Minutes

Present: A. Whitham Blair, A. Hawkins, E. Paterson

Staff: M. Berliner, M. Hart

Visitors: R. Cook

1. Call to Order/Roll Call

Mr. Hawkins called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.

2. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

Mr. Cook had the following comments to the draft report:

· Strategy A1 – provide more detail on this item. Also, the success factors should show an initial “increase” in arrests, as opposed to a straight decrease.

· Strategies A3 and B3 – strategies appear to be at odds. Also, he is concerned about “spot zoning.”

· Concerned about the town being involved in university initiatives, such as Strategies B3 and B4

· Remains opposed to a housing code

· Public record shows that the committee was established to address spring weekend. The committee has expanded its scope of inquiry, and none of the 13 recommended strategies directly address spring weekend. The problem of spring weekend may be larger than we can handle, so perhaps the town should find a consultant or an expert to develop proposals.

Mr. Berliner stated that he respectfully disagrees with Mr. Cook. Quality of life issues are intertwined with spring weekend, and we have presented a number of long-term strategies to address the situation in a more comprehensive manner.

Mr. Hawkins cited previous comments made by SGT Cox, Resident State Trooper Supervisor - “We need to set a standard of behavior for students that is consistent and runs throughout the year.”

Mr. Cook and Mr. Berliner debated the issue at some length. Mr. Berliner pointed out that the management of Carriage House apartments has posted no trespassing signs on its property, which should provide a crowd control tool. Mr. Cook reiterated his suggestion that the town seek expert counsel to provide recommendations.

Mr. Hart suggested that the committee add a strategy to the report, which would recommend that the town engage in meetings with senior officials at the Connecticut Department of Public Safety and the University of Connecticut, to seriously discuss the impact of spring weekend and to discuss measures to mitigate its impact on the community.

3. November 8, 2004 Meeting Minutes

Ms. Whitham-Blair made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hawkins, to the minutes. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Review Draft Committee Report

Mr. Hawkins had the following comments to the draft report:

· From his perspective, the report is close to completion, and contains a number of good recommendations

· Observations – strike the word “arrests from second sentence in last paragraph on page 1

· Observations - disagrees with the observation that we are “effectively containing and managing spring weekend.” We do not have as much control over the situation as that statement would indicate. Consequently, please modify the language.

· Goal 2 – Modify language as follows – Eliminate or drastically reduce violence, alcohol and drug violations, injuries to persons, damage to ~~persons and~~ property…

· Goal 7 – expand to include impact on regional public safety services

· Strategy A2 – clarify whether we are referring to town or state officers, or both. Also, strike word “creating” from second sentence. In addition, expand scope of strategy to include owners of other apartment complexes.

5. Next Steps

Mr. Hawkins explained that Chairman Clouette had been unable to attend tonight’s meeting. Therefore, we should meet again in two weeks to continue the review of the draft report.

6. Adjournment

The committee adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,