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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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