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170214 Development MIN= ATTENDANCE Deb Gilvesy, Lisa Gilvesy, Mel Getty, Jesse Goossens, Councillor Jim Hayes, Mayor Stephen Molnar, Steve Spanjers (Arrived 8:05 AM), Randy Thornton (Departed 9:03 AM), Staff Present: David Calder, Shelley Imbeault, Cephas Panschow, Colleen Pepper MEMBERS ABSENT/REGRETS Andrew Burns, Kirby Heckford, Ashton Nembhard, Cedric Tomico, John Veldman 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:53 AM. 2. Adoption of Agenda Moved By: D. Gilvesy Seconded By: J. Hayes Resolution # 1 THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Development Committee meeting of February 14, 2017 be adopted. Carried 3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof – None Declared 4. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting 4.1. Minutes of the Meeting of January 17, 2017 Moved By: R. Thornton Seconded By: M. Getty Resolution # 2 THAT the Minutes of the Development Committee Meeting of January 17, 2017 be approved. Carried Minutes of the Meeting of January 23, 2017 The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg Development Committee February 14, 2017 7:30 AM Boardroom, Customer Service Centre 10 Lisgar Ave, Tillsonburg MINUTES Development Committee Meeting Minutes (February 14, 2017) - 2 - Moved By: J. Hayes Seconded By: J. Goossens Resolution # 3 THAT the Minutes of the Development Committee Meeting of January 23, 2017 be approved. Carried 4.1.1. Broadway/North St Intersection (Queuing) Director of Operations followed up with the County who re-evaluated it and advised that it appears that the existing traffic signal infrastructure is functioning properly. They did advise they are planning to upgrade the signal controller cabinet later this year, thereby allowing for a more dynamic reaction to actual traffic conditions. 4.1.2. OPS 17-01 Water/Wastewater Rate Review The Water/Wastewater Rates have now been approved by the County and will take effect April 1, 2017. Approximately $500,000 of surplus funds in an upgrade reserve will be used to fund a Tillsonburg project (well/watermain). Further, the Community Servicing Assistance Program (CSAP) charge of $10 per water service and $10 per wastewater service annually has been suspended, which will be a cost savings to all users. Investment in Tillsonburg Wastewater will be stepped over the next few years until expansion. How much volume does the 11% capacity between current wastewater flows and 80% capacity represent in terms of volume? To be looked into. 5. Delegations and Presentations 5.1. Business Directory Survey Summary Results S. Imbeault indicated that the purpose of the survey was to update the Town’s business database as well as the online business directory. Previous surveys were completed in 2008, 2010, and 2013. 713 businesses surveyed with a response rate of 64%, which was achieved by following up on the surveys. Total employment in Tillsonburg is estimated at over 9,000 jobs, which is approximately 600 jobs higher than forecast for 2016. Manufacturing jobs exceeded 2016 projections by nearly 1,100. The strong job growth supports an increased focus on Workforce Development and meeting the needs of local employers. Can further analysis be conducted on data to support Economic Development objectives. Yes, with caveat that data can be subjective. Suggestion to consider ways to raise awareness of this as a good news story. Circulate presentation to Committee. Development Committee Meeting Minutes (February 14, 2017) - 3 - 5.2. Discover Tillsonburg Business Plan C. Pepper presented information on the history of the joint initiative between the Town and home builders. Initial focus was on Discover Tillsonburg website and home show attendance, but has moved to the magazine and home tours. Website will be relaunched shortly. Additional thought will have to be on how the Discover Tillsonburg brand works vis-à-vis the new Town brand. In terms of results, new homes sales climbed coming out of the recession and then plateaued for a few years. However, 2016 was the second highest level on record. This is due to a strong overall economy but good marketing helps. How do we get more builders engaged??? Can certainly increase efforts in this regard, but the magazine format makes it more accessible to both smaller builders and also other companies. The 2017 work plan is being developed and will be finalized with input from the Builders. Some of the potential projects including truck wrap ads with consideration for billboards and greater integration with other regional tourism initiatives. 6. Information Items 6.1. Community Strategic Plan – A report will be prepared shortly. 6.2. Post-Secondary Education – No update 6.3. Tillsonburg Hydro Inc – THI is being managed as a separate business from the Town and, as part of that, they will be conducting a branding exercise with the goal of raising the profile of the corporation in the community. They have asked if anyone from the Development Committee is interested in joining their Branding Task Force. D. Gilvesy indicated that she would be interested. Chamber had raised concern about the need and cost for the branding. Similar concerns expressed by members of this committee. THI Board believes this is important to proceed with establishing a higher profile. 6.4. Town Hall Task Force – Submission deadline is Feb 16, 2017 with Town Hall Project Committee reviewing the submission after that date. 7. General Business & Reports 7.1. County Budget Approval Notes County budget has been approved with North Street and Potter’s Road construction projects proceeding. The Oxford Connection budget was approved in the amount of $35,000. 7.2. EDCO Award (Branding) Per news release circulated, the Town was awarded top honours in the “Branding - 10,000 to 50,000 Population” category. It’s the first time the municipality has taken top Development Committee Meeting Minutes (February 14, 2017) - 4 - honours in any EDCO category. Question as to what are the next steps in terms of leveraging this recognition. There will be continued implementation of the new brand, launch of new branded merchandise program and new marketing initiatives in the future. 8. Committee Minutes & Reports 8.1. Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce – Further to Annual General Meeting, a new president, vice president have been selected along with a new board member. 8.2. Downtown Business Improvement Association – Christmas Crawl went well and is continuing to pick up momentum and positive feedback. WiFi enhancements are still in the works and with relocation of receivers to light poles and additional receivers, service levels should go up. Expecting 2 – 3 Façade Improvement Grants in the spring. Annual General Meeting is being planned for Tuesday, March 28, at 5:30 PM. 8.3. Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board Lack of inventory is affecting sales volumes. Report and listings will be circulated when received. 8.4. Physician Recruitment Meeting scheduled for today. 9. Correspondence - None 10. Other Business 10.1. Roundtable 11. Closed Session - None 12. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Development Committee is scheduled for 7:30 AM on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Some concern about conflicts due to March Break so ask members if they will be attending. 13. Adjournment Moved By: S. Spanjers Seconded By: Proposed Resolution 4 THAT the Development Committee Meeting of February 14, 2017 be adjourned at 9:52 AM.