Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Location: In-Person DMBIA Offices 6:30 p.m.

Attendees: Eric Chabot (EC), Sara Bergsma (SB), Monique Gaudet (MG), Tom Dusmet (TD), Ian Campbell (IC), Colin Best (CB, Kristina Tesser Derksen (KTD)

Guest: Diana Lakich (DL)

Regrets: Eric Parris (EP)

EC called the meeting to order at 6:40 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 TD, seconded by SB. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report (TD)

  • There was not much of a difference in the September numbers, as the car show expenses and revenues were not listed. We should see a difference next month.
    • SB moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report. CB seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Reports

Local (KTD)

  • Conestoga College now offers full-time program in Milton. Wilfrid Laurier University will call Milton Home in 2024. It is recommended that the Downtown Milton BIA begin focusing on marketing, and attractions for students and families.
  • Mary Street garbage continues to be a problem. MG notified The Region and Milton By-law has opened a case file on the location in question.
    • TD moved to accept the Council Reports. IC seconded the motion. Motion passed.

 

Regional (CB)

  • CB welcomed Diana Lakich to the Downtown Milton BIA Board of Directors.
  • Attending a 4-hour workshop. Milton continues to grow and will build 92,000 homes over the next 10 years.  The major 1 complaint is traffic.
    • SB moved to accept the Council Reports. TD seconded the motion. Motion passed.

 

Executive Director’s Report (MG)

  • **Administration:
    • I continue to work on the D&O policy application with Aliya Orloff from The Town of Milton.
    • DMBIA September Variance Review is scheduled for Thursday October 12th at 10 am with DMBIA Treasurer Tom Dusmet and Israel Ali from The Town of Milton.
    • The journal entry for a total of $108,411 following contributions from The Town has been recorded as per the Septembers Budget vs Actual report.
    • Eric Parris has a potential candidate that is interested in joining the board.
    • The AGM took place on October 4, and the Graffiti Prevention Presentation was forwarded to our members. We had 20 clicks, which means that members opened this. \
    • CB – recommended that I reach out to Andy Scott, Troy McHarg at The TOM regarding our current graffiti problem.
    • E-vote confirmed Diana Lakich, owner of Marquee Steakhouse and Piano Bar as new Board Member. Unanimous vote accepted.

 

ENHANCED PROMOTION OF THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • Social media and promotions – Key focus was the See you in September Car Show in September and have shifted to Tiny Tots Trick or Treat and the downtown businesses via videos.
  • We continue to promote member events via social media, newsletter, and our events calendar.
  • Hallmark Movie “Christmas with a Kiss” continues to film in Downtown Milton, our social post got over 802 likes, and was shared 449 times. Wrap is on Friday October 13 @ 7pm.
  • We are applying for The FEO Top 100 Festivals and Events Program for SummerFest. The application is due November 30, 2023.
  • We launched a new advertising opportunity exclusive to members for $50.00. BIA members can now place ads in the monthly Downtown Milton BIA community newsletter. The growing community newsletter reaches 2000 individuals in Milton and surrounding areas.
  • We will begin promotional interviews with Cogeco about all our upcoming events, particularly Miracle on Main Street in Downtown Milton.
  • Business updates:
    • New Business: Shawarma Ally is opening in the old Halifax Donair, ADR Pet Store is officially open
    • Vacancy Rate: 10.1%
  • ** See you in September Car Show
    • Board summary report provided and reviewed.
Amounts
DMBIA 2023 Budget Allocation $8500.00 – we only used $915.00 of this amount.

We came in ahead of budget by $7585.00
Revenues Sponsorship & registration fees:

$12,360.00
Expenses Event costs

$13,346.00

Staff Hours – 715 hours

Estimated Total Cost – $21,283.16
    • TD – recommended that we have a photographer onsite next year to provide the attendees with an instant photo of their car
    • EC – have a DJ onsite next year
  • ** Tiny Tot’s Trick or Treat
    • Saturday October 28th @ 10 am 12 noon
    • Sponsors: 1 presenting sponsor: Safari, 2 gold sponsors: Oakville Toyota, Milton Pediatric Dentistry. 2 bronze sponsors: Allstate Insurance, Renewal by Andersen, Scotiabank.
    • We currently have 32 members participating, with additional follow-ups to be made.
  • **Additional Events
    • Milton Farmers’ Market – last weekend was October 7, 2023
    • Flavours of Downtown Milton in partnership with Arts Milton ends October 15
    • Tiny Tot’s Trick or Treat – Saturday October 28th, 2023 @ 10 am – 12 noon
    • Miracle on Main Street – Saturday December 9th, 2023 @ 2 pm – 8 pm
    • MG – spoke about the possibility of a tree lighting ceremony to begin the holiday season
    • KTD – reach out to Cerelli Tree Farm for a possible donation for a tree
  • **Sponsorship and Community Partnerships
    • Connected with Cogeco regarding Miracle on Main Street Sponsorship opportunities and interviews for our upcoming events.
    • Connected with Wilfrid Laurier University regarding student partnership and Miracle on Main Street opportunities. I am meeting with Josh Manuel, Matthew Grills, and the president on October 28 at the Milton Education Village.
    • Meeting with Bianca Caramento on September 18th to review potential partnership opportunities.

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • Streetsville BIA has a Buy/Lease a property or business on their website. Do you think this would be beneficial to have on the DMBIA website?
  • EC – no this would not be beneficial as there would be too many real estate requests and questions.

 

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING DOWNTOWN

  • We continue to provide our members with updates from OBBIA regarding small business benefits. The last member update provided information on: Free Shipping Tuesdays with Canada Post

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beautification
    • Review CCRF report and the Commercial District Revitalization Grant Program that is provided in Downtown Hamilton for graffiti.
    • Mary Street Garbage: There have been several complaints regarding 221 Mary Street Milton.

Other Business

  • CB – The vendors from the Farmers Market preferred being downtown this year. They would like the market to stay downtown
  • KTD – recommended that MG reach out to Bianca Caramento at The Milton Chamber regarding a weekly Winter Market on Main Street.
  • The board reviewed potential marketing strategies and events for 2024
    • EC – create targeted events for our members, such as events that build habits.
    • EC – create a specific marketing plan that targets Downtown Milton as a local area and not a destination. Target locals, and create local traffic, begin to build a network of individuals within the area.
    • EC- target specific businesses and create promotions around them. Example: therapist, create posts about mental health in the BIA and promote specific businesses.
    • EC – MG to send out past strategic plans for the board to review
    • KTD – Main Street Music Festival/ Music on Main Street/ – Alfresco on Main including arts, jazz, and additional band. Partner with Milton Concert Band, members to offer onsite discounts at the event.
    • IC – create a cultural event to include the diverse population of Milton
    • DL – Close the road for a restaurant event, target a different market rather than the family festival market
    • SB – Dinner in the Street, offer preselected menus, 3 or 6 course meals.

Adjournment

  • SB moved to adjourn. EC seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • EC – Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.