Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes February 28,2024 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Chief Erik Costa (MPD) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Chris Conley (Commissioner) Dep Chief Rich Davis (MPD) Matt Lefevbre (Commissioner) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Cassandra Day (Press) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Trevor Davis (363 Main LLC) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Ken Ahnell (Beautification Manager) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Coordinator) Christine Marques (ECD Director) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair, Matt Lefebvre at 8:31 a.m. (Chairperson, Jen, joined at 8:33 am) CITY PARTNERS Mayor- Not Present Police-  Chief Costa reported meeting with City Attorney and States Attorney regarding the Public Nuisance Ordinance went extremely well and he is happy with the language and progress and will be a great resource for the PD.  Crime was down 1.6%, which is a good indicator that the CIT Program is working. Put into place 2 years ago and beginning to see the benefits.  In process of hiring 5 lateral police officers and put out job description to public for entry level as well. Public Works-  Chris reported the new containers are on order and should arrive for Spring and thanked the DBD for allocating their ARPA funding for their purchase.  PW is down 2-3 truck drivers and trying to keep up with demands of street cleanups, etc.  Continuing work on streetscapes and tree wells.  Jen inquired about the walk light at the corner of Main and Washington. Chris noted there were issues with the equipment but will follow up. Economic Development/Parking-  Christiine Marques reported on parking items including the commission looking into administrative costs of the department, parking fees, signage, permitting, etc.  80 Harbor Drive is planning for soft opening target of April 1st. Patio work next.  CDBG funding of approximately 500K for nonprofits to apply for  Marie noted for the record increasing parking fees at this time should not be a priority. Discussion followed.  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Health Dept-  Kevin reported by email that there was nothing of importance to report at this time.  COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s-  Maryellen was absent due to knee surgery, emailed all if progressing well with new building and warming center is operating efficiently at this time. Chamber-  Sara announced several Chamber meetings happening over the next several weeks including Coach Gino’s annual breakfast and the career fair- info available on Chamber website.  Cathy noted CBB will meet on 3/7 hosted by MARC and registrars will be present to discuss early voting in CT. NECD-  Carrie sent an email report noting the following: NECD is continuing to work on parking, better signage, additional lighting, Rte 9 plan, etc. Wesleyan:  Rani noted nothing to report via email.  Joe Banks reported the Hamlin Court project is staying focused on neighborhood and addressing any concerns and issues with respect to noise, idling equipment, and control measures. Minutes  Motion made by Tom to approve January minutes  2nd by Marie  All in favor  Treasurer’s Report  Motion to approve Treasurer Report made by Matt  2nd by Marie  All in Favor Jen discussed the DBD being a “pass through” for funding for the Middleton Pages event this Fall which we are a sponsor.  Motion made by Matt to allow funding for Middletown Pages to pass through the DBD  2nd by Diane  All in favor DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES: Advertising/Promotion- Sandra reported social media continues to go very well and numbers of followers increasing. Gift Cards- Sandra program is doing extremely well reported year over year numbers of increase of $42K in sales and nearly 800 additional cards sold.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 Maintenance & Beautification- Sandra& Ken will continue to work with Public Works following up on graffiti, new containers, tree well project, lighting, etc. Special Projects- No report Approval of FY 2024-2025 Budget – Jen explained the issues with assessment totals from the City being incorrect and changes occurring after our budget was passed last year. The DBD reduced the mill rate to compensate for the rise in assessments and so the collection rate will not be what it should be for this year most likely. Jen and Sandra did an assessment of the last 3 years of tax funding and Sandra is inquiring with the Finance Department on these numbers. Jen also explained that we have spent our surplus on items such as additional planter program, event and outdoor grants, additional brochure printing and marketing video project, as well as the large purchase of gift cards and folders adding up to more than $30,000. Jen also noted that our surplus at the end of this FY will be approximately $95,000 if there is no additional monies at the City. If there are, they will go into the surplus. Jen then explained the process for the budget options sent to all commissioners to review. 3 budgets are presented: Ideal, Mid-Range, and Limited. She thanked the committee for their work, and explained that due to all of the issues at the City, she and Sandra had to spend many more hours arranging numbers to present. The Ideal budget being a complete “wish list” of items. Mid-Range being a compromise allowing the DBD to continue to keep the expended planter program, social media enhancements, mico-grant programming, etc. and finally Limited is bare bones and eliminates many of the projects and items we now provide. Discussion followed among the commissioners, and all agreed the mid-range budget was the best.  Motion made by Marie to adopt the mid-range budget  2nd by Tom  All in favor This budget will go out in draft form to all property owners in the annual March meeting packets for review. 925 Report- Jen gave an overview of the Rte 9 workshop at City Hall for the commission and discussion followed. Kate gave a report on an incident during the Feb. 13th snowstorm whereby her vehicles were towed while loading orders. Discussion followed on how to prevent this in future and having better communication with all city departments. Tom noted a year to year lease has been signed by Trevor Charles for the 237 Main (Citizens Bank) space until such time the City decided to move city hall. Adjournment-  Motion to adjourn @ 9:47 a.m. made by Kate  2nd by Marie  All in favor.