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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-13Historic Downtown Bowmanville Business Centre (BIA) Board of Management Meeting Minutes Tuesday March 13, 2023; 6:30pm Virtual Meeting In Attendance: Ron Hooper, Chair Laura Holmes, Secretary Gerri Lucas, Treasurer Cathy Holmes, Director Edgar Lucas, Director Ashlee Kielbiski, Clarington Tourism & Economic Development Amber Ross (owner, Pink Lemon Decor) Sarah Gerdy (owner, Markets) Regrets: Erin Kemp, Director Lloyd Rang, Council Representative Bonnie Wrightman, CBOT representative Delegations Present: none 1. Presentation by Delegations The Chair recognized that no delegations were present. 2. Updates from Community Partners (a) Clarington Tourism Ashlee Kielbiski reported that Tourism has moved from Community Services into the newly created Economic Development division, part of the Planning Department. A new Director of Economic Development started three weeks ago — Andrew Poray — who is experienced in similar roles with other municipalities. Laura Knox had previously moved into Community Development to handle special events, etc. but will be returning to Tourism soon. Jessica Ward is the other Tourism staff member. It is still a period of transition, and certain aspects such as budget may change as a result of new strategic priorities and responsibilities. Tourism will continue with many of its priority items such as marketing events, promoting downtowns, seasonal advertising campaigns, discovery maps. There will continue to be a mix of promotion types including physical, digital, mail drops, elevator ads, etc. Tourism will take a more active role in promoting sport tourism and is working on a 'between games' brochure to be handed out to sport teams that come to the area. Walking maps are also in development. Economic development will be taking over role in patio licensing. The Tourism Advisory Committee is in flux at the moment. Tourism will be partnering with Region of Durham on new initiatives. Clarington is part of RT06, covered by Central Counties Tourism. There are funding partnerships available. C. Holmes thanked Ashlee for the valuable work that Tourism provides, particularly related to promotion of events in downtown Bowmanville. The Chair recognized Tourism as an invaluable partner and thanked Ashlee for attending with updates. (b) CBOT (provided by email from Bonnie Wrightman) CBOT is currently consulting with DRPS to develop a community -watch type Facebook group for business. Historic Downtown Bowmanville 2 Business Centre (BIA) 3. Adoption of Minutes Moved by G. Lucas, seconded by C. Holmes THAT the minutes of the meeting of February 7, 2023 be approved as circulated. CARRIED 4. Business Arisine from Previous Minutes (a) Legion Banners MARCH 2O23 E. Lucas reported that communication was sent to Legion representatives following the last meeting and to date there has been no further contact. 5. Correspondence Correspondence was received from i. Clerks Department with resolution JC-005-23: Appointment to Bowmanville BIA (via email) ii. Planning Department regarding Public Meeting Notice for BWUC & GO Transit area (via email) iii. Brian Purdy regarding request from Concerts In The Park Committee (via email) iv. (submitted to website contact form) Colleen, owner of 99 King regarding use of BIA logo in new mural Moved by E. Lucas, seconded by G. Lucas THAT the correspondence be received for information. THAT items 5.iii & 5.iv be discussed in 8.a & d New Business, respectively. CARRIED 6. Treasurer's Report The Treasurer presented the following: i. $55073.50 in current account ii. 2023 levy not received yet iii. Auditors have 2022 documentation Moved by L. Holmes, seconded by C. Holmes THAT the Treasurer's Report be adopted as presented. CARRIED 7. Directors' Reports (a) Council Liaison — No report. The Chair expressed gratitude for recent snow bank removal downtown. The intersection areas were most problematic over the past few snow falls. The Chair suggests sending an invitation to Mr. Brake to attend a future meeting. Historic Downtown Bowmanville Business Centre (BIA) (b) Events — MARCH 2O23 C. Holmes reported that Meet The Easter Bunny is organized for Sat Apr 8. Photo donations will go to The Salvation Army Bowmanville. Partnered with Clarington Library to present a StoryWalk that will coincide with easter event. Girls Night Out is upcoming on April 20. Maplefest vendor spaces are sold out. New BMO window wrap will be installed when weather warms up. (c) Membership Relations — No report. The Chair reported that a new business of coffee and cakes will be opening in the former Nutrition Kitchen location. The opening of Lil' Tucks Donut Shop is delayed. (d) Streetscape — E. Lucas reported that winter baskets and banners will be removed soon. Spring banners to be installed. Summer basket vendor will be contacted soon. Summer watering contractor is confirmed. (e) Communications — No report. (f) Website & Social Media — L. Holmes reported that business changes will be sent to web company. 8. New Business (a) Concerts In The Park The Chair declared a conflict of interest and recused himself from the meeting. Correspondence item 5.iii The Concerts In The Park committee is requesting to become a subcommittee of the Bowmanville BIA in order to access insurance coverage through the Municipality for its summer concert series at Rotary Park. L. Holmes thanks the Clerk and Treasurer for providing valuable insights ahead of this discussion. The BIA operates as a Committee of Council and insurance is provided under the Municipal umbrella. Subcommittees of a Committee of Council are subject to the same procedures as a Committee of Council. There are several implications that may deter Concerts In The Park from wishing to become a subcommittee. Unintended consequences include, but are not limited to, no access to grants, inability to operate lotteries/50-50 draws, inability to fundraise, requiring third -party insurance from partners, financial oversight and reporting, operating under Terms of Reference including regular public meetings, submission of meeting minutes, general control and oversight by BIA. The BIA is willing to discuss appointing Concerts In The Parkas a subcommittee but believe it may not be the best course of action for their committee. It may be advisable for Concerts In The Park to secure their own insurance policy, or work with BOAA to provide insurance for the series under their policy. Historic Downtown Bowmanville 4 Business Centre (BIA) MARCH 2O23 The Secretary will send a letter to the Concerts In The Park committee explaining the procedures and outlining options. The Chair returned to the meeting. (b) OBIAA/OMAFRA Strategic Planning The Chair presented a program that is being offered by OBIAA/OMAFRA for non-profit organizations to facilitate strategic planning. The program requires a dedicated commitment of time and several volunteers to be trained. (c) OBIAA Advocacy — CEBA Repayment & End to Homelessness The Chair presented correspondence from OBIAA. Repayments for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) are due December 31, 2023. OBIAA is advocating for the federal government to extend the repayment date and/or forgive in part or full. It is not known how many businesses downtown took advantage of CEBA. OBIAA has a short 2 question survey with a deadline of March 17. The OBIAA survey will be shared with members. OBIAA has supported a letter from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to call on the province to end homelessness in Ontario. OBIAA has a crafted a resolution wherein it asks members to share the resolution with business members to call on Municipalities, MPs, and MPPs. The OBIAA resolution will be shared with members. The Chair reported that he has received calls from businesses regarding un-housed persons sleeping on bus benches and loitering, particularly in the east -end of downtown. The banks are also experiencing difficulties which has resulted in hiring of security and/or closing ATM vestibules during non -business hours. The Chair reported that 311 can be used for assistance with loitering of un-housed persons. (d) 99 King Mural Correspondence item 5.iv The owner of 99 King is commissioning a mural and is requesting permission to be able to use the Bowmanville BIA logo. The Historic Downtown Bowmanville logo cannot be used without the explicit permission of the BIA. Typically the logo is reserved for the exclusive and sole use of BIA promotions and initiatives. The Chair would like visit the owner to determine more about the plans for the mural. Discussion deferred until more information is available. 9. Date of Next Meetine The next meeting of the Board of Management is scheduled to be held on Tuesday April 11, 2023 commencing at 6:30pm, virtually. 10. Adjournment Historic Downtown Bowmanville Business Centre (BIA) Moved by G. Lucas, seconded by E. Lucas THAT the meeting adjourn. CARRIED The meeting adjourned at 8:03pm. MARCH 2O23