3rd MEETING

CANADA DAY COMMITTEE

 

TOWN OF MARKHAM

York Room, Markham Civic Centre

April 10, 2006

 

MINUTES

 

Attendance:

Jeanne Bowman

Ivy Lee

Adam Poon

Sam Sahoy

Naeem Siddiqi

Charlene Woron

Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

 

Staff:

Steve Matunin, Supervisor, Operations

Rob Hinks, Working Foreperson (Milne)

Joanne Olson, Council Assistant

Olivia Bella, Event Management & Outdoor Sport Coordinator

Matt Vetere, Financial Analyst

Judy Kee, Committee Clerk

 

 

The Canada Day Committee meeting convened at 6:10 p.m. with Joanne Olson, acting as Chair.

 

 

1.         ADOPTION OF AGENDA

 

O. Bella advised that Roger Burrell, Acting Marketing and Sales Coordinator, has been asked to co-ordinate all work related to Advertising, Posters, and Invitations, and that she would attend in his absence, if necessary.

 

Moved by S. Sahoy

Seconded by O. Bella

 

That the Agenda, as presented, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

2.         MINUTES OF MARCH 20, 2006 MEETING

 

J. Bowman the minutes of the March 20th meeting be amended, as follows:

 

            Pg. 4 – delete following sentence in last paragraph on page “Ms. Bowman was requested to give the list of names of the childrens’ area volunteers to S. Matunin to ensure receipt of passes”.

            Pg. 5 – amend first line in first paragraph to read “ten (10) volunteers”, rather than “fifteen (15) volunteers”.

            Pg. 5 – amend second line in first paragraph to read “$1,400.00”, rather than $1,000.00.

 

Moved by J. Bowman

Seconded by S. Matunin

 

That the Minutes of the Canada Day Committee meeting held on March 20, 2006, as amended, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

 

Entertainment – J. Olson reported that due to budget concerns, the Philippine Heritage Band will not be involved this year.  She noted that an MC has not been determined at this time.

 

Branding – O. Bella reported that Roger Burrell is working on the poster for the Seniors Luncheon, and will have it for the next meeting.  It was agreed at this time, that an additional meeting of the Committee should be scheduled for Monday, May 1st.

 

T-Shirts –As Regional Councillor Jim Jones was not in attendance to provide information regarding t-shirts, O. Bella was requested to speak to him regarding contact names, pricing/quotes, quality of material, and report back to Committee. 

 

Charitable Receipts: Donation/Sponsorship - M. Vetere provided the following information relating to charitable receipts:

      Donation – means a financial contribution, cash, property, or items such as art, furniture, equipment, materials of historical interest where no benefit is given to the donor.  The donor will simply have their name placed in a “thank you” letter with all other donors.  Their name will be typed using normal font with no corporate logos or fonts.

 

 

 

 

No address or phone number will be placed with the name or mentioned anywhere - simply a thank you to the company.  This type of donor can receive a tax receipt for the donation.

 

      Sponsorship – when a business financially supports an activity in return for which the organizer promotes the business.  The sponsor will receive advertisement on banners or other media on Canada Day.  Their logo, address, phone number can all be placed with their mentioning.  This type of sponsor can’t receive a tax receipt for the sponsorship.”

 

 

 

4.         CONFIRMATION OF CO-CHAIR FOR 2006

 

It was noted that E. D’Souza had volunteered to be Co-Chair for 2006, but due to the fact that both he and Councillor K. Usman were not in attendance, this item was deferred.

 

 

 

5.         2006 BUDGET

 

To be discussed later.

 

 

 

6.         COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

a)   Food Vendors – S. Sahoy reported that a site had not been confirmed at this time.  S. Matunin presented Committee with a site map and discussion followed regarding the pros and cons of various vendor locations.  Items raised included: proximity of booths to stage; use of generators; size and number of booths; possibility of staking and labelling each booth location; and vendor vehicle limitations.  It was agreed that Deputy Mayor Scarpitti should be involved in the choosing of the site, and the matter be further discussed at the May 1st meeting.

 

b)   Sponsorships – Committee asked if packages would be available for sponsors, and staff advised that Carolina Moretti of the Strategic Services Department is preparing a generic sponsorship package that may be available at the next meeting.  O. Bella will contact N. Siddiqi regarding this.

 

M. Vetere reviewed the list of sponsors and expected revenue.  Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti and N. Siddiqi will work together to explore additional avenues of funding.

 

c)   Advertising/Posters/Invitations   The importance of finalizing the poster design and getting them out was emphasized.

 

 

d)   Mayor’s Seniors Luncheon – C. Woron reported that a meeting had been held with Merlyn and J. Olson on March 31 to discuss details of the menu.  Two entrée choices were suggested, including salad.  A slab cake, ½ chocolate and ½ white, was also discussed.  Tea, coffee, plates, and cutlery will be supplied by Merlyn.  There was some discussion regarding possible ways to identify people requiring “vegetarian” meals, and suggestions included: use of balloons; post it notes; and place-cards on tables.

 

S. Matunin will take care of pop and water for the event, and they will be handed out by volunteers.  Leftover refreshments will be taken to Milne Park for later in the day. 

 

Tables and chairs are provided by staff, and it was suggested that sixty-five (65) tables would be sufficient this year. S. Matunin noted that round table cloths were purchased last year from Signature, but it was suggested that J. Olson contact Merlyn to see if he would be able to supply ½ red and ½ white cloths this year and report back to C. Woron.

 

Committee discussed flower requirements, and it was noted that Parks staff will provide a floral centrepiece for every table, and S. Matunin advised that arrangements will be made to bring in some floral barrels to decorate the arena, and also the stage, if possible.  Committee was advised that the normal routine is to give away the centrepieces by some little game at the end of the meal.  S. Matunin will bring in a sample pot to the next meeting.

 

It was suggested that free-standing flags could be brought in and placed around the arena, and S. Matunin advised that this could be discussed with Bernie McDermott, Facility Coordinator at Milliken.  Balloons will also be used for decorations. C. Woron suggested that a local school could be contacted to assist in the decorations and would follow up with her volley-ball league on this. 

 

The need to have a stage was queried, but Committee was advised that the staging is “gratis” at Milliken Mills Arena, and that a raised platform is really necessary so that everyone in the arena will be able to see the MC, any speakers, Members of Committee, the introduction of athletes, and any entertainment presented.

 

It was noted that registration for the Seniors Luncheon must be done between June 1 and June 27, and some allowance is made for last minute attendees.

 

J. Olson advised that volunteers assigned to food serving will be expected to remain to assist in the clean-up, so that the time commitment would be approximately 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Also, volunteers will be required for some set-up duties the evening before

 

 

e)   Parade – J. Olson requested members to let her know of any children that would be interested in decorating their bikes and taking part in the parade.  All participants will receive free swim passes prior to the start of the parade.  It was hoped that the Fire Department’s mascot, “Sparky” would be available.

 

 

 

To date, parade participants are: 

 

·        Governor General's Horse Guards Band

·        Scarborough Pipe Band

·        Veterans

·        Cadets

·        Athletes, and

·        One VIVA bus

·        fire truck

 

f)    Fireworks/Permit – S. Matunin advised that all arrangements have been made.

 

g)   Parking – S. Matunin advised that parking arrangements have been made.  B. Walter is arranging for the security fencing and lights, but once vendors are determined, changes may be made.  Last year the road was closed off in the vendor area and generally the set-up was excellent, even though a few concerns were raised by residents.  It was suggested that all ads placed have information regarding the availability of the shuttle bus from the Mall to the Park to help lessen traffic in and out of the Park. 

 

h)   Transit Arrangements – This item was deferred.

 

i)    Stage & Sound – Committee discussed the requirements for the entertainment stage, sound equipment, and lighting, and two quotes were presented and considered, with costs ranging from $11,000 to $13,000.  Issues raised included: the weight of the larger stage and concern re possible damage to park roads and grass; level of land; electrical needs and compatibility; sound system output and number of speakers, and additional sponsorship requirements.  Staff advised that two additional tents are also required.

 

Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti, Adam Poon and S. Matunin will meet further on this.  It was agreed that a visit should be made to the site before a final decision is made. 

 

j)    Children’s Activities – J. Bowman advised that the Childrens’ Area will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  There was some discussion regarding balloons, however, this matter was discussed in detail later in the meeting.  Ms. Bowman advised that she is waiting to hear from Fire Prevention staff regarding the use of a truck in the Parade, and a table in the Childrens’ Tent.

 

Only ten volunteers will be needed, plus James Bush, if he is able to assist with the jumping castle.  A map showing the location of the tables will be forwarded to S. Matunin, and O. Bella will be contacted regarding the list of supplies required, including flags and stick-on tatoos.  The “Childrens’ Area” sign is being looked after by B. Walter, along with the schedule listing the childrens’ events. 

 

k)   T-Shirts (Cont’d) - The matter of t-shirts supplied by Bell Canada was raised, and there was some discussion with respect to either selling them to the public or giving them to the volunteers.  Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti suggested that Old Navy could be contacted to see if they would be interested in setting up a booth to sell t-shirts.

 

l)    Entertainment – J. Olson reported that she is trying to get a number of small bands and small groups, due to the set-up times required for the larger groups.  Committee discussed bands that had been hired in the last couple of years, and Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti advised that he will review his files from previous years and report back.  He noted that the larger stage that has been quoted is deeper and would accommodate performers setting up, while another performer is on stage.

 

J. Olson advised that she is looking into childrens’ acts, such as Doug Barr, or Dan the Music Man.

 

It was noted that an MC has not been determined at this time, but J. Olson advised that she is trying to contact Jennifer Valentyne of CITY TV to see if she is available for not only the Park event, but also for the Seniors’ Luncheon..  It was suggested that she also be requested to perform during both.  If she is unavailable, Lloyd Robertson would be contacted. 

 

m)  Balloons – The matter of purchasing balloons was raised, both for the Childrens’ Area and for the Seniors’ Luncheon location.  Following some discussion, including: balloons that could be tied to young childrens strollers; using air or helium, and number of volunteers required to fill them, C. Woron advised that she would work with J. Bowman and look into acquiring all the balloons.   

 

n)   Signage – This matter was deferred.

 

o)   Security – Committee directed O. Bella to confirm: five (5) police with vehicles, including one sergeant; four (4) By-law Enforcement Officers for crowd control at night and held in loading buses; and four (4) officers on bicycles, and they are to be advised that S. Matunin will be the contact.

 

p)   Volunteers – J. Olson advised that all persons who volunteered last year will be contacted, and if interested, will be assigned specific duties at specific times.  This year everyone will have a special duty.  Members were asked to contact J. Olson with the names of any persons interested in volunteering this year. 

 

 

 

7.         OTHER

 

a)         Heritage Grant Request – No new information was reported.

 

 

 

b)         Media Launch – J. Olson noted that the Media Launch is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m. 

 

It was noted that the theme this year is “Celebrate Olympians”.  It had been thought that they would ride on the VIVA bus during the parade, but it was suggested that the horse and open carriage may be more appropriate.

 

Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti will discuss contacting our recent local Olympians, such as Gillian Apps, with Barbara Nanninga of the Mayor’s Office, and J. Olson will also speak with Regional Councillor J. Jones with respect to their involvement in the Media Launch.

 

 

 

9.         DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

 

The following future meeting dates were confirmed:

 

MAY 1 (newly scheduled)

May 15

May 29

June 12

June 26

 

The Media Launch will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Markham Civic Centre. 

 

 

10.       ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.