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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Action - 1994-07-07DAC\1994-07-07 DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING SCHMALTZ ROOM ~ JULY 7, 1994 Present: B. Stortz, R. Westbrook, N. Brawley, K. Simoneau, B. Hunsberger, W. Pearce, J. Quinn, G. Graham, K. Clark, B. Stanley, V. Gibeaut, S. Frenette, M. Yantzi OPENING REMARKS Tour of St. Jerome's at 10:30 a.m. this morning with Alex McDonald as the guide. Anybody interested in joining the tour is welcome. There are two new night clubs opened up downtown, "The Lyric" and "Inner-City". Also, a new store is (food/vegetable mart) scheduled to open up within a month at the east end of town. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by N. BraMey Seconded by K. Simoneau Carried. AFFROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by G. Graham Seconded by M. Yantzi Carried FACADE IMPROVEMENT PLAN Wayne Pearce handed out a letter regarding the Facade/Interior programs (see attached). N. Brawley inquired as to whether the change of interest on a floating basis, which isn't conducive to absolute business planning, would be revisted by Council because of the negative concerns. Also, as far as the loans are concerned, are there any personal guarantees. W. Pearce pointed out that Promissory Notes are required. N. Brawley wondered whether the owners of vacant properties should be contacted and possibly provided with a few ideas regarding their properties. B. Stortz said that through the KDBA and working with Wayne, they are "targetting" these areas. He also commented that he preferred a personal guarantee as opposed to a Promissory Note, which could leave the City on a possible downside (money loss). W. Pearce stated that people were not overly anxious to cont'd... -57- have anything registered on Title. N. Brawley referred discussion back to the vacant properties and stated that $2500 has been set aside to fLx up the various sites. Landlords will be contacted, but they go through the Board first to receive approval. In regards to the Facade/Interior program, S. Frenette asked whether tenants were eligible to receive a loan as well. W. Pearce stated that they are, however, unlike the 10 year term that the Owner is given, the tenant Term is the length of the loan is equal to the length of the business being at the location. J. Quinn asked about the priority of these issues, and if they are that important why is a new approach not being taken. N. Brawley stated that the Property Standards Committee is looking at new approaches. J. Quinn said that again, this is a regulatory approach and if the agencies are already in place why pursue this any further. M. Yantzi commented that it does seem that all that is being addressed is a sympton and that a more systemic overview is required. KDBA CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN The Plan is finished and eventually the staffing will be reorganized and the Board of Directors changed. They will be meeting on a monthly basis in order to handle issues more efficiently. After the "Cruising" promotion, more time will be spent on the reorganization. A fully copy of the Plan is available at the office. S. Frenette inquired as to what the link is between the lC, DBA and DAC's Plan. N. Brawley answered stating that some community issues are now recogznied and that the priorities are different and that the lC, DBA has to look more closely at its operations i.e. the service it renders to its members. B. Stortz added that the new mandate is all inclusive, broad- based and takes in all partnerships. This philisophical position ties in with the larger level - an arbitrary boundary on the map does not limit the sphere of influence. It eliminates the "we" and "they" delineation, thereby providing much more focus. FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS Credit for this idea goes to John MacDonald. The event will run in two stages from now until September. A "How To Guide" kits have been distributed. September 17th is the official City Hall celebration with a draw at the end of the day - $10,000 capital project prize. The project is now underway and Council has given an approximate budget of $7,000 for printing, road closures, etc. STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE Students are out in the streets conducting surveys. The survey consists of the following questions. 2. 3. 4. Postal Code Do you work Downtown Why are you Downtown How do you get Downtown cont'd... The students will be out in the street during "Cruising" and "Artsfest". Canvassing is also taking place at "The Lyric" and more work needs to be done outside of the cinemas. Although there has been approximately 300 respondants so far, more are definitely needed. This surveying is an attempt to gain an overview the the "whys" and "whens" of the trade area during the a.m. and p.m.N. Brawley said that the survey is being kept short and precise, however, for those who are interested there is a longer survey available. The next step will be to canvass the office buildings and a more complete survey will be used and distributed by the various neighbourhood associations. J. Quinn asked that of the three working groups that are present, if it was feasible to have everything on paper by the end of September 1994. K. Simoneau said the the Safety group is meeting on July 14, 1994 and that they will be breaking into smaller groups. The Safety Audit from June 13, 1994 (J. Dean and L. Gove) is providing information to form policies. And W. Sleeth and M. Walsh have conducted a walkabout to look at problem areas and a more formal one will be arranged. CLOSING REMARKS "Cruising" begins next week. N. Brawley commented that an organization other than the KDBA is going to be running "Artsfest" next year and a treasure hunt for Oktoberfest is in the process of being organized. CANCELLATION OF AUGUST 1994 MEETING Moved by M. Yantzi Seconded by K. Simoneau Carried. S. Tobin Recording Secretary