Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 25, 2018 330 Main Street, Suite 200 Middletown, CT. Attendees: Marie Kalita Leary (Chair) Cathy Duncan (Chamber of Commerce) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Sean Moriarity (Police Department) Marc Levin (Commissioner) Geen Thazhampallath (Director of Parking) Mike DiPiro (Commissioner) Tom Marano (Planning Department) Jen Alexander (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Department) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Trevor Davis (Commercial Real Estate) Gary Nagler (Commissioner) Ann - Marie Cannata McEwen (Buttonwood Tree) Lisa Melaven (DBD Office) Police Report – Sean Moriarty The police department is preparing for Motorcycle Mania. The Middletown Fireworks went very well. The police department is looking to hire 4 new police officers. Aggressive pan handling needs to be reported to the police department. Public Works – None Parking Report – Geen Thazhampallath Geen reports the police cruisers are officially off Dingwall Ave., now parking in the Arcade lot using a separate entrance. Metered parking will be installed for parallel parking along Dingwall Ave. The parking department is looking to install new curbing along Dingwall Ave. The backside of the Arcade parking lot will be open for Motorcycle Mania. City of Middletown employees will be moving their parking area from Mellili parking lot to the Arcade Parking lot, security cameras and lighting to be installed. There will be approx. 75 “free” parking stalls (weekdays, weekends after 4:00) in the Arcade parking lot. Geen will work on getting publication/flyers out to the restaurant business employees regarding parking in the Arcade Lot instead of parking on Main Street. Planning- Tom Marano Tom Marano reports the Planning Department will be down to two positions by the end of July.  Fed Ex currently hiring full time and part time positions. Looking for October 1st opening.  Working Cities Challenge – Looking to hire Executive Director.  Chamber has opened MEWS+, a co-working space on the 2nd floor. This is to bring entrepreneurs downtown.  The CL&P building/property on Randolph Road has been purchased; site TBD. Health Department – Kevin Elak Kevin reports things are relatively quiet and going well.  Mozzicato Bakery on Washington Street and the Perkatory Coffee Roaster (Old Trolley Barn) are both close to opening.  Perk on Main is moving to the Emporium location inside Main Street Market; looking for September 1 st opening.  Salsas 3 Mexican grill is open; located next door from Feminine Fashions of Lerner’s Furs on Washington Street. Chamber of Commerce – Cathy Duncan Cathy reports  Thursday, August 2nd – Middlesex Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting- Keynote speaker Ray Allen, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2018 at the Red Lion Hotel from 7:00 to 9:00a.m.  Thursday, August 9th – Monthly CBB Meeting at the Chamber of Commerce from 8:00-9:00am.  Wednesday, August 15th Rain date Wednesday, August 22nd –13th Annual Middletown Motorcycle Mania from 4:30 to 8:30p.m.  Tuesday, August 21st – Business After Work, hosted by Water’s Edge Resort in Westbrook from 5:00 to 7:00p.m.  Wednesday, August 22nd - Middlesex Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting - Keynote speaker Randy Edsall, UCONN Head Football Coach at the Red Lion Hotel on from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. Minutes –  Motion to approve made by Marc Levin  2nd by Jen Alexander  Minutes accepted. Treasurer’s report – Mike DiPiro Mike reports we are in good financial standings. The third installment has been received from the City of Middletown and deposited into our checking account.  Motion to approve by Jen Alexander  2nd by Gary Nagler  Financials accepted Board Member Update – Marie Kalita Leary  The DBD Commissioners cancel August 2018 meeting. Lisa will send letter to Town Clerk and notify Partners and Stakeholders via email.  Motion to approve by Marie Kalita Leary  2nd by Marc Levin  August meeting approved  Jen Alexander on marketing - The DBD sent Young’s Printing a deposit to start the construction of the Wayfinding signs for Main Street. Writer has been hired.   Marc Levin – Met with Tag Team Business Partners regarding a new marketing campaign for the DBD. Marc will have more to report on in September.  Marie shared beautification ideas and will follow for County Lane behind the new Midd-Town Apartments.  Diane looking into new Earth Planters for Main Street.  Diane showed a sample of the new gift card folder, which was well received. The gift card folders have been distributed to Amato’s and the Chamber. We are currently waiting for our gift card order to be delivered. Gift Bags and tissue have been ordered for the first 93 tenants moving into Midd-Town apartments and our holiday season. Bistro Mugs to be ordered.  Jen reports Fred has completed the refurbishing of our four kiosks. In lieu of being paid for his services he asked the DBD make a donation to First Church.  Motion to approve by Jennifer Alexander  2nd by Marc Levin  Donation approved  Ellen to design new look for “Welcome Back” posters for Wesleyan and MxCC students.  Motion to approve by Marie Kalita Leary  2nd by Marc Levin  Poster approved  Marie reports the DBD will be staying with Brown & Brown insurance company. New Business – North End Update: Ann Marie reports to increase marketing strategy, the Buttonwood Tree will be installing real instruments and iron décor along the outside window ledges.  Motion to adjourn by Gary Nagler  2nd by Tom Ford  Adjourn accepted