Bayview Leaside BIA Minutes February 5, 20186:15pm at 1540 Bayview Avenue

Attendance: Stanley Janecek, Debora Kuchme, Trae Zammit, Grant Allardyce, Cheryl Sims, Mike Tufts, Aram and Kris Morra.

Regrets:

Absent: Warren Ravinthirarajah

Quorum: Yes

Approval of minutes: Approved by Debora , Seconded by Grant. Carried: Yes

Motion to adopt the agenda:Approved by Debora , Seconded by Grant. Carried: Yes

Agenda Item / Comments/Discussion
Action Items/ Responsibility
Motion / Motioned By
Seconded By
Carried: Yes/No
Chair’s Report / Trae and the board briefly discussed the Holiday event. Trae thought that the event was good, but aspects could be improved. The board agreed that sub committees should be made and relied on, and by starting planning earlier the next event can be more organized.
Treasurer’s Report / The board reviewed the December’s Treasurer’s report, largely spending was on the Holiday event.
Stanley suggested we look into reallocating valet funds, if it was not overly successful. Trae thought the photography was a great idea and not overly expensive. The board agreed that flyers were a good idea, and would do them again as a way to advertise events.
TO DO: Warren will review the double charge of $1282 on the December Treasurer’s report before we sign. / The December treasurer’s report will be postponed on signing.
Survey / Trae suggested the BIA create a survey that questions our businesses about how metrolinx is affecting us, traffic flow, and if business is up and down.
Mike agreed that we need to get more businesses engaged.
The board agreed that it would give our members a chance to let us know how we are doing. Stanley discussed how we should create the questionnaire, and specifically about how we write these questions.
Mike wants to define “What is the purpose?” of the questionnaire to give us focus, and remind them about the BIA. Aram suggested that the survey be a call to action to our businesses and encouraged the BIA to use our social media more effectively. Trae suggested that Aram’s background in socials could be advantageous for the board.
Kris suggested that we have a social for our businesses to get to know the BIA and their neighbors. We could have one in the spring/fall.
Debora brought up branding the BIA as the green district for the neighborhood. And explained the importance of green, and environmentally conscious as an identity. Mike thought that this could be a long-term goal.
Trae suggested that we have a meeting in the future to discuss the direction of the BIA.
TO DO:Survey Sub Committee: Debora, Kris, Trae, Aram, andMike. Work together to create a proposal byMid-April.
Smoking Ash Poles (Debora) / Debora suggested smoking ash pole, similar to the ones at Young and St Claire for 205$. Debora saves a lot of money on planters and suggested using that money toput smoking poles in front of several bars and restaurants.
Trae discussed Bill 174 in the Smoke Free Ontario Act which makes it illegal for any smokers not on private property.
The bill kills the ash tray idea.
Pixies as a Resource (Debora) / Debora discussed purchasing planters from the BIA, and how many stores had great displays in spring and summer but left them empty during the winter. Debora suggested that the Pixies could offer discount for planters and help businesses by access through the BIA.
TO DO:Cheryl will email Michael about planters on private property, and if the BIA can be involved?
The board agreed that we should look into it further. And discussed charging or doing it for free.
Grant was disappointed in the quality of planters. The board discussed having color in the planters, even in during winter, Debora thinks that the planters look tacky with color. The board then discussed the issue of colorful planters and our green initiatives. Debora said that colorful planters could cost the BIA more, and be non-environmentally friendly. Kris suggested that we look for colorful and sustainable option, if it is possible?
Trae suggested that the issue boils down to money and social responsibilities.
TO DO:Cheryl will get a quote from planter boxes with impatience’s and Debora will come up with a spring/summer quote as well.
Debora suggested yellow pansies for spring.
Holiday Event and Upcoming Events / The board then discussed the holiday event. Grant got good feedback, Trae had to explain why we couldn’t have the horses but got more good feedback, but would like to see more membership involvement.
He was happy with the event, and thought that the BIA did well because we had to add another weekend.
Debora thought it was disorganized and there was too much on the BIA’s plate. The board agreed that earlier the better. The flyers were great, but had spelling issues, and should have been done earlier.
The board agreed that next year we should nail the details down by October.Debora thought that Sundays were nosier, but Grant heard that many Saturdays were busier for clothing stores.
Trae discussed getting details done earlier, and that more of the work should be done on sub committees.
Overall good though.
Stanley suggested one big activity versus many small activities might have more of an impact. Kris suggested a Santa parade.
Upcoming Events:
Spring Sweep the Streets some board members are unimpressed with the event. Mike discussed that it is a lower cost event, could we rename or do something similar. Trae asked for new ideas. Stanley got a lot of positive feedback, Mike agreed that it was well received. While it does not really generate additional sales, it shows the community that we care. Grant suggested that we look for more volunteers. The board discussed how to get kids and community members involved.
TO DO: The event subcommittee will decide.
To Do Toronto / TO DO: Cheryl will send out info to board members.
Other Business / Raj recommended that we look at an alternative bench. The board agreed that they don’t like this option, the board will look into an alternative.
The BIA is interested in participating in the Mural and Street Art grant. The parking lot or the side of the Leaside Vet could be potential places.
Adjournment / Motion: To adjourn the meeting at 7:20
Next meeting March 5th / Motion by Debora,
Seconded by Stanley
Carried: Yes

Chair:______

Date: ______

Secretary:______

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