Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes November 16, 2022 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Chief Erik Costa (MPD) Marc Levin (Commissioner) Capt. Brian Hubbs (MPD) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Dep. Chief Rich Davis (MPD) Matt Lefebvre (Commissioner) Rani Arbo (Wesleyan) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Director) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Anne Marie Cannata (Buttonwood Tree) Cassandra Day (Middletown Press) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Bobby Peterson (Acting EDC Dir.) Trevor Davis (363 Main LLC) Ken Ahnell (Beautification Program Mgr) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Coordinator) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Chair, Jen Alexander at 8:30 a.m. CITY PARTNERS Mayor- Not Present Police- Chief Costa noted he was looking forward to the PD supporting the Holiday on Main upcoming events. He noted that there was a concern on the number of foot patrols and officers visiting businesses being down. He stated that the building relationships and visiting business owners is vital to downtown and assured the commission that they are working on being more effective in this regard. It has been a very busy tine for the PD and they are working on the staff shortage. He remarked that they are working with CIT on new incidences and are working on locking down on panhandling. He clarified that asking for money is a first amendment right, however, once you enter a business, it elevates into the realm of criminal law. He wants officers to have full discretion on scene with incidents and asks that business owner and the public allow that to happen. CIT incidents are trending down and so they believe the program is working. There were 41 calls per month now down to 21. On a positive note, a case manager will be joining PD and that will provide more tools to do their job and assist individuals in need. Jen asked about the timeline of the case manager position. Chief noted it is a union position and they are fine tuning the job description and expect it to be out for hire and fill by the New Year/beginning of next year. Jen clarified Jan/Feb time frame and Chief concurred. Marc inquired about N. end numbers compared to last month. Chief noted it spiked last month due to public health issues with overdose issues and they were able to identify sources and conduct a major drug bust.  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Health Department- Kevin commend Chief Costa and PD in making arrests and getting the tainted drugs off the streets. He noted a slowdown in overdoses since the spike and is continuing to educate on the opioid crisis with the task force. They focus on enforcement, providing treatment, and harm reduction. Covid Clinic at Cross Street Church today 1-5pm. Friday, Stop and Shop Pharmacy will be at Middletown High School from 4p-6p. All vaccines available. Warming Center opening Dec. 1 at Wesley Inn, run by Columbus House. Working to maximize the number of beds as the number are increasing. Wesleyan: Rani Arbo reported that she looked in the Bird bikes and if Wesleyan was aware of the program, and they were not. The biked just appeared. Seems like it’s going well, but bikes do block access points to sidewalks and crossings. Public Works- Chris Holden reported we have held meetings regarding replacing the garbage receptacles in the downtown and it most likely will have to be done in phases due to funding. The trees will be trimmed in the downtown soon. Power pole removed from lower Washington St finally, and now the sidewalk can be fixed in that area. He stated the lights out at Washington and Main are due to a power issue. May need new conduit per our contract with Eversource. They will be conducting tests to determine the issue and what needs to be done. **Jen asked to jump the agenda a bit while all our partners were present to thank the individuals that assisted with the CT Main St Spotlight Program. She noted there were local speakers, and 6 local tour guides and over 40 businesses that were seen during the event. The department has hired a new Deputy Director and will be hired in October. Once he is on board items will move along much more quickly. She added that there were individuals from around the state and JR Hargreaves and Dominick DiMartino gave presentations on their projects and Sandra presented the mission of the DBD. Marc gave feedback that 2 hours would have been better for the tour. He then asked about Forbidden Llama and the status of the business. Chief Costa noted the city and all appropriate departments are on it and will be monitoring the activity to be sure they are following the guidelines set by the City. He noted the owners said they wanted to be good partners to downtown and will be opening as a restaurant as soon as possible and are taking steps and going through the process to accomplish this. Jen added it was an example of owners not understanding the guidelines of what is needed to be permitted and operations. Kevin Elak noted he made clear to the owner all the expectations and will follow up. Economic Development/Parking- Bobbye Peterson joined meeting late. Jen started with the St. Vincent’s Outreach Program and gave history and inquired about the City’s intentions with funding and if they felt the DBD should be partially responsible. Jen noted the need to close the gap between businesses calling for assistance and emergencies. Discussion followed.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3  Motion made by Marc to fund the $5,500 to have the program run thru the end of January noting that reports will be required on James’ call and result of the response and need to constantly move and walk and answer the phone when on call.  2nd by Matt  All in favor of motion. Bobbye state the ARPA consultant has been hired and is conducting meetings with those that received funding. They are making sure that all monies are spent properly and administered correctly by the City. They are starting with the awards as giving in date order so hopefully the DBD will be hearing from them in the next few weeks. Spectra is the preferred developer for the arcade site, and they are meeting regularly to work through items. They are in design stage and when there is a concept, she said it will be shared with the DBD as to what we think should happen. This was just an RFQ and is not the final design. She noted the work on Dominick DiMartino’s buildings and that 3 funding sources are available right now for projects. They are ARPA, Community Challenge Grant, and Urban Act. She noted the concerts on the river were very successful and approximately $70,000 was spent on promotion for all 3. Public Works- Not present COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s- Not present. Chamber- Cathy reported Holiday on Main is in full planning mode with the tree lighting the day after Thanksgiving. Then 3 Saturdays to follow with Dashing thru Downtown Car Parade on the last Saturday, Dec. 10. Business After Work will be held on Dec. 1 at Main Street Market from 5p-7p. Governors Breakfast will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the Sheraton Hotel in Rocky Hill. CBB is Dec. 1st and is hybrid and sponsored by JR Hargreaves. Minutes  Motion made by Marc to approve November minutes.  2nd by Tom  November minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report  Motion to approve Treasurer Report made by Marc  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Treasurer’s report accepted.  DBD Minutes Pg. 4 DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES Advertising/Promotion- Social Media is going very well, Instagram is up to 1600 followers. Gift Cards- Sandra noted the new program to give $10 gift cards to new employees in offices began. Tom Ford had 35 employees in 2 new businesses, and they were given gift cards along with one new tenant in Trevor’s building. Maintenance & Beautification- Sandra noted planters will be changed out before the tree lighting. Ken Ahnell reported lamps at the South Green that needed replacing due to erosion was discussed with Public Works. The graffiti at the ramp to Rte. 9 is fixed and will continue to be monitored, fence was repaired at the top by cemetery and that should help. Still working on a company that can come in to assist with cleaning and sanitizing the garbage and recycling containers along Main Street. Special Projects- N/A 925 Report- No report Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:34 am by Marc  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Meeting Adjourned.