2026 - September: Blenheim BIA Board Meeting Minutes

Written By Andrew Tompsett

Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Location: Blenheim Funeral Home

Meeting Called to Order: 5:38 PM

Meeting Adjourned: 6:42 PM

In Attendance

  • Karyn Roasch

  • Michael Russelo

  • Kim Wakem

  • Sam May

  • Tinna Doyle

  • Jim Patterson

  • Jackie Patterson

  • Anthony Ceccacci

  • Martha Nicholls

  • Abby Stoner

  • Peter Laurie

1. Call to Order & Welcome

The meeting was called to order at 5:38 PM. Members and guests were welcomed.

2. BIA Levy Resolution

An update was provided regarding the 2026 BIA levy. It was clarified that the approved BIA budget had been misinterpreted when submitted to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, resulting in the horticulture amount being included in the BIA levy despite horticulture being collected separately. The Municipality will be issuing a revised levy to correct the over-levy.

3. Executive Resignations

No formal action or vote was taken due to insufficient quorum.

4. Monthly Meeting Time

No vote or change to the regular meeting time was made due to insufficient quorum.

5. 2026 Budget Review & 2027 Budget Planning

Michael Russelo reviewed proposed budget changes and discussed the need to expand and further detail various financial line items to provide greater clarity when reviewing BIA spending and planning.

Items identified for future budget consideration included:

  • Planters: Existing downtown planters will require either replacement or sandblasting/refinishing. An appropriate amount should be incorporated into the budget.

  • 2027 Fundraising: Members were encouraged to begin considering fundraising ideas and opportunities for 2027.

  • Parking Lot Behind IDA: The BIA will investigate levy and fees related to that parking lot. Jackie Patterson will reach out to Amy for further information.

  • Flower Watering: Katie Uher and her husband will be required to assist with watering the downtown flowers. The associated cost should be incorporated into the horticulture budget.

  • Municipal Reporting: The updated Excel budget spreadsheet is to be provided to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

  • Financial Reporting: Budget and finance lines should be expanded to allow for clearer explanations and greater transparency regarding individual expenses.

October will be used as a more detailed 2027 Budget Planning Month, consistent with the budget planning item identified on the agenda.

6. Membership & Community Clarification

Clarification was given regarding the ownership of the property housing Mindful Market and Boatworks Social House, noting that Denise and Evan remain the owners, as well as recognition of Abby's success and best wishes regarding her future endeavours.

7. Open Discussion / Membership Floor

  • Fall Banners: The Royal Canadian Legion will install the fall banners in approximately mid-October and will also remove them. Once the fall banners are removed, the BIA will need to move quickly to install the Home for the Holidays Christmas banners to ensure a timely transition into the holiday season.

  • Fall Flowers & Horticulture: The fall mums are currently growing and are expected to be ready for the downtown flower changeover within the next few weeks.

Upcoming Local Business Events

Several upcoming business events and milestones were shared:

  • September 26: Little Change Room will host an FTJ Fit Event.

  • Crossroad Pellets is celebrating five years in business.

  • Karyn at Ford & McIntyre is also celebrating five years in business.

The BIA congratulates these businesses on their milestones and continued contribution to the downtown and broader Blenheim business community.

Downtown Music

Discussion took place regarding the downtown Windsor music system and the potential use of a wireless system.

If speakers are installed, consideration should be given to positioning them lower and closer to street level. This would help direct the music toward pedestrians and the downtown shopping area while minimizing disruption to residents who may be sleeping or resting in second-floor residential units.

8. October Meeting & Next Steps

The next Blenheim BIA meeting will be held: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 5:30 PM

Key items for the October meeting will include:

  • Detailed preparation and discussion of the 2027 BIA budget.

  • Further discussion regarding quorum and governance requirements.

  • Speaking with Chris from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for clarification regarding quorum, BIA by-laws and governance procedures.

  • Reviewing how Board attendance standards may appropriately be incorporated into the BIA's by-laws.

  • Following up on outstanding budget, horticulture, planter and parking matters.

9. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 PM.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

Andrew Tompsett
Next

2026 - June: Blenheim BIA Board Meeting Minutes