TOWN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Audrey Beck Municipal Building
Council Chambers
4:00 pm
Minutes
Present: P. Barry, M. Beal, R. Blicher, T. Callahan, J. Elkins, B. Feldman, M. Hart, J. Hintz, R. Hudd, R. Miller, A. J. Pappanikou, S. Rhodes
Staff: M. Capriola, G. Padick, C. van Zelm
1. August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
The minutes of August 12, 2008 were passed unanimously.
2. Campus Community Relations
Chief Hudd and Major Blicher provided an update on the use of the UCONN outdoor firing range. Over the summer, UCONN police trained on the use of a new firearm and for responding to Virginia Tech type situations; this resulted in higher than normal use of the firing range. The Town Manager’s Office continues to notify residents when the UCONN firing range will be used. UCONN police has 46 sworn personnel.
Mr. Hintz provided an update on the annual off-campus visits to student rentals. The Town and the University have been working together to improve their protocol for reporting and addressing problematic off-campus student behavior. When the police respond to calls for problematic off-campus behavior, when appropriate, it is reported to Mr. Hintz’s Office. If needed, Mr. Hintz will refer the students to the community standards office; the student code of conduct does extend to off-campus behavior and activities. Mr. Hintz’s Office also makes in-person visits to student rentals when he receives a complaint, etc. and he sends a letter to landlords re: how they can assist with addressing problematic behavior.
Ms. Elkins provided an update on the Mansfield Community Campus Partnership. Membership continues to grow and New England Realty has been frequently attending meetings. MCCP hopes to get liquor outlets involved with the group. MCCP goals sub-committee has been meeting and is working to coordinate Spring Weekend efforts amongst key stakeholders. They are also working to reduce the “outside element” at Spring Weekend.
Mr. Barry provided an update on the Student Life Committee review of Spring Weekend. It is chaired by Louise Bailey. Meetings are occurring with the trustees, university administration, students, hospitals, the town, and police forces. The Committee will develop recommendations on how to improve the weekend.
Mr. Clouette provided an update on the Town Council’s Committee on Quality of Life. Membership will consist of Council members, one Planning and Zoning Commission member, residents, and university stakeholders. The Committee will look at neighborhood issues and how quality of life type issues can be improved. Mr. Barry noted that the increased amount of students living off-campus has increased traffic and on-road parking.
3. UConn Compost Facility
The site selection committee is using a sensitivity analysis to rank the top potential sites; possible sites have been narrowed to two. UCONN will hold an informal public information session on the compost facility for residents; it will likely be held in October.
4. Mansfield Downtown Partnership (MDP)
Ms. van Zelm discussed the recently adopted sustainability guidelines for the project. Stormwater and wetlands permits are pending. The River Park dedication, annual fireworks, and Festival on the Green celebration will be the weekend of September 13-14.
5. Community Water/Wastewater Issues
Mr. Callahan reviewed a table that had water production figures for 2005 to the present. Despite growth in the town and university, there has been a decrease in water consumption every year since 2005. Non-UCONN uses represent 16% of the use of water, and of the 16%, 5-8% represents town uses. The Willimantic River water study is now underway.
6. Mansfield 2020: A Unified Vision
Mr. Hart, Ms. Capriola and Mr. Clouette provided an update and reviewed the Mansfield 2020 strategic plan document with the Committee. In particular, the 9 priority vision points and 35+ action plans and next steps were discussed.
The meeting adjourned at 5:30pm.
Next Meeting: October 14, 2008
Respectfully Submitted,
Maria Capriola
Assistant to Town Manager