Downtown Business District

Middletown Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes Wednesday Dec. 16, 2021 363 Main Street, Suite 404, Middletown, CT Attendees: Marie Kalita (Chair) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Rich Davis (Police Department) Jennifer Alexander (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Coordinator) Marc Levin (Commissioner) Roger Beliveau (Parking Dept.) Mike DiPiro (Commissioner) Chris Holden (Public works) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Dept) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Police Report – Absent Sandra noted that Capt. David was quarantining due to his wife having COVID. Parking Report – Roger Beliveau  Uptick in verbal abuse from individuals to Parking staff in person and phone calls in office.  They are aware of the letter sent by the chair regarding parking tickets and reminded everyone there is an appeal process to the parking ticketing issuance.  He noted that he understands the stress of the times and what the businesses are under, however, they are offering the 10 minute free pick up spots as well as free parking Friday nights thru Monday mornings in the lots.  He sighted that from 11/1-12/4 only one ticket a day was issued from Union St to O’Rourke. Planning, Conservation, Dev – Absent Public Works – Chris Holden  Reminder to all businesses went out to place snow onto road for removal from sidewalk areas  SEE, CLICK, FIX is up and working well. Doing the best they can to keep up with resolving complaints. Big uptick in dumping at properties.  Sidewalk repairs on hold due to cold until spring, however, many were completed.  Page 2, Continued Health Department – Kevin Elak  Kevin noted numbers are reaching high levels. Expecting the peak in January from holidays.  Vaccine is rolling out on the weekend and giving hope.  FDA is constantly meting to approve vaccines such as Moderna.  Heath Dept. is an approved provider from the State and ready to handle cold storage and are ready and have all needed equipment to run clinics.  Noted Phase 1A will be first responders, fire personnel, police, front line at hospital etc.  No issues on complaints or reports of not following rules with restaurants and no discussion from State on closing dining rooms. Chamber of Commerce – Cathy Duncan  Zoom luncheon with Governor is happening today.  Holiday on Main is in the books.  2020 winding down and working on a speaker for the January meeting. 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 good order and we have plenty of cash on hand. The initial tax installment requested from the City of $62,000 was deposited on Dec. 1st. Expenses are lower than planned due to the unusual year with the pandemic.  Motion to approve by Marc Levin  2nd by Tom Ford  Financials accepted. Board Member Update –  Marc discussed the parking issue and that it hurts the pulse of Main Street and the businesses. He stated that Mallove’s is doing well for business. He also commented that the Toy Drive they ran was the best in 20 years!  Diane agreed and noted they raised $11,000 and they were able to donate $2,000 and toys to Park & Rec. She also reported that Amato’s is also doing well and shipping has increased. However, supply chain has been a big problem.  Page 3, Continued Board Member Updates-Continued-  Mike noted the 2nd round of small business relief was long overdue and hopefully businesses will benefit from it.  Jen reported that Sandra has transformed the social media for DBD. Boosting businesses and it has been so helpful to them. Website has been cleaned up a bit and will continue working with Sandra to keep that going. She noted that we are keeping businesses on the site unless we know they are permanently closed.  Tom reported the Green Room is now Cake, Batter & Roll bakery. Opening in a week or so. He also noted a Chi Lash Beauty School is going into the Citizens Bank building. He reported that the lease is 10 years and can be terminated in year 3, which is keeping the City of Middletown’s possible move of City Hall to the building in mind. He stated Klekolo is hanging in there. Lastrina Bridal is expanding to 2nd floor of her building and they are moving that tenant to street level back office.  Patrick reported the Bob’s Building is sale pending and they are the closest to completing this sale than they have ever been. Buyer is working with the City to apply for waivers with EDC. He reported that 545 Main (Roller Rink Building) was sold to a young local guy, JR Hargraves and he is completely cleaning out the building and may have residential with possible retail.  Marie asked all commissioners to take a look at annual meeting and think about commission seats and if you are not running again to let Sandra or her know. She commented that she has seen a resurgence in the DBD with respect to people asking what we do, and what we are about and want to help. Se finished up with noting that when we meet in 2021 we will need to do budget and nominations for commissioners New Business – Trevor reported the Chamber is planning a workshop to help retailers with social media. He is including Sandra in discussions and will keep us posted. Adjournment-  Motion to adjourn by Marc  2nd by Mike  Adjourned @ 9:16 a.m.