Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday, May 8, 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)

Regrets: Colin Best (CB)

EC called the meeting to order at 6:33 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 KTD. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report (MG)

  • Our expenses are picking up, which is what we want to see.
  • To date, we have spent $20,000 less than last year. However, this is because our SummerFest expenses have not yet been processed, so our current expense figures are not accurate.
  • Monique is going to investigate the charity rebate of $308.84 to confirm what this is.
  • EC noticed that there are 2 line items for Account 5400 in the budget.
  • TD to delete the duplicate line item and update the spreadsheet.
    • KTD moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report. EP seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Reports

Regional (KTD)

  • On March 1, 2024, the Federal Court of Canada ruled in favour of the Halton Municipalities with respect to CN’s proposed truck-rail facility in the Town of Milton. The Court found that the decisions of the Federal Minister and Cabinet failed to fulfil their duty to protect human health. The cabinet has sent it back and to date the appeal has been stayed and court has allowed CN to continue construction until a decision has been made.
  • There will also be a constitutional challenge application to the Supreme Court of Canada on the constitutional issue of jurisdiction. CN said that they are not subject to any local bylaws and that is what The Town of Milton is challenging.

Local ( KTD)

  • Public comment is currently open for the 5 year transportation plan. Visit https://www.milton.ca/en/news/public-invited-to-transportation-master-plan-update-pic-2.aspx
  • Applications are open for the Milton Community Connections Grant. This money is meant to help community members connect with each other by sharing knowledge, talents, and spaces.
  • Mill Pond is going to be undergoing rehabilitation as part of the Asphalt Overlay Program.
    • TD moved to accept the Council Report. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

 

Executive Director Report

  • **Administration:
  • Approved for two Canada Summer Jobs Positions. Event support in May & June, Beautification & activations in July & August). First student started with us on April 29th.
  • First student started on May 29, 2024.
  • Attended the OBIAA conference, very informative and well executed.

 

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

    • ** Nominations open for Chamber’s Community Awards. Does the board have any suggestions? 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
  • **Good Grades will be reshooting scenes for the movie and a closure will take place on Thursday May 16thfrom 6:00 p.m. until Friday May 17th at 6:00 am.
  • ** SummerFest – Happening Saturday, June 1. Finalizing site plan, Operations support from the Town, sponsorship, and vendors. Road closure will be from Brown Street to Fulton Street. Charity partner is Milton Community Resource Centre. We have around 115 vendors, including vendors, sponsors community groups and members.
  • MG there is a chance that we will have a beer garden. We are working on the logistics with The Town of Milton.
  • ** Farmers’ Market – We have reserved one booth at the market for our members. The booth is full for the season.
  • **Miracle on Main Street; review event details for 2025

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • Member/business updates:
    • Miano Hair Care opened at 188 Main Street East.

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING DOWNTOWN

  • Met with Jenna Patterson, Acting Manager, Economic Development. The Town has hired two new Economic Development Officers for their department.  We did a walk through downtown to review key priorities.  Jenna Patterson and Monique Gaudet to meet after SummerFest to review key strategic priorities.
  • MG to provide a vacancy report for the next board meeting.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beatification:
  • Receptacles are scheduled for repair next week. Currently 12 are not working and 6 cannot be accessed.
  • Flower installation is planned for last week of May.
  • The garden sponsorship program is currently in progressTop of Form
  • I am working with Michael Foster, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer to ensure that graffiti is removed in a timely manner. Removed to date:  143 Main Street, 144 Main Street. Turnball & Thompson requires some more time due to the season to get the work done. The graffiti will be removed by the end of the month.
  • EC mentioned the mattress that has been in the parking lot of My Roti Place/ My Roti Place for several months.
  • MG is aware of this issue and has spoken to The Region. However, since the mattress is on private property, they are unable to act. I have contacted Milton Bylaw, and they have opened a complaint.
  • DL moved to accept the Council Report. KTD seconded the motion. Motion passed.

New Business:

  • EP asked about more information regarding The Legacy of Honour program.
  • MG has not received an update.
  • KTD received a postcard from The Legion outlining the project, and the posted dates are October 14 – November 15 or October 11 – November 13.
  • MG to speak to Frank Avila regarding the confirmed dates as it conflicts with the installation of the DMBIA snowflakes.
  • Ideal date is to begin one week earlier, and end one week earlier, prior to November 21.
  • DL commented that the restaurants have Christmas parties, and the snowflakes are nice addition to the DMBIA.

Adjournment

  • KTD moved to adjourn. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • EC – Meeting adjourned at 7:23pm.