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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-07COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 3:00 p. m. Present: Councillor K. Galloway -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors S. Davey, B. loannidis, F. Etherington, D. Glenn- Graham, B. Vrbanovic and J. Gazzola. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer J. Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services C. Fletcher, Director, Facilities Management J. McBride, Director, Transportation Planning K. Baulk, Director, Enterprises L. MacDonald, City Solicitor R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development S. Ross, Assistant City Solicitor C. Brayshaw, Assistant City Solicitor C. York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator INS-11-080 -FOLLOW-UP REVIEW -BRADLEY DRIVE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-080, dated October 28, 2011, recommending that the existing traffic calming measures remain in place, on Bradley Drive from Franklin Street North to River Road East. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - itwas resolved: "That the existing traffic calming measures (two (2) speed humps and one (1) raised crosswalk with curb extension) on Bradley Drive from Franklin Street North to River Road East remain in place." CSD-11-148 -DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC11/16/M/GS - 8 MACVILLE AVENUE -MARGARET & RAY DEVEAU The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-148, dated October 13, 2011, recommending approval of Demolition Control Application DC11/16/M/GS for the property municipally known as 8 Macville Avenue, subject to conditions. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - itwas resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC11/16/M/GS requesting permission to demolish one (1) single detached dwelling located at 8 Macville Avenue, owned by Margaret and Ray Deveau, be approved subject to the following condition: 1) That the Applicant obtains a building permit for the proposed residential dwelling unit; and, That upon satisfaction of condition 1, 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 NOVEMBER 7. 2011 - 90 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. INS-11-087 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS -PIONEER DRIVE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-087, dated October 28, 2011, recommending a parking prohibition on a portion of Pioneer Drive. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - itwas resolved: "That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit stopping from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00 a. m. to 4:30 p. m., on west side of Pioneer Drive from Perin Place to a point 72 metres south thereof." 4. CSD-11-110 -SPECTATOR FACILITY REVIEW -FINAL REPORT The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-110, dated October 31, 2011, respecting an addition to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex as proposed by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (KRHC). The Committee was also in receipt of a report titled "Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club Loan Business Plan and Financial Due Diligence", dated October 2011, prepared by KPMG. In the report, staff advised of actions taken, as directed by this Committee on September 26, 2011, including: community engagement, financing options, a 3~d party review and a parking study. Staff report on 2 scenarios respecting financing this expansion, one in which the city would issue debt on behalf of the KRHC, not recommended by staff, and the other scenario in which the KRHC would obtain their own financing. Staff advises that regardless of which option is chosen, additional revenues are likely to accrue to the City with the expansion. Mr. K. Baulk reviewed the staff report; then introduced representatives from KPMG who reviewed the KRHC business plan and Mr. S. Bienkowski, KRHC. Mr. S. Bienkowski addressed the Committee and advised that he can not support staff's recommendation but could support the alternate recommendation in the report. Mr. Bienkowski pointed out that Kitchener tax payers will not have to pay for this expansion and the entire community will benefit from it. Councillor Vrbanovic advised that he was surprised at staff's recommendation, stating that he would like to move the alternate recommendation located at the end of the staff report. He noted that the City and KRHC have entered into partnerships before and Mr. Bienkowski confirmed that KRHC has previously partnered with the City 4 times and repaid these loans. Councillor Vrbanovic then stated that he is primarily concerned with the time frame and Mr. Bienkowski advised that they have completed an Infrastructure Ontario application but it made no sense to submit it until they knew if the City would agree to the expansion and the extent of the City's involvement. Councillor Vrbanovic then questioned whether corporate partners have been sought. Mr. Bienkowski responded that banks charge significantly higher interest and are reluctant because the KRHC does not own the property and can not offer security. A discussion took place concerning the amount of parking available for an expanded facility, and the concept of paid parking at the Auditorium should be reviewed. Mr. Bienkowoski advised that the paid parking would have to be for more than Ranger's games, otherwise Ranger fans would be penalized. He stated that he would be willing to look at options but this matter has not been included in their current business plan. With respect to a delay in Council's decision on the expansion and financing, Mr. Bienkowoski advised that any delay would mean that the KRHC would have to abandon this expansion. Respecting the commitment of KRHC to repaying this financing, Mr. Bienkowoski advised that their Board has already approved borrowing the necessary funds. Further, he has recommended options such as: if the KRHC moves or becomes afor-profit organization, the funds will be repaid in full. In response to a suggestion respecting staff assistance for this project, Ms. Fletcher advised that staff has been working with the Rangers on this project and will continue to do so. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 7. 2011 - 91 - CITY 4. CSD-11-110 -SPECTATOR FACILITY REVIEW -FINAL REPORT (CONT'D In response to a question concerning community support, Mr. Bienkowoski advised that KRHC donates approximately $400,000 to the community annually; as well as giving time to such things as street teams and lending their brand, among other things. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned staff regarding their concerns with the City providing funding to the KRHC for this expansion. Mr. Hagey explained that the concern is the debt load and how it impacts the City. He advised that the City issues debt through the Region. He stated that there are ratios that are beneficial to achieve as an indication of the financial health of the City. Regarding the cost of borrowing this money, Mr. Hagey advised that interest rates will not be firm until the documents are signed and delivered. The question was raised as to whether the City should purchase insurance on this debt. Mr. Chapman advised that it is a possibility; however, the Rangers are not a high risk. In response to questions, Mr. Baulk advised that if Council chooses to adopt the recommendation on the first page of the staff report, the KRHC will not proceed with the expansion, as they prefer the alternate recommendation. Councillor Vrbanovic moved the alternate recommendation on page 4-8 of the agenda. Speaking in support of this motion, Councillor Vrbanovic stated that the Rangers are one of the most respected institutions in the City: they contribute $400,000 to the community each year. In 2012 the City will celebrate its 100th Anniversary as a City and the KRHC will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. This is an incredible opportunity as the Rangers will pay all the costs of the expansion and this is the best solution at this time. Councillor Davey put forward an amendment to the motion that all reference to Infrastructure Ontario (I.O) be removed from the recommendation and that staff investigate the cost of insurance. Councillor loannidis put forward an amendment that staff work with KRHC on the possibility of paid parking and cost sharing in that regard. Mayor Zehr stated that a larger facility is not possible at this time and suggested that the additional cost of insurance is not warranted at this time; noting that if KRHC defaults on its payments, the City will still own the building. He stated that the risks are no greater that any other partnership arrangements the City has had with the Rangers. Respecting the City's debt, Mayor Zehr stated that Council knew what the level of debt would be and that he is not overly concerned. Councillor Glenn-Graham spoke in support of the motion but was not supportive of purchasing insurance. Councillor Gazzola stated his opposition to the motion because the City will be loosing revenues which will have an impact on tax payers. He also stated that there will be parking problems that will impact the neighbourhood. Councillor Davey withdrew the portion of his amendment dealing with insurance. The following motion was voted on by a recorded vote and Carried, with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, S. Davey, K. Galloway, B. loannidis and D. Glenn-Graham voting in favour; and Councillors F. Etherington and J. Gazzola voting in opposition. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (KRHC) be granted approval to proceed with an expansion to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex as outlined in report number CSD-11-102 and CSD-11-110; and, That the City provide construction financing until a debenture can be issued; and, That the City of Kitchener provide a loan through a municipal debenture repayable with principal and interest over a 15 year period; and, COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE CSD-11-110 -SPECTATOR FACILITY REVIEW -FINAL REPORT (CONT'D) That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a 16 year lease with a 4 year option at the sole discretion of the KRHC, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and, That the KRHC be considered the project owners including being authorized to engage the project architect and general contractor; and further, That staff, in partnership with the KRHC, review the possibility of paid parking at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, including cost sharing." INS-11-089 -THE AUD DE-HUMIDIFICATION AND BUILDING CONTROLS The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-089, dated November 1, 2011, recommending that if the expansion to the Auditorium is approved, as outlined in staff report CSD-11-110, the Auditorium's dehumidification and controls system be upgraded at a cost of $2,550,000. Ms. Fletcher presented this report stating that staff's chosen option allows for all new components which will have a 15 to 20 year lifespan. Further, with the approval of the KRHC expansion, this is a perfect time to do the necessary upgrades to these systems. Mr. R. Hagey then reviewed the proposed funding sources outlined in the staff report. Mr. Bienkowski, KRHC, advised that ice quality has been an on-going issue and the ice quality needs to be average or better. He also advised that their financial commitment for the new dehumidification and building system is included in their business plan for the building expansion. In response to a question from the Committee, Ms. Fletcher advised that installation of these systems at the time of the construction of the expansion will allow the City to save half of the consulting fees, approximately $100,000 to $150,000, by working through the Ranger's design team. Respecting this matter, Ms. Fletcher advised that the City has paid approximately $5,000 in consulting fees to date. In response to questions concerning the options outlined in the staff report, Ms. Fletcher advised that options A and B utilize existing components that are very old. To do so would mean that in 2-5 years the equipment will not function. She advised that existing system components are distributed through out the building and are up to 30 years old. Mr. Chapman requested that if the staff recommendation is adopted by this Committee, the reference to Infrastructure Ontario (I.O.) debt issue be changed to City enterprises debt issue. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - itwas resolved: "That subject to the approval of report number CSD-11-110, approval be granted to install a new de-humidification and building controls system at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium as outlined in report INS-11-089; and, That the funding for the $2,550,000 new de-humidification and building controls system be approved as follows: Future Budgets Existing Balances Kitchener Rangers Contribution Balance to be Identified in 2012 Budget TOTAL $868,000 $532,000 $800,000 ($960,000 including all debt payments); to be funded by City Enterprises debt issue $350,000 $2,550,000; and further, That staff report on options to fund the balance to be identified as part of the 2012 capital budget process." COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 7. 2011 - 93 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-11-143 - 2011 LEAF GRANT - RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM (REEP) - KITCHENER HOME ENERGY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-143, dated November 1, 2011, responding to a concern raised by a Kitchener resident who works for a local, for-profit energy audit service provider, of unfairness. Ms. B. Steiner presented this report. Ms. M. J. Patterson, Executive Director and Ms. R. D' Aguilar, Customer Service Co-ordinator, REEP, were in attendance in support of the staff recommendation. Ms. Patterson noted that the grant program targets older housing stock and only 2 aspects: insulation and air sealing. She advised that REEP has looked at ways to incorporate other customers, which could only be done if the City issues the grant or REEP takes on the clients of other delivery agents. Councillor F. Etherington declared a pecuniary interest in this matter as he is involved with REEP at his home and did not participate in any discussion or voting on this matter. In response to questions from the Committee, Ms. Patterson advised with respect to the federal government's eco-Energy grants, clients of other delivery agents could register with REEP for their follow-up inspections; however, not knowing how many there may be, she did not believe that REEP has the capacity to do these additional inspections. She advised that approximately 200 Kitchener residents had their initial evaluations done by REEP. Further, because the federal grant program ends in March 2012, they do not have time to train more people to conduct the final inspection. She also advised that there is no indication from the federal government that this grant program will continue after the March 21, 2012 deadline. Mayor Zehr stated that the City should not make a change to the current program as to do so would be reacting to something over which we have no control. He moved the recommendation in the staff report. Councillor Glenn-Graham advised that another provider complained to him of unfairness in the current program. He suggested a hybrid program, which would have to be advertised to the public, be undertaken to see if the City could accommodate private sector providers. Ms. Steiner advised that if the City wants to involve for-profit providers it will first have to change the Community Improvement Plan. Councillor Glenn-Graham then suggested that this mater be deferred to allow staff an opportunity to design a pilot project. Mr. Willmer advised that the 4 options outlined in the staff report are the only options available and a deferral for a pilot project will create more work with questionable value. Ms. Steiner commented that other service providers may not be interested in this program if the federal grants end. A discussion then took place on the deferral motion as to timing and Councillor Glenn- Graham confirmed that the matter be deferred to the first meeting in April 2012. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - itwas resolved: "That consideration as to who should implement the Kitchener Home Energy Improvement Program, supported by the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), be deferred to the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting of April 16, 2012; and further, That Council consider the implications of funding for this type of program from all orders of government." 7. CSD-11-136 -REVISIONS TO PUBLIC ART POLICY I-816 The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-136, dated October 3, 2011, responding to this Committee's direction of August 15, 2011. In that regard, the report recommends changes to sections 4.5 and 4.6 of the policy and continued implementation of section 2.1 of the policy. Ms. C. York presented this report. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 7. 2011 - 94 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-11-136 -REVISIONS TO PUBLIC ART POLICY I-816 (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - itwas resolved: "That revisions to Public Art Policy I-816, Sections 4.5 and 4.6, be approved as outlined in report CSD-11-136; and further, That, in support of Section 2.1 of Public Art Policy I-816, the City of Kitchener continue to: 1. Involve citizens, including young people, in public art projects whenever possible; 2. Provide opportunities for the involvement of educational institutions whenever possible; and, 3. That all current programming involving youth be continued." 8. INFORMATION ITEMS Councillor K. Galloway advised that report CSD-11-153 (Region of Waterloo Emergency Dispatch Model Review Update) will be included as a discussion item on this Committee's November 28, 2011 agenda. 9. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p. m. Dianne Gilchrist Committee Administrator