2026 - June: Blenheim BIA Board Meeting Minutes
Date: June 3, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Attendance
Present:
Tinna Doyon, Michael Russelo, Kim Wakem, Lisa Lucio, Karyn Roesch, Peter Laurie, Anthony Ceccacci, Jackie Patterson, Sam May, John Ceccacci, Sarah Jeffords
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM. The agenda was reviewed and approved.
2. Cherry Fest 2026 Volunteer Update
Jackie Patterson advised that the Cherry Fest volunteer sign-up sheet was emailed to all BIA members on June 3, 2026. The volunteer registration page on the BIA website is now live, and Andrew Thompsett will be coordinating social media promotion efforts.
Jackie will provide weekly updates regarding volunteer positions filled and outstanding volunteer needs.
Discussion took place regarding event signage and wayfinding improvements. Kim Wakem, Michael Russelo, and Peter Laurie identified several signage needs, including:
Public washroom signs
Food donation box signage
Cherry Central booth signage
Teardrop parking flags at Sobeys to improve visitor wayfinding
Peter Laurie will investigate options and pricing.
Michael Russelo requested a drone image of the downtown core to assist with the World's Greatest Fair display. Andrew Thompsett will provide the requested image.
Sarah Jeffords discussed moving the Ellen Street stage further back to improve accessibility and better accommodate museum activities. She has proactively spoken with the Fire Chief and as long as there is NO blockage of Ellen street in any capacity they are okay with it.
Michael Russelo raised concerns regarding:
Generator placement
Band equipment staging
Vehicle access in and out of the stage area
Jackie Patterson will follow up with Fred Naclerio regarding the potential use of six parking spaces at the former medical building to assist with event operations.
John Ceccacci noted that the portable sign that is used for the Blenheim Car Show will be needing verbiage for Cherry Fest, as we share that cost in rental. Jackie has been given the contact information for that and has reached out to confirm same wording is used as last year.
Cherry Fest Expenses Discussed
Current and anticipated expenses include:
Portable sanitation units through Mario Naclerio – approximately $3,300 (exact figure to be confirmed by Peter Laurie)
Shuttle bus service between Sobeys and Downtown Blenheim – $4,147.84
Event MC (Corey North) – $1,915
3. Beautification Update
The Board received an update regarding downtown beautification efforts.
Several flower basket brackets have become loose, and one bracket has fallen.
Peter Laurie will investigate and coordinate repairs and replacements as required.
Hanging baskets are expected to be installed by the end of the week.
The Board acknowledged and thanked all volunteers and partners involved in the beautification program.
4. Board Leadership Announcement
Discussion took place regarding the previously announced leadership transition.
Anthony Ceccacci raised concerns regarding quorum and governance requirements following recent Board leadership changes.
Peter Laurie and Jackie Patterson advised that they are reconfirming the transition plan with:
Judy Shantz, CMO
Director, Municipal Governance/Clerk
Confirmation is being sought to ensure the proposed leadership arrangement remains compliant and can continue through till the 2027 election cycle.
5. Strategic Plan & SOP Binder
No concerns, comments, amendments, or additional direction were received from Board members.
The project remains on hold until after Cherry Fest.
6. Charitable Fundraising Discussion
Jackie Patterson advised that legal and compliance inquiries will be been submitted to Matt Torrance regarding the proposed charitable fundraising initiative and the BIA's role in receiving and administering donated funds.
A response is pending and will be circulated to the Board upon receipt.
No further action was taken at this time.
7. Open Floor / Other Business
The Board formally thanked Michael Russelo for his years of service, dedication, and leadership to the Blenheim BIA.
As a token of appreciation, Michael was presented with:
A floral arrangement
A custom gift created by Andrew Thompsett
Additional Financial Matters Discussed
The following upcoming obligations were noted:
Annual storage unit rental: approximately $2,200
Storage contains BIA banners, Christmas decorations, barriers, and event supplies.
Baker Tilly audits for 2024 and 2025:
Approximately $9,000
The Board acknowledged these upcoming expenditures and the need to ensure appropriate budgeting.
Upcoming Meetings
The Board agreed to cancel the regularly scheduled July and August meetings due to summer scheduling and Cherry Fest commitments.
Next Meeting:
September 2, 2026
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Time: TBD
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned following completion of business at 6:25pm
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Patterson
Secretary
Blenheim BIA
