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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2003-11-13DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES November 13, 2003 City of Kitchener The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m., chaired by Sally Gunz, with the following members present: Councillor John Smola, Doug Hoch, Anita Petsche- Good, Marty Schreiter, Glen Woolner, Nathan Hallman, Markus Stranz. Staff: Frank Pizzuto, Glen Richardson, Michelle Schurter, Recorder: Edwina Weiss 1. Approval of Agenda - November 13, 2003 On motion by Nathan Hallman, it was moved that the agenda for the November 13, 2003 meeting be accepted. Carried. 2. Approval of Minutes - October 09, 2003 On motion by Glen Woolner, it was moved that the minutes of the October 09, 2003 meeting be accepted. Carried. 3. Market Update - Stephanie Massel Members received information packages with the design and plans for the new Kitchener market. Stephanie Massel explained that the market would be divided into four sections; starting with the upper level designated for full-time food vendors. The city is seeking a butcher, baker, speciality coffee vendor and ethnic food vendors. The intention is to provide food (a snapshot) from different parts of the world for visitors' enjoyment. This level will include an overlooking open space for visitors to glance into the inside level below. The lower level will feature vendors who produce or process the foods they are selling, to create the concept of"producer direct to consumer" which is the essence of a public market. Outside will have the produce truck vendors - the public enjoy these concepts in current farmers market. During the months of May through October, on Saturdays only, the outside produce vendors will be located on Eby Street and Market Lane. The outdoor public square area will be restricted for arts and crafts throughout the months of May to October. Barrelworks associates will own and operate the two corner buildings, which will be allocated for retail and office space. Glen Woolner mentioned that some of the vendors are concerned regarding the rate increase for the stalls in the new market. Stephanie Massel explained that rents are very low at the present time compared to surrounding market areas. The city realizes that the current vendors are nervous about change, where vendor stalls will be located and the increase of rates. We do expect some turnover, however we do not have concerns in filling the market. A letter will be mailed out in December to the vendors addressing their concerns along with the rent price increase. 4. Removal of Graffiti - Rick Fairbarin Rick Fairbarin informed the members that the community may use the hot-line telephone number (741-2320) and/or the website that will provide step by step procedures to report graffiti damaged. He explained that when a call comes in, the assistant would create a report, which is given to a work crew. Pictures are taken at the site and if the graffiti is on city owned property it is removed immediately where possible. When graffiti is found on private property the owner is notified and asked to remove it. However, K-W Hydro, Canada Post and other businesses are responsible to remove graffiti on their property. Marty Schreiter explained that the KDBA does employ a full-time position to remove graffiti in the downtown area from May to October. However, the position only pays $8.00 per hour, which causes a great turnover in personnel and a backlog of work. Marty Schreiter also commented that when graffiti is replaced with an artistic feature that the problem seems to disappear. Sally Gunz recommended the removal of graffiti in the downtown be stepped up to an essential priority. Frank Pizzuto, Marty Schreiter and Rick Fairbarin will meet to discuss solutions to work together to cleanup the backlog of graffiti damage in the downtown core. Councillor John Smola recommended to streamline this issue a written notice should be sent to owner/tenant outlining their responsibility of removing graffiti on their property. A suggested option is for the KDBA and the city to perform the work together and charge expenses back to the owner. Tour of Children's Museum - Glen Woolner Glen Woolner asked the members if they would be interested in taking a tour of the new Children' s Museum. He has spoken with Rosemary Aicher, Director of the Children' s Museum and she would be delighted to show the Museum to the group. Edwina Weiss will contact Rosemary to make arrangements for the December 11th DAC meeting. Hall's Lane - all Marty Schreiter informed that with the increase of residents/families in Heartwood, the lane has become a busy pedestrian lane way especially late at night. He stated that it is a priority to pave the lane and boost the lighting. Several members suggested that our committee present a recommendation to Council. Frank Pizzuto (draft) motioned, "Because Heartwood is now renovated, and because families and children are living in Heartwood, and because the Downtown Advisory Committee has concerns for the safety of Heartwood residents, the Downtown Advisory Committee recommends that Hall's Lane from Gaukle to Ontario be improved by adding lighting and paving, and that the Gaukle street streetscaping extending from Joseph street to King street project be advanced from 2005 to 2004". Anita Petsche-Good second the motion. Arts & Culture Committee Up-Date - Denis Pellerin Denis Pellerin was unavailable to present a report. $. Safe & Healthy Communities Committee Up-Date - Doug Hoch Doug Hoch informed the members that the Safe & Healthy committee did not meet this past month and there is no report. 9. EDAC Up-Date - Joan Euler Joan Euler was unavailable to present a report. 10. Downtown Up-Date (including Centre Block) - Frank Pizzuto Frank Pizzuto invited the group to an unveiling of a strategic/framework meeting that will be presented on Monday, November 17th in the Council Chambers at 3:30 p.m. Frank stated that this is exciting news for the revitalizating of the downtown core. He informed the group that a university is planning to move an entire faculty into the former St. Jerome's high school under a conditional offer. Research studies have proven to give a positive impact to the core of mid-size cities with the relocation of institutional education systems. It brings with it young people that will live, eat, and earn a living in the downtown community. A joint EDAC/DAC/Centre Block Steering Committee presentation will be on Wednesday, November 19, 2003, at the Rockway Golf Course commencing at 4 p.m. The meeting's purpose is to share information, clarify roles of committees and receive feedback. The Victoria Park phase one (1) design project has been delayed to the spring of 2004. The city is looking into developing aspects for the land at Joseph and David streets -approximately an acre and one half of undeveloped land which backs into the park. Frank Pizzuto mentioned that the city is having talks with two developers concerning land in the Warehouse/Market districts. One of the developments would bring approximately 400 employees and the other 100 employees. Questions were raised with regard to the developments at Mansion and Chestnut - Michelle Schurter will check into it and report back at the next meeting. Also, questions regarding what is happening with the Arrow shirt factory - Michelle Schurter will research and report at our next meeting. 11. KDBA Up-Date - Marty Schreiter Marty Schreiter informed the group that the all-candidate debate hosted by the KDBA was successful and well attended. He reported that he is the liaison for the KDBA and the Centre Block Steering Committee. He is pleased that the committee are doing their homework by consulting with current businesses - they are on the right track. Marty Schreiter asked the group if his presence at the DAC meetings is really necessary, as he feels that he is a member on several committees and wondering if it is a benefit to have him attend the DAC meetings. Several comments were made with the end result of an unanimous vote that it is essential to have a representative from the KDBA. Furthermore, the members believe that it is imperative that the Downtown Advisory Committee is considered as an advisory committee and not a committee that shares information. Michelle Schurter will bring the "Terms of Reference" to the next meeting. 12. Community Collaborative Update - Marty Schreiter Marty Schreiter stated there is no report at this time - each of the working groups within the Collaborative are progressing in their goals. 13. DAC Role - 2004 & Beyond - Michelle Schurter Michelle Schurter asked the members for their thoughts regarding their roles in 2004 and beyond. Doug Hoch commented that DAC, EDAC and the Safe & Healthy Communities Committees have overlapping roles. Sally Gunz would like to see DAC have more concrete, action orientated roles - preparing motions, recommendations, etc. to Council. Sally Gunz explained that it would be informative if members would e-mail each other in between the monthly meetings, to keep everyone up-dated. On motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Next Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 11th starting at 4 p.m. - exploring the possibility of meeting at the Waterloo Children's Museum (more info to follow).