Minutes

Present: P. Barry, J. Bell-Elkins, T. Callahan, B. Clouette, R. Hudd, W. Simpson

Staff: M. Berliner, M. Hart, G. Padick

Visitors: R. Adams

1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

None.

2. February 14, 2006 Meeting Minutes

Mr. Simpson made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bell-Elkins, to approve the minutes of February 14, 2006. The motion passed unanimously.

3. Update re: Mansfield Downtown Partnership

Mr. Berliner reported that staff and the development team continue to make progress with the special design district for Storrs Center. In addition, staff and the development team members are working to obtain public financing from the state and federal governments, and are preparing the application to the planning and zoning commission to rezone the parcel for the new building 1A.

Mr. Simpson asked if there were plans to relocate any of the fine arts facilities. Mr. Berliner replied that the print shop and graphic arts on Storrs Road are scheduled to be relocated.

4. Community-Campus Partnership

Ms. Bell-Elkins stated that the Mansfield Community-Campus partnership (MCCP) continues to thrive, and that some of the members are working on an application to the US Department of Education to obtain funding to support the proposed center for off-campus services. Mr. Callahan suggested that the MCCP utilize the services of the UConn representative in Washington, DC, if that would be helpful.

5. Community Quality of Life Issues

Mr. Hart reported that the town is working to improve its community policing and outreach efforts to neighborhoods impacted by off-campus housing. Also, staff has presented the draft housing code to the town council, and the council has scheduled a public hearing on the draft for its April 24, 2006 meeting. The MCCP has unanimously endorsed the proposal.

Mr. Callahan and Mr. Hudd commended the town for its efforts with respect to the housing code. Mr. Callahan explained that the implementation of the code would represent a fundamental building block, and that we have accomplished a lot over the past five/six years to address community quality of life issues.

Mr. Clouette added that the state has passed enabling legislation that allows a municipality to pass an ordinance requiring landlords to register the addresses of rental properties with the town. Staff will prepare a draft ordinance for the council’s review, and the ordinance would facilitate the work of the housing inspection program.

Mr. Hart agreed to conduct a presentation at the next meeting regarding the proposed housing code.

6. Spring Weekend Preparation

Ms. Bell-Elkins reported that the university has established two new committees related to spring weekend. The first is a special committee designed to review policies, procedures and practices with respect to the event. The committee is interested in offering more sanctioned activities, reducing the number of uninvited guests, and providing programs that enhance the reputation of the university.

The focus of the second committee is upon alcohol policy. This committee now has some real data to work with, and is hoping to involve students in positive events and programs such as the arts festival and “oozeball.”

Mr. Barry commented that these efforts resemble some of the recommendations that former faculty and Council member Bill Rosen had suggested. Ms. Bell-Elkins replied that there certainly are some similarities, but some differences as well. It is difficult to “outprogram” spring weekend.

Mr. Clouette added his support to the university’s efforts.

Mr. Hudd stated that planning with public safety agencies is well underway. We have a lot of things in our favor, including a large contingency of personnel and resources, and more responsible students. Mr. Clouette asked if the university’s planning was coordinated with the town and the state. Mr. Hudd explained that the efforts are combined.

Mr. Berliner added that representatives from the town would be meeting with Commissioner Boyle from the Connecticut State Police to discuss resources.

7. Other Business

Mr. Callahan reported that the university continues to make progress with its work to address the issues involving its water system. Management has established a workgroup, which includes town staff. Also, under the consent order with the state, the university is required to obtain the services of an outside contractor/operator, and to prepare a strategic plan to look at all of its water supply issues.

The committee meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Matthew W. Hart

Minutes

Assistant Town Manager