Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes
Wednesday April 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual ZOOM
Attendees: Monique Gaudet (MG), Moe Hartley (MH), Diana Lakich (DL), Tom Dusmet (TD), Eric Parris (EP), Abhi Sarkar (AS)
Regrets: Kristina Tesser Derksen (KTD), Colin Best (CB)
EC called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m.
EC asked the board if there was any declaration of pecuniary interest or conflict of interest. None were made.
Motion to accept the previous meeting minutes by EP, seconded by DL. Motion passed.
Treasurer Report (TD):
- We had six financial entries this month. Our expenses are slightly higher than in 2024, but given rising prices, this is hardly a surprise.
- No other activity to report.
- EP moved to accept the Treasurer Report. CB seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Council Reports
Regional (CB)
- Absent
Local (KTD)
- Absent
Executive Director Report:
- **Administration:
- The 2025 Strategic Planning Survey was sent out, and follow-ups with the members to respond will begin.
- We have one final Strategic Planning meeting remaining, which will be scheduled toward the end of April or early May, depending on the survey results. A final report will be compiled to summarize the 2025 Strategic Plan.
- We are still pending approval for the Canada Summer Jobs grant. If we do not receive funding, I would like to request to employ 1 summer student for the first 8 weeks. Monday, April 28, 2025, until Friday, June 20, 2025, to assist with SummerFest. Approximate salary $5,500.00 for 8 weeks.
- EC we have budgeted for a part-time hourly student. If the grant is not successful, you already can hire under the 2025 budget allocation.
ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES
- **DMBIA Events:
- SummerFest: Saturday, June 7 from 12 pm – 8 pm.
- 20 members confirmed to participate in SummerFest.
- Milton Prism is hosting the Pride Parade in Downtown Milton on July 20, 2025. DMBIA is a Bronze Sponsor
- DMBIA has purchased a booth at the Farmers Market, and members are taking advantage of this opportunity by booking space.
- **DMBIA Promotions:
- We received a lot of positive attention from our All Canadian & Local Made posts that highlighted our members. We will continue this campaign on our socials.
- Working on a partnership with Destination Ontario.
INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES
- Business updates
New:
- Café Depot to open at corner of Main and Charles St.
ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTION DOWNTOWN
- We continue to promote OBIAA’s statement to Support Local.
- The Patio Program will be returning this year. Nitya Irwin from the Town of Milton will be reaching out to our members in the next week
ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS
- **Beautification
- Receptacles and benches were damaged by sidewalk plows. Operations have confirmed that repairs will begin this month, and they have agreed to cover the cost of the receptacle damage.
- Litter cleanup with ABL will begin now that the weather has improved.
- I am collaborating with Flower Shed on the upcoming season and the cost of grates for the flower beds. For this season, we will not be planting flowers in the garden beds.
- I am working with Frank Alva, The Legion on the final details of the Legacy of Honour Program. I am still pending the final quote from Classic Displays. Dates for the program will be from October 1 – November 14, 2025.
- EP moved to accept the Executive Director Report. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Other Business:
Adjournment
- DL moved to adjourn. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.
- EC Meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm.