Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 23, 2019 330 Main Street, Suite 200 Middletown, CT. Attendees: Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Rich Davis (Police Department) Jennifer Alexander (Commissioner) Steve Ciskowski (Chamber of Commerce) Mary Ann Perrotti (Commissioner) Ann-Marie McEwen (The Buttonwood Tree) Marc Levin (Commissioner) Lisa Melaven (DBD Office) Mike DiPiro (Commissioner) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Police Report – Rich Davis Rich reports pan handling, theft in cars /private parking lots is on the rise. As a preventative measure people need to ensure vehicles are locked at all times.  Tuesday, November 12th- meeting to work on placement of homeless population. Mary Ellen Shuckerow and the PD are working collaboratively on resources in supporting housing and other programs for the homeless. Parking Report – None Planning- None Public Works – None Health Department – Kevin Elak Kevin reports via email the following:  Powder Hollow Brewery (craft beer) on lower Washington Street is opening within the next few weeks.  Main Gourmet Deli at 548 Main Street will also be opening early November.  A new nail salon (Diamond Nails and Spa) opened at the former EG Salon location at Melilli Plaza. The owner is Bob from Mikado.  The next seasonal flu clinic in Middletown will be held on November 19th at City Hall. The full schedule can be viewed at: https://www.middletownct.gov/1087/Flu-Clinic-Schedule  The warming center will open on Monday, November 18th at the Church of the Holy Trinity. Chamber of Commerce – Steve Ciskowski Steve reports the following:  Monday, November 4th- Middlesex Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, Support the Troops & Honor the Veterans, special guest speaker, former Army Captain Paul W. “Buddy” Bucha at the Red Lion Hotel in Cromwell at 7:00a.m.  Thursday, November 7th - Monthly CBB Meeting at the Chamber of Commerce, from 8:00-9:00a.m  Monday, November 18th- Middlesex Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, special guest speaker Mike Cavanaugh, UCONN Men’s Hockey Coach at the Red Lion in Cromwell at 7:00a.m.  Wednesday, November 30th – Business after Work, hosted by Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station in Haddam. Minutes –  Motion made by Marc Levin to approve monthly minutes  2nd by Mike DiPiro  Minutes accepted. Treasurer’s report – Mike DiPiro Mike reports the financials are in order. Our 1st installment letter was sent to the City requesting payment for FY 2019-2020.  Motion to approve by Jen Alexander  2nd by Marc Levin  Financials accepted Board Member Update –  Mary Ann reports the fall plantings are in and looking beautiful.  Diane reports gift card sales are going along; gearing up for the holidays!  Jen reports there will be a website meeting this morning. Hopeful to complete new DBD website by the first of the new year.  Marc reports he and Diane will be meeting with Larry at Tag Team, in promoting Main Street the last two months of the year (TV and radio). Starting new marketing campaign the first of the year.  Tom reports Hajjar Management bought the Middlesex Fruitery building, which now completes ownership of Plaza Middlesex. Stella D’oro restaurant will be opening up in the old Tuscany building. All retail space is now occupied in the Midd-Town apartment building. New Business – Ann Marie from The Buttonwood Tree thanked everyone for all the contributions in making their 30th year celebration very successful. Lisa will send an email to Bill Russo at Public Works requesting to repair the street light on the corner of Grand and Liberty Street.  Motion to adjourn by Marc Levin  2nd by Mike DiPiro  Adjourn accepted