Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 18, 2019 330 Main Street, Suite 200 Middletown, CT. Attendees: Marie Kalita (Chair) Rich D. Carella, Esq. (Invited Guest) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Department) Jennifer Alexander (Commissioner) Steve Ciskowski (Chamber of Commerce) Marc Levin (Commissioner) Trevor Davis (Commercial Real Estate) Mary Ann Perrotti (Commissioner) Peter Harding (Harding Development) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Ann-Marie McEwen (The Buttonwood Tree) Gary Nagler (Commissioner) Lisa Melaven (DBD Office) Police Report – None Public Works – None Parking Report – None Planning- None Health Department – Kevin Elak Kevin reports the following:  The Health Department is working with Bob the owner of Mikado, in opening a second restaurant serving Cajun/New Orleans style food in the old First and Last building on Main Street.  “Remedy” has opened in the old Fusion Bakery location in Riverview Center.  The Warming centers are now open. 30 new chaise lounge chairs have been purchase for the warming centers.   Bon Appetite Food Service from Wesleyan University is temporarily taken over “grown” at R.J. Julia Bookstore.  Seaside Associates are the new owners of the Poliner Building in the North End, also owns Mezzo Grille and Café 56 buildings. Chamber of Commerce – Steve Ciskowski Steve reports the following:  Tuesday, December 3rd – MEWS presents “Collision” start up Incubator Demo Day at Main Street Market.  Wednesday, January 8th – Business after Work, hosted by Fire at the Ridge, Powder Ridge in Middlefield.  Thursday, January 9th - Monthly CBB Meeting at the Chamber of Commerce, from 8:00-9:00a.m  2020 Taste of Middlesex County – Restaurant week Monday, January 13th – Sunday, January 19th. Minutes –  Motion made by Marc Levin to approve monthly minutes  2nd by Tom Ford  Minutes accepted. Treasurer’s report – Marc Levin The 1st installment check for FY 2019-2020 has been deposited. A manual check was made out to Young’s Printing for the printing of our Fall/Winter brochures.  Motion to approve by Jen Alexander  2nd by Mary Ann Perrotti  Financials accepted Board Member Update –  Marie reports December 2019 might be her last meeting as Chair with the DBD, as the sale of 330 Main Street is looking to close on Monday, December 30th.  Mary Ann reports the downtown planters are looking good for the winter season.  Diane reports gift card sales are going well. The DBD is providing gift bags and tissue for gift card purchases. The Local 466 Union and Risk Manager’s Office ordered several hundred gift cards for their members to enjoy and support our local downtown businesses!  Jen reports the new website design is going along. The walk with new City Officials went very well in showing them what our downtown offerings are, from Church to Church. Great job Jen!!  Marc reports the TV commercials, Better CT segment, CT Style segment and Radio commercials had a great impact on promoting downtown Middletown, during the holiday season.  Tom reports Stella D’oro Restaurant on College Street has opened for business. New Business –  Ann Marie reports the Middletown Arts Co-op at 650 Main Street has been sold.  The recommendation is to have Attorney, Richard Carella represent the DBD. Rich will work on drafting a City ordinance change/options regarding tax abatements.  Motion by Jennifer Alexander  2nd by Marc Levin  Motion accepted  The recommendation for Attorney Rich Carella to investigate and review our past and present by-laws.  Motion by Marc Levin  2nd by Mary Ann Perrotti  Motion accepted  Motion to adjourn by Marie Kalita  2nd by Marc Levin  Adjourn accepted