Town/University Relations Committee

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Audrey Beck Municipal Building

Council Chambers

4:00 pm

Minutes

Present:          P. Barry, M. Beal, R. Blicher, T. Callahan, J. Elkins, M. Hart, S. Keating (student representative), A.J. Pappanikou, E. Paterson, S. Rhodes

Staff:               M. Capriola, J. Jackman, G. Padick

1.  Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

None.

2.  March 10, 2009 Meeting Minutes

The minutes of March 10, 2009 were passed unanimously.

3.  UConn Spring Weekend, Student Life Committee Recommendations

Mr. Rhodes provided an overview of the Executive Summary, including recommendations, of the Student Life Committee’s report on Spring Weekend.  Mr. Rhodes suggested, and the group concurred that the Town-University Relations Committee should also serve as the oversight group for Spring Weekend (as outlined in the report’s recommendations).  Discussion occurred regarding the potential membership composition of both Town and University members.  Mr. Hart suggested that the Committee review the enabling legislation from the Town Council in 1992 regarding membership; if the Committee recommends any changes to membership composition, a recommendation (and resolution) should be presented to the Town Council.  Mr. Pappanikou made a motion, seconded by Mr. Barry and approved unanimously by the Committee, “to accept the recommendation that the Town-University Relations Committee also serve as the standing Spring Weekend oversight committee, with the membership composition to be revised.”  The Chairs agreed to reflect on the matter of membership and discuss it at a future meeting. 

The Committee also discussed the recommendation from the report that a comprehensive annual report of Spring Weekend be prepared by the Town and the University; members concurred that the Memorial Day timeframe stated in the report was too aggressive and that a date in late summer or early fall would be more realistic.

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

Mr. Hart provided an overview of the Town Council strategic planning referral to the Committee.  Mr. Pappanikou recommended that the Committee dedicate its May 12^th meeting to reviewing and commenting on the housing and university-town relations action plans.  Members concurred with the recommendation.

5.  Other

      None.

The meeting adjourned at 5:20pm, with a motion made by Mr. Pappanikou, seconded by Ms. Elkins, and approved by the Committee.

Next Meeting:  May 12, 2009  

Respectfully Submitted,

Maria E. Capriola, Assistant to Town Manager, Town of Mansfield