HomeMy WebLinkAboutBusiness & Ind - 1994-05-12BIAC\1994-05-12
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
PRESENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
REGRETS:
RECORDER:
Mike Hiscott (Chair), Martha George, Dan Beach, David Freure, John
Tibbits, Atso Saarkoppel, Councillors Carl Zehr, Mike Wagner and Tom
Galloway
Tom McKay, Valerie Gibaut and Jane Jantzi
Wayne Hussey, Jim McCutcheon, Roger Downer, Claude Schneider and Tiro
Guglielmi.
George Borovilos
Minutes of April 14, 1994
The minutes of April 14, 1994 were adopted.
Presentation~~"Accomplishing Growth, While Downsizing"
John Tibbits, President of Conestoga College made a presentation on accomplishing growth
within an organization, while downsizing at the same time.
He indicated that with growing application numbers ranging around 20% per year and the
reduction in grant increases from the Province, the college has been forced to initiate
opportunities to effect change and reduce costs.
John cited five ways how this has been accomplished. First, through consolidation of
programs and services, while still improving efficiency and service to the students in terms
of program delivery, quality and amenities such as fast food restaurants on campus.
Through consolidation a savings of 15% has been realized.
Second, the College has actively searched for partnerships. He pointed out several
examples:
The Roadway Suites student/hotel accommodation across from the campus;
Day care services within a Freure development and ManuLife office complex; and
One stop training centre with Festo Didactic to provide PLC training.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES
Third, through improvements in Human Resources. This involved downsizing
management, differentiated staffing, performance indicators for each program in the
faculty and by reviewing curriculum to eliminate overlap and search for alternative
delivery mechanisms.
Fourth, by implementing cost cutting measures such as closing the lights when not needed,
frequency of cleaning certain areas, the quality of paper used in memos and letterheads
and using discretion regarding the ordering of food and beverages for meetings.
Lastly, by developing new programs to reflect the current and future market trends e.g.,
environmental, alternative education delivery e.g, public television, fundraising for
equipment and new buildings, and partnerships with U.S. universities which will provide
the opportunity for Conestoga College students to continue on from their diploma
programs in order to achieve degree status.
Mike Hiscott thanked John for his presentation and requested that the linkages highlighted
be discussed further at the next meeting.
$. Local Land Sales
Valerie Gibaut updated the committee on two local land sale negotiations.
a. Site 84, Huron Business Park
A local company has offered to purchase Site 84 in Huron Business Park. The total
site is 11.2 acres. Valerie pointed out several issues:
Cost of removing the top soil and compact the land could be achieved
within 15 working days at a quoted price of $125,000.
ii.
It is estimated that the floodplain line at the back of the property is 1 acre.
This will affect the asking price.
111.
Water quality has to be dealt with e.g., swale/ditch at the back of the
property as opposed to a storm sewer which is cost prohibitive. Gravel
parking lot at the back will further assist re. natural filtration.
Economic Development Division
May 12, 1994.
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BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES
The company has indicated a price of below our asking price of $70,000
per acre, given the above mentioned issues.
A discussion ensued regarding these issues and the type and size of the building
being proposed. Dan Beach declared a conflict given that he will be the contractor
for this project. He was asked to leave the meeting in order to discuss the price
issue in more detail.
After continued discussion, the committee suggested that Valerie Gibaut counter
their offer and negotiate a price determined by the committee which reflected the
market and site constraints. The negotiated Offer to Purchase should be prepared
and presented at Planning and Economic Development Committee.
Dan Beach returned to the meeting.
b. Site 2, Lancaster Corporate Centre
Valerie Gibaut indicated that as a follow-up to the direction provided to her from
Planning and Economic Development Committee, she was to inform the principals
behind the project to present an Offer to Purchase.
She indicated that they have presented a letter of intent. They are proposing to
build a 2-storey office building of 15,000 square feet on 1.3 acres of land. The
remaining lands of Site Number 2 would be added to Site Number 3. This provides
the option to subdivide Site Number 3 into two parts or keep it intact as a larger
parcel. One of the principals will be the anchor tenant and they have indicated at
least two other tenants would occupy the building.
After some discussion revolving around the price offered in light of market and site
constraints due to GRCA floodplain line, similar to the constraints on Site Number 1
in the park, Valerie was directed to negotiate a price which took into account these
factors. If the purchaser agrees, then the Offer to Purchase should be prepared and
presented to Planning and Economic Development Committee.
4. Information Items
Given the length of the previous business, the information items and economic
Economic Development Division
May 12~ 1994.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES
development activities were deferred to the next meeting. Mike Hiscott did indicate that he
would like committee to review the draft section of the Regional Official Policies Plan
dealing with economic development. This item to be discussed at the next meeting.
Tour of the Woodworking Facility
After a brief tour of the woodworking facility, the meeting adjourned at 1:20 pm.
Next Meeting:
Thursday June 16, 1994
11:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m.
Council Lounge, 2nd Floor
Kitchener City Hall
PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE FOR THE NEXT MEETING.
Economic Development Division
May 12~ 1994.
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