HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil - 2011-05-30 SSPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
MAY 30, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER
A special meeting of City Council was held at 10:10 a.m. this date, chaired by Mayor C. Zehr with all
members present.
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.
Ms. S. Adams advised that today’s discussion is a continuation of discussions held at the April 18,
2011 special Council meeting concerning proposed directions for the purpose of formulating a 4-year
Strategic Plan, as outlined in Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-11-005. She stated that staff is
looking for formal endorsement of the proposed strategic directions, which attempt to align priorities
of the community, Council and staff, and budget priorities; together with comments and suggestions
of Council to be taken into consideration in development of a 4-year business plan.
Mr. T. Kramer, Chair, Compass Kitchener, reviewed the six key directions beginning with Leadership
and Community Engagement which envisions a community in which residents are engaged and
active in decision making concerning local issues.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that the next municipal election should be a focus in regard to
community engagement, particularly in regard to investigating alternate methods of voting such as
internet voting and that the Province should be asked to consider creating a Province-wide ad
campaign to help promote municipal elections.
Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested that opportunities to visit schools to conduct mock Councils
during Civics Classes should be investigated as a means to engage youth. She also suggested that
the City should work with cultural leaders to learn how best to engage persons within their respective
communities. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that the latter would also cross over to connect with the
strategic direction related to diversity.
Councillor D. Glenn-Graham suggested that an e-mail account be created to capture ideas and
creative suggestions submitted from members of the community as a means of community building.
He stated that the intent is not to provide a mechanism to lodge complaints but rather to gather
positive ideas and he acknowledged that expectations would have to be managed appropriately.
Councillor Z. Janecki referred to the Environics Survey questioning if staff is satisfied as to how the
response rate of the new survey compares with the previous survey. Ms. Adams advised that the
survey results are within the standard research acceptable levels, representing a margin of error of
3.3% and is considered sufficiently representative of the population in general. She added that the
results in 2007 were higher because more dollars were spent on marketing and communications;
whereas, funding for the new survey was pared back in the interests of assisting in bringing forward a
responsible budget overall.
Councillor S. Davey raised concerns that e-engagement can serve to exclude certain groups,
specifically seniors. Mr. Kramer commented that any time a certain sector of the population is
targeted there is danger of leaving others out. He cited the example of Councillor Fernandes’
suggestion to work only with ethnic cultural leaders, wherein members of a specific ethnic
background may be missed because they may not buy in to their cultural hierarchy.
Councillor K. Galloway suggested that a more creative way to engage the public is needed, especially
in respect to community involvement in public meetings and this would also apply under the strategic
direction related to development.
Diversity envisions a community where all residents have equitable access to and meaningful
inclusion in the social, economic and cultural fabric of civic life.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that he would like to see outreach to communities in an
environment they are comfortable in, suggesting better use of cultural events at which the City could
establish booths to interact and disseminate information to attendees.
Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned the feasibility of providing a means of translating information on
the City’s website into another language. Ms. Adams advised that the City’s website currently allows
translation of the entire site into one of the top 10 languages. She added that staff also works with
the Multicultural Centre and YMCA Settlement Program to provide translation services; however, the
process is costly and labour intensive.
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Councillor D. Glenn-Graham referred to Councillor Vrbanovic’s earlier reference to festivals,
suggesting that a package of information be compiled that could be distributed to all booths and inter-
active surveys be conducted by roving staff.
Councillor F. Etherington suggested less use of acronyms in drafting reports and other documentation
because it makes it more difficult to read materials and also to understand what is being referred to if
the acronym is unknown to the reader.
Development is envisioned to be a community that has carefully planned its neighbourhoods and
growth by trying to attract specific types of growth, even if it means restricting some new
developments.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that the City should be developing a plan around loss of
employment resulting from transition away from traditional manufacturing sectors, with strategic focus
on attracting businesses that will provide meaningful employment to those of an age where re-training
does not make sense.
Councillor Y. Fernandes commented that trails should be a requirement of all developments and be
clearly identified on plans so prospective purchasers are aware of trail locations. She added that
connectivity of trails should be given equal importance as that of roads. Councillor Fernandes
requested additional information concerning the City’s cash-in-lieu of parkland policy and suggested
that means of acquiring more natural lands should be investigated; as well as, connectivity of natural
spaces to heritage trails. She also expressed a desire to see action taken on the recommendations
of the Parks Master Plan. Councillor Fernandes raised concerns that certain road reconstructions to
be undertaken at this time may have to be redone in the event the Region’s Light Rail Transit (LRT)
project is approved; and suggested that an understanding is needed in respect to how development
of the LRT may have impact in regard to current tendering of road reconstructions.
Councillor D. Glenn-Graham suggested that the history and recreational attractions of community
neighbourhoods be posted on the City’s website as a means of sharing knowledge and bringing
awareness to the events that shape neighbourhoods throughout the community.
Mayor C. Zehr cited the LRT project as an example of the importance of sharing as much knowledge
and information in as many differing formats as possible. In this regard, he suggested that a list of
major issues coming forward, with reference as to where information on a particular issue can be
found, should be printed on the front page of the Your Kitchener newsletter as a means of bringing
awareness to all households of issues that may have significant impact to the community.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that a method of encouraging development based on Leadership
in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) within the private sector should be pursued, whereby
development applications could be fast tracked if agreements can be reached to meet certain
objectives around sustainability principles.
Downtown envisions a community that has built a vital and lively Downtown which provides all
residents with a unique mix of exciting big city amenities and diverse services.
Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested that the City pursue more festivals in the Downtown core and
encourage Downtown businesses to remain open until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings at least once
every 2 to 3 weeks. She also suggested that ice cream vendors be allowed to operate throughout the
City and that the “Square to Square” initiative should become the norm with King Street closed every
th
4 Sunday from May to October each year. Mayor C. Zehr advised that the request concerning
extended business hours on Saturdays is not something that could be included as an action for the
City to undertake but could be passed on to the Kitchener Downtown Business Improvement
Association (KDBIA) for consideration.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked that extra attention be focused on cleanliness and general
maintenance in the Downtown given the significant investment made to improve Downtown
aesthetics. He suggested that part of the solution is a long-term plan for garbage removal,
suggesting that use of rear lanes for placement of garbage should be pursued rather than curb side.
Councillor Vrbanovic commented that in regard to special events in the Downtown, partnerships
should be pursued with community groups and property owners to organize their own events with
some form of incentive toward subsidy of costs to be provided.
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Councillor D. Glenn-Graham suggested that the City work with the KDBIA toward incentives to
encourage business owners to take pride in and to maintain their own store frontage. He suggested
that King Street from Queen Street to Gaukel Street be closed for the month of July and opportunities
to leverage the street space through programmable / rental space for street parties or corporate
events be pursued; in effect creating an open air mall.
Councillor Z. Janecki raised concerns with the perception of an unsafe environment, noting that
persons feel safe when special events are taking place and lots of people are in the Downtown but
otherwise the streets become inactive. He questioned how this could be addressed to ensure daily
activity in the Downtown. Mr. Kramer commented that intensification which provides more persons
living in the Downtown will make a significant difference in how the Downtown is perceived in terms of
safety.
Councillor F. Etherington commented that as intensification develops, care must be taken in
maintaining good relationships with existing neighbourhoods and in particular, understanding the
issues and impacts to those neighbourhoods located in the vicinity of special events. He added that
he would also like to see the quality of street buskers improve suggesting a committee is needed to
preview performances.
Councillor P. Singh referred to investments made in the downtown and the need to continue to
stimulate growth, suggesting that Economic Development staff pursue location of a retail grocery
chain in the Downtown. He also suggested that the City needs to plan for space to accommodate
special events and agreed with the suggestion of closing King Street at certain intervals. Councillor
Y. Fernandes suggested that consideration be given to expanding beyond King Street into some of
the side streets to also draw attention to peripheral areas.
Environment is envisioned to be a community that focuses significant energy and resources on
becoming more environmentally friendly.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked that consideration be given to increasing partnerships with
sustainability organizations such as Sustainable Waterloo and CREW. He also reiterated an earlier
suggestion to create a Sustainability Office whose mandate would be to focus on all manner of
environmental sustainability initiatives.
Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested increasing partnership with the Grand River Conservation
Authority (GRCA) in respect to storm water management and stream rehabilitation initiatives. She
added that information should be disseminated to the public as to how they can alert to sediment
build-up in streams resulting from deadfall and asked that staff also address deadfall at edges of
community trails as a matter of safety. Councillor Fernandes further commented that steps should be
taken to reduce ambient lighting to improve viewing of the night sky and businesses should be
approached to shut off lighting after 11:00 p.m. She also was not in favour of allowing video displays
in the Downtown core as it was her opinion they detract from the ambience of the core. Mayor C.
Zehr advised that he had discussed the issue of night sky viewing with Planning staff in regard to
developing policies for new development.
Councillor D. Glenn-Graham recognized efforts being taken in respect to outreach work geared
toward managing tree conservation. He asked that consideration also be given to developing a
template for posting on the City’s website that would allow neighbourhoods to track their energy
usage.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked that development of a water front park, as recommended in the Parks
Master Plan, be given higher priority and a program to promote City-wide cleanliness be investigated.
Quality of Life envisions a community that invests in maintaining basic services, in addition to
amenities such as community centres, museums, theatres, art galleries and leisure facilities, even if it
means paying higher taxes.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that although progress has been made, continued focus should
remain on furthering the Customer Service Strategy. He asked that development of an electronic
complaint management system be a priority and that where feasible, return calls to citizens should
show the City’s phone number rather than being blacked out. Councillor Vrbanovic also suggested
that energy saving / environment focused weekends be held in the Downtown and that the City
pursue application for awards to advocate the work it has done in the community.
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Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested that the Regional initiative of designating cultural heritage
landscapes should be pursued and that public art should be produced locally to promote local
artisans.
Councillor K. Galloway asked that staff provide Council with an update on the status of the Leisure
Facilities Master Plan.
Councillor B. Ioannidis proposed establishment of a day for local artists to display their work at the
Kitchener Market to both promote local artisans and to attract business to the Market. Councillor D.
Glenn-Graham added that consideration be given to a licensed court yard at the Market to create a
café culture.
Moved by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham
Seconded by Councillor K. Galloway
“That the strategic directions attached to Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-11-005
(Council Strategy Session Overview: Community Priorities 2011-2014), and proposed actions
as discussed at the April 18 and May 30, 2011 special Council meetings, be endorsed in
principle for purpose of developing a four year Strategic Business Plan.”
Carried Unanimously.
Council then recessed at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened at reconvened at 10:21 p.m., chaired by Mayor
C. Zehr with all members present.
Council considered recommendations arising from the Planning and Strategic Services Committee
meeting this date concerning the 2011 Air Quality in Kitchener Best Bets and the Cedar Hill Land Use
and Social Environment Study 2011 Project Update.
Moved by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
Seconded by Councillor Y. Fernandes
“That in accordance with the Air Quality in Kitchener (2010) report, attached to Development
Technical Services Department report DTS-10-149 approved August 2010, the following be
approved as the Five Best Bets for 2011:
Best Bet #1 - encourage the continuation of retrofits and/or installation of bike lanes, paths
and sidewalk connections that link trails to provide safer routes, a mix of
recreational routes and encourage more users [Recommended Action 1.3c
from the Air Quality in Kitchener Report (2010)]; and,
Best Bet #2 - the City of Kitchener should promote educational opportunities that would
inform citizens of the benefits of natural areas re: benefits of trees and
wetlands – particularly native species [Recommended Action 1.1b from the
Air Quality in Kitchener Report (2010)]; and,
Best Bet #3 - support a Public Bike Sharing Program. The system could provide free or
affordable access to thousands of bicycles as alternatives to private vehicles
[Recommended Action 3.1a from the Air Quality in Kitchener Report (2010)];
and,
Best Bet #4 - encourage the Region of Waterloo to open or enable permanent localized
recycling / electronic / hazardous waste drop off depots [Recommended
Action 6.2a from the Air Quality in Kitchener report (2010)]; and,
Best Bet #5 - encourage considerations of the implications for air quality and global climate
change during the development of long-range plans [Recommended Action
4.2b from the Air Quality in Kitchener Report (2010)]; and further,
That staff through the City’s Environmental Study Group be directed to investigate the
feasibility and, if appropriate, pursue the implementation of the Air Quality in Kitchener Five
Best Bets for 2011.”
Carried.
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Moved by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
Seconded by Councillor Y. Fernandes
“That the Ontario Municipal Board be advised that the City of Kitchener is no longer pursuing
the approval of By-law 2005-091, being the ‘placeholder zoning’ for the Cedar Hill
neighbourhood, or the approval of those policies within Official Plan Amendment 58 relating
directly to the implementation of the placeholder zoning; and,
That the City of Kitchener’s commitment to supporting community development in Cedar Hill
and surrounding areas, through Community Investment funding of the Downtown East
program, be reaffirmed; and,
That the Cedar Hill neighbourhood continues to be a high priority area for Kitchener by-law
enforcement efforts; and further,
That staff be directed to report back on the merits of potential by-law regulations and
enforcement procedures relating to the maintenance and demolition of vacant buildings not
designated under the Heritage Act or listed on the Heritage Register.”
Carried.
Recorded Pecuniary Interests and Abstentions:
Councillor P. Singh as his family has interest in
properties in the area.
Mayor C. Zehr advised of an additional item arising from the Community and Infrastructure Services
Committee meeting held earlier this date.
Moved by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
Seconded by Councillor Y. Fernandes
"That in accordance with Chapter 25 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code (Council
Procedure), the following item be added to the Special Council agenda this date:
?
the Square 2 Square proposal as discussed at the Community and Infrastructure
Services Committee meeting this date.
Carried with the required 2/3 majority of the members in attendance.
Waterloo City Councillor Melissa Durrell addressed Council in support of the City of Kitchener taking
part in the Square 2 Square initiative with the City of Waterloo. She encouraged Council to move
forward with the pilot project of creating an ‘open streets’ concept where portions of King Street would
be closed to traffic and open to pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation
on specific Sundays throughout the summer months. She indicated that approximately two weeks
ago the City of Waterloo endorsed this proposal and requested that the City of Kitchener do the
same. She commented that various sponsorship opportunities are being explored to cover the costs
that will be incurred by both Cities.
Ms. Alison De Muy, Client Relations Director for Machteld Faas Xander, attended in support of the
City of Kitchener participating in the Square 2 Square initiative. She stated that transportation is
currently a hot button topic and businesses are eager to be seen as supporting active transportation.
She commented that this is an opportunity for the City of Kitchener to show-off its Downtown to the
residents of Waterloo. She noted that her business was willing to be a partial sponsor, adding that
she is confident that additional sponsors would come forward to cover the costs of holding this event.
Councillor J. Gazzola expressed support for the City participating in the Square 2 Square initiative on
a trial basis.
Councillor K. Galloway spoke in opposition to the proposal, advising that during recent Budget
deliberations the Special Events budget was cut by 25%, adding that no funding is provided in the
2011 Budget for this initiative. In addition, there are no Special Events staff in attendance to provide
comments / input. She stated that while she supports the concept, she is concerned with this being
funded through a budget over expenditure out of the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund; which is
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anticipated to be depleted by 2012. She suggested that this should be made to compete for funding
against other City priorities.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic expressed support of undertaking the one Square 2 Square event on July 17,
2011, and having staff report back to a special Council meeting to be held prior to the City
participating in another event.
Councillor D. Glenn-Graham advised that this is an opportunity for Kitchener to work with the City of
Waterloo to provide an innovative type of event to their residents. He confirmed that the business
community has indicated that they are willing to support this initiative.
Mayor C. Zehr spoke in support of the comments made by Councillor Galloway and expressed
concern with the process that was utilized to bring this matter before Council.
Moved by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
Seconded by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham
"That the plan for Square 2 Square (Car Free Sunday), be approved as outlined in Community
Services Department report CSD-11-074; and,
That funding for the first event, to be held July 17, 2011, be approved at a cost of $11,562.50
(City of Kitchener portion); and,
That the program be funded as an over-expenditure from the Tax Stabilization Reserve
account; and further,
That before additional Square 2 Square dates are approved, an evaluation be conducted by
staff following the July 17, 2011 event with the findings to be summarized and presented at a
special Council meeting to be held prior to the proposed August 14, 2011 event.”
A recorded vote was requested.
In favour:
Councillors B. Vrbanovic. S. Davey, J. Gazzola,
Y. Fernandes, P. Singh, B. Ioannidis, F. Etherington and D.
Glenn-Graham.
Contra
: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors K. Galloway and Z.
Janecki.
Motion Carried.
Moved by Councillor S. Davey
Seconded by Councillor Y. Fernandes
“That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following by-laws for three
readings and that the same be taken as read a first, second and third times, be finally passed and
numbered serially by the Clerk.
(a) To further amend By-law No. 88-171, being a by-law to designate private roadways as
fire routes and to prohibit parking thereon.
(By-law No. 2011-070)
(b) To further amend By-law No. 2008-117, being a by-law to authorize certain on-street
and off-street parking of vehicles for use by persons with a disability, and the issuing of
permits in respect thereof.
(By-law No. 2011-071)
(c) To further amend By-law No. 2010-190, being a by-law to prohibit unauthorized parking
of motor vehicles on private property.
(By-law No. 2011-072)
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(d) To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council.
(By-law No. 2011-073).”
Carried.
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:36 p.m.
MAYOR CLERK