Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Location: Virtual via Zoom 6:30 p.m.

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

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 CB, seconded by MH. Motion passed.

Council Reports

Regional (CB)

  • Wednesday we will take a final look at The Regional budget, and it is looking to come under 6%
  • CN Intermodal discussion will take place but will be in camera
  • Staff has responded with a report regarding the servicing of the new development and The Region will not be subsidizing their services.
  • The Council budget workshop will take place on Monday, November 25,
    • EP moved to accept the Council Reports. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Director Report

**Administration:

  • The DMBIA has a non-paid intern from Mohawk College working with us. She needs to complete 140 hours by April 2025 and is currently working every Monday, with weekly hours adjustable as needed.
  • The Canada Summer Jobs program will open from November 18th to December 19th, 2024. I plan to apply for the same positions as last year.
  • The TOM Council workshop is scheduled for Monday, November 25th, 2024. Our DMBIA presentation has been approved by Glen Cowan, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

**CN Intermodal Board of Director Discussion:

  • Review of the DMBIA position
  • The DMBIA board of directors voted that we will not be making a statement.
  • While we recognize the importance of this issue, the Downtown Milton BIA Board of Directors has decided not to issue a public statement on the matter. As a non-political organization, our focus remains on initiatives that align with our mandate to promote and enhance the downtown business area.

**Legacy of Honour Banner Program:

  • Legacy of Honour banners will be taken down by the evening on November 18
  • Frank Avila sent an email asking The Town and The DMBIA for extra $1,500 plus tax to take the banners down. He did not account for this expense.
  • The DMBIA board of directors agreed to cover the expense of taking the banners down.

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • **DMBIA Events:
  • Tiny Tots Trick or Treat was a success, with 46 members participating. This year, we closed the street at 8 a.m. and extended the closure to Commercial for added safety. Both adjustments proved effective.
  • Miracle on Main Street – Saturday December 7th, 2024 @ 2 pm – 7 pm
  • The Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation is participating in the Santa Claus Parade on November 17, 2024 this will promote the Miracle on Main Street event.
  • Social media and promotions – Key focus was the Tiny Tots Trick or Treat and the downtown businesses, we have shifted to Miracle on Main Street.
  • We continue to promote member events via social media, newsletter, and our events calendar.
  • A local influencer visited three of our businesses, Nature’s Spirit, Aiden and Co, and Blossom Café.

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • New businesses:
  • Exit Realty at 310 Main Street East
  • Closed businesses:
  • Gong Cha and Arirang

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING DOWNTOWN

  • Strategic Planning Committee interest form has been sent out.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beatification:
  • Neighbourhood Tree Lighting November 19th @ 5:30 pm. We are working with Tree’s on Truck.
  • Holiday lights will be installed on the evening November 19, 2024.
    • MH moved to accept the Council Reports. EP seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Adjournment

  • EP moved to adjourn. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • EC Meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm.