Seventh Annual Meeting
Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Inc.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Center for Hellenic Studies Paideia
1) Call to Order and Welcome
President Philip Lodewick called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm.
2) Public Comment
There was no public comment.
3) Approval of Minutes from Annual Meeting – June 5, 2007
N.H. Lerman made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 5, 2007 Annual Meeting. Betsy Paterson seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
4) Annual Review of the Program and the Year Ahead
Mr. Lodewick gave an overview of the accomplishments of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership in the last year and the plans for the future.
Mr. Lodewick recognized outgoing Board member Al Hawkins for his excellent years of service and presented him with a rendering of the Storrs Center project.
5) Remarks from President Michael Hogan, University of Connecticut
President Hogan said the prospect for change and vision for the future through Storrs Center is important for not only the University of Connecticut but the Town of Mansfield. The Partnership has helped to cement the important relationship between the University and the Town. The positive changes at the University – both in terms of the physical plant and academics and research will be mirrored by the additional amenities close to home and housing opportunities that Storrs Center will create.
6) Approval of Changes to the Bylaws
Nominating Committee member Steve Bacon introduced proposed changes to the Bylaws, as approved by the Board of Directors on March 4, 2008. He referred to the proposed changes that were included in the mailing to members.
Mr. Bacon said the changes for the membership to consider include: deleting the language that says if a member cancels its membership and rejoins, that they would be required to pay back dues (never enforced); increases Executive Committee to eight members which provides for the Mayor of Mansfield and the Provost of the University of Connecticut, to serve on the Executive Committee if they or their designee from the Town or the University are not already serving (ensures that the Town and the University have a presence on the Executive Committee); quorum on Executive Committee is increased to five to reflect the new Executive Committee composition; and the conflict of interest
~over~
provision is tightened to add that a conflict of interest by a Board member relates to a conflict with a person, not only an organization.
Betsy Treiber made a motion to accept the Bylaws changes as presented. Ron Schurin seconded the motion. The motion was approved with one abstention by N.M. Lerman.
7) Election of Directors to the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Inc., Board of Directors
Mr. Lodewick reported that the Board was nominating Dean David Woods to a three-year term on the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors. Mr. Lodewick asked if there were any nominations from the Floor. Hearing none, Betsy Paterson made a motion to elect David Woods to a three-year term on the Board of Directors until June 30, 2011. Matthew Hart seconded the motion. The motion was approved with one abstention by N.M. Lerman.
8) Remarks by State Senator Donald Williams
State Senator Don Williams congratulated the Partnership membership for its vision for the future, and the thoughtful and deliberative way it has planned Storrs Center. He said that Storrs Center adds value to Mansfield and the State; it can serve as model for the state for its public/private nature. He commended the membership for it hard work. He noted that Governor Rell saw the benefit of the project through her support of $10 million for the parking garage. Senator Williams also noted the efforts in the plans for energy conservation. His final thoughts were, “let’s get it done!”
9) Volunteer of the Year
Finance and Administration Chair Tom Callahan recognized Dolan Evanovich as Volunteer of the Year. He commended Mr. Evanovich for his work on the Membership Development Committee – building an organizational membership of over 400 members. Mr. Callahan also noted Mr. Evanovich’s work to promote Storrs Center as a benefit to Town residents. Mr. Evanovich was given a plaque of appreciation.
10) Other
Ms. Paterson announced that the Festival on the Green will be held as part of a Celebrate Mansfield weekend. There will be fireworks on Saturday, September 13 with a picnic and bands at Mansfield Hollow Dam, and the Festival on Sunday, September 14 from 12 pm to 5 pm. There will be food, music, art, the children’s parade, and the Farmer’s Market, among other events. Ms. Paterson asked for sponsorships for the Festival and/or donations.
11) Adjourn
Hearing no other business, a motion was made by Ms. Paterson and seconded by Ms. Treiber to adjourn. The motion was approved and the Annual Meeting adjourned at 7:04 pm.