Minutes

Present: J. Bell-Elkins, T. Callahan, B. Feldman, J. Hintz, R. Miller, E. Paterson, W. Simpson, G. Zimmer

Staff: M. Capriola, G. Paddick, C. van Zelm,

1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

None.

2. June 12, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The minutes of June 12, 2007 were passed unanimously.

3. Appointment of New University President

Mayor Paterson stated that she was pleased with the appointment of Dr. Hogan as the new University President. Mayor Paterson provided Dr. Hogan’s background. Dr. Hogan will be coming to UCONN from the University of Iowa. He has a strong commitment to undergraduate education and teaching as well as to student involvement with the decision making process. He also believes that the University has a commitment to its community. Mayor Paterson believes that Dr. Hogan will be a great fit for the University and the Town and she is excited about his appointment. Dr. Hogan will be in attendance at convocation and will “permanently” be at UCONN beginning September 15^th. It was noted that the University of Iowa is also one of the few universities in the country that owns and operates its own water/sewer systems.

Mayor Paterson also commented on the fact that four UCONN students will be serving as Mansfield volunteer firefighters during the upcoming academic year. The students are fully trained firefighters and the Town is excited to have them serve our community.

4. Mansfield Community-Campus Partnership

Ms. Bell-Elkins provided an update and handout on the Community-Campus Partnership including the goals and objectives of the group for the upcoming year. Discussion occurred regarding the second goal of the Community-Campus Partnership, which is to reduce irresponsible behavior. In addition to irresponsible behaviors associated with substance use, the Partnership wants to reduce irresponsible behaviors related to pet ownership, recycling, litter and blight, landlord response to tenants, etc.

Mayor Paterson thanked Ms. Bell-Elkins and Social Services Director Kevin Grunwald for their hard work on the “white paper.” The “white paper” will be a resource for Town and University staff regarding various components of Spring Weekend such as stakeholders, services, man-hours, background, etc.

Mayor Paterson stated that she believes the Community-Campus Partnership will have a successful year, particularly with Jim Hintz on board with the Office for Off-Campus Services.

5. Community Water and Wastewater Systems Master Plan

Mr. Callahan stated that DPH has approved the Master Plan. The University is reporting every other month on progress made (’04 consent order and the study). The capital budget includes engineering and build-out funds to address the water/wastewater system.

Mr. Padick commented on the Master Plan. He believes it is a cohesive gathering of factual information that has been gathered over the past ten years and that the Plan will aid in decision-making. He stated that it’s important that the Plan was a joint Town/University effort.

Mr. Miller noted that a Fenton River Water Conservation Alert has been issued, but is currently voluntary. Mr. Callahan stated that the alert is related to stream flow, and not to supply or demand. He further noted that the water system has a 5.4 million gallon reservoir that uses groundwater from nearby rivers. Mayor Paterson stated that the University is being proactive – not reactive - by issuing the alert.

Mr. Miller and Mr. Callahan discussed some of the requests for water and/or wastewater services that have been made to the University. Some of the requests have included: water/wastewater to Storrs Center; Carriage House; Reynolds School; sewer connection to Knollwood apartments; water/wastewater for proposed additional apartments at Celeron; and water/wastewater to a proposed apartment complex on Hunting Lodge Road. The University issued a letter to the developer of the proposed project on Hunting Lodge Road that included 22 conditions that must be met in order for the project to be approved for connection to the UCONN water and sewer system. Conditions in the letter included approvals from applicable Town land use agencies. The letter was issued in June 2006.

6. Mansfield Downtown Partnership

Mayor Paterson stated that the Town continues to work on funding issues. There will be a public hearing (IWA) on September 4^th. The Partnership still needs to go before the US Army Corps of Engineers, the CT DEP, and the State Traffic Commission.

Ms. van Zelm and Mayor Paterston noted that the Partnership will be presenting at a Northeast Utilities workshop on September 5^th. They also noted that the Festival on the Green will occur September 16^th, with a fireworks celebration at Mansfield Hollow State Park on September 15^th. Volunteers and donations for this event are welcome.

Mr. Zimmer inquired as to the installation of a trail and bridges that recently appeared on land that the Partnership will occupy. Ms. van Zelm noted that Joshua’s Trust had inquired about such a trail, but that she was unaware of such an installation or of any approvals that had been given for such a project. Ms. van Zelm and Mayor Paterson stated that the Partnership will look into the matter.

7. Other Business

Mr. Hintz provided an update on the Office for Off-Campus Services. There will be a community reception on August 15^th from 4:30-7:30pm at the Mansfield Community Center. The purpose of the reception is to introduce Mr. Hintz to the community. The reception will include two presentations by Mr. Hintz regarding his new Office and one presentation by Mike Ninteau, Director of Building and Housing Inspection for the Town, regarding the Housing Code Program.

Mr. Miller provided an update on the Ad Hoc Group on the Environment which was formed by the League of Women Voters. There will be a workshop on climate change on November 1^st at the Bishop Center from 8:30-11:30 am. The panel will include UCONN faculty and staff and Town staff. There will be a State speaker as well.

Mr. Miller stated that the North Eagleville sidewalk (from the UCONN Police Department to Hunting Lodge Road) will be completed by August 24^th when the students return to campus.

Mr. Miller informed the Committe that the University compost facility project and funds have been approved. The composting facility will be located on Old Colony Road near Routes 32 and 44.

Mr. Feldman commended Mansfield Fire Chief David Dagon for his letter to the Hartford Courant on August 11^th regarding mutual aid in the fire services. He also noted that Chief Hudd has been directed to conduct a strategic plan for Fire Services at UCONN.

Mr. Feldman stated the University is about to test its new siren system. The siren system is a public address system and will be utilized in the event of an emergency. The siren is very loud and will last for approximately 1 ½ minutes. The siren system will be tested some time during the week of August 20 – 24^th.

Mr. Miller noted that the University is seeking alternate locations for the hazardous waste storage facility. It is currently located on East Campus near Horsebarn Hill. Two suitable sites have been identified and design is currently underway.

Respectfully submitted,

Maria E. Capriola

Audrey Beck Municipal Building

Minutes

Assistant to Town Manager