Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Annual & Regular Meeting Minutes August 28, 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) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Jen Alexander (Commissioner) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Laurie Salafia (Commissioner) Off. Jesse Santostefano (MPD) Katie Hughes-Nelson (Commissioner) Joe Banks (WESU) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Trevor Davis Ken Ahnell Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Manager) Howard Weissberg (Pub Works) Chief Costa (MPD) Dep Chief Davis (MPD) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Matt at 8:32 a.m. by Chairman Matt Lefevbre. Mayor- Not Present Police-  Chief Costa reported the downtown area seems to be doing well. Positive direction in north end.  Shooting incident was between individuals and not a threat to community and thanks to people in neighborhood arrests were made quickly.  Officer Santostefano reported he made all downtown partner aware it was an isolated incident.  He is focused on downtown enforcement and focusing on areas with any heightened activity.  He believes there is less panhandling because tickets are being issued to repeat offenders.  Jen reported an incident of theft on Washington Street and asked about cameras for footage.  Discussion followed and Chief noted he is working on a camera registration system and mention apps that can report thefts that go directly to police.  Sandra mentioned bicycling on sidewalks is increasing. Discussion followed on ideas to enforce including Jen suggesting stenciling on sidewalks at intersections to dismount. Howard in Public Works said he could work with that and PD noted they would give warnings to people as well. Public Works-  Acting Director Howard Weissberg reported the RFP for the downtown tree well project received no responses.  They are reaching out to Urban Forestry for suggestions including a professional services contract.  Traffic signal RFP is moving forward.  He did a presentation to the City Hall/Library Feas Study Comm.  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Public Works-Cont’d-  Public Works still has no director, and many other positions and areas of the department are short staffed.  Working as well as they can with resources available. Economic Development/Parking-  Not present  Jen reported on the Parking Advisor Committee meeting.  Rate increases were proposed again including other fees. The item was tabled for this meeting.  Discussion followed on rate increases and notifying business owners when the issue resurfaces.  Trevor discussed requesting better parking signage sooner rather than later. Progress is slow on that issue. Health Dept-  Kevin reported with summer ending we are heading into Fall and that means flu and season.  Clinics will be happening with the City and Stop & Shop Pharmacy. Check website for dates and locations.  All vaccines will be available and more info to follow. COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s-  Not Present  Chamber-  Sara noted dates in Sept. 9/10 Sexual Harassment Training, 9/12 Business After Work at the Inn, 9/17 Business After Work at Mohegan Sun, 9/18 Manufacturing Breakfast, 9/21 UCONN Tailgate, 9/25 Business Awards Dinner, 10/17 Dan Hurley Breakfast.  Cathy noted the next CBB will be 9/5 in person only with NORA hosting. NECD- Not present Wesleyan-  Rani was not present however Joe Banks reported move in day is today!  New building progress is going extremely well and timely.  Jen asked about dirt areas for public and parking. Discussion followed.  Joe noted it will be more of a teaching venue then venue for the public. Officer Santostefano noted he will be on vacation Aug. 2-8. Minutes-  Motion made by Tom Ford to approve  2nd by Diane  All in favor Treasurer’s Report- Chris reported total in all accounts was $102.000 and $23,000 in the storefront grant. No cash from the City yet, Sandra inquired however only $33,000 was available.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3  Motion made by Jen to approve Treasurer Report  2nd by Diane  All in Favor New Business: Jen inquired about Sandra looking into metal gates in the north end at the smoke shop. Discussion followed. Sandra will follow up. Katie stated that Officer Santostefano is a positive force downtown and has great communication with businesses. Diane stated she feels PAL has had a positive impact downtown keeping young people occupied with positive activities instead of being in and out of the businesses. Sandra noted that she had 2 reports of human defecation by Holy Trinity and in front of 428 Main and will look into a process for how to address when this occurs with the City. Further discussion on parking rates occurred between the commissioners. DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES: Advertising/Promotion- Sandra reported new brochures are complete and distributed as needed AND updated wayfinding maps have been installed. Social media continues to go well. Gift Cards – Sandra reported large gift card orders for the City and apartments on Newfield St. Maintenance & Beautification- Sandra noted she has delivered cleaning supplies for containers downtown that the St. Vins cleaning crew will use. Fall plantings will be going in in mid-September. Special Projects- NONE 925 Report- Jen asked for everyone to give the new restaurant Parsley a try. Tom reported Game Day Mens Health will be going into corporate center and 15,000 s/f of space. Sandra thanked the commission for allowing her to work remotely the past several weeks while caring for her Mom. Adjournment-  Motion to adjourn @ 9:28 am made by Jen  2nd by Tom  All in favor. Meeting adjourned.