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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-22 FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER Present: Councillor S. Davey - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington, P. Singh, and J. Gazzola Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development L. Johnston, Director, Corporate Communications & Customer Services C. Fletcher, Director, Facilities Management P. Harris, Manager, Licensing S. Di Donato, Manager, Arts & Culture J. Billett, Committee Administrator FCS-13-059 - REQUEST TO OPERATE HOT DOG CART 1. - 106 STOKE DRIVE - ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE - MAY 4, 2013 The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-059, dated April 15, 2013, regarding a request to operate a hot dog cart at 106 Stoke Drive during the annual Community Garage sale on May 4, 2013. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: That the request of Zbigniew Wilk to operate a hot dog cart at 106 Stoke Drive during the annual Community Garage Sale on May 4, 2013, be approved, provided the necessary licence is obtained including Health and Fire approvals. FCS-13-060 - REQUEST TO OPERATE HOT DOG CART 2. - 273 STOKE DRIVE & 112 WEXFORD CRESCENT - ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE - MAY 4, 2013 The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-060, dated April 15, 2013, regarding a request to operate a hot dog cart at 273 Stoke Drive and 112 Wexford Crescent during the annual Community Garage sale on May 4, 2013. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: That the request of Les Halt to operate two hot dog carts at 273 Stoke Drive and 112 Wexford Crescent during the annual Community Garage Sale on May 4, 2013, be approved, provided the necessary licence is obtained including Health and Fire approvals 3. The Committee considered Chief Administrat Office report CAO-13-004, dated April 16, 2013, Ms. S. Di Donato advised that the Kitchener Studio Project will occupy vacant space at 44 Gaukel Street and is a unique collaborative of academic and industry partners, as well as the regional arts community, Communitech, Christie Digital and Electronic Arts. The pilot project is to be led byConestoga College, University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, including the Critical Media Lab, the Games Institute and the School of Media and Design, with the objective to bring together art, design and digital content creators in recognition of the importance of developing and retaining talent in art design as partners to technology. Ms. Di Donato expressed the view that this initiative will provide a competitive edge for this community FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 - 54 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. in building a digital media cluster and enhance other sectors as well, such as manufacturing. Mr. Mark Derro, Dean, School of Media and Design, Communications and Liberal Studies, Conestoga College, commented that digital media is the fastest growing program in the being: strategic growth, collaboration and educated decision making. He noted that the project is intended to bring together the practical application of school programming with university academics to create a new educational model to grow and sustain creative talent in digital media. He noted that there will be substantial costs related to technology needs, and estimated $500,000 will be needed to generate curriculum and new programming. Mr. Derro advised that decisions made regarding this project will stem from a model of sustainability based on 3 world rticipation. The studio environment allows for a change in traditional educational pathways all the way from early school years through to academic levels and through real world experience will help to make good decisions in mapping out appropriate curriculum for higher education. Mr. Derro stated Bob Egan, business owner/musician and Chris Gander, the Games Institute, and Ms. Shawna Reibling, Wilfrid Laurier University, spoke in support of the project, noting that it will provide a place for students to create sustainable start- ups; bridge a disconnect between school programming and jobs; allow cross discipline between technical expertise and visual graphics design/audio for mobile devices in gaming environments; and provide a hub for academic researchers to come together, from whom participating students can learn from. Mr. Derro responded to questions noting that the 5 year start-up window will provide for understanding the needs and designing of the ecosystem for the project. It was noted that approximately 70 students are anticipated to participate in the specialized programming, which is to support growth and the economy by building entrepreneurial skills training into the programming resulting in graduates that will have attractive life skills in the hiring market. Mr. Derro stated that while entrepreneurial and life skills courses do exist, this pilot differs in combining academics with real world experiences bringing a more practical / applied approach. He advised that he was not in position to speak of potential for financial support from the Province as an approach has not yet been made to the Province. It was noted that have opportunity to talk with those having technical expertise; and the company will be able to teach those in the arts how to create their own businesses and elevate their work through the Questions were raised regarding displacement of tenants at 156-158 King Street West and the financial impact of renovations at 44 Gaukel Street. Mr. R. Regier advised that the Critical Media which was simply a placeholder pending the Centre Block development. He advised that now that plans for the boutique hotel are moving ahead on the Centre Block it is necessary to vacate the King Street space. Mr. Regier advised that upgrades are being made to the Gaukel Street property at a cost of approximately $200,000, which is being funded from within an existing capital budget. In respect to rental costs for Gaukel Street, Mr. Regier advised that same would be subject to finalization of an agreement but noted that it is intended all operating costs, including utilities, will be taken over by Conestoga College. The capital improvements include upgrades to the boiler, washrooms and lighting and regardless of the pilot project it will be necessary to update the boiler system. Ms. C. Fletcher agreed to provide costing for the boiler upgrades. Mr. R. Regier further noted that to upgrade the Gaukel Street facility sufficient for office space approximately $600,000 to $1 M would need to be spent and the City would not be ght Rail Transit (LRT) system is to be implemented in 2017. He stated that it is important to remain flexible in future use of the space for this reason. Questions were raised regarding potential disruption to the pilot project due to development of the LRT and potential changes to the Charles Street Transit Terminal. Mr. Regier acknowledged that the facility is in the middle of a large area ultimately subject to re-development and is the reason for the 5 year window. He suggested that the 5 FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 - 55 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. years should give sufficient time for experimentation of the project, as well as time to explore long term considerations of what might ultimately be a suitable location. He pointed out that the Transit Terminal is owned by the Region and while too early to determine any potential impact, Mr. Regier stated that he did not anticipate any major changes to the Transit Terminal prior to implementation of the LRT. He maintained that the Gaukel Street is an excellent choice for initial set-up and is attractive in its close proximity to transit connectivity. Carried Unanimously. The following motion was voted on by a recorded vote and On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: That staff facilitate t (KSP) at 44 Gaukel Street; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement with Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, to use a portion of 44 Gaukel satisfaction of the City Solicitor FCS-13-054 - COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE LOAN APPLICATION 4. - KITCHENER-WATERLOO ART GALLERY The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-054, dated April 15, 2013, regarding a request for a Community Assistance Loan to the Kitchener- Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) to support the completion of the Community Access Space project. Mr. D. Chapman advised that the Community Assistance Loan program was established to provide interim financing to community groups for purpose of donating equipment and facilities to the City. The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) has requested $15,000. to be repaid over a period of 3 years to assist with timely completion of their Community Access Space project. Mr. Chapman advised that at concern is clause 3.a.i of the loan policy which requires some liberal interpretation if the request is to be approved. He stated that staff have considered the request in context of the policy and is comfortable that the intent of the policy is being upheld. Ms. Shirley Madill, Executive Director, KWAG, advised that the community access space is located adjacent to the Centre in the Square lobby area and is used by KWAG for multi-purpose programming. She stated that they have received numerous requests for collaborative use of the space and it is a good size to host corporate events, which by virtue of the proposed upgrades will create opportunity for increased revenue generation. To achieve full potential, the upgrades proposed are estimated to cost approximately $100,000. and without same, KWAG will be challenged to meet community needs. Ms. Madill advised that KWAG has raised $25,000 to date, as well as received a $5,000 donation from the Rotary Club and commitment by Stantec Consulting Inc. for an additional $25,000. She noted, however, that Stantec has requested that their portion be received over a 5 yearperiod in annual installments of $5,000. Ms. Madill matching funds in the amount of $49,822. under an approved Federal Development Infrastructure Grant. Ms. Madill responded to questions, advising that the intent of the capital improvements to the space is to generate additional revenue streams for KWAG and their goal is to achieve approximately $50,000 per year in rental revenues. Mr. D. Chapman further clarified concerns with clause 3.a.i, advising that it stipulates capital improvements are to be donated to the City. In this case the assets are not being turned over to the City; however, KWAG is a tenant of the Centre In The Square which is controlled by the City, and as such, the improvements being made will be under control of the City and the intent is that the space will be available for community use. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 - 56 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-13-054 - COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE LOAN APPLICATION 4. - KITCHENER-WATERLOO ART GALLERY Carried Unanimously. The following motion was voted on and On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: That a Community Assistance Loan be provided to the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) to support the completion of the Community Access Space project, said loan to be in the amount of $15,000 for a three year term, with fixed annual repayments of $5,000 per year commencing in 2014; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a loan agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor ADJOURNMENT 5. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator