Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Annual & Regular Meeting Minutes September 25, 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.  P & Z meeting this evening has zoning text change to allow cannabis retail in downtown business area.  Discussion followed. COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s-  All is going well, very busy. Shout out to Office Jesse for his great work. Making a huge difference.  Opening shelter Dec. 1-April 1 at Grace & Mercy Church. City and State funded.  James Thomas will oversee and manager the shelter as well as the Street Clean Up crew.  Street cleaning is going well, two times per week when able, but at least once per week on Fridays.  Making sure James introduces himself to businesses and they have his contact information.  New building plans are with the Dept. of Housing. Hoping the State will help close funding gap of 900k.  Lot on Liberty has been mowed. 2 racoons in neighborhood causing issues.  Amazing Grace renovation is complete and very busy.  Opening their food program in schools and continuing the backpack program at 8 elementary schools.  Chamber-  Sara reported the Chamber Awards Dinner was this evening 5-8 in E Haddam.  Chamber will be at the Durham Fair  CBB hosted by Dominic Dimartino on Oct. 3. In person only.  October 17 is Coach Hurley breakfast.  Annual Support the Troops breakfast is Nov. 14. NECD- Not present Wesleyan-  Rani no updates, happy to answer questions or send her any topics.  Joe Banks reported 56 Hamlin is going very well, and is on schedule.  DBD Minutes Pg 3 OTHER:  Chief Costa reported the YMCA received an $8million award and $1million in their capital campaign and encourages everyone to support them because of the great work they do, including housing.  Trevor announced Bill Vasilliou will be retiring form Housing Authority. Minutes-  Motion made by Commissioner Ford to approve  2nd by Diane  All in favor Treasurer’s Report- Commissioner Conley reported $29,000 in expenses. Borrowing from money market until $80K received from City then will reimburse that money.  Motion made by Diane to approve Treasurer Report  2nd by Laurie  All in Favor New Business: No new business. DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES: Advertising/Promotion- No report. Gift Cards – Sandra reported on the large gift card orders from Springside Apartments on Newfield Street. The program continues to go very well. Maintenance & Beautification- Sandra reported fall plantings are in. A few planters were vandalized and replaced and PD is looking into the matter and found the individual the did the damage. Special Projects- NONE 925 Report- Commissioner Salafia reported Liberty Bank will be repairing the gazebo on the South Green for Liberty Day. Liberty Bank is also trying to assist the City with the lights on the tree because they are having trouble hiring and keeping an electrician. Commissioner Gervais noted Sunday’s have become interesting downtown and would ask the PD to keep an eye on this activity. Adjournment-  Motion to adjourn @ 9:28 am made by Commissioner Ford  2nd by Commissioner Salafia  All in favor. Meeting adjourned.