Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Thursday, September 19, 2024
Location: Virtual via Zoom 7:10 p.m.

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

Guests: Lauren Uba, DMBIA Marketing Coordinator and Mira Nasser, DMBIA Events and Communications Coordinator

EC called the meeting to order at 7:13 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)

  • Very quiet month from a financial perspective.
  • EC questioned why our expenses are so low compared to 2023.
  • TD to review spreadsheet to ensure why our expenses are so low compared to 2023.
  • MG to review 2023 GL transaction report vs 2024 GL transaction report to provide an update on the variance.
  • MH noted that April and June 2023 had high expenses that were not incurred this year.
  • MG noted that many expenses for the Car Show will be noticed next month.
    • CB moved to accept the Council Reports. KTD seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Reports

Local (KTD)

  • There was not a council meeting in August, however there was one last week.
  • The Civic Precinct project has been recognized as one of the council’s strategic priorities.
  • September 5th marked the first day of classes for Conestoga College at the Laurier Milton Academic Centre on Highpoint Drive. A transit route was modified to accommodate students traveling to the campus. The increase in student population is expected to have a direct or indirect impact on Downtown Milton.
  • The number of businesses operating in Milton with employees increased by 48 between June 2023 and June 2024. In comparison, the City of Whitby experienced an increase of 140 businesses, while the City of Barrie saw a loss of 22. This is a positive trend and hopefully continues for Milton.
  • The Milton Economic Development Advisory Committee (MEDAC) are moving to a digital platform update

Regional (CB)

  • A Regional meeting was held today to discuss the flood report. Staff will provide suggestions on how to address the issue for both commercial and residential areas. Downtown Milton had the highest number of flooding incidents reported.
  • The Transportation Master Plan report indicates a significant investment will be allocated to widening regional roads and improving connections.
  • Wheeled Cart Waste Collection Demonstration Project was presented. The cart system will be piloted in residential areas.
    • TD moved to accept the Council Report. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

 

Executive Director Report

**Administration:

  • Canada Summer Jobs program is closed, DMBIA has received the activity report from payroll, and it has been submitted.
  • The 2025 DMBIA Operating Budget has been submitted to The Town of Milton.
  • AGM:
    • Confirm date and location: Tentative date: Wednesday October 2, 2024.
    • Discussion on the AGM location and date concluded with a decision to hold the AGM online on Thursday, October 9th.
    • The DMBIA plans to host an additional event to review points and updates on the Civic Precinct Project once more information becomes available.

AGM:

  • Tentative date: Wednesday October 2, 2024
  • Review Annual General Meeting options.
  • MG and TD discussed the possibility of holding a virtual AGM this year due to low attendance in the past.
  • MG alternatively host the AGM at a restaurant, though this will depend on costs.
  • MH noted that past AGMs with specific concerns for all of downtown, like the floodplain issue, had higher attendance. Without an interesting topic, a virtual format might be more effective.
  • MG raised a question regarding the potential topic.
  • CB mentioned that the best-attended events were those like “Meet the Candidates” night.
  • CB A speaker from The Town to discuss the Downtown Milton Civic Precinct could be an option,
  • KTD emphasized that location is important. An event with a relevant topic, like the historian who spoke about Downtown Milton, drew a large crowd. The topic can drive attendance.
  • MG will contact The Town of Milton to see if staff are interested in summarizing the details and plans for the AGM.

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • Social media and promotions – Key focus continues to be our businesses and was the “See you in september Car Show.”
  • The See you in September show was a success. We had roughly 140 cars on the street. We will have a debrief next week and the Board will be provided with a report.
  • TD commented as a volunteer that the event was very well executed.
  • EP was on site at the event and really enjoyed.
  • The Chamber Community Award Nominations from Downtown Milton: Wednesday, October 23rd  Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists:  The Eighth Note Local Eatery and Live Music, Wee Care Pediatric Home Health Care
  • Downtown Milton SummerFest was nominated for Readers’ Choice Awards again.
  • **DMBIA Upcoming Events MOU Review
    • Tiny Tot’s Trick or Treat – Saturday October 26th, 2024 @ 10 am – 12 noon
    • Miracle on Main Street – Saturday December 7th, 2024 @ 2 pm – 7 pm
  • Miracle on Main Street MOU Review
    • Board to review MOU comments and for Miracle on Main Street in Downtown Milton between DMBIA and Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation (TJSF). Final MOU to be confirmed.
    • Lauren Uba, DMBIA Marketing Coordinator provided a presentation recommending social media and brand visibility leading up to the Miracle on Main Street in Downtown Milton event.

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • New businesses:
  • 270 Main St.: Chuck’s Roadhouse opened in the end of July
  • 15 Martin St. #10: Jasmins’ Attache (nurse bags & consignment store) opening in October
  • 222 Main St.: Big Mama & Papa’s Pizza opening TBD
  • 184 Main St.: Chocolate Sensations coming soon in fall of 2024
  • 153 Main St.: Ludo Beauty Boutique opening TBD
  • Sold:
  • 146 Main St.: Jay’s Ice Cream sold in August and is operating with new owners
  • 15 Commercial St.: Milton Wash Works has sold and will open with new owners

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING DOWNTOWN

  • This may be the final year for the temporary patio program, as town staff will begin surveying local businesses about the potential for a permanent program.
  • The Legion to provide the DMBIA with an update on the Legacy of Honour project.
  • MG is meeting with Frank Alva from The Legion to review dates and logistics.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beatification:
    • The Community Board was painted last month and is currently being fixed by The Town. The sign should be installed by the end of the month.
    • Working on a draft MOU with The Town for the Holiday lights.

New Business:

Adjournment

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