Current president Rob Paterson is among nine incumbents who have been re-elected to the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association’s board of directors.
There were 18 nominees vying for 15 director’s seats on the 2015 board.
Of the 10 incumbents seeking re-election at Monday’s Annual General Meeting, nine were returned to the board: Steve Bednash (Shop Cloverdale), Norma Brown (Lucas Place Mall), Tricia Ellingsen (Tricia’s Gems), Yvonne Hogenes (Malary’s Fashion Network), Janet Howell (Vera’s Burgers), Jim Mason (Mason’s Cloverdale Home Furnishings), Dean Moore (Michaud’s Hair Salon and Spa), and Frank Redekop (Royal Canadian Legion Branch 6 Cloverdale).
The six new directors are: Kent Archibald (Firearm Training Centre), Panna Karia (Annik Optical), Freda Mattern (Ye Olde Piggy Bank), Shayle Melin (Mainroad Group), Ken Valli (CIBC) and James Uswak (Cloverdale House of Hair).
The April 6 meeting was called to approve a revised 2015 budget and to hold a re-election of officers.
The City of Surrey had deemed there was insufficient detail provided to the association’s membership on this year’s budget, as presented at the July 9, 2014 AGM.
The revised 2015 budget approved this week shows a new strategic direction for the Cloverdale BIA, which has opted to cancel two signature events – the Cloverdale Blueberry Festival and the Halloween Costume Parade, due to financial constraints.
The Cloverdale BIA board will be calling an extraordinary general meeting in a few months to unveil new bylaws and constitution.
Paterson, current president, told members the overhaul will allow the organization to operate more smoothly.
“We have started down the road of modernizing the organization and becoming more transparent with our efforts and expenditures,” he said.
As the Cloverdale BIA embarked on its renewal process late last year, the association heard from member businesses – particularly those south of Highway 10 – who cited a need for more beautification projects and crime prevention initiatives, Paterson said.
“They’re contributing a lot of money but they weren’t seeing projects,” Cloverdale BIA executive director Paul Orazietti added.
The Cloverdale BIA is funded through a self-imposed tax levy on property owners and businesses in the historic town centre. That tax levy makes up the $170,000 operating grant from the city.
The BIA also receives an estimated $60,000 in income from sponsorships and grants, adding up to a current operating budget of about $230,000.
The Cloverdale BIA began its fifth, five-year term in March, after members voted to support its renewal.
The purpose of a BIA is to assist local property owners to improve and promote the business area.
According to a five-year plan approved at Monday’s meeting, the Cloverdale BIA will focus on attracting more businesses security and crime prevention, landscaping projects and gateway signage welcoming visitors to the historic town centre, add more heritage and public art projects, and work for better transit services.
The Cloverdale BIA is currently working with the City of Surrey on a number of beautification initiatives, notably a primary tourism gateway sign at the corner of Highway 15 and Highway 10, plus smaller gateway signs, along with landscaping.
The 2015 budget breakdown:
- The Cloverdale BIA’s 2015 budget sets aside $36,800 for beautification, which includes hanging baskets along 176 Street, the downtown clean up team, a landscaping feature at Highway 10 and 180 Street, and primary gateway welcome signage at Highway 10 and Highway 15.
- The board has cancelled two popular events this year – Cloverdale Blueberry Festival and Halloween Costume Parade but plans to spend $42,000 on promotions and special events, with $15,000 earmarked for Rodeo Days events (Brickyard Days, Bed Races, Chili Cook off and Rodeo Parade), and $20,000 for Christmas promotions.
- The revised budget also sets out more money and resources for business recruitment, and sets aside additional funds for communications projects and safety and security.
- Executive director Paul Orazietti said the BIA is spending $7,000 to set up a mobile HD camera program to deter crime and enhance security for member businesses. Another $1,500 will pay for graffiti removal and clean-up.
- The budget allocates $3,500 each for the communications and the economic development committees.
- And $110,000 will cover administration and office expenses.
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