TOWN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE MEETING
Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building
Council Chambers
Present: A. Barberet, M. Berliner, T. Callahan, E. Daniels, AJ Pappanikou, D. Pendrys, L. Schilling, W. Simpson
Absent: P. Barry, J. Gauthier, C. Henry, R. Hudd, R. Miller, E. Paterson,
Staff: M. Hart, Assistant
toG. Padick, C. van Zelm
1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee
None
2. October 14, 2003 Meeting Minutes
AJ Pappanikou made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 14, 2003 meeting. Larry Schilling seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Tom Callahan introduced Dave Pendrys as a new graduate student representative to the committee.
3. Update re: Mansfield Downtown Partnership
Tom Callahan reported that the Partnership had designated the firm of Leyland Alliance to serve as the master developer for the Storrs Center project, and that the Partnership’s board of directors is currently negotiating the terms of a development agreement with Leyland. Meanwhile, the developer is reviewing previous market analyses to produce a business plan.
Cynthia van Zelm reported that she has met with the Graduate Student Senate and they have assigned a student liaison to the Partnership. Martin Berliner asked if the Partnership had taken any proactive steps to involve undergraduates, and Cynthia stated that the board is continuing its outreach efforts to that group of students.
4. UConn Landfill
Larry Schilling reported that the university was still waiting on the permits for the long-term monitoring and closure plan for the landfill. Because the permits have not yet been issued, the university has postponed construction until the spring of 2004.
5. Substance Abuse Task Force
Tom Callahan reported that the small workgroup of university and town representatives has been meeting and plan to present a proposal to the committee in January. On a related item, the town has presented the Mansfield Town Council with a proposed ordinance regulating the possession of alcohol by minors.
AJ Pappanikou asked if the membership of President Austin’s task force on substance abuse included package store owners. Martin Berliner explained that the task force did not include any package store owners, but that the workgroup would specifically reach out to this group to solicit their input and request their assistance.
6. UConn Spring Weekend
Martin Berliner stated that, from his perspective, the committee has broadened its focus beyond spring weekend to encompass year-round substance abuse and quality of life issues.
7. Other Business
a. East Campus master plan – the university has recently conducted a public information meeting regarding the master plan, and a plan will soon be available for review. The plan will limit potential areas of development to areas served by water and sewer.
b. Hazmat facility siting committee – the committee has scheduled a public information session for November 20, 2003.
c. Mansfield plan of conservation and development – Tom Callahan asked for the status of the plan. Audrey Barberet explained that the preparation of the plan is well underway and the commission is waiting on various mapping inputs.
d. Student union renovation – Martin Berliner asked how the renovation is proceeding. Larry Schilling said that work was moving smoothly and the contractors are currently working on the theater component.
e. Mansfield Community Center – Tom Callahan commended the town on the opening of the Mansfield Community Center and said that everything he has heard regarding the center has been positive.
The committee adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Hart