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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1999-12-09KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES December 9, 1999 The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of David Corks with the following members present: Councillor Mark Yantzi, Councillor Karen Taylor-Harrison, David Corks, Howard Marr, Nancy Brawley, Denise Strong, Anita Petsche-Good, Tom Brennand, Peggy Walshe, Donna Kuehl, Denise Shelbourne, Neil Carver, Peter Walberg, Trudy Beaulne, Mike Peng, Howard Rotberg, Chris Cowie, Doug Hoch, Brenton Toderian Regrets:Denise Strong, Mary Drandzyk, David Gowland, Ruth Tomlinson, Regis Coladipietro, Barry Zehr, Debbie Schlichter 1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN/VICE-CHAIRMAN David Corks brought the meeting to order and opened the nominations for the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. A motion was made that Councillor Mark Yantzi be elected as the Chairman for the term ending November 30, 2000. Moved by: Neil Carver Seconded by: Denise Shelbourne CARRIED A motion was made that Trudy Beaulne be elected as the Vice-Chairman for the term ending November 30, 2000. Moved by: Neil Carver Seconded by: Doug Hoch CARRIED Mark Yantzi then took the chair. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA–December 9, 1999 Anita Petsche-Good had asked that ashtrays/bars be added to the agenda, it would fall under the New Business item. It was moved that the agenda for the December 9, 1999 meeting be approved. Moved by: Karen Taylor-Harrison Seconded by: Tom Brennand CARRIED 1 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 18, 1999 Nancy Brawley asked that we should deal with Action items resulting from previous minutes so we could keep track of things to be done. It was moved that the minutes from the November 18, 1999 meeting be approved. Moved by: Karen Taylor-Harrison Seconded by: Trudy Beaulne CARRIED Before starting on the agenda items, Mark Yantzi suggested we go around the table, introduce ourselves and make a brief comment on what the members would like to see more of or less of from the DAC meetings in the coming year. Comments were as follows: Mike Peng (Theatre & Co.) would like to see more integration of residents and events. Tom Brennand (Auditorium) said everything seems O.K. and couldn’t think of anything to add. Trudy Beaulne (Social Planning Council) would like to see more diversity in opinions and a willingness to tackle new issues. Doug Hoch (Mt.Hope/Breithaupt) had no comment. Peter Walberg (Central Frederick) would like to see more co-operation with the neighbourhoods. Donna Kuehl (Civic Centre) is a new member and would like to learn more about the Committee. Chris Cowie (Victoria Park) would like to see a clearer understanding of the issues. Karen Taylor-Harrison (Councillor) would like to see more of what has happened in the past, lots of taking on issues and remaining action oriented. Howard Marr (KDBA rep.) would like to see more housing for the homeless. Anita Petsche Good (KDBA rep.) would like to see more retail shops come into the downtown. Denise Shelbourne (Cedar Hill) would like to see more stores. 2 Neil Carver (K-W Council of Churches) would like to see us as being part of a group to promote more residential use. Brenton Toderian (Community rep.) would like to see more business recruitment and retention. Nancy Brawley (KDBA) would like to see more business activities from the local businesses. Peggy Walshe (Kitchener Public Library) thinks the homelessness program is important. David Corks (Economic Development) would like to see more balance, both of land use and way the downtown is reported on by the press. 4. DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MAKE-UP Mark Yantzi discussed the attached list of members for the year 2000 and adjustments were made, adding Neighbourhood Association Representation from Central Frederick – Peter Walberg. Karen Taylor-Harrison asked for clarification about the proposed revision. David Corks explained that according to the Municipal Code, Civic Centre is excluded from the main listing, however, we would need to ask Council to revisit the list to correct this mistake and ask for it to be added, as a mistake was made. Discussions took place regarding DAC’s mandate (see attached), that we remember our purpose and concentrate our work within the core of the downtown, using the various reps. from the surrounding neighbourhoods for advice. Trudy Beaulne asked for a map of the core and adjacent David Corks neighbourhoods, said he would provide one for the Committee. Nancy Brawley commented on the community involvement, saying we need to expand in this area, as well as maintain a balance. 5. NEXT YEAR’S COMMITTEE MEMBERS A review of the attached list of members for the year 2000 was received with minor adjustments to be made at the January meeting. 6. ADDITIONAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN 2000 Mark Yantzi had to leave at this time, Trudy Beaulne took over chairing the meeting. Anita Petsche-Good had asked about the Top 40 list from previous meetings. David Corks replied that these formed the basis of the current Downtown Strategic Plan. A copy is attached. Nancy Brawley advised she had a copy of the KDBA Strategic Plan. A copy is attached. 3 ADDITIONAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN 2000 cont’d Trudy Beaulne gave everyone 5 minutes to write down some ideas for future agenda items. The following ideas were suggested: Mike Peng ¨ have better liaison with the arts groups – communication, support and encouragement to their endeavours. Doug Hoch ¨ review and follow-up with the Strategic Plan ¨ ambassador program Peter Walberg ¨ looking at multiculturalism, ensure more representation ¨ Information Technology – how to integrate it into business Donna Kuehl ¨ mandate of goals/purposes ¨ parking issues Chris Cowie ¨ Youth Criminal Act – wants to review and educate on this, there is a lot of misunderstanding in this area Karen Taylor-Harrison ¨ continue relationships with the social agencies, since there is frustration from both sides, we need to merge together and resolve the issues ¨ talk more about arts/culture Howard Marr ¨ retail business ¨ graffiti issues ¨ signage issue – make it more visible to the public ¨ homelessness ¨ develop vacant buildings ¨ report card on progress – objectives/plans/deadlines Anita Petsche-Good ¨ the Committee should become more involved, adopt a more hands-on approach to business recruitment in the downtown ¨ more specific issues should be discussed one at a time ¨ can we enforce what signage businesses use, some of it now is quite rude Denise Shelbourne ¨ more family-sensitive signage, talk about how to deal with tactless signage 4 ADDITIONAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN 2000 cont’d ¨ have better image of East End, great things happening! ¨ joys of living in the “hub” of downtown Neil Carver ¨ effect of municipal restructuring on downtown ¨ development of recreational space as an alternative to night club scene ¨ improve public perception – ambassador program, lighting improvements, security surveillance ¨ health centre in the downtown community Brenton Toderian ¨ specific actions should be our focus ¨ Forsyth building – need up-dates, possibility of City acquiring this building before demolition ¨ King’s College Theatre will leave once lease is up, very serious problem, we need a theatre downtown, it’s the good, family type of entertainment ¨ maintenance, poor quality of street cleaning ndrd ¨ 2 and 3 story building focus, need to facilitate these spaces ¨ Compass Kitchener – downtown ¨ media relationships – need to improve them, have a more balanced approach ¨ create brochure/manual for retail storefront façade procedures Nancy Brawley ¨ agenda items should come to table re: projects: Children’s Museum, Poseidon; how these projects effects this Committee ¨ identify the Strategic Plan, keep focused Peggy Walshe ¨ marketing perception of downtown and DAC, should have additional presence and support from council ¨ SMART community – Information Technology – one of the candidates, this could be huge for the downtown ¨ community health centre – let’s talk! Trudy Beaulne ¨ healthy community participation ¨ social services ¨ Region’s Healthy Neighbourhood Project ¨ downtown newspaper ¨ school closures ¨ transit changes ¨ problem property response team ¨ manual/guidelines for new members 5 UP-DATE BY DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TEAM (City and KDBA) 7. Nancy Brawley reported that some downtown businesses have won some prestigious awards recently; Braun’s Bicycle and Theatre & Co. are examples. She also reminded everyone of the KDBA Christmas party on December 21, 1999 at 5:00 p.m. at La Costa Restaurant Nancy Brawley also reported that there should soon be a media release regarding the Poseidon project, the impact on the downtown will be huge. There also is a mural program which has targeted the Button Factory and Conestoga Wagon Trail and that grants had been applied for through the Trillium Foundation. However, these were refused, and it was suggested that the City should get involved. The KDBA Christmas promotion is very successful, augmented by banners, decorations and ornaments. When shopping downtown, you will receive from merchants “downtown” dollars and/or ornaments and gift tags. KDBA held a fashion show “Jazzy Fashions” which was quite successful in raising over $4,000. As a result, the United Way presented the KDBA with an award. David Corks commented on a concern about the lack of police representation at the DAC meetings. He said it is due to the representative working different shifts and not being able to attend the meetings. The Committee decided that an information package should go to the police to encourage them to come to our meetings. It was suggested that they could possibly come to the meeting, have them on the agenda, give their report and then leave so that they won’t have to stay for the entire meeting. ACTION:David Corks will send a formal letter to Brian Koepke requesting their presence at the DAC meetings. NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION UPDATES 8. Auditorium – no report Mt. Hope/Breithaupt Park – no report Victoria Park – no report Cedar Hill – having a cookie exchange! 6 HOMELESSNESS UPDATE 9. Trudy Beaulne reported that there would be a Forum in Waterloo on February thth 18 and 19, 2000 at the Rec. Centre, as it was a large enough space to accommodate a large number of people. It will be a solution based program during the day, and an invitation to other cities to speak in the evening. John Sweeney is tentatively booked to speak. NEW BUSINESS 10. · Anita Petsche-Good had asked about ashtrays outside large office buildings, st could these be added to more buildings? It was noted that as of January 1, 2000 there would be a complete ban in all public places for smoking. ACTION:David Corks will follow-up with this concern. · Neil Carver had asked about the Ambassador program and its progress. David Corks advised that we are trying to implement this program, however, it will take a lot of time and money to set up. · Howard Rotberg came in late in the meeting and reported that he had written a resolution for City Council in response to an article in the K-W Record on Wed. December 8, 1999 (see attached). Howard Rotberg then proceeded to read his resolution to the Committee. It stated: On Thursday, December 9, 1999, the Downtown Advisory Committee passed the following resolution to be presented at City Council on Monday, December 13, 1999. Whereas the City of Kitchener Council has indicated a willingness to move to a mega or super-city; And whereas the Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee has worked hard with its constituent members from downtown neighbourhoods, business, social service organizations, and churches to safeguard the fragile environment of The Original City in the face of suburban pressures; And whereas the Downtown Advisory Committee is concerned at the lack of attention being given to neighbourhood concerns in the push toward economic efficiencies of the super-city model of government; Therefore, be it resolved: That Kitchener City Council be advised that the Downtown Advisory Committee is requesting that any actions to achieve economic efficiencies be also weighed against the long-term interests of the downtown residential neighbourhoods and 7 business district; and that no further actions be taken without Downtown Advisory Committee input. Most Committee members felt it was a good idea, however, Brenton Toderian and Neil Carver were not in favour of this resolution, stating that the wording was a little harsh and suggested a few changes. Howard Rotberg agreed to make the changes. There was then a motion that we vote that this be presented to City Council on Monday evening. Moved by: Howard Rotberg Seconded by: Howard Marr CARRIED See the attached of City Council approval of the above resolution. · Trudy Beaulne asked if anyone would be interested in working with the Social Planning Council to plan a community forum similar activity meeting to provide a community voice in the region to amalgamate the issues. Tom Brennand, Howard Rotberg and Chris Cowie indicated that they would help. Meeting adjourned. Next DAC meeting on January 13, 2000 at 8:30 a.m. in the Conestoga Room. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Downtown Advisory Committee Members – 2000 2. Council Policy Resolution – mandate 3. Kitchener Downtown Strategic Action Plan 4. KDBA Strategic Plan 5. K-W Record article 6. Kitchener City Council approved resolution 8