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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Corp - 2003-12-08FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8~ 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, commencing at 1:05 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors C. Weylie, J. Gazzola, G. Lorentz and J. Smola. Officials Present: Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. F. McCrea, Ms. J. Koppeser, Ms. J. Sheryer, Ms. G. Luciantonia, Ms. K. Smith, Ms. C. Ladd, Ms. S. Keeping, Ms. R. Pitfield, Ms. D. Gilchrist and Messrs. J. Fielding, G. Stewart, F. Pizzuto, G. Borovilos, J. Willmer, J. Witmer, R. Gosse, K. Baulk, D. Chapman, K. Carmichael, M. Hildebrand and T. Konstantinidis. 1. CRPS-03-209 RECOMMENDATION OF DOG DESIGNATION APPEAL COMMITTEE REVIEW OF CHAPTER 530 (DOGS) OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER MUNICIPAL CODE The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-209, dated December 2, 2003, forwarding a recommendation from the Dog Designation Appeal Committee that an Adhoc Committee be established to review Chapter 530 (Dogs) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code. Councillor J. Smola requested that the recommendation in the report be amended to state that Legal Services staff, and Mr. J. LaFlamme of the Humane Society provide advice to this Adhoc Committee. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That an Adhoc Committee be established to review Chapter 530 (Dogs) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, save and except for those parts which prohibit Pitbull dogs in the City of Kitchener; and, That the Adhoc Committee be composed of 1 member of Council, 1 representative of the K-W Kennel Club, and 3 citizens-at-large, to be chosen by the Dog Designation Appeal Committee; and, That the Clerk be directed to advertise for 3 citizen-at-large positions, with the advertisement to clearly state that the provisions in the Municipal Code prohibiting Pitbull dogs will not be reviewed; and, That the Adhoc Committee report to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee and City Council in April 2004; and further, That Legal Services staff and Mr. J. LaFlamme, Kitchener-Waterloo and North Waterloo Humane Society provide advice to this Adhoc Committee." SSD-03-043 APPOINTMENT TO COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-043, dated December 3, 2003, recommending an appointment to Compass Kitchener. Ms. Ladd and Mayor C. Zehr recommended another appointment to Compass Kitchener, in addition to Ms. Bunting, Mr. Dan Williams, who has shown an interest in volunteering his time to represent citizens of his age group on one of the City's Committees. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That Trudi Bunting and Dan Williams be appointed to the Compass Kitchener Committee for the new term commencing December 2003." DECEMBER 8~ 2003 3. CRPS-03-213 FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 114- CITY OF KITCHENER 2004 APPOINTMENTS TO KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-213, dated December 3, 2003, advising of changes to the Public Libraries Act with respect to appointments by the Boards of Education to Library Boards. The report requests the Committee's direction as to filling the 3 vacant positions on the Kitchener Public Library Board which had previously been filled by appointments from the Boards of Education. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City Clerk be directed to advertise for 3 members to be appointed to the Kitchener Public Library Board, to fill those positions previously filled, pursuant to the Public Libraries Act, by the Boards of Education; and further, That coincident with the advertisement, the Clerk correspond with the Boards of Education inviting them to encourage persons interested in filling the 3 vacant positions on the Kitchener Public Library Board, to submit their applications to the Clerk." SSD-03-042 BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE REQUEST TO DRAW ON BUDGETED FUNDS The Committee was in receipt of Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-042, dated December 3, 2003, requesting permission to draw on the $25,000. contingency grant approved by Council on January 20, 2003 for the Business Enterprise Centre. Ms. K. Smith was in attendance to represent this request. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the $25,000. contingency grant for the Business Enterprise Centre approved by Council on January 20, 2003, be released." CRPS-03-212 PURSUIT OF AGREEMENT WITH GODERICH EXETER RAILWAY AND TRANSPORT CANADA CESSATION OF TRAIN WHISTLES AT NEW LEVEL CROSSING BINGEMANS CENTRE DRIVE AT VICTORIA STREET The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-212, dated December 3, 2003, providing the Committee with an update on the efforts being made to address the complaints received from residents in the vicinity of Bingemans Centre Drive and Victoria Street, concerning train whistles. In the report staff note that there is a newly established level crossing on Wabanaki Drive near Fairway Road where train whistles occur. Staff question whether they should pursue a similar agreement for this crossing. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That staff continue to pursue the feasibility of entering into an agreement with the Goderich Exeter Railway and Transport Canada, which would facilitate ceasing train whistles at the new level railway crossing on Bingemans Centre Drive at Victoria Street, and report to a future Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting; and, That staff pursue a similar agreement for the level crossing on Wabanaki Drive near Fairway Road; and further, That staff take a proactive approach with respect to whistle blowing at level crossings on new City streets." DECEMBER 8~ 2003 6. DTS-03-198 FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 115 - CITY OF KITCHENER DEVELOPMENT CHARGE AGREEMENT WITH LYNDALE ESTATES GRAND RIVER SOUTH SUBDIVISION COMPENSATION TO BE INCLUDED IN CAPITAL FORECAST The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-198, dated December 2, 2003, recommending an agreement between the City and Lyndale Estates which would have Lyndale Estate pay the costs for sanitary sewage facilities in the Grand River South Community, with the City to reimburse the difference between the costs for these sewage facilities and the Development Charge Credits to which Lyndale is entitle. Messrs. G. Stewart and J. Willmer noted the reasons for this approach to providing this development - driven infrastructure, as outlined on page 2 of the staff report: · the entire community cannot develop without the sanitary sewage facilities; · the cost of the works (approximately $4.0 million) is substantial and exceeds the total of DC credits owing to any one subdivider; · the probable timing of development of other benefiting lands will contribute revenue to the DC fund to coincide with the schedule of the City's payments; and · there is a net benefit to the DC fund from development in the Grand River south community. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with Lyndale Estates Ltd., to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, for the purpose of committing to compensating Lyndale for the difference between Lyndale's costs for sanitary sewage facilities in the Grand River South Community and the Development Charge credits to which Lyndale is entitled; and further, That Council commits to including the necessary funds in its annual Capital Budget, commencing in 2005, in the amount of $200,000 per year until the compensation is complete." CSD-03-184 DOWNTOWN PARKING FEE INCREASE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-03-184, dated December 8, 2003, recommending an increase in parking rates for Downtown surface parking lots. It was noted in the report that parking rates for Downtown surface lots have not been raised in approximately 10 years, and the Committee directed that these rates be reviewed annually. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That, subject to final approval of the 2004 budget, parking rates for Downtown surface lots be increased as follows: a) hourly parking rates be increased from $1.25 to $1.50; and, b) maximum daily rates be increased from $5.00 to $6.00; and further, That parking rates for Downtown surface lots be reviewed on an annual basis." 8. CAO-03-006 150TM YEAR OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE OF BERLIN FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8~ 2003 - 116 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of Chief Administrative Officer report CAO-03-006, dated December 1, 2003, recommending methods of celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Berlin. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the following actions and events be approved to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Berlin: a) use of the 150th celebration mark in conjunction with the City of Kitchener logo on all advertising, promotional materials and 'limited' merchandise for the year 2004; and, b) a celebration banner be flown on the middle pole on Civic Square; and, c) the City host an 'Old Fashioned' skating party for its residents at Victoria Park or at Civic Square on Friday January 16, 2004, to celebrate the date of the first Council meeting of the Village of Berlin being January 16, 1854; and, That the designs for the 150th celebration mark and celebration banner be those attached to Chief Administration Officer report CAO-03-006, dated December 1,2003; and further, That Special Event staff report at the Council meeting of December 15, 2003, with detailed plans for the 'Old Fashioned' skating party." CRPS-03-211 APPEAL PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 586 (REFRESHMENT VEHICLES) OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER MUNICIPAL CODE PERMISSION TO OPERATE HOT DOG CART AT 1400 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-211, dated December 2, 2003, advising of an appeal received for Mr. A. J. Hepburn of the refusal of the Manager of Licensing to issue him a licence to operate a hot dog cart outside the Canadian Tire store at 1400 Ottawa Street South. Mr. A.J. Hepburn was in attendance in support of his appeal. He noted that no complaints have been received concerning his hot dog cart, and he pays rent to Canadian Tire for the use of the space he occupies. He requested a licence to operate his hot dog cart through the Christmas Season, and for 2004. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Chapter 586 (Refreshment Vehicles) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, the appeal of A. J. Hepburn to the decision of the Manager of Licensing to refuse him a licence to operate a refreshment vehicle at 1400 Ottawa Street South, be approved effective December 9, 2003; and further, That the Manager of Licensing be directed to issue a licence to A. J. Hepburn for the remainder of 2003, and for 2004, to operate a refreshment vehicle outside the Canadian Tire Store at 1400 Ottawa Street South, subject to obtaining all necessary approvals and paying the required fees." 10. CRPS-03-210 DOON HERITAGE CROSSROADS REQUEST FOR REDUCED LICENCE FEE FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8~ 2003 - 117 - CITY OF KITCHENER "SEEDY SATURDAY" EVENT, 2004-02-14 The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-210, dated November 25, 2003, advising of the request received from Doon Heritage Crossroads for a reduced licence fee for a temporary retail market to be held in conjunction with their event "Seedy Saturday" on February 14, 2004. The report notes that a similar request has been approved by Council for the past 7 years; however, a similar request from Joseph Schneider Haus was refused by Council in 2003, although it had been approved for the previous 5 years. A motion by Councillor J. Gazzola to deny the request was lost in a tie vote. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That consideration of the request of Doon Heritage Crossroads for a reduced licence fee of $10.00 for a temporary retail market licence for the 'Seedy Saturday' event to take place on February 14, 2004, be deferred and referred to the Council meetinq of December 15, 2003." 11. CAO-03-005 K-W TOURISM "YOUR KITCHENER STORE" PILOT PROJECT REPORT The Committee was in receipt of Chief Administrative Officer report CA©-03-005, dated December 1, 2003, noting that K-W Tourism/Your Kitchener Store is a pilot project approved by Council to commence in April 2003. The report outlines the various successes of this pilot project, and recommends its continuation, with an enlarged mandate, and a budget for 2004. At the suggestion of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, the Committee generally agreed not to consider Clause 2 of this staff report as Community Services Department report CSD-03-177, the next report to be considered, contains more detailed information on the proposed lease of space for K- W Tourism/Your Kitchener Store. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener, through its Corporate Communications and Marketing Division, continue to provide visitor information through KW Tourism/Your Kitchener Store; and, That the 2004 Tourism Budget be approved in principle, subject to final approval of the 2004 budget; and, That staff enter into discussions with the City of Waterloo to investigate opportunities to contract for provision of Waterloo's visitor information; and, That staff report to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee in early spring 2004 with a complete business plan for a sport tourism program, and recommendations for the development of a sporting event bid process and bid secretariat; and further, That following the completion of a comprehensive list of City of Kitchener artifacts, and a decision from Council as to which artifacts are to be declared surplus and may be sold, staff develop opportunities for their sale in the Your Kitchener Store." 12. CSD-03-177 LEASING CONSIDERATIONS FOR K-W TOURISM/YOUR KITCHENER STORE 12. The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-03-177, dated December 4, 2003, advising that the owners of the property in which K-W Tourism/Your Kitchener Store is located would like to rent the premises to another business, and are offering to lease the City of Kitchener space at 191 King Street West. The report recommends a leasing agreement for 4,000 square feet at 191 King Street West, for a 2 year period, provided CSD-03-177 - LEASING CONSIDERATIONS FOR K-W TOURISM/YOUR KITCHENER STORE (CONT'D) FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8~ 2003 - 118 - CITY OF KITCHENER 13. 14. the lease is satisfactory to the City Solicitor. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener enter into, and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute, a 2 year lease agreement with 536357 Ontario Ltd., in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, for the leasing of 4,000 square feet at 191 King Street West, at a cost of $30,000. in 2004 and $40,000. in 2005, to accommodate K-W Tourism/Your Kitchener Store, provided the cost of the lease does not exceed the budgeted amount, except for the change in square footage." FIN-03-047 2004 COMPREHENSIVE FEE REVIEW The Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-03-047, dated November 14, 2003, recommending revised fees and charges for all City Departments for 2004. The Committee was also in receipt of a revised list of fees and charges for the Athletics and Aquatics, Community Services Department, dated December 4, 2003. The Committee was advised that staff have been directed to increase fees by 3% for 2004, and where appropriate to increase fees to a cost recovery level. They were also advised that the planning fees proposed represent 50% of full cost recovery. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the proposed 2004 Fees and Charges, as contained in the 2004 Comprehensive Fee Review attached to Financial Services Department Report FIN-03-047, save for the 2004 fees and changes for Aquatics and Athletics which are revised December 4, 2003, be approved; and, That staff forward the Cemetery Tariff of Fees and Charges to the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations for filing, in order that the proposed fees become effective January 1,2004; and further, That Legal Services prepare the necessary by-laws to amend City of Kitchener Municipal Code Chapters for fees pertaining to licensing, building, planning applications and Committee of Adjustment applications." NEW BUSINESS Councillor B. Vrbanovic spoke of the difficulties facing municipalities in obtaining funds for necessary capital projects. He requested a report from staff outling funding options to address the City's Capital Expenditure requirements. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That staff submit a report outlining funding options for the City's Capital Expenditure requirements for the January 12, 2004 special Finance and Corporate Service Committee meeting." 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m. Dianne Gilchrist Committee Administrator