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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFin & Corp Svcs - 2010-09-27FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 27. 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 2:40 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 S. Turner, Acting General Manager, Corporate Services J. Willmer, Interim General Manager, Development & Technical Services P. Houston, General Manager, Community Services R. Gosse, Director, Legislated Services & City Clerk R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development S. Adams, Director, Community & Corporate Planning P. Harris, Manager of Licensing B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner P. Albrecht, Inclusion Coordinator J. Billett, Committee Administrator 1. CRPS-10-155 -REQUEST FOR MIDWAY - OKTOBERFEST -OCTOBER 8-10, 2010 The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-055, dated September 17, 2010 regarding a request to operate a midway during Oktoberfest festivities in the downtown. 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 - it was resolved: "That GTA Midways Inc. be granted permission to operate a Midway in downtown Kitchener during Oktoberfest, from October 8-10, 2010, subject to the following: Hours of operation; and, Date Start Close Friday, October 8 Noon 9:00 p.m. Saturday, October 9 9:00 a. m. 9:00 p. m. Sunday, October 10 9:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. That the music at the Midway be turned down at 8:00 p.m.; and further, That the required licence be obtained prior to operating the Midway." 2. CRPS-10-153 -ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION - RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (REEP) - ANNUAL REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT Councillor B. Vrbanovic declared a conflict of interest and abstained from all discussion and voting concerning this matter as he has contracted with Waterloo Region Green Solutions (WRGS) for an initial REEP home energy audit for which he is still eligible to complete a closing audit. Councillor J. Smola assumed the Chair. The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-153, dated September 17, 2010 concerning a recommendation from the Environmental Committee regarding an annual request for grant funding from WRGS in support of their REEP program. Ms. Mary Jane Patterson, Executive Director, WRGS, attended in support of the Environmental Committee's recommendation to allocate $27,500. in support of REEP, subject to the City's 2011 budget deliberations. Ms. Patterson advised that at a recent "Doors Open" event, a sneak preview of the REEP House was attended by 700 participants, all of whom had FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 27. 2010 - 134 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CRPS-10-153 -ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION - RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (REEP) - ANNUAL REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT (CONT'D) great interest in the energy saving elements of the house. She advised that in the past the City has contributed an annual grant of $25,000. which has been critical to the organization's ability to leverage funding from other sources. In 2011 WRGS is asking fora 10% increase in recognition of increased costs associated with the work being done under REEP, as well as project accomplishments to date. Ms. Patterson added that WRGS continues to work with the City's Engineering Division concerning development of a credit /grant program for individual homeowners regarding the new Storm Water Management Utility and in this regard, is helping to research best practices. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned statistics in REEP's annual report that reflect a greater number of follow-up audits than initial applications. Ms. Patterson stated that this is due in part to discontinuance on March 31, 2010 of Federal funding for the program; with the number of follow-ups attributed to those who had already applied for home energy audits prior to that date who are still eligible to continue through the audit process. Councillor Gazzola requested clarification as to how statistics are quantified and Ms. Patterson advised that WRGS relies on statistics derived by the Federal Green Communities Canada organization. Councillor Gazzola requested confirmation that Provincial funding is to continue until March 31, 2011 and questioned what will happen to WRGS once both Federal and Provincial funding cease. Ms. Patterson confirmed the deadline for Provincial funding and advised that WRGS plans to continue their mandate to provide education, and engage citizens, in home energy efficiency will continue through opening of the REEP House. Councillor Gazzola questioned how WRGS arrived at a 10% increase in City grant funding when they have not yet established their own 2011 budget. Ms. Patterson advised that the WRGS is still working with the Federal and Provincial governments to see what level of programming they may provide but have not yet received sufficient information on which to fully develop next year's budget. Councillor Gazzola referred to the group's Financial Statements for 2008-2009, noting that expenses increased by approximately 56%, with salaries /benefits being the highest contributing factor at approximately 45%. Ms. Patterson advised that salaries /benefits correlate to increased client fees, noting that at their peak a number of Certified Energy Advisors were added to meet client demand, the cost of which was off-set somewhat by Federal /Provincial action grants. She added that of 12 Advisors the organization now has only 8, 6 of whom are active and 2 are affiliates as needed; and in addition, other staffing positions have also decreased as demand has declined. Councillor J. Gazzola commented that he had no concerns with the organization and its activities; however, he could not support the requested increase as it was his opinion it would be premature in the absence of an established 2011 budget for WRGS and he was not prepared to support a 10% increase in any event. Councillor G. Lorentz pointed out that the recommendation provides for the increased allocation to be subject to the City's 2011 budget deliberations and in approving the recommendation will provide the organization with an indication of the City's willingness to continue support of their activities that they can use to leverage other sources of funding. He stated that this is an important environmental initiative for the community that the City could not accomplish on its own and encouraged Councillors and others to speak to officials at the Federal /Provincial levels in support of continued senior government funding. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That subject to consideration during the 2011 budget deliberations, $27,500. be allocated to the Waterloo Region Green Solutions, Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), as part of the Environmental Committee's 2011 operating budget." Councillor B. Vrbanovic then assumed the Chair. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 27. 2010 - 135 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-10-063 -MUNICIPAL RESPONSE TO THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO'S PROPOSED INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-063, dated September 21, 2010 requesting endorsement of a summary of response to the Province's "Proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation" under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Ms. P. Albrecht advised that the new draft regulation brings together three former standards, including the Information and Communication; Employment; and Transportation Standards; to align phase-in requirements and reduce burden on obligated organizations. The draft regulation includes an implementation timeframe, as well as information on compliance and enforcement; and the Province has asked for written responses to the draft regulation by October 16, 2010. Mayor C. Zehr questioned if a co-ordinated response from all municipalities in the Region of Waterloo is being compiled. Ms. Albrecht advised that a collective response will not be sent to the Province in this instance due to timing constraints; however, she pointed out that she had connected with colleagues within the Region and issues going forward are similar to those of the City of Kitchener. Councillor J. Gazzola requested clarification as to what has changed in this instance. Ms. Albrecht advised that in combining the 3 previously separate standards, timelines for compliance have been increased and some pieces of the individual standards have been deleted. She provided an example wherein the deadline to comply under the Information and Communication Standard was year-end 2011, under this draft regulation the timeline has increased to year-end 2015; and references to requirements for Candidates previously included in the Information and Communication Standard are no longer included in this draft regulation. Councillor Gazzola made note of reference in the draft regulation which suggests that in future the percentage of persons with disabilities is expected to rise to 20% of the population and questioned what the current percentage is. Ms. Albrecht advised that currently the percentage is approximately 14% of the population. Councillor Gazzola stated that he would expect a decrease in percentage overtime given modern advances in health care and questioned how the increased percentage is derived. Ms. Albrecht commented that this is based in part on those self-reporting of living with a disability and accounting for an aging population wherein a larger portion is expected to acquire some type of disability later in life. She added that it also stems from a growing understanding of what actually constitutes a disability under the governing legislation. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the summary of response to the Government of Ontario's Proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-10- 063, be endorsed; and further, That staff be directed to submit a formal written response to the province by its deadline of October 16, 2010." 4. CAO-10-034 -FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) -INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT -TANZANIA The Committee considered Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-10-034, dated September 22, 2010 requesting permission for Mr. R. Regier to participate as a Municipal Local Economic Development specialist in a volunteer capacity with FCM to help design a new country program for municipal economic development in Tanzania between January 2011 and July 2011. Ms. C. Ladd advised that FCM is embarking on a new form of municipal partnership, under it's "Municipal Partners for Economic Development (MPED)" program. FCM is approaching the program from the aspect of individual expertise in defined areas and Kitchener put forward a team of individuals with specified skills and knowledge base. Ms. Ladd advised that at this time, FCM is requesting the participation of Mr. Regier to help develop an economic FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 27. 2010 - 136 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CAO-10-034 -FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) -INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT -TANZANIA (CONT'D) development program in Tanzania and would require a 6 month commitment. Following, FCM will consider other participants for projects over the next 4 years of the program. Councillor J. Gazzola requested clarification as to any associated costs to the City. Ms. Ladd advised that FCM pays all direct costs for Mr. Regier's expenses and the only cost to the City is his time. Ms. Ladd added that Mr. Regier will initially travel on mission to Tanzania fora 2 week period, following which his time will be required in producing a written report and in meetings with FCM. Ms. Ladd estimated that the maximum time spent would equate to approximately 20 days in total. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Rod Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development, be authorized to participate as a Municipal Local Economic Development Specialist working in a volunteer capacity with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to help design a new country program for municipal economic development in Tanzania between January 2011 and July 2011." 5. DTS-10-170 -LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND (LEAF) UPDATE AND AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE LEGAL AGREEMENTS The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-10- 170, dated September 22, 2010 which provides an update on the status of projects and programs funded by LEAF and requests authorization to execute legal agreements with organizations granted funding from LEAF. Ms. B. Steiner advised that a previous resolution to authorize execution of legal agreements for 2010 grant recipients incorrectly stated "2009" and, therefore the Committee is being asked to pass a new recommendation to accommodate signing of this years' agreements. She further advised that outstanding issues concerning the feasibility of providing loans under LEAF to worthwhile projects and programs that meet program criteria; and final disposition of 2010 LEAF applications by the local YMCA and Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) relative to the issue of loans, will come forward in a subsequent report at the November 8, 2010 Committee meeting. Ms. Steiner then presented an overview of 2009 projects, advising that sixteen projects received LEAF funding totalling $1.16M and in 2010 six projects to date have received funding totalling $97,000. and a loan under LEAF was also approved for 2010 in the amount of $1.3M to the City's Consolidated Maintenance Facility (CMF) solar roof project. Mayor C. Zehr commented that when LEAF was first introduced as a concept it was unknown what the outcome of such a program might be and he was pleased with the uptake on projects applying for LEAF grants. He reminded that initially the term "transformational" was used and that many such changes having a positive impact to the environment can be seen throughout the community as a result of the LEAF grant program. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-10-170 (Local Environmental Action Fund [LEAF] Update & Authority to Execute Legal Agreements), updating the status of the projects and programs funded by LEAF, be received for information; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) legal agreements with the organizations granted monies from LEAF, all such legal agreements to be subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 27. 2010 - 137 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. NEWSPRINT FLYERS Mayor C. Zehr raised concerns conveyed by a constituent concerning improper handling of newsprint flyers by the delivery person delivering flyers to households. From time to time, flyers have been left free to blow around in the wind, littering neighbourhoods. Mayor Zehr questioned what legal authority, if any, the City has to control or monitor companies who produce and employ persons to deliver their flyers. Mr. S. Turner advised that he could not comment on legal authority at this time, but would have discussion with the City's Legal staff and report back on the matter. He added that staff would meet with the companies involved in the concerns raised by the constituent to ask that delivery persons be encouraged to take greater care in distributing their flyers. Mayor Zehr advised that he was satisfied with the course of action as proposed. Councillor G. Lorentz asked that care be taken in how this issue is dealt with given many small businesses rely on flyers to advertise their product and he would not be in favour of a ban on their publication. Mayor Zehr assured that the concerns relate only to the delivery side and there is no intent to suggest a publication ban on flyers. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. J. Billett Committee Administrator