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160412 Development MIN= Attendance: Andrew Burns, Lisa Gilvesy, Councillor Jim Hayes, Kirby Heckford (Arrived 7:40 AM), Mayor Stephen Molnar, Randy Thornton, Steve Spanjers, John Veldman Guest: Staff Present: David Calder, Cephas Panschow Regrets: Jesse Goossens, Lindsay Morgan, Ashton Nembhard, Cedric Tomico 1. Call to Order 2. Adoption of Agenda Moved By: R. Thornton Seconded By: J. Veldman Proposed Resolution THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Committee meeting of April 12, 2016 be adopted. Carried 3. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest – None disclosed 4. Approval of previous minutes Moved By: J. Veldman Seconded By: R. Thornton Proposed Resolution THAT the minutes for the March 8, 2016 meeting be approved. Carried 5. Presentations and Delegations 6. Information Items 6.1. Community Strategic Plan – Committee was advised that the Open House had been confirmed for Monday, April 18, from 4 – 7 PM. 6.2. Post-Secondary Education – No update 6.3. Tillsonburg Hydro Inc (THI) – No update The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg Development Committee Tuesday, April 12, 2016 7:30 AM Boardroom, Customer Service Centre 10 Lisgar Ave, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 5A5 Minutes Council Meeting – Agenda - 2 - 6.4. Town Hall Task Force The space needs analysis is being finalized. The 83 Rolph St property is being made available through a bid process with a deadline of April 27. Circulate link. 7. Reports from Departments 7.1. Economic Development 7.1.1. Draft Community Improvement Plan Staff brought forward information from the Downtown Design Study (2012) regarding definitions for the criteria. Committee was concerned that the criteria as proposed might not be flexible enough nor take into consideration investments over multiple years. Suggestion to consider ways to incentivize businesses to lease storefronts in the downtown similar to other community marketing programs although this would likely be a separate program. Staff to redraft and bring back to next meeting. 7.1.2. Economic Development New Business Award for Chamber Moved By: R. Thornton Seconded By: A. Burns Proposed Resolution “THAT the March 11, 2016 vote by email to select J/E Bearing and Machine Ltd as the recipient of the New Investment Award – Industrial be affirmed and the decision not to award an industrial new investment award be revoked.” “That J/E Bearing and Machine Ltd be selected for the Tillsonburg Economic Development New Investment Award – Industrial through the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce based on their $2.5 M investment in new equipment and machinery to improve productivity and capabilities, which has resulted in additional employment, and the lease of an additional 12,072 SF of industrial space.” Carried 7.2 Hotel Study – Three Quotations The three quotations received were reviewed by the Committee. Question raised as to why the Town would undertake this study on behalf of a private business. Reason is that Tillsonburg is not a high priority market for hotel developers and we need a “tool” to help us promote the opportunity here. Although this may be a good idea, focus should be on moving the Hwy 3 Business Park forward. Not a high priority at this time and more analysis of the proposals is needed. K. Heckford indicated he would touch base with some contacts on their thoughts about Tillsonburg. 7.3 – Hwy 3 Business Park – Status Update Council Meeting – Agenda - 3 - The Request for Proposals for a Ministry of Transportation certified consultant has been released with a response deadline of May 2. Discussion that this is critical now that the Clearview Dr lands have been sold. Focus has to be on moving forward with Hwy 3 intersection design. Circulate plan. A. Burns indicated that Chamber is interested in meeting to discuss support for any issues in getting this project moving forward. 8. General Business and Reports 8.1. Committee Vacancies & Election of Chair/Vice-Chair/Secretary This item was tabled until the next meeting. Ad has been placed in the Tillsonburg News. 8.2. Tillsonburg Hub Consortium The Subcommittee brought forward their review of the business plan and discussed concerns regarding the sites identified for development (Hwy 3 Business Park is not a viable option), the proforma, and the lack of a formal partnership. The subcommittee identified next steps for the Tillsonburg Hub Consortium (THC) to consider:  Formalize the partnership with, at a minimum, letters of intent or even the creation of a non profit corporation (but delay seeking charitable status until needed);  Consider touring a number of facilities in Southwestern Ontario to get a better sense of the market and feasibility of this initiative (Kitchener facility is one suggestion);  Form non-profit corporation with a minimum financial contribution from each founding partner;  Prepare an architectural drawing of the proposed facility that will help “sell” it; and,  Fundraise a minimum amount (in addition to start-up capital) to show viability. Committee supported this information and that it be provided to the Tillsonburg Hub Consortium for consideration. 9. Unfinished Business – None, see below tracking tables 10. Committee Minutes & Reports 10.1. Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce Chamber representatives participated in a advocacy day with Queens Park and were provided information on the Ontario Government’s “cap and trade” program (farmers are exempt), electricity market and the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, which has been delayed starting in 2017 only for employers without a plan and more than 500 employees. With election in 2018, there may be other changes forthcoming. 10.2. Downtown Business Improvement Association – No Update 10.3. Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board Real estate market continues to be strong. Council Meeting – Agenda - 4 - 10.4. Physician Recruitment The Ministry of Health has now designated Tillsonburg as a high need area! This is a significant success and will assist with recruitment efforts. 11. Correspondence - None 12. Other Business 12.1. Roundtable D. Calder advised that Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) are being asked to promote Conservation Demand Management programs and this will be a focus with Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. The Town is currently recruiting members for the Fire Master Plan committee. A.Burns raised issue of how people in Aylmer and Delhi often forgot about Tillsonburg as a good shopping option. Is there an opportunity to do some marketing to remind people from these markets about Tillsonburg? Perhaps in conjunction with the Business Improvement Association??? How about a low cost, online marketplace??? Mayor and staff attended the Minister of Energy’s announcement at Siemens regarding the export of 36 blades to Wales, UK. Exporting of blades could be good for the local plant and employment. Next meeting – Tuesday, May 10, at 7:30 AM 13. Adjournment Moved By: J. Veldman Seconded By: Not required. Proposed Resolution THAT the March 8, 2016 meeting be adjourned 10:01 AM.