2025 - December: Blenheim BIA Meeting Minutes

Written By Andrew Tompsett

Date:

Dec 3, 2025

Location:

Blenheim Funeral Home

Time:

5:30PM-7:30PM

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by President Michael Russelo at 5:30PM.

2. Roll Call / Attendance

Present:

  • Jackie Patterson

  • Michael (Mike) Russelo (President)

  • Peter Laurie (Treasurer)

  • Andrew Thompset

  • Anthony Ceccacci

  • Dave Taylor

  • Nancy

  • Sam

  • Marc

  • Kim

  • Sarah

A quorum was confirmed.

3. Election of Secretary

A nomination was brought forward for Jackie Patterson to serve as Secretary of the Blenheim BIA.

  • Call for additional nominations: None brought forward.

  • Motion: To approve Jackie Patterson as Secretary.

  • Moved by: Andrew Thompset

  • Seconded by: Peter Laurie

  • Vote: Carried

  • Result: Jackie Patterson elected as Secretary.
    The result was formally announced.

4. Municipal Relationships, Tourism, and 2026 Direction

A discussion was held regarding the relationship between the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK), Tourism, and Economic Development, with a focus on future BIA direction for 2026.

  • Pete expressed concerns regarding tourism initiatives and Blenheim’s lack of inclusion.

  • Dave Taylor noted that the CK CAO attended briefly to listen to concerns.

  • The group agreed on the importance of repairing and strengthening the relationship between the Blenheim BIA and CK Economic Development to address perceived animosity.

  • It was acknowledged that CK Economic Development has been strong in supporting new start-ups, but that longer-established businesses require improved ongoing support.

  • It was noted that Tourism should be utilized more strategically. Concerns were raised that the winning media team was Toronto-based and lacked local knowledge, emphasizing the need for clearer collaboration and messaging between CK Tourism and Economic Development.

Boundary Discussion:

  • The potential extension of Blenheim BIA boundaries was discussed, with a recommendation to research:

    • Who is currently being charged BIA fees

    • How far those charges extend beyond advertised boundaries

    • A cost cap on any potential expansion

  • An example cited was Aug Polowick being charged for his strip mall.

Additional Commentary:

  • Mike advised against comparing Blenheim to very small communities.

  • Dave noted that standardization is required across all CK communities due to municipal governance.

  • Anthony emphasized that service levels must remain fair and consistent with Economic Development outputs.

  • Andrew supported continued collaboration with Economic Development on community planning concerns.

  • Dave committed to providing a clearer scope of service levels for Economic Development and Tourism.

  • Mike recommended attending a Cherry Fest meeting to assist with advertising preparation.

  • Dave suggested follow-up discussions with a formal revisit in 2026.

  • Mike expressed disappointment regarding a missed CK Special Events Grant that was not communicated to the BIA.

5. Events and Community Initiatives

  • Jackie Patterson proposed a potential new 2026 event: Home for the Holidays – Downtown, as an alternative to the John Street format.

  • Cherry Fest Leadership:

    • Mike indicated his desire to step down as Cherry Fest Lead.

    • Kim volunteered to step into a Co-Chair role for this year.

    • Mike confirmed that event logistics are manageable, with events administered through the BIA and insurance handled through the Municipality of Chatham-Kent legal department.

6. Goodwill and Community Engagement

  • Mike shared concerns regarding declining membership in several service groups and the importance of maintaining Blenheim as a vibrant community.

  • Rotary and Optimist Clubs were noted as particularly impacted.

  • A proposal was made to encourage collaboration among community groups to share volunteers and reduce the burden on individual organizers.

Motion: To explore interest and collaboration opportunities with local non-profit and service organizations.
Status: Motion passed.

Organizations identified for outreach:

  • Blenheim Youth Centre (BYC)

  • Blenheim Senior Centre

  • Blenheim BIA

  • Rotary Club

  • Optimist Club

  • Fire Fighters

  • Curling Club

  • Legion

  • Local Churches

  • Scots Canada

  • Shriners

7. Downtown Look & Feel and 2026 Budget Preparation

  • It was noted that all CK businesses now contribute approximately $40 annually toward beautification through municipal taxes.

  • Cherry Fest Budget:

    • Motion: To allocate $15,000 for Cherry Fest.

    • Status: Motion passed.

  • Mike suggested exploring a multi-year commitment model for community trust and funding stability.

  • Kim brought forward a motion to explore increased cherry-themed requirements for vendors or to require cherry-themed products within vendor tents.

8. Next Steps and Assignments

  • Jackie Patterson: To confirm whether Aug Polowick pays BIA dues.

  • Anthony Ceccacci: To locate the updated BIA boundary map from Bruce and forward it to Mike.

  • Mike: To finalize plans for the January AGM.

AGM Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, January 21

  • Time: Evening

  • Potential Locations:

    • Bowling Alley

    • Boathouse

    • Willow Ridge

9. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30PM

Submitted by: Jackie Patterson, Secretary, Blenheim BIA

Andrew Tompsett
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2026 - January: Blenheim BIA Meeting Minutes