TOWN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Council Chambers
4:00 pm
Present: P. Barry, T. Callahan, B. Feldman, M. Hart, A.J. Pappanikou, E. Paterson, W. Simpson
Staff: M. Capriola, G. Padick, C. van Zelm
1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee
None.
2. December 11, 2007 Meeting Minutes
The minutes of December 11, 2007 were passed unanimously.
3. Mansfield 2020: A Unified Vision
Mr. Hart reviewed the strategic planning process. The first of two search conferences was held in early December 2007, the work of the participants was tested amongst the wiki and two open houses in January 2008, the second search conference was held in late January 2008, and two additional open houses would be held February 27, 2008 at the Senior Center and Community Center. At the second search conference vision points were refined and articulated into 8-10 action areas. The Steering Committee will present its work to Council and Council will then move forward with the project.
Mayor Paterson commented that many participants were pro-partnering with UCONN, which was positive and heartening. Mr. Barry commented that the Town/University Relations Committee has grown over the years to become a true partnership between the Town and the University. The group discussed some of the points of interest and priorities that emerged from the strategic planning search conference weekends.
4. Community-Campus Relations
Mayor Paterson reported that the Mansfield Community Campus Partnership (MCCP) met two weeks ago. Preparations for Spring Weekend are currently underway. Property managers from some of the off-campus apartment complexes have been attending MCCP meetings.
5. Community Water and Wastewater Issues
Mr. Callahan stated that the University is reviewing its operations in respect to the master plan and the use of the Willimantic well fields over the summer and into the fall (five months in total). A report of the review will be forthcoming when completed.
Mr. Padick stated that the consultant selection process for the Willimantic well field study is currently underway. The study is expected to take 18 months to complete. He also noted that the League of Women Voters and UCONN Office of Water Resources are hosting a forum on water issues on March 5th.
6. UCONN Compost Facility
Mr. Feldman stated the University is still committed to building the compost facility. There are few feasible sites to pick from and the University is still working on site selection. Mr. Padick has suggested some potential sites for the facility that are closer to Horsebarn Hill.
7. Mansfield Downtown Partnership
Ms. van Zelm showed the group the promotional/marketing video for the Storrs Center project. The video was made by the Mansfield Downtown Partnership (MDP) with assistance from UCONN art students. The video demonstrates the benefits of Storrs Center to the Mansfield community. Ms. van Zelm will be showing the video to various groups and copies are being distributed to the Historical Society and local libraries.
Ms. van Zelm stated that Winter Fun Day was recently held and that the event went well.
Ms. van Zelm reported on the status of the Storrs Center project. The DEP and Army Corps of Engineers are currently reviewing permits for the project. The MDP will be submitting an application to the State Traffic Commission in a week or two regarding Storrs Road improvements. MDP is also working on applying for another STEAP grant and to secure federal funds for the project.
8. Other Business
None.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria E. Capriola