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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFin & Corp Svcs - 2010-09-13FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 4:35 p. m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, G. Lorentz, J. Gazzola, K. Galloway and C. Weylie. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, General Manager, Financial Services T. Speck, General Manager, Corporate Services J. Willmer, Interim General Manager, Development & Technical Services P. Houston, General Manager, Community Services S. Adams, Director, Community & Corporate Planning S. Turner, Director, By-law Enforcement M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor P. Albrecht, Inclusion Coordinator J. Billett, Committee Administrator CRPS-10-140 -SET FINES FOR CHAPTER 508 (ALTERNATIVE MASSAGE CENTRES) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-140, dated August 24, 2010 concerning short form wording and set fines for offences under Chapter 508 (Alternative Massage Centres) of the Municipal Code. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - itwas resolved: "That the short form wording and suggested set fine amounts for the offences under Chapter 508 (Alternative Massage Centres) of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code, as set out in Schedule "A" attached to Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10- 140, be approved; and further, That the City Solicitor be authorized to submit this matter to the Regional Senior Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice for the establishment of set fines." CSD-10-059 -GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (GRAAC) - INTERIM COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-059, dated August 16, 2010 concerning interim appointments to the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - itwas resolved: "That the following persons, Mike Begin, Saul Herzog and Paula Saunders, be appointed to the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) on an interim basis to December 31, 2010, pending ratification by the partnering municipalities of the City of Waterloo, Region of Waterloo, Township of Woolwich, Township of North Dumfries and Township of Wellesley; and further, That the temporary provision allowing the GRAAC to operate with 7 to 11 members for 2010 be lifted and the Committee resume operation under its Terms of Reference, requiring 11 to 15 members." CRPS-10-150 -EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE - STANCE CONSTRUCTION INC - 500 FAIRWAY ROAD SOUTH - SEPTEMBER 14 TO OCTOBER 15, 2010 The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-150, dated September 7, 2010 concerning a noise exemption request for overnight construction work related to renovations taking place at a commercial plaza at 500 Fairway Road South. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 13. 2010 - 129 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CRPS-10-150 -EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE - STANCE CONSTRUCTION INC - 500 FAIRWAY ROAD SOUTH - SEPTEMBER 14 TO OCTOBER 15, 2010 (CONT'D) Mayor C. Zehr referred to a recent delegation to Council concerning problems associated with a noise exemption granted for construction in the area of the Highway 8 improvement project and requested clarification as to the location of the proposed work. Mr. S. Turner advised that the work is taking place at a commercial plaza at 500 Fairway Road and residential areas are located behind on Wilson Avenue and Balfour Crescent. He noted, however, that a community trail separates the residential area from the plaza and the contractor has agreed to post notice of overnight construction, as well as hand deliver notice to affected residents in advance of the scheduled work. Mr. Turner also pointed out that while the renovation work is to take place over a period of two weeks, the overnight work will take place on only 2 occasions. It was noted in the agenda that any recommendation from this Committee will be considered at the special Council meeting to be held later this date. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - itwas resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to Stahle Construction for some overnight construction work to be carried out at 500 Fairway Road South over 6-7 nights between September 14 and September 30, 2010, subject to the following conditions: 1. That the roof work be limited to 2 mornings during the approved time period, and such work shall not start before 4 a.m. on each of the 2 mornings; and further, 2. That the contractor shall give notice of the roof work, to the adjacent residential area, in advance of the 2 mornings when the work will be undertaken." PRESENTATION -SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL -FOLLOW-UP TO 2010 GRANT The Committee considered correspondence from Brad Ullner, President and Trudy Beaulne, Executive Director, Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo (SPCKW) advising that a presentation would be made this date to update on activities of the organization; together with various materials circulated this date for information of the Committee. Mr. Nathan Pike made presentation on behalf of the SPCKW, providing information concerning their service areas that the City's funding supports, including: community information services; community information development; and the Festival of Neighbourhoods. It was noted that development of a new website is in progress to provide enhanced outreach and the organization has taken on a co-ordinating role with respect to the Festival of Neighbourhoods. Additional services not funded by the City were noted, including: response to community requests related to City plans and policies; support of local social development processes; and social research. Mr. Pike commented that there is need for a community based engagement role as provided by the SPCKW and for development of Regional policy to define roles of local and regional government in support of community information centres. He stated that the organization would like to dialogue with the City concerning endorsement of their community information service and their role in community engagement as an independent advocate; as well as sustainable funding for these initiatives. Mr. Pike commented that a clearer understanding of the working relationship with the City is essential and should include recognition of the role of the SPCKW in dissemination of community information and in community engagement. Mayor Zehr questioned if the additional services referred to which are not funded by the City are services the City has requested the SPCKW to undertake. Mr. Pike advised that historically these services had been funded by the City; however, in 2009 Council determined an over-lap of services and reduced the SPCKW's grant funding by approximately $16,000. which would have been used for these services. He acknowledged, however, that the City has not directly requested these services from the SPCKW. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 13. 2010 - 130 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. PRESENTATION -SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL -FOLLOW-UP TO 2010 GRANT (CONT'D) Councillor K. Galloway questioned if the City were to fund the SPCKW's community engagement service if this would detract from it being a community based service, and make it more of a government based service. Mr. Pike suggested it would not as their role as an independent advocate is not based on the dollars received in support of their service but rather on the direction of the SPCKW in development of their services. Councillor Galloway commented that she would like to see collaboration between the SPCKW and the City in regard to defining outreach initiatives and the roles each would have in this regard. Councillor J. Gazzola requested clarification of the outcome of last year's grant approval for the SPCKW. Ms. P. Houston advised that the SPCKW originally requested approximately $76,000. and following an audit, it was determined that the funding request should be reduced by $17,000. She stated that a grant was approved for 2010 and 2011 in the amount of approximately $66,000 in each year and it has been specified by Council resolution as to how the funds are to be used. 5. PRESENTATION -GRAND RIVER CAR SHARE Councillor J. Smola assumed the Chair at this time The Committee considered correspondence from Jason Hammond, President, Grand River Car Share (GRCS), dated September 8, 2010 concerning a proposal to partner with the City in provision of dedicated parking at City facilities for use of vehicles owned and operated by the GRCS. Ms. Janet MacLeod, Operations Co-ordinator, GRCS, advised that GRCS has been in operation since 1998 and currently services the Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Hamilton. She stated that GRCS is asking the City to consider providing parking spaces for their vehicles at non-revenue generating City-owned facilities throughout the community. GRCS would provide and install appropriate signage to draw attention to the dedicated spaces, bringing awareness to their organization and helping to grow their membership. She advised that 50 locations are requested for consideration and pointed out that GRCS is not asking the City for financing but rather to leverage available space in existing City facilities. She noted that the City has supported the organization in a variety of ways including approving a line of credit that has been used since 2002; and funding through the Local Environmental Action Fund. Ms. MacLeod advised that the City of Waterloo has increased the number of available spaces by 8 over and above the original space provided. In addition, the Region of Waterloo has provided a space at their location and has entered into a Corporate membership that allows use of a GRCS vehicle by Regional employees. Ms. MacLeod added that GRCS would also like to pursue a similar arrangement to that of the Region with the City of Kitchener. Councillor J. Gazzola requested clarification of the proposed parking arrangements. Ms. MacLeod responded that free parking in 50 non-generating revenue City-owned locations, or as many as can be made available, is being requested. The GRCS currently has 6 locations in Kitchener and insurance for drivers and vehicles is covered under the organization's policy. She added that vehicle usage is consistently in the range of 50% in Kitchener locations and they operate a sustainable service through membership fees and use of the line of credit provided by the City. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that the number of locations specified this date is greater than what he had been apprised of in discussions with Mr. Hammond which was in the range of 30 spaces. Ms. MacLeod responded that the number given by Mr. Hammond should be the one to be relied on in respect to this proposal. Ms. MacLeod also confirmed that the cost of signs and their installation would be borne by the GRCS. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned if sites have already been identified. Ms. MacLeod responded that those identified in a list by Mr. Hammond are those requested to be considered. Councillor Lorentz questioned if the delegation was anticipating approval this date given the Committee was not in receipt of the proposed list of locations. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 13. 2010 - 131 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. PRESENTATION -GRAND RIVER CAR SHARE (CONT'D) Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the delegation is asking the City to consider their proposal with the intent to have a report from staff to come back with further details. He added that the list referred to included locations at various Community Centres and swimming pool facilities and the list had been forwarded to Community Services staff for their initial reaction as to the feasibility of the request and/or any concerns that may be associated with this proposal. Councillor K. Galloway questioned how parking would be enforced if dedicated spaces are approved at City facilities. Ms. MacLeod advised that to date the GRCS has not had significant issues with enforcement other than in respect to a space they pay for at the Charles Street lot. In this instance, the GRCS has contacted By-law Enforcement staff to address the matter. In regard to the remainder, she advised that persons generally respect the signage posted and the GRCS has an internal process to deal with any issues that may arise. Councillor Galloway inquired who is liable if anything should happen to a GRCS vehicle on City property and Ms. MacLeod advised that any vehicle damage would be covered by the organization's insurance policy. Mr. M. Hildebrand confirmed that the list of locations includes spaces at various Community Centres, swimming pools and the Budd Park facility. He added that while several, including the Downtown Community Centre, pose concern from an operational point of view there are others that could be accommodated without significant impact to the site. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he had received a copy of the City of Waterloo's legal agreement concerning release of liability, which he would provide to staff and suggested that it be reviewed to determine if a similar agreement would be satisfactory. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned how the spaces would be provided, noting that after 12 years of operation the GRCS has only 15 cars available. He asked if all spaces requested are to be dedicated at this time or if they will be designated as the GRCS has more vehicles become available. Mr. Hildebrand responded that the overall impact to the City's programming must be reviewed prior to designation of any spaces and expressed a preference to dedicate spaces at this time only for those locations that will be known to be used. Councillor J. Gazzola asked that additional information also be provided in respect to the Corporate membership entered into by the Region of Waterloo. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that the proposal is good from an environmental perspective and staff have indicated that parking spaces can be made available with minimal impact to operations. He noted changes made in regard to staff parking at City Hall and suggested that a similar partnership be explored to that of the Region, wherein a GRCS vehicle could be made available to City staff who infrequently require the use of a vehicle for business purposes. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That staff be directed to work with representatives of the Grand River Car Share (GRCS) to determine the number of parking spaces in non-revenue generating City facilities, such as Community Centres, that could potentially be made available as a designated parking space for use of the GRCS, and how such a partnership would work operationally between the City and the GRCS, to assist in growing their services of a car sharing co-operative; and, That staff investigate the potential for the City of Kitchener to become a Corporate partner of the GRCS, similar to that of the Region of Waterloo, wherein a GRCS vehicle could be made available to those City employees who use motor vehicles on an infrequent basis for City business; and further, That a report concerning these matters be brought forward for consideration to the September 27, 2010 Community Services Committee meeting." Councillor B. Vrbanovic assumed the Chair at this time. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p. m. J. Billett Committee Administrator