HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2010-05-10COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
The Community Services Committee met this date, commencing at 5:27 p. m.
Present: Councillor K. Galloway -Vice-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
J. Willmer, Interim General Manager of Development & Technical Services
R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development
R. Gosse, Director of Legislative Services & City Clerk
K. Baulk, Director of Enterprises
M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs
J. Witmer, Director of Operations
L. Gordon, Director of Supply Services
K. Kugler, Manager of Kitchener Memorial Auditorium and Arenas
D. Chapman, Manager of Special Events
L. Palubeski, Manager, Program & Resource Services
D. Ritz, Supervisor of Design & Development
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
CSD-10-035 -CEMETERIES FEES AND CHARGES
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-035, dated April
27, 2010 regarding revised cemeteries fees and charges.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
itwas resolved:
"That the changes to specific areas of the Cemetery fees and charges (tariffs) as
outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-10-035, be approved; and,
That the Manager of Cemeteries be authorized to forward the revised tariffs to the
Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services, Cemeteries Regulation Unit, for
approval; and further,
That additional revenues accrued from the premium associated with the new lots
created at Woodland Cemetery in Sections 2S, 2T, MJ and MC, be directed to pay
down the outstanding enterprise debt on the capital developments in Section G (Stoney
Ridge) at Williamsburg Cemetery."
CSD-10-034 - KITCHENER BLUES COMMUNITY INC.
- ONTARIO CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS FUND GRANT /LOAN
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-034, dated April
28, 2010 regarding a request for the City to act as a guarantor for a loan Kitchener Blues
Community Inc. received from the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF).
Ms. Liz Temple and Messrs. Rob Deyman and Hugh McCall, Kitchener Blues Community Inc.,
were in attendance to support of the staff recommendation. It was noted that since the
Festival does not have audited annual financial statements, OCAF has requested a guarantor
to secure the loan portion of the contribution. The delegations agreed to provide copies of
their 2008 and 2009 financial statements prior to the May 17, 2010 Council meeting.
On motion by Councillor J. Smola -
itwas resolved:
"That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Guarantor Agreement, subject to
the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with the Kitchener Blues Community Inc. and any
other parties to the transaction as required, such that the City will act as the guarantor
fora $20,000. Ontario Cultural Attraction Fund loan from the Ontario Ministry of Culture
to the Kitchener Blues Community Inc. for the purpose of operating the 2010 Kitchener
Blues Festival."
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
3. CSD-10-032 -YOUTH SERVICES STRATEGY
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-032, dated April
26, 2010 recommending approval of the Youth Services Strategy 2010 (YSS). In addition, the
Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from the Kitchener Youth Action Council
(KYAC), endorsing the strategic directions of the YSS.
Several representatives of KYAC attended in support of the six strategic directions contained
in the Strategy, noting that their implementation would be beneficial for the youth of this
community.
Ms. L. Palubeski reviewed the report, advising that when young people feel supported by their
community, they are more likely to establish long-term roots and make local choices regarding
their education, employment and future residence. She then reviewed the objectives and
framework of the YSS. She indicated that their goal was to develop a program and service
delivery model that would serve as a foundation for youth services staff in planning, resource
allocation, partnership development and program/service delivery. She noted that barriers to
participation were identified and taken into account by the project team when developing the
six strategic directions contained in the Strategy, being:
1. a "youth friendly" organizational commitment;
2. program and service delivery model - a partnership approach;
3. connecting with youth who are not currently engaged;
4. accessible, affordable, community-based programs;
5. youth-centred information, knowledge, resources and training; and,
6. communication and marketing strategies designed to reach youth.
Ms. Palubeski further advised that the proposed implementation plan is scheduled to begin this
year and extend over a 4-year period or until completion; however, it is subject to budget
availability, staff resources, community trends and partnership opportunities. She noted that
an annual review of the recommendations and actions would be undertaken to ensure the
objectives of the Strategy are being met.
In response to questions, Ms. Palubeski advised that Kitchener has historically serviced young
people through direct programs, committee participation, recreation, grants, etc.; however,
missing from this has been a strategic direction and focus. She stated that the Strategy's
implementation plan will guide how resources are allocated, partnership development is
pursued, and how programs and services are delivered. She added that consultations on this
issue were undertaken with approximately 1,000 youth through three surveys conducted in
2002, 2004 and 2007; however, one of the limitations identified with this was the absence of
input from a more diverse group of youth. Accordingly, the project team made a commitment
to build upon the data collected and implement a process to allow for participation by a broader
representation of youth. At the request of Councillor Gazzola, she agreed to circulate copies
of the background data that was used to develop the YSS.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if the local school boards have been involved with this
process and if consideration was given to mentoring when the Strategy was developed. Ms.
Palubeski advised that the school boards are anticipated to be involved in the development of
the communication strategy, as recommended in Strategic Direction #6. In addition, she
confirmed that mentorship opportunities were identified as a method that could be pursued to
engage youth. She commented that achieving the strategic directions will be closely aligned
with staffs' capacity to develop strong relationships, partnerships and communication links with
youth, other staff, volunteers and community partners.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
itwas resolved:
"That the Youth Services Strategy 2010, as attached to Community Services
Department report CSD-10-032, be approved; and further,
That the implementation of the Youth Services Strategy and actions be referred to the
corporate business planning and the annual capital and operating budget processes for
consideration."
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
CSD-10-030 -PARKS MASTER PLAN UPDATE
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-030, dated April
27, 2010 regarding the draft Parks Master Plan, prepared by the GSP Group Inc.
Messrs. Bill Green and Steve Wever, GSP Group Inc. and Mr. Fred Galloway, Galloway
Associates Inc., presented the draft Parks Master Plan, advising that it is intended to: provide
strategies and opportunities for the planning, conservation and management of the park
system; bridge the gap between community needs and expectations and the current operating
and development level standards for parks; and, create the framework for the allocation of
resources to continue to build a healthy and liveable community. It was noted that specific
initiatives and strategies are organized within the following six themes that emerged as
community priorities through research and consultation:
1. Conserving and Restoring City Natural Areas;
2. Strengthening and Expanding the Community Trails Network;
3. Completing the Vision for the Grand River Corridor;
4. Enhancing Active Parkland and Fostering Growth in Outdoor Sports;
5. Building and Renewing our Neighbourhood Parks; and,
6. Engaging and Activating the Community.
Mr. Wever reviewed the increased capital investments that will be needed over the next 10
years to meet the challenges identified within the Master Plan. Mr. Green noted that a public
review and comment period will occur throughout May 2010, with the final Master Plan
anticipated to be presented at the June 28, 2010 Council meeting.
Mayor C. Zehr requested clarification regarding the management and acquisition of natural
areas. Mr. Green advised that to date, the management of natural areas within the City has
been somewhat informal and constrained by lack of budget. He added that the acquisition of
additional natural areas provides the opportunity to increase the overall natural heritage
system area, improve linkages and add habitat diversity, and related benefits. He stated that
the Master Plan recommends identifying target natural areas to be reviewed for potential
acquisition, with consideration being given to management objectives and related operating
requirements. Mr. Green added that the City should strive to maximize the supply of available
parkland by acquisition through dedication from development, donations, accessing grants,
land trusts, conservation easements, land exchange, partnerships, agreements and direct
purchase. He noted that where land acquired through dedication by development is
insufficient, the City should consider alternative methods of acquisition; such as, mandating
developer-build parks within the first two years of development, similar to other infrastructure
requirements.
In response to questions regarding the development of park infrastructure within the City's
central core, Mr. Green advised that to respond to evolving community needs, an ongoing park
rehabilitation program should be developed and continued over the long-term to meet the
basic capital maintenance and renewal requirements of neighbourhood parks in all areas. He
noted that park rehabilitation is a critical part of broader neighbourhood improvement
initiatives, redevelopment and intensification projects.
In response to further questions, Mr. Galloway advised that he would support the formation of
a "Foundation" to oversee the acquisition of parkland through such means as partnering with
the private sector. He noted that this approach has been successfully implemented in other
municipalities.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned why the section of the Master Plan pertaining to the Grand
River Corridor only seems to speak to the development of one riverside park. Mr. Galloway
advised that the vision for this area is more than just a singular site, and includes a series of
interconnected nodes along the Grand River.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
itwas resolved:
"That the draft Parks Master Plan, dated April 2010, be received for information; and
further,
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
CSD-10-030 -PARKS MASTER PLAN UPDATE (CONT'D)
That subject to the completion of the public review and comment period, the final Parks
Master Plan be presented at the June 28, 2010 Council meeting for final consideration."
5. CSD-10-033 -ARENA STAFFING
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-033, dated May
7, 2010 recommending an addition to the permanent full-time staff complement of a
Community Arena Supervisor position. Ms. K. Kugler reviewed the report.
On motion by Councillor C. Weylie -
itwas resolved:
"That a Community Arena Supervisor position be approved as an addition to the
permanent full-time staff complement."
6. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p. m.
Colin Goodeve
Committee Administrator