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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-10COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 10, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:54 p.m. Present: Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington and P. Singh. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services J. Witmer, Interim Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development K. Carmichael, Manager of Transportation Planning S. Di Donato, Manager Arts and Culture K. Woodcock, Manager, Service Coordination & Improvement B. Cheyne, Supervisor of Athletics R. Willms, Supervisor of Administration, Community Services B. Scott, Event Coordinator D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator INS-12-088 - LANE DESIGNATION 1. - BLOCK LINE ROAD AT WESTMOUNT ROAD EAST The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-088, dated December 4, 2012, recommending that the southbound curb lane on Block Line Road at Westmount Road East be designated as a right turn only lane. In response to questions, Mr. K. Carmichael advised that Transportation Services had received concerns related to vehicles travelling through the intersection. He indicated that the installation of right turn only signage would emphasize the correct manoeuvre for motorists; thereby reducing the likelihood of near collisions at the southbound approach to the intersection. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to designate a southbound curb lane on Block Line Road at Westmount Road East as a right turn only lane.” CAO-12-052 - CREATIVE ENTERPRISE INITIATIVE UPDATE 2. The Committee considered Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-12-052, dated November 30, 2012, which provides an update on the activities undertaken by the Creative Enterprise Initiative (CEI) in 2012. Ms. Heather Sinclair presented the update, advising that CEI has received operating funds through the City of Kitchener Community Grants Program since 2010. She stated that City Council approved the 2012 Community Grant in the amount of $56,000.; stipulating that consideration be given to discontinuing future financial support to CEI, pending a determination as to whether the organization had reached its revenue target of $1.2M from the private sector. Ms. Sinclair indicated that CEI has been successful in obtaining 18%, or approximately $225,000. of their goal in securing revenue from the private sector to date. Clarification was requested as to how the revenue target was determined. Ms. Sinclair responded that the Prosperity Council identified a $3M to $5M shortfall for the Region of Waterloo in terms of investment and support for the creative sector. She stated that it was determined that CEI would focus on reducing this shortfall and established the following targets: $1M from Regional municipalities; $1M from the Provincial and Federal governments; and, $1.2M from the private sector. In response to further questions, Ms. Sinclair advised that in 2012, a pilot program was initiated by CEI to provide $10,000. in funding to smaller groups within the creative sector in Waterloo Region. She stated that the criteria for awarding the grant was to demonstrate how COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 10, 2012 - 94 - CITY OF KITCHENER CAO-12-052 - CREATIVE ENTERPRISE INITIATIVE UPDATE (CONT’D) 2. the group would become self-sustaining through the $10,000. investment. She indicated that the applications were reviewed by the CEI Board, who awarded grants based on the quality of each proposal. She advised that there were no obligations under this program to return the funding to CEI once these groups had successfully leveraged additional resources. Councillor J. Gazzola requested financial statements for CEI, noting they were not included as part of the Annual Update. Ms. Sinclair agreed to provide year-end financial statements for 2012, indicating that they should be available by February 2013. Mr. J. Willmer provided clarification regarding the two grants proposed to be funded by the City of Kitchener to CEI in 2013, advising the first is an allocation of $1 per capita and is funded through the Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF). He noted that this equates to approximately $231,000., which would form part of the $1M target set by CEI for municipal support. He added that a second grant would provide operating funds to CEI in the amount of $56,000., which is intended to be considered as part of the 2013 Community Grants process. Mayor C. Zehr inquired as to the status of the funding goals set by CEI. Ms. Sinclair advised that of the $1M in municipal funding, $750,000. has been secured, noting that the City of Cambridge and the area Townships have decided not to contribute to CEI at this time. She indicated that commencing in 2011, funding has been received through the Ontario Trillium Foundation in the amount of $75,000. per year for a three year period; however, no additional provincial or federal funding has been secured to date. Ms. Sinclair responded further, that the City of Waterloo has contributed for four years and has indicated that they anticipate providing an allocation in the amount of $33,000. for 2013. Questions were raised regarding the potential impact if CEI did not receive the additional $56,000. Ms. Sinclair responded that the 2013 goal of securing $1.2M in private sector funding would remain unchanged; however, they would need to re-evaluate some of their processes if the requested funding was not approved. She acknowledged that CEI has set aggressive fundraising goals, noting the amount of private investment to date is a testament to the sustainability of the arts and culture sector in Waterloo Region. Mayor Zehr left the meeting at this time. CSD-12-153 - 2013 COMMUNITY GRANTS 3. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-153, dated December 4, 2012, recommending approval of the 2013 Community Grants Tiers 1, 2, 3, in- kind grants and an operating grant for the Creative Enterprise Initiative (CEI). Councillor Z. Janecki declared pecuniary interest with respect to the Tier 1 Community Grant proposed for the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra Association, as he is a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Majdi Bou-Matar, the Multicultural Theatre Space Inc. (MT Space), appeared before the Committee, requesting annual funding in the amount of $30,000. from the Tier 1 Community Grant Program. He indicated that the requested annual funding would be for the period of 2013-2015, to support both operations and the annual IMPACT Festival. He noted that this would serve to replace their previous three year grant allocation, which expired in 2012. He stated that MT Space’s 2013 grant request is an increase of approximately $18,000. above staff’s recommended allocation. He referred to MT Space’s programming, and indicated that although funding for the IMPACT Festival was received from the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund in 2011 and 2012, the Festival is no longer eligible as it forms part of their regular programming and is not considered a new initiative. Accordingly, MT Space is experiencing a shortfall in funding of approximately $20,000., which has necessitated the requested increase in Community Grant funding. Councillor P. Singh inquired if MT Space had applied to CEI for funding through that groups pilot program for investment in smaller organizations in the arts and culture sector. Mr. Bou- Matar responded that he has worked closely with staff at CEI, but was unsuccessful in securing funding through the pilot program. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 10, 2012 - 95 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-12-153 - 2013 COMMUNITY GRANTS (CONT’D) 3. Councillor D. Glenn-Graham inquired if MT Space had applied for funding from the Federal government for projects specific to aboriginal and multi-cultural artists. Mr. Bou-Matar responded that MT Space was awarded a grant for 2013 from the Canada Council - Equity and Canadian Heritage, which supports cultural diversity. In response to further questions, Mr. Bou-Matar confirmed that MT Space’s was requesting ongoing Community Grant funding; however, one-time funding for the IMPACT Festival would be appreciated. He stated that if they only receiving funding for 2013, MT Space would have to pursue additional fundraising initiatives to address the shortfall caused by the discontinuation of support from the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund. Questions were raised regarding a possible funding source for MT Space’s increased funding request. Mr. Bou-Matar responded that a $3M to $5M funding gap was identified for the Region’s arts and culture sector, to which the City allocates $1 per capita; however, to date, MT Space has not received any portion of this funding. He encouraged the City of Kitchener to take a leadership role and diversify the per capita funding to smaller groups; such as, MT Space. Mr. M. May provided additional clarification with respect to an available funding source, advising that should MT Space receive an increased Tier 1 allocation, the funds would be taken from the budgetary allotment for Tier 2. He noted that this would effectively reduce the amount of funds that would be available for new and emerging projects. Councillor Y. Fernandes inquired if funding was available through EDIF, rather than the Community Grants Program. Mr. R. Regier stated that all of the remaining EDIF funding has been fully allocated. He indicated that given the activities undertaken by MT Space, he could investigate the possibility of whether other funding options might be available within the 2013 Economic Development Division budget. Mr. May noted that 2013 was the final year for EDIF, adding that the applicant has stated that a one-time grant would not be optimum for his organization. A motion was brought forward by Councillor F. Etherington to increase the Tier 1 Community Grant allocation for MT Space to $25,000. with the opportunity for the organization to apply for additional funding in 2013 for the IMPACT Festival. Councillor J. Gazzola brought forward an amendment to Councillor Etherington’s motion, to allocate $22,000. one-time funding to MT Space for the IMPACT Festival. LOST Councillor Gazzola’s amendment was voted on and as a result of a tie on a recorded vote with Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, Y. Fernandes, S. Davey and P. Singh voting in favour; and, Councillors B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington and K. Galloway-Sealock voting in opposition. LOST Councillor Etherington’s motion was then voted on and as a result of a tie on a recorded vote withCouncillors D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington and P. Singh voting in favour; and, Councillors Y. Fernandes, S. Davey, Z. Janecki, J. Gazzola, and K. Galloway-Sealock voting in opposition. Councillor B. Vrbanovic brought forward a motion proposing a Tier 1 Community Grant to MT LOST Space in the amount of $20,000., which was voted on and as a result of a tie on a recorded vote with Councillors B. Vrbanovic, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, F. Etherington and P. Singh voting in favour; and, Councillors Y. Fernandes, J. Gazzola, S. Davey, Z. Janecki and K. Galloway-Sealock voting in opposition. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then brought forward a motion to refer consideration of the Tier 1 Community Grant to MT Space to the December 17, 2012 Council meeting, when all members would be present. Carried. Councillor Vrbanovic’s referral motion was then voted on and was COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 10, 2012 - 96 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-12-153 - 2013 COMMUNITY GRANTS (CONT’D) 3. Ms. Shelley Secrett and Mr. David Bell, tri-Pride Community Association Inc., appeared before the Committee, requesting an increase in Tier 1 Community Grant funding to $8,700. ($5,000 in-kind and $3,700 cash) for the annual tri-Pride Festival. Ms. Secrett indicated that the requested amount is $7,574. more than the $1,137. being recommended by City staff, adding that it is required to enhance the Festival by adding new programs as well as higher quality features to attract more participants. She advised that an in-kind donation would offset additional City resources and staffing requirements, noting that the cash grant would assist with improved stage set-up and the recruitment of higher calibre performers. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock referred to the 2012 funding to the tri-Pride Community Association, indicating that the $2,740. was allocated from the Special Events operating budget. She inquired if that same funding source could be utilized to accommodate a portion of the requested 2013 increase. Mr. B. Scott responded that due to the timing of the budget process, the applicants did not meet the deadline for applying for Community Grant funding in 2012. He indicated that in order to ensure the Festival took place, Special Events agreed to provide in-kind support to the Festival from its 2012 operating budget. He noted that the Festival has not historically received funding through the Special Events budget and estimated that if the City were to host this Festival it would cost approximately $9,000. to $10,000. A motion was brought forward by Councillor Y. Fernandes to allocate $1,137. in cash and $3,000. in-kind services to the tri-Pride Community Association Inc., to assist with the expansion of the tri-Pride Festival. Councillor J. Gazzola brought forward an amendment to Councillor Fernandes’ motion to have the $3,000. in-kind services be allocated from the Special Events operating budget. Councillor Galloway-Sealock suggested that as there seemed to be general support for the proposed additional allocation of $3,000. in-kind services, this matter could be referred to the December 17, 2012 Council meeting to allow time for a determination of an appropriate funding source. Councillor Fernandes accepted Councillor Galloway-Sealock’s proposed referral as friendly and Councillor Gazzola agreed to withdraw his amendment. Carried The following motion was then voted on and on a recorded vote with Councillors Y. Fernandes, B. Ioannidis, F. Etherington, B. Vrbanovic, S. Davey, P. Singh, J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham and K. Galloway-Sealock voting in favour; and, Councillor Z. Janecki voting in opposition. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: “That consideration of the Tier 1 Community Grant to tri-Pride Community Association be referred to the December 17, 2012 Council meeting Inc., pending a determination as to a funding source for the proposed additional allocation of $3,000. for in-kind services.” The Committee then considered the balance of the allocations recommended for the Tier 1, 2, 3, and in-kind Community Grants, as outlined in Report CSD-12-153. Councillor F. Etherington spoke to the grant allocation being requested by the Kitchener- Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG), noting that as a member of that organization’s Board of Directors, there is an identified need for additional funding above what has been recommended by staff. He proposed that consideration of the KWAG’s grant request should be referred to the December 17, 2012 Council meeting, to provide an opportunity for more information to be provided regarding this matter. In addition, he suggested that based on the discussion that took place earlier this date, consideration of the final Clause of the staff recommendation pertaining to the Creative Enterprise Initiative (CEI) should be referred to January 17, 2013 final Budget Day. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 10, 2012 - 97 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-12-153 - 2013 COMMUNITY GRANTS (CONT’D) 3. On motion, Councillor F. Etherington brought forward the recommendation contained in Report CSD-12-153, with a revision that consideration of the funding allocations to KWAG and the operating grant to CEI, be referred to the December 17, 2012 Council meeting and January 17, 2013 final Budget Day, respectively. An amendment was brought forward by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, which was accepted as friendly, to refer consideration of the Tier 2 Community Grants to January 17, 2013 final Budget Day. On motion by Councillor F. Etherington - it was resolved: “That, subject to 2013 final budget deliberations, the 2013 budget for Community Grants Tiers 1, 2 and 3, in-kind facility grants and travel assistance grants be set at $2,529,947. and allocated as follows: That 2013 Community Grants Tier 1 in the amount of $1,547,477., as outlined in Appendix ‘A’ to Community Services Department report CSD-12-153, be approved for community groups, save and except consideration of the following been referred to the December 17, 2012 Council meeting which has : a) $252,495. allocation to the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery; b) $12,857. allocation to the Multicultural Theatre Space (The MT Space); and, That 2013 Community Grants Tier 1 in the amount of $757,244., as outlined in Appendix ‘B’ of Report CSD-12-153, be approved for minor sports organizations; and, That consideration of the $150,790. allocation to the 2013 budget for Community referred to January 17, 2013 final Budget Day Grants Tier 2, be ; and, That the 2013 budget for Community Grants Tier 3 be set at $10,844.; and, That the 2013 budget for In-Kind Facility Grants and Travel Assistance Grants be set at $7,592.; and further, That consideration of the 2013 operating grant in the amount of $56,000. to the Creative be referred to January 17, 2013 final Budget Day Enterprise Initiative, .” CSD-12-154 - 2013 NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION AFFILIATION 4. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-154, dated November 29, 2012, recommending that The Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association be approved as an affiliated Neighbourhood Association and included in the list of approved Neighbourhood Associations for 2013. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: “That the Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association be approved as an affiliated Neighbourhood Association with the City of Kitchener as per the City’s Neighbourhood Association policy; and, That the Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association be approved as an insured group in the City of Kitchener’s third party liability insurance program; and further, That the list of Neighbourhood Associations attached to Community Services Department report CSD-12-154, dated November 29, 2012, be approved for affiliation with the City of Kitchener for 2013.” COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 10, 2012 - 98 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-12-090 - TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE 5. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-090, dated December 4, 2012, recommending that the public consultation process continue for the Transportation Master Plan. Mr. K. Carmichael reviewed the report and identified that staff anticipated presenting the results of the public consultation process in the spring of 2013. Questions were raised regarding the completion of the Cycling Master Plan relative to the completion of the Transportation Master Plan. Mr. Carmichael advised that the Cycling Master Plan is a complementary document to the Transportation Master Plan, which he estimated would be brought forward for final approval toward the end of 2013. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That staff be directed to recommence the public consultation for the Transportation Master Plan by releasing it for public review and comments in order to provide input to the City; and further, That staff be directed to report back to a future Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting in the spring of 2013 with the results of the public consultation, and seek final approval of the Transportation Master Plan.” ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator