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MINUTES

MARKHAM SANTA CLAUS PARADE COMMITTEE

ROTARY CLUB OF MARKHAM SUNRISE INC.

Ontario Room, Markham Civic Centre

September 8, 2010

__________________________________________________________

 

Attendance

 

Jim Sandiford, Rotary Club of Markham Sunrise Inc. - Chair

Andy Taylor, Commissioner Corporate Services

Joel Lustig, Treasurer

Morgan Jones, Supervisor, Operations

Peter Cusimano, Rotary Club of Markham Sunrise Inc.

Dennis Flaherty, Director, Communications & Community Relations

Alida Tari, Committee Coordinator

 

Regrets:

Bob Hincks, Supervisor, Operations

Bob Walter, District Manager, Operations

Enzo Greco, Public Program Supervisor

Councillor Caroline Moretti

Councillor John Webster

Olivia Bella, Event Management Assistant

Jon Styles, Supervisor Operations

Christine Matthews, Markham BIA, Event Co-ordinator & Community Liaison

 

 

 

 

 

 

The meeting convened at 3:07 PM with Jim Sandiford in the Chair. 

 

 

 

1.   MINUTES OF MEETING HELD MAY 27, 2010

     

Moved by Andy Taylor

Seconded by Peter Cusimano

 

      That the minutes of the Markham Santa Claus Parade Committee meeting held on

      June 23, 2010, be adopted. 

 

CARRIED

 

2.   ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

 

a)      Meeting with York Region Police

 

There was discussion with respect to setting up a meeting with York Region Police, Peter Cusimano, and a representative from Operations to discuss some minor improvements to the parade route.  It was noted that last year there were some problems at the beginning and end of the parade.

 

It was suggested that Olivia Bella arrange the meeting.

 

b)     Selection of Bands for Parade

 

There was no discussion.

 

c)      Santa Claus Float, Markham

 

Jim Sandiford requested that the Town assist in putting together the Santa Claus Float.  It was suggested that a picture of last year’s float be forwarded to the Town.

 

Dennis Flaherty, Director, Communications & Community Relations suggested that the Town of Markham float reflect diversity.

 

d)     Sponsorships

 

Jim confirmed that Powerstream has agreed to be a sponsor and provide $1500.00.  He indicated that discussions are on-going with Allstate.

 

There was discussion with respect to approaching Honda as a sponsor and Mr. Flaherty advised that he will contact the Honda representative. He also advised that he will approach the Honda representative to arrange for the use of 3 to 6 vehicles for the politicians.

 

Andy Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services suggested that someone in his department will follow up with obtaining sponsorship from Angus Glen

 

e)      Waivers for Parade Participants

 

            Jim advised that Joanne Olson has amended the waiver document.

 

Mr. Taylor suggested that Jim forward the document to him and he will have the Town’s Legal Department review it.

 

 

 

 

f)       Driver Training

 

Peter Cusimano advised that the driver training should be coordinated a week prior to the parade.  This is when all the information is provided to the participants.  The Committee agreed that the mandatory meeting will be scheduled for Monday November 22, 2010 at the Markham Civic Centre, Canada Room.

 

g)      Awards Ceremony

 

The Committee agreed that the awards ceremonies will be held at the first or second Council meeting in January 2011.

 

h)     Festival of Lights

 

Jim advised that the Festival of Lights celebration has been cancelled.  It was suggested that Jim contact Christine and confirm whether there will be any Christmas Tree lighting and report back at the October meeting.

 

i)        Volunteers

 

There was no discussion.

 

j)Grand Marshall

 

There were various names suggested to be the Grand Marshall.

 

Jim advised that he will follow up with respect to requesting Chief Armand La Barge to be the Grand Marshall and if he agrees he will then work with the Deputies to organize the ceremonial piece.

 

k)     Subcommittees

 

          There was no discussion

 

 

3.   OTHER BUSINESS

 

 

Banner

 

It was noted that if the Festival of Lights celebration is not taking place this year the entire banner for the Santa Claus Parade will need to be re-done because last years banner included both events.

 

It was confirmed that the theme banner should read “Christmas for Communities”.

 

 

Celebrity Elves

 

Peter advised that the purpose of celebrity elves is to raise money for the event.  He also advised that he will be meeting with Mr. Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development next week to discuss approaching some of the larger corporations within Markham to participate in the parade as celebrity elves.

 

Event Advertising

 

The following other forms of advertising were suggested:

 

Dennis confirmed that he will ensure the advertising at the arenas is taken care of.

 

4.   DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

The next meeting of the Markham Santa Claus Parade Committee is scheduled for Wednesday October 6, 2010 at 4:00 PM in the Ontario Room.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Chair thanked everyone for their ideas and the meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM.