TOWN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Audrey Beck Municipal Building

Council Chambers

4:00 pm

Minutes

Present: P. Barry, M. Beal, T. Callahan, B. Clouette, B. Feldman, M. Hart, J. Hintz, R. Miller, A.J. Pappanikou, S. Rhodes

Staff: M. Capriola, C. van Zelm

1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

None

2. April 4, 2008 Meeting Minutes

The minutes of April 4, 2008 were passed unanimously.

3. Campus Community Relations/Spring Weekend

Mr. Hintz reported that Spring Weekend did not have any major issues from his perspective. Sanctioned events were well organized and well attended. Willington Oaks gathering on Wednesday night did have problems. Property Management company for Willington Oaks does not want to “host” a Wednesday event. Tenants were charged to pay for costs incurred by Management Company as a result of the gathering. Ms. Capriola reported the Mansfield Community Campus Partnership is forming a subcommittee to work on goals and review efforts for Spring Weekend. Mr. Feldman reported that spring weekend resulted in typical issues for public safety personnel. Crowds were estimated at about 15,000 for each night. Non-UConn students are still the largest concern, including gang activity. Mr. Hart will provide the group with statistics the town complied at the next meeting. Community Center activities, staffed by Hartford Hospital volunteers, attracted 30-40 high school students. Activity will be continued in the future as attendance is expected to grow. Mr. Barry questioned if Spring Weekend was attracting more people and commented he is concerned about the size. Mr. Feldman responded that the size has not increased dramatically over the past couple of years and incidents have not increased. Mr. Pappanikou asked if the Hunting Lodge Road Path had sufficient lighting. Mr. Feldman responded it did have lighting and that police officers monitor the path during Spring Weekend. Mr. Hart commented there have been improvements in public safety over the last couple of years and the best way to manage Spring Weekend is with the cooperation of the student body. Mr. Callahan stated the outcome of the lease renewal of X-Lot parking lot by the University may have an impact on the Saturday night event.

4. UConn Compost Facility

Mr. Miller updated the committee on the UConn Compost Facility project. The project details are still being worked out and potential sites are being reviewed. The buffer zone was increased from Department of Environmental Protection recommendations of 300 ft. to over 1,000 ft. An advisory group has been formed to provide input for the process. Once the site has been identified the public will be advised and the abutting property owners will be notified. Mr. Beal noted the public is concerned about the perceived secrecy of the site selection and encouraged notification as soon as possible. Mr. Barry noted that Mr. Miller received an award from Joshua’s Trust for his work.

5. Mansfield Downtown Partnership (MDP)

Ms. van Zelm updated the committee on the MDP. MDP is responding to some questions the Traffic Commission has regarding impact of the project. MDP is waiting to hear from the Department of Environmental Protection regarding permits. The Town and University received the 2008 Community Consensus-Building Award for the Storrs Center project from the Connecticut Main Street program. President Hogan continues to show his support of the project via a recent blog entry. The MDP Annual meeting is June 3, 6:00pm at the Greek Center.

6. Other Business

Mr. Hart reported that the Hunting Lodge Road Bikeway project will begin construction this construction season and be finished by the end of next construction season. Mr. Callahan inquired if lighting will be added to the pathway and Mr. Hart confirmed lighting is a planned part of the project.

Mr. Callahan suggested presentations at the next meeting from UConn Off-Campus Student Services and Town of Mansfield Housing Inspection program.

The meeting adjourned at 4:52pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jim Hintz, Director

Off-Campus Student Services

University of Connecticut