Minutes

Present: R. Blicher, T. Callahan, B. Clouette, B. Feldman, A.J. Pappanikou, E. Paterson, W. Simpson, G. Zimmer

Staff: M. Hart, M. Capriola, G. Paddick

1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

None.

2. February 13, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The minutes of February 13, 2007 were passed unanimously.

3. University Spring Weekend

Mr. Blicher provided an update to the Committee regarding the University’s preparations for Spring weekend. The operations plan is in place; the UCONN police department has been coordinating and planning with local fire and emergency medical service agencies, Windham Hospital, IT staff, and other stakeholders. The University is optimistic about the outcomes for the upcoming Spring Weekend. A press conference is tentatively scheduled for April 17^th; the press conference is a useful tool in educating people around the State about the event.

Mayor Paterson stated that the Student Union will be open during Spring Weekend; SUBOG and other student organizations have been working to provide sober alternatives to students interested in “taking back” Spring Weekend as a University event. Mr. Feldman stated that there has been good cooperation and communication; he hopes that the alternative events will be appealing to students.

Mr. Hart stated the Town public safety agencies have been planning and are prepared for Spring Weekend.

Mr. Blicher informed the Committee that numerous DUI roadblocks and strong police presence will be present on campus during Spring Weekend.

4. Pedestrian Safety on Local Roads

Mr. Clouette said that a very good Op-Ed piece was recently published in the Courant and written by a UCONN student. The piece focused on the recent pedestrian-vehicular tragedies. He stressed the importance of educating both students and motorists about pedestrian safety.

Mr. Feldman stated that North Eagleville Road already has some pedestrian safety changes/improvements, particularly from a signage standpoint. Lighting improvements will begin before Spring Weekend. UCONN is working with the State Department of Transportation to separate vehicular and pedestrian traffic along North Eagleville Road from the Police Station to Hunting Lodge Road. During the summer, a traffic engineer will review crosswalks on campus, design, and pedestrian traffic flow.

Mr. Hart stated that the planned bike path/walkway project along Hunting Lodge Road is on schedule. Construction should begin in September 2007 and conclude by September 2008. The Town is also working with the State to improve signage and lighting along Routes 195 and 275. The Town has received over 2.5 million dollars in federal funds for improvements along Storrs Road.

Mr. Feldman stressed the importance of educating students and parents about pedestrian safety. Possible opportunities for education outreach are new student orientations, parent orientations, and first year experience classes.

Mr. Blicher stated that the UCONN police department often presents on pedestrian safety to first year experience classes. He also noted that, generally speaking, speeds of vehicles on campus have been dropping since the accidents occurred earlier in the year.

Mr. Clouette suggested and Mr. Pappanikou concurred that EO Smith students need to be educated about pedestrian safety along Route 195 as well.

5. Community Water and Wastewater Systems Master Plan

Mr. Callahan stated the Plan is moving along. The first review of the draft between Town and University staff is Friday, April 13^th. A public hearing will be held in May. The study is due to the Department of Public Health by June 1^st. Mr. Callahan believes that this process will create a dialogue between the Town and University about ownership, service, financing, and long-term water supply options. Mr. Paddick added that the study needs to identify future water sources and that the draft is a good starting point.

6. Mansfield Downtown Partnership

Mr. Hart stated that public hearings have been held regarding the proposed special design district, with an additional one scheduled in April.

Mayor Paterson stated that the annual Partnership meeting is scheduled for June and planning is underway for the annual festival. Ms. Paterson informed the group that Cynthia Van Zelm is in the process of recruiting for her assistant position; her current assistant will be leaving due to relocation.

7. Center for Off-Campus Services

Mr. Hart stated that Jim Hintz has been hired to be the Director of the Program. He will be in attendance at Spring Weekend and will begin work full-time on May 25^th. His office will be in the Student Union.

Mayor Paterson said the Community Campus Partnership will be sponsoring a driving under the influence demonstration at the Mansfield Community Center in April.

8. Other Business

None.

The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Maria E. Capriola

Minutes

Assistant to Town Manager