MINUTES

June 21, 2007

PRESENT: K. Grunwald (staff), J.A. Bobbitt, G. Padick (staff), N. Sheehan, S. Thomas, A. Kennefick, M. Hart (staff), J. Brubacher

REGRETS: G. Cole

I. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

II. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE:

III. REVIEW OF MINUTES: the minutes of the June 7, 2007 meeting should reflect that Nancy Sheehan was in attendance. Other than that correction, the minutes were accepted as written.

IV. COMMUNICATIONS:

A. Agenda

B. June 7, 2007 Minutes

V. DISCUSSION/NEW BUSINESS:

A. Conversation with Ray Washburn: Ray Washburn from Masonicare attended to ask questions about the intent of our RFQ. He raised some questions regarding the role of the Town in the development process, and stated that his organization would be open to some variation of a partnership. He expects that Masonicare would purchase the land. Masonicare started in 1871; primary location in Wallingford. They currently own and operate 3 facilities in the State. Two campuses in Wallingford, one in Newtown, including a memory impairment unit and skilled nursing facilities. They generally look at a continuum of care. They are the largest provider of senior services in the State; own the CT VNA. Their CCR has 202 units, adding to this; also a 57 unit assisted living facility. They provide a series of housing options throughout the continuum of care. They also own their own physician practices, specializing in geriatric medicine. Masonicare would look at the potential needs for skilled nursing care in this area.

B. Update on Request for Qualifications: K. Grunwald reported that he has heard from Steve Kegler of United Methodist Homes who has offered a tour of facilities operated by this group. G. Padick raised concerns about a field trip to United Methodist facilities once we receive responses to the RFQ.

C. Updates on contacts with University representatives: K. Grunwald met with representatives of the Uconn Alumni Association. Fran Archambault indicated that Region 19 may have land available for this project. G. Padick reviewed the parcel, and feels that the maximum developable acreage is 2 acres, which might be adequate for a minimum sized project, but with no room for expansion. This would also require creating access from Hanks Hill Rd. This is another site that we could potentially put on an inventory; it is not right next to sewer and water connections, and is a significant distance from existing connections. While it may be possible, there are limitations. We should also consider the Warren property as a possibility as well. There was some discussion regarding alternative sites, including one parcel close to rt. 44 near Jensen’s Adult Community. J. A. Bobbitt mentioned another parcel near the intersection of rt. 44/32, which is another possibility. A suggestion was made that part of our process, once we identify a developer, will be to work with them around site acquisition. G. Padick feels that the North Campus area would be preferable if we look at going beyond the downtown area.

Other contacts: J. Brubacher reports that AAUP is not particularly interested in this project at the time. He will follow-up with the Uconn Foundation. N. Sheehan mentioned the newly formed work-life committee that Veronica Macowsky is in charge of. K. Grunwald will follow-up with Veronica.

D. Meeting with Representatives of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership: K. Grunwald spoke with Cynthia Van Zelm from the Downtown Partnership and is attempting to schedule a meeting with staff from the partnership to discuss this project and their potential interest.

E. “Other”: none.

VI. SCHEDULE FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: first and third Thursday of each month, 9-10:30; location TBD. Members will be polled from meeting to meeting to determine availability.

VII. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald