Additions and Corrections to the Agenda

The Economic Development Officer advised that he would like to include budget discussion to the agenda. 

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

None.

Approval of Minutes

1.

Newmarket Downtown Development Subcommittee Minutes of August 28, 2015.

Moved by: Steve Whitfield

Seconded by: Barbara Leibel

THAT the Newmarket Downtown Development Subcommittee Minutes of August 28, 2015 be approved.

Carried

Items

2.

Budget Discussion.

The Economic Development Officer provided budget update statistics and advised that approximately $116,000 has been expended to date with approximately $18,000 remaining for the year.  He informed those present that $20,000 has been previously committed to the property owners of Wyse Meters for upgrades to the building façade.  The owners are awaiting input from a local heritage advisor before proceeding with the façade works.

3.

Financial Incentives Program Grant Application 2015-09 – Multiple – 209 Main Street South.

The Economic Development Officer summarized the renovation project for the property known as 209 Main Street South.  He advised that the current owner of Hungry Brew Hops (211 Main Street South) is establishing a new restaurant concept and is seeking assistance with a number of program components required to bring the building up to current standards and to visually brand the premises. He distributed copies of photographs of the location as it stood in the 1900’s along with a proposed concept photo. 

Discussion ensued regarding restoration of the original arched window designs versus present-day economic viability.   A suggestion was made to have a meeting with members of the Lower Main Street Heritage Conservation District Committee to discuss options associated with window restoration, awning structure and current business signage by-law restrictions. The Economic Development Officer suggested a meeting be scheduled on Friday, November 27, 2015 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Moved by:  Councillor Sponga

Seconded by:  Steve Whitfield

a) THAT the Project Feasibility Study Program Grant Application 2015-09 in the amount of $10,000.00 be approved;

i) AND THAT the Interior Renovation and Improvement Program Grant Application in the amount of $15,000.00 be approved, subject to Council approval of the 2016 Financial Incentive Program budget;

ii) AND THAT the Façade Improvement and Restoration Program Grant Application in the amount of $10,500.00 be approved, subject to Council approval of the 2016 Financial Incentive Program budget;

iii) AND THAT the Business Sign Program Grant Application in the amount of $2,125.00 be approved, subject to Council approval of the 2016 Financial Incentive Program budget;

iv) AND THAT the Planning and Building Fees/Rebate/Credit Program Grant Application in the amount of $446.29 be approved;

v) AND THAT 2457085 Ontario Inc., c/o Mr. Boris Fong, 209 Main Street South, Newmarket, ON L3Y 3Y9 be notified of this action.

Carried

4.

Financial Incentives Program Application 2015-10 – Façade Improvement and Restoration Program Grant Application – 13 Main Street South.

The Economic Development Officer summarized the project and advised that the owner of this building is requesting financial assistance with painting the exterior in an effort to improve aesthetics.  Discussion ensued regarding economic value and nature of the request.   

Moved by:  Barbara Leibel

Seconded by:  Steve Whitfield

a) THAT the Façade Improvement and Restoration Program Grant Application 2015-10 in the amount of $15,000.00 be denied;

i) AND THAT 2476478 Ontario Inc., c/o Mr. Claudio Baiocchi, 24 Fulwell Crescent, Toronto, ON M6M 5A1 be notified of this action.

Carried

5.

Financial Incentives Program Grant Application 2015-11 – Project Feasibility Study Program, 201 Main Street South. 

The Economic Development Officer advised that Financial Incentives Program Grant Application 2015-11 has been withdrawn.  Discussion ensued regarding current vacant properties and the potential for the applicant to resubmit the application if a suitable location could be secured.

New Business

a)

Councillor Sponga queried the Economic Development Officer regarding a status update report with respect to the Outdoor Patio Pilot Project.  The Economic Development Officer advised he intends to bring an update report to Committee of the Whole on November 30, 2015 with recommendations of project continuation and possible expansion, where suitable, due to its’ tremendous popularity. 

Adjournment

Moved by:  Councillor Sponga

Seconded by: Jackie Playter

THAT the meeting adjourn.

Carried

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.