Thursday, october 23, 2008

Minutes

Present: Phil Barry, Mark Hammond, Matthew Hart, Phil Spak, Frank Vasington

Staff: Cynthia van Zelm

1. Call to Order

Matthew Hart called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm in Tom Callahan’s absence.

2. Comments on Minutes from September 25, 2008

Frank Vasington made a motion to approve the minutes of September 25. Phil Barry seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.

3. Update on Storrs Center Project

Cynthia van Zelm said a decision is expected by the end of October on the CT Department of Environmental Protection storm water management system permit.

Ms. van Zelm and Mr. Hart said LeylandAlliance is still waiting on confirmation on a meeting with the State Traffic Commission to address their questions regarding the permit for Storrs Road.

Mr. Hart said that Town consultant ERA’s review of HR&A’s fiscal analysis for Storrs Center should be complete soon.

The Committee discussed the latest on the phasing for the project. Mark Hammond wondered if materials cost for the garage could be locked in.

4. Review of September 30, 2008 Financials

The Committee reviewed the Partnership’s September 30, 2008 financials. In response to a question from Phil Spak, Ms. van Zelm said she believed the University share of the Partnership operations was in process but she would follow-up with the President’s office (October 28 – confirmed that this is in process).

5. Update on Grant Submissions

Ms. van Zelm said that the STEAP 1 grant would be closed out in December. She is working on the contract process for the parking garage funding.

Mr. Hart asked Ms. van Zelm to share the Storrs Road grant matrix with Committee members at the next meeting.

Mr. Hammond suggested that there may be more federal money available especially in infrastructure with an eye toward growing the economy. He expected less resources from the state.

6. Budget Discussion

Ms. van Zelm asked Mr. Hart if there were any changes in the budget process for next year. Mr. Hart said the Town Council will be having a budget retreat earlier than it has done in the past. He agreed that state funding for municipalities will be tight over the next few years.

Mr. Hart asked that Ms. van Zelm look again at the availability of USDA grants as well as a Transit Oriented Development grant possibility.

7. Other

Mr. Hart said that the Town Council has formed a Four Corners advisory committee. The Council is looking for a Downtown Partnership representative as this is one of the areas the Partnership originally looked at as part of its mission to revitalize commercial areas in Mansfield. Mr. Hart said the Partnership representative is important for coordination. He will be sending a formal letter to the Partnership requesting a representative.

8. Adjourn

Phil Barry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mark Hammond seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:55 pm.

Minutes taken by Cynthia van Zelm.