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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2003-06-12DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES June 12,2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:15 p.m., chaired by Sally Gunz, with the following members present: Councillor J. Smola, C. Farley, D. Hoch, A. Petsche-Good, Cst. J. Davis, G. Woolner, N. Hallman, J. Euler, D. Pellerin and M. Stranz. Staff: F. Pizzuto and R. Gosse. 1. Approval of Aqenda -June 12, 2003 On motion by N. Hallman, it was moved that the agenda for the June 12, 2003 meeting be accepted. Carried. 2. Approval of Minutes - May 8, 2003 On motion by C. Farley, it was moved that the minutes of the May 8, 2003 meeting be accepted. Carried. 3. Mayfair Hotel Tour S. Gunz expressed her appreciation for the tour stating it was very helpful in understanding the importance of the building. F. Pizzuto advised that the rooms were not being rented when vacated due to the uncertainty of the development of the Centre Block site but that Council recently passed a resolution allowing Kitchener Housing Inc. to rent up to 50% of the rooms in order to remain cost neutral. D. Hoch suggested that the lounge on the main floor could be used as a private club such as the previous Press Club, which ran successfully for years in Downtown Kitchener. S. Gunz suggested that perhaps student housing would be a suitable use for the building in the future, and the Committee agreed that the building should be used in order that the property become a viable anchor in the Downtown area. 4. Centre Block Update - Frank Pizzuto F. Pizzuto provided an update on the Centre Block Steering Committee advising that the Kitchener Public Library has completed Phase II of their Space Needs Study. This Study has shown that the future main library should have 130,000 sq. ft. whereas currently the library is 86,000 sq. ft. Over the next 30 years, the size should grow to 150,000 - 170,000 sq. ft. F. Pizzuto also advised that the Centre Block Steering Committee is looking at the feasibility of the Kitchener Public Library main branch being moved to the Block and using this as a catalyst for future development. F. Pizzuto informed the Committee that the final report of the Centre Block Steering Committee would be submitted in February 2004. He noted that the role of the Downtown Advisory Committee in this study would be that as part of focus sessions in developing a plan. The Committee agreed that it was important that the members of DAC be kept up to date with respect to the Centre Block properties and requested that Michele Hodgins contact the Centre Block Steering Committee and request that all reports and agendas be forwarded to her for distribution to the DAC members. Cst. J. Davis left the meeting. 5. St. Mary's Block Update - Frank Pizzuto F. Pizzuto provided an update on discussions between the City and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and advised that Council has approved plans for a Wellness Centre in the proposed renovated St. Mary's property. He explained that the School Board was renovating the property and moving its offices to the building and that the City would also contribute and establish a Downtown Wellness Centre as part of the project. J. Euler questioned the terminology of a Wellness Centre rather than a recreation or community centre. F. Pizzuto advised that the naming convention was still being discussed as the proposed centre is more than just for recreational purposes. 6. Lodging House Update - Douq Hoch D. Hoch provided an update on licensing of lodging houses and by-law enforcement by the City advising that a report will be going to Council in two weeks. He explained that the report would deal with regular inspections of the properties and most importantly the fact that the public would be notified when the lodging house owner applies for a licence renewal each year. He added that the area residents would be given an opportunity to submit any comments regarding the lodging house which in turn would assist the City in having the lodging house owners comply with the by-law. 7. KDBA Update - Marry Schreiter M. Schreiter was unavailable to give a report. 8. Downtown Update - Frank Pizzuto F. Pizzuto advised of the Downtown Showcase which was held recently at City Hall and expressed his disappointment with the fact that the Downtown businesses were not well represented. He suggested that for any future Downtown Showcase, there is a need for more representation from the Downtown businesses. F. Pizzuto provided a handout encapsulating the 2002 Monitoring Report of Kitchener Downtown. Several Committee members commented on the increase of panhandling within the Downtown area. F. Pizzuto advised that the City is currently working with Waterloo Regional Police to deter this activity and will continue to work towards eradicating the problem. F. Pizzuto left the meeting. 9. EDAC Update -Joan Euler J. Euler had no report at this time. 10. 11. 12. 13. Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee Update - Douq Hoch D. Hoch had nothing to report at this time. Arts & Culture Advisory Committee Update - Dennis Pellerin D. Pellerin advised of a proposal to install an industrial artefact in the Huron Park. He also advised of a review of the KOR Gallery mandate and a comment that the Gallery was competing against other like businesses in the Downtown area. A. Petsche-Good informed the Committee that the KOR Gallery was seeking assistance and funding and may not continue to operate without some assistance. New Business / Aqenda Items It was suggested that the School Board issue with respect to closing of Kitchener Collegiate Institute be added to the next agenda. It was also suggested that Mr. Glen Richardson, Manager, Downtown Design and Development, be invited to the next meeting. Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.