Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Annual & Regular Meeting Minutes April 24, 2024 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Matt Lefevbre (Chair) Chief Erik Costa (MPD) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Cassandra Day (Press) Chris Conley (Commissioner) Dep Chief Rich Davis (MPD) Matt Lefevbre (Commissioner) Howard Weissberg (Acting Pub Works Dir) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Capt. Brian Hubbs (MPD) Katie Huges-Nelson (Commissioner) Joe Banks (Architect WESU) Trevor Davis Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Coordinator) Ken Ahnell (Beautification Manager) Cathy Ducan (Chamber) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Christine Marques (ECD Director) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Matt at 8:32 a.m. Mayor- Not Present Police-  Deputy ChieDavis reported that the person who toppled planters on Main Street was caught, and any costs incurred to fix the vandalism should be sent to Capt. Hubbs.  Waiting on the Public Spaces Ordinance to be approved. This will give officers more tools to work with panhandlers and the street population.  Uptick of complaints about the noise at Mezzo and officers have been updated on to handle the situation.  Start seeing additional officers as weather improves and outdoor dining increases. Public Works-  Howard noted again that he is now Acting Director of Public Works  Incredibly short staff going into the busy season and trying to respond to issues as they arise but it is very challenging.  Tree well project is moving forward, more to come but RFP has been very challenging to get out.  Signals and sidewalks are being looked at for updates and repairs.  July 1 is the deadline for certain items being handled and  Howard noted looking to purchase a sidewalk cleaner. Can rent for this year he will work to get those items done.  Jen inquired about the $170,000 of work for the tree wells. Howard noted the initial estimate was $120,000 without the trees, leaving $40-50,000 for tree purchase.  Jen noted the goal is to plant trees in Fall before ARPA deadline.  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Economic Development/Parking-  Christiine Marques commended the police on their foot patrols and presence downtown.  Noted that Howard is working hard to get Public Works on track.  Former Peterson Oil property cleaned up and ready for testing.  Tates on the river will be having a soft opening ready for next month.  Jen inquired about the Bob’s building. Trevor noted David the owner is working on easements. Health Dept- Not present COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s-  Sandra noted she had a dinner meeting with Maryellen and discussed their new building is out to bid, the clean up crew will increase to twice per week with the $500 from the DBD, James met with the Mayor and Bobbye about his role downtown. Chamber-  Sara noted the Public Spaces Ordinance is moving forward  Big events coming up are business after work on the 15th at the Mansion, Pride on June 1, Cruise Night on June 12, Small Business Awards on June 27 at St. Clements.  Cathy noted CBB will be meeting next Thurs. 5/2 hybrid and hosted by Change, Inc. NECD- Not present Wesleyan-  Architect Joe Banks reported on 56 Hamlin project is progressing quickly and going as expected and they are always aware of the neighborhood and any issue that affect neighbors. He added to please contact him with any issues. Jen noted that Sara and Sandra are working with Jen on the Literary Festival this Fall, Middletown Pages, handling the event planning side of the event, which is being held all day Saturday, Oct. 26th with an opening event Friday evening Oct. 25th. Minutes-  Motion made by Marie to approve March minutes  2nd by Jen  All in favor Treasurer’s Report-  Motion by Chris to approve Treasurer Reports  2nd by Jen  All in Favor Chris noted we are on an accrual basis and so will be looking to make changes etc that make sense for reports. Jen noted the Literary festival and the Storefront Grant need to be excluded from our numbers.  DBD Minutes Pg 3 DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES: Advertising/Promotion- Sandra reported social media is going very well with businesses Gift Cards- Sandra reported the program is doing extremely well and is very popular Maintenance & Beautification- Planters are looking good with pansies and will be changes over in late May/early June Special Projects- Sandra inquired about grant funding and what the commission would like to approve Jen noted the $500 for St. Vincent’s was planned, so can be sent out.  Motion by Jen to approve $1,500 for Arts Fest and Holy Trinity Stage  2nd by Marie  All in favor 925 Report- Jen raised the April 30 of the presentation of Rte 9 light removal. Discussion followed. Sandra noted new businesses opening soon: Wine Bar, Cookies and Ice Cream, Island Mon Bakery, Holisique Skin Care, Fresh Monkee. Katie mentioned that the parking app is an issue for some people because of the added .30 fee. Adjournment-  Motion to adjourn @ 9:35 am made by Jen  2nd by Marie  All in favor.