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.

Treasurer’s Report (TD)

  • TD and MG had a productive meeting with Town of Milton staff, confirming that our budget is on track with the 2023 budget, pending additional expenses.
  • Improved position over last year due to higher sponsorship revenue and reduced expenses.
  • DL and TD discussed using advertising funds to support downtown businesses. DL will prepare a presentation on high-end retail marketing.
  • Next steps: DL to coordinate a meeting with MG
    • CB moved to accept the Treasurer Report. EP seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Reports

Local (KTD)

    • Executive Services has now taken over government relations, previously handled by public relations. Andy Scott Senior Director Strategic Initiatives will lead this portfolio, with key strategic priorities identified:
    1. Opposing the CN Intermodal project.
    2. Expanding all-way, two-day GO service and constructing an additional GO station at Trafalgar and Agerton.
    3. Securing support from other government levels for a new transit facility in Milton.
    4. Pursuing infrastructure funding.
    5. Enhancing program and service delivery to support community growth.
    • Changes in regional economic development as the Region disbands its Economic Development department, transferring responsibilities to municipalities for more effective local management.

Regional (CB)

  • The Federal Court ruled against the Regions and Towns position regarding the CN Intermodal. They are reviewing the position, with a formal statement to follow.
  • CB presented a demographic projection for each municipality which could be useful for businesses tracking their customers. Reference: Population Age Breakdown by Local Municipality
  • CB presented the crime severity index which police track and is a better indicator of area crimes which have been declining for the last 50 years. Reference: Overall Crime Rate 1974-2022
    • TD moved to accept the Council Reports. DL seconded the motion. Motion passed.

 

Executive Director Report

**Administration:

  • The journal entry JE will be posted for The Town of Milton contribution in October for a total of $107,611.
  • Expense variance update:
  • March & April payments ad and recruitment for the Executive Director position: Total $8873..88
  • February: OBBIA CRM sponsorship expense: $1489.48
  • March: OBBIA Conference – we used a credit this year $861.17
  • Classic Displays for maintenance/storage/installation of our snowflakes was paid in July $11,676.96, we haven’t paid this invoice yet.
  • April MacBook Pro purchase $2899.15

AGM:

  • Confirmed for October 10, 2024, at 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm via Zoom.
  • Review slide deck presentation for any changes
  • Currently 9 guests have responded “yes”

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • Summary Report See you in September Car Show

Highlights

  • Event date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
  • Estimated number of people: approximately 15,000
  • Number of financial sponsors: 9
  • Number of prize sponsors: 14
  • Number of in-kind sponsors, contributors: 3
  • Charitable partner: Townsend Smith Foundation
  • BIA staff at event: 4
  • BIA Board at event: 4
  • Number of community volunteers: 15
  • Event included: 153 classic and unique cars, DJ and live bands, face painting, vendors and beer garden

Survey responses

Public (visitors): 153 responses, overall satisfaction: 4.38 out of 5

  • Individuals spent average of $52.67
  • Families/groups spent approximately 2.47 hours at event
  • 5% of respondents said the event increased their awareness of the shops, restaurants, services, and amenities in Downtown Milton
  • Majority of respondents, 65.4%, heard about the event on social media followed by 26.8% who saw it on the BIA website and 21.6% who heard it through word of mouth
Approximate Amounts
DMBIA 2024 Budget Allocation $6500.00
Revenues Sponsorship & registration fees:

$19,180.00
Expenses Event costs

$16,519.00

Not including BIA Staff time
  • **DMBIA Upcoming Events
  • Tiny Tot’s Trick or Treat – Saturday October 26th, 2024 @ 10 am – 12 noon. Currently we have 30 members are participating.
  • Miracle on Main Street – Saturday December 7th, 2024 @ 2 pm – 7 pm

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • New businesses:
  • 184 Main St.: Chocolate Sensations opened October 7th
  • 153 Main St.: Ludo Beauty Boutique opened October 6th
  • 15 Martin St. #10: Jasmins’ Attache (nurse bags & consignment store) opened October 5th
  • 238 Main St. Eat My Sweets Bakery is moving from Mississauga to Downtown Milton in November of 2024
  • Zee Hamid will have an office in the lower level of Thompson House in the coming months

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING DOWNTOWN

  • The Legion has provided MG with an update. The Legacy of Honour banners will go up on October 18th and will be taken down prior to the Santa Claus Parade.
  • 37 banners in total will be installed.
  • DMBIA banners will be stored at the DMBIA office
  • The DMBIA will contribute $2000 to DMBIA banners that may be damaged during installation
  • Displaced person is living in the Spice O’Life Parkette, Police and 311 are aware.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beatification:
  • The Community Board has been re-installed by Town staff.
  • Flower baskets will be taken down prior to Tiny Tots Trick or Treat event.
  • Holiday lights are being installed on November 19, 2024
    • CB moved to accept the Executive Director Report. DL seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • New Business:

In camera: TD to would like to speak with the board regarding DMBIA employee salaries to ensure that they are competitive within the market.

MG to ask OBBIA for an industry salary report and submit it to the board of directors for review.

Adjournment

  • EP moved to adjourn. KTD seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • EC Meeting adjourned at 8:49 pm.