Minutes

Present: P. Barry, J. Bell-Elkins, T. Callahan, B. Clouette, M. Hart, A.J. Pappanikou, E. Paterson, W. Simpson, G. Zimmer

Staff: M. Capriola, G. Padick

1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

None.

2. August 14, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The minutes of August 14, 2007 were passed unanimously.

3. Community-Campus Relations

Mr. Hart stated that there has been quite a bit of activity at Carriage House Apartment complex during the first three weekends school has been in session. Aspen Square (managers of Carriage House) and the Town have met and he is optimistic that improvements are being made. Aspen Square has implemented some of the Town’s recommendations such as:

· Erection of a temporary fence along the front entrance of the property. This assists police with checking IDs and managing the crowds.

· On site management representative. A temporary on site management representative has been provided by Aspen Square for evening hours.

· Leases now have occupancy limits and a “three strikes and you’re out” policy is being enforced.

· Police officers have been hired by Aspen Square as private duty on the weekends.

Mayor Paterson stated that both she and Mr. Hart have been at Carriage House on numerous occasions and have engaged in dialogue with students. She believes this has helped to communicate various issues to students. Mr. Clouette noted that local residents are appreciative of the efforts of the University and Mr. Hintz’s Office for Off-Campus Services.

Mr. Hart noted that some house parties have popped up in neighborhoods, but these parties do not generally attract an outside element like Carriage House parties. Mayor Paterson and Mr. Hart commented on a complaint received by the Town regarding a rental property on Gurleyville Road; the house was inspected and registered via the Town’s housing code program and Jim Hintz/Office for Off-Campus Services paid a visit to the residents of the property. Mayor Paterson stated that both of these programs are effectively carrying out their purposes.

Mayor Paterson stated that the Town will be adding a section to its website for information related to off-campus student rentals. She also mentioned that the Mansfield Community-Campus Partnership conducted visits to off-campus residences to inform students about safety issues, responsibilities, etc. Groups conducting the visits consisted of Town, State, and University officials.

Ms. Bell-Elkins noted that she will be contacting UMASS Amherst to benchmark because Aspen Square has properties there as well. Changes in accountability and expectations in the long-run can be achieved by working with folks within the company’s management ranks.

Mr. Pappanikou inquired as to whether or not plans are underway for new University student housing. Mr. Callahan stated that no such plans are underway.

Mr. Clouette inquired about student enrollment. Mr. Callahan stated that incoming freshman classes are consisting of approximately 3,200 students. The average completion time is 4.2/4.3 years, which is down considerably. Mr. Simpson stated that last year there was a 1.2% increase in the growth of enrollment. Mr. Callahan noted that UCONN houses 78% of its undergraduate population. He further stated that the code of conduct applies to students living off campus as well.

Mr. Clouette stated that a real effort must be made to provide information to the public about housing and other efforts of the Town and University.

Ms. Bell-Elkins stated that she has been tracking student/Town/University attendance at the MCCP meetings. It was an even 6/6/6 split (18 total) at the most recent meeting (and at most meetings).

4. Community Water and Wastewater Issues

Mr. Callahan discussed what was determined in Fall 2005 in regards to the UCONN water supply issue:

· A need existed to get the operations/management of the system under control;

· A need existed to get the environmental management of the system under control;

· A need existed for the University and the Town to partner and work together, which resulted in the formation of the Advisory Committee.

Mr. Callahan stated that the Advisory Committee reviews the following in regards to proposed projects:

· Is the use consistent with the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development?

· Will the Town’s land use authorities approve?

· Is the use consistent with the Master Plan (UCONN)?

· Can UCONN utilities support the project?

For example, Mr. Callahan noted that the Advisory Committee issued a conditional letter with 22 conditions related to utility connections for the proposed Ponde Place project. The process has been transparent at open public meetings.

Mr. Clouette stated that there should be a public education effort about the Advisory Committee and its objective process. Discussion occurred amongst Committee members as to the best way to educate members of the public about the Advisory Committee and its process.

5. Mansfield Downtown Partnership

Mayor Paterson informed the Committee that the annual fireworks and Festival on the Green celebration will be occurring on September 15-16^th. Features of the Festival will include a bikes, tykes and trikes parade, cooking demonstrations, food vendors. The Little Big Band will be performing on September 15^th prior to the fireworks.

Mr. Zimmer inquired as to the status of the footbridge discussion from the previous Committee meeting. Mr. Callahan stated that there is not an answer at this time but Ms van Zelm is investigating the matter.

6. Future Discussion/Presentation Topics

No future topics discussed.

7. Other Business

No other business discussed.

The meeting adjourned at 5:25pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Maria E. Capriola

Audrey Beck Municipal Building

Minutes

Assistant to Town Manager