Minutes

Present: A. Barberet, P. Barry, M. Berliner, T. Callahan, C. Henry, R. Hudd, R. Miller, AJ Pappanikou, E. Paterson, W. Rosen, L. Schilling

Absent: E. Daniels, G. Muccilli, W. Simpson

Staff: K. Grunwald, M. Hart, ~~Assistant to~~G. Padick

Visitors: R. Adams, M. Kurland, R. Miller, R. Schurin, C. van Zelm

Tom Callahan introduced Mike Kurland from University Health Services, Robert Miller from the Eastern Highlands Health District and Ron Schurin from the President’s Office.

1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee

None

2. February 11, 2003 Meeting Minutes (Corrected)

Bill Rosen made a motion to accept the minutes, as corrected by Rich Miller. Phil Barry seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

3. Update re: Mansfield Downtown Partnership

Martin Berliner reported that the Partnership had executed a contract with the firm of Looney, Ricks & Kiss to prepare the municipal development plan (MDP) for the Storrs Center project. The municipal development plan will take approximately six months to prepare, including a request for qualification process for developers. The Partnership’s annual meeting has been tentatively scheduled for June 12, 2003. Phil Barry added that the Partnership has retained an attorney to assist with the MDP and other legal issues. Lastly, Betsy Paterson commented that the School of Fine Arts had narrowed its search for an architect to three finalists.

4. Separatist Road Detention Pond DEP Progress

Larry Schilling reported that the University was waiting for the area to dry out before completing its work. The remaining tasks include final grading, reseeding and final plantings. Once resumed, the work should be completed within three to four weeks.

5. Spring Weekend

Carole Henry stated that 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes would be performing at the Spring Weekend Concert. The concert will be held on Saturday night in Gampel Pavilion, and the University would sponsor residence hall carnivals on Friday and an “oozeball” tournament on Saturday afternoon. These are the only sanctioned events. Chief Hudd added that Dean of Students John Saddlemire would send a letter to students to encourage them to respect persons and property, and to caution them about the ramifications of improper behavior. The Chief also stated that there needs to be a “serious discussion” about the future of Spring Weekend following the conclusion of this year’s event.

6. UConn Landfill Project

Larry Schilling reported that the University is waiting for a final sign-off from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before moving ahead with its work on the landfill cap. Staff is in the process of qualifying potential construction managers to perform the work, which should take 120 days to design. The University hopes to commence construction on the cap this summer.

7. Smallpox Immunization Planning

(This item was moved to an earlier portion of the meeting.) Robert Miller, Director of the Eastern Highlands Health District, provided the committee with an update concerning smallpox immunization planning within the state and in the region. The state has drafted a plan that divides the state into 42 mass vaccination regions; UConn and surrounding towns comprise Region 40. Rob has been designated the regional director, and the region’s responsibility is to be able to conduct an immunization clinic for 58,000 people within a 10-day period. Region 40 has formed an executive planning committee with representatives from the University and the five area towns. The Region has also designated EO Smith High School as the immunization site and appointed 30 key operational staff. In general, the planning effort is proceeding well.

8. Substance Abuse Task Force

(This item was moved to an earlier portion of the meeting.) Ron Shurin, Special Assistant in the President’s Office, provided the committee with an update concerning President Austin’s Substance Abuse Task Force. Professor John DeWolf is serving as the chair, and the committee has been charged with defining the problem at UConn, determining causes, identifying resolution models and presenting practical and workable solutions. The committee has organized into three subcommittees and has met with key staff and student groups. The committee has issued a draft report, which includes the following recommendations:

· Parental notification

· Systematic reporting of violations to the Dean of Students

· Adding more recreational activities and facilities

· Adding more Friday classes (limit three-day weekends)

· Create an ongoing committee with representatives from University staff, students and package store owners

· Investigate the possibility of limiting the number of alcohol licenses issued in town

· Add more sobriety checks

· Add more sidewalks

· Develop clear guidelines for drinking on private property

· Through the Downtown Partnership and other entities, increase town participation in University events for students, such as a “Husky Weekend”

· Strict enforcement of state law with respect to underage drinking, limiting bulk purchases and other issues

· Create a new position of “Prevention Control Specialist” to coordinate the various strategies

9. Other Business

None.

AJ Pappanikou made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Betsy Paterson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Matthew Hart

Minutes

Assistant Town Manager