Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes November 15, 2023 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Capt. Brian Hubbs (MPD) Chris Conley (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Director) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Christine Marques (ECD Director) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Trevor Davis Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Brent Thomsen (Commissioner) Rani Arbo (WESU Rep) Patrick Harding (Commissoner) Maryellen Schuckrow (St. Vins) Ken Ahnell (DBD Beautification Mgr) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Manager) Carrie Carella (N End Group) Howard Weisberg (Dep Dir Pub Works) Rob Lucheme (Tschudin Chocolate) Joe Banks (Architect-WESU project) Chief Erik Costa (MPD) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Chair, Jen Alexander at 8:30 a.m. Jen asked Sandra to do introductions around the screen. CITY PARTNERS Mayor- Not Present Police-  Chief Costa reported on the municipal election swearing in ceremony that took place last evening.  He is hearing concerns about activity on Main Street focused on open drinking and is addressing.  20 Liberty St closing was a positive step to improving law and order around the St. Vincents area.  PAL is under construction and close to completion  Chief noted smoking in public has been outlawed in public spaces.  Discussion followed on smoking and marijuana ordinance.  Capt. Hubbs noted that correctly or property posting 25 feet from building is important for enforcement so police can take action  Discussion followed with commissioners on signage, listing boundaries to keep safe and respectful distance.  Motion:  By Diane to work on the smoking ordinance specifically addressing marijuana.  2nd by Chris Conley  All in favor  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Public Works-  Howard reported the pedestrian crosswalk light project went extremely well at Grand and Main Sts, it was a short term pilot program, however, he is asking DOT to keep it through the winter.  They are continuing more pedestrian lighting sweeps to identify areas that can use more lighting.  A new concrete sidewalk repair process has been used. Not as happy with product as they hoped and are working to make it better. Economic Development/Parking:  Director, Chirstine Marques reported the City is reviewing the plan for 10 minute parking spots with the Mayor tomorrow  Holiday parking will be free for lots Saturdays during Holiday on Main and hopefully the trolley will be running to move people around downtown.  Parking Commission is being reworked and waiting for new commissioner appointments however no resignations have been received at this time.  Discussion followed on parking Health-  Kevin reported the warming center will be at Grace Covenant Church beginning Dec. 1 and good hygiene will be included in the rules along with St. Vins expectations.  AME Zion Church is holding a vaccine clinic, check website for further information  RSV and flu numbers are on the rise in the State. COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s  Maryellen reported she is very busy going into winter months preparing for the warming center.  Center will be open 12/1 from 7p-7a every day.  Staff has been hired and they are waiting for funding  20 Liberty property is secured and tenants relocated and building boarded up. In process to demolish the site.  State Dep of Housing funding is in process for the new building and that continues to move forward  Thanksgiving Day the soup kitchen is open 11-2 serving dinner  City wide basket program served 900-1,000 families in need  James Thomas is working Thurs-Sun shifts and doing very well Chamber-  Sara reported the Downtown Stakeholder group has asked that the loitering and panhandling ordinance be moved forward with the City Attorney.  Holiday on Main begins next Friday with tree lighting  Business After Work is at the Main Street Market Building  Governor Lamont Breakfast is Dec. 19.  Cathy announced next CBB is Dec. 7 hybrid and hosted by Rotary Club.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 North End Group:  Carrie Carella reported that the group is diving in and CHC will now have Gary Wallace representing  Trying to form good partnerships going forward and their mission and initiatives are slowly growing in a positive manner.  Lighting, signage, and parking accessibility and safety are their main focus at this time  Working on welcoming optics as well such as signage to send positive message but allow PD to enforce rules  Ready for Holiday on Main and the event with Eli’s and all the businesses on that block Wesleyan:  Rani Arbo is with Architect Joe Banks today for a presentation on the arts building project.  WESU’s main goal is to provide a connection between the community and campus  Planned construction to be completed by end of 2024.  Presentation was given  Discussion followed Minutes  Motion made by Marie to approve October minutes  2nd by Diane  October minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report  Motion made by Diane to approve financial reports  2nd by Marie  All in Favor. Treasurer’s report accepted DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES Marketing- Sandra reported AV Studios is in final phases and should be ready in new year with a video roll out for website. Gift Cards- Prepping for the holiday season Maintenance & Beautification – Sandra reported Christmas/winter planters will be ready before tree lighting. Graffiti continues to be monitored Special Projects- No report DBD Manager Report- No report  DBD Minutes Pg. 4 925 Report-  Discussion followed on parking and commission asked Sandra to work with Sara at Chamber and set up meeting on parking appointments and goals  Jen discussed the meeting held with the N End Group to discuss their goals an objectives and how we can better work together to not duplicate efforts. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:35 am by Diane  2nd by Chris  All in Favor. Meeting Adjourned.