Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 24, 2022 330 Main Street, Middletown, CT. 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Mayor Ben Florsheim Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Coordinator) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Chief Erik Costa (MPD) Mike DiPiro (Commissioner) Rich Davis (Dep. Chief PD) Marc Levin (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Director) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Mike DeSena (Capt. PD) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Sara Menello (Chamber) Katie Hughes-Nelson (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Anne Marie Cannatta (Buttonwood) Trevor Davis (363 Main LLC) Cassandra Day (Middletown Press) Ken Ahenell (DBD Beautification Project) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Chair, Jen Alexander at 8:30 a.m. Mayor- Marc inquired as to status of paring garage. The Mayor reported that there will be a meeting next week with site developer to establish working guidelines. Not making a final selection until everyone is on the same page for time-line, but it should be within a few weeks or so. Interviews and follow ups need to happen but they are excited about the level of interest and ideas that have come forward. Funding for the garage is bonded and put aside. Demo will be happening on Rapallo Avenue for a building recently purchased for parking that will help the north end. Jen explained that the DBD set up a new pilot program to assist with regular maintenance items that the City has handled over the last 10 years such as weeding, garbage container cleaning, tree trimming, etc. DBD voted that a pilot program to be helpful with these types of items until the City can reinstitute. She stated that the DBD does not have the resources to continually do this program, but wanted to help set ground work to assist downtown so we can all be proud of how it looks. Jen asked about ARPA funding and the fact that we were awarded 300K with no way to proceed.  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 The Mayor said they are in process of bringing on a consultant and that many city and other agencies have been awarded funding. Largely the dollars are going to non-profits and that requires specific contracts so the dollars are spend in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Also, they need to develop a way to be sure the project and work applied for is actually being done. The type of funding makes the administration of the funds more challenging. We should now more in the next 4 weeks. Jen asked for an update of the Economic Development Dept. The Mayor stated they are working on staffing and he is aware that parking, which goes thru EDC, needs to be provide updates and meeting need to be scheduled and it will be communicated and scheduled. He stated he is putting forward Bobby as Director. There are members of the common council that are not supportive as of a few months ago. He is giving her an opportunity to share her vision and the Mayor’s vision and that the EDC lives up to the decision to separate out land use. They are also looking into a Community Development component to the department focusing on items like the DBD in fostering partnerships like Ken and St. Vincent’s. This also shows more presence and interest in the downtown. He noted after Joe Samolis left there were 2 more vacancies behind him. Tom Marano and Linda MacPhearson. The are reinventing and reimagining these positions at this time. Hoping to post for ED Specialits position soon, but it is being restructured. In addition, the are focused on downtown and the riverfront. Mayor reported he and Bobbye attended a brownfields EPA conference in Oklahoma thanks to federal funding that is available. The grants position needs to have an individual that is well versed in state and federal grants and how to apply for different types of funding. Jen noted it was helpful to know what to expect and that there most likely will be more disruption before a final plan is made. Jen inquired about parking and the positions. The Mayor noted Roger reports to Bobbye at this time and it will remain that way for sometime.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 Jen noted that there are many things happening that the DBD wants to be part of and are happy to participate in. Jen asked about the Bob’s building tax abatement. The Mayor noted they are trying to come up with a standardized set of practices for tax abatements and the process for applying for them. There were a few projects under the previous administration that had no standardized procedure. Trying to rectify that using the Plan of Development. The State changed the statue on what a city can offer and put a city in a position of strength so the city and the taxpayer are both getting a fair deal. Bob’s building is a template for this. Location is good, but it is not what we maybe want for density and the parking ratio. Abatements should be a tool we use that gets decided on how closely a project matches our goals. Jen: Do you picture a plan to say no to abatements if they don’t match the criteria? Mayor: Need a set plan for criteria first and then will use that as template for other abatement grants. Jen: We would appreciate better communication with the DBD so we all know what is happening. With no further questions, the Mayor thanked the commission. Police Report – Chief Costa reported the downtown has been very active over the summer, but it’s been a great summer. PD has built partnerships with the Maryellen and the Food Pantry and their CIT program is working great with the people that need it. Implementing and internship program with ECSU, St. Joseph’s, University of New haven and SCSU to have students in the Master in Social Work with Police Concentration assist with youth in schools. He noted their partnership with the Fire Chiefs is great with respect to communication. Officers have reported being very comfortable working with businesses and business owners in downtown. Smoking 25 ft from door of a business if not permitted, however, to be enforced, businesses must have it posted. Chief noted how much he appreciates all the support for the community.  DBD Minutes Pg. 4 Public Works – Chris Holden reported that they are continuing to work on the project to replace trash containers. Tree trimming will be done soon. There is a new vendor as of July 1 st. Other areas of town have to be done first, but Main St is on the list. Chris noted he is working with Ken on some projects and looking forward to the assistance. Marc inquired about tree in front of Bob’s building. Sandra noted the Spear Park lights are now working. Marc noted the lights from Washington to Main are out and the area is dark. Jen added the light at Kidcity if also out. Chris said he would inquire with Eversource and look into the lights. Tom Ford inquired about sidewalk responsibility. Chris stated repairs are the City’s responsibility and clearing snow, etc. is the property owner. Jen asked about the graffiti at the underpass to Rte 9. And cleaning it up would be great! Diane notice the wait at the rainbow crosswalk had increased drastically and people are waiting. The Chief said he would look into it. Discussion followed. Health Department Kevin reported CDC revisions to Covid guidelines and explained new criteria. New booster expected this Fall that will cover original strain and both variants. Health Dept. will hold vaccine clinics this Fall and will partner with the Chamber, St. Vins, senior center, etc. Better coverage is expected from vaccines we know how to attack the new variant. Keving reported on Monkey Pox. Flu season. They are gearing up to have clinics for flu shots, shingles, covid, pneumonia. Beautification Pilot Program Jen introduced Ken Ahnell who is managing the pilot program for the DBD.  DBD Minutes Pg. 5 Ken thanked the DBD for the opportunity and stated that he likes working with all of the different agencies. He has inspected downtown and making note of all the items that need to be tended to along with the discussions with Sandra. He has begun working with Public Works, St. Vincent’s and adult rehab program. Jen suggested high school students and Ken noted has many organizations he will reach out to to get involved if needed such a the garden club, Rockfall Foundation, etc. St Vincent’s- Mary Ellen reported a large uptick in drug dealing and assaults and many new homeless individuals. Discussion followed on working with PD and agencies to assist. Chamber of Commerce – Sara discussed a workshop on Empowering The Use of Social Media will be held Sept. 13. Business after work also Sept. 13 at the Inn at Middletown. Sept. 21 Good Speed Awards. Cathy noted the next CBB will be on Sept. 1st and will be hybrid. Minutes  Motion made by Tom to approve July minutes.  2nd by Marie  Minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report Jen noted the transition to Quick Books happened after several hours of work by Julia and Sandra. The commission should have much better and easier to understand reports. Patrick noted the largest expenses were the planters at $10,000 and our sponsorship to Chamber at $7,500  Motion to approve made by Marie  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Treasurer’s report accepted.  DBD Minutes Pg. 6 DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES Advertising/Promotion- Marc noted that Diane and he met with Vincent DeMartino about the billboard. He feels the commission needs a whole marketing plan before committing to advertising to consider all items: radio, tv, print, billboards, etc. Diane agreed and said the DBD is not ready to advance and advertising campaign at this time. Gift Cards- No report Maintenance & Beautification- Jen asked that we purchase 6 additional planters to fill in some gaps along Main Street.  Motion made Jen to purchase 6 planters and add to the contract with Winterberry  2nd by Marc with provision to spend up to $10k  Jen amended original motion to agree to up to $10k  All in favor. Special Projects- No report 925 Report- Tom discussed the corporate center. New contract with Taco Bell. Discussion followed about a welcome package from the DBD. $10 gift card for each new employee at a company/business.  Marie made a motion to give $10 gift cards to each new employee as a welcome to the DBD with a budget of $5,000  2nd by Marc  All in favor. Jen updated the commission on the Spotlight on Main event begin held Thurs. Oct. 13th. Theme is Downtown Middletown, Loveable and Livable. There will be a 45 minute agenda to start off followed by a tour of businesses along Main Street leading to the cocktail event at the top of the Community Health Center. We will look to have a shuttle and the event is shaping us nicely. More to come in September. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:40 am by Marc  2nd by Marie  Meeting Adjourned