin this fall.
4. Paving
Paving of the neighborhood roads was to
start in October after being delayed a couple months. Bill St
Laurent had heard that they will be putting down a sub coating
this fall and a top coat in the spring 2002. This will allow
the topcoat to settle. Tom Sacramone asked if they will be reclaiming
the roads (digging them up). It was confirmed that they will
do that.
5. Power Deregulation
Jim Melfi spoke to the group about a power
deregulation meeting on Monday Sept. 24th. The CityWide Neighborhood
committee would be hosting the meeting. The purpose for the meeting
is to inform the public about the choices they will have in choosing
a power company. Power Company's such as PSNH and Unitil were
to be present to answer any questions, such as the power outages
in California and how they affect us.
6. I95
Safety Barrier
Jim mentioned that the I95 Safety Barrier
proposal was not accepted into the 10-year plan. City members
were to address the board on Friday Sept. 24th. There was talk
of the city and the DOT combining financial efforts to fund the
barrier. There was also mention of the guardrail that was to
be placed along I95 in front of the gas transfer station. Jim
told the committee this was denied. The reason for denial was
the gas transfer station was an appropriate distance from the
highway to not warrant the rail.
7. Holiday
Business
Neighborhood Halloween Parade:
Leslie spoke to the group about
proposing an upcoming Halloween Parade. She thought it would
be nice to see the younger children in the neighborhood dress
up in their costumes and have a parade starting that the Sherburne
School. Other Committee members liked the idea.
City Halloween parade:
City Wide Halloween Parade:
Jim mentioned that the City will be having a Halloween
Parade on Oct. 31st. The parade will start at the south millpond
through the city. Neighborhoods and individuals are encouraged
to participate by building a float.
Christmas Tree Decorating:
Jim informed us that there would not be a city neighborhood
Christmas Tree decorating this year. As an alternative it was
proposed that we decorate a tree at the entrance of Colonial
Dr. There was discussion that it might be difficult getting electricity
to the tree. There was also a recommendation that we use one
of the trees that the Sherburne School and that maybe the school
members could participate. A call will be made to the school
Director as well as public service for electricity.
8. Other
Projects:
Discussion of other projects included
opening Country Club Lane, Installing an electronic gate so that
emergency vehicle could get through quickly. There was also a
suggestion that the neighborhood donate to the city food pantry
in May.
The meeting concluded at 7:30.
Semi-Annual
Meeting - May 22, 2001
Present: Jim Melfi, Jennifer Fahey, Cheryl VanWert, Steering
Committee Members, and area residents
1. Portsmouth Police Department Representative
Lt. Janet Champlin
Lt. Champlin started off the evening speaking
about the recent break in of cars on Greenside Ave. She assured
us that these are crimes of opportunity and that most of the
time it is kids looking for cash or CD's. She recommended that
everyone keep their car doors locked and report any suspicious
activity.
Lt. Champlin spoke about response time
when calling 911. She said it should only take a few minutes
for a cruiser to respond. The only exception would be a shift
change. She also mentioned that this patrol zone is large, spanning
from Islingtion/Peverly Hill Rd crossing, to parts of Lafayette
Rd all the way to the Portsmouth/Rye border.
Concerns about speeding were brought up
by many residents. Lt. Champlin suggested that residents could
take license plate #'s and description so they could speak to
the offenders. It was also suggested that the electronic sign
that shows how fast cars are traveling be placed on Sherburne
Rd.
Various other issues arose, including
vandalism at that playground. Lt. Champlin suggested a 'No Trespassing
from dusk to dawn'. Doing this would allow the police to enforce
any after dark activity.
She wrapped up with questions and answers.
2. Old Business
Cheryl VanWert was officially elected
Secretary.
I-95 Noise/Safety Barrier: A proposal was submitted to the state to build
an earth & berm barrier. The cost is much less than a structure,
which give us a better chance of it being built. It would be
made of a berm and over 1500 tress of various types. The barrier
made the top 10 list of projects for the seacoast. The list will
be submitted in August.
Back Gate Berm: The
berm was originally going to be made of chunks of runway that
the PDA needed to dispose of. The PDA found another use for it.
They will be replacing the runway and apron this fall and will
use material dug up from it to build the berm.
It was brought up that the state started to plant tress on the
existing berm to replace the ones cut down to build Grafton Rd.
Parking Lot/Country Club Ln: It was stated that a plow broke the gate closing
access to Country Club Ln. It is now being used for construction
vehicles. They will be closing this road again when they get
a new gate.
Playground: Leslie
Melfi spoke to us about the construction of the new playground.
She has met with 3 playground equipment companies. She has proposal
from all but one. She mentioned that the city releases the funds
on July 1st. At that point the city put the project out for bids.
Then it will take several weeks for the equipment to come in.
The actual constructing of it will probably not happen until
next spring, possibly this fall.
3. New Business
Playground:
Construction of the playground is reliant on Landscaping and
volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with construction
and/or landscaping the playground should contact Leslie Melfi
@ 603-436-4561.
Cleanup Committee: The playground Committee would like volunteers
to serve on a Cleanup Committee. This committee would organize
a day that residents would assist in cleaning up the trash at
the park. It would also work with the city to coordinate pick
up of the trash that is collected. Anyone interested in heading
up this committee should contact Jim Melfi at 603-436-4561.
Road/Sewer Project: The sewer project has begun. It is slated to go
through July. Paving should begin in August(this will be confirmed).
National Night Out: National Night Out is slated for Tuesday August
7th. If you are interested in helping plan this event, and/or
volunteer for the evening, contact Karen at 603-433-5804 between
3pm and 7:30pm.
Elections: Jim
Melfi was re-elected president for a 2nd term. Jennifer Fahey
was re-elected Vice President for a second term. And Tom Sacramone
was re-elected Treasurer for a second term.
4. Other Business
- The neighborhood Fourth of July Parade
will be held on Saturday June 30th at 10am. The rain date is
Wednesday July 4th. All ages are welcome. Decorate to show your
love for your country. The parade assembles at the Sherburne
playground off Colonial Dr, and continues around Colonial Dr.
- The SCA donated $25 to the Crippled Children's
Fund in memory of Herald Crossman, Former Mayor of Portsmouth
and SCA President. Our thoughts go out to the family of Mr. Crossman.
- Anyone in possession of old photographs
of the neighborhood; we would like to scan these to put on the
web site. Please contact Tom @ tom.cocchiaro@rscs-net.
- Street Sweeping is slated for June 28th,
29th, & 30th.
Semi-Annual
Meeting - November 14, 2000
Present:
Jim Melfi, Jennifer Fahey, Tom Sacramone, Cheryl Vanwert, Steering
Committee Members, and area residents.
New Business
1. Steering Committee An
open invitation was given to any resident who would be interested
in joining the Steering Committee. These individuals would help
with upcoming projects. The committee meets once a month.
2. Sewer Project The Public
Works Department will updating the sewer system that will include
separate storm drains. This project will start in Spring 2001.
3. Christmas Tree Decorating Project
The SCA Christmas Tree decorating must be finished
by Friday December 1st. Any residents who would like to assist
in the decorating are welcome to go to Lee Larusso's home on
Greenside Ave.
On Going Projects
1. I95 Safety and Noise Barrier
-- Rep. Laura Pantelakas submitted a bill
to the state requesting the noise and safety barrier.
-- A survey was done in October that took sound readings in the
neighbor's yards that are in the vicinity of I95. There are no
results as of yet.
-- Air Pollution: Joanne Murphy Benson to check with the Rockingham
Planning Commissioner's office.
-- Accidents: Joe Philbrick reported that since 1997 there were
approximately 100 accidents in this vicinity.
-- Gas Main: Granite State Gas Company owns The Gas Main. They
will not allow a wall to be constructed behind it. The reason
is that this gas main feeds the Hospital and other buildings
on the other side of I95.
2. Back
Gate Berm The Pease Development Authority will be extending
the berm along Grafton Rd. The material used to build the berm
will be made out of old runway pieces and covered with dirt.
Construction is scheduled for Spring 2001.
3. Playground
Equipment Next Spring the City of Portsmouth will provide
$50,000 toward upgrading the playground and resurfacing the basketball
court. Community Development Block Grant will hold a meeting
on November 30th. This meeting is related to grants for upgrading
playgrounds. Donations from businesses are welcome.
4. Re-Paving
The city has budgeted to repave the roads in the neighborhood
starting in the spring. There was a question asking if it was
just Sherburne Road or all of the roads in the neighborhood.
5. Bulletin
Board The Bulletin Board will be built on the island
at the entrance of Colonial Drive. The Planning Board would not
allow it to be next to the mailbox. It was decided it could be
in the middle of the island. Official plans need to be drawn
up and submitted to the planning board for approval. This is
set to be constructed in the spring.
Other Business
1. There was discussion on what
role other areas of the neighborhood (eg, Dodge Ave, Islington
St, Middle Rd) will play in the association. Some thoughts were
to have a delegate from each area present at our meetings. Others
think that these residents don't even know they belong to our
association. All agreed that these areas might have different
issues that are not related to the issue we have in Panaway Manor.
There was also thought that they may want to start their own
neighborhood association. Discussion ended with allowing
these residents to make their own decision.
2. The
Association President (Jim Melfi) has been involved in several
outside meetings regarding issues related to our neighborhood.
These include: A quarterly meeting on airport noise, a surface
transportation meeting, and an air terminal facility meeting.
Notes from the City
Wide Neighborhood Meeting held on November 14 Bill St Laurent attended
Holiday Decorating Contest If any resident is interested in joining this
contest, the need to contact >>>>> @ 433 This
will be held on Friday Dec. 1st.
Salvation Army It was proposed that each neighborhood collect
food and donation 1 month per year. Summer is the time of year
when the pantry is very low.
Redistricting Meetings There were 10 groups of city residents that did
independent studies on how the city should redistrict. Out of
the ten groups, 6 thought the Sherburne School should be reopened.
Most agreed that there was overcrowding in all of the schools,
not just Dondero.
Treasurer's
Report--November 13, 2000
Following are the results of the Sherburne
Civic Association Treasurer's Report:
Monthly
Meeting--September 5, 2000
In Attendance:Jim Melfi, Jenny Fahey,
Priscilla Paisley, Cindy Williams, Lee Lorusso, Bill St. Laurent,
Alan VanWert, Rep.Laura Pantelakos, Rep.Cecelia Kane, Tom Cocchiaro,
Charlene Kane, Alan Yaffe, Dee Ryan, JoAnn Murphy-Benson, Warren
Aliberti, Mike Skelly.
Old Business:
I. Safety Barrier 1-95
First speaker was Ms. Pantelakos re: 195
safety and sound barrier. She spoke of her ongoing conversations
with the DOT. At this time we are not eligible for the state
to construct a barrier due to the fact that we "had no projects
going on in that vicinity at the time of the request". That
is the current law in place. Ms. Pantelakos and Mrs. Kane are
submitting a bill on Sept. 30 that will help us in our endeavors.
When the bill comes up in Jan. we wilt need neighbors to organize
and present our case. The following are projects we decided to
work on for this:
1. Decibel reading: Cindy will call city
hall to ask about a "decibel reader" so we can have
actual numbers to present.
2. Plotting of traffic accidents: Joe
Phibrick is looking into this on the internet. Jen, Cindy and
Priscilla will help to gather this, too.
3. Levels of pollution: JoAnn will call
to find out where to get this information. (the university or
EPA)
4. Gas tank danger: Who is responsible
for them? What is the potential for a problem if one should be
struck by a vehicle from the highway? Bill is doing the footwork
on this.
5. Berm measurements: What are the measurements
for the berm that we are asking for? State reps. need this no
later than Sept. 25.
II.Parking Lot Extension
Jim Melfi is calling NH DOT regularly
but not getting a response. Bill will call John Bohenko to see
if he has any new information.
III. Playground
Lee brought catalogs of equipment. Looking
into money to help with expenses. Mayor, Nancy Clayburgh and
Lee are writing a letter to solicit funds. We will be in the
budget next year for a new playground. Discussed getting volunteers
to dismantle old, dangerous equipment and get new equipment up.
Alan Yaffe has off ered to help Lee with this project if kept
simple. Jim will ask for more help at the next neighborhood meeting.
The group suggested enlisting the help of Romit Aring, local
designer, Lisa Destefano, local architect, and United Way for
volunteers to help with physical work. Perhaps Rotary Club. Click here for
progress report.
IV. Website
Tom is always looking for information.
Send it to him. tom.cocchiaro@rscs-net
V. Bulletin Board
Still waiting for initial plans to surface.
VI. Christmas Tree
Decorating
There has been a meeting. The group has
organized and plans another work session on Tuesday, Sept. 26
at the Melfi residence, 7:00pm. All interested are encouraged
to attend.
*The next Sherburne Civic Association
Meeting is Tuesday, October 3 at the
school!
In Attendance:
Jim Melfi, Jen Fahey, Tom Sacramone, Julie Thurber, Warren Aliberti,
Lee Lorusso,
Joseph Philbrick, Cindy Williamson, Alan Yaffe, Bill St. Laurent
I. Introductions, overview
of meeting
II.Treasurer's report:
At the May 16th neighborhood meeting, dues were collected totaling
$44.00. Tom moved the account to Piscataqua Savings for his convenience.
See his books for various expenses paid out. Ending balance $543.78.
III.Current Issues:
a)Bus parking lot- Jim showed proposed sites of an additional
parking lot and maintenance shed/lein-to that will include a
bus pick up area. Peter Loughlin wrote a lette þr addressing
his concerns of this project. (Copies of this letter are available
from Jim Melfi.) Bill St.Laurent, Julie Thurber, Warren Aliberti
and Jim Melfi will be drafting a letter to Nancy Mayville of
NH Department of Transportation to address our concerns as well.
b)New berm-We reviewed a diagram of a
new berm proposed by the PDA, located at the end of Sherburne
Road, on the other side of the gate. We believe a letter has
been sent out by the association regarding this issue. We have
members that would like to meet to develop another letter to
stress our concerns. Jen Fahey will retrieve first letter and
pass on to Tom Sacramone. Tom, Julie Thurber, Cindy Williamson
and Jim Melfi will meet to revise a new lette Ôr. (Julie
had the original copy of the new berm proposal)
c)Access road-Country Club had been opened
as of June 5th. This is a 90 day trial.
Jenny will contact Dee Ryan and Cathy Martenson to discuss keeping
a log of traffic events.
d)WebSite-The group suggested that Linda
Arsenault and Tom Cocchiaro meet to discuss this project. Lee
Lorusso has offered her expertise in this area.
e)National Night Out-Lee Lorusso presented
overview of events included various donations by businesses.
She and Karen Monaghan continue to organize for this event. Lee
will bring to the next meeting a list of social activities for
the neighborhood to participate in.
New Items:
a)Civic Association Meetings-The officers have agreed to meet
monthly until we ¸ feel comfortable in our roles. The Steering
Committee should also join us until we have a handle on current
and upcoming issues. These meetings will be held on the second
Wednesday of each month. Jim will contact Peter Torrey to ask
permission to hold these sessions at the Sherburne School. Stay
tuned for meeting place. Twice a year we will hold an "all
neighborhood" meeting. Please note, anyone is welcome to
a meeting at any time.
b)Contacting Neighbors?-Ideas discussed
1. Large signs like the ones the VanWerts erected for last meeting
2. Web Site
3. Community Connections, Ports. Herald
4. Flyers
Lee offered to head group in flyer distributions with the help
of Alan Yaffe and Julie Thurber.
c)Sound Wall-At the last neighborhood
meeting several homeowners expressed concerns with the interstate
affecting the quality of living in this area. Bill St. Laurent
offered to contact people to help draft a letter requesting a
meeting of the powers that be to discuss the noise and dangers
due to Interstate 95 and our neighborhood.
d)Bulletin Board-Bill is still waiting
for approval from the city to erect an information board at the
Sherburne School. Jason Page is the contact person that we are
waiting on. (431-2000)
e)Tom Sacramone is looking into lighting
a Christmas tree on the Colonial Dr. island for the holidays.
Jen Fahey would like to see a permanent light for the flag pole
so the flag can remain out all night.
f) Warren Aliberti suggested we carbon
copy all letters sent out from this organizatio n to the City
so they see what we are working on.
The meeting ended with a short ceremony
thanking Bill St.Laurent and Heather Mazzaglia for their many
years of service and dedication to our neighborhood.
Upcoming Meetings:
(remember, anyone can attend these)
June 15 Division on Transportation. 5:00pm
at the back gate.
June 15 Noise Committee Meeting . 7:00pm
at PDA Office.
June 19 Playground meeting with city officials.
Call Lee Lorusso for time.
July 12 Sherburne Civic Association meeting.
Officers and steering committee.
7:00pm, hopefully at Sherburne School.
July 18 City Wide Neighborhood meeting
. 7:00pm City hall.
If anyone is interested in joining or
assisting our neighborhood association please contact any member.
