TOWN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building
Council Chambers
Present: A. Barberet, M. Berliner, T. Callahan, E. Daniels, R. Hudd, AJ Pappanikou, E. Paterson, W. Simpson
Absent: P. Barry, B. Clouette, J. Gauthier, L. Schilling,
Staff: M. Hart, G. Padick, Assistant toC. van Zelm
1. Opportunity for Public to Address the Committee
None
2. January 13, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Audrey Barberet made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 13, 2004 meeting. Martin Berliner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Update re: Mansfield Downtown Partnership
Cynthia van Zelm reported that the Partnership was still working on negotiating an agreement with the master developer, Storrs Center Alliance, LLC. In March, the Partnership’s Finance and Administration Committee is hoping to present the agreement to the Board of Directors for approval. The organization is also continuing its work on the Mansfield brochure, as well as the fall festival on the green.
Tom Callahan added that the Partnership is researching the possibility of applying for Small Cities Community Development Block grant monies, to help fund current initiatives. He also stated that while it may appear that progress is slow, things are moving along. The drafting of the development agreement with the master developer has been a lot of work.
4. Substance Abuse Workgroup
Tom Callahan reported that the workgroup is moving along, and that they are awaiting the opportunity to meet with key property owners. The workgroup meets again on February 26th.
5. UConn Spring Weekend
Chief Hudd reported that spring weekend is scheduled to start on April 22. From his perspective, there are a couple of good things: 1) the format with the concert will be similar to last year; and 2) the Dean of Students Office has developed a good working relationship with the student body.
[Paterson] – asks the Town Manager to be sure that the town police meet with the management of Carriage House Apartments to prepare for the event. Also, anything different scheduled for this year? [Hudd] – no.
Greg Padick reported that the town has recently cited 10 student rental properties for violation of the zoning regulations. In addition, town staff is looking at a number of other strategies to better address issues relating to student rental housing, such as revising the definition of “family” under the zoning regulations, rezoning and implementing additional “quality of life” ordinances.
[Paterson] – where are these properties located? [Padick] – on Hunting Lodge Road, north of North Eagleville Road.
[Callahan] – is the citation a $150 fine per occurrence? [Padick] – yes.
[Callahan] – with respect to the definition of a family, do the zoning regulations distinguish between owner-occupied residences and rentals? [Padick] – no.
[Callahan] – are you focusing on rental properties? [Padick] – yes, violations of occupancy in single family dwellings.
[Callahan] – is the standard evidence required to issue citation based on the number of observed cars in the parking lot? [Padick] – yes.
[Callahan] – in St. Louis, the city requires an updated certificate of occupancy every time a rental unit changes ownership. [Berliner] –town staff is looking into the viability of a housing code and/or rental registry.
[Callahan] – you have now issued the first set of citations, is it premature to characterize the feedback you have received? [Padick] – yes, we should know more in a few weeks.
[Paterson] – does the fine accrue any interest? [Padick] – no, but staff can issue a separate citation for each violation.
[Pappanikou] – are you looking at other areas of town, and, if not, would you if you received complaints? [Padick] – yes, staff is looking at other areas of town, and primarily focuses upon areas where it has received complaints.
6. Other Business
a) Martin Berliner reported that he had received the most recent status report on UConn 21st century.
b) AJ Pappanikou asked Chief Hudd if, on Sundays, his department could avoid ticketing the cars parked in spaces in front of the churches on North Eageleville Road. Chief Hudd explained that he would look into the issue.
c) Rich Miller announced that the hazardous waste comparative site committee had completed its work, and has recommended a site adjacent o the old transfer station. The committee’s recommendation will now be reviewed by senior administration.
d) Matt Hart announced that the Town council had recently adopted an ordinance regulating adult-oriented establishments.
e) Tom Callahan explained that the ConnTech Road project has now been backed up two to three years under the UConn 21st century capital improvement plan. The university is working to obtain federal funding through Representative Simmons’ office.
The committee adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Hart