​Meeting September 18, 2025 at 08:57 EDT
Meeting records derived from Google Transcript 
 
In-Person ATTENDANCE: Eva M; Doris S; Jim F; Tosin I; Alanna P
Dialed In ATTENDANCE: Kim TG; Stephanie M; Subbu S
 
Welcome & Introductory Remarks: Chair Eva Martens

• Welcome everyone, it is 9:05 call the meeting to order
• We are currently working on getting the 2026 Budget finalized
• Motion to activate the “Consent Agenda”

         Motion: Jim F; 2nd Tosin I
 
Financial Report: Tosin I (Treasurer)

• Presented the September financial report, shared updates on safety and beautification initiatives, and noted a significant marketing success with Cornfest. Additionally, upcoming events, new businesses, and the proposal to hire a full-time person to support Doris CONCESSION BIA ED were discussed, and the holiday parking initiative was unanimously approved by the board.
• Motion by Eva M: to approve by email the 2026 Projected Budget

 
Safety Report: Jim F (Chair, Safety Committee)

• A safety report was provided, noting that the city is upgrading video surveillance systems for easier remote monitoring. Jim mentioned plans for after-dark security assessments, preferably after the clock change, and encouraged the safety committee team to assist
• Cigarette Butt Receptacles: Kim TG from Esther Pauls’ office indicated that they are assisting with the approvals and expediting the process

 
 
Beautification Committee: Eva M, Stephanie M, Janna G

• Annual plants are slated to be removed by City by the end of September
• 13” Potted Mums were ordered to replace the empty planter boxes
• Discussions with Green Venture are underway to manage 2026 Planter Boxes

 
Marketing Report: Doris S (ED Report)

• A significant success with Cornfest generating new followers on Social Media
• Caribbean restaurant, stepped up for Cornfest, providing a full meal that was well-received, and expressed interest in returning next year

• Upcoming Events and Initiatives Several upcoming events were announced, including the final Sidewalk Sounds concert, a proposed free Thanksgiving meal at St. Stephen's Church (pending budget approval), a Halloween costume parade on October 31st, and the "Beautiful Alleys" cleanup on September 27th. A "Truth and Reconciliation Day" ceremonial presentation is scheduled for September 30th at 4:00 PM by Redstone Pizza, with plans to involve local schools
• Motion to accept the Thanksgiving proposal- pending approval by email

Motion: Alanna P, 2nd Jim F
 

• New Business and Membership Updates New businesses joining the area include Family Tech (a cell phone/computer supply store), a Vietnamese bubble tea shop, and Joe Dogs, which is undergoing extensive renovations.. It was clarified that 564, previously a restaurant, is now rented by a youth group for community activities rather than a commercial business

 

• Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Staffing Proposal The AGM is scheduled for October 16th at the library, where the budget will be presented.  Working on a pre-approval.

 

• A proposal was discussed to hire a full-time person to support Doris CONCESSION BIA ED for the next year, which would involve a significant budget increase, with efforts to moderate costs and seek external support. The board also unanimously approved the holiday parking initiative for a full month of free parking. It was noted that the AGM is late in the year due to delays in receiving audit results from KPMG, which are managed by the city

 

• Suggested next steps

Doris CONCESSION BIA ED will double check the marketing numbers.
The group will approve the Thanksgiving proposal by email after the budget is confirmed.
The group will be prepared for emails regarding budget proposals ahead of the AGM.
 
Meeting adjourned: 9:42 A.m.