Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes October 25, 2023 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Dep. Chief Rich Davis (MPD) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Director) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Christine Marques (ECD Director) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Cassandra Day (Middletown Press) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) 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) Maryellen Schuckrow (St. Vins) Carrie Carella (NORA Cupcake/North End Group) Trevor Davis Capt Brian Hubbs (MPD) M Scarlett (City of Mtwn, HR rep) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Chair, Jen Alexander at 8:30 a.m. CITY PARTNERS Mayor- Not Present Police-  Dep Chief Davis reported that the PD has been very busy  Saturday will be Halloween on Main and a gun buyback program  Extra foot patrols will be noticed over the next few weeks during busy times  Sandra noted the PD purchased $2500 in gift cards for the gun buyback program Public Works-  Chris reported the holiday lights are starting to be put up  Leaves will be collected starting sooner than normal  Kim is working with Purchasing on the trash/recycling container order and are close to placing it.  Working with Purchasing on tree well RFP  Rapallo Ave building came down and is being processed with gravel for 2 lots  Jen inquired on use of the lot and Chris noted it is free for now  Christine Marques noted it will be metered eventually  Jen thanked Public Works for painting graffiti at Hartford Avenue  DBD Minutes Page 2 Economic Development/Parking:  Director, Chirstine Marques reported the city is continuing to work with Spectra on the old arcade site.  Negotiations continue with them and progress is being made  Riverfront is moving along as well  10 Minute spots are under review for Parking with the Advisory Committee  Looking for Rapallo lot to be opened asap  Discussion followed on employees parking there, snow parking ban use, etc.  Jen inquired about the Bob’s Building. Christine state it is status quo. No activity other then painting the wood on the windows Health-  Kevin reported clinics are going well and participation is higher than in the past  Discussion followed on additional clinics coming up  Ribbon cutting today for RV for Child & Families. Great collaboration and support for addition and substance abuse  Nothing new to report on restaurants. Crepe location should open any day COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s  Maryellen reported things are very busy  James Thomas is on duty and doing very well handling issues that arise  St Vins will be running the warming center Dec. 10 approx April 1 at Grace & Mercy Church  Will be night time only with strict rules to follow and 2 staff experienced will run it  New building plans are moving forward.  Department of Housing has committed 6 million to the project. Need to raise 1 million more for completion  Thanksgiving Basket Drive at Fellowship Church if getting underway  Soup Dinner Nov. 2nd at AME Zion Church with celebrity servers  Hosting the RV grand opening today-very exciting to have this service available in Middletown  Street cleaning crew will drop to one day per week in November Chamber-  Sara reported Business After Work today at the River House in E Haddam  Tomorrow is a Lunch & Learn on the new rules for the Sanitation District Program  Coach Hurley UCONN breakfast is next Monday  Veterans Breakfast Monday after that  Jen inquired as to the signage being removed at corner of Washington and Main-discussion followed-Kevin Elak noted a Cease & Desist was issued for illegal signage and items discovered in the building.  Cathy reported next CBB will be Nov 2 and will be a presentation of the Spectra project Village at Riverside, so all are asked to submit report in writing is they would like.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 Wesleyan:  Rani reported Homecoming Weekend is next weekend.  Jewitt Center is having community social hours 11/9 and 12/14 from 5p-6p as a way to meet folks from the Jewitt Center  Engage Newsletter is a great place to talk about community items of interest and you can email them at: engage@wesleyan.edu, if interested North End Group:  Carrie Carella thank the DBD for the invite and is so pleased to be learning so much about holding and running meetings to be productive  Their group is meeting first Wednesday of the month  They are in agreement on the issues raised at this meeting  Happy to have PAL in the north end. Great addition  Important that they are part of events in downtown and not always creating their own events  Discussion followed Minutes  Motion made by Tom to approve September minutes.  2nd by Diane  September minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report  Motion made by Tom to approve financial reports  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Treasurer’s report accepted Discussion: Sandra gave a description of the literary event that Ed McKeon is holding in downtown in late Fall 2024. 2 day event. Several downtown venues. Many authors. She asked commission to consider allocating funding for the event. Discussion followed.  Motion made by Tom Ford to appropriate $2,500 to the literary event  2nd by Dian  All in favor DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES Marketing- Sandra reported AV Studios project nearly completed and footage will be ready by November for website content. Gift Cards- New gift card brochures are in process along with orders for items for packets Maintenance & Beautification – Sandra reported fall planters looked great and Christmas/winter planters will be going in week before Thanksgiving to be ready for Holiday on Main. Staying on graffiti items as needed.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 Special Projects- Sandra reported all projects in process will be wrapped up by November, Taste of Middletown and What the Duck, etc. DBD Manager Report- NONE 925 Report-  Tom noted the relocation of City Hall to Citizens Bank building is moving forward.  Jen gave an update of the Parking Committee meeting. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:23 am by Tom  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Meeting Adjourned.