Minutes

Present: A. Whitham Blair, B. Clouette (chair), A. Hawkins, H. Koehn, E. Paterson

Staff: M. Berliner, M. Hart

Visitors: R. Cook

1. Call to Order/Roll Call

Mr. Clouette called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.

2. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

Mr. Robert Cook of Separatist Road shared the following comments with the committee:

“A possible addition to the littering and blight ordinance or a separate ordinance in itself is one in which furniture designed and intended for interior use and which would be adversely affected by the weather is prohibited from being placed outside.”
“I find the omission of noise, loitering, and mass outdoor assembly ordinances in the recommendations quite disappointing. In my research most committees trying to deal with quelling disturbing parties have these at the top of their list.”
“Reports of this type also usually include policies considered but not recommended and the reason they were not recommended.”
“The Town of Blacksburg, Virginia, in response to the problem of conversion of single-family dwellings to student housing has formed conservation districts. In the conservation districts buildings are inspected at least annually to ensure that they are not in violation of residency regulations.”
“In Newark, Delaware, zoning regulations define “student home” as ‘A single-family detached dwelling occupied by three post-secondary students, regardless of age, unrelated by blood or legal adoption, attending or about to attend a college or university, or who are on a semester, winter, or summer break from studies at a college or university, or any combination of such persons.’ The ordinance goes on to enumerate areas of the town where the definition of student home does not apply. Rental permits are required for student homes. The owner is responsible for tenants’ compliance with noise and alcohol consumption regulations. The owner is responsible for compliance with occupancy limitations. Student homes must be 10 lot widths apart.”
“The University of Delaware in conjunction with participating landlords has a program where prospective tenants can earn 30% off the first month’s rent by taking an on-line seminar on how to be a more informed tenant. They learn about city ordinances, safe partying and the general rights and responsibilities of a tenant.”

3. February 28, 2005 Meeting Minutes

Ms. Whitham-Blair made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hawkins, to approve the minutes of February 28, 2005. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Review Draft Committee Report

Mr. Clouette opened up the discussion on the draft report. The members of the committee and the others in attendance had the following comments and suggestions:

· Mr. Clouette stated that the report should list those suggestions that were considered, but not included.

· Ms. Koehn pointed out that the report should include more specific strategies with respect to controlling alcohol abuse, such as those enumerated by President Austin’s task force. The town manager explained that the new campus-community partnership on substance abuse was working to address these concerns, and was using the task force report as a resource and guide. The committee then discussed in some detail whether the quality of life committee report should include more specifics with respect to substance abuse. Mr. Hart suggested that the committee broaden the recommendation at issue (B5) to include the work of the community-campus partnership in its entirety. Mr. Clouette appeared amenable to this idea, and recommended that the report include language encouraging the town to continue to support the work of the community-campus partnership.

· Mr. Hawkins asked staff to review Mr. Cook’s suggestions with SGT Cox, to solicit his input on these ideas. Mr. Clouette asked Mr. Hart to invite SGT Cox to the next meeting.

· Mr. Clouette asked staff to revise the font and the format of report so that the key points are more evident to the casual reader. Also, please add an executive summary.

5. Next Steps

Mr. Clouette stated that he believes the committee should wrap up its work soon in order to retain its credibility. We have made some accomplishments in recent months, such as the preparation of the litter ordinance, the improvement of the town’s relationships with landlords and the establishment of the community-campus partnership. Staff will revise the report to include the committee’s suggestions, and will schedule the next meeting.

6. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,