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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-19 COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 19. 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:51 p.m. Present: Councillor B. loannidis-Chair Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, K. Gal loway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh, D. Schnider and P. Singh. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance and Corporate Services D. Tyagi, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs and Services D. Keelan, Manager,Aquatics and Athletics K. Woodcock, Manager, Service Coordination and Improvement R. Willms, Supervisor,Administration, Community Services D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-15-002 - BREITHAUPT CENTRE BATTING CAGE EXPANSION The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-002, dated January 19, 2015 recommending approval of the proposed expansion of the existing batting cage located at Breithaupt Park for Kitchener Minor Baseball Association (KMBA). In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of information materials entitled "Kitchener Minor Baseball Outdoor Practice complex proposal" prepared by KMBA. Ms. D. Keelan was in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. Mr. Dave Ryan, KMBA, presented an overview of the proposed expansion of the existing batting cage, noting that the intention of the expansion is to create a complete practice complex. He advised that the proposal would include the addition of three lanes, increasing capacity from four to twelve players who could practice pitching, catching and batting simultaneously. He stated that the facility would be fully lighted which would assist in increasing the length of the baseball season. Mr. Ryan indicated that City staff have been supportive of their proposal, believing the expansion is a more efficient use of space, while allowing more capacity for athletes to actively practice during scheduled games and practices. He advised that KMBA is not asking for any financial contribution from the City of Kitchener, indicating that they are committed to funding this project through fundraising, donations and sponsorship. He further advised that they intend to apply for funding through the Toronto Blue Jays "Field of Dreams" program which has an application deadline of January 31, 2015. In response to questions regarding the proposed lighting, Mr. Ryan advised that KMBA will continue to work with the City regarding the construction of the project, noting that they would consult with City staff prior to making any final selections with regards to lighting. Questions were raised regarding a potential partnership between the City and KMBA with regards to the construction as a means of reducing the cost and potentially eliminating the requirement for H.S.T. Mr. Chapman advised that the City could assist KMBA by contracting out the project which would result in some cost saving benefits. He noted that there may be additional Council approvals required if that option was pursued. He stated that a similar process was undertaken with the Kitchener Rangers regarding the expansion of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium project, noting that staff will continue to work with KMBA to determine cost-effective construction options for the proposed baseball facility. A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Marsh to approve the staff recommendation as outlined in Report CSD-15-002, including an additional clause to direct staff to work with KMBA to explore procurement options to provide for a more cost-effective construction of the proposed baseball training facility. On motion by Councillor S. Marsh - it was resolved: "That subject to providing detailed specifications and a budget showing all associated costs, Kitchener Minor Baseball Association (KMBA) be granted permission to expand the existing batting cage located at the Breithaupt Centre, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-15-002; and, COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 19. 2015 -2 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-15-002 -BREITHAUPT CENTRE BATTING CAGE EXPANSION (CONT'D) That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with KMBA for the installation and operation of the expanded batting cage, said agreement to be satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and further, That staff be directed to work with KMBA to explore procurement options that might assist KMBA with the cost-effective construction of the proposed baseball training facility." 2. CSD-15-003 - 2015 COMMUNITY GRANTS Councillor Z. Janecki declared a 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; and accordingly, did not participate in any discussion or voting regarding that matter. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-003, dated January 19, 2015 recommending approval of the 2015 Community Grants amounts for Tiers 1 and 2, in-kind facility grants and travel assistance grants. Ms. K. Woodcock and Ms. R. Willms presented the report and responded to questions from the Committee. Councillor S. Davey left the meeting at this time. Ms. Joan Tuchlinsky, Take Back the Night Committee, addressed the Committee in opposition to the recommendation for an in-kind grant of $425. She stated that they are requesting an additional in-kind grant of $217. to assist with parking expenses for those attendees of the Take Back the Night event with limited mobility. In response to questions, Mr. Chapman advised that for events where the parking gates are lifted providing free parking for the attendees, typically there are charge backs to the respective City Departments hosting the event. He indicated that Parking is an enterprise and whenever free parking is offered there are lost revenues for the Enterprise that need to be accounted for through charge backs. Councillor J. Gazzola brought forward a motion to approve an increase in the recommended Tier 1 Community Grant for the Take Back the Night Committee from $425. (in-kind) to $642. (in-kind), with the increase of$217. (in-kind) for free parking to be funded through the parking budget. Councillor S. Davey entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Gazzola's motion was then voted on and was Carried. Mr. John Neufeld, House of Friendship, Chandler Mowat Community Program, addressed the Committee in opposition to the recommended allocation of $28,872., which was lower than their requested grant of$50,568. He advised that the House of Friendship coordinates specific "social service" programs through Chandler Mowat Community Centre that focus on the provision of basic needs to families within the Community. He indicated that the additional grant funding for 2015 would increase the hours of the Program Coordinator from part-time to full-time in order to provide greater capacity to respond to the needs within the Chandler Mowat neighbourhood for food assistance/food security, community safety and youth violence. Mayor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether the grant program that helped to establish the Cops Program hosted out of Centreville Chicopee Community Centre could be used to help increase the grant funding for the House of Friendship. Mr. M. Hildebrand identified the subject funding was coming from the Community Development Infrastructure Grant (CDIP), adding that grant program is still active. He stated that it is intended to be a one-time funding at a maximum allocation of $10,000. He indicated that the current balance in the account is approximately $17,000., noting that there are currently no commitments to that funding. Mr. Hildebrand further advised that the balance includes the 2015 budget allocation to the program. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 19. 2015 -3 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CSD-15-003 - 2015 COMMUNITY GRANTS (CONT'D) Councillor P. Singh brought forward a motion to approve an increase in the recommended Tier 1 Grant for the House of Friendship, Chandler Mowat Community Program from $28,872. to $50,568. with $10,000 of the additional allocation to be funded through CDIP and, the remaining $11,696. To be added to the Base Budget for the Tier 1 Grants. Councillor Singh's motion was then voted on and was Carried on a recorded vote with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. Ioannidis, K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Marsh, D. Schnider, F. Etherington, P. Singh, Y. Fernandes and Z. Janecki voting in favour; and, Councillors J. Gazzola and S. Davey voting in opposition. Councillor B. Ioannidis advised that Homer Watson House have withdrawn their Grant appeal and are not in attendance this date. Messrs. Rob Barkshire, Bob Wethaver, Kitchener Blues Community Inc. and Michael Harker, Enigma Research Corporation, were in attendance in opposition to the recommended Tier 1 Grant allocation. Mr. Barkshire commented that the Blues Festival is in its 15th year and is primarily a free concert that brings a large amount of economic benefit to the community. He indicated that they are requesting an increase in funding from the recommended $40,011. cash grant to $59,517. ($39,517. cash; $20,000. in-kind) for 2015 to assist in retaining the artistic talent, supporting sustainability, and improving attendance. Mayor B. Vrbanovic questioned what the impact to the Festival would be if they did not receive additional grant funding. Mr. Barkshire advised that the Board would need to review their proposed budget to consider potential cutbacks. He noted that likely it would mean a decrease in the proposed budget for artistic talent. In response to questions, Mr. Barkshire advised that the increased in-kind grant funding would be used to cover the City services required to operate the Festival, which includes draining the fountain, removing the bollards and garbage collection. He stated that following the festival, the City currently sends an invoice requesting payment for those items, noting that the 2014 invoice amount was approximately$16,000. Councillor J. Gazzola brought forward a motion to approve a Tier 1 Community Grant for the Kitchener Blues Festival as outlined in Report CSD-15-003. Mayor Vrbanovic spoke in support of the Festival, noting that depending on the outcome of Councillor Gazzola's motion, he would be interested in putting forward an alternate motion that would increase the recommended Tier 1 Grant allocation by$10,000. Councillor Gazzola's motion was then voted on and was Carried on a recorded vote with Councillors J. Gazzola, S. Davey, K. Galloway-Sealock, D. Schnider, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes and Z. Janecki voting in favour; and, Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. Ioannidis, P. Singh and S. Marsh,voting in opposition. Questions were raised regarding Kitchener Minor Hockey and whether they receive operating grant funding in addition to preferred rates for ice rentals. Ms. Keelan agreed to provide additional information on the grant allocation in relation to being provided preferred ice rental rates. In reference to the grant request from Festival of Neighbourhoods, Councillor J. Gazzola questioned why they were seeking double the grant allocation they received in 2014. Ms. Willms agreed to provide additional information on that matter. In accordance with the declared pecuniary interest, the proposed Tier 1 Community Grant proposed for the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra Association, was voted on separately and was Carried. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock- it was resolved: COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 19. 2015 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CSD-15-003 - 2015 COMMUNITY GRANTS (CONT'D) "That subject to final 2015 budget approval, the 2015 budget for Community Grants Tiers 1 and 2, in kind facility grants and travel assistance grants be set at $2,017,642 and allocated as follows: • That 2015 Community Grants Tier 1 in the amount of$1,610,773 be approved for community groups as outlined in Appendix A to Report CSD-15-003 including: Group Additional Funding Source Fundin Take Back the Night $217. Parking Subsidy Committee House of Friendship Community Development (Chandler Mowat Community $10,000. Infrastructure Grant(CDIP) Program) $11,696. 1 Add to Base Budget Tier 1 • That 2015 Community Grants Tier 1 in the amount of $206,218 as outlined in Appendix B to Report CSD-15-003 be approved for minor sports organizations; and, • That the 2015 budget for Community Grants Tier 2 be set at $192,868; and further, • That the 2015 budget for In Kind Facility Grants and Travel Assistance Grants be set at$7,783." 3. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m. D. Saunderson Committee Administrator