001Yes, please. >> All right, we call the meeting to order. And >> the first order of business is the pledge to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States United States of America >> to theublic for its one nation >> under liberty and justice for all. >> Justice for all. >> Okay. Then the first order of business is the approval of the uh minutes. I'll motion to approve >> and I'll second it. >> We have a motion to approve. >> Who made the motion? >> Fred, right? Was that Fred? >> I think it was Justin. >> Oh, Justin. Sorry, Justin. >> Okay, you got it. Gia. >> Yes. Thank you. >> All right. All those in favor? >> I opposed. >> Okay. The meetings u the minutes are accepted. Mhm. >>
002I have uh nothing to report. I only would like to comment on the minutes. They are always excellent and I always enjoy reading them and remembering >> all the good things that are going on in Trumble. >> Yeah. Well, >> good things. >> I as well. It's always a good feeling to get these minutes, right? Um Reena, are you going to give the report or >> Yes. So, what we're going to do tonight because I'm just getting back in the swing. Um and I have to get caught up on where certain things stand in terms of all of our business. Um so, Rob and I started that process today. um just kind of connecting and and matching our notes and so forth. And what we decided to do today was that Rob was going to
003sort of take us through some recent approvals, some projects that are out there. Um he's going to talk to those projects and give us a report and that will kind of help update me on certain things a little further. it'll update the commission and it'll give um you know I'm still getting my uh uh sea legs back. So I think that that would be great. Just before we get to that, there were just a few things that Gia and I reviewed right before earlier today that she wanted me to be aware of and you know so forth. And we do, as you know, have a list of ribbon cutings coming up and we'll get that list out that we need to we've been kind of having in the wings and we need to schedule and
004one of those will include the um pediatric healthc care associates and it sounds like from GIA they're they're targeting a date in in uh March for that opening. That's the pediatric group on the hill by Echo. Mhm. >> So, um and then there's uh the autism uh group uh remind me G is it uh in Bloom? >> Yes, in Bloom. Autism. >> In Bloom Autism that will be that's in the corporate park. Um there is a dubet uh dance that we are going to reschedule. We were going to do that before the holidays and just schedules didn't work out. So that's a new dance studio st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st st studio in the
005corporate park and then um the let's see who am I missing >> um Trumble Fitness. >> Okay, Trumbull Fitness which is in the corporate park and that's a a new management or new leadership of that business. So we'll be scheduling all of those things and quite a few of them are in the corporate park actually. That's interesting that three of the businesses are in the actual Trumble Corporate Park. Um so those will those will get scheduled um in the near future. So we just wanted you to know that. The other thing Gia just reminded me of is that you know that every few years we host the nationals um for the um uh what's the name of the tournament? uh the >> BMX >> the BMX nationals. It's their it's their regional competition and um
006we've hosted it any number of times and it will be again this summer. So there's some preparation work that will be done to get ready for that. Um and we'll be reporting on that. That's always a good thing for economic development too because it brings a lot of people visitors. um to area they spend money in our restaurants. So we do um you know support that very much >> and uh we will again this year and I know Gia was working on updating our restaurant list and all those lists that get posted and get sent out to all of the visitors that are coming to town which is great. So, and we encourage and we should further encourage and maybe G and I can talk about this and maybe Dan and Afreo uh and Fred
007um ways to uh promote Trumbull and Trumble businesses during that week. You know, some additional promotion. So, in terms of other project updates, uh business location updates, I'm not prepared to do that tonight. I need to uh get my hands around that. So, you should get a full briefing in March at our meeting. Um, and and in between if we if we need to, we'll get some information out to you. Um, but I want to quickly turn over to Rob. He's going to update us on a number of projects. One that just recently passed. Um, a housing project, one that is coming through the process and some other projects that he's been following and and helping to deal with. Um, for those that don't know, Rob is our town planner, but he is um a
008very he handles all of the technical work that happens on applications. Um, and he's got a good finger on the pulse of everything pretty much that's that's coming through at least planning and zoning um or approaching planning and zoning soon. Okay. So, I'm going to turn it over to you, Rob. Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you for everything you've done and the commission's done. In my absence, um, for those that don't know, you know, I did have major surgery, so in my absence, Gia and Rob primarily for our office have been really stepping in and it's much appreciated and um, I just want to say thank you. >> Our our pleasure. Um, so I did talk to Reena this morning. So she kind of gave me a rundown of list to update you.
009So most of these are very uh as of today. So this is a really good update for uh for this commission of um projects that are coming in that have been approved um things that are kind of hanging out there and what the status is. So I've talked to a few of the property owners, developers, attorneys that are involved in these projects. So, um, this is a pretty good up-to-date list of what we have so far. So, I know on our on your agenda you have, um, business update and community development update. So, I'm just going to do the business update first. And if you have any questions along the way, um, please, you know, feel free to just, um, interrupt me and just ask. Uh so the first one we're going to talk about
010is a Six Cambridge Drive, the uh self- storage facility that was approved. Um we had a few hiccups along the way with Eversource and they have that high tension wire there. Um it seems like everything is kind of smoothed out there and then we're moving forward. Uh we're in the final process of getting their demo permit to start demoing the property. So, with the engineering department right now, they just need to make sure that the sewer is disconnected there and they should be okay to sign. So, I did speak to engineering this morning and they're more than likely able to sign off on that so we can get that off our plate and them to start doing work out there. >> Um, next one is uh Trumbull Center. There's a lot of things going on
011at Trumble Center. Um, I did speak to the leasing agent there, Eileen, this morning. Uh we did talk about um the Fatty Patty space um that location. It looks like uh they there that space is going to be occupied. They're just working out the um the building permit process right now. They want to do a few minor uh updates there, but it is going to be a food service establishment. is going to be um most likely uh the people from um Trumble Cafe are going to be uh occupying that space. They're not leaving their current location. They're just expanding their their business to two locations there, >> right? >> Um and then we have uh the Emma space. Um looks like that's going to be moving uh forward hopefully soon. They're just um the lease
012is in the potential business owner's hands right now. So, they're just finalizing that lease agreement. So, hopefully we'll see some activity there soon as well. Um I I think you probably seen in the uh recently in the news about Wonder coming. You probably heard about it maybe last month. Uh, one there is the franchise, uh, fast I don't want to say fast food, but food service um, that's going to go between CVS and Starbucks. Those two empty spaces over there, they're going to occupying both spaces. Uh, they're in the building permit process. There's no need for anything for planning and zoning to approve or not because that space has already been um, approved um, and they received their special permits and site plan approval. So, they're they're just getting ready. Uh I think they're moving
013pretty fast as well, too. So, we should see that happening fairly soon. Uh I just heard from Yep. >> food hall concept. They're calling it. Food hall concept is what? >> Food hall concept. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Good. Good to know. Yeah. I didn't want to say fast food because it's not fast food. It's >> Yeah. No, no, no, no. Definitely. >> Okay. >> A lot of people are really excited about that. A lot of the moms. That's interesting because it's a new concept to me, you know, so I I just find it interesting. So, you've dealt with this concept before, Leila. >> I know it from New York City. They have a few of them in New York City. It's basically like different restaurants will have their chefs make a like a menu I
014guess that is specifically I don't know if they prepare the food beforehand and then I don't know how it works but like if the the location cooks it and then we'll deliver it as well. But it's like from different restaurants. So, I don't know if they're going to have restaurants from our area or or if they're going to have um just, you know, some some famous restaurants and then just um deliver it. But yeah, you have like different options like a Mexican, an Italian, you know, dumplings, whatever. >> Interesting. >> I was I was interested in this concept as well, so I did a little research. Looks like they cook the meals. They're pre-cooked about 80% of the way and the final 20% or so is done in house. So there's just a variety of
015different options. So if you're with somebody and somebody wants to get Italian and someone wants to get something else, you you it's a one-stop shop. >> Interesting. >> Really looking forward to this everyone. I think it's exciting. >> The franchise. >> Yes. >> Yep. And I I already started getting targeted ads of uh coupons in my email box. Interesting. Yeah, >> I already got one. I I'm getting one every single day now leading up to I guess when they're when they open, but it's like, you know, the 10% off your next order, like things like that every day. >> Okay, we'll see. >> There's there's one already in Fairfield, right? >> I heard it's pretty busy. >> Okay. Um, next one is uh Quickpack and Ship. Um, >> I heard they're doing very well down
016there. >> They all are in in the process of almost uh are in the process or already have uh the ability to take Amazon returns as well too. >> Oh, great. >> That's pretty big. >> Um, so that's going to be great. Uh, you probably >> Sorry. Where where is that? >> Uh, in Trumble Center. a quick pack and ship. >> Okay, great. Thanks. >> Yep. Um, also you probably are aware that Eero closed >> and um I heard from the leasing agent as well that Buger's more than likely will be leaving after June. So, that whole area is going to be empty. I believe probably uh I heard it was to allow for more square footage for hopefully a bigger user for that uh side of the center. Um, and also, uh, we're going
017to Long Hill Green. Mariana's, uh, is moving out of the current space this month. I believe she's looking for another space. She's been looking in, uh, town at at a couple locations and trying to see where where she may be able to uh, move to. Um, >> I just want to note I I I spoke with the owners today and they're very committed to staying in Trumble. It's difficult for them. It's not the easiest option, but I just hope everyone understands that the commitment and dedication they have to Trumble is really outstanding. >> Absolutely. And just trying to find the right real estate for them. That's a tr that's a challenge. Yeah. >> And then we will have a new business backfilling that spot as people have heard and we've discussed before. So that will
018be coming right behind this. >> Right. Um also um if we go toward the uh Monroe uh line area where Edge is Massage Envy will be leaving soon. I believe they they may have left already. >> Um so they're going to be out and there's some talk about reinventing that location as well too. Uh so you may see something happening in front of your commission fairly soon. Um also the planning zoning commission at the last meeting in um January approved a barber shop at 35 Nutmeg Drive. Um, so that was definitely a a plus there. There was an empty location that they just had to fill and there was minor work that had to be done. So, they're moving pretty fast and getting occupied there, too. So, you may see a grand opening coming your
019way as well. >> Great. >> Um, so now I'm just going into the community development planning section. So, we're talking about um 12 Cambridge. Uh I did speak with the attorney today. Uh there was a few outstanding things that he wanted to discuss with staff um about the architecture and and a few other items. Um he's supposed to be sending me uh renderings. I've asked him a couple times. He's sending them to me hopefully uh to by tomorrow uh we're going to have a meeting with him. They want to start work uh springtime for this project. That's the senior housing on 12 Cambridge that was approved boy I would say >> about half a year or more ago, right? >> Yep. Uh right right in front along Reservoir Avenue. Um there is a project on
020I believe it's is that 2150 Reservoir Avenue. Um the it's um Steve Shapiro's project. It's a residential development for 48 uh apartments and one residential apartment in the front. Uh that did receive planning and zoning approval at the last meeting. Uh we did require that the modifications to the text amendment show a 15% affordability uh in that application which is more than we usually require. So, um, you know, I haven't heard what their next steps are, but they did get their approval. And >> Rob, is that the is that the Avery Abrasives building? >> No. So, it's a little further south. >> But the Avery Abrasives was that because I know there was a there were a lot of applications on reservoir one Avery Abrasives building is one of them. Correct. >> Hey, no. Avery
021Avery abrasives. There was interest at that time, but I I believe there's a new excuse me, user in there now that's um that's still using the industrial use in that for that building. >> Okay. Gotcha. Thank you. >> Yeah. So there's there's no no change thankfully to that to that parcel. >> That is good news. Thanks for sharing. >> Yeah. >> Rob, can you clarify for me? Um because the Avery Abrasives last I met they were still looking to determine who the user was going to be. Has something over the last month changed? >> Um no Reena, not that I know of. >> Okay. So I think they're still just considering another user. I don't think it's that much different, but we still are are looking for, you know, that to be sort of a
022commercial property. Um it's a key location. and it's got a lot of issues there. Um, in terms of, you know, us where we are having some housing proposals come up. We're trying to make sure they're set back. Make sure that, you know, that there's other kinds of things mitigated when those proposals come and that we're preserving our commercial real estate as best we can for future use and for industrial and commercial use as appropriate. So, week. >> Um, so after the Shapiro project, we have um Vessel, which is a u uh you've probably I don't know, Reno, if you've spoken to them before about I assume about Vessel. >> Um, so Vessel is a affordable housing developer. Um, they are proposing an 830G affordable housing um application. um right next to where Rob is, you
023know, right next door, literally the property right next door to um between Avery Abrasives actually and um Reservoir uh Steve Shapiro's property that we were just discussing. There's property between there and there's a proposal for an 830G housing development there. Um and it it will be something that's much discussed, I'm sure. Um, but I think that there's an opportunity for Trumbull with this project to get a number of credit points toward a moratorum in the future. So, you'll be hearing more about that. Rob can speak to the actual, you know, how many units and all this that they're >> So, as of right now, this application is still in front of the planning zoning commission. they're um they requested that they review the um phase one and phase two environmental studies. Uh we recently hired
024a third party at the expense of the applicant to review those environmental because there was um you know as of right now there's a um car storage uh I don't want to say junkyard uh area in the back and they just want to make sure that everything is environmentally safe for entire and a residential user for that site. So, um the commission um is meeting this month on the 18th, planning zoning commission, and they're going to discuss again to make sure that they have all their all the information they need. Uh there may have um third party um reviewer come to the meeting and and discuss their findings as well too. Um I know engineering is is working with them uh with the third party um to understand the impacts on the site. Uh they
025did receive um I think um an okay from a study for WPCA that the um sewer um hookups uh are adequate enough for this type of development. So, um I think that you know there there's a possibility for um a positive recommendation for this project. Um but we'll see when we when we when the planning commission uh commission meets on the 18th. Um I don't know if there's any questions about that one. >> Rob, how many proposed units is it? Can you speak to anything about that number? >> Yeah, so I think there's around 150. Okay. And again, it's more south on reservoir, if you will. >> So, it's there's Avery braces and then I believe it's one parcel down from there in my corner. >> I see. >> And then right right next door
026is the other approved project. >> And then right between right behind both of those projects is 12 Cambridge. >> Okay. Thanks for geographically placing. >> Thank you. >> Sure. Um so then after that we just received a a text amendment for 211 Teller Road. Um this was um I don't know if you are aware of there's a horse farm on Teller Road, old German style house >> sort of if you're driving downhill there. Uh they're looking to put some uh age restricted housing in that area. So, they're um coming in front of the planning zoning commission with a text amendment first to see if this um type of use is palatable. So, we actually just received that application on Monday. Um let's see, Boothill and Unity. Uh there's this housing there's that housing development as
027well too that they're looking for a text amendment and a um site plan approval. I believe they're just doing the text amendment right now. Uh Reena and I have been going back and forth with the developer. Um they did make modifications the way we we requested. They took a couple of the housing units away from the wetland area, but they still have a lot of work to do and get their um inland wetlands approval and WPCA and they have to go through the whole gambit first. So they haven't gotten to that point yet. So they're just coming in front of us for the text amendment first to allow the use there. Um See uh next on our planning zoning agenda is their housing moratorum that we're looking to um extend 50 uh less than 50
028units. Uh anything more would have to be age restricted. Um and if you probably saw at the corner of Lake and Maine, the gas station is finally getting built. They are putting the framing up and the foundations in. So hopefully things are going to start speeding up in that area. >> Oh boy, that's a I haven't seen that. See, that's an update for me. I I can't drive, but I I if I could drive, I would drive over there and check it out. >> It's nothing great, Reena. It's a bunch of sticks on top of concrete. >> We'll send you a picture. >> Yes, please. Please. >> But they're they're all nice and symmetrical, though. I have to say, looks looks very nicely. I >> agree. It looks like it's going to flow much better
029in that parking lot and >> Yeah. >> in and out and the way the building's being placed. Yeah. >> Yeah. And how far back it is. You can see with the framing and see how far back the building's going to be, >> which is good. >> Um, and I think that's all that's all I have for the for the projects coming and and the status to them. If anybody has any questions, please let me you ask away. Now, I'll hand it over to Dia. >> Great update, Rob. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Um, Reena covered everything that else we had talked about in terms of events. So, um, that I think that's it for our regular agenda items. >> Well, I just wanted to thank Gia and Rob again. They've been outstanding as you know,
030as you hear. Um, they've been, you know, really on top of things and, uh, that's much appreciated. So, I just want to call them out again and thank them. Well, I just want to say that we miss our general >> and we can't wait to see her again and have her back. >> You guys, >> absolutely. >> So, we miss you and we can't wait to see you again, Reena. >> Love you guys. I feel the same way and we will. We're getting there. >> Good. >> Thank you. >> Touch and go for a while, but >> but uh yeah. >> Okay. I want I also want to call out Vicki. She has been amazing on top of things, keeping on top of every issue. I don't know how she does it with between the
031budget and this and that going on, but she's on top of everything related to the stuff we're working on because we do work as a team anyway, you know, with Vicki, but and and the team is together watching what's happening and and working through these projects. But I mean, I think that she's just spent so much time making sure that everybody's informed and that everybody's, you know, and that's just amazing. This is this is teamwork that you don't see everywhere and people don't realize that it goes on u because everybody's you know worried about what's going on on social media here or there. There's so much teamwork that goes on here and and you know it it's just if people really could see that they would really be appreciative of how dedicated uh people are
032at the town from the top to the bottom of the ladder so to speak. So I just I couldn't be more grateful to everybody. And you know when you go through something difficult, you see things with very clear eyes. >> A lot of things that are unimportant fall away. >> For sure. >> Very very clearly things and what's important, what isn't, what needs to be prioritized. And so this has been a really um amazing journey, a difficult but amazing journey for me. and the clarity that it's brought just in the importance of things and and stuff is something that I hope um that I continue to sort of bring to to my uh work, but I think it maybe we all can take a little bit of it home with us, you know. Well, Reena,
033you know, we're we're all here for you and you make it easy for us, you know, as you've organized this your department and uh so I can't say thank you enough for you always. Uh and we all just want you to get stronger and get better and so we can see you uh in person back in the office. But meantime, >> we're all here for you. So, whatever you need, you know that we're here. >> We can't do as good a job as you do, but you know, we can try. >> Yes, you can. and and the amazing outpouring of support from the community, from the business community, from just people in community and and my friends, and it's just been amazing. Yep. Well, as I said, we just uh are here for you and
034uh whatever comes up, we we can take care of it. and I want you to make a, you know, a slow recovery and don't overdo as we've said because we want you back here. Um, and we're here for you whatever you need. >> Thank you. >> So, with that, I think we're Yeah. >> Do you have any um updates on grants? Well, actually, there was a grant that I was made aware of that got funded through the um Heim's office. I believe it it was funded through just this week. So, I'm not in the know on the total amounts and everything. I haven't digested that yet, but this is the Beardsley uh force main pump project that George Estrada and I and Bill Mau have been working on for several years actually through the this
035is through the appropriations process of the federal government and this will help this project will help um address some of the inadequacies in our sewer infrastructure and so forth that that really need updating. And this particular project um will benefit Trumbull primarily, but it will also benefit downstream Bridgeport because if if a force man breaks that's weak, it it pollutes and affects the entire area, right? So it is it is both bene you know a benefit to the Bridgeport community and to Trumbull and anything that passes through Trumbull. >> Right. >> So So Reena the the the uh value of that grant is 1,92,000. >> Okay. >> Pump station and force main replacement. >> Right. Right. 1 million 92. I just got to write this. >> Yeah. 1 million 92. >> Okay. >> That's good
036news. That's great news. >> Yeah, it's great. >> And I want to thank again Bill Mau and George Strada who really helped on this tremendously. Um, we've been working on it, I would say, for at least two years at least. >> And I want to thank Congressman. He's been backing us up and um, supporting this project and this inf important infrastructure. So, he's been great. >> That's good. Good news. >> We've gotten quite Now remember we got a an appropriation for the veteran center project from him's office through this process. Um we also got one from Blumenthal Blumenthal and Murphy's office but that was separate under a separate year and separate process. And then we've got now this another you know grant um from this process this appropriations process uh for this project too. So,
037we've been doing as a town pretty well on the uh federal appropriations. >> Very good. Very good. Um, is there anything to report on events, upcoming events? >> I I know we're slated to host the broker network in April, so we'll probably report on that in March. Gia and I have to put our heads together about where and I think we have the when but we don't have the where and you know the approach but as you know we do it a few times a year. Um >> yes >> um it's not really an event but I was reminded recently that our GBT connect program as of right now will be ending in June I believe. Um, >> oh, that's too bad. They weren't able to get the continuation funding because I know they they
038they also stopped it in the valley. >> Um, at this point, no. Um, Vicki had shared an email with me um with um our GBT connect people telling reminding us that it that's when it's slated to end as of right now. So maybe >> private funding extend. >> I know that the valley did stop there. I heard that they had stopped their service. I think the pilot groups are waiting to see if they get through the budget process. >> Um, you know, I don't know, Dian, if you've heard anything about this, but through the budget process, if they're going in for an additional funding, you know, for GBT, it may be in that process and they can't really commit to it unless it gets approved in the state budget. >> Right. Okay. Um, and we
039moved on now to BRBC. Is that going to be you, Fred, or >> Well, I'll kick us off. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm going to pass it right back to you, Fred, just in case because I know I missed um the January meeting for the Trumbull Chamber, so I don't know if anything particular came up on that, but I just wanted to echo everyone's sentiments on you, Reena. It's good to hear your voice. Um, so, uh, just keep on the good fight and get stronger and better so we can, uh, see you back, uh, giving all of us marching orders as Rob pointed out, including us at the chamber. >> Amen. >> Um, >> and Rob, it's good to see you on one of these calls. Uh, I know you jump on
040periodically, and it's good to see that uh, we're not tasting meatballs tonight. >> We're gonna have to those meatballs. Yeah. How many meatballs can you eat? Right. >> Yeah. Yeah. They weren't as bad as last year, but they were they, you know, it was an interesting evening, that's for sure. >> Dan warned me. It was hilarious. He's like, "You think these are going to be good." >> So, that good. >> We need uh we need Reena and Gia to to place next year. >> Yeah, >> we may have to team up on this. >> Um, but Fred, I'll I'll pass it to you just initially. I don't know if there's anything particular from the Trumbull Chamber side that came up in the January meeting. I know uh I missed that meeting. Uh so I'm not
041privy to if there's any actual items or interesting things that came up in that conversation, but I do have a few things from the BRBC side, the regional side that I just want to make mention of. >> Yeah, thank you Dan. Just briefly, great Trumbull Chamber of Commerce meeting, lot of engagement, a lot of positive energy. Um, I was very informed by the uh team to follow up on the um the Main Street dollar program and see if we had any success stories or any information to share. I'm not sure if anybody has any updates on that, but if you don't tonight, um, please pass along that information so I could share that with the chamber. >> So, I spoke with Michelle Jacob. She's and Ronnie and Gia and I caught up very very briefly
042today on this. Um, but it sounds like things were successful and we can get we do an analysis of the impact of the funding each year. Um, just to t we keep a running sort of tally right g of what the return on investment is and how much money went to community. So we will do that again this year. I mean, it really has been one of my goals to expand the project, but it it's hard, too, because you can't the more businesses you add to it, it dilutes the amount of money that gets spent. And, you know, so we want to thank uh Kathy Ganon and her foundation, uh, the Mustard Seed Foundation. They were one of our sponsors this year. And that the Rotary is an ongoing and I know you're involved with
043this as well. Um, you're on you're on you're on the chamber, you're on the Rotary, and you're on the uh economic development commission. So, you cover a lot of bases for us, Fred. Um, but you know, the Rotary has been a key sponsor for this, and we really appreciate that. Um, and people love this program. They really do. Um, you know, so we'll have to see how many certificates got turned in by which businesses. We always know certain businesses are extremely popular um particularly given the time of year, but we would like to expand it at some point. Um so we've talked about it internally and we'll we'll keep thinking it through and trying to pick up if we could pick up one or two signature sponsors additionally that would really I think be our
044goal. >> Great. Thank you all for that update. And Dan, just um I'm sure you'll mention about the National Civics B if you could add that to your your list of items you'll speak about. Um that's it for our most recent uh chamber meeting. I I'll turn it back to Dan. >> Thanks, Fred. Yeah, and I would just add for the Trumbull Chamber uh next month uh or actually this month, it's already February. Gosh. Um we will be uh presenting a a new slate of officers for the board uh at the meeting. Um, you know, we have kind of the the usual crowd that shows up, but we've got a good group, I think, of new folks that we'll share with you, Fred, on some of the folks that uh that threw their hat in
045a ring to get more involved. It's nice to get some fresh faces and uh new businesses to partner up with and to bring new ideas and other things to do to support the uh Trumbull business community. So, more to come on that uh in the next month. Uh I'll probably, you know, Fred or I will probably give everyone an update next month. Um, but as it relates to the regional stuff, last week we did h hold our legislative breakfast. Um, it was a conversation around the housing bill that passed in November. Um, it was a good conversation. I I was hopeful we were going to get to some more Q&A because I know there's some uh questions out there about how this, you know, program is going to impact our communities. Um, definitely the the
046the walk away or takeaway from that meeting um was really a wait and see. I don't think we're going to see much action in this next legislative session that's starting tomorrow uh up in Harford. Uh I think they're going to see how this bill plays out. I think we got acknowledgement from both sides of the aisle that um you know they expect to have some amendments probably next year to this bill. Um you know, but they want to see kind of how it plays out this year uh with the changes that went into effect and and how that impacts development projects and things of that nature. We did post a summary in our weekly newsletter that went out today um that kind of just talks you know real high level uh some of the things
047that um that were included in the bill that you know are are noteworthy. Um, so as I mentioned, the session starts tomorrow. Um, uh, we do have, um, we, as always, we partner up with CBIA, the Connecticut Business Industry Association. Um, and they're, uh, I'm sharing on the screen now, if you can see it. Um, basically what their policies are going to be focusing on or their their policy crew is going to be focusing on and specifically really around small business competitiveness in the three areas. you know, I'll share this with Gia so she can get it out to the rest of the commission. Um, is around affordability, efficiency, and workforce readiness. Um, so we always, at least historically since I've been here, have partnered with our government relations committee, uh, and CBIA to, you
048know, to support the same initiatives that, uh, help our business community. Um, so you'll see more conversations on this, uh, as we head into the session. It's a short session this year. Uh and then finally um uh Fred mentioned it uh as you know uh since the theme tonight for me is is government relations uh uh our civics be it's our third year hosting our civics be for sixth seventh and eighth graders um so think spelling be but for uh civics um and these kids are really fantastic uh that submit essays on issues that impact our community and the purpose of it is really to give them um exposure to the importance of their um uh uh engagement in their civic responsibility and encourage them to continue to get involved. We don't expect them all
049to become politicians, nor do we want them to be, but um but uh they learn a lot uh through this process and uh they go on to compete at the state level and then ultimately down in Washington DC across the country with other uh kids, middle schoolers. Uh and the winner wins, you know, uh $100,000 towards their f their 529 uh B plan. >> Wow. >> Yeah. Um so it's a significant amount of money. The state uh prize, I think, is 5,000 and our regional prize is 500 bucks. So, um you know, it's it's it's nothing to to shy away from. And I will tell you, I've been sharing on on LinkedIn and on on our Facebook channels, ARV, who's represented Fairfield County the last two years, uh we've had representation, I'm sorry, from Fairfield
050County the last two years, but Arav who went last year um to uh the Nationals. Uh there was a I I had brought him on to uh Fox News and we did a a story on Fox News and you listen to this kid speak and you know it's really powerful the experiences they've had. He competed our first year and you can tell he wasn't as sharp. Um but this year he he hit it out of the park. So uh and then the other gentleman that came in second actually started a podcast. I got I got a note from his parents uh expressing their gratitude to the BRBC to that gave them encouragement to to start this podcast. And you know that's why we do it. It's to connect them with with our local uh elected
051officials but also to encourage them on the importance of their civic responsibility. Um you know when you hear statistics that you know uh the majority of eth graders don't have confidence in their government or don't trust their government that that's a problem. um and you know so we need to we need the business community to help support them and um encourage them to get involved. So happy to do it. I'm happy that our government relations committee also agrees that this is an important initiative for us. Um and we'll be doing it again. Uh the deadline to submit essays for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders is February 17th. Um I did send it to Dr. Seml uh superintendent in Trumbull. uh you know we can't solicit directly to the students but doesn't mean you can't if
052you know any middle schoolers in the Drumble area or anywhere in Connecticut for that matter. Um I'll also send that flyer and the details to Gia so she can forward on to you folks as a followup. Um but you know at the schools uh you know we do need buyin from the superintendents and principles um so that the civic teachers and their respective communities uh encourage their kids to to submit an essay and and and compete. Um, it's a fun day. Uh, and it's a worthy cause. So, that's >> Did Dr. S respon respond to you? >> Um, he didn't, but I'm sending out a followup tomorrow to all the supers. Um, so I'll send him another another note. Yep. >> Okay. And can you send that to me, too? Sure. >> I think I
053sent it to him a long time ago. >> You did? Yeah. You had a meeting with him and you met with them and we've been sending out pretty much the last I don't know four months or so. We've been hitting up all the superintendents in in the county. >> Okay. >> Hey, Dan. >> Yes. >> What when I was uh I guess in in high school, I entered a contest called I Speak for Democracy and I won a radio. >> Yay. So, it definitely was the beginning of uh invite. >> See, and and look at you now. >> Yeah. Awesome. >> That's great, Barl. That's great. Now, now it's no longer any it's no longer radios. They just want the cash, right? >> They need the cash, >> that's for sure. >> But that's all
054I have for the BRBC. Obviously, uh we'll probably be doing an after hours for somewhere in the region. Usually we kick it off around um uh the March Madness stuff, uh with the basketball just to make it fun, but we'll see. Um we don't have anything finalized just yet, but soon we'll probably have something just to get the business community together in a in a casual setting. >> Okay. Thank you, Dan. Uh very very interesting. Okay. I don't think there's any um or any outsiders, any community people with us tonight. Um Vicki, did you want to add anything to this before we sign off? >> Uh no, not really. I mean, if somebody has a question for me, you know, we're in the budget process right now. So, that's um obviously I'm taking most of
055my time and my budget is due on um on March 2nd or third, whatever the first Monday is in March. So, uh you know, it's already uh it's just a month away. So, we're just busy, very busy with that. So, but if anybody has any questions, be glad to answer them. Anybody else have anything they'd like to add or a question? Okay, just >> I thought it was a great meeting. It was nice to have Rob with us, too. I thought that was great. So, we'll have to make Rob do this again someday, you know. >> Thanks for having me. No, this is this is a stress fe stressfree meeting, which I love. >> Well, you're welcome anytime, Rob. You know, we send you a big hug. >> Thank you. >> Can't wait to see
056you. >> Yes. >> We'll have to figure out how we're going to get that soup to you. >> Oh, >> I'll have to see if my maybe my daughter can pick it up. I'll have to find out. I >> would be great. >> You don't know how difficult it is that I can't drive. You have no idea. He told me initially I can drive after two weeks, but then there was a criteria of having never been on a certain medication. If you've never been on it, they won't let you drive for the first three months because they have to monitor you. I freaked out. I was like, "Oh my god, I can't drive. What am I going to do? I feel like I'm in lockup." >> That is that is difficult. I agree with you.
057Oh, >> but if you need but you need a ride, Reena, just uh just let me know. I'll come get you. >> Thank you. Believe me, I'm like my Thank God my daughter has been absolutely amazing. And you know, it's in my best interest that I'm not driving yet. It probably was way too soon. Um but you know, all of this in time, but I I just my daughter I can't even I know this isn't part of the meeting, but she's just been extraordinary. Yes, you're very lucky. >> I really am. >> Right. That's that's great. I'm glad she's here. >> Thank God she almost wasn't because she was flying back from Brazil to see me and she almost didn't get to see me before I went in. >> And by a stroke of God,
058I'll have to say >> she got So >> that's great. Okay. Y >> for sure. >> Yep. >> She's a good >> blessings, blessings, blessings all around. >> That's absolutely right. >> Okay. Um can we have a motion to end the meeting? >> Justin, is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor >> I >> opposed. Okay, we will see you next month. >> Okay, >> take care everyone. >> You as well. Yeah.