Minutes

Present: P. Barry, T. Callahan, B. Clouette, R. Hudd, J. Jevitts, AJ Pappanikou, E. Paterson, W. Simpson

Staff: M. Berliner, M. Hart, G. Padick, C. van Zelm

Visitors: R. Adams, A. Rabinowitz

1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

None.

2. November 7, 2004 Meeting Minutes

Matt Hart was not in attendance at the November 7, 2004 meeting, and there are no minutes available.

3. Update re: Mansfield Downtown Partnership

Cynthia van Zelm reported that the municipal development plan (MDP) for Storrs Center is proceeding nicely, and that the development team is planning a joint meeting between the Town Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) to provide the members with an overview of the progress to date. The Partnership’s Finance Committee is still reviewing the MDP, and the Partnership plans to submit the plan for state review by the end of the calendar year. Once the state agencies have completed their review of the MDP, it will return for local review by the Town Council, PZC and other agencies.

In related news, Cynthia and the development team are conducting various outreach meetings with local neighborhoods to discuss the Storrs Center project. The Partnership is also working to locate a kiosk near the intersection of Storrs Road and Dog Lane, to provide the public with readily accessible information.

4. Community-Campus Partnership on Substance Abuse

Matt Hart reported that the community-campus partnership had met a few times, and was still in the information-gathering stage. The members appear very engaged in the process, and hope to produce an action plan in the near future.

5. Community Quality of Life Issues/Spring Weekend

Bruce Clouette reported that the Town Council’s Special Committee on Community Quality of Life had met several times, and was now working on a report to present to the Town Council. Bruce would like to conduct a couple of public forums to review the report, including a session with students on campus.

Adam Rabinowitz, President of the UConn Graduate Student Senate, reported that the senate has prepared a proposal to establish a Center for Off-campus Activities. As proposed, the center would be located at the Storrs campus but would serve as a central clearinghouse for information and a resource for students and staff within the entire university system. Mayor Paterson commented that the university used to have an office with a similar mission, and that it was very useful for students.

Phil Barry asked whether the proposed center would be responsible for conducting housing inspections and rental listings? Adam responded that the office would not conduct inspections but would provide a listing of rental properties available within the region via a web-based directory.

AJ Pappanikou asked where the proposed center would fall within the university’s table of organization? The center would fall under student affairs.

Martin Berliner added that he and Matt Hart had reviewed this proposal as part of their visit with the Student Life Committee, and that the proposal dovetails nicely with some of the recommendations developed by the Committee on Community Quality of Life.

Roger Adams pointed out that the Windham Region Council of Governments (WINCOG) produces a renter’s guide for the region, and that the United Way maintains a 211 line with a listing of daycare providers.

Tom Callahan inquired about the status of the proposal. Adam and Phil explained that it is under review by the Student Life Committee.

The committee members decided to add the proposal to a future agenda, to consider for possible endorsement.

6. 2005 Town/University Relations Committee Meeting Dates

The committee adopted the calendar as presented (see attached). Martin Berliner suggested that the committee consider transitioning to a schedule with fewer meetings per year, as the amount of business has decreased in recent years.

7. Other

a. Warren Property – Phil Barry stated that the Warren property on Maple Road was up for sale, and that a portion of this parcel could be a good location for an assisted living project. Tom Callahan stated it could be preferable for a group to obtain control of the property via an option, and then to approach the town and the university to discuss the issues. Bruce Clouette asked if the university would consider extending water and sewer to a site adjacent to its current lines? Tom responded that the university would consider the suggestion, with obvious qualifications.

b. Properties along Storrs Road – Tom Callahan asked whether a number of houses along Storrs Road in the vicinity of the Four Corners had transitioned to student rentals? Martin Berliner said that he would check into this.

The committee adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Matthew Hart

Minutes

Assistant Town Manager