HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2004-01-08January 8, 2004
DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
City of Kitchener
The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m.,
chaired by Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Councillor Christina
Weylie, Doug Hoch, Anita Petsche-Good, Marry Schreiter, Glen Woolner, Nathan Hallman,
Jennifer Davis, Fred Bishop, Denis Pellerin, Anna Haromy
Staff: Frank Pizzuto, Glen Richardson, Michelle Schurter
Recording Secretary: Sandy Curzon
1. Approval of Minutes - December 11, 2003
Approval of minutes from December 11,2003 has been deferred until February 12, 2004.
2. Deleqation
Mark Emmerson, Senior Pastor of International Gospel Centre, Charles Street appeared
before Committee to address parking concerns with respect to their Rescue Van. Ms.
Petsche had a recent incident where the van was parked outside her place of business
taking up two parking spots. The patrons of the van used her alcove space as a smoking
area. When asked to move on, they refused until she threatened to call the police. Ms.
Petsche felt that perhaps there could be a designated spot for the van to operate from.
Pastor Emmerson apologized to Ms. Petsche about the recent incident. Approximately 40-
70 people use the services the van provides which operates Friday, Saturday & Sunday
nights from 5:30pm - 9:00pm. All staff are volunteers. It was suggested that a permanent
spot for the 30 foot van would solve any future concerns.
Action: M. Schurter to arrange a meeting with parking staff and the International Gospel
Centre to come up with a workable solution.
Pastor Emmerson was thanked and left the meeting
3. Economic Development Advisory Committee
Glen Woolner has volunteered to represent DAC on the Economic Development Advisory
Committee.
Action: S. Curzon to advise the City Clerk of Mr. Woolner's appointment. EDAC will send
Mr. Woolner upcoming meeting dates, minutes and agendas.
4. DAC Role - Terms of Reference
Committee reviewed the current Terms of Reference specifically the mandate of DAC. The
following are comments received during discussion about the role of DAC:
· It would be a shame to pick one or two areas and not focus on the rest
DAC Minutes Page 1 of 3
January 8, 2004
· Where do you draw the line
· Frustration around the table that you can't do everything
· Take the 8 key items, but have a greater focus on specific areas
· Don't see a need to change what is currently being done
· When items are identified - action has not been taken
· 8 areas are entertwined
· focus on critical issues - don't loose focus on others
· have cross responsibilities with other committees
· joint sub-committees - i.e. ACAC & EDAC - some initiatives overlap
· Safe and security issues need joint committee
· Fagade sub-committee needs to be regenerated
· Identify issues and provide feedback
· Carry action items forward until they are resolved - gives accountability to the issues
· Results of public process - bring to DAC to get comments
· Business closures are happening that are not talked about
· Action: M. Schreiter to report back on sectors that are fragile and why
· Prepare a retention and recruitment plan with KDBA
The Committee agreed they could achieve the greatest results for Downtown if they
become actively involved in 2-4 focus areas. Members identified the following as a list of
areas they will select from:
· Arts Space
· Downtown Community Centre
· Housing - city initiatives and private incentives - facades
· Retail (downtown) Health - retention/recruitment
· Safety & Security (integrating with Safe & Health Committee and A. Committee
· Victoria School Centre
· Downtown Infrastructure
· Neighbourhood and community development
· Graffiti
· Parking
· Market - planning for change (integrating initiatives/programs)
· Strategic Plan
Action: The above list of key issues will be sent to DAC members for review prior to next
meeting to be discussed
Action: It was felt that the DAC minutes should include action items with follow-up at next
meeting.
5. Arts & Culture
Denis Pellerin provided a handout on Available Space Arts Project (ASAP) which fosters
relationships between businesses, arts community and homeowners. A presentation to
ACAC will be made January 13, 2004. DAC members support the initiative.
Representatives from groups such as KDBA, Theatre & Company, Oktoberfest Inc. and
City staff are working on the initiative.
DAC Minutcs Pagc 2 of 3
January 8, 2004
6. KDBA Up-Date - Mart¥ Schreiter
KDBA spent $20,000 on marketing the spending dollars downtown incentive. A total of
$580,000 of receipts was collected, proving that people were indeed shopping in downtown
Kitchener during the twelve day shopping campaign.
7. Community Collaborative Update - Mart¥ Schreiter
Sock program was a success, with the City of Kitchener collecting 432 pairs of socks for
the Outreach Street Worker program plus 4000 pairs from St. Mary's High School.
On motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Next Meeting
Thursday, February 12, 2004
4pm-6:00pm
Kitchener City Hall, Schmalz Room, 2na Floor
DAC Minutes Page 3 of 3
January 8, 2004