TOWN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
Minutes
Present:
P. Barry, J. Bradley, B. Clouette, J. Bell-Elkins, R. Miller,
W. Simpson, G. Zimmer
Staff: M. Berliner, M. Hart, G. Padick
1.
None.
2. June 13, 2006 Meeting Minutes
No minutes were taken for the June 13, 2006 meeting.
3.
Update re:
Mr. Berliner reported that Planning and Zoning had approved the 1A building and that construction should begin in Spring 2007.
Mr. Clouette pointed out that Senator Lieberman has received a $2 million earmark for the parking garage. If the Senator is not reelected, perhaps Senator Dodd will be able to sponsor the legislation.
Mr. Berliner reported that tomorrow staff would be opening bids for the downtown connector, and that the town hopes to complete the work this fall. Mr. Clouette asked if the construction would pose a problem for the Storrs Farmers Market. Mr. Berliner and Mr. Hart thought that the project should cause only a minor interference.
Mayor Paterson stated that the Department of Community and Economic Development (DECD) now has everything it needs to review the town’s urban action grant.
4.
Mr. Hart reported that new housing code has gone into effect, and the town has hired the staff necessary to administer the housing inspection program.
Ms. Bell-Elkins reported that the university is working on the classification of the positions necessary to staff the new center for off-campus services. Also, the university is looking at the possibility of retaining legal counsel that could provide advice to students living off-campus, particularly in the area of landlord-tenant law.
May
Mr. Padick recommended that we take proactive measures to inform the neighborhoods that the housing code has gone into effect. Mr. Hart explained that staff planned to conduct various public information sessions.
Mr. Hart also reported that the town plans to hold training for all of its code enforcement and public safety personnel, to ensure that all have some basic familiarity with the town’s various codes and ordinances. Mr. Bradley encouraged the town to invite university personnel to this training. The town will do so.
Mr. Clouette talked about the importance of the town setting clear expectations for landlords, and landlords setting clear expectations for their tenants.
5. UConn Water and Wastewater Systems Master Plan
Mr. Berliner reported that the university has distributed the request for proposals to select a consultant to prepare the master plan for water and wastewater services. Submissions are due by the end of August 2006.
Mr. Clouette mentioned that while driving on Route 195 the past few weeks he had noticed the smell of effluent. Mr. Miller explained that Mr. Clouette might have noticed the smell from manure spreading. Also, there is a reporting system in place.
Mr. Zimmer encouraged the university to use best practices with respect to manure handling. Mr. Miller explained that the university is working on this issue, and is looking for ways to fund a pilot facility. The university is emphasizing composting, which could be regulated by the EPA in the near future. Mr. Miller encouraged everyone to look at the www.ecohusky.uconn.edu website for more information about the office of environmental policy’s activities.
6. Other Business
Mr. Miller asked about the town’s Tour de Mansfield cycling event. Mr. Hart explained that the event was well received, and that over 100 riders participated.
Mr. Clouette reported that Dean David woods, Philip Lodewick and Denise Merrill, among others, were hoping to revive the university’s summer theatre.
Mr. Simpson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Clouette, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew W. Hart
Assistant Town Manager