Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Annual & Regular Meeting Minutes July 24, 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) Capt. Brian Hubbs (MPD) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Maryellen Schukrow (St. Vins) Jen Alexander (Commissioner) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Laurie Salafia (Commissioner) Off. Jesse Santostefano (MPD) ************************ Rani Arbo (WESU) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Manager) Trevor Davis Christine Marques (ECD) Ken Ahnell Erin Ortega (YMCA) Howard Weissberg (Pub Works) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Joe Banks (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 will be filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Commissioner Marie Kalita. Mayor- Not Present Police-  Captain Hubbs reported both the Chief and Deputy are on vacation.  Coming to the end of event season with Aug. 6th National Night Out and PD is planning accordingly.  Panhandling is being addressed as situations arise. Having a list of cameras available from residents and businesses would be helpful.  Incident at RJ Julia was discussed, and individuals were taken into custody.  Sandra noted the Chief was looking into a form that could be sent out for registration of cameras that the Chamber and DBD would work on disseminating to businesses.  Officer Santostefano is in the new position and doing what is required when specific incidents or issues are brought to his attention. Liberty St is a high crime area at this time and installation of cameras could be a helpful solution.  Working with City, P & Z, Health, Building etc. to try to build a fence around 40 Liberty St building so it is not used by people on the street.  Working on identifying indivudiuals that are involved in incidents and trying to get them proper resources depending on the issue: homelessness, drug addiction, etc. Working with Maryellen and River Valley Serv.  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Public Works-  Howard reported it is their busy season and they are preparing for the Nutmeg Games being in town.  Critically understaffed with a number of vacancies in the department including director.  Paving 10 miles of road is the goal for this year.  RFP on traffic signal inventory and improvements closed yesterday.  Downtown Street Tree Well Project is closing in 2 weeks and then they will select contractor to move forward.  Jen inquired about pedestrian crossing light at NE corner of Washington and Main. Howard noted PD handles signals and will follow up with them and city contractor. Economic Development/Parking-  Christine reported they are making progress on the grant projects with the State.  Environmental Study for riverfront remediation will be going to professional services soon.  Parking is strategizing Melilli Plaza.  Keating Building continues to have much interest from new renters.  Trevor inquired as to the status of Parking Signs with P. Christine outlined the process at the City, creating a PO and will begin sorting it all out. Not sure of the timeline, maybe the Fall. Health Dept-  Kevin reported offering NARCAN training on 8/7 at 9am and you can register on their website.  Opioid overdose response kits will be available to the community soon.  Covid is surging a bit with summer. They rely on wastewater results to determine these numbers.  Matt questioned if businesses can be trained in NARCAN and Kevin said he would like for that happen very much and will assist businesses if they request it. Sandra introed Erin Ortega as a new community person to the meeting. Erin stated she is the new COO at the YMCA and is very excited to become part of the downtown happenings in Middletown. COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s-  Maryellen wished everyone a Happy Summer!  There is a spike in Amazing Grace and food needs this summer.  Reinstated the cleaning crew 2 days a week with James supervising. Sandra will drop off supplies to clean the waste baskets.  Working with DOH at the State to help close funding gap on the new building.  Love having Officer Jesse on board downtown! Dedicated to his role!  Warming center will be run by St. Vins again this year at Grace and Mercy Church beginning Dec. 1. Chamber-  Sara noted Business After work at the Marriott in Cromwell 5-7pm tonight.  Aug. 15 is will be at Valley Railroad in Essex.  Sept. 12 will be held at the Inn at Middletown.  Cornhole tournament 8/9 at Powder Ridge.  Cathy reported BAW will have Speed Networking and CBB will be 8/1 all in person. All division are now in person.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 NECD- Not present Wesleyan-  Rani Arbo noted students will be returning Wednesday August 28th  She inquired with Keving on NARCAN training as WESU for the students. Discussion followed.  Joe Banks, architect for 55 Hamlin Court noted progress is on schedule for Jan 2025 opening.  151 College Street, the old Christian Science building was purchased by WESU looking to maintain the buildings original architecture. Officer Santostefano noted he will be on vacation Aug. 2-8. Minutes-  Motion made by Jen to approve May minutes  2nd by Diane  All in favor Treasurer’s Report- Chris reported end of June balance is approximately $100,000 on hand. FY 30,000 short due to assessment projections by the City. Meeting is being set up with City to discuss. Expenses for the month were slightly over $7,500  Motion by Jen to approve Treasurer Report  2nd by Diane  All in Favor New Business: Sandra reported that we received a Letter of Resignation from Brent Thomsen, who left the Inn at Middletown for another position out of town. Discussion followed on replacement. Matt reported that he and Sandra met with the Police Department, Chief and others regarding street closures. The meeting was great with the PD hearing our issues and concerns and the Chief is planning to form a committee of the important parties to discuss in the new year before events get underway. DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES: Advertising/Promotion- Brochures and wayfinding maps are in process of being printed with updated information. Social media continues to grow. Gift Cards- Jen discussed the Newfield St apartment complex reaching out for gift card and she is working with them and Sandra on what they will need to purchase. Looking for 50 at $250 each. Discussion followed. Maintenance & Beautification- Sandra will get cleaning supplies for garbage and recycling containers to St. Vins. Flower pots looking great. Special Projects- NONE 925 Report- Discussion followed on parking rate proposals/increases Adjournment-  Motion to adjourn @ 9:41 am made by Jen  2nd by Chris  All in favor.