TOWN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Audrey Beck Municipal Building

Council Chambers

4:00 pm

 

Minutes

Present:          M. Beal, T. Callahan, J. Elkins, M. Hart, J. Hintz, R. Hudd, A.J. Pappanikou, E. Paterson, S. Rhodes, W. Simpson

 

Staff:               M. Capriola, J. Jackman, G. Padick, C. van Zelm

 

1.  Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

      None

 

2.  October 14, 2008 Meeting Minutes

      The minutes of October 14, 2008 were passed unanimously.

 

3.  Announcements and Updates

·      UCONN Compost Facility

Mr. Rhodes provided an update.  An open house was recently held at the Bishop Center; over 50 people attended.  The site selection committee has narrowed the list to two potential sites, of which one will be selected.

·      CL&P Interstate Reliability Project

Mr. Padick provided an update.  The Town Council has issued a letter to Northeast Utilities and to the Connecticut Siting Council expressing its concerns over the proposed project route.  Northeast Utilities has held an open house in Mansfield and has attended a Council meeting.

·      Community Water/Wastewater Issues

Mr. Callahan provided an update.  The next meeting of the Committee is on December 18th at 5:30pm at the Bishop Center.  Two of the agenda items will be: an update on the Willimantic River stream flow study and an application from the Ponde Place developers regarding wastewater and fire protection services.

·      Mansfield Community-Campus Partnership

Ms. Elkins provided an update on: grant activities for substance abuse prevention for teenagers in Mansfield-Ashford-Willington; increased landlord attendance at MCCP meetings which has been a positive step in the right direction; and work on MCCP’s legislative agenda for the spring.

·      Student Life Committee Review of UCONN Spring Weekend

Mr. Rhodes stated that the Committee is currently writing the report, gathering data, and compiling costs.

·      Committee on Community Quality of Life

Mr. Hart stated that the Town Council has re-commissioned the Committee on Community Quality of Life.  The 11 member Committee will be meeting at least monthly.  Its next meeting is December 18th at the Mansfield Public Library Buchanan Auditorium.  The meeting will include a presentation on the Mansfield Housing Code and Landlord Registry.

·      Mansfield Downtown Partnership

Ms. van Zelm provided an update.  The Partnership has received its permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Connecticut DEP.  There is an outstanding permit with the Connecticut Traffic Commission.  Progress/work on Phase 1A continues. Leyland is currently soliciting interest from businesses interested in locating in the new downtown. 

·      Mansfield Housing Authority

Mr. Hart and Mr. Callahan stated that the Mansfield Housing Authority is researching the feasibility of building more affordable housing and workforce housing.

·      Proposed Acquisition of Moss Sanctuary

Mr. Hart and Mr. Callahan provided an update.  Town Council, at their December 8, 2008 meeting, authorized Mr. Hart to proceed with the purchase of 130+acres of land that is known as the Moss Sanctuary.

 

4.  Mansfield Sustainability Advisory Committee

Mr. Hart stated that Council is working on an initiative to establish a Sustainability Committee; the Council is expected to review the matter further in January.

 

5.   Four Corners Sewer Advisory Committee

Mr. Hart announced that Council has established a Four Corners Sewer Study Advisory Committee.  A preliminary study has been conducted.  This will be an advisory committee to the Town Council.

 

6.   Town Council Review of Election Day 2008

Mayor Paterson reviewed Election Day 2008, including problems that occurred at District 1 and 3.  District 3 had parking issues and District 1 (due to the high volume of voters) suffered from long waiting lines for student voters.  Mayor Paterson discussed ideas to resolve those problems for future elections.

 

7.  Other Business

·      Mayor Paterson commended the UCONN baseball team for their efforts in the Mansfield Youth Services mentoring program.

·      Mr. Pappanikou expressed a concern that gas stations located closest to campus are price gauging the students.  Mr. Hart and Seamus Keating (Undergraduate Student Senate) both agreed to look into the matter.

           

The meeting adjourned at 5:20pm.

 

Next Meeting:  February 10, 2009  

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Maria E. Capriola

Assistant to Town Manager

Town of Mansfield