Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes July 26, 2023 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Coordinator) Chris Conley (Commissioner) Trevor Davis (363 Main LLC) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Director) Matt Lefebvre (Commissioner) Cassandra Day (Middletown Press) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Brent Thomsen (Commissioner) Ken Ahnell (Beautification Program Mgr) Chris Holden (Public Works Director) Marellen Shuckerow (St. Vincent’s) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Capt. Dave Godwin (MPD) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Chair, Jen Alexander at 8:32 a.m. CITY PARTNERS Mayor- Not Present Police- Capt. Godwin reported they are closed on arrests for the recent hate crimes that occurred this summer. The new PAL Center is going great and getting ready to open. The PD is in process of lateral hires and promotions. Andre Drummund Camp is planned for Aug 5 and 6. Faith in Blue event is coming up. There was a recent sweep of the N End and many drug dealers were arrested. Panhandling complaints have decreased. Jen asked about graffiti and the process or protocol. Discussion followed. Capt. Godwin noted the PD will always check for any gang tag signs and run those down, Chris Holden apologized for the lack of timely removal and will look into having the graffiti addressed. He also noted the Chief of Police emailed him about a camera at entrance to highway in N End. Additional discussion followed on a policy and resources for graffiti. Public Works- Chris Holden reported the ARPA funding provided by the DBD is being worked on by Howard with a Master Plan. Kim O’Rourke is working on garbage and recycling container pricing. Jen inquired on the next meeting and Sandra will look into next steps with Howard and Kim. Economic Development/Parking- No one present. Jen reported a new EDC person has been appointed and has been attending various meetings to hit the ground running. Sandra will set up a meeting with Jen to begin discussing issues.  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Health Department- Kevin reported the Salad Bar has opened in the old Dunkin. Weigh Stationery has closed but a new restaurant/bar is reportedly going into the space. B & B Wings has closed, and Haven Hot Chicken is going in but no paperwork yet. The City is working with the owner Llama to add a bar and seating to the second floor of the building. CVH River Valley Café has reopened, and he encourages the public to check it out. Good food and fair prices. Great asset to the community. Flu vaccine clinics will be getting started soon. There will be a new strain of vaccine for Covid variants. Federal government is no longer covering cost so the City is working with partners to help those that are not covered. Goal is to provide free vaccines to all member of the public that would like to receive them. Discussion of an RV coming to Middletown 1x per week at St. Vincents to provide services to the needy population. COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s- Maryellen thanked the PD. Things are much quieter this summer. She gave a new building update. She is continuing to apply for HUD grant funding and the design of the building is complete and fits well into the footprint. They should be 65% ready by August. She hired a homeless specialist Jane Johnson for Middletown, Higganum. Portland, Haddam. She will conduct outreach and placement. The City has funded James Thomas’ position for the year and she will be requesting the funding before placing him back into the position. This was a 30K item. St. Vincent’s will be running the warming center at Grace and Mercy Baptist. It will be run by James Thomas. Open 7a-7p. The new homeless specialist will spend 2 hours per night at the shelter. State of Connecticut will provide 150 housing vouchers. The cleaning crew is doing 2 days per week and it is going well. If we want the 2 days to continue, another $500 donation is needed. The Quinnipiac students have been working out well for the summer. Maryellen is working with the north end group and Carrie from NORA. James will continue to cover the north end when he begins working again. Chamber- Sara discussed Business After Work being held at the Mariott Courtyard tonight. A new cornhole tournament will begin Oct. 14th. Cathy announced the CBB would once again be hybrid on Thursday Aug. 3rd and there is a Speed Networking class 4p-5p today if interested. Wesleyan: Sandra reported that she is working with Diana Martinez on a program for incoming students to get more familiar with the downtown and what it offers students. Minutes  Motion made by Diane to approve June minutes.  2nd by Marie  June minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report  Motion to approve Treasurer Report made by Marie  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Treasurer’s report accepted  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 Jen mentioned that we should do something for Fred for all he does cleaning up the sidewalks and kiosks among other things.  Motion made by Diane to give Fred a $100 gift card.  2nd by Marie  All in favor. Sandra will present him with the card. DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES Marketing- Sandra reported the Social Media and new AV project are going very well. Much more to come in next few months. Gift Cards- Sandra noted they are selling extremely well and we ordered 10,000 in the bulk ordering and so cards will be .50 each. Maintenance & Beautification- Noted that the pots are looking beautiful downtown. Ken and Sandra continue to monitor weeds, graffiti, etc and work with public works to address items Special Projects- Sandra reported that the Family Fun Night held last night went well with Tom Weber kids entertainer and food trucks. Approx 50 people watched Oddfellows perform in the church when it began to rain. Up next, a Blues concert, and 2 nights of Salsa lessons/dancing are confirmed. DBD Manager Report- Sandra reported the City Attorney Brig Smith had an initial conversation with her about the DBD offering the same tax abatement to the new parking arcade developers as the City. No numbers are ready as of today. Discussion followed. Sandra will send language to Chris Conley for review. 925 Report- Chris reported that a new steak house will be going into the old Lan Chi’s space. Prime Burger Restaurant and Bar. It will be their second location. Jen discussed the new restaurant going into the old Whey Station. Hot Rods. Music and food, permits in process. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:30 am by Marie  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Meeting Adjourned.