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Home My WebLink About2011-09-26FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 1:05 p.m. Present: Councillor S. Davey - Vice-Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway, P. Singh, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, F. Etherington and D. Glenn-Graham. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services J. Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services R. Gosse, Director, Legislated Services & City Clerk R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor K. Steiss, Inclusion Co-ordinator R. Morgan, Capital Investment Advisor J. Billett, Committee Administrator CSD-11-127 - GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORK PLAN 1. (2011-2012) CSD-11-129 - INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION (ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2005) The Committee considered Community Services Department reports CSD-11-127 and CSD- 11-029, both dated September 13, 2011. Report CSD-11-127 requests approval of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) Work Plan (2011-2012); and report CSD-11- 129 provides information on the Integrated Accessibility Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), which came into law on June 23, 2011. Ms. K. Steiss advised that staff is currently undertaking a collaborative review of the newest legislation pertaining to the Integrated Accessibility Regulation to understand its impact. She advised that Kitchener has a long history of support for accessibility in the community and introduced Ms. Sharon Giles, Co-Chair of GRAAC, in attendance together with several members of the Committee. Ms. S. Giles noted that Mr. Gord Cummer, Committee member, had registered to speak but was unable to attend this date. She advised that GRAAC consists of a membership of 6 municipalities, including the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, the Region of Waterloo and the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellington and Woolwich. She stated that the working group acts as a resource for the Region of Waterloo, giving advice and input on matters concerning the Waterloo Regional Police Services customer service strategy, proposed LRT transit system and various strategic/action plans; and locally, provides feedback on matters of accessibility for community facilities and mobility issues. Ms. Giles noted that the Work Plan will act as a guideline to establish priorities for the remainder of 2011 and into 2012, with the focus on transportation issues and including pedestrian safety and mobility. Mayor C. Zehr questioned that in light of a growing understanding of accessibility issues how the definition of persons with a disability has changed. Ms. Giles indicated that the primary change is in recognition of cognitive disabilities which are not readily visible and which may include those with learning and/or mental health issues. Councillor Z. Janecki requested clarification of the process to be followed in review and preparation of annual reports. Ms. Steiss advised that each municipality is obligated under legislation to complete an annual report and the process provides for a staggered review by GRAAC of the individual municipal reports so that they can provide thoughtful feedback to each of the municipalities. Councillor K. Galloway inquired if the Integrated Accessibility Regulation is the final standard resulting from the AODA legislation. Ms. Steiss advised that the Built Environment Standard remains outstanding and it is not known at this time when it will come into effect. In response to Councillor D. Glenn-Graham, Ms. Giles suggested that the primary challenges faced within the community relate to snow clearing and use of round-a-bouts. She stated that FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 - 126 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-11-127 - GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORK PLAN 1. (2011-2012) CSD-11-129 - INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION (ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2005) (CONT’D) round-a-bouts pose challenges, especially for the visually impaired as they rely on the sound of traffic to judge when it is appropriate to cross the roadway, and this is difficult with the continuous movement of traffic. Councillor P. Singh commented that the group may wish to pursue audible warnings at round-a-bouts as to his knowledge there are none currently installed. In regard to snow clearing, Ms. Giles pointed out that problems exist as a result of the City’s reliance on the home owner to clear sidewalks, who in some cases either do not do so or do not clear snow sufficiently to allow persons with mobility issues to navigate without encumbrance. She advised that there will be pressure in future to broaden over time the areas cleared by the City beyond that of the downtown area. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: “That the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee Work Plan (2011-2012), as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-11-127, be approved.“ CAO-11-018 - DECLARATION OF SURPLUS LAND AND SALE 2. - BLOCK B, PLAN 1107 - 23 SUNBRIDGE CRESCENT, KITCHENER The Committee considered Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-11-018, dated August 12, 2011 concerning certain City-owned lands on Sunbridge Crescent proposed to be declared surplus to the City’s needs and sold to the abutting property owner at 23 Sunbridge Crescent. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: “That the Corporation of the City of Kitchener’s lands located on Sunbridge Crescent, in the City of Kitchener, described as Block B, Plan 1107, be declared surplus to the City’s needs and sold to the abutting property owner at 23 Sunbridge Crescent for a total purchase price of $4337.00 plus HST; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary documentation to effect this transaction with the property owner, said documentation to be to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.“ CAO-11-021 - DECLARATION OF SURPLUS LAND AND SALE 3. - MILL STREET / IRON HORSE TRAIL The Committee considered Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-11-021, dated September 6, 2011 concerning certain City-owned lands along the southerly boundary of 19-37 Mill Street proposed to be declared surplus to the City’s needs and sold to the abutting property owner. Mr. R. Morgan advised that the portion of lands to be declared surplus is triangular in shape and displayed photographs taken of the subject area. He advised that the surplus lands are to be consolidated with the abutting properties to be used in creating a larger development proposed for a 62 unit multiple dwelling. The potential sale was considered by the City’s Property Management Team and determined not to have any significant community value; and therefore, it is being recommended the lands be declared surplus and sold to the abutting property owner. Councillor Y. Fernandes raised concerns of the impact to residents in the abutting lands related to snow clearing and idling of cars using the proposed parking lot. Mr. Morgan advised that the four adjacent lots are rental buildings under singular ownership, and the intent of the property owner is to demolish the existing buildings and replace them with the proposed 62 unit multiple dwelling. On motion by Councillor F. Etherington - it was resolved: FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 - 127 - CITY OF KITCHENER CAO-11-021 - DECLARATION OF SURPLUS LAND AND SALE 3. - MILL STREET / IRON HORSE TRAIL (CONT’D) “That the Corporation of the City of Kitchener’s lands located along the southerly boundary of 19-37 Mill Street, adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail, to be further described on a Reference Plan, be declared surplus to the City’s needs and sold to the abutting property owner for fair market value; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary documentation to effect this transaction with the property owner, said documentation to be to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.” FCS-11-179 - 2012 COUNCIL / STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE 4. The Committee considered Finance & Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-179, dated September 19, 2011 concerning a proposed schedule for the 2012 Council and Standing Committee meetings. Councillor Z. Janecki questioned the feasibility of moving the Council meeting date from December 17 to December 13, 2012. Mr. R. Gosse acknowledged that the proposed date is later in December than would normally be scheduled; however, he suggested that given there is usually a slowing of business during that period of time that a decision to move the date wait until the extent of business to be addressed is known. Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned the feasibility of leaving February 13, 2012 open for Standing Committees so not all matters of business during the month are left to be considered th on February 27. Mr. R. Gosse advised that the schedule as adopted by Council can at any time be amended by resolution of Council. He pointed out, however, that the traditional number of meetings has not been reduced and remains at a total of 15 for the year. It was noted that the recommendation of the Committee is being forwarded for consideration to the special Council meeting to be held later this same date. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: “That the schedule attached to Finance & Corporate Services Department Report FCS– 11-179 dated September 19, 2011, be approved as the 2012 schedule of Council and Standing Committee meetings.“ ADJOURNMENT 5. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m. J. Billett Committee Administrator