Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Annual & Regular Meeting Minutes October 23, 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) Christine Marques (ECD Director) Joe Banks (WESU) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Manager) Trevor Davis Maryellen Schucerow (St. Vins) Howard Weissberg (Pub Works) Emily Ford (Hajjar Development) Dep Chief Davis (MPD) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Matt at 8:320 a.m. by Chairman Matt Lefevbre. Mayor- Not Present Police-  Deputy Chief Davis reports they have been busy with events downtown and in the City.  Gave a shout out to Officer Bodell and Bear during the difficult circumstances of losing firefighter. They are working with all entities to support their needs.  Working with all departments to protect the west side of the city with great success.  Officer Santostefano continues to work with all business owners downtown and addressing newcomers to downtown and curbing bad behavior. Public Works-  Acting Director Howard Weissberg reported they continue to be severely understaffed.  Final touches on ARPA projects.  Presented the City Hall/Library projects to Library Board of Trustees.  Complimented Cassandra Day for a great article getting ready for winter. Economic Development/Parking-  Christine noted they are working on the trolley for Holiday on Main events.  Work is continuing the river front with engineering services.  Keating new businesses continue to inquire, and existing businesses are expanding.  Study being done on the safety of Melilli Plaza and bus terminal.  DBD Minutes Pg, 2 Health Dept-  Kevin reported vaccine clinics are very active, and Chamber has one Friday. Check the city website for information.  Businesses that would like to plan a vaccine clinic can contact Kevin.  Planning on launching a grant program using the opioid settlement funds, targeting 11/12 to present to Council.  Kevin was appointed to the Statewide Opioid Settlement Task Force and is proud to be part of it. COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s-  Maryellen reported things are very busy but going well.  Warming Center will be open 12/1-4/1 and managed by James Thomas at Grace and Mercy Church.  James will be doing more outreach ministry due to need Chamber-  Sara reported Business after Work at Goodspeed Station tonight.  Next week will be the Chambers Job Fair at the Courtyard in Cromwell.  Open House at the Chamber coming up.  Support the Troops breakfast 11/4.  Cathy: Next week CBB 11/7 sponsored by S. Fire NECD- Not present Wesleyan-  Joe Banks reported on the 56 Hamlin building.  Project is going well and is on schedule. Minutes-  Motion made by Commissioner Ford to approve  2nd by Diane  All in favor Treasurer’s Report- Commissioner Conley reported we received a check for $80,000 for the first half taxes and all accounts have been updated accordingly. YTD expenses $48,449. Operations Account has a $31,827 balance.  Motion made by Diane to approve Treasurer Report  2nd by Tom  All in Favor New Business: Sandra reported that the Zoning Officer has addressed the steel gate at Vape Vault and graffiti on building at Rapalo and Main. Sandra reported she is attending the Holiday on Main planning meetings.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES: Advertising/Promotion- Sandra reported social media is going well is working on a plan to enhance Facebook and Instagram posts. Gift Cards – Sandra reported an increase in gift card sales since becoming the card for Kidcity has increased 40%. Preparing for the holiday season with inventory and stocking up Amato’s and Chamber. Maintenance & Beautification- Commissioner Salafia reported that Liberty Bank painted the gazebo on South Green and Doolittle has offered to power wash it. Special Projects- NONE 925 Report- Cannibus retail zoning change discusses. Discussion followed. Trevor reported the Bob’s building owner is working on easements. Commissioner Conley reported T-Bone Prime opening 10/29. Commissioner Ford announced 15,000 s/f with 2 engineering firms has been leased. 3rd engineering firm in discussion and Charles IT has 2nd and 3rd floor at 237 main thru 2/25 with ability to extend. Adjournment-  Motion to adjourn @ 9:22 am made by Commissioner Conley  2nd by Commissioner Ford  All in favor. Meeting adjourned.