Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Location: Virtual via Zoom 6:30 p.m.

Attendees: Monique Gaudet (MG), Moe Hartley (MH), Colin Best (CB), Diana Lakich (DL), Tom Dusmet (TD), Eric Parris (EP)

Regrets: Kristina Tesser Derksen (KTD)

EC called the meeting to order at 6:34 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 TD, seconded by CB. Motion passed.

Treasurer Report (TD):

  • Expenses are very light to date. There is no activity in any of the special event’s accounts.
  • A surplus of $100,000 was generated in 2025.
    • CB moved to accept the Treasurer Report. EP seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Reports

Regional (CB)

  • The Regional Meeting on January 27 covered zoning by-law updates, primarily affecting residential areas with some impact on commercial zoning.
  • The Britannia Secondary Plan was approved, adding 17,500 homes between Thompson and Sixth Line, increasing Milton’s population by 57,000–70,000.
  • At the regional level, several motions were put forward addressing homelessness, urging provincial and federal action. Discussions also covered the upcoming provincial election and municipal challenges highlighted by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
    • MH moved to accept the Council Reports. EP seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Director Report

**Administration:

  • Kristina Tesser-Derksen will not be attending this board meeting due to her running for Liberal MPP.
  • Abhideep Sarkar, owner of The Works Craft Burgers and Beer, has expressed interest in joining the board. The application is attached for review. A motion will be made to vote on this.
  • The DBMIA bylaw states that new board members must participate in three board meetings before a motion to vote.
  • Discussion on BIA Bylaw:
    • The Downtown Milton BIA bylaw currently states that new board members must attend three board meetings before fully joining.
    • Motion: Colin would like to move a motion to eliminate this bylaw requirement for Abhideep Sarkar.
    • MH moved to accept the Council Reports. EP seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • Motion:
    • To vote Abhideep Sarkar, owner of The Works Craft Burgers and Beer, to become a Board Member of the DMBIA Board of Directors.
    • MH moved to accept the Council Reports. EP seconded the motion. Motion passed.

**2025 Strategic Planning Committee

  • Andy Scott Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives will be attending our next meeting Monday, February 24 from 1 pm – 3 pm
  • EC is not able to attend the upcoming Strategic Planning Meeting
  • MG will record the meeting and provide EC with a transcript or recording.
  • Session 3 focused on reviewing the 2025 Member Strategic Planning Survey. The survey has been updated, and final revisions will be sent to the committee this week for final approval.
  • A suggestion was made at the Strategic Planning meeting to introduce a 2025 Affiliate Membership Package as a social media initiative for businesses located outside of the BIA, along Main Street. More details to follow.
  • MG boundaries for the package would be on Main Street between Ontario Street and Bronte Street. The team will create the package for board approval.

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • **DMBIA Events:
    • Taste of Downtown Milton: Friday February 21, 2025 – Sunday March 16, 2025
    • MG 16 restaurants are participating in TODM
    • SummerFest: Saturday June 7th 2025 12 pm – 8 pm, BMO is confirmed as the Presenting Sponsor.
    • We continue to promote member events via social media, newsletter, and our events calendar.

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • **Window Painting Collaboration with Arts Milton for the Friendship Project
    • Arts Milton is looking for a storefront in Downtown Milton where their newcomers and host families can come together for a community window painting activity. This would be a fun and creative way to engage families while adding a vibrant touch to the downtown space. We will include this in our member update and reach out to our members to gauge interest in participating.  Arts Milton will make the final decision.
  • **Legacy of Honour Program
    • Frank Avila, Legacy of Honour program would like to join one of our upcoming board meetings to review the program for next year.
    • DMBIA will take over the logistics of the Legacy of Honour Program to ensure installation dates are met.
    • The DMBIA will take over the logistics of the Legacy of Honour program to ensure installation dates are met.
    • EC recommended speaking with Classic Displays regarding installation quotes to finalize program costs and manage logistics.
    • MG noted that this year’s expense for the DMBIA was just over $1,000 but this will change for 2025.

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTION DOWNTOWN

  • **Election Update:
    • The DMBIA tried to host an All-Candidates meeting, however, this was unsuccessful as candidates are not attending these events, and a response was not received.
    • The DMBIA is sending out a member update to offer businesses the opportunity to submit video or written questions regarding downtown issues that concern them. These questions will be shared via Facebook, and candidates will be notified about this so they can respond accordingly.
  • **Tariffs:
    • The DMBIA is asking our members to list their businesses on How to Buy Canadian –a grassroots website compiling a list of products and services made in Canada is available here, and to let us know when they have completed this. A social post will then be shared with a shout-out to all the businesses that have signed up for this website.
    • OBIAA has provided BIAs with a statement to Support Local. This will be posted on our socials, updated to our members, and shared in our next community newsletter.  Discover the incredible businesses in your community by connecting with your local BIA. They provide valuable resources to help residents and visitors explore the diverse shopping, dining, and service options available on Main Streets across Ontario. Find your local BIA here: https://obiaa.com/member-directory

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beatification:
    • Board discussion to review options for the flower beds along Main Street. Julie and Shirley meeting. Explain discussion.
    • MG spoke with Julie from Flower Shed and she mentioned that the flower beds are no longer a healthy environment due to street pollution, the soil being above the sidewalk, and the large tree roots, which prevent the flowers from going. Perennials are unlikely to survive. Julie and Monique will meet to review the options.
    • The hanging baskets have been ordered and will be hung before SummerFest.
    • MG explained that they are the garden beds along Main Street where a tree is planted.
    • EC recommended tree grates that are cast iron covers that protect tree roots while allowing pedestrian traffic.
    • EC we need to make the sidewalks more pedestrian-friendly.
    • EC suggested adding additional baskets to Main Street.
    • MG to review costs for the grates and speak to Julie.
    • MH suggested making the trees a memorial purchase, with a portion of the proceeds funding tree grates. A plaque could be placed on each tree to support the program.
    • Snowflakes are coming down the week of February 24, 2025.
      • CB moved to accept the Executive Director Report. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Other Business:

Adjournment

  • TD moved to adjourn. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • EC Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm.