Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Annual & Regular Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Matt Lefevbre (Chair) Kevin Elak (Health Dept) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Cassandra Day (Press) Chris Conley (Commissioner) Dep Chief Rich Davis (Dep Chief MPD) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Cathy Ducan (Chamber) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Joe Banks (Architect WESU) Jen Aexander (Commissioner) Trevor Davis Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Coordinator) Maryellen Schukrow (St. Vins) Ken Ahnell (Beautification Manager) Brian Hubbs (Capt. MPD) Emily Ford Rani Arbo (WESU) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Matt at 8:32 a.m. by Chairman Matt Lefevbre. Sandra introduced Laurie Salafia, Asst. Branch Manager at Liberty Bank (Main St) who is interested in becoming a commissioner from the vacancy that will be left by Marie Kalita. Mayor- Not Present—City budget discussion of Council cutting 5m from Mayor’s budget. Police-  Dep Chief David reported applications are closed for the Ownership Control Officer. Had 2-3 candidates. This person will pay special attention to our downtown businesses and issues. More to come.  Bike patrols will be back with the increase in downtown dining etc.  Lots of events in June from Memorial Day, Pride, Car Cruise and 4th of July on June 29. Matt asked how businesses will be notified of street closures. Dep Chief responded that they would discuss and issue statements for the businesses and public to be shared. Public Works- Not present  Sandra updated the commission on meeting with Howard and Christine to discuss asks from the State given the Rte 9 light removal.  Ken and Sandra have addressed garbage cans being installed and graffiti issues.  Sandra was informed by Howard that the Tree Well Project will go out to bid in June.  Howard notified Sandra of the Public Works ARPA funding cuts by council which impacts sidewalk repairs.  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Economic Development/Parking- Not present Health Dept-  Kevin reported on Middletown Kids Health and Safety Day despite the weather was a big success.  Department is gearing up for the summer season. Pride 6/1 Juneteenth 6/19, Farmers Markets, etc.  Disseminating 5,000 prescription deactivation bags through CBB. Currently stations at PD and Library and City Hall for meds.  Shout out to Laurie Salafia. He has worked with her at Kiwanis and Warm the Children, and she is a great addition. COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s-  Maryellen reported she is busy gearing up for the summer and managing her sidewalk population.  Bids on building came in much higher than expected so working with lowest bidder.  Open Your Heart biggest fundraiser is being held tomorrow night.  The cleaning crew is now doing 2x per week.  James’ funding is still questionable, not sure if it is City budget. Chamber-  Sara reported that the Public Spaces Ordinance is up for Council approval on June 3rd if anyone wants to speak in favor of it.  Upcoming events include: Pride, Car Cruise, volunteers needed.  Cathy reported Kevin Elak/Health will be sponsoring CBB on June 6th. No July meeting. Next meeting 8/1. Jen asked about the Juneteenth Parade and Harbor Park. The Chamber confirmed there will be a parade and then a celebration at Harbor Park immediately following. NECD- Not present Wesleyan-  Rani Arbo reported the students have moved out and graduation commencement is this weekend.  Encampment is down through administration and students working together and communicating.  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. Minutes-  Motion made by Jen to approve April minutes  2nd by Tom  All in favor  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 Treasurer’s Report- Chris reported revenue to date is $139,000 and we have spend $142,000. Sandra is working on setting up a meeting with the City to discuss the assessment vs. revenue issue and work out prior year questions.  Motion by Jen to approve Treasurer Reports  2nd by Tom  All in Favor DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES: Advertising/Promotion- Sandra reported social media continues to be our primary source of advertising and is going very well with Instagram followers breaking 2,000. Gift Cards- Sandra reported the program continues to do extremely well. Maintenance & Beautification- Planters will be changed out in a week or so. Ken is handling graffiti at Hartford Ave with Public Works. Garbage cans will be going in, a plan to have them installed is underway. 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- Trevor updated the commission on Parking Advisory’s proposal to raise rates. Jen questioned why we are raising prices and where the money will go. Trevor also reported Christine has $15k or so for parking signage and plans to work on that project right away. Discussion followed. Jen reminded everyone that the Rte 9 discusson/public comment on light removal will be this Thursday at 6pm in the Council Chamber to voice opinions. Adjournment-  Motion to adjourn @ 9:35 am made by Jen  2nd by Marie  All in favor.