HomeMy WebLinkAboutDBIA - 2019-01-23
January 23, 2019
8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West
Conestoga Room
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
Present: Darryl Moore, Erika Holenski, Phong Tran, Meaghan Hawkins, Cara Watson, Craig
Haney, Councillor Debbie Chapman, Julie Phillips, Kyle Cleaver, Councillor Sarah Marsh, Hilary
Abel, Cst. James Mitchell, and Shirley Madill.
Regrets: Linda Jutzi, Michael Rederer, Cory Bluhm, and Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.
Recorder: Chloe Howell
The meeting began at 8:34 a.m., with Darryl Moore as Chair.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS
Moved by Julie Phillips, seconded by Councillor Debbie Chapman
January 23, 2019
Carried Unanimously
No conflict of interest was declared by any member of the Board at this time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Councillor Debbie Chapman, seconded by Cara Watson
That the Board approve the December 19, 2018
Carried Unanimously
WRPS UPDATE
Cst. James Mitchell provided a WRPS update:
Met with Linda and Stef to discuss Slack app. There are plans to expand use, March 2019
downtown campaign to promote. Board Directors looking forward to launch and receiving
more training on how to use the app.
will take place on February 1. Includes memorial service at
St. Kitchen, march through downtown and community BBQ at the Kitchener
Market.
Shirley Madill joined the meeting (8:39 a.m.)
Councillor Sarah Marsh arrived (8:45 a.m.)
Cst. James Mitchell left the meeting (8:49 a.m.)
APPROVAL OF FINANCIALS
Moved by Julie Phillips, seconded by Cara Watson
That the Board approve the November 2018 Financial Statements
Carried Unanimously
Phong Tran provided an update on the December Financials. Erika Holenski inquired about the
Downtown Dollars being sold to Google, Mr. Tran noted that this expense will likely shift to the
January budget.
Councillor Sarah Marsh asked how the Toque sponsorship money works. Councillor Marsh would
like to see Toque available in more locations, and further information on distribution.
Action item: Linda Jutzi to provide details on Toque sponsorship.
The 2018 Financial Audit is scheduled for February 11, 2019.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY REVIEW
Priority 1: No comments/questions.
Priority 2: Goal is to assess events and whether to continue financial support.
Canada Day: 5 years is a long time to commit, is a 3 yr commitment possible? An
important event to continue but maxed out for space in Carl Zehr Square. Provide a
bigger update in 2 months.
Councillor Debbie Chapman: Promotions around LRT. Wayfinding at certain stops to help
people navigate the Downtown. Region is giving funding (20k to be split between
Downtown and Uptown BIAs) for launch event.
Priority 3: Events with high economic impact and strong member engagement.
Blues Festival: especially the pancake breakfast running into space limitations.
Action item: Provide Board Directors with a calendar of events so they can see how the whole
year looks and better understand the flow of events.
Canada Day: a branding opportunity for Downtown Kitchener. Minimal retail benefit, but it
puts people on the map.
Patio Crawl: signature event to launch summer, huge economic boost for Downtown
restaurants. Board Directors feel it is important to provide discount passes to a broader
reach of businesses, not just tech companies.
Oktoberfest: needs a refresh and look at a new way to program this event. Board
Directors feel it is important to have a say and purposefully keep events downtown, not
just to write a blank cheque to Oktoberfest. The Downtown core essentially closes down
after the opening ceremony, so what can we do to keep people Downtown and direct
dollars to Downtown businesses? A lot of disappointment over downtown during
Oktoberfest. It is a huge opportunity, but we need to promote the more authentic parts of
Oktoberfest, not just the drinking. More family-friendly events.
Christkindl: excellent event but very taxing on staff. Councillor Sarah Marsh suggested to
make a volunteer opportunity page at the Volunteer Action Centre. Councillor Marsh also
inquired if we can we get propane heaters?
th
Comedy Festival: 10 anniversary in 2019. An event that continues to grow.
True North: more Downtown marketing focus. Darryl Moore confirmed that Linda Jutzi is
in discussion, however not committing money in if there is no Downtown benefit.
Phong Tran inquired about Summer Lights. Hilary Abel confirmed they have applied for grants
and it is still on track.
Board Directors feel the following should be a focus for the next year:
Wayfinding
Lighting safe streets
Placemaking: e.g. Goudies Lane
Green spaces
Patios
Pop ups
o Hilary Abel noted this process is becoming easier with Licensing
o Hilary Abel shared that a 2019 exercise is to take inventory of all these spaces.
Goudies Lane pilot project received overwhelming community support.
More flower pots
Kyle Cleaver asked for update on Carl Zehr Square. This will be a topic at City of Kitchener final
budget approval on January 31.
Action: Hilary Abel to circulate conceptions for Queen Street and Carl Zehr Square
Hilary Abel shared that AMO funding (100k)
wayfinding and free Wi-Fi Downtown. Funding needs to be spent by spring 2020 or they will lose
it. Phong Tran believes the BIA should strongly support free Wi-Fi downtown.
Julie Phillips noted that if Smart Cities is successful, we should let them pay for it.
Councillor Sarah Marsh inquired about winter events downtown, especially after December and if
there any opportunities to promote cooperation between restaurants and theatres?
Dollars from BIA to COK for memorial at the Kitchener Market.
$2,500 Downtown Dollars to The Working Centre.
Councillor SarahMarsh: Safe consumption sites, 3 potential locations in Downtown Kitchener.
Two public meetings, 6-9 p,m. Feb 5 and 7 at St. Louis Kitchener - main campus. Must register.
Action: Councillor Sarah Marsh to circulate details.
Additional meeting for people who live within 250 meters within proposed site.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Debbie Chapman, seconded by Phong Tran
Carried Unanimously