Meeting Minutes No Downtown Kingston! Business Improvement Area Board of Management Wednesday October 14, 2015 Councillors Lounge, City Hall

Transcription

1 1 PRESENT: Meeting Minutes No Downtown Kingston! Business Improvement Area Board of Management Wednesday October 14, 2015 Councillors Lounge, City Hall Board Members: Bev Allinson, Maria Cronk, Cyndy Gibson, James Malcolm, Justine Scala, Ed Smith, Nick Waterfield Staff: Others: Regrets: Doug Ritchie, Michèle Langlois, Rob Tamblyn, Michaela Rodgers Melissa Shorrock, Murray Matheson Matthew Fair, Jennifer Allan, Christine Ray-Bratt, Lynn Carlotto, Nathan Lollar, Richard McNevin, Tim Pater, Councillor Peter Stroud, Councillor Adam Candon Delegations: A) Hydro Not For Sale Rhonda Ferguson Rhonda is assisting the Citizens Coalition Against Privatization (CCAP) in their Hydro Not for Sale Campaign. She provided an overview of the campaign and a brief history of Ontario Hydro. Rhonda explained the potential effects privatization of Hydro could have on municipalities higher rates, reduced service etc. This coalition is asking the BIA to support this cause by writing a letter to the local MP s office or signing a petition. Issue referred to Other Business later in meeting. B) Kingston Accommodation Partners Murray Matheson Murray indicated that Kingston s tourism economic impact is close to a billion dollars annually and that there are 7,500 tourism jobs in the city. These numbers will continue to grow as investments are being made in this sector (for example: new trolleys, 3 new hotels, shuttle buses, Waterfront Gifts etc.) KAP is currently focusing on two main objectives: 1) How to better tell their story, and; 2) Align the industry. He presented a slideshow and video illustrating the work of all tourism partners in establishing Kingston s brand and identifying the key psychographic as the Millennial mindset. Murray noted many key words associated with the Kingston brand young and young at heart, inquisitive, authentic, historic, walkable, urban, curators and creators, etc. Downtown Kingston is identified as a key product moving forward, including the historic and walkable location that provides a canvas for the brand.

2 2 Murray further emphasized work done so far re: aligning the industry partners. Goal is to align budgets and websites of KAP, Tourism Kingston and Sports Tourism. Further discussion/inquires: - Paid advertising will focus on social media and bringing writers to Kingston to show them what we have to offer - Some focus will still be on the Boomer generation however they will most likely follow the trends set by the Millennial generation. - Presentation well received at City Council - Goal is to make Kingston one of the top 4 tourist destinations in Ontario - This process will also encourage more businesses to set up shop in Kingston - Kingston is not necessarily a tourist town. People that come here want the authentic Kingston experience eat where we eat, shop where we shop etc. Murray invited to present at upcoming AGM. 1) Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest None Declared. Generally agreed to proceed with meeting s agenda noting motions will have to be reaffirmed in the absence of quorum. 2) Board Minutes Generally agreed to accept the minutes of the Board meeting held September 9 th, ) Executive Committee Minutes Ed noted Personnel Committee Report (Doug s Review). Committee contacted Board members for feedback; anyone with questions can contact Chair. Doug received a positive review. Generally agreed to accept the actions and decisions taken at the Executive Committee meeting held October 6 th, ) Chair Report Magazines: Profile Kingston and Kingston Life include many downtown references and ads. Thank you s and Congrats: - Tweet from resident re: no garbage on sidewalks or in vacant business doorways - from visitor re: compliments to DK! website - Thank you from Kick & Push Festival re: DK! support/promotion of event DK! Board Resignation: Ed Smith received letter of resignation from Jennifer Allan as she is no longer involved with the downtown business Urban Paws. Noted that Jennifer will be missed on the DK! Board.

3 Vacancy now exists on Board in past most common practice (this early in Board s term) to invite runner-up nominee in election. Generally agreed to contact Susan Shaw re: taking seat on DK! Board. MCentre/School Location: Article in today s Whig re: meeting tonight at KCVI. Noted that time is running out for a motion to be brought to the floor for Council to reconsider MCentre property for school site. Councillor Peter Stroud has arranged a public meeting at library Nov. 5 to hear from his constituents. Joe Hawkins: Mr. Hawkins, former Councillor and avid community volunteer and activist passed away this week. KEDCO/DK! Meeting: 5 members from each board met last week re: strategic plan summaries and collaboration plans moving forward. Positive meeting with good discussion. StopGap: community ramp project launching Oct 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Coffeeco. Sydenham Street: DK! staff have received Revived report (can send Board link). Staff will survey members on street/in area and present to Development Committee, and make recommendations to Board/City staff. Big Dig III design will be attached to survey, and members will be advised DK! plans to budget and design a Sydenham street program. Corcoran/Big Dig III: Corcoran awarded contract as per City staff recommendation. Bev noted that Doug provided excellent advice re: how to answer questions from members on the street re: DK! s support of Corcoran (although Corcoran s proposal is $1M more, they scored higher in every category that pertains to a successful dig in downtown Kingston). DK! staff sent to Board and membership highlighting reasons for support of Corcoran. KEDCO Report Melissa Shorrock presented - Working closely with KAP on One Voice Tourism strategy - In early stages of interview process for KEDCO Director of Tourism/Marketing Development hope to have update on hire at next Board meeting - KEDCO review process underway discussed at recent KEDCO Board meet Kingston Accommodation Partners Murray Matheson presented - Kate Kristiansen of Hummingbird Studio has accepted a part time position with KAP to assist with continuing Tourism Kingston partnership - Murray noted hard work of Donna Gillespie and Brandon Pickard of KEDCO and success of new tourism strategy 3

4 4 5) 2016 Draft Levy Estimation Doug provided a brief overview of 2016 Draft Levy Estimation document included in Board package. Bottom line number represents a 3.89% increase to City Council recommends a 2.5% increase (2.5% is a guideline only - DK! funding does not come from the general tax base). 3.89% increase is due to 3 main reasons: 1) Staff following MTF recommendation to add a Country Music element to DK! programming. This new programming will most likely require the hiring of another full-time staff person (discussed further in Marketing Report). 2) Big Dig III promotions, and; 3) possibly contributing $10K towards downtown by-law officer salary in It is expected that 2017 numbers will represent a similar increase due to topping off a full year additional salary and potential proposed programming at Sydenham street (road closure costs/performers etc.). 6) General Manager/Director of Marketing Report Written Report included: Princess Street Promenade Art After Dark Chilifest Kingston Writers Fest Open Streets Fronts 40K Pewter Santa Parade Santa in the Square 4 th Quarter Retail Promotions Feb Fest Summer Dates Country Music Verbal Report included: Blues Financials: Budgeted more in 2015 for revenues due to increase in Blues Bracelet price. New VIP event also has room to grow as a revenue source. Sponsorships increased in 2015 (Rogers Radio (K-Rock)). Blues expense explanation Merchandise cost for two years (2015/2016), Socan paid for 2 full years, Artist Fees had a last minute cancellation and had to pay more for replacement (in US funds). Salaries are plugged in across programs to represent marketing staff salaries (other wages are accounted for under Contracted Services ).

5 5 4 th Quarter Promo: New retail promos underway Shop After Dark Dec 4 sign up forms going out for all 4 th quarter promos. Country Music Festival Some MTF discussion and a further meeting with Lynn Carlotto is steering concept toward taking action when we hear that the Rogers K-Rock Centre is bringing in major country acts. DK! will kick start a country music pop-up. Programming could include In the Clubs aspects, car/truck show in Springer Market Square, retail/restaurant component etc. Further Discussion included: Murray noted KAP could assist with promotion. Country shows at Rogers K-Rock Centre usually sell out immediately KAP could advertise additional programming put on by DK! to compliment show at K-Rock Centre. Suggestion re: DK! tapping into Tett Centre programming consider partnership with DK!. Inquiry re: Big Dig promotions and materials meeting scheduled at 6 p.m. prior to AGM this year to discuss. Generally agreed to accept the General Manager/Director of Marketing Report 7) Development Manager Report Written Report included: Downtown Development Big Dig 3 ISCS Conference Clean & Safe Keep it Clean Meeting with Kingston Community Health Centres Holiday Decorations Member Services Annual General Meeting DK! Awards Map & Directory Verbal Report included: Big Dig III: 2 nd of 3 public meetings this week (Oct 13) chance to meet with City staff and Corcoran re: what to expect. Ed drew attention to the plans for Sydenham street seeking member input. Test holes/subsurface investigation commencing soon, also looking into digging 2 manholes need to speak with businesses directly affected. Garbage bylaw: discussed at Clean and Safe meeting issues mostly re: garbage left on street. May try to get bylaw amended so no garbage can be on street between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Will send survey to membership for feedback.

6 6 Inquiry re: people sleeping on street. Focus of downtown bylaw officer mostly on garbage. DK! staff met with Kingston Community Health Centres and is looking at issue. Bev noted that Confederation Place Hotel has recently increased security measures due to people trespassing and sleeping/squatting on property. Inquiry re: passageway between Grand Theatre and parking lot during Big Dig for access to Princess Street conversations have been had with City staff on issue, still working on a resolution. Staff met with City s parking department re: parking promotions, especially during holiday season and Big Dig. Coupons/discounts do not work with machines still working on ideas. Inquiry re: murals on Brock street parking garage just removed for repairs, will be replaced. Generally agreed to accept the Development Manager Report 8) Other Business Discussed and generally agreed that Doug will contact the Chamber and Jim Keech of Utilities Kingston re: Hydro Not For Sale issue will update Board via with results. Meeting ended at: 8:30 After meeting at: Queen s Inn