HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-24Orono DBIA Monthly Meeting – Minutes
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:06 AM
Location: Harmer Wealth Management
1. Land Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement delivered as per agenda.
2. Call to Order & Welcome
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM.
Attendees:
Chad, Brad, Julie, Will, Laura, Lina and Bev
Regrets:
All other members absent
3. Approval of Agenda
Motion: Brad
Seconded by: Chad
Result: Carried
4. Approval of Minutes (March 2026)
Motion: Brad
Seconded by: Chad
Result: Carried
5. Treasurer’s Monthly Report
Current Balance: $11,798.44
Cleared Payables: $1,930.24
Receivables: $1,116.60
Outstanding: Shelley – $85 (Events Committee)
6. Delegates & Presentations
Samantha Aitken (Orono Library):
Regrets sent; unable to attend
Spring Story Walk postponed
Plan to visit local businesses to promote once rescheduled
Rhonda Armour (CBOT):
Regrets sent
Shop Clarington Showcase: July 25 (discounted rate available)
Blue Box Program feedback survey sent to members
Laura Knox (Invest Clarington):
ROD funding secured
Kickoff meeting mid-May
Consultants engaged; paperwork complete
Collaboration includes Town Hall, Fair Board, Library
Draft Canada Day improvement plan completed
Patio program open; revamp planned for 2027
Municipal election nominations begin May 1
7. Action Items & Updates
2026 Budget Approval
Motion: Brad
Seconded by: Chad
Result: Carried
Reserve Fund Request ($7,500)
For Christmas lights, tree lights, and CCTV contribution
Status: Awaiting municipal approval
Orono Town Hall Collaboration
Meeting scheduled for May 11, 2026
ROD Program
Kickoff planned for May (TBD)
Tourism Grant (Central Counties Tourism)
$4,000 marketing grant application in progress
Up to $25,000 tourism development grant to explore later
Idea proposed: visitor routes into Orono
Orono Sign Project
No update
8. Events Committee
Meeting deferred to May
9. Open Floor
Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
Proposed 5% tax effective July 1
Estimated $400K–$600K annually for tourism
Would fund tourism staff and marketing initiatives
Does not apply to bed & breakfasts
Governance to include small tourism board
10. Closing Statements
Key updates reviewed
11. Next Meeting
Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Harmer Wealth Management