Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday, September 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual ZOOM

Attendees: Monique Gaudet (MG), Colin Best (CB),Tom Dusmet (TD), Eric Parris (EP), Eric Chabot (EC), Diana Lakich (DL)
Regrets: Abhi Sarkar (AS), Moe Hartley (MH)
Guest: George Minakakis, Ward 1 By-election Candidate

EC called the meeting to order at 6:36 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 TD. Motion passed.

Treasurer Report (TD):

  • Review 2026 draft Budget
  • Key points:
  • Small padding was built into the budget to account for unknowns.
  • Actual spending showed many of those contingencies weren’t necessary.
  • Budget lines were trimmed and adjusted accordingly.
  • The updated budget better reflects realistic needs.
  • Expectation: actuals should align much more closely with projected numbers this year compared to previous years.
  • Salary increases 1.7 percent
  • Levy increase 3%
  • Discussion needed on key planning areas:
  • Advertising budget, social media influencer strategy, Membership engagement initiatives
  • Importance of developing meaningful, valuable engagement opportunities for members.
  • Consider using upcoming outreach or surveys to gather feedback that can guide membership support efforts.
    • Motion to accept 2026 Downtown Milton BIA operating budget.
    • EP moved to accept the 2026 Downtown Milton BIA operating budget. CB seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • TD reported. Overall, there were very few changes from last month
  • One large reversal in account 5400, which is a normal occurrence.
  • Minimal new activity this month. Some residual expenses from summer events, as expected.
  • Slight bump in July salaries due to two pay periods that month, along with related expenses.
    • EP moved to accept the Treasurer Report. CB seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Guest: George Minakakis, Ward 1 By-election Candidate

George expressed that shifting away from private equity has allowed him to dedicate more time to community work, including advocacy against projects threatening local resources. Drawing on extensive experience in retail and business, he believes downtown Milton has great potential compared to other towns but stresses the need for a broader mix of merchants and experiences to attract more foot traffic. He sees future challenges from economic shifts and development, but remains optimistic that collaboration and clear vision, among property owners, local government, and businesses, will ensure downtown’s health and growth.

Council Report

Regional & Local (CB)

  • Ward 1 By-Election: Nine candidates are running for the Ward 1 position.
  • Council Update: Recent debate regarding Council’s complaints policy created some confusion, with some residents believing it was related to the fairgrounds, it was not. The Mayor is meeting with the Fairgrounds Board and staff on Friday to discuss related matters.
  • Major work underway on Ontario Street, with additional projects on Jasper and surrounding areas.
  • Speed bumps installed on Martin and Commercial Streets have significantly reduced vehicle speeds; residents have expressed appreciation.
  • Council approved the rezoning of existing homes on Peru Road, Steeles 3rd Sideroad, and Tremaine in Milton Heights to residential. Allows for future redevelopment and minor subdivisions once sanitary services are available.
  • Meritor Property: Scheduled for Council review on November 4.
  • Proposal includes 1,063 residential units (stacked townhouses and small apartment buildings up to 10 storeys). Expected two- to three-year timeline for site servicing and development, potentially adding 3,000 new residents within walking distance of downtown.
  • Recent Palestinian protest took place on Main Street.
  • Council requested feedback regarding the impact on downtown businesses and visitors.
  • No significant issues or reports received from local businesses.
    • DL moved to accept the Council Report. TD seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Director Report

  • **2026 Budget Review:
    • Review and pass a motion to approve Draft 2026 BIA Operating Budget, attached document.
    • Motion approved as per the above.
  • **Administration:
    • Alisha Bustamante has passed her probationary period. The Group Health benefits program will begin.

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • See you in September Car Show is on Saturday, September 13th, from 4 pm – 9 pm.
  • Sheriff Country will be filming on Monday, September 15, as they must film a retake.
  • Event Impact Survey: We received one response from our members, indicating that there was no direct increase in sales during that weekend.
  • Miracle on Main Street in Downtown Milton update to be provided.

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • Member/business updates:
  • New:
  • 2418 Nails Inc. – 200 Mill Street
  • Inner Life Psychotherapy + Healing Collective – 207 Mary Street

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING DOWNTOWN

  • **Legacy of Honour Banner Program
    • Review the estimate for print and labour with the Board.
    • The board approved using $4,600 of surplus funds to reprint approximately 27 banners due to wear and tear.  Banner replacement is considered a capital expenditure, as no budget allocation was made previously.
    • Legacy of Honour banner program cost for installation is $4000, BIA to fund the project this year.
  • **All Candidates Meeting
    • Meeting is set for Tuesday, September 16, at 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at Southside. Currently, we have 10 responses.
  • **AGM review
    • Review ideas, budget, and dates for the AMG
    • There remains $1,000 in the budget for member engagement activities, which could potentially support the meeting. Discussion took place on alternative approaches for the AGM/ATM, including changing the format.
    • Date set for October 8th, 2025, location Southside
  • **E-scooters Bicycles on Sidewalks
    • The BIA will be discussing the issue of e-scooters and bicycles with the Town to include posting signs along the north side of Main Street, a topic of interest for frequent downtown pedestrians.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beautification
    • A new poster has been added to the Community Board and will be updated monthly to highlight Things to Do in Downtown Milton.
  • Graffiti on the bridge has been reported to the Town for removal.
    • Canadian Flag mounts – reference picture attached.
    • Two new veteran crosswalks have been installed: one at Commercial & Ed Pearl, and another at Charles & Mary.

Other Business:

Adjournment

  • CB moved to adjourn. DL seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • EC Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.