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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2010-04-12COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 12, 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, commencing at 3:00 p.m. Present: Councillor G. Lorentz -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors C. Weylie, J. Gazzola, J. Smola and B. Vrbanovic. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer T. Speck, General Manager of Corporate Services P. Houston, General Manager of Community Services D. Chapman, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer J. Willmer, Interim General Manager of Development & Technical Services R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development K. Baulk, Director of Enterprises M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs J. Witmer, Director of Operations M. May, Director of Corporate Communications G. Hastings, Manager of Golf Courses D. Ritz, Manager of Design & Development R. Willms, Supervisor, Administration W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect T. O'Brian, Landscape Architect C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. PRESENTATION -KITCHENER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY UPDATE Mr. Bruce MacNeil, Kitchener Horticultural Society provided an update on the Horticultural Society's operations of Rockway Gardens, highlighting the construction of a bridge, gazebo, stone arch and pergola as new garden features. He noted that the cost to construct these new features was funded through various donations. In addition, Mr. MacNeil spoke to the success of their "Seedy Saturday" events held at the Kitchener Public Library, which were attended by over 250 people. 2. CSD-10-027 -GOLF PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT Councillor J. Smola declared a pecuniary interest as his son is employed with Michael Martz Enterprises; and accordingly, he did not participate in any discussion or voting regarding this matter. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-027, dated March 30, 2010 regarding the renewal of the Golf Professional Contract with Michael Martz Enterprises. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Michael Martz Enterprises for the provision of Golf Professional Services and other related matters for the City of Kitchener golf courses, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-10-027." 3. CSD-10-023 - CHANDLER MOWAT NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION - 2008 FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-023, dated March 31, 2010 regarding the proposed use of the 2008 Festival of Neighbourhoods Capital Improvement Grant. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That the 2008 Festival of Neighbourhoods Capital Improvement Grant to the Chandler Mowat Neighbourhood Association be used for outdoor furnishings and community garden enhancements on the Chandler Mowat Community Centre property." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 12.2010 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4 CSD-10-020 -WALTER BEAN TRAIL BRIDGE OVER THE GRAND RIVER The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-020, dated April 8, 2010 regarding the construction of the Walter Bean Grand River Community Trail (WBGRT) pedestrian bridge. Mr. T. O'Brien reviewed the report and advised that the need for a pedestrian bridge over the Grand River in the vicinity of Doon Valley Golf Course was identified in the WBGRT Master Plan completed in May 1999. He stated that in 2002, a $1.2M donation was received by the WBGRT Foundation specifically for construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Grand River. He added that Council approved the bridge location recommended by the 2004 Environmental Assessment (EA) and 2005 EA Addendum Report, and directed staff to proceed with the detailed design phase. He noted that in January 2006, a project design team was formed and proceeded to prepare preliminary design work for the trail and bridge. He outlined that the pedestrian bridge will cross the Grand River at the Doon Valley Golf Course and will extend the WBGRT from the Pioneer Tower Community to the trail's limit in Kitchener at Highway 401. He commented that the bridge represents a critical link in completing construction of the WBGRT and a significant piece in realizing the vision of a continuous trail system along the Grand River, linking communities throughout Waterloo Region. Ms. Helen Jenkins, R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd. advised that based on site and design constraints, aesthetics and cost estimates, an `Arched Truss Bridge' was selected by the project team as the preferred design. Using photographic representations, she described the design of the `Arched Truss Bridge' and the building materials that would be used in its construction. She indicated that the bridge is to be fabricated of durable materials requiring low levels of maintenance over its expected lifespan of 75 to 100 years. In addition, the bridge will be outfitted with features allowing it to be closed at all times to vehicular traffic, and in the winter to avoid any disturbance to wintering bird species. She commented that the selected design meets all project requirements for durability, low maintenance and public safety. In response to questions, Ms. Jenkins advised that the design team incorporated materials recommended through public consultation, such as the bridge decking being made out of concrete to add stability and reduce noise. She stated that the bridge is anticipated to be built in summer 2010, and estimated that the cost of constructing it and the connecting trail would be within the project budget. Mr. O'Brien added that funds for construction of the bridge are presently held in an account by the City, which as of December 2009 had a balance of approximately $1.5M. Councillor J. Gazzola requested clarification whether the delay in this project coming forward was related to the concerns expressed by the area residents and if another site could have been selected which would not have required the trail to be closed during the winter months. Mr. O'Brien advised that the delay was not related to the area residents, noting that a representative from the Lower Doon Neighbourhood Association was a member of the project design team. He stated that given the complexities involved in this project, staff wanted to ensure proper due diligence was take prior to moving forward. In addition, consultations had to be carried out with Doon Valley Golf Course staff and their expansion project consulting architect, as well as with all relevant review and regulatory agencies. He further advised that given the expansion of the wintering bald eagle habitat, no other locations would have been suitable to allow the bridge to remain open all year. He noted that construction activity would not interfere with private property, planned winter closures, or golf course play and operations. At the request of Councillor Gazzola, Mr. O'Brien agreed to provide the Committee with copies of the comments submitted at the Public Information Sessions prior to the April 19, 2010 Council meeting. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - itwas resolved: "That in accordance with the May 17, 1999 Council resolution to construct and subsequently maintain sections of the Walter Bean Trail and trail access points within Kitchener, the final design for the Walter Bean Trail Pedestrian Bridge over the Grand River, be approved as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-10-020; and, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 12.2010 -12 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4 CSD-10-020 -WALTER BEAN TRAIL BRIDGE OVER THE GRAND RIVER (CONT'D) That staff proceed with inviting tendered bids for construction of the proposed pedestrian bridge and connecting Walter Bean Trail; and further, That a Trail Management Plan be implemented for the 2010 - 2011 winter season, including trail and bridge closure, as detailed in the Environmental Assessment (EA) Addendum Report 2005, with a report to be brought back to the Community Services Committee in spring 2011 summarizing the results of the trail monitoring and enforcement program, with recommendations for future winter closures of the trail and bridge." 5. CSD-10-026 -HERITAGE GREEN BLIND LAWN BOWLERS - TRAVEL ASSISTANCE GRANT The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-026, dated March 30, 2010 regarding a request from the Heritage Green Blind Lawn Bowlers for a Travel Assistance Grant to assist with costs associated with attending the Blind Bowls Association of Canada Nationals in Winnipeg, Manitoba (July 20 to 28, 2010). Ms. Vivian Berkeley, Heritage Green Blind Lawn Bowlers addressed the Committee in opposition to the staff recommendation and requested that a grant in the amount of $1,000. be approved to her group. She advised that a majority of their athletes are low income, which makes it difficult for them to participate in sports. She stated that athletes are undertaking fundraising toward the cost of travelling to Winnipeg, but still require approximately $4,000. She added that they would appreciate any funding that the City could provide, noting that there is hope that next year the Nationals could be held in Kitchener. I n response to questions, Ms. Berkeley advised that these athletes have travelled outside the country to sporting events in past years and have previously received funding for travel assistance from the City. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that while he understood the rationale of staff in recommending that funding not be approved, he was prepared to support a financial contribution given the previous grant provided to these athletes who have been strong proponents of the City. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That a Travel Assistance Grant in the amount of $1,000., be approved to the Heritage Green Blind Lawn Bowlers to assist with costs associated with attending the Blind Bowls Association of Canada Nationals in Winnipeg from July 20 to 28, 2010." 6. CSD-10-028 -DOWNTOWN EAST: YA GOTTA LUV IT PROJECT FINAL REPORT The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-028, dated March 30, 2010 providing an update on the final year of the original five-year plan for the "Downtown East: Ya Gotta Luv It" (DEYGLI) project. Ms. Sally Gunz and Ms. Jodi Murray, DEYGLI, presented the update and advised that this Project was developed to address negative perceptions about the east end of Kitchener's Downtown core. Ms. Gunz stated that DEYGLI ran from 2004 to 2009 and built on a long history in the Cedar Hill and adjacent neighbourhoods, where citizens worked in partnership with the City, the Waterloo Regional Police, local schools and other stakeholders to address issues related to community health, stability and safety. She highlighted a local story called a "The Tale of Two Brothers" which demonstrates the impact that drugs and prostitution has on community safety and the escalation of criminal activities. She noted the importance of continued monitoring to prevent this neighbourhood from regressing. Ms. Murray reviewed the evaluation she conducted of the DEYGLI project, stating that two key lessons learned include the model used for community work and the network weaving created from the Project. She commented that improvements in internal and external connections for the community and community service providers is one accomplishment of the DEYGLI project that provided COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 12.2010 -13 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-10-028 -DOWNTOWN EAST: YA GOTTA LUV IT PROJECT FINAL REPORT (CONT'D) momentum for solving issues that were not being addressed appropriately through traditional means. She added that this model is seen as effective when working on community issues that bring together police, neighbourhoods and other community service organizations to address issues. She noted that all four goals for the DEYGLI project have been met; however, some will require ongoing monitoring. In response to questions, Ms. Murray advised that a forum is being organized for community representatives, community service providers and other DEYGLI partners to discuss the evaluation results and determine the next steps for this Project. Mr. M. Hildebrand added that in 2010 DEYGLI received $15,000. in Tier 2 Community Grant funding and would continue to receive ongoing support from Community Services staff. Ms. Karen Taylor-Harrison addressed the Committee in support of the work carried out by DEYGLI over the past five years and thanked the City for its continued support of this Project. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted the impact that the DEYGLI project has had on this Downtown community and suggested that this report should be formally received. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That the Downtown East, Ya Gotta Luv It project (DEYGLI} final report, be received as information." 7. CSD-10-016 - DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY TRAILS The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-016, dated April 8, 2010 requesting direction to proceed with the preparation of site specific environmental mitigation plans, detailed design and construction of the Doon South Community Trails. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of correspondence from area residents expressing their concerns and support for the proposed community trails. Mr. W. Sleeth reviewed the report and advised that the Doon South Community Plan, approved in 1997, identified the primary community trails throughout this neighbourhood, including the trails along Doon South Creek. He stated that the Environmental Implementation Reports (EIR) and the Greenspace Management Plans prepared as a part of this Community Plan identified the preferred routes for community trails through the neighbourhood and within the context of the proposed subdivision development and environmental features of the community. He added that two public meetings were held in 2006, at which time the park and trail concepts were introduced, with another meeting in 2007 focusing specifically on trail development plans. He noted that in January 2010 a further public meeting was held where staff presented specific trail locations and alignments along Doon South Creek for public comment and review. He stated that response from the community has been mixed, with concerns being raised by residents with properties adjacent to the open space through which the trail will be located. Mayor C. Zehr reviewed concerns expressed by a resident on Knox Court and Mr. Sleeth advised that the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is responsible for granting approvals for trail construction adjacent to Doon South Creek and the subject wetlands. He confirmed that once constructed, City staff would maintain the trails. He stated that staff would try to minimize the number of trees removed as a result of the trails, adding that the GRCA would ensure that proper environmental screening has been put in place. Mr. Don Bourgeois addressed the Committee in support of the construction of the Doon South Community Trails. He advised that one of the major reasons why his family purchased in the Doon South subdivision in 1995 was the proposed trail system. He stated that at the time, the full system was not laid out; however, purchasers were well aware of the proposal for a community trail system. He added that trails are an integral part of the community, something COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 12.2010 -14 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-10-016 - DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY TRAILS (CONT'D) that residents support as outlined through the Environics and "Who Are You Kitchener" campaigns. He noted that he attended all of the Public Information Sessions, adding that all of the comments he heard seemed to be in support of the trails. He urged the Committee to approve the staff recommendation. Mr. Nathan Jamieson addressed the Committee in opposition to the construction of the Doon South Community Trails. He noted objections to the construction of the trail through the Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW) and the impact that this could have on its environmental features. He suggested that the EIR should be updated to reflect provincial policy changes and to ensure that the ecological integrity of the wetland is maintained. He questioned the need for the section of trail proposed from Doon Mills Road north along the rear of lot No's 51 through to 123 fronting Pine Valley Drive, given that a pedestrian connection exists along Pine Valley Drive by way of aCity-maintained sidewalk. He expressed concerns that any work at or near the base of the retaining wall located on his property could compromise its structural integrity. He noted that the retaining wall is on private property and was certified as being properly constructed as part of the Plan of Subdivision. He stated that he would like assurance, in writing, that the City would be responsible for all costs related to any damage and/or required remediation work to the wall and/or the area properties, during and after the construction of the proposed trail. Mr. Sleeth advised that it is a standard practice at the start of all City construction to undertake an examination of the pre-existing condition of a site. This documentation would then be used as a reference to determine what impact, if any, the construction activities had on the adjacent properties. He added that staff are currently working with an environmental consultant and the GRCA to address the environmental issues associated with constructing the proposed trails through the PSW. He commented that detailed environmental mitigation plans and construction details are required to meet the approval of GRCA prior to receiving a permit for trail construction. He noted that boardwalks along the trails would be designed to mitigate impacts to the satisfaction of applicable provincial policies. Councillor G. Lorentz called Messrs. Paul Askett and Paul Hughes forward as they had registered as delegations to speak to this issue, but were not in attendance. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - itwas resolved: "That in accordance with the February 11, 1997 Council resolution approving the Doon South Greenspace Management Plan Community Trail Network, staff be directed to proceed with the detailed design and construction of community trails as outlined on the Doon South Community Trails, Existing and Proposed Trails map attached to Community Services Department report CSD-10-016, ensuring that such construction meets all Provincial and Federal environmental regulations for trail construction in and adjacent to Provincially Significant Wetlands." 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator