201013 Development MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
October 13, 2020
7:30 a.m.
Electronic Meeting MINUTES
Present: Andrew Burns, Cedric Tomico, Jesse Goossens, Lisa Gilvesy, Randy
Thornton, Suzanne Renken, Mayor Stephen Molnar, Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Jeff
VanRybroeck, Steve Spanjers
Staff: Kyle Pratt, CAO; Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner; Laura
Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator
Regrets: Collette Takacs
Absent: Kirby Heckford
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 a.m. 2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Cedric Tomico Seconded by: Jeff VanRybroeck
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting of October 13, 2020, be adopted. Carried
3. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2 Moved by: Councillor Gilvesy
Seconded by: Lindsay Morgan-Jacko
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
meeting of September 15, 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: Councillor Gilvesy 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
6.1.1 Economic Development Strategy Update
Cephas provided an overview of the monthly projects update report. 6.2 County of Oxford Water and Wastewater Rates Study 2021-24
This item will be presented to County Council on October 14. It was noted that there will be additional deductions to rates proposed based on the feedback gained from the public survey. 6.3 Development Map Review- Potential Boundary Adjustments
This item will be brought forward onto the next agenda. Deb, Jesse, Andrew and
Cedric indicated an interest in being part of a subcommittee to review this if possible. Cephas will connect with these individuals after the meeting.
6.4 Real Estate Survey Results
Cephas provided a summary presentation of the information. Municipal owned industrial lands are generally known to both realtor and construction sector
representatives, but there room for municipalities to improve awareness. Cephas noted the question to the committee is whether they think it is a good idea to list the Town’s industrial lands in order to enhance the marketing and increase opportunities
for the Town. Since there is virtually no downside to listing, should be pursued. It
was suggested that a covenant be written into an agreement that protects the clients
that the Town brings in themselves for bidding. Cephas will incorporate this into his 2021 business plan.
Lindsay left at 8:54 a.m. Resolution #4 Moved by: Steve Spaners
Seconded by: Suzanne Renken THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee recommends that the Town’s
industrial lands be listed through a real estate firm secured through a Request for Proposal process
Carried 6.5 Criteria for Reviewing Development Applications
Cephas and Jesse will provide a list of criteria for development applications at the
next meeting for the Committee to review. It was noted that this committee could be a commenting body during the consultation period on development applications before they are brought to Council. Both the BIA and the Chamber of Commerce
are currently circulated on these applications and have developed subcommittees to review development applications upon circulation. If there is not a consensus made on the application then it goes in front of the entire board for review and discussion.
It was suggested that the applications for review by this committee be restricted to industrial-commercial applications at this time. Randy left the meeting at 9:06 a.m.
6.6 Real Estate Listings- Town Policy
This was covered under item 6.4. 6.6 Tillsonburg Hydro Inc.
A letter has been drafted in response to the letter from THI. The Chair noted that he would like to have the letter signature line come from the Committee as a whole rather than just himself individually. Cephas will provide the final draft of the letter to the entire committee for reference.
Laura and Cephas will connect with Suzanne following the meeting regarding the
contacts retained for the meeting to the group from the Ministry of Energy. It was suggested that THI be alerted about this upcoming meeting in the response letter.
Mayor Molnar left at 9:17 a.m. 6.7 Town Hall Task Force
nothing to report on this. 6.8 Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee
nothing to report on this. 6.9 Community Strategic Plan
The Evaluation Committee will be interviewing the top five ranked proponents next week.
7. Community Organization Updates 7.1 Downtown Business Improvement Association
The Beautification Team continues to liven up the streets with fall foliage.
The negotiations are ongoing with Council on options for use of the Broadway
parkette.
The façade improvement program is ongoing, meeting last week. One application was approved last week. The board needs to finalize the budget before Town Council receives it but as of
right now a 0% increase is being proposed. 7.2 Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber had three policies reviewed during the Ontario Chamber’s Policy Debate Session.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting is scheduled for October 26-27, 2020. The virtual Awards of Excellence ceremony is coming up in November.
7.3 Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board 7.3.1 September 2020 Listings & Statistics
8.Round Table
Cedric asked for any advice from members on how to reduce ‘red tape’ with regardsto development applications to the Provincial government and Oxford County. Kyleasked Cedric to forward him his concerns and Kyle will provide that information tothe new CAO of Oxford County for review.
The land registry offices will be closed to the public on October 14 going forward.
Terranet owns the land registry offices but they are still managed by the Provincialgovernment. It was suggested that a survey be available for developers to discuss
areas where red tape exists in regards to development within Oxford County.
9.Next Meeting
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 7:30 a.m.
10. Adjournment
Resolution #5
Moved by: Andrew Burns
Seconded by: Councillor GilvesyTHAT the October 13, 2020 Economic Development Advisory Committee meetingbe adjourned at 9:34 a.m.Carried