THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GEORGINA IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK

Transcription

1 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GEORGINA IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK 1. ROLL CALL AND INTRODUCTIONS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES 2012-OCTOBER-01 7:00 p.m. Committee Room The following Committee members were present: Robert Grossi Chair Robert Jurmalietis Naomi Davison, Ward 1 Councillor Renee Blake Dave Szollosy, Ward 3 Councillor Ros Azarbehi Phil Craig, Ward 2 Councillor Ian Couldridge The following were absent with regrets: Larry Brenner Dan Fellini Robin Smith The following staff members were in attendance: Karyn Stone, Economic Development Officer Karen Palmer, Assistant to the Economic Development Officer Kelan Jylha, BR+ E Coordinator Jordan Redshaw, Communications Coordinator 2. INTRODUCTION OF ADDENDUM ITEMS/CORRESPONDANCE AND DEPUTATIONS: The EDO introduced Jordan Redshaw, Communications Coordinator for the Town of Georgina. Mr. Redshaw was hired by the Town to review and improve the internal and external communications, coordinate the Internal Communications Liaison Committee and develop corporate marketing/communications policy as well as other identified special projects. At this time, the EDC members introduced themselves to Mr. Redshaw.

2 2 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Moved by Ian Couldridge Seconded by Ros Azarbehi THAT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 1, 2012 BE APPROVED. 4. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST: Item 8.1 Dr. Ros Azarbehi declared a conflict of interest as his company, Azarbehi Consulting, was hired by GTTI to conduct the Northern York Region Community Labour Market Study. 5. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES: Minutes of the meeting held on September 4, 2012 Moved by Ian Couldridge Seconded by Ros Azarbehi THAT THE MINUTES OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 BE ADOPTED AS PRESENTED. 6. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: Food Pantry: The Economic Development Office, South Lake Community Futures Development Corporation and the Food Pantry Board are meeting October 11, 2012 to discuss the strategic plan process. N6 E-Business Bootcamp: 120 people attended the N6 Business Innovation in Changing Times Business Series Conference on September 20 th. The event was held at the Salvation Army Conference Centre in Jackson s Point. Approximately 60 registrants were from outside Georgina. The next N6 event takes place on October 15 th in Whitchurch-Stouffville.

3 3 Vacant Land Inventory Mapping: An inventory of commercial space within the downtown areas will be undertaken in conjunction with the Community Improvement Plan process. 7. DEPUTATIONS: None 8. PRESENTATIONS: 8.1 Labour Market Study Presentation by Dr. Rostam Azarbehi Report ED and Resolution The Town of Georgina entered into a partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury, the Workforce Training Board, Georgina Trades and Training Centre and South Lake Community Futures to undertake a Labour Market Study. The study was completed and the final report was presented to Council on September 17, Council passed a resolution to receive and endorse the use of the final report and requested that the report be circulated to the EDC and members of the public to support investment and skill development/training in the Town. The Labour Market Study identifies what skill sets are being exported out of their communities and what they can do to retain them. Dr. Azarbehi made a PowerPoint presentation to the Economic Development Committee highlighting some of the key findings and opportunities presented in the final Report. The Committee concurred that further discussions regarding the final report will be brought forward at a later meeting once all Committee Members have the opportunity to review the report. It was pointed out that some of the opportunities noted for East Gwillimbury could also apply to Georgina. 8.2 Communications Planning Presentation by Jordan Redshaw, Communications Coordinator Mr. Redshaw indicated to the Committee that his primary objectives are to assist with the internal and external communications for the Town. He has established an Internal Liaison Committee who have been meeting on a regular basis to address issues related to internal communications and how departments can partner on marketing initiatives and improve the Town s on-line presence and provide a more cohesive corporate image. Mr. Redshaw informed the EDC Committee that the Town currently has 17 websites, this is just one area to be streamlined hopefully by the end of 2 nd quarter of In terms of an overall branding strategy for the municipality, the EDO and the Communications Coordinator will be meeting with the CAO, Winanne Grant to discuss the timing and resources required to undertake this project.

4 4 South Shore Community Broadband: The Chair informed the Committee that the Town of Georgina is in the final stages of taking over the assets of South Shore Community Broadband. The Town of Georgina will be the only municipality to have this type of infrastructure. The EDO informed the Committee that she will invite Shawn Conde, Manager of Information Technology and Rebecca Mathewson, Director of Administrative Services/Treasurer to provide information to the EDC regarding this acquisition and the Town s infrastructure. At a later date, Regional staff will be requested to provide an update to the EDC on the Digital York/broadband project being undertaken by the Region of York on behalf of the nine municipalities. 9. COMMUNICATIONS: 9.1 Matters for Routine: Accessory Apartment Guide The new Accessory Apartment Guide was provided to the EDC for information EDC Meeting Schedule for 2013 The Committee members were provided with the Economic Development Committee meeting schedule for Moved by Dave Szollosy Seconded by Ian Couldridge THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITEM 9.1.1, AND ITEM 9.1.2, BE RECEIVED AS INFORMATION 9.2 Matters for Disposition: Grant Application from (PAR) Pefferlaw Association of Ratepayers Simcoe Day Family Picnic and Pefferlaw Lions Car Show The EDC discussed the grant application from Pefferlaw Association Ratepayers(PAR). The Committee concurred that many of the organizations will need to recognize that the purpose of the grant program is to assist organizations in starting up a project/event, or assist fledgling projects. It is expected that if the

5 5 program/project is viable, it will secure other sources of financing once established and/or become self sustainable. Upon the consideration of consecutive applications for the same project/event, the Committee will need to carefully consider the justification submitted in support of the application and the social and economic benefits of continuing to provide grants to the event. Moved by: Robert Jurmalietis Seconded by: Ian Couldridge THAT THE GEORGINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PROVIDE A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1, TO SUPPORT PAR SIMCOE DAY FAMILY PICNIC AND; THAT PAR SIMCOE DAY FAMILY PICNIC BE REQUIRED TO RECOGNIZE THE TOWN OF GEORGINA AS A SPONSOR OF THE EVENT BY HAVING THE WORDS SPONSORED BY THE TOWN OF GEORGINA WITH THE TOWN LOGO DIRECTLY UNDER THE EVENT NAME ON ALL PIECES OF MARKETING MATERIALS AND WEBSITES IN A PROMINENT LOCATION Grant Application from FARM Georgina John Auger The Economic Development Committee considered the application received from Farm Georgina. Moved by: Dave Szollosy Seconded by: Ros Azarbehi THAT THE GEORGINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PROVIDE A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $ TO SUPPORT FARM GEORGINA BY PAYING THE BALANCE OWING FOR THE RENTAL OF THE KIN HALL CONDITIONAL UPON RECEIVING THE FINAL EXPENSE REPORT FROM THE HARVEST DINNER INDICATING THE AMOUNT WHICH IS TO BE DONATED TO THE FOOD PANTRY IF ANY EXCESS FUNDS EXIST AND;

6 6 THAT THE GEORGINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE IS UNABLE TO SUPPORT THE REQUEST FOR FUNDING FOR THE FARM GEORGINA CHRISTMAS EVENTS TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 2 AND DECEMBER 16, STAFF/COMMITTEE REPORTS: 10.1 Sibbald Point Provincial Park Winter Access Report ED and Resolution Although winter access to Lake Simcoe via Sibbald Point Provincial Park will be maintained for the season, staff have requested that they continue to be involved in discussions with respect to the issue of winter access to the park Signage Strategy (Udora Entrance Feature) EDO presented three drawings for the Udora Entrance Feature designed by Mark Setter and Associates. The Committee agreed on one of the designs, requesting modifications to the sign posts and to add round finials to the top with the wording on the back of sign saying thanks for visiting. The EDO will be meeting with the design consultant to discuss these modifications Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Selection of Steering Committee Deferred to next meeting Presentation regarding Newmarket Main Street (CIP) Community Improvement Plan 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None 12. OTHER BUSINESS: Black River Coffee on High Street will re-open tentatively on October 6, Small Business Week Kick-off will be on Monday October 15, 2012 with a Kick-off at the ROC on October 15, 2012.

7 7 13. NEXT MEETING: MONDAY NOVEMBER 5, :00 P.M. CIVIC CENTRE - COMMITTEE ROOM 14. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Ian Couldridge Seconded Ros Azarbehi THAT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING BE ADJOURNED AT 9:20 P.M. Robert Grossi, Chair Karen Palmer Economic Development Committee Secretary