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210713 Development MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting July 13, 2021 7:30 a.m. Electronic Meeting MINUTES Present: Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Andrew Burns, Cedric Tomico, Jesse Goossens, Mayor Stephen Molnar, Suzanne Renken, Jeff Van Rybroeck, Collette Takacs, Steve Spanjers, Lisa Gilvesy, Andrew Burns Staff: Kyle Pratt, CAO; Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner Lisa Jibson, Executive Assistant (Acting) Regrets: Lindsay Morgan-Jacko, Randy Thornton, Kirby Heckford 1.Call to Order The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 7:36 am. 2.Adoption of AgendaProposed Resolution #1 Moved by: Steve Spanjers Seconded by: Deb GilvesyTHAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committeemeeting of July 13, 2021, be adopted.CARRIED 3.Adoption of Previous MinutesProposed Resolution #2Moved by: Cedric TomicoSeconded by: Steve Spanjers THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting of June 9, 2021, be adopted.CARRIED 4.Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof Nothing 5.Presentations 6.General Business & Reports 6.1 Economic Development Strategy Update- Streamlining & Next Steps –see attachment Cephas reviewed the strategy- • Digitizing Business and Government – 1.1.2 GOAL: Support local business to build online capacity – key to support Online shopping efforts; identify resources; website design; funding support; ecommerce training; on-line access to community • Community Marketing- 2.1.8 3 parts: Investment attraction; resident attraction, and community, cultural, and tourism Promote info tech, food process, innovation sectors Promote as a hub for SW Ontario – attract residents Providing access to high speed internet, co-working space Showcase tourism experiences • Workforce Initiatives- 1.1.9-2.1.9 Engage with local partners; increase supply of skilled and semiskilled workers, student training – Glendale HS training • Building Capacity- 1.1.7, 1.1.9,1.1.11, 3.1.6 Innovation Hub – support investment/manufacturing sector – build capacity in auto/machinery/fabricated metal Support sector by having space for companies to collaborate Impact of CUSMA Attainable Housing and Social Support – undertake needs study to identify short term and long term gaps Priority – rental Regional transit MDB recommendations – so many; Streamlined into 4 major categories; Helps make easier to understand and implement Discussion was held regarding digitizing some of these recommendations, and aligning with the Tillsonburg Strategic Plan. Cephas noted that the next step is to integrate these suggestions with the Strategic Plan. Concerns were raised regarding overreach from government into private enterprise. It’s the business owner’s responsibility to advance digital processes. The committee should be focused on how to attract industry to Tillsonburg. The residential side is growing greater than manufacturing side. Government should only act where needed. Others commented that perhaps some local businesses would welcome some assistance to develop on-line if offered. BIA has had some good results with members who need assistance to get online. The BIA has retained Main Street Media to help build presence for companies with QR Codes, and strategies to see the value of going online. Discussion was held regarding promoting more industry back into our community like pre-pandemic efforts such as international marketing, business trips etc. However, these options can only continue based on pandemic restrictions. Cephas commented that they are launching a tracked campaign on LinkedIn using specific properties and campaigns to target. Discussion was held regarding the challenge of people finding jobs but can’t find housing. Concerns also about finding trade people like welders as Ontario we are running out of local people to run these businesses. It’s a real problem with employees. Need to look at employee options to support manufacturing like permanent migrant workers. Others commented that this is not selective to Tillsonburg. Other companies have on average 17-25 people who don’t show up to work daily. Question to Cephas regarding a huge parcel of available land whether it is possible to sever into smaller segments. Cephas responded that it’s not technically impossible, just have consideration like road frontage to deal with. Members of the committee recommended to Town staff that an industrial recruitment strategy, for both businesses and workers, should be developed and implemented Cephas noted that a number of initiatives are underway and are generating results. New initiatives, including videos, website testimonials, etc. to showcase that Tillsonburg is ready for business, are being developed. It will focus on what others are saying, and to sell the support, initiatives, workforce, etc. Discussion was held that instead of testimonials, the site selectors may benefit from factual information on water, hydro, transit, taxes etc. Discussion was held regarding other parcels of industrial land, and when the focus will shift to developing and pre-selling. If the process from beginning to end takes 10 years, we should be starting now. Decision was made that the marketing strategy will continue in alignment with the strategic plan. Comments were made to consider physician recruitment, housing, workforce etc. Focus on identifying the low hanging fruit, and be ready when government funding and opportunities present themselves. Some committee members commented that is room to consolidate from 4 pillars into 3. Suggested combining community marketing, investment, and workforce, as one under industry recruitment. Discussion was held around creating a value statement to tie it all in at beginning of document, and a way to track achievement of these items to ensure we are achieving our goals. Various committee members suggested that the list is large for one committee and maybe sub-committees are required with time-lines and priorities. Comments were made that most of the goals in the current document align more with Small business, entrepreneur, downtown development vs. the industrial development recruitment. The Mayor reminded the group that this is an advisory committee and members are not expected to pull the weight of an economic development organization. This is not a full time job to manage, there are staff paid to do this. The CAO noted that the items had score and ranking. Cephas noted that the score was based on what the committee said was priority and then ranking. 9 or 10 members participated in survey. The CAO recommended to pick what is most valuable and place highlights or stickers, then use that to make recommendations to council, and see where the priorities overlap with community strategic plan. Some members expressed that the consultant sent out too much to review and it could be pared down. The Chair recommended that an email be sent to all members for a collaborative meeting to continue to form and polish these goals down even further. 6.2 Monthly Project Update - Cephas Cephas is pleased with progress to date on the final phase of servicing in the VIP, which should be completed to road base by end of month, then Tillsonburg Hydro go in. Zoning of South lands isn’t completed yet. Anticipate going to August 9th meeting of council for zoning. 2 of the 4 land sales are firm. North Ridge Realty looking to start construction in August. A question was asked about the status of the wayfinding signage project. Cephas responded that the original pricing came back way higher and have to go back and resend to tender before bringing back to council. An inquiry was made as to who is responsible for the population signs at the entrance to town. Cephas responded that he thought it was the MTO. 6.3 Circulation of Planning Applications - Cephas This entire committee would be added to planning committee so they would get applications in real time. Then they will be able to identify concerns or make resolutions to council. Cephas shared that there is a 511 app that provides road construction notices. It falls on planner, CP and the BIA to allow committee to receive notices. Zoning item CC-CCS has been circulated, will it be circulated to committee? Comment were given that Oxford and Harvey is an important one. It will be a big boost to downtown core. It was asked if the proposal gets circulated, what is the process for committee to make comment to council? Individual comments should not weigh against it. The process of having a staff report prepared or resolution from advisory committee should be followed, committee members should not speak ad hoc. It was recommended that timelines on proposal limit notice period should be in place. A committee member inquired if there is the ability to make decisions or vote electronically through email. If not, this is something we need to implement quickly. Cephas noted he would have to check with the Clerk’s office to get a decision on this to see if this is valid, and accepted practice. There is a time factor of deadline vs. timeline for staff report to council. Proposed Resolution #3 Moved by: Deb Gilvesy Seconded by: THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee supports the application for zone change VDK Investments Inc. ZN 7-21-08 Lots 1100-1102, Plant 500, 38 Oxford Street, Tillsonburg. Motion was not passed as a quorum was not present. It was suggested that this committee receive emails of who is in support after meeting to get electronic agreement of scenario. The CAO noted that committees and council speak by resolution. 6.3 Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. – The CAO gave an update on the management changes due to retirement in hydro. A contract with ERTH has been signed to cover management and operations interim. Graig Pettit is management and Josh Smith is operations. Recruitment is on going and we hope to have someone in place by September. 6.4 Town Hall Task Force – A space needs consultant, has been selected. Meeting today at 3:30 with FABRIK Architects. 6.5 Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee – August meeting has been postponed until September. 6.6 Community Strategic Plan – The CAO shared that council approved the strategic plan with minor changes to the draft. The Consultant is working with design and layout group, and they are meeting with management team on Wednesday to present the new Strategic Plan. 7. Community Organization Updates 7.1 Downtown Business Improvement Association 7.1.1. June 2021 Report – BIA spending is still on hold except for pandemic recovery options, like the patio project. So far the season is successful. The BIA noted that last night on Town Council resolution – page 2 of report, regarding that a certain percentage of mall properties will be undergoing rental cost reassessments. This will have a huge budget impact on the BIA. Resolution was passed by council to keep the budget at same amount. Town staff has been very supportive. The BIA wanted to give kudos to Garden Gate Nursery. Linda and Matt been great to deal with for large flower pots to decorate around town. They noted that commercial vacancy rates are record lows coming out of pandemic. New businesses coming up are Popeye’s, BarBurritto, and new used car dealership. There are only two vacant spaces in the mall. Aug 12-14 is scheduled for sidewalk sales. They are working on an online portal and interactive map called Mapme.com Various businesses in the BIA is hiring –https://www.downtowntillsonburg.com/blog/nowhiring Council waived the restriction on banner signs until May 30, 2022. 7.2 Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce – no report given 7.3 Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board 7.3.1 Listings & Statistics https://reports.itsorealestate.ca/MatrixReportOutput/ReportOutput/20376/RenderedDisplays1541.PDF The TDREB representative, Lindsay Morgan-Jacko, has submitted a resignation notice to the Economic Development Advisory Committee as is not able to continue with her representation at this time. The chair expressed gratitude for her time on the committee and contributions. 8. Round Table Comments were made that the Town of Otterville has copied the downtown baskets from Tillsonburg and it’s a nice form of flattery. Western Canada Company Armtek is using local talent for 3D power. 9. Next Meeting August 10, 2021 7:30 a.m. 10. Adjournment Proposed Resolution #3 Moved by: Seconded by: THAT the July 13, 2021 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned at 9:20 a.m. without resolution.