Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes-Annual and Special Meetings April 26, 2023 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Dep Chief Rich Davis (MPD) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Chief Erik Costa (MPD) Matt Lefebvre (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Director) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Ken Ahnell (DBD Beautification Mgr) Katie Hughes-Nelson(Commissioner) Emily Ford (Hajjar Dev Group) Trevor Davis (363 Main LLC) CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Chair, Jen Alexander at 8:30 am CITY PARTNERS Mayor- Not Present Police- Chief reported that incidents with our youth are more prevalent. Community Task Force will keep this issue in the forefront to come up with resolutions. Panhandling calls have been coming in regularly and handled quickly. CIT workers and police officers are working together to resolve issues using out social services resources. There was a quick response. PAL is moving to the downtown area, looking at a few options. School issues in front of the buildings has been addressed quickly. The crime uptick we had was quickly resolved by working with the community. Forbidden Llam was issues a cease & desist and the police do not have authority with respect to the permits, however they are increasing presence and keeping an eye out for issues. The Chief noted that Liquor Control has revocation powers based on activity and instances of concern at the location, so reporting any items of that nature is important. Awards ceremony at Beman at 6pm this evening. Jen inquired about hiring the social services case worker at the PD. Chief noted it is on hold for the time being. Economic Development/Parking- Not Present  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Health Department- Keving reported that with respect to Llama, the City strives to help businesses succeed with no unnecessary roadblocks but when actions are egregious and not in accordance with the law, the City will act. The cease & desist was issued with respect to hookah and smoking. They have 30 to comply with no further activity. Land Use is also looking into items. It was made clear that their liquor license would be suspended if compliance does not happen. All city departments are involved. Discussion followed. Covid has expanded eligibility for 2nd booster. Covid test kits should be checked for expiration. New batch of test the city has is good until August. COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s- Not Present Chamber- Sara announced the Main Street stakeholders next meeting will be announced soon. Johanna is in NYC looking at the Highline with a group from Middletown for ideas for the pedestrian bridge. Johanna has also met with the Mayor on the change in the panhandling ordinance and the Government Commission needs to review. She announced several events/educational sessions coming up at the Chamber. Cathy announced the next CBB will be held virtually on May 4th. Wesleyan- Not present Approval of Mill Rate for FY 23/24:  Motion made by Patrick to approve the mill rate for FY 23/24 at 1.546  Seconded by Tom  All in favor. Sandra will send the official letter to Mayor and Council for approval at the budget meeting in May. Approval of Minutes  Motion made by Marie to approve Annual and Regular March minutes.  2nd by Patrick  March Annual and Regular minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report  Motion to approve March Treasurer Reports made by Tom  2nd by Marie  All in Favor. Treasurer’s report accepted. DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES: Advertising/Promotion- No updates Gift Cards- Sandra announced the City ordered over $4200 worth of cards and sales are going great.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 Maintenance & Beautification- Ken is ramping up our project list and working with Public Works and St. Vincent’s on the cleanup crew. Special Projects- Sandra requested the commission have another Event Grant for businesses. Discussion followed.  Motion by Tom to allocate $12,000 for Event Grants with a maximum of $1,500 per grant.  2nd by Diane  All in favor. Motion passes. 925 Report- Tom Ford announced he met with the owner of Bob’s Building and plans for expanding the size of units was agreed upon. Discussion followed. Sandra will request that the Land Use office share plans electronically if possible and if not, copies, when available. Tom also reported he is trying to get Charles IT on the 5th and 12th floors. More to follow. Jen announced that Ed McKean is looking to have a new festival downtown with writers, authors, books, etc. in the future. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:35 a.m. made by Matt  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Meeting Adjourned.