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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS Minutes - 2021-12-06 Finance and Corporate Services Committee Minutes December 6, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Electronic Meeting Present: Councillor S. Davey Mayor B. Vrbanovic Councillor B. Ioannidis Councillor C. Michaud Councillor D. Schnider Councillor D. Chapman Councillor J. Gazzola Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock Councillor M. Johnston Councillor P. Singh Councillor S. Marsh Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy Chief Administrator V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services B. Rowland, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing D. Murray, Director, Technology Innovation & Services S. Bianchi, Manager, Digital Transformation & Strategy C. Zinn, , Lab Director and Tech Strategist C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development E. Robson, Manager, Arts & Creative Industries K. Varin, Program Assistant, Arts and Creative Industries V. Askraba, Economic Development Analyst S. Goldrup, Committee Administrator D. Mange, Committee Administrator _____________________________________________________________________ 1 1. Consent Items 1.1 None. 2. Discussion Items 2.1 COR-2021-28 - Digital Kitchener and Innovation Lab Update The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report COR-2021-28 dated October 25, 2021, regarding receipt of the Digital Kitchener and Innovation Lab update. Dan Murray was in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. D. Murray presented to the Committee to provide an update on Digitial Kitchener's staff's efforts in responding to the City's response to the pandemic for remote work, virtual meetings, events, tools, and services. D. Murray further spoke to new technology projects and technology exploration. In response to questions from the Committee, staff discussed the mapping of sidewalks and trails, location agreement, staffing costs, electronic meter reading, as well as procurement and purchasing innovations. Staff further described the implementation of electronic meter readings, the procurement process, pitch events, and future changes to the Procurement By-law to increase flexibility. D. Murray confirmed future updates would be provided to the Committee. On motion by Councillor S. Marsh it was resolved: "That Corporate Services Department report COR-2021-28 - Digital Kitchener and Innovation Lab Update be received for information." Carried 2.2 DSD-2021-167 - Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts Interim Operating Model The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2021- 167, dated November 15, 2021, authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute a two-year lease agreement with the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts. E. Robson presented to the Committee regarding the proposed interim operating model for the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts to support the local 2 performing arts community and increase the use of the facility. E. Robson reviewed the facility's history and how the short and long-term goals are implemented through the interim and future operating models. Further, E. Robson spoke to the continued relationship with the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, the proposed grant program to support the use of the facility, and consideration for future initiatives. The Committee heard independent delegations from Brenden Sherratt, K-W Musical Productions, and Matt White, Green Light Arts, supporting the staff report and recommendation. B. Sherratt discussed the cost considerations of the performing arts spaces in the Region, and the need for affordable performance and rehearsal spaces. In response to questions from the Committee, B. Sherratt discussed grants, funding support, estimated booking frequency, and administrative and operational considerations. M. White spoke to performing arts spaces in Kitchener, space bookings, benefit to downtown businesses and the arts and culture community. In response to the Committee's questions, M. White spoke to the potential for pilot testing, the program's future, consideration of University or School Board spaces, and collaboration between the performing arts spaces and organizations. In response to the Committee's questions, E. Robson confirmed the capacity and bookings, funding considerations, and willingness and collaboration to facilitate the initiative. Further, E. Robson confirmed that the Committee would provide a future update on booking rates, benefitting organizations, and future facility operations. On motion by Mayor B. Vrbanovic it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a two-year lease agreement with the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, with terms and conditions generally consistent with the current lease agreement, said agreement to be satisfactory to the City Solicitor, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2021-167; and That the proposed grant program to support access to the Conrad Centre for Performing Arts, as outlined in Appendix A of Development Services Department report DSD-2021-167 be approved with an annual budget in 2022 of $80,000; and 3 That the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and General Managers be authorized to execute agreements with recipients pertaining to the proposed grant program; and further, That staff develop a scope of work and Terms of Reference for the development of a long-term model for the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts." Carried 2.3 DSD-2021-172 - Partnership with Textile Magazine for the 2022 Artist in Residence Appointment The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2021- 172, dated November 25, 2021, regarding receipt of the Partnership with Textile Magazine for the 2022 Artist in Residence appointment. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock it was resolved: "That Development Services Department report DSD-2021-172, regarding the Partnership with Textile Magazine for the 2022 Artist in Residence Appointment, be received for information." Carried 2.4 DSD-2021-230 - My Main Street Accelerator Program - Agreement with The Canadian Urban Institute and Economic Development Council of Ontario and the City of Kitchener The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2021- 230, dated November 17, 2021, authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to sign a funding agreement with the Economic Development Council of Ontario for delivery of the Local Business Accelerator Program, and authorizing the General Manager, Development Services to execute any amendments to the funding agreement. V. Askraba presented to the Committee regarding the proposed My Main Street Accelerator Program, the ambassador goals and objectives, funding sources, and available grants. 4 In response to questions from the Committee, staff spoke to the hiring process, ambassador deliverables, grants available to Kitchener businesses and landlords, the selection criteria, and program areas. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a funding agreement, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with the Economic Development Council of Ontario to deliver the Local Business Accelerator program, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD- 2021-230; and further, That the General Manager, Development Services, be authorized to execute, on behalf of the City of Kitchener, any amendments to the funding agreement provided such amendments are to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." Carried 3. Information Items 3.1 FIN-2021-64 - September 2021 Variance Report 4. Adjournment On motion, this meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m. 5