Town of Newmarket

Minutes

Main Street District Business Improvement Area Board of Management

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Electronic VIA ZOOM
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Members Present:
  • Tom Hempen, Chair
  • Allan Cockburn, Vice Chair (8:45 AM - 9:42 AM)
  • Councillor Kwapis
  • Councillor Twinney
  • Rob Clark
  • Jennifer McLachlan
  • Ken Sparks
Members Absent:
  • Mark Iacovetta
  • Omar Saer
Staff Present:
  • E. Hawkins, Business Development Specialist
  • J. Grossi, Legislative Coordinator

​The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM.

Tom Hempen in the Chair​.​

1.
Notice
 

Tom Hempen advised that members of the public were encouraged to attend an electronic Advisory Committee or Board Meeting by joining through the ZOOM information provided with the agenda. 

2.
Additions and Corrections to the Agenda
 

None.

3.
Conflict of Interest Declarations
 

None.

4.
Presentations & Recognitions
 

None.

5.
Deputations
 

None.

6.
Approval of Minutes
 

6.1
Main Street District Business Improvement Area Board of Management Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2021
This item has attachments. 

1.Post-Meeting Minutes - BIA_Nov03_2021 - English.pdf
  • Moved by:Jennifer McLachlan
    Seconded by:Ken Sparks
    1. That the Main Street District Business Improvement Area Board of Management Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2021 be approved.


    Carried

7.
Items
 

7.1
Sub-Committee Reports
This item has attachments. 

1.BIA REPORT- NOVEMBER.pdf

Street Events

  • Tom Hempen provided an overview of the Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting that was held on November 19, 2021.
  • Members discussed the opportunity to hold additional events on Main Street throughout the winter season. 
  • Jennifer McLachlan discussed the opportunity to begin planning spring and summer events for 2022, and scheduling recurring sub-committee meetings. 

Advertising

  • Rob Clark reviewed the November 2021 report from Neighbur regarding social media engagement and advertising.
  • The Members discussed options for content and advertising over the holiday season and winter months.

Website

  • Rob Clark advised that there will be an update provided on the website at the next meeting.

7.2
Parking Update
 

Councillor Kwapis advised that parking was available on D'Arcy Street and encouraged businesses to advise their customers of the available parking options. He provided an update on the Town's free Off-Street Parking Program and advised that it was brought back until April 2022.

Tom Hempen asked questions about the Clock Tower redevelopment into a boutique hotel regarding parking concerns. Staff advised that additional information would be provided as it was available and that Town staff were available for questions at a future meeting.

7.3
Staff Update
 

7.3.1
Financial Update
 

The Business Development Specialist advised that a financial update would be available at the next meeting, and that the 2022 invoice for the Tourism Oriented Directional Signing (TODS) Program on Highway 404 was received.

The Members discussed the invoice procedure for vendors, and any outstanding invoices for 2021. 

  • Moved by:Ken Sparks
    Seconded by:Rob Clark
    1. That the invoice regarding the Tourism Oriented Directional Signing (TODS) Program for 2022 in the amount of $1,695.00 be approved. 


    Carried

7.3.2
Financial Incentive Program Staff Working Group Update
 

The Business Development Specialist advised that some new applications had been received and were being reviewed by staff, but no applications had been approved yet. 

8.
New Business
 

8.1
Leasable Space on Main Street
 

The Members discussed businesses who were currently looking for leasable space on Main Street due to new interest and landlord changes. The further discussed rental prices and future businesses to target as additions to the street. 

8.2
Strategic Planning
 

The Members discussed the opportunity to continue with their strategic plan and the possibility of meeting with Rob Dale in the New Year. The Business Development Specialist advised that the vendor was still interested in working with the BIA and that potential dates would be circulated to the Members for their availability. 

9.
Closed Session
 

Tom Hempen advised that there was no requirement for a Closed Session.

10.
Adjournment
 

  • Moved by:Councillor Kwapis
    Seconded by:Jennifer McLachlan
    1. That the meeting be adjourned at 9:42 AM. 


    Carried
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