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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-21COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:25 p.m. Present: Councillor K. Galloway - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, J. Gazzola, Y. Fernandes, P. Singh, B. Ioannidis, F. Etherington, D. Glenn-Graham. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer J. Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services J. Evans, Director of Revenue J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning G. Murphy, Director of Engineering S. Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs & Services C. Fletcher, Director or Facilities Management K. Baulk, Director of Enterprises W. Malcolm, Director of Utilities H. Gross, Director of Asset Management S. Adams, Director, Strategic Planning & Innovation A. Mick, Utilities Water Engineer D. Campbell, Manager of Community Resource Centres K. Woodcock, Manager, Service Coordination & Improvement J. Young, Manager of Special Events R. Willms, Supervisor of Administration M. Schilling, Facility Scheduler/Administrative Assistant D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-11-034 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC11/01/V/MV - 562 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - ALEXANDRA BUDURE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-034, dated February 11, 2011, recommending approval of the Demolition Control Application for 562 Victoria Street South, subject to conditions. In the report staff advises that it is the intention of the owner to develop this property with a semi-detached dwelling. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That Demolition Control Application DC11/01/V/MV requesting permission to demolish one (1) single detached dwelling located at 562 Victoria St. S, owned by Alexandra Budure, be approved with the following conditions: a) That the owner obtains a building permit for the proposed residential dwelling unit; and, b) That upon satisfaction of condition a), the Chief Building Official may authorize and issue a demolition permit under Section 33(6) of the Planning Act subject to the following condition: In the event that construction of the new dwelling unit is not substantially complete within 2-years of the date of issuance of the demolition permit, the City Clerk may enter on the collector’s roll, to be collected in like manner as municipal taxes, $20,000 for each dwelling unit contained in the residential properties in respect of which the demolition permit is issued and such sum shall, until the payment thereof, be a lien or charge upon the land in respect of which the permit to demolish the residential property is issued.” COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2011 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CSD-11-024 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC11/02/W/MV - 90 WREN PLACE - MELVIN WEISS The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-024, dated February 14, 2011, recommending approval of the Demolition Control Application for 90 Wren Place, subject to conditions. In the report staff advises that the existing house has been badly damaged by fire and it is the intention of the owner to build a new home on the property. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That Demolition Control Application DC11/02/W/MV requesting permission to demolish one (1) single detached dwelling located at 90 Wren Place, owned by Melvin Weiss, be approved with the following conditions: a) That the owner obtains a building permit for the proposed residential dwelling unit; and, b) That upon satisfaction of condition a), the Chief Building Official may authorize and issue a demolition permit under Section 33(6) of the Planning Act subject to the following condition: In the event that construction of the new dwelling unit is not substantially complete within 2-years of the date of issuance of the demolition permit, the City Clerk may enter on the collector’s roll, to be collected in like manner as municipal taxes, $20,000 for each dwelling unit contained in the residential properties in respect of which the demolition permit is issued and such sum shall, until the payment thereof, be a lien or charge upon the land in respect of which the permit to demolish the residential property is issued.” 3.INS-11-011 - HURON ROAD RECONSTRUCTION TRUCK ROUTING DETOURS The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-011, dated February 17, 2011, recommending temporary detours for heavy truck traffic while Huron Road is closed for reconstruction. This report was presented by Mr. J. McBride, who responded to questions by advising that the public will be informed of these truck routes by way of a public meeting and through signage; further, the high school will also be informed. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That the following roadways be designated on a temporary basis as twenty-four (24) hour heavy truck routes from April 5, 2011 through to December 31, 2012: • Strasburg Road – Huron Road to Bleams Road, • Plains Road – Fischer Hallman Road to Huron Road; and, • Trillium Drive – Huron Road to Bleams Road.” 4.INS-11-030 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - MICHAEL STREET The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-030, dated March 9, 2011, recommending 2 hour parking on a portion of the south side of Michael Street. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to permit on-street parking for two (2) consecutive hours on the south side of Michael Street from a point 27 metres east of Victoria Street South to a point 112 metres east thereof.” COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2011 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5.INS-11-031 - OFF-STREET PARKING - FRANCIS STREET The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-031, dated March 10, 2011, recommending both monthly and hourly parking in Lot 5 on Francis Street. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That the Municipal Off-street By-law be amended to convert Francis Street North (Lot 5) from an exclusively monthly parking facility to a shared use facility, providing both monthly and hourly parking.” 6.CSD-11-038 - 2011 COMMUNITY GRANTS TIER 2 The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-11-038 dated March 15, 2011, in which staff recommend the awarding of Tier 2 grants for 2011. The report contains background noting that the groups recommended for funding will align with the community’s overall goals and the City’s strategic priorities. Ms. K. Woodcock presented this report. Also, she noted that 4 delegations had registered to attend this meeting to appeal the funding recommendation for their organization; however, the delegation for the Steckle Heritage Farm is unable to attend. In response to a question from Councillor Fernandes, Ms. Woodcock advised that the pool of money for community grants was approved by Council when the final budget was approved; today staff is recommending which community group should be funded and the amount of their funding. She noted that the total amount for Tier 2 grants is $144,340, the total grants requested is $450,882 and the total amount of grant funding recommended by staff is $139,946. Councillor Etherington questioned the $50,000 grant being recommended for the Prosperity Council. He stated that if the Prosperity Council did not receive the $50,000 grant, that money would have been available for other groups. Ms. M. Epp and Ms. E. Valenzuela were in attendance on behalf of the Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support, in support of their grant application. Ms. Epp advised that the Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support (MCRS) is a small not for profit organization that was established in 1987. This organization is unique as it offers assistance and support to refugee claimants. These people do not have refugee status but have fled their countries for safety reasons. Ms. Epp stated that this organization does not fit the criteria for a City of Kitchener grant; however, they do not receive federal funding. As far as the Region is concerned, Ms. Epp advised that she did not consider their services to be social services. Ms. Epp then advised that she believes the MCRS fits the City of Kitchener grant criteria as they provide a community service for the common good of residents. She also advised that many of the people supported by MCRS are brought to them by the Police, who found them on the streets. Mayor Zehr questioned their attempt to receive funding from other municipalities and Ms. Valenzuela advised that they have not applied to the Cities of Waterloo and Cambridge; however, they previously discussed funding opportunities with them and were told they could not apply. Mayor Zehr offered the position that this grant request should go to the Region and questioned whether this group has discussed funding opportunities with the Region. Ms. Valenzuela advised that the previously applied to the Region and were denied. In response to questions from Councillor Gazzola, Ms. Epp advised that the people they support are law abiding Kitchener residents who are seeking refugee status. The MCRS connects these people to other organizations for such things as English language instruction and helps them find accommodation. Respecting public donations, Ms. Epp advised that they have no on going consistent funding from anyone. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2011 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6.CSD-11-038 - 2011 COMMUNITY GRANTS TIER 2 (CONT’D) Following further discussion Mayor Zehr advised that he will take this matter to the Region, where he believes this funding request legitimately belongs. He then put forward a motion to approve an in-kind grand for this organization to cover the cost of their rental of the Victoria Park Pavilion. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: “That an in-kind Tier 2 grant in the amount of approximately $ 280, to cover the cost of renting the Victoria Park Pavilion, be approved for the Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support.” Messrs. N. Rena and S. Anwar were in attendance in support of their grant application for the World Religions Conference. They questioned why the grant request is being refused this year when it has been approved in past years. Mr. Rena advised that the purpose of the conference is to promote respect between faith communities. This conference has been organized for 30 years and has been held in Kitchener-Waterloo for the past 10 years. Further, there are 22 partner organizations and 750 people attended the conference last year. This is a unique event that bridges diversity and cultures within the community. Concerning opportunities for revenues, Mr. Rena advised that this event is open to the public for free; and, a ticket would be considered a barrier, particularly for the students who comprise approximately 1/3 of the attendees. Respecting the refreshments, the partnership provides the food. Respecting funding from other sources, Mr. Anwar advised that they received $500.00 from the City of Cambridge this year, reduced rental charges from the University and between $500 and $1000 from the student federation. They do not receive any funding from the senior levels of government. As far as the partners are concerned, they provide promotion for the conference but not money. Mayor Zehr questioned staff as to whether there has been any discussion over the last 3 years about phasing out this grant. Ms. Willms responded that for the last 2 years staff made the same recommendation as has been made this year; however, Council decided to approve a grant for this conference. There has been no discussion about phasing out this grant; however, it was recommended to this group that they seek other funding. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That the application of the World Religions Conference for a 2011 Tier 2 grant in the amount of $1,500 be denied.” Ms. M. Heide and Mr. R. Janzen, Centre for Community Based Research attended this meeting in support of their organization’s request for a grant to assist with the cost of hosting CU Expo 2011, which is a conference designed to “showcase the exemplars in community- university partnerships worldwide…” A portion of the grant being requested is to cover the th cost of their use of Victoria Park on May 12 for an event open to conference delegates and members of the community. Ms. Heide advised that the conference hub will be the City of Kitchener and there will be 800 delegates coming to the conference from Canada and around the world. Mr. Janzen advised that there are a number of media sponsors and the Region is providing some bursaries and Grand River Transit buses. Delegates will be staying for 4-5 nights and will be staying at local hotels in downtown Kitchener an Uptown Waterloo as well as at university residences. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2011 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6.CSD-11-038 - 2011 COMMUNITY GRANTS TIER 2 (CONT’D) Councillor Vrbanovic commented that grant requests of this nature have been considered in a different manner in the past. Ms. Willms commented that economic development grants were moved to the Economic Development Division, as they do not comply with the criteria for Tier 2 grants. Respecting other funding sources, Mr. Janzen advised that they have received a grant from the Community Foundation and the Region of Waterloo. They have also applied to the Cities of Waterloo and Cambridge. Councillor Glenn-Graham put forward a motion to approve a $5,000 for this organization. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned the $2,500 cost for Victoria Park and was advised by Ms. Adams that that amount will cover staff costs. He then put forward a motion to defer consideration of this grant application to next week’s Council meeting in order to obtain from staff a breakdown of the costs for use of Victoria Park and a determination as to whether this grant can be funded by the Economic Development Division. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That consideration of the Tier 2 grant application for the Centre for Community Based be referred to the Council meeting of March 28, 2011 Research, pending receipt of information from staff as to the cost breakdown for their use of Victoria Park on May 12, 2011; and, a determination as to whether this grant application can be funded through the Economic Development Division budget.” Councillor Etherington again referred to the Prosperity Council and the $50,000 grant being recommended by staff. Councillor Galloway explained that the $50,000 is for the Prosperity Council as an organization. The $220,000 approved by Council during the budget, to be paid from the Economic Development Investments Fund, goes towards the target of $1 per resident to support the arts. Ms. Ladd advised that the question is difficult to answer because the Creative Enterprises is still getting on its feet. The $50,000 is for the operation of the organization. One of the aims of the organization is to work with arts groups collectively and to help them to achieve efficiencies in their operations. This organization will also focus on the private sector to raise funds. She stated that in time the smaller organizations will see the benefits. Councillor Fernandes spoke to the grant request of the Downtown East Project as compared to the Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support and questioned why the landlords aren’t doing more. Ms. K. Taylor-Harrison explained the background to this project and the progress made over the last 15 years. She stated that they have tried to design a program to target landlords as partners in the neighbourhood. Councillor P. Singh declared a pecuniary interest in the grant application for the Downtown East Ya Gotta Luv It! Project as he owns property in that area, and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this grant application. He requested that the staff recommendation be voted on in parts. In response to a question from Councillor Glenn-Graham, Ms. Taylor- Harrison advised that the grant funding pays for time. She noted that an issue can take up to 6 months to resolve. Further, there is already a considerable amount of volunteer hours involved in this project. A recorded vote was requested, and the following motion, brought forward by Councillor D. Carried Glenn-Graham, was voted on by a recorded vote and , as follows: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, J. Gazzola, K. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic, S. Davey and F. Etherington voting in favour; and, Councillor Y. Fernandes voting in opposition. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2011 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6.CSD-11-038 - 2011 COMMUNITY GRANTS TIER 2 (CONT’D) On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That a 2011 Tier 2 grant in the amount of $15,000 for the Downtown East Ya Gotta Luv It Project be approved.” A recorded vote was requested, and the following motion, brought forward by Councillor B. Carried Ioannidis, was voted on by a recorded vote and , as follows: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, J. Gazzola, K. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic, S. Davey and F. Etherington voting in favour; and, Councillor Y. Fernandes voting in opposition. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That effective the 2012 funding year, the grant requests for the Downtown East Ya Gotta Luv It Project (DEYGLI) be transferred to the Community Grants Tier 1 process.” On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That 2011 Community Grants Tier 2, in the amount of $140,226 be approved, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-11-038; save for the grant to the Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support and subject to final determination of the grant application for the Centre for Community Based Research.” 7.CSD-11-040 - ROCKWAY CENTRE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-040 dated March 14, 2011, providing background on use of the Rockway Centre from 2004 to 2009; and, outlining the cost for maintenance and building renovations should the Centre remain open as a senior centre of the long term. The report also recommends minimal expenditures and a business case to help determine the long term use of the building before a substantial investment in the building is made. Mr. Hildebrand presented the report. He advised that since Council last dealt with the Rockway Centre staff has not communicated with the seniors except to advice of this report and this meeting. In response to a question concerning the need for a consultant, Mr. Hildebrand advised that, considering the complications of this site, staff would not be able to complete a business plan in a timely manner and their regular jobs at the same time. Ms. Leedham addressed the Committee requesting that if there is to be any new consultations, the usage figures be reviewed, as she believed they are not correct. Ms. Leedham also requested that if a Committee is formed that representatives of the users be included. Mr. Hildebrand responded that the usage figures will be renewed and stakeholders will be included on the steering committee. Some Councillors spoke to the choice of wording in the report which they felt indicated that Council may choose to close this facility even though the last Council was very clear that the centre will stay open; however, Mayor Zehr stated that the report talks to the building only and the site has the potential for much more. In response to a question from Councillor Gazzola, Mr. Hildebrand stated that this report is in response to Council’s previous request. He advised that Council also asked for a business case; however, it was necessary to have the building assessment first and to know about contamination. Ms. Fletcher advised that the facility’s Infrastructure Report does not include any information regarding renovations that may be required for programming. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2011 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7.CSD-11-040 - ROCKWAY CENTRE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS (CONT’D) Regarding the business plan, Mr. Hildebrand stated that it will involve many things including communication with stakeholders and typically takes 8 to 10 months. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That Community Services Department report CSD-11-040 (Rockway Centre Maintenance Requirements) be received for information.” 8.CSD-11-007 - SPECIAL EVENTS AND NOISE EXEMPTIONS IN VICTORIA PARK The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-007, dated March 9, 2011, recommending a process for approval of special events and noise exemptions in Victoria Park. Mr. Turner presented this report, reviewing the proposed new process. In response to Councillor Gazzola, Mr. Turner advised that the problem has been growing as the number and size of events have grown. Staff advised that they are working with event groups to move the events from Roos Island to the commons area; this larger area providing the opportunity to re- orient stages so as to redirect the sound.Respecting the new requirement for permitting, Mr. Turner advised that it will not create a need for more staff. The permit will advise the groups of the need for City staff if they require hydro, which relates to amplified sound. The fees for these permits will be $50 if staff is not needed for the event and $100 if staff is required. Mr. Turner advised that staff is required to balance the use of the park with the surrounding resident’s enjoyment of their properties. Councillor Etherington advised that he lives close to the park and there is a substantial noise problem. The island is surrounded by water which carries the sound. Further, it costs the City a substantial amount of money to repair the damage done to the grass when these festivals take place. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: “That the process relating to the approval of events and noise exemptions in Victoria Park, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-11-007 be approved.” 9. INS-11-002 - DRINKING WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT STANDARD - MANAGEMENT REVIEW SUMMARY 2010 The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-002, dated March 14, 2011, providing the third annual Management Review summary prepared in accordance with the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard and the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. Mr. W. Malcolm presented this report. 10.INS-11-001 - SUMMARY WATER REPORT JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2010 The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-001, dated January 19, 2011, recommending that the 2010 Summary Drinking Water Report be received for information and that a copy of the report be forwarded to the Township of Woolwich, as required by Ontario Regulation. Ms. A. Mick presented this report On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the 2010 City of Kitchener Summary Drinking Water Report be received for information as required by O.Reg170/03 Schedule 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act; and further, COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2011 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10.INS-11-001 - SUMMARY WATER REPORT JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2010 (CONT’D) That the City of Kitchener provide a copy of the Summary Drinking Water report to the Township of Woolwich as required by Schedule 22 of O.Reg.170/03.” 11.CSD-11-027 - TIMELINES FOR SPECTATOR ARENA REPORT The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-027 dated February 28, 2011, in which staff provide an update on the work being undertaken respecting the proposal by the Kitchener Rangers to expand the KMA Complex. Mr. Baulk presented this report advising that the original timeline was March / April 2011 and it will now be the summer of 2011. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That the revised timeline for the Spectator Arena at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex as outlined in Community Services Department Report CSD-11-027 be acknowledged.” 12. CSD-11-031 - CEDAR HILL LAND USE & SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT STUDY - PROJECT UPDATE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-031, dated February 16, 2011, advising of the January 14, 2010 interim decision of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) on the appeal of City of Kitchener Official Plan Amendment No. 58 and by-law 2005-91 which amends Zoning y-law 85-1. The report also contains background information on the Cedar Hill neighbourhood including the adoption of an interim control by-law, adopted in 2003 and a subsequent land use and social environment study which was completed in early 2005. Prior to Phase II of the OMB hearing, the City has been provided with an opportunity to ensure that Official Plan Amendment No. 58 and by-law 2005-91 comply with the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, policies within the Official Plan, the code and the Charter. Further the OMB expects that the required analysis will have been approved by City Council and the Regional approval authority prior to the resumption of the hearing. In this regard recommendations will be presented to Council in April of this year. Mr. J. Willmer presented this report. 13.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Dianne Gilchrist Committee Administrator