1. Call to Order
Chair Vicky Downes called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m

2. Adoption of Agenda
Moved by Bette Anne James that the agenda be adopted as amended.
APPROVED

3. Conflict of Interest
No conflicts were declared at this time.

4. Previous Minutes
The Committee reviewed the minutes of December 9th, 2020 and
January 7th, 2021

5. Presentations
Staff advised we received a notice from CIB National, they are doing a
virtual judging this year again, staff will circulate the memo to CIB for review, as we may not register for this year. Sustaining our bloom rating is valuable. Staff will get feedback for the next meeting and bring answers regarding what happens if we don't apply.

6. Announcements
Rene Bertschi resignation:
Rene Bertschi has resigned from CIB but offered his assistance with the video and picture taking with CIB.

7. Correspondence
None

8. Business
8.1 Budget details:
Staff discussed the financial budget with the committee.
Staff will also circulate the budget summary to the committee.

8.2 Rene’s Bertschi resignation and discussion about replacement:
Councillor Cheropita moved to replace the 2 vacancies on the CIB Committee,

APPROVED.

8.3 Community Garden Update:
Completion of the expansion of the garden estimated for the beginning of May. Seeds have been ordered for the gardens. Plants may also be available. All of last years volunteers are returning and we have some new volunteers, as well as, a library student is possibly assisting, there was also an inquiry from a brain injury rehabilitation centre to see if there is an opportunity for them to assist with the gardens.

Moved by Vicky Downes that CIB be in contact with Seaway Farms and Ravine Vineyard who have been the founding partners and ask them for continued support in 2021.

APPROVED.

Moved by Vicky Downes that CIB purchase $100.00 work of wire to protect the garden from animals.

APPROVED.

Future consideration for CIB is to have a raised garden bed.
The donation sign was discussed, and to replace the current sign in the bed. Staff advised that they will come back to the next meeting with ideas.

The Environmental Committee's Chair- Councillor Norm Arsenault spoke to Vicky to see about coordination about individual garden plots. Staff advised that this idea was presented a few years ago, staff will locate the information and pass along, Staff's concern is maintenance of the beds and on-going use of land. CIB doesn't have the staffing resources. Discussion took place about Pleasant Manor. This will be deferred to the next meeting.

8.4 Grant Applications from CIB: Scott’s Gro for Good Grant & Winter Display Award:

Scott's Gro for Good Grant, staff have applied.
Winter Display Awards, if we participate , the application come up in August, staff will apply.

8.5 Garden of the week plans:
CIB will go virtual for the garden of the week this summer, discussion will take place regarding the criteria, who can enter, topics, judging and prizes. Staff will set up a meeting with the communication team. Discussion of a weekly garden tip from staff or community members was also noted.

8.6 Active projects:
Witness Trees:
The committee updated the name to Niagara-n-the-Lake Witness Trees, a press release was sent out via the Town's social media. Local newspapers have reached out for information.

The committee will reach out to organizations to get feedback on the program. Discussion took place about when this program will be available for submissions. Staff suggested we can take rolling intakes but the information would be inputted once or twice a year. The working group
will bring back information to the committee for comment.

Chatauqua Tree project
Adopt-a-Park

Voices of Freedom Park:
Staff advised that the North star locator was installed in January at the Park.

Garden of the week suggestions
Hydro Box paintings
One Mile Creek Tree Planting
Tulip project
Virgil streetscape enhancement

Queen and Mississauga Street update:
Staff updated the committee that the REFI process was completed. Sefarin was the successful landscape architect. The proposed project schedule was sent out, by the end of March we should have working drawings, end of Sept we are hopeful for the contractor to start, Spring of 2022 will plants will be planted. Mid to late February for initial concepts and input. Input will be asked for by CIB.

CIB Book

9. New Business
9.1 Memory for Diane Hemmings:
The Horticultural Society wrote a letter for Diane and CIB, Bette Ann will send it out to the committee. CIB discussed a memorial tree for Diane at the Museum, staff will reach out to the museum and get back to the committee.

9.2 Annual CIB book, update:
Discussion about the Community Profile book is an element when the judges come to visit.

It has not been updated as the judges haven't been back. Staff will share the document with CIB. It can be elevated in future judging.

10. Next Meeting Date
April 14th, 2021 @ 2pm

11. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00pm.

MEDIA: