BIA Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Annual Meeting

Pillette Village Business Improvement Association
January 25, 2024
Location:  Nancy Johns Gallery & Framing

Bridget Scheuerman chaired the meeting in the absence of Terry Yaldo

1. Welcome

• Attendees were welcomed to the meeting and were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and identify their business.

2. Approval of Minutes of 2022 Annual Meeting

• Motion by Diane and seconded by Nancy to approve the minutes from the 2022 Annual Meeting. Passed.

3. Financial Report

• Bridget provided the following financial report.
• Bank balance as of December 29, 2023, $20,339.66
• Outstanding cheque total $339
• Balance after cheques $20,000.66.
• Motion by Danielle and seconded by Tony to accept the Financial Report.

4. 2024 Operating Budget

• Bridget presented the Draft 2024 Operating Budget, and the budget was reviewed, and questions answered.
• Bridget stated that the Draft 2024 Operating Budget had been sent to the membership in November 2023 and is hereby presented to the Membership for consideration and approval.
• Motion by Nancy to accept the 2024 Operating Budget as presented. Seconded by Marlena.  Motion passes.

5. Marketing for 2024

• David provided an updated business directory, and some changes and updates were made.
• He indicated that he will continue with the social media program, videos for the businesses.

6. Events for 2024

• We will be hosting the Street Sale once again this year and be a part of the Open Streets Event on September 22, 2024.
• Bridget indicated that Ford City is having their event on August 17, 2024. So as not to conflict with Dropped on Drouillard, it was suggested that we hold our Street Sale on August 10, 2024.
• More information to follow as we get clearer direction from the City with regards to Open Streets.

7. Confirmation of The Board of Directors

• Bridget indicated that we are seeking new Board members and gave an overview of the responsibilities.
• Anyone interested in becoming a Board member can contact any current Board member.
• Motion by Diane and seconded by Nancy to confirm the present Board of Directors. Motion passes.

8. New Business

• Grandmamas had a soft open house which was quite successful.
• We have had very good feedback on the new planters and the decorations during the holiday season.
• Nancy reported that the Physio business had rented some Art from her.
• There was a question about the traffic study, which seems to be at a standstill right now.
• Tony asked about what the going rate for rent in the areas is at this time. Discussion ensued.

Being no further business the meeting was adjourned

Pillette Village Business Improvement Association

Board of Directors Meeting

November 16, 2023

In Attendance:  Danielle Ramsten, Diane Beck, Terry Yaldo, Bridget Scheuerman and David Duke

Approval of Minutes

• Motion by Danielle and seconded by Diane to accept the minutes of the previous meeting. Passed.

Financial Report

• Bridget provided an updated Financial Report:
• Bank Balance as of October 31, 2023 $88,909.66
• Outstanding Cheque Total $66,126.22
  Balance after cheques $22,783.44
• Bridget reported that the deposit cheque for the Capital Works project has been submitted to the City and this covers Phase One of the Project.

Motion by Diane and seconded by Danielle to accept the Financial Report. Passed.

Meetings At City Hall

• Bridget reported on meetings she attended regarding the upcoming Storm sewer surcharge that will be implemented starting in 2025. The City will be updating the storm sewer system and the cost will be charged back to the businesses and residents through Enwin Utilities starting in 2025. There will be Public Meetings over the next year that will outline the project.
• Bridget had a discussion with Anne Marie Albidonie of Public Works with regards to the upcoming changes in recycling. The City is in discussions with the company that currently is responsible for the production of recycled items, who now wish to do the collection as well. So far, the discussions have centered around this
  company collecting residential only and talks are ongoing to include business in the collection process. More to come on this item as it becomes finalized.

Marketing

• Bridget brought samples of tote bags that were provided by Graphix 27. After some discussion it was suggested that we get prices for a much thinner bag similar to those used by grocery stores and to give a supply to each business for their customers, with the Pillette Village Logo on each bag. A price will be obtained and quantities.
• Danielle suggested designing something with the website QR code, a fun saying, etc. It was also suggested to do a series of bags with sayings/themes and to have the customer bring back the bag to exchange for a new one, and thus bring shoppers into the area.
• Ask Graphix 27 for pricing and production of these less expensive bags.
• A suggested budget for this Marketing project would be between $1,500 and $2,000
  to acquire shopping bags, scratch pads, and other affordable marketing items.

Motion by Terry and seconded by Danielle to budget $1,500 to $2,000 for Marketing.
Motion Passed.

2024 Draft Operating Budget

• A draft Operating Budget was discussed in detail and all line items reviewed. After some discussion, the attached proposed Operating Budget is being put forward to the membership for approval. The amount of the 2024 Operating will remain the same at $40,000.00. This Draft Operating Budget will be presented at the Annual Meeting for approval.

Annual Meeting

• The Annual General Membership Meeting will be held January 11, 2024. Location to be determined and communicated in the new year. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. If you would like to host the Annual Meeting, please contact Bridget.

New/Other Business

• There was no new or other business and therefore the meeting was adjourned.

Pillette Village Business Improvement Association

Board of Directors Meeting

October 12, 2023

In Attendance:  Danielle Ramsten, Terry Yaldo, Diane Beck and Bridget Scheuerman

Regrets: Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac, David Duke

Absent: Councillor Ed Sleiman, Peggy Winch

Approval of Minutes

• Motion by Danielle and seconded by Diane to accept the minutes of the previous meeting. Passed.

Financial Report

• Bridget provided the following financial report
• Bank Balance as of August 31, 2023 $75,952.78
• Deposit of balance of vendor fees from Street Sale $145.00
• Outstanding Cheque total $5,513.12
• Balance after cheques $70,584.66
• Capital Works commitment $54,000.00
• Available Funds $16,584.66

Motion by Terry and seconded by Danielle to accept the Financial report.

Our Riverside Magaine

• Discussion took place about whether to do a single or double page presentation within Our Riverside Magazine.
• The single would involve designing the banner and having it at the top and portions at the bottom with 9 local merchant ads between. The ads would be paid for by the merchants.
• The double would involve a short description of the BIA and would have 18 ads paid for by the merchants.
• The price for the single would be $300 plus HST to be paid by the BIA and the price for the double would be $800 plus HST paid by the BIA.
• The merchants ads would be $170 plus HST each.
• It was decided to go with the one page and have David design the banner.

Marketing Quote

• Terry feels the pricing of the items that was quoted by GraphiX is too high for the tote bags and pens.
• Danielle is concerned with the quality of the tote bag. We do not have a sample.
• Diane feels we should support our local businesses within the BIA.
• David thought we could give them out at Christmas with an invitation to the Annual meeting.
• During this discussion Diane called Graphix and asked for samples of the various kinds of tote bags and prices. Graphix will get samples in for our review.

Planters/Trees

• We have received some good feedback from the businesses with regards to the new planters and trees.
• Bridge indicated that she was advised that nothing can be put on the trees in the way of decorations, i.e. lights, bows, etc.
• It was suggested that we could look into getting garland to put around the top of the planter and that would not affect the trees.
• Bridget will check with Planning to see if this is allowable.
• Diane feels that some of the trees are quite tall and very close to hydro lines.
• If garland is allowed, we will price garland, lights and bows.

Marketing

• Diane asked David how he decides to highlight each business, and David indicated that he puts the businesses in categories, starts a list and goes down the list and checks each one off, and then restarts once all are done.
• We need to develop a flyer. Prior to that we should update all the contact information for the businesses as there have been some changes in the last few months.

Debris/Weeds in Alleys

• We have received complaints about excessive weeds and debris in the alleys. Terry will have his workers clean up the alleys.
• It was noted that property and business owners are responsible for the upkeep of the alleyways behind their property. BIA will initially clean and then the responsibility will be with the property and business owner.
• Business owners who do not own the property should be getting in touch with the property owner to discuss cleanning of the alleys.
• Parking was discussed due to the fact that a new business owner is parking behind her building. It was noted that parking is available in the Municipal lot on the corner of Pleasant Place and Pillette and business owners should be parking there.

New Business

• A short discussion on the installation of cameras. This is a costly venture, but some research can be done at this time to determine pricing.
• Tall Tide Tattoos has moved into 4739 Wyandotte.
• Marcuterie has moved into 4685 Wyandotte.
• Diane and Bridget are having lunch with Ryan Hoey of CNIB to present donations collected from the Street Sale. The lunch will be at Louis.

Next Meeting Thursday, November 9th, 4:00 p.m. at Hawkins.

Pillette Village Business Improvement Association

Board of Directors Meeting

September 14, 2023

In Attendance:  Terry Yaldo, Danielle Ramsten and Bridget Scheuerman

Regrets: Councilors Jo-Anne Gignac and Ed Sleiman, David Duke, Peggy Winch and Diane Beck

Approval of Minutes

• Motion by Terry and seconded by Danielle to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Passed.

Financial Report

• Bridget provided the following Financial report
• Bank Balance as of July 31, 2023 is $76,682.57
• Deposit Street Sale Vendor Fees $1,720.00
• Balance after Deposits $78,402.57
• Outstanding Cheque Total $3,734.26
• Balance after cheques $74,668.31
• Capitals Works Commitment $54,000.00
• Available Funds $20,668.21.
• Motion by Danielle and seconded by Terry to accept the Financial Report.

Small Business Meeting

• Bridget attended a meeting at the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre in which was discussed the various grants that were available and the assistance that the Centre can provide to small business.
• It was decided that this group would visit the businesses in Pillette Village.
• Bridget will send out a notice to the businesses when the date has been determined.
• A notice was sent out to first have the visit on Monday September 11^th, but it was decided that this was not a good day as many of the businesses are closed on Mondays. The new date was set for Wednesday, September 6^th, and due to rainy weather the visits did not occur, but email communication was commenced with the businesses and the Business Centre.

Street Sale Report

• Bridget provided the following report:
• Income from vendor fees $1,720.00
• Expenses $2,947.32 which included The City of Windsor Permit Fee of $1,280.00 and we will be receiving a $1,000 refund once the site has been approved for cleanliness.
• Total Cost of Event $227.31.
• We received many positive comments regarding the Street Sale.
• Some vendors would like the event to go longer into the afternoon. Currently it ends at 2:00 p.m., and it was suggested that it be extended to 3:00 p.m. or even 4:00 p.m.
• One vendor asked that they would like to be on the south side next year as for the past two years they have been on the north side and that is the sun side
• We will also determine what other events are happening within the City and schedule our event on a date that does not conflict with other BIAs.

CNIB & Jazz Cat Donations

• Donations were discussed for the Jazz Cats Band and for CNIB our sponsor Charity and it was determined that the band would receive $400 and CNIB would receive $325.
• Diane had collected $75 in donations for CNIB during the Street Sale Event, so the total donation to CNIB will be $400.
• Motion by Terry and seconded by Danielle to donate $400 to Jazz Cats c/o Diane Beck and $325 to CNIB, plus the $75 that Diane had collected. Passed.

 Marketing

• Bridget received quotes from Graphix27 for a number of merchandising items, tote bags, notepads, pens, mugs, water bottles, stickers and coasters.
• We would like to put together Welcome bags for new businesses, but at the outset each current business would also receive a welcome package which would include a Tote Bag, Notepad, Pen, stickers, letter, postcarads from Small Business Centre and a business directory for the BIA.
• Our Logo and information would be on all items.
• Bridget will determine what the next break point would be to see if it would be beneficial to order more to have them in stock.
• It was determined that we would allow a budget of $1,500 to $2,000 for this project.

Capital Works Update

• Stephan reported that when he went to the Public Works Yard on the day the planters were to be installed, he found that the order was incorrect and that the surrounds for the planters had not arrived.
• He immediately contacted the Company in Alberta and it was found that the salesperson that originally placed the order had left the Company and Stephan was able then to speak to the owner who indicated that the order had been shipped the previous week. It did not arrive in time to be installed prior to when the City has to start set up for Open Streets.
• Waiting to confirm if shipment has been received.
• Still waiting for pricing on banners and entrance markers.

New Business

• as there was no new business the meeting was adjourned.

Next Meeting Thursday, October 12, 2023, 4:00 p.m. at Hawkins Accounting

Pillette Village Business Improvement Association

Board of Directors Meeting

August 10, 2023

In Attendance:  Danielle Ramsten, Diane Beck, David Duke, Terry Yaldo and Bridget Scheuerman

Regrets: Councillors Jo-Anne Gignac and Ed Sleiman, Peggy Winch

Approval of Minutes

• Motion by Danielle and seconded by Diane to accept the minutes of the previous meeting. Passed.

Financial Report

• Bank Balance as of June 30, 2023, $81,293.94
• Total of outstanding Cheques $5,549.16
• Balance after cheque $75,744.78
• Capital Works Commitment $54,000
• Available funds $21,744.78
• Motion by Diane and seconded by Danielle to accept the Financial report. Passed.

CNIB

• Diane noticed that the signage for CNIB was gone and when she went to the office and knocked, no one answered. Website indicates that the office is permanently closed.
• Bridget will contact Ryan to see what is happening.
• Update: Bridget talked with Ryan and the office is still in place within the building. There were some renovations occurring and the signage was taken down and not replaced.

Street Sale

• The map and instructions have been sent to all the vendors.
• We will need 11 tables and 22 chairs.
• Diane’s band, the Jazz Cats will play from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Terry will set up and take down the tables and chairs.
• David emailed the vendors to ask them to send pictures and descriptions of their products and he would post this going into the sale. So far, he has had limited response.
• He is a doing a countdown each day leading up to the sale.

Marketing

• David started Thread and it will take some time to build a following. Very slow at this point. He has been posting items.
• The Welcome package should contain a sticker with a QR code and our logo and perhaps candy.
• David will add a section to the website to post the Minutes of the Board meetings (Members Login). Will list minutes, area for businesses to include ideas and ask questions.

Capital Works Project

• Still waiting for planters and Planning is hoping to get the planters and trees in place by Labour Day.
• Awaiting quotes for banners and entrance markets. Wants to get everything from the same company to speed things up and for consistency.

New Business

• Diane is not sure if the Coffee Shop will be opening. It appears too small and would require an accessible bathroom to get a license.  They only have a single sink, and they would need a double to meet code.
• Building on the corner of Lawrence and Wyandotte has sold.
• Bridget will contact Taric to get square footage of vacant spaces in the 4700 block, south side.

Motion to Adjourn

Next Meeting, Thursday, September 14, 2023, 4:00 p.m. at Hawkins Accounting

Pillette Village Business Improvement Association

Board of Directors Meeting

July 13, 2023

In Attendance:  Terry Yaldo, Diane Beck, David Duke, Danielle Ramsten, Councillors Jo-Anne Gignac and Ed Sleiman, Bridget by phone

Regrets:  Peggy Winch (Amica)

1. Approval of Minutes

• Motion by Diane and seconded by Danielle to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Passed.

2. Financial Report

• Bank Balance as of May 31, 2023 $81,302.46
• Outstanding Cheques $1,008.52,
• Capital Works Commitment $54,000
• Available Funds $27, 293.94.
• Motion by Diane and seconded by Danielle to accept the Financial Report. Passed.

3. Street Sale

• Sign up has not been as good as last year.
• OK for the food truck.
• David is suggesting a social media boost of $50 to draw more vendors.
• We have received a request from the Cancer Society to set up at our Street Sale. We should check with CNIB to see if they object to.  Must stipulate that Cancer Society cannot accept donations and can just give out information.
• Ford City is having Dropped on Drouillard on the same day as our Street Sale, and that could be affecting our vendor numbers.
• Some posters have been given out and we need to check with Shoppers to see if they will hand out postcards.
• Businesses do know about it, but a reminder will be sent out.
• Can put tables in the back room of Hawkins.
• David will check to see if it is posted on TWEPI.

4. Marketing

• David has been promoting the Street Sale.
• He is suggesting that the vendors can send information about whet they are selling, and the price range and he will develop a form that Bridget can send out to the vendors.
• David commented on Threads and is looking into it. It appears to be competing with Twitter. David wants to know if there is a business side to Threads.
• Riverside Magazine ad is too pricey.

5. New Business

• The clay pots have been removed.
• Wall units still need to be removed. Terry indicated that he could do this by the end of the week.
• Tariq Kahn is thinking of selling his buildings on the south side 4700 block as he cannot get steady tenants who will pay.
• We should be posting vacancies on the website.
• A coffee Shop is going where the Tattoo shop used to be on Pillette.
• Ed asked if any new businesses are opening.

Motion to Adjourn

Next Meeting, Thursday, August 10, 2023, 4:00 p.m. at Hawkins Accounting

Pillette Village Business Improvement Association

Board of Directors Meeting

June 15, 2023

In Attendance: Danielle Ramsten, Terry Yaldo, Diane Beck, David Duke, Peggy Winch (Amica) and Bridget Scheuerman

Regrets:   Councillors Jo-Anne Gignac and Ed Sleiman

Guests:  Christine Withington and Cherish Ruttan from Our Riverside Magazine

1. Presentation from Our Riverside Magazine

• Christine gave an overview of the magazine and indicated that they would like to include Pillette Village.
• There were many options discussed such as a one page or two page spread emphasizing shopping local and we could put our logo in the middle. There are many different ways to use the logo and it would depend on what we are looking for and what the businesses are seeking.  This magazine has been trying to figure out a way to get into this area, and want to approach all of the businesses and residents.
• Currently delivering to 16,500 homes, via Canada Post – Riverside Drive to CN tracks and east from Westminster to Rendezvous. Hyper focused on Riverside, with events and activities, supporting churches and schools.
• There is a free directory of business listings.
• Next issue is community focused, and the deadline is August 4^th for delivery beginning of September. Talking about how community businesses can help with mental health, and kids back to school.
• The magazine is published quarterly and is currently 24 pages with the aim of having 32 pages for the September issue.
• The first hour of design is free and then a there is a charge. There would be a charge for an advertorial.
• There are currently 150 subscribers on the website and the magazine is printed locally.
• Terry thanked Christine and Cherish for their presentation, and indicated that the Board would discuss and let them know.

2. Approval of Minutes

• Motion by Diane and seconded by Terry to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Passed.

3. Financial Report

• Bridget gave the following financial report
• Bank Balance as of May 31, 2023, is $81,302.46
• deposit of $1,000.00 for the Street Sale Permit Rebate from the City of Windsor
• Outstanding Cheques $1,008.52 Balance after cheques $81,293.94
• Capital Works Commitment $54,000.00
• Available Funds $27,293.94.
• Motion by Danielle and seconded by Diane to accept the Financial Report Passed.

4. Street Sale

• David brought in the posters and postcards which are ready for distribution.
• Bridget reported that we have five vendors so far.
• David will post on the different sites within Essex County, and he has made a Facebook page.
• It was suggested that we contact McDonalds and Shoppers to see if they will hand out postcards to their customers.

5. Parking Lines Update

• The lines have been painted within the BIA.
• Item complete.
• If there are infractions of vehicles parking over the lines, it will be the responsibility of the business owner to contact 311 to report.

6. Marketing

• David has added the new business Leap Physiotherapy to the website. They are located at 4900 Wyandotte Suite 210, phone 519 250-7801. and are on Facebook and Instagram and the owner’s name is Alex Grant.
• David reported that social media is leaning more towards ads and getting away from posts.
• He asked if we would advertise in the Riverside magazine. We should do a story on Pillette.  Will they add our businesses to the directory for free.  David suggested a ½ page and invite businesses to offset the cost of the ad.  See what kind of feedback we get to determine if we will continue.  Danielle asked how we can define the success of a magazine ad.  Terry suggested a contest on Facebook.  David mentioned putting together a Gift Basket.  We need to know the cost for a full page, but with ½ page being a story.  Bridget will contact the magazine for pricing.  Right now, the cost for a full page ad is $1,700 and ½ page is $850.

7. New Business

• Diane reported that there have been fires in the wall planters as well as in some pots. We need to email the businesses to see which ones want to keep the wall planters as we should be removing them due to this most recent fire risk of individual butting out cigarettes, but causing a fire instead.
• For a future event it was suggested that we have a contest for the best decorated storefront during the various seasons with a prize for the winner.
• Diane reported that a father and son are working on the stores located at 4661 and 4667. The owners are Aert and Ergjent Bufazi and they will let us know when they are ready to lease.
• There are vacancies in the block of buildings between 4729 and 4749 and one building has a roof leak and tenants do not stay.

Meeting adjourned

Pillette Village Business Improvement Association

Board of Directors Meeting

May 24, 2023

In Attendance:  Danielle Ramsten, David Duke, Terry Yaldo, Diane Beck (by phone) and Bridget  Scheuerman

Guests:  Frank Bourdon, Amica and Ryan Hooey & Joe, CNIB

Regrets: Councillors Jo-Anne Gignac and Ed Sleiman

1. Approval of Minutes

• Motion by Danielle and seconded by Terry to accept the minutes of the previous meeting.

2. Introduction of Guests:

• Terry welcomed our guests Frank Bourdon from Amica and Ryan Hooey and Joe from CNIB.
• Frank gave an overview of Amica and how they wanted to become involved with the business community. They would like more exposure for Amica and the opportunity of getting their residents out.  Currently they take their residents on outings to Food Events, and other events via a Transportation bus.  It was suggested that the local businesses offer promotions for the once weekly bus trips.  The residents are primarily independent.  Amica offers care and support and have a nurse and doctor on site.  They would like to be a participant in the upcoming Street Sale.  David asked if we could do a survey within Amica to see what the residents are seeking from the shops and what activities they are looking to attend.  Frank indicated that they are thinking of putting in a Bocce Ball court.
• Ryan Hooey has been with CNIB for five years and is looking to see how they can partner with Pillette Village. They have had Guide Dog programs for the past five years, which are fully funded and see the dog is cared for by CNIB from a puppy to retirement, including Vet bills. They are developing a guide dog arena and technology programs to help unsighted people to set up their own computers, etc.  It costs $50,000 for one guide dog from puppy to retirement.  They also have a Buddy Dog program which is covered as well, and Advocacy in Transit and lots of other programs.  CNIB sees 100% of the donation going directly to CNIB, to support all the programs.  Ryan will put something together for the Street Sale.  David asked about donation boxes.  Ryan indicated that as they do not have a volunteer base it is hard to establish the program, as it requires volunteers to collect the money from the various locations.  A lot is done online.  David suggested a QR code at each business.  Ryan said that would only be for Guide dog program.

3. Financial Report

• Bank balance as of April 28, 2023 $85,011.41
• Total for outstanding cheques $3,719.95,
• Capital Works Fund $54,000.00
• Available funds $27,302.46.
• Motion by Terry and seconded by Danielle to accept the Financial Report. Passed.

4. Street Sale

• The sale is set for Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• The fees will be $30 if the vendor has a table and $50 if the vendor requires a table.
• Tents will be sent up in the Hawkins parking lot on a first come first served basis and the fees will be $75.00 for the space.
• There will be no tents or canopies allowed on the sidewalks along Wyandotte Street or Pillette.
• David is set to go live with the information and we will be doing postcards, posters and other printed materials.
• We will be giving postcards to the businesses to hand out to their customers.
• The site will launch Friday, May 26, 2023.
• Terry suggested an early bird special next year.
• Closing date for vendors will be July 31, 2023.
• Donations to CNIB.
• It was suggested that we get someone to donate a food item that could be sold, i.e. lemonade stand, popcorn, etc. with all proceeds to CNIB.

5. Parking Lines

• This item was discussed and it was indicated as we are not part of the City’s Parking Fund, we would not be able to get the lines painted and that the BIA would have to incur the cost.
• Bridget will contact the Traffic Department to determine how much it would cost to have the parking lines painted within the BIA and report back.

6. Marketing

• David asked about ideas for the vacancies within the BIA and suggested that he will talk to a Real Estate contact that he has to get information on the vacancies.

7. Riverside Magazine

• Terry reported that Our Riverside Magazine is starting and wanted to know if we wanted to advertise.
• David asked if we would get a cut in the price if we did the art work.
• There is a launch party upcoming for the first magazine.
• Terry will follow up.

8. New Business

• Spring Planting: Bridget contacted the City and they will be planting in the pots and there is someone in place to do the watering. There are also workers doing the maintenance work throughout the BIA.
• Insurance:the Insurance has been renewed until June 2024.
• Meeting dates: it was determined that Thursday would be the best day for the meetings, and would be scheduled for the second Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. Frank indicated that Amica could host a meeting.
• Board Members: We are looking to increase the size of the Board and would welcome business and property owners to consider being a part of the Board.

Meeting Adjourned

Pillette Village Business Improvement Association

Board of Directors Meeting

April 12, 2023

In Attendance: Danielle Ramsten, David Duke, Diane Beck and Bridget Scheuerman

Regrets: Terry Yaldo, Councillors Jo-Anne Gignac and Ed Sleiman

1. Approval of Minutes

• motion by Diane and seconded by Danielle to accept the minutes of the previous meeting.

2. Financial Report:

• Bridget presented the following financial report
• Bank balance as of February 28, 2023 $66,315.55
• Deposits HST Rebate $1,801.81 and 1^st Budget Installment for 2023 $20,000.00
• Balance after deposits $88,117.36
• Outstanding Cheques $3,094.92
• Balance after cheques $85,022.44
• Capital Works holdback $54,000.00
• Available funds $31,022.44.
• Motion by Danielle and seconded by Diane to accept the Financial Report.

3. Parking Lines

• Nancy Johns had asked if we could get lines demarcating parking spaces painted on Wyandotte. Bridget had looked into this prior to the meeting, and it was determined that due to the fact that we are not part of the City’s Parking Fund Program, we could not get these lines painted.
• The alternative is to become part of the Parking Fund Program by means of have parking meters installed.

4. BIA Governance Update

• Bridget gave an overview of the status of the BIA Governance, and indicated that there have been zoom meetings with all BIAs represented, thus allowing input into the process.
• Suggestions have been made to improve the document, that all BIAs will be following the same rules and procedures with regards to elections, Boards of Directors, voting, etc.

5. Marketing

• David has been putting the reels of some of the businesses on Facebook and they have been doing very well. They are getting in excess of 1,000 views for some of the businesses.  We need to keep this momentum going.
• There is a need to focus on the vacancies in the area. We can highlight the various vacancies, and provide information as to square footage, potential rent/lease amount and what type of business would be suitable for the vacant spaces.

6. Riverside Magazine

• this item was tabled as Terry was to make the presentation.

7. New Business

• Danielle indicated that the garbage issue around their building is getting worse. Individuals are going through the garbage and throwing it everywhere.  We will contact Public Works to see if there is a solution to this problem.
• It was suggested that we do a welcome package for new businesses. David will work on this.
• Watering – we have to confirm who is doing the watering so that Bridget can confirm with Parks & Rec for the spring planting of flowers.
• Street Sale– The Street Sale will be Saturday August 19, 2023 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Diane’s Band, the Jazz Cats will play again.  David will review all of last years marketing materials and make the necessary changes.  Spaces will go for $30 and $50 for a table.  Some people bring their own tables, so we will be charging $30 for the space and $50 for the space and a table.  Tents will be set up in Hawkins parking lot, and we will not be providing or ordering any tents.
• We’ve Got Things is closing April 30^th.
• Tattoo’s & Things has left the area.

Meeting Adjourned