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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2010-04-26COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 26. 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, commencing at 3:20 p. m. Present: Councillor G. Lorentz -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors C. Weylie, J. Gazzola, J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic and K. Galloway 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 M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs J. Witmer, Director of Operations L. Palubeski, Manager, Program & Resource Services C. York, Arts & Culture Co-ordinator D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION - A COMMUNITY FIT FOR CHILDREN -EDITION 2 Ms. Palubaski introduced Ms. A. Romagnoli of the YWCA, who presented Edition 2 of A Community Fit For Children. She advised that the purpose of this report is to provide "One Stop Shopping" for the community as to how children in the Region of Waterloo, between the ages of 0 to 6 years of age are doing. She advised that the statistics are based on the 2006 census, which are quite different from the statistics we have today, given the economic downturn. When questioned by the Committee, Ms. Romagnoli advised that even though the statistics are out of date, the editions, collectively, will give information on trends. She also advised that these reports are used by many groups and organizations including the province and school boards. CSD-10-025 - KINGSDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE PUBLIC ART The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-025, dated March 30, 2010, recommending the sculpture for the Kingsdale Community Centre. Ms. York presented this report. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - itwas resolved: "That the commission and installation of a sculpture by Gordon Wright, at the Kingsdale Community Centre, as described in Community Services Department report CSD-10- 025, be approved; and further, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorised to sign an agreement with Gordon Wright, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, detailing the obligations of the public art commission." CSD-10-029 -LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN UPDATE Ms. Houston presented the Committee with Community Services Department report CSD-10- 029, dated April 12, 2010, providing an update to the Leisure Facilities Master Plan. She advised that the comprehensive fee review will be undertaken in conjunction with the City of Waterloo. Councillor Galloway questioned whether further phases of the Huron Natural Area are pending. Staff advised that further phases are subject to funding and work planning and there is no indication of further phases at this time. Councillor Galloway commented that she does not want the Huron Natural Area to be forgotten; and, directed that it be included in this Master Plan as pending; which was supported by Councillor Lorentz. Councillor Galloway then questioned the South Kitchener Complex and Ms. Houston advised that a master plan is being prepared and it should be finished by the end of this year. Ms. Houston responded to a question from the Committee concerning decommissioning of Queensmount Arena by advising that she will investigate and advise Committee members of the timing. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE CSD-10-022 -LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM UPDATE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-022, recommending the leaf collection areas and schedule for 2010. Mr. Witmer presented this report and advised that the leaf collection program in 2009 was very successful, largely because of the weather. In 2010, staff recommends that the program remain the same as it was last year, with the addition of 2 areas shown in red on the map. Lessons learned are: that an effective program is based on each person doing their job well; that adequate funding be made available for communications; and, that street sweeping take place after the leaf collection which is a service that citizens want. In response to questions, Mr. Wilmer advised that 9 leaf drop sites were available in 2009 and there were not as many issues with illegal dumping. A discussion took place over a sign that was installed by a citizen(s) stating the fines applicable for illegal dumping; which seemed to be very effective. In response to questions about costs as outlined in the report, Mr. Wilmer advised that the cost of leaf collection in 2009 was $419,000 which includes $47,000 in advertising costs. The figure of $568,000 includes the cost of street sweeping which is not normally considered part of leaf collection. He stated that Council and the neighbours advised that they are not willing to give up leaf collection, noting that older areas of the City have more trees. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That the map attached to Community Services Department report CSD-10-022 and the corresponding leaf collection schedule be approved as the 2010 Loose Leaf Collection program; and further, That Chapter 635 (Garbage) be amended to reflect the new areas where loose leaf collection is permitted." 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p. m. Dianne Gilchrist Committee Administrator