Unionville BIA Monthly Meeting – June 24, 2009
Attendance: T.
MacKinnon, E.Mariani, G. McCormick, S. Morris, G. Nadakavukaran, S. Taylor-Wood, M. Tiano,
A. Wong.
Regrets: S.
Iles, M. Ryan
Staff (UBIA has no staff)
The Meeting of the Unionville BIA was held on June
24, 2009 at 6:00p.m., in Unionville Pizza Co.,
UBIA Chairman G. McCormick presided. Called to
order at 6:19pm.
1.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST - none declared
2.
MINUTES – approval
S. Taylor-Wood, S. Morris
3.
PRESENTATIONS - none
4.
DELEGATIONS / DEPUTATIONS
Chairman noted Bill 130 and that new
rules from the province and town must be followed. Chairman noted that
UBIA has always tried to keep meetings open by encouraging members to attend,
to speak and discuss issues, but now UBIA has been told that meetings must be
more formal. Form provided for deputations, so people present could speak to an
issue, similar to a town Council meeting. Same rules apply as when public is at
the Town Council meetings.
2 written submissions. Submitted by: George Nadakavukaran
of 151B, Main Street, Unionville, ON – UBIA member
FIRST: Ref: Smell at 149 Main
Street, Unionville, ON
There are two concerns:
1.
Awful smell
coming from the garbage behind restaurant from the left over food
2.
Cooking smell
is also getting everywhere (higher ventilation may dilute the smell)
SECOND: Ref: Signage at Hwy 7
& Main and Kennedy & Carlton
Please update the status of
the signs supposed to be up by this spring at Hwy 7 & Main and Kennedy
& Carlton
5.
PETITIONS - none
6.
a) REPORT 2009-1.6.24 - Chairman’s Report (June 24,
2009) attached
b) REPORT
2009-2.6.24 – Unionville Festivals, Events & Advertising (June 24, 2009) attached
Reports received and entered as part of minutes.
7.
MOTIONS - None
8.
COMMUNICATIONS – None
9.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS –
a.
S. Morris – Main
St. – current condition of Stiver House
b. UBIA Chairman &
Secretary were called to Town Committee meeting for almost 3 hours, after Town received deputations that
one business had not received UBIA communications,
as well as during the OMB appeal process period. The Chairman of the UBIA advised
the Town that all members of the UBIA are treated the same and any suggestion
to the contrary is false. To this point, the UBIA Chairman and Secretary
presented evidence of notice of meetings and correspondence over several years which
confirmed that all businesses are given notifications, including the business
making the deputations. The UBIA
Chairman and Secretary also outlined the notification procedure that the UBIA
has developed, has used, and continues to use, to communicate effectively and
efficiently with its members. On another matter, the Town’s solicitor confirmed
that the UBIA followed prescribed rules and practices as set out by Bill 130
regarding the handling of the OMB appeal.
The UBIA committed to continue working with the Town’s Clerk’s office to
ensure compliance with Bill 130 as the understanding of Bill130 and its
implications and practices for BIA’s evolves. The UBIA will also work with Town
staff to update the now over twenty year-old town-account definitions. It was
good to hear the Mayor speak in support the continued independence of the BIA
businesses in making their own decisions.
10.
IN-CAMERA ITEMS - None
11.
ADJOURNMENT Moved by T. MacKinnon, seconded by S. Taylor-Wood
Meeting adjourned at 7:18p.m. That the meeting do adjourn. CARRIED
Special
thanks to M. Tiano for use of premises.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: 2009-1.6.24
Traffic
Calming repairs on Carlton – success of stage one removal and return of
intersection at the urging of the UBIA – just waiting for parking sign is to be
returned at SE corner of Main Street. Working on Phase 2 and
crosswalk marking on south side of Main.
Thanks to Councillor Virgilio, the Unionville Ratepayers and the
Unionville Villagers Association for working with us to help solve this. Looking at parking options in front of Varley.
A proposal
by URA, UVA & UBIA has put forward in a joint effort to solve the safety
issues.
Unionville Festival followup. The Friday was a success –
in place of dance, as Crosby Arena is closed for renovations. Much better working with Festival Committee in celebrating their 40th.
Sent them a thank you note along with our contributions.
Banners up along with new Unionville heritage figures – all in time for
Festival weekend- made a little bigger to cover for loss of flowers -
hopefully. Parade route southbound works best – what UBIA uses for Olde Tyme
Christmas Parade.
Streetscape
flowers – now we get to see what it looks like. Smaller sized hanging baskets
and the removal of all dwarf trees was not contemplated nor discussed. Remember,
UBIA was not consulted before Town made decision for flower purchases for
season.
After
decisions made then UBIA was called to have the report read to them in March
and a map was given to look at UBIA March meeting, after which UBIA unanimously
agreed that they did not approve of the flower reductions.
HST
– sent out a memo regarding provincial/federal proposal for sales tax
harmonization aka the HST. Have been seeking information from
MPP Michael Chan’s office. Will forward as we get it.
Definitely something all should consider. The Markham Board of Trade has
endorsed HST.
Importance of the Unionville Brand. Unionville is a valuable
name which conjures up a definite image in the general public’s mind. It is
exclusive, valuable, and desireable. Many others want
to use it but it belongs to Unionville. It is our economic advantage over all
our competitors. When others use Unionville or erase the name Unionvillle or degrade it they are hurting your business.
It is good business to protect the name Unionville – which is one of the
premier tourism/heritage/shopping brands in the GTA let alone Ontario.
Bandstand solution. After discussions with UBIA Board we attended a
meeting with Mayor and Councillor Virgilio. Special thanks to Sharon and Tracy
for attending with the Chair. Afterwards the UBIA decided to cover the music at
the Unionville Bandstand rather than have it left empty. The Mayor was very
appreciative. Thanks to Tracy for rapidly programming another Summer full of concerts. Sylvia noted Mayor is happy.
Agreement worked out with Councillor Virgilio and program funding.
Public Washrooms. The original publically accessed washrooms at
Crosby Arena, a UBIA proposed economic solution from a few years ago, will be
properly indicated, with better marked with signs, which have been posted. UBIA
volunteers helped Town Place and design signs which guide people to Crosby Arena.
Also, the Varley Gallery washrooms are available when it is open. Councillor
Virgilio is assisting to use public washroom contingency funds to cover
portable washroom expense at bandstand this year.
Keep
in mind, in keeping with the traditions of the Town of Markham, we are breaking
for the very busy summer - our next meeting is last wednesday in September.
Tony
Wong – long time UBIA member and a strong supporter of Unionville has passed
away. He will be missed. Condolences forwarded. Funeral this
Saturday at Highland Funeral Home.
UNOINVILLE FESTIVALS &
EVENTS, PROMOTIONS REPORT: 2009.2-6.24
UPDATE ON BUSY SUMMER SEASON:
-Canada Day rundown of activities- Wed. July 01
-Unionville Celtic Fest – July 11
-Simcoe Festival- August 3
-Unionville Jazz On Main Festival–
Aug 14-16 and August 21-23
-Doors Open – August 29
-Heritage & Big Band Festival – Sept 07
-ALL SUMMER LONG – July 01 to September 07- Summer
Concert Series
-After Labour Day – into Heritage Harvest Fall September
& October
ADVERTISING:
Toronto Star, many GTA advertising options available
for reduced prices to UBIA members.
A lot more partnership advertising being done for more
coverage.