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Home My WebLink AboutDowntown Advisory 2012-05-24 DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES May 24, 2012 City of Kitchener The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, Chaired by Glenn Scheels with the following members in attendance: Councillor Dan Glenn-Graham, Councillor Frank Etherington, Aaron MacFarlane, Amina Gilani, Don Zehr, Jamie Yantzi, Tania Benninger, Joe Stock and Erin Young City staff in attendance: John McBride, Cory Bluhm, Monika Grau, Sandy Curzon and Hilary Abel. 1. New Business 1.1 Duke & Ontario Parking Garage John McBride, Director Transportation Planning advised DAC that the last phase of structural repairs to the Duke & Ontario parking garage include sealing of the garage façade. Adding colour to the sealer, at no additional cost, will enhance the appearance of the garage. City Council has given direction to staff to undertake a public consultation process on colour options. A working group consisting of Arts & Culture; Heritage Kitchener; BIA; DAC and a member of Council was formed to define the options that would be put forward for public input. Cory Bluhm, Manager Downtown Community Development reviewed the results of the public survey which consisted of five options which included maintaining the current look with no colour. Comments:  Architectural features are highlighted if colour is used  Colour is permanent, however will fade over 15 years  Cost is included in the $1.2 million restoration contract  Colour enhances and frames the structure – makes it stand out  Colour is expected to be added in early Fall Conclusion:  Following discussions, Downtown Advisory Committee supported the presentation given by Messrs. McBride and Bluhm that key architectural features of the parking garage will be enhanced by adding colour. 1.2 Terms of Reference 2013-2016 Council Policy #I-90 – Downtown Advisory Committee – Terms of Reference was last amended in 2005. Staff asked if the existing committee composition reflects the current needs for DAC to move forward. 1.2.1 Thoughts on multi layers that have to happen with various issues, utilizing various Committees resulting in more options/opinions and time consuming to come to a consensus. What do you do during meeting for two hours? Comments:  Have more collaborative meetings  Issues cross different boundaries i.e. Health & Safety; Arts  Advisory and action go hand in hand  Two year term could be split – one year advisory – one year action  Feel more productive in sub-committee group  Like high level advisory on what’s happening  Next four years – leaning toward working groups would need to be clarified before new committee is appointed  Action items are very helpful to Council, if critical, a motion can be made during pertinent issues  Move toward Action Committee – don’t like just sitting around talking  Current Policy needs to be updated  If Arts & Culture, for example, affects downtown then DAC needs to give input  Sub-committee should include diversified 1.2.2 Composition of Members review Comments:  Diversify mix of people on DAC  Continue to have categories  More geographic areas  Important to have good representation from various backgrounds i.e. employees; developers; landlords; business owners; etc.  Social economic status – street people could contribute a lot to discussion  Re-visit former landlord group  As we increase downtown population – increase the number of city residents on committee  BIA is very important on DAC  Tie strat plan to composition of committee – every four years  Intensification – boundaries – development just outside downtown i.e. 1 Adam; Fusion Homes;  Make composition more flexible instead of so subscripted – more downtown employees, residents, etc. Action:  Staff will take comments and change current policy to discuss at th next meeting of June 28 2. Approval of Minutes nd The minutes of the March 22 meeting were approved. Moved by Jamie Yantzi Seconded by Dan Glenn-Graham Carried 3. Committee Updates Economic Downtown Advisory Committee  discussed current Terms of Reverence Safe & Healthy Committee  parole office is considering three sites, one in downtown Kitchener and one in Ward 3 Arts & Culture Committee  Silvia DiDonato, Manager Business Development did a Music Cluster presentation which is in its formative stage  Belmont Village Mural installation 4. Sub Committee Working Groups:  Working groups will meet along with a City staff facilitator during the th monthly DAC meetings and deliver their presentations on October 25. Members adjourned at 5:10pm to break into Sub-Committee discussion groups