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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-26 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 26, 2017 City of Kitchener The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00pm. Present: Melissa Bowman, Designated Chair; Christine Clark; Brian Gracan; Reuben Grin; David Harmes; Alexis Hunt; Linda Jutzi; Councillor, Sarah Marsh; Bryn Ossington; Scott Thomson; Martin Timmerman Staff: Cory Bluhm, Interim Executive Director, Economic Development Emily Robson, Interim Manager Downtown Community Development Eric Rumble, Downtown Marketing & Program Co-ordinator Monika Grau, Downtown Development Officer Sandy Curzon, Committee Administrator Colin Goodeve, Deputy City Clerk 1. Welcome & Introductions As designate Chair, M. Bowman welcomed the new and returning DAAC members as we begin a two-year term. C. Bluhm expressed his appreciation to Committee members followed by a roundtable of introductions and answers to the question: what do you love about downtown? Responses included ‘energy; buildings, festivals, vibe, Market, diversity, sense of community’. 2. Advisory Committee Orientation C. Goodeve, Manager of Council/Committee Services & Deputy City Clerk, presented an overview outlining the “Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships” of advisory committees including how the advisory committees fit within the City of Kitchener’s corporate context. Highlights of the overview include:  The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee (DAAC), reports through the Finance & Corporate Services (FCS) Committee to City Council.  Mr. Goodeve also covered meeting protocols, presentations/delegations before committees, how to facilitate and debate questions/answers, discussions, motions/ recommendations, Code of Conduct and the role of Chair and Vice-chair. A copy of relevant information has been provided to members. Page 1 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 26, 2017 City of Kitchener A ‘Volunteer Experience’ survey was provided, which will gather feedback on volunteer experiences and expectations. The results of the survey will be used to make any necessary changes to improve future volunteer experiences. Action: An updated Downtown Action & Advisory Committee Terms of Reference will be received and reviewed February 23, 2017. 3. Downtown Overview – Where we’ve come from and Where we’re heading C. Bluhm provided an overview of downtown Kitchener which included how we transpired from manufacturing to developing a $110m Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF) investing in catalyst projects such as University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy; King Street Master Plan; Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty of Social Work; McMaster School of Medicine; etc. Moving forward to today, we have experienced growth within our community where it is common for businesses to form partnerships rather than compete with each other. It is expected that the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system will change future dynamics downtown. Action: An update of the Make It Kitchener (MIK) strategy will be presented to Committee at their next meeting of February 23, 2017. 4. Kitchener Business Improvement Association (BIA) L. Jutzi, Executive Director provided an overview of the BIA which is governed by the Municipal Act. Since the creation of the first BIA in Toronto in 1970, BIA’s have expanded to 270 communities in Ontario, across 500 communities in Canada, and now globally including United States, Australia, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Japan. The Kitchener BIA’s on-going priorities include:  Building a positive image for downtown  Influence a long-term vision of community development and growth  Foster a positive experience downtown  Develop a sound governance system Current priorities will be determined based on the results of the recent DTK 2020 survey, which will dictate where BIA resources are spent. A discussion paper will be available soon. Page 2 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 26, 2017 City of Kitchener 5. DTK 2020 E. Rumble, presented an overview of the survey results:  Over 1000 downtown stakeholders participated  200 attendees at a roundtable forum  75 people took part in small roundtable discussions  1200+ responses to four unique on-line surveys including a short (quickie) version  3,000 (approx.) comments received in total From this data collected, a sampling of the responses included:  Kitchener is a unique grassroots community  Great family friendly community events/festivals; parks; restaurants; etc.  Amenities are within walkability and cycling distance Committee provided their perspective on Opportunities and Challenges going forward:  Focus on current niche markets ie Central Frederick is ‘artsy’ to the wider community  Become aware of opportunities by exploring different areas  Consider reviewing and clearly identify the current downtown boundaries – downtown – midtown – uptown  Use King Street as ‘pedestrian only’ by closing the street during the summer months  Develop a ‘wayfinding App’  With the increase in people living downtown, provide the essential services  Provide free WiFi in Victoria Park Action: Results of DTK 2020 will be presented to DAAC at a future meeting 6. Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair Members were previously provided with an overview of the Role & Responsibilities of Chair and Vise Chair. C. Bluhm invited any members who wished to be considered to put their name forward or nominate another Committee member. S. Curzon advised that Brian Santos, who was absent at today’s meeting has put his name forward for consideration, other members to do so include David Harmes; Scott Thompson and Alexis Hunt. It was suggested that the four members who have offered to act as Chair or Vice Chair, do so on a rotating basis for the next two-year term. Page 3 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 26, 2017 City of Kitchener Action: S. Curzon, Committee Administrator will seek advise from the City Clerk on developing a rotating schedule for the four nominees to ensure they have an opportunity as Chair or Vice-Chair at future meetings during their two-year term ending November 30, 2018. 7. Adjournment Today’s meeting adjourned at 5:42pm S. Curzon Committee Administrator Page 4