Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes September 27, 2023 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Capt. Dave Godwin Chris Conley (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Director) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Christine Marques (ECD Director) Matt Lefebvre (Commissioner) Cassandra Day (Middletown Press) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Rani Arbo (WESU Rep) Chris Holden (Public Works Director) Ken Ahnell (DBD Beautification Mgr) Emily Ford (Hajjar Management) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Manager) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Dep. Chief Rich Davis Chief Erik Costa Callie Grippo (Candidate for Council) Shawn Paradis (Candidate for Assess. Appeals) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Chair, Jen Alexander at 8:36 a.m. Chairperson Jen Alexander took a moment to introduce what the DBD is and what we do for the benefit of the new ECD Director, Christine Marques. We are a special taxing district focused on the promotion of our downtown businesses, promoting economic development and beautification with a focus on commerce, culture, and community. Further explanation and brief discussion occurred. CITY PARTNERS Mayor- Not Present- Sandra gave update on the Mayor’s Ball Police-  Chief noted the Ball was a great event and seeing relationships in a non-political setting was a good time.  Chief walked the Main Street beat last week on east side. Business owners were very welcoming.  Plans to increase walking bets and officers going in and out of businesses for an opportunity for owners to give feedback.  Chief noted marijuana laws and venues selling it illegally are being monitored  Munchiez store was raided 2x for over $107k in illegal items.  Chief complimented Capt. Godwin on the PAL Program. Thanks to ARPA assistance they can secure the storefront for several years.  Godwin thanked the community and Chief for the support & noted programs that PAL has done  Chief noted CIT is now going to have day & evening shift. First of the kind in the state.  Jen asked to clarify CIT: Crisis Intervention Team  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Police Cont’d:  Tom inquired about the Forbidden Llama. Chief noted no issues of real significance. Public Works-  Chris noted big changes for the Sanitation District with the reduction program going from pilot program to mandatory on Nov. 1.  Discussion on the program occurred, and more information and educational programs will be rolling out.  Road projects have been an issues due to all the rain, however doing their best to stay on track.  Mosaics on Main program is now partnered with the City  ARPA funding for tree wells and new containers on Main St is under way with purchasing. Looking at Spring for new container to be ready.  Jen noted for the Commission that we have been working with public works on both of those projects. Economic Development/Parking:  Director, Chirstine Marques reporting much happening in the City.  Parking Arcade Project plan was well received at public meeting and they are proceeding with concept and plan.  Plan to have the businesses community involved.  Parking Committee will be meeting on Oct. 10th and the plan is to come up with compromises and policies regarding concerns and issues that have come up.  Jen noted that the Parking Commission is now under ECD and the committee is 5 businesses/community individuals and 2 members of the council.  Discussion followed on Parking Commission and the need to fill vacancies  Sandra inquired about the Bob’s Building. Christing noted looking into the inactivity but no response from developer.  Discussion followed on loading and unloading zones needed for businesses. Health-  Kevin noted we are entering flu season and there will be a series of vaccination clinics around the City.  Oct 20 form 10-2 at Chamber in conjunction with Stop & Shop.  Covid is very active with many cases in the community right now. Tests are available in the Health Dept.  The Recovery RV is coming to town every Wednesday from 10-2. Ribbon cutting Oct. 25th.  Hallah restaurant will replace Rogi’s on Main.  Grilled cheese place on corner of Ferry and Main coming.  Ethiopian Restaurant is open again.  Kevin congratulated Kidcity on 25 years!!  Jen let the group know she has free red t-shirts available to celebrate the anniversary and it is a Scott Kessell original!  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s- Not Present  Sandra reported clean up crew is out 2 days per week, do a great job.  James is back working Thurs-Sunday during busy hours.  New Homelessness Manager in place. Chamber-  Sara reported the Annual Awards Dinner coming up at 5 pm at River House.  Oct. 14 first Cornhole Tournament being held  Oct. 21 Tailgate at UCONN  Cathy noted next CBB on Oct. 5 and is hybrid. Wesleyan:  Rani noted the new semester is in full swing.  Internship or volunteer opportunities, email : engage@Wesleyan  Community Campus Day, new event for students grade 7-12,  Jen reported on the Hamlin Factor project. It will host artist and event spaces and is out to bid. Minutes  Motion made by Diane to approve June minutes.  2nd by Marie  June minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report  Motion made by Tom to approve financial reports  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Treasurer’s report accepted DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES Marketing- Sandra reported AV Studios project is going well and the social media projects and posts are also going great. Gift Cards- New brochures in process and will be ready for holiday season. Maintenance & Beautification – Sandra reported keeping up with planters, graffiti, regular items.  DBD Minutes Pg. 4 Special Projects- Sandra is working with Taste of Middletown and What the Duck also wrapped on Summer on Main which was highly successful. DBD Manager Report- NONE. 925 Report- Discussion followed on Rte 9 and other updates on businesses and downtown updates. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:39 am by Marie  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Meeting Adjourned.