Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday June 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual ZOOM

Attendees: Monique Gaudet (MG), Diana Lakich (DL), Abhi Sarkar (AS), Colin Best (CB), Moe Hartley (MH),
Regrets: Tom Dusmet (TD), Eric Parris (EP), Eric Chabot (EC)

CB called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.

CB 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 DL, seconded by MH. Motion passed.

Treasurer Report (MG):

  • We will begin seeing expenses from SummerFest continue to come through.
  • Many of our higher SummerFest expenses are coming out closer to the day of the event, we will see those expenses next month.
    • AS moved to accept the Treasurer Report. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Report

Regional & Local (CB)

  • Appreciation expressed to Monique and the team for a successful Summerfest.
  • Next Council Meeting is June 23, 2025. It will include a public meeting on Additional Residential Units (ARUs) in urban and rural areas.
  • Council will set a by-election date (likely September or October) to replace Councillor Kristina Tesser-Derksen.
  • Public Information Meeting on July 15 at 7:00 PM at Hugh Foster Hall. Development proposal at 150 Steeles Avenue (Meritor Property) includes: 1,063 housing units. Mix of townhouses, semis, and low-rise buildings (6–10 stories). Phase 1 of a larger development.
  • Residents on Martin Street have raised early concerns.
  • Full proposal expected to return to Council in fall 2025 (September/October) and possibly be reviewed in 2026.
  • We had a financial workshop on Monday night. Town staff have actually been able to shave the proposed budget in 2026 from 13% increase to 7.2 with a net effect somewhere between 4.75 to 5.5 for the rate.
    • MH moved to accept the Council Report. DL seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Director Report

  • **Administration:
  • Alisha Bustamante, our new Marketing Coordinator, started on Monday, June 2, 2025.
  • Kaleigh Chapman, our summer student’s last day is June 25, 2025.
  • Employee Group Health benefits plan is up for renewal on July 1, 2025. Review the email from the provider.

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • SummerFest: Saturday, June 7, from 12 pm – 8 pm was a success! We will work on the wrap-up and provide feedback once it is completed.
  • Social media and promotions – Key focus is the Downtown Milton BIA businesses and highlighting “Things to do in the summer”
  • Sheriff Country, a television series, will be filming again on Monday, June 23, and Tuesday, June 24. I don’t have their daily schedules yet
  • **Partnership Funding Program – Hamilton Halton Brant
  • We were approved for the Paid Social Media Campaign, $1000. Photography Asset Development $500 and Destination Ontario Fall 2025 Culinary Campaign.
  • Total investment for the DMBIA is $4520 in advertising.
  • **Farmers’ Market MOU is up for renewal.
    • The DMBIA and the Chamber will begin review this summer.
    • AS commented that he enjoys have the Farmers Market downtown as the Works gets the lunch crowd
    • DL enjoyed the Farmers Market downtown as Marquee is selling their sour dough bread.
    • The market will stay in Downtown Milton.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beautification
  • Flower baskets are up.
  • The Flower Shed sent a revised estimate that did not include the flower beds. The cost reduction is minimal, with previous flower bed expenses estimated at $3,000.

Other Business:

  • AS raised SummerFest Concern:
  • Some downtown restaurants reported slower business during SummerFest.
  • Concerns raised that too many food trucks may have drawn customers away from local restaurants.
  • 5–6 restaurants mentioned their business was down by half compared to the previous SummerFest.
  • Request to review what was done differently this year and if there’s data on foot traffic
  • MG asked the restaurants and members to complete the member survey that was sent out to gather feedback on SummerFest and future planning.
  • MG provided a Strategic Planning Update:
    • So far, only 6 responses have been received for the strategic planning input.
    • Another email will be sent in September.
    • If responses remain low, the BIA will move forward with the committee’s recommendations for the 2026 Strategic Plan (marketing, promotions, events).
  • A follow-up session will be scheduled

Adjournment

  • CB moved to adjourn. DL seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • CB Meeting adjourned at 7:17 pm.