Downtown Business District

Middletown Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Wednesday, November 17, 2021 363 Main Street, Suite 404, Middletown, CT Attendees Jen Alexander (Chair) Cassandra Day (Press) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Anne Marie Cannata (Buttonwood) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Chief Erik Costa (MPD) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Capt. Mike DeSena (PD) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Trevor Davis (363 Main LLC) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Mike DiPiro (Commissioner) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Coordinator) Meeting called to order by Jen at 8:31 a.m. Jen moved on to DBD business while waiting for participants. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Motion made Marie to accept October 2021 minutes  2nd made by Mike  All in favor CITY PARTNER UPDATES: Police- Chief Erik Costa introduced himself to the commission. He discussed the walk downtown that he did with Sandra, Jay Bodell, and Capt. DeSena. He felt it was a great opportunity to meet people and business owners and said he was impressed and felt good vibes from the visits. He has high expectations and knows there are hurdles that need to be worked on. He would like to build a partnership with the DBD Commission and is already working with River Valley Services to provide assistance on patrols so they can be more responsive. Jen then asked the commission to introduce themselves to the Chief. The Chief then discussed the PAL Program (Police Activities League) getting our youth involved in the arts and activities. He will be looking for community partners and support. Capt. DeSena commented that panhandling was up and James was a big help with responding to complaints.  DBD Pg. 2 CITY PARTNER UPDATES CONT’D Mayor- Absent. Sandra reported she had inquired with the Mayor’s Office about the ARPA funds. (American Rescue Plan Act) or stimulus monies. She was told to attend the meeting of the committee on Dec. 8 th and plans to do. Jen recapped that we had requested monies for 2 items: 1. Street Scape Master Plan 2. Facade and Interior Matching Grant Program for downtown buildings and businesses. Sandra will follow up. Public Works- Absent Economic Development/Parking-Absent Health- Absent COMMUNITY PARTNER UPDATES: St. Vincent’s- Absent Chamber of Commerce – Cathy reported the big event breakfast meeting would be in person on Dec. 14 th with the Governor. First in person breakfast meeting since COVID. It will be capped at 400 people. Holiday on Main is in full planning mode and there will be several events happening beginning with the tree lighting the day after Thanksgiving. Wesleyan- N/A TREASURER’S REPORT:  Motion made by Tom to accept  2nd made by Marie  All in favor COMMITTEE REPORTS: Advertising/Promotion- New brochures have arrived and Sandra will deliver to businesses and social media is moving along nicely.  DBD Pg. 3 Beautification- Planters will be set with greens and birch sticks and acorns by the tree lighting. Gift Cards – Sandra reported gift cards are orders and waiting for delivery. Special Projects- Jen shared that Cat Owens will be setting up a display in the Irreplaceable Artifacts building in a few weeks. DBD Coordinator Report- Sandra noted that Tom Ford’s guys did an awesome job cleaning the sidewalks! 925 Report- Trevor talked about asking the soup kitchen to open the doors earlier because the lines are long very early. Sandra will follow up. Jen reported the Whey Station has reopened and is back to business. A few businesses have started to open but seemed to have stalled. Jen thanked Chief Costa for attending. Trevor announced the Library Studio is having their first live event Thursday Dec. 2 nd. Vaccinations and limited seating. Adjournment:  Motion made by Mike to adjourn at 9:15 am  2nd by Marie  Meeting adjourned