TOWN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Audrey Beck Municipal Building

Council Chambers

4:00 pm

 

Minutes

 

Present:          M. Beal, T. Callahan, Bruce Clouette, J. Elkins, M. Hart, J. Hintz, R. Miller, S. Rhodes,

 

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

 

1.  Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

Roger Adams, Executive Director of the Windham Chamber spoke to the Chamber’s revised website, www.windhamchamber.com.

 

2.  December 9, 2008 Meeting Minutes

Mr. Callahan made a motion to adopt the minutes, seconded by Mr. Beal.  The minutes of December 9, 2008 were passed unanimously.

 

3.  Announcements and Updates

·      UCONN Compost Facility

Mr. Miller provided an update on the compost facility project.  The project is currently in the design process and the University hopes to begin composting in the fall.  The facility will consist of a hoop barn structure.  The main entrance will be located off of Route 32; the facility will be set-back from the road and concealed by a wooded buffer.

·      Mansfield Community-Campus Partnership (MCCP)

Ms. Elkins provided an update on activities of the MCCP.  The group is researching legislation/best practices in neighboring states such as mandatory training for people serving and selling alcohol.  The group has seen consistent participation from properties owned and managed by ING. 

·      Student Life Committee Review of UCONN Spring Weekend

Ms. Elkins provided an update.  The report of the Committee was presented today, February 10, 2009.  Recommendations included the creation of a joint standing over-arching committee consisting of Town and University officials as well as utilizing parking restrictions as a means to dissuade outsiders from attending Spring Weekend.

·      Committee on Community Quality of Life

Mr. Hart and Mr. Clouette provided an update on the recently re-commissioned Committee on Community Quality of Life.  The Committee has met a few times and is currently being educated on Quality of Life issues such as the housing and public health codes and enforcement activities.

·      Mansfield Downtown Partnership (MDP)

Ms. van Zelm provided an update on the Storrs Center project.  Leyland Alliance (developer) is currently soliciting tenants and focusing on Phase 1A/Dog Lane.  MDP is working on: revisions for the DOT permit; soliciting bids for engineering work on Storrs Road.  Beginning in the fall, MDP will have a new slot on its Board specifically designated for a student member.

·      Four Corner’s Sewer Project

Mr. Hart provided an update on the Four Corner’s Sewer Study.  Council has recently established a Four Corner’s Sewer Advisory Committee.  The Advisory Committee is making a presentation to stakeholders on March 24th and is looking to obtain feedback from the stakeholders.  The Committee has also met with and discussed public water and sewer infrastructure issues with CT Water Company.   

 

4.  Mansfield 2020: A Unified Vision (Strategic Plan)

Ms. Capriola and Mr. Hart provided an update regarding Mansfield’s strategic planning process.  Council is currently soliciting feedback on the community visioning process from select advisory committees and elected boards.  The Town- University Relations Committee has been asked to provide feedback on the Housing and Town/University Relations vision points.  The Committee agreed to work on their response at its next meeting in March.

 

5.   Other Business

·        Mr. Padick provided an update on the status of the proposed Ponde Place development.

·        Mr. Hintz stated that the University has been able to add a little over 400 on-campus beds (housing) for its students.

·        Mr. Callahan announced a meeting on 2/19/09 that the University will hold with the Storrs Heights neighborhood re: water supply and Agronomy Farm.

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:20pm.

 

Next Meeting:  March 10, 2009  

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Maria E. Capriola

Assistant to Town Manager

Town of Mansfield