Status: VIRTUAL
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Date and Time of Meeting: February 6, 2023 at 7:00pm.
Present: Dave, Meagan, Sierra, Shelley, John, Courtney and Deron (staff). Absent:
Regrets:
Guests:
Call to Order at: 7:05pm
Reading of Land Acknowledgement: “We begin this meeting by acknowledging that we are meeting on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee First Peoples. We do so respecting both the land and the Indigenous people who continue to walk with us through this world. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather here.
In recognition of the contributions and importance of all Indigenous Peoples, we strongly support Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action in our nation and commit to support local endeavors where possible.”
Assignment of Recording Secretary: Deron
Review of agenda for meeting of February 6, 2023.
Motion to approve agenda for February 6, 2023: Moved by Meagan, seconded by John. Carried.
Disclosure of interest: None.
Note: unless otherwise stated in these minutes, all motions to accept or approve were unanimously supported.
Opening Statements
• Dave noted that this was his first meeting as chair and he asked for patience on behalf of the Board as he gets up to speed on chairing meetings that are efficient and as he gets to know more about the Board and the issues of the BIA.
Deputations
Discussion
• Review of Municipal Budget Request.
o Shelley led the discussion about programming and marketing. She advised that the Marketing & Programming Committee discussed requesting $10,000 for the Old Town Christmas Promenade, $5,000 for Not Just Ladies Night, $5,000 for a BIA website and $5,000 for a promenade-style event.
o Shelley noted that costs have increased for Buskerfest by 10-15% since the last request in 2019. As well, the funding received for it was from 2020.
o John advised that there will be $7500 additional funding available through the Economic Development budget for downtown events.
o John recommended that the BIA request the exact numbers that we are looking for rather than ask for more and prepare to negotiate.
o Shelley advised that Buskerfest only received part of their request the last time they asked for exactly what they wanted.
o Shelley asked when the BIA can expect the funding from this request. John advised that the budget should be approved in March.
o Shelley advised of the urgency of the Buskerfest funding due to the fact that many expenses require deposits or need to be paid for in advance of the event.
o Shelley suggested that the money for 2024 Buskerfest should possibly be requested this year.
o John advised that funding for 2024 couldn’t be requested during the 2023 budget process.
o The Board decided that a total municipal request of $115,000 would be re- submitted.
o Motion: To approve an updated BIA Municipal Budget Request of $115,000 and submit it to the municipal Director of Finance Femi Ogunrinde, the CAO Gary Dyke, Mayor Nancy Peckford and Deputy Mayor John Barclay. Moved by John, seconded by Meagan. Carried.
Period For Questions From Members, Public and Media Summary of Actionable Items
Closed Session
Close of Meeting
Meeting closed at: 7;50pm
Motion to close: Moved by Shelley, seconded by Meagan. Carried.
Next Meeting: February 27, 2023 at 7pm.
