Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday, June 11, 2024
Location: Virtual via Zoom 6:30 p.m.

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

DL called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.

DL 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 KTD. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report (TD)

  • Summer contracts expenses are beginning to show up, from SummerFest.
  • The second installment from the Tax Levy was received.
  • We have asked The Town to include a new line item for employee benefits to separate Private and Government.
    • CB moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Reports

Local (KTD)

  • The Town had an “Adopt a Park” program. For reference, please visit https://www.milton.ca/en/arts-and-recreation/adopt-a-park.aspx
  • Milton Today https://www.miltontoday.ca/ ran an article about Milton’s projected population and by 2051 it will be just over 400,000 people.  The Town would need to have an average of 2,900 new housing units per year from now until 2051.
  • TD commented on the traffic situation near the 401 and the mall (Halton Hills), noting the absence of police presence, which made navigation challenging. If the population increases, police presence will need to be established.
  • The Transportation Master Plan was open for comments and is important to review based on the above increase in population. The guide that combines all modes of transportation and identifies strategic improvements for each mode, to achieve a multi-modal future for the Town.
  • KTD updated that The Town hosted long term strategic workshops and transportation was the main point of the discussion. Including design, layout, and how we will implement this in future neighbourhoods.
  • The Transportation Master Plan was open for comments and is important to review based on the above increase in population. The guide combines all modes of transportation and identifies strategic improvements for each mode, to achieve a multi-modal future for the Town.
  • MH commented that this is not a police issue but an infrastructure issue, this requires provincial and federal input to implement.
  • EP is concerned that the new condos being built in the area will worsen the already bad traffic situation.

Regional ( CB)

  • Staff and contractors are working on Main Street to level the road that was repaired after the water main broke just before downtown.
  • The Region is hosting a workshop on modifying garbage collection. We currently have pilot projects for automatic handles and are considering expanding this to more communities. This system makes it easier to collect garbage and ensures that garbage and recycling stay in bins.
  • As of July 1, 2024, all planning will be done locally.
    • EP moved to accept the Council Report. KTD seconded the motion. Motion passed.

 

Executive Director Report

**Administration:

  • Interviews are taking place this week for the Ambassador summer student position. The position will begin on Tuesday July 2.
  • The high school co-op program has ended, the student completed their term with us.

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • Social media and promotions – Key focus was promoting SummerFest and the downtown businesses via videos. These promotions were well received.
    • Our Instagram following exceeds 10,000 users.
    • We have implemented a pop-up feature on our website to further grow our subscriber base. We have 50 people subscribe to our newsletter at SummerFest.
  • ** Nominations open for Chamber’s Community Awards. Does the board have any suggestions?
    • MG mentioned that nominations were submitted last year, and we will plan to nominate again next year.

https://miltoncc.awardify.io/categories

    • Business Awards (Small, Medium, Large)
    • Entrepreneur of the Year
    • Not-for-Profit of the Year
    • Sustainability Excellence
    • Volunteer of the Year
    • Lifetime Achievement
  • ** SummerFest:
    • Summerfest was a big success. We are in the process of compiling the wrap report.
    • We rented a generator from Battlefield for SummerFest. They delivered the generator to us on Friday afternoon, placing it in the Brown Street lot behind a Town dumpster. The generator remained there throughout the festival, as it was used by a vendor and never moved from its original position. It was still in place at the designated spot-on Saturday evening. However, when Battlefield came to pick up the generator on Monday, they reported it as missing.
    • MG mentioned that going forward, we will not be renting additional generators for vendors. If vendors require more power than we can provide, it will be their responsibility to supply it.
    • MG a police report has been submitted and this will be covered under our event insurance and a damage waiver was signed. More information to follow.
  • ** Farmers’ Market:
    • Two members have complained about the location of the food truck. The smell of gas and the food is affecting their business.
  • **Car Show:
    • The next big event is the Car Show, scheduled for Saturday September 14 @ 5pm – 11pm
    • We will announce this on June 21, 2024

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • Member/business updates:
  • New
    • Gem Cut Barbershop opened at 13 Charles St. #103 during SummerFest

Miano Hair Care opened in May at 188 Main St. E.

  • Updates
    • Modern Men are leaving their location on Mary St. and are changing their name to Modified Hair Studio and will be at 140 Main St. where SG Hair Design is
    • Bombshell Hair Salon left 159 Main St. and will be moving to 207 Main St. where Muse Studio

Vacancy Rate: 8.6 %

    • MH asked if the vacancy rate was based on doors or square footage?
    • MG the vacancy rate on the number of buildings being rented minus the open buildings. The square footage is not included in the vacancy rate.

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING DOWNTOWN

  • MP Adam van Koeverden recommended that we apply for the Enabling Accessibility Grant. This funding opportunity aims to make communities and workplaces across Canada more accessible for persons with disabilities. He suggested portable ramps for business within the BIA.
    • I researched and found these https://www.portaramp.ca/
    • OBIIA accessibility reference guide file:///C:/Users/downt/Downloads/Business%20of%20Accessibility%20Handbook%C2%A0.pdf
    • More information to follow.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beatification:
    • Flowers are installed
    • The garden sponsorship program is up and running
    • We have one banner that was taken down due to damage. It is in the process of being replaced.
    • Michael Foster, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer continues to ensure that graffiti is removed in a timely manner.  133 Main Street was not completed prior to SummerFest. The compliance time gave them until June 2. The Town will be looking into doing the work themselves should it not be completed by the property owner. Update to follow.
    • MG discussed the Styrofoam incident that occurred while Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill was resurfacing their building. Styrofoam pieces were flying through the air in Downtown Milton, covering Main Street and prompting complaints from numerous businesses.
    • KTD received numerous complaints about the situation. The Commission of Development was contacted and planned to visit the contractors
    • MH recommended contacting the Ministry of Labour to ensure that protocols are being followed.
    • TD moved to accept the Executive Director Report. KTD seconded the motion. Motion passed.
      • DL moved to accept the Council Report. KTD seconded the motion. Motion passed.

New Business:

  • CB: Milton District Hospital Auxiliary is hosting the Strawberry Fair on Saturday June 22, so there might be more activity downtown.
  • CB: Canada Day at the Milton Fairgrounds on July 1, 2024.

Adjournment

  • KTD moved to adjourn. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • DL Meeting adjourned at 7:43pm.