MANSFIELD DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
September 5, 2006
MINUTES
Present: Stephen Bacon, Tom Callahan, Bruce Clouette, Barry Feldman, Al Hawkins, Janet Jones, Philip Lodewick, Betsy Paterson, Dave Pepin, Phil Spak, Betsy Treiber, Frank Vasington, David Woods
Staff: Cynthia van Zelm, Tricia Rogalski
Guest: Matt Hart
1. Call to Order
Philip Lodewick called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.
2.
There was no public comment.
3. Approval of Minutes
Al Hawkins made a motion to approve the minutes. Janet Jones seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
4. Director’s Report
Cynthia
van Zelm said that the CD/Video documenting and marketing the
Ms. van Zelm asked the Board to write follow-up letters to Senators Dodd and Lieberman and Congressman Simmons with respect to the $2M included in the Senate Transportation Appropriations bill. The bill still needs to go to the Senate floor and to conference with the House. She said she would e-mail out drafts of letters for the Board to use as templates.
Barry Feldman asked how much the cost of the Building 1A is per square foot. Ms. van Zelm said the total cost of the building is between $2 and $3M.
5. Update
on
6. Resolution re: authorization of Executive Director to Sign Documents
Ms. Paterson made a motion to adopt a resolution that Cynthia van Zelm, in her capacity as Executive Director of the Partnership, is hereby authorized to enter into any contract and to execute and deliver any instrument, including but not limited to applications and related correspondence to the Planning and Zoning Commission or any other board, commission or agency of the Town of Mansfield, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership. Mr. Hawkins seconded the motion.
Frank Vasington asked if Ms. van Zelm can enter into a contract without Board approval?
Ms. Paterson said there may be times when there is something that needs to be acted on that is not congruent with the Board meetings. The Executive Committee could be asked to meet to take action or direct Ms. van Zelm to take action.
Mr. Vasington said he feels that contracts need to be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors before the Executive Director signs them.
Mr. Callahan said there is a separate issue of who approves a contract to spend money vs. giving the Executive Director the authority to sign documents on behalf of the Partnership.
Mr. Clouette said his original question related to whether Ms. van Zelm as Executive Director had the authority to sign applications to the Planning and Zoning Commission on behalf of the Board.
Mr. Callahan said his view is that it is appropriate to give Ms. van Zelm the authority to sign an application or contract, but not the authority to decide on the merits of such without approval from the Board.
Barry Feldman suggested that the Partnership’s attorney Lee Cole-Chu review the draft resolution again, with particular review in the context of planning and zoning issues.
The Board revised the resolution and asked Ms. van Zelm to run it by Mr. Cole-Chu.
The motion was tabled until next month.
7. Discussion of Changes to Personnel Policies
Ms. van Zelm referred to proposed changes to the Partnership Personnel Policies to reflect the fact that Administrative Assistant Tricia Rogalski was now working 30 hours and some of the policies provide benefits for persons working 30 hours or more. The Partnership budget does not allow for benefits beyond 40 hours at this time. Ms. Rogalski is receiving benefits through her spouse.
Ms. Paterson made a motion to approve the changes to the Personnel Policies as attached. Ms. Jones seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
8. Review of Letter to Interested Parties re: membership
Membership Development Committee Chair Betsy Treiber referred to the draft letter that would be sent to people who would like to be on the Partnership’s mailing list. The letter encourages membership in the Partnership without requiring it. The letter would be sent to the interested parties list as well as people who have expressed interest in housing. It would not be sent to prospective businesses in the new development.
9. Report from Committees
Dean
Woods said the
The
Committee has also provided suggestions on the program for the groundbreaking
for the
Ms. Paterson encouraged Board members to volunteer at the Festival if they have not already signed up to do so.
She commended Dean Woods and Tom Callahan for their “wonderful response” on behalf of UConn for participation in the Festival.
The puppets, UConn Athletes, UConn marching band will all participate.
Ms. Paterson said the music will be top notch and that Board member Janet Jones had secured 7 to 9 food vendors, many more than last year. She said that UConn chefs will do a food demonstration.
There will be a juried art show with judges from the UConn School of Fine Arts faculty. Cash prizes will be provided.
Ms. van Zelm shared a draft updated project timeline with the Board. Mr. Callahan suggested that the team keep in mind that UConn will not come back into session until late January in terms of the scheduling of public hearings.
10. Adjourn
Betsy Treiber made a motion to adjourn at 4:55 pm. Dave Pepin seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
Meeting notes taken by Cynthia van Zelm.