TOWN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Audrey Beck Municipal Building

Council Chambers

4:00 pm

 

Minutes

 

Present:          P. Barry, T. Callahan, B. Clouette, M. Hart, A.J. Pappanikou, R. MIller

 

Staff:   M. Capriola, C. van Zelm

 

1.      Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

None.

 

2.      February 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes

The minutes of February 12, 2008 were passed unanimously.

 

3.      Community Water & Wastewater Issues

a)         League of Women Voters Water Wise Presentation      

Mr. Clouette stated that the event went well and had a good turnout.  The presentations were good and represented many points of view.  Mr. Hart and Mr. Miller concurred.

            b)         Agronomy Farm

Mr. Callahan stated that Agronomy Farm has $2 million in sponsored research, primarily in sustainable agricultural methods related to turf, shrubbery and trees.  Current research needs additional water supply.  UCONN reviewed 11 options and decided on drilling another well to get to approximately 30,000 gallons of water/day at the farm.  UCONN met with Storrs Heights neighbors and discussed a well testing program to determine if there will be an impact on the residential wells in that area.  Residents inquired about pesticides, etc. that are being used at the farm.  UCONN is preparing information and will meet with the Storrs Heights neighborhood group to discuss.  Mr. Clouette expressed an interest in sharing information with Council.

 

4.      UCONN Compost Facility

Mr. Miller stated that sites are being evaluated.  Two sites on Horsebarn Hill Road were reviewed but deemed problematic due to wetlands and aquifer concerns.  The preferred location at this time is 1500 feet from any permanent residence and there is a good buffer.  UCONN is exploring ways to communicate this project to the Town and would be interested in presenting to Council in April or May.

 

5.      Depot Campus Recreational Field

A presentation was given regarding the Depot Campus recreational field project which will repair one existing field and build one new field.  The fields will be seeded, (re)graded, and irrigation and drainage systems will be installed.  The fields will be used for club sports at UCONN and will provide an appropriate and safe place for students to play sports.  Plans and specs are being developed but are not yet finalized.  The project will go out to bid.  Work will be conducted this year, but the fields will not be used until next year.  The group discussed lighting and turf maintenance issues.

 

6.      Mansfield Downtown Partnership

Ms. van Zelm stated that she will be presenting a status report to Council in April or May.  MDP has received positive feedback from the US Army Corps of Engineers in regards to its wetlands application.  MDP has applied for a $500,000 STEAP grant for public square infrastructure, $3.8 million in federal funds for village street infrastructure, and a Connecticut Maine Street award for community consensus building.

 

7.      Mansfield 2020: A Unified Vision

Mr. Hart provided an update on the Town’s Strategic Planning process.  The Strategic Planning report will be presented by the Steering Committee to Council at their March 24th meeting.  Council will then review, prioritize and make assignments regarding the plan.  The plan will be used to guide policy in the future; the document will need to be fluid and flexible so it can guide policy.

 

8.      Community Campus Relations/Spring Weekend

Mr. Hart provided an update on the Mansfield Community-Campus Partnership (MCCP).  Planning is currently underway for Spring Weekend, which is the fourth weekend in April this year.  Students are currently planning events, including the bracelet program.  There will be a substance free event at the Mansfield Community Center on the Friday night of Spring Weekend from 8pm to midnight.  The Student Union will also be open and hosting substance free events.  DUI checkpoints will be conducted.  Staff will be meeting with Carriage House management in preparation of the weekend.  Mr. Callahan recommended that a Friday night event be planned for EO Smith students.

 

9.      Other Business

None.

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:15pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Maria E. Capriola

Assistant to Town Manager