201208 Development MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
December 8, 2020
7:30 a.m.
Hybrid Model- Electronic Meeting & 200 Broadway, 2nd Floor Council Chambers MINUTES
Present: Randy Thornton, Cedric Tomico, Kirby Heckford, Jesse Goossens, Collette
Takacs, Deb Gilvesy, Jeff VanRybroeck, Mayor Molnar, Suzanne Renken, Lisa
Gilvesy
Staff: Kyle Pratt, CAO; Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner; Laura
Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator
Regrets: Lindsay Morgan-Jacko, Steve Spanjers, Andrew Burns
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 a.m. 2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Cedric Tomico Seconded by: Kirby Heckford THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting of December 8, 2020, be adopted.
Carried 3. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Collette Takacs
Seconded by: Kirby Heckford THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting of November 10, 2020, be adopted.
Carried 4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared. 5. Closed Session
Resolution #3 Moved by: Cedric Tomico
Seconded by: Randy Thornton THAT the Economic Development Committee move into closed session to discuss: -a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town
Carried 6. General Business & Reports 6.1 Monthly Projects Update
Cephas provided an overview of the monthly projects update. It was noted that the
Preliminary Earthworks contract for the Van Norman Innovation Park is about halfway complete with the servicing contract anticipated to be released for tender shortly. 6.2 Criteria for Reviewing Development Applications
Cephas provided a list of criteria for reviewing development applications. It was suggested that community improvement applications be added to the list. It was
suggested that a process be developed to ensure that reviewing these applications does not create a backlog or delay with finalizing these applications. It was noted
that Council has already endorsed having prescheduled planning meetings over the coming months.
Resolution #4 Moved by: Cedric Tomico Seconded by: Kirby Heckford
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee requests to Council that the committee be included on the circulation of the following development applications to act as a review and commenting body:
• Downtown
• Industrial • Commercial
• Façade Grants • Subdivision agreements • Road construction (notices) • Community Improvement Plans
AND THAT staff create a process to allow for this without causing any delay in the process.
Carried
Staff will bring this forward to Council by way of a report at the January meeting. 6.3 Economic Development & Marketing 2021 Business Plan
Cephas provided an overview of the 2021 Business Plan and budget. 6.4 Tillsonburg Hydro Inc.
There was no report from Tillsonburg Hydro.
6.5 Town Hall Task Force
The Town Hall Task Force has been meeting regularly to review a variety of different options for a new Town Hall space. The Task Force is looking at providing a
recommendation in the near future. 6.6 Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee
There are no new updates. 6.7 Community Strategic Plan
Staff will be meeting with the consultant on December 16 to begin working on the new Community Strategic Plan.
7. Community Organization Updates 7.1 Downtown Business Improvement Association
There were no additional questions or comments based on Cedric’s report. 7.2 Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
Suzanne noted that the virtual Awards of Excellence was held on November 19, 2020 and that it was successful. The “Christmas Business After 5” will not be
meeting in person but the Chamber is still looking for donations for the local food bank. The Chamber has sent out a survey to its’ members to ensure they are receiving maximum value and service from the Chamber especially during this pandemic. The Chamber is looking for a new office tenant at 20 Oxford Street.
Details were shared on an available $7,500 wage subsidy available for businesses hiring during the pandemic. Interested parties were asked to contact Suzanne for more information.
7.3 Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board 7.3.1 November 2020 Listings & Statistics
There were no additional comments. 8. Round Table
Deb wished everyone a Happy Holiday and congratulated the winners of the Awards of Excellence.
Kirby noted that the ProTrans office on Tillson Avenue will be closing shortly and the office space will be available in January.
Jenkins & Gilvesy Law Firm will be moving office locations during the third week of
January 2021. 9. Next Meeting
January 12, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. 10. Adjournment
Resolution #5
Moved by: Randy Thornton Seconded by: Collette Takacs THAT the December 8, 2020 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting
be adjourned at 9:02 a.m.
Carried