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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKitchener BIA - 2017-03-22Dodo Kitchener m,N- BIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Minutes 8:30 am -10:30 am March 22, 2017 City of Kitchener 200 King Street W Conestoga Room Present: Darryl Moore, Erika Holenski, Stewart Barclay, Paul Walman, Domini Baldasaro, Ryan Lloyd - Craig, Meghan Hawkins, Chelsea Cybalski, James Mitchell, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Frank Etherington, Linda Jutzi, Cory Bluhm. Guests: Joe Mancini, Stephanie Mancini Regrets: Shirley Madill, Phong Tran, Councillor Sarah Marsh. The meeting began at 8:30, with Darryl Moore as Chair. 0:1:2.19170W9]ye[Cla►IUel!11XylW_1:LllIIQ0[07zKol►1d4[itV Moved by Frank Etherington, seconded by Domini Baldasaro "That the Board approve the Agenda as provided." Carried Unanimously No conflict of interest was declared by any Member of the Board at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Paul Walman, seconded by Chelsea Cybalski, "That the Board approve the February 16th minutes with edits as outlined." Carried Unanimously Moved by Chelsea Cybalski, seconded by Frank Etherington "That the Board approve the February Board Strategy Session minutes." Carried Unanimously Committee Progress Update Paul provided a brief update on the Marketing committee, having met recently with BIA staff. They will be developing the mandate of this subcommittee, working together with the Governance committee to develop the full Terms of Reference. Darryl advised the Governance committee will begin their work in the next short while. Capacity Canada has indicated interest in assisting this subcommittee. He indicated the Governance committee will be responsible for assisting each subcommittee with development of their terms of reference. Patio Program 2017 Update Linda briefly reviewed information circulated, highlighting the purpose of the patio program, background including past investments as well as intent for 2017 with a budget of $22,000. This program is in partnership with the City of Kitchener, the BIA and the businesses of downtown. She indicated the process of applying for a patio takes 4-6 weeks, and must be completed annually. Four restaurants have provided their applications thus far and the city will be reaching out to others in the coming weeks. She indicated one location will be upgraded this year and one new location has been identified. She outlined considerations for the Duke St. food block, advising they were not able to have patios in 2016, and as such, budget in 2017 has been set aside for large planters for these businesses as well as furniture. Unfortunately the patio cannot be licensed for the sale of alcohol. One business on Duke has indicated they have interest in a patio for 2017 and will be considering alternatives given current and future limitations. New guidelines have been put into the patio agreement between the business and the City of Kitchener to ensure a clean and maintained appearance. It was previously suggested that a competition be held for best downtown patio. Both the city and the BIA agreed this would be beneficial and intend to work towards implementation. Availability of umbrellas was raised at the recent Town Hall. Linda indicated a limited number of umbrellas will be purchased in 2017. Information on pricing to be shared with business owners as requested. The committee discussed past use of planters and possible ways to assist with ensuring plants thrive. Canada Day 2017 Update Information on the 2017 Canada Day event was provided with agenda circulation. Linda reminded the committee that ownership of this event was shifted to the city along with a BIA grant of $50,000; the BIA will continue to support with staff resources in preparation for, and at the event. Ryan Lloyd -Craig entered the meeting (8:58 a.m.) The city has indicated there will be a country theme this year, with a licensed beer garden and vendor village which in the past included up to 18 BIA members and were all food oriented. Due to funding limitations, Linda is proposing that a nominal fee be charged to vendors who would like to participate simply to cover the costs of installation of electrical services. The committee discussed electrical concerns experienced in past years as well as the potential of using the huts. Action Item: Linda to provide costs for each option at April meeting. Blues Festival Update The Blues Festival has been allocated $35,000 from the BIA, which will result in $32,500 to the Blues Committee, with the remaining $2,500 paid directly from the BIA for vendor set up. The festival will organize electrical requirements for all vendors and stages. The Pancake Gospel Breakfast takes place on Sunday morning at the BIA stage in the parking lot behind Crabby Joes. Linda is recommending this event be shifted to the community event sponsorship program. In the past, food has been handled by Crabby Joe's, however this can be shifted with no concern. Additional opportunities may be available to expand this event in the future, and funds raised can be directed to a local charity to benefit our community. Moved by Darryl Moore, seconded by Paul Walman "That the Board approve the breakdown of the approved Blues Festival Budget for $35,000 for 2017 as follows: $32,500 to the Blues Committee, $2,500 to be set aside for Vendor Participation expenses. The Blues Pancake Breakfast will be moved to a Member Event Grant Sponsorship to involve the engagement of more members in 2017." Carried Unanimously Outreach Program Presentation Linda introduced Joe and Stephanie Mancini, sharing that they received the Award of Merit in the Order of Canada in 2016. The Working Centre has been a unique feature in our downtown for over 35 years. Six downtown buildings have been purchased and refurbished with labour from the centre and little to no funding. Joe provided a brief background on their development over the years including various properties as well as Recycle Cycle, St. Johns Kitchen, and the community building opportunities they help facilitate in our downtown. They would like to bring this same spirit forward in this partnership with the BIA. They have been, and would like to continue to be, vibrant community builders in the downtown, encouraging welcoming of everyone and integration of all who can be involved, to better the downtown. There are currently three downtown outreach workers providing support to those in need, ensuring they attend doctor appointments, remain in housing and maintain relationships that are beneficial to their health. The relationship with police services has been increasing for many years. This new partnership with the BIA will continue to increase the health of our downtown. Stephanie outlined how outreach workers have assisted with various supports and increased quality of life over the years. Ambassadors in other cities often focus on safety, cleanliness and businesses, however this new Discovery program is an opportunity that goes one step further to provide unique support. Joe shared his experience with the downtown clean team and the changes that have taken place as a result of this program — with benefit to many including these two individuals, the downtown, businesses and visitors. Additional information was provided on the new roles, which will launch in April and end in November. Their shifts will begin at 11:00am, and finish at 6:00pm to ensure an additional three hours of coverage. Many factors are being considered in this timing, and it may need to be adjusted as the program moves forward. Joe and Stephanie intend to provide an update in the fall on how the program is working, and adjustments that have been made. This program is 100% financed by the BIA, supports and resources are solely from the Working Centre, which is funded by the Region, City, Local Health Integration Network, and several others. Waterloo Regional Police Services will be offering 2016 statistics to assist as well. Linda indicated the new program will be launched at the BIA office on April 5. All members of the BIA are invited to attend. WRPS Report James indicated he believes the downtown constables will be in place until the end of 2017. Further information to follow at April meeting. Strategic Priorities Cory briefly reviewed the process being undertaken for DTK2020, indicating BIA Board endorsement is the stage taking place at this meeting. An updated draft and conceptual plan will be provided in April, including a summary of findings, followed by a one month period of additional consultation to confirm accuracy of the feedback received. Final Board approval will take place in May. He outlined how the information will be shared with the public and with membership. Berry Vrbanovic joined the meeting (9:57 am) Board members provided positive feedback on the draft thus far, indicating that the summary is in line with feedback heard from participants. The suggestion was made to broaden target audience by including a reference to cycling. It would also be beneficial to make reference to activities in the downtown during both days and evenings. Cory clarified these three new focus areas are in addition to the three outlined in the past strategy, the business attraction strategy will be included as well. In this second round of consultation, information will be shared at a Town Hall meeting (tentatively scheduled at the library on April 26), a public session at city hall, drop in opportunity at the BIA Office on April 18 as well as online. Both Frank and Sarah will share with their Neighbourhood Associations to encourage feedback. Additionally, it was suggested to consider participating in the annual gathering of Neighbourhood Associations, as well as connect with residents at the market and the Aud. The board considered opening the Town Hall meeting to the public with increased marketing for the event, including invitations to anyone who attended the forum. The drop in event at the BIA office would then be for members only. The board reviewed the vision, core values and each of the three focus areas, providing input and feedback throughout the review, for integration prior to sharing with the public. Cory welcomed additional input via email. Berry left the meeting (10:28 a.m.) Moved by Darryl Moore, seconded by Ryan Lloyd -Craig "That the Board endorse the Strategic Priorities as presented by Cory Bluhm and Linda Jutzi subject to the suggested changes." Carried Unanimously Other Business No parking signs were posted on Ontario St. first thing Monday morning, with no communication to businesses. The regular garbage pick-up has been missed two Fridays in a row. Linda offered to connect with Region for clarification and to encourage communication prior to future changes. In -Camera Nothing at this time. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Paul Walman, seconded by Frank Etherington "That the meeting adjourn." (10:36 a.m.) Carried Unanimously