Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Location: Virtual via Zoom 6:30 p.m.

Attendees: Monique Gaudet (MG), Eric Parris (EP), Kristina Tesser Derksen (KTD), Moe Hartley (MH), Tom Dusmet (TD), Colin Best (CB)

Regrets: Eric Chabot (EC), Diana Lakich (DL)

KTB called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.

KTB 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 CB, seconded by TD. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report (TD)

Review 2025 Draft Budget

  • The 2025 budget was presented and reviewed, showing a close resemblance to the 2024 budget with only a few minor changes.
  • We made some adjustments by removing funds that were allocated in the past but not utilized.
  • The financial figures for 2025 are similar to those of 2024.
  • The plan for 2025 is consistent with 2024, with no major cost increases expected.

*Motion to approve 2025 Draft Budget passed

  • TD moved to accept the 2025 Draft Budget. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Review July 2024 Budget

  • Our numbers are consistent with last year’s trends.
  • Expenses align with our event-related financial data.
    • MH moved to accept the Council Reports. CB seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Reports

Local (KTD)

  • Administrative Penalty System (APS) that will come into effect February 2025 in our By-Law Department. APS is a process to manage disputes of By-law infractions in a manner that is fair, effective and efficient while enhancing customer service.
  • Town’s regulatory By-laws will transfer By-law disputes from the provincial offence’s courtroom to the municipality through the use of Screening and Hearing Officers who have the authority to modify, cancel, affirm and extend time to pay for penalties. This process aids in reducing congestion in the Provincial Offences court system, as well as providing a more local and accessible way for residents to resolve disputes.
  • Staff are working to manage the recent flooding and the high volume of water.
  • Ward 1 in Milton is experiencing the most severe flooding.
  • MG reported that Pasqualino’s location and 251 Main Street were both affected by flooding.
  • There will not be a council meeting in August.

Regional (CB)

  • 36 flooded basements in Milton, 24 of them in Ward 1, including the basement of Carriage Square
  • Tremaine Road is down to 1 lane over the 401
  • The Region has begun working on their budget
  • The Region and The Town of Milton are working on their 2025budgets
  • A motion proposed by Councillor Malboeuf aimed to have the region cover the costs for Food Developments hookups for water and sewer, which would have added $1 million to our taxes. This motion was withdrawn.
  • On August 21, my Presidency of AMO will end.
  • KTD extended congratulations to Colin on his 10 years with AMO, noting that it was a very prestigious position.
    • CB moved to accept the Council Report. TD seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Director Report

**Administration:

  • Romeo Gashi, Downtown Brand Ambassador was hired on July 2, 2024, and will work with the DMBIA until August 23, 2024, through the Canada Summer Job Program.

**2025 Budget Review:

  • Comments as per Treasurer’s Report

AGM:

  • Tentative date: Wednesday October 2, 2024
  • Review Annual General Meeting options.
  • MG and TD discussed the possibility of holding a virtual AGM this year due to low attendance in the past.
  • MG alternatively host the AGM at a restaurant, though this will depend on costs.
  • MH noted that past AGMs with specific concerns for all of downtown, like the floodplain issue, had higher attendance. Without an interesting topic, a virtual format might be more effective.
  • MG raised a question regarding the potential topic.
  • CB mentioned that the best-attended events were those like “Meet the Candidates” night.
  • CB A speaker from The Town to discuss the Downtown Milton Civic Precinct could be an option,
  • KTD emphasized that location is important. An event with a relevant topic, like the historian who spoke about Downtown Milton, drew a large crowd. The topic can drive attendance.
  • MG will contact The Town of Milton to see if staff are interested in summarizing the details and plans for the AGM.

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • Social media and promotions – Key focus continues to be our businesses and the “See you in September Car Show.”
  • The DMBIA submitted our name for the BIA showcase section in the recent OBIAA newsletter. Promotions featuring DMBIA patios and flowers were included.
  • We launched a new marketing initiative called “Help Us Help You Promote Your Business!” This initiative offers our businesses the chance to highlight a menu launch, special initiative, sale, or new products on our social media channels until the end of the year. Currently, 15 businesses are participating.
  • MG spoke about approaching a local influencer to come in and showcase a food, retail, and shopping experience.
  • Lawn Bowls Milton will host the Canadian Lawn Bowling Competition from August 17 to August 24 at 43 Commercial. Ken Armstrong, the president, reached out to the DMBIA for sponsorship, swag, and in-kind assistance. We sent an e-blast to members to gauge their interest in offering discounts or coupons in exchange for exposure. Would we like to sponsor them?
  • Milton Public Library is hosting a Job Fair on Saturday August 18, 2024, we will send details to our members as we receive them so that they can participate if interested.

** Farmers’ Market:

  • Two members have complained about the location of the food truck. The smell of gas and the food is affecting their business.  This is an ongoing issue and is yet to be resolved.

**See you in September Car Show:

  • The next big event is the See you in September Car Show, scheduled for Saturday September 14 @ 4pm – 9pm.
  • Orange Snail Brewery will be hosting the beer garden.

**Miracle on Main Street:

  • Launch date Wednesday August 28th, open applications for vendors and entertainers.
  • MG will reach out to The Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation to schedule a meeting to review an MOU for the upcoming event.

**Food and Wine Festival:

  • The Food and Wine Festival will not be taking place in Downtown Milton in 2024. MG to notify Lauren Pearson.
  • The Milton Fairgrounds is hosting a Milton Night Market and Fall Festival

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • Member/business updates:
  • Closed:
    • Peggy’s at 184 Main St.  has retired after over 50 years in Downtown Milton.
    • There were complications with Bombshell Hair Studio’s move to 207 Main St. so they will now be relocating to 212 Mary St.

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING DOWNTOWN

  • Honorable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, will visit the Town of Milton on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. MPP Zee Hamid, the Personal Assistant to the Minister, has arranged for the Minister to meet with some DMBIA businesses and ideally do a walk-through of Downtown. I have a call with Economic Development on Wednesday, July 24, to review the details.
  • MG to provide updates once the meetings are confirmed.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beatification:
    • The hanging flower baskets are obstructing the No Parking signs along Main Street. This issue needs to be resolved before next summer.
    • The DMBIA was not approved for the My MainStreet funding.
    • The graffiti at 133 Main Street has been removed. The property owners are interested in pursuing a mural project similar to The Parkette Mural. The DMBIA will continue to seek funding opportunities for this project.
    • The Community Board near Ivy Arms has been tagged. We plan to repaint the sign white.
      • CB moved to accept the Executive Director Report. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

New Business:

  • MG will confirm the opening date for Chuck’s Roadhouse.
  • MG is meeting with Milton Today to promote the Flashback Tour and the See You in September Car Show.

Adjournment

  • CB suggested promoting Milton athletes competing in the upcoming Olympics.
  • MG inquired if the Board would like to volunteer for the See You in September Car Show

 

Adjournment

  • EP moved to adjourn. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • KTD Meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm.