HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil - 2010-10-04 SSPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
OCTOBER 4, 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER
A special meeting of City Council was held at 5:05 p.m. this date, chaired by Mayor C. Zehr with all
members present except Councillor J. Smola.
Notice of this meeting had been previously given to all members of Council by the City Clerk pursuant
to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code.
Council considered Community Services Department report CSD-10-064 regarding the Special
Events Action Plan 2010-2013. Mr. K. Baulk, Director of Enterprise, provided a presentation advising
the proposed plan for the Special Events Unit is based on the strategic plan developed by the St.
Clements Group in 2008. The plan incorporates actions to be taken over the next 3 years based on 5
strategic themes: deliver festivals, events and celebrations; support urban vitality through activity;
formalize internal collaboration; build capacity with external partners; and, refine processes and
systems. Mr. Baulk further advised that staff is seeking Council's approval of the plan and following
that, recruitment of the Manager -Special Events will commence with the intent that the new manager
will develop an implementation work plan in early 2011.
Councillor C. Weylie asked if building capacities with external partners would include neighbourhood
associations and the Belmont Business Improvement Area Board (BIA). Mr. Baulk advised it would
however, staff would work in a consultative capacity not necessarily run any events for these groups.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic inquired if the Kitchener Downtown (KDBIA) has been part of the discussions
with respect to the plan. Mr. Baulk advised they have been part of the process. Councillor Vrbanovic
pointed out that the plan does not include the establishment of a separate entity to deal with festivals
in the City and there is no reference to fundraising. Mr. Baulk stated the issue of a festivals group
has not been addressed as discussions with the Prosperity Council are still on-going. In regard to
fundraising, Mr. Baulk explained that the City has not had very good success in the past which is why
it has not been included in the plan. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that having a fundraising
component as part of the action plan is important and should be pursued in order to reduce the
reliance on the tax base for funding events. Mayor C. Zehr agreed that fundraising and sponsorship
must form part of this or another corporate plan and should be dealt with soon. Mayor Zehr asked if
planned events were focused primarily for the City core suggesting that as the City grows, there
should be assurance that special events are planned throughout. Mr. Baulk advised that is the case
which is the focus of the strategic plan, however; this does not mean other areas of the City will be
ignored. Councillor G. Lorentz added that space can be an issue as events have moved away from
the City due to insufficient facilities or venues to hold certain events. Mr. Baulk agreed advising that
some events have become too large and that evaluating space needs and future resources will be a
core focus for staff.
Moved by Councillor G. Lorentz
Seconded by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
"That the Special Events Action Plan 2010-2013 as outlined in the presentation appended to
Community Services Department report CSD-10-064 be amended by adding reference to fund
raising / sponsorship and future special event venues; and further,
That the Special Events Action Plan 2010-2013, as amended, be approved in principle subject
to items that have a budget impact being adopted through the annual budget process."
Carried.
Moved by Councillor C. Weylie
Seconded by Councillor K. Galloway
"That an in-camera meeting of City Council be held this date to consider a land acquisition /
disposition matter."
Carried.
On motion the meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m.
MAYOR CLERK