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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Adv - 2009-01-08DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 8, 2009 Citv of Kitchener The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor John Smola; with the following members in attendance: Bernie Nimer, Tamara Minns, Jamie Yantzi, Lisa Polonoski, Bernie Nimer, Denis Pellerin, and Councillor Christina Weylie Staff in attendance: Silvia Wright, Kim Feere, Kara Harrison, Cory Bluhm, Janice Ouelette, Tracey DeVille Discussion Items Minutes & Agenda Approval of Minutes Approval of the December Downtown Advisory Committee minutes was deferred to the next regular scheduled meeting of the Committee in February. Advisory Committee Updates There were no committee updates at this time. New Business Councillor J. Smola welcomed everyone and asked that members and city staff introduce themselves and provided a brief background on how they fit into the Downtown Advisory Committee. Tracey DeVille, Committee Administrator, walked the members through the Committee Information Binder and provided brief explains on the roles and responsibilities of the Committee and advised each member to take the time to read the Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct documents. If any member had any questions, they were advised to contact Ms. DeVille. Chair /Vice Chair Nominations and Appointments The committee was asked to nominate potential Chairs. Councillor John Smola provided a brief explanation on the duties of the Chair. The following names were brought forward: Glenn Scheels, Chair -Tamara Minns, Vice-Chair On motion by Bernie Nimer, Seconded by Denis Pellerin The Committee accepted the nominations for Chair /Vice-Chair and voted to implement as such. Glenn Scheels then resumed position as Chair. As part of the Terms of Reference for the Downtown Advisory Committee, cross appointments are required for representatives to sit on other advisory committees of Council, namely the Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee. The following people volunteered: Bernie Nimer - EDAC Denis Pellerin -Safe & Healthy The Committee moved a motion to accept the volunteer cross appointments. Consensus Building Janice provided a presentation to the committee - - thanked them for volunteering - consensus building to decision making - invited to participate here for a reason - advised on the process to make the committee stronger, more valuable - she provided an overview on how best to make decisions - not a majority rules necessarily, keep in mind that people need to feel comfortable - Janice provided a handout that explains the process - She provided a variety of examples and options for the committee members to consider when making decisions over this term. Questions /Comments - What is the quorum and does that include a member of council? The quorum is 5 and yes it does our council member. 2009 Calendar & Agenda Planning Silvia Wright, Manager of Downtown Community Development, discussed possible agenda items for the coming year - Landlord group -share info and cross promote tenants, tenant mixes, programs communication, assistance, work together as a team for the good of the downtown - city can provide some assistance through meeting space, resources and data Downtown Collaborative -started by the KDBA bring business together with social agencies to stay on line and together with this group A roundtable discussion took place on where the members would like to see the direction of DAC and the following comments were received: Your Kitchener Market Streetscape Centre Block Charles / Benton Parking Garage Court House -delegation from the Province to present info session UW School of Pharmacy -how do we take it to the next level (SNI study) Bio Tech & Life Science Cluster Social responsibility and redevelopment discussions need to continue Safety perception Employees after hours Arts -culture -digital media Andy Warhol exhibit capture the people Student tours School of pharmacy tour Health and wellness aspect of the downtown -inventory and tour? Special events Now do smaller retailers get involved - Downtown Project Updates Cory provided an overview of the King Street Streetscape and the schedule / timing for the project. On motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:00