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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-19 FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 19, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 9:00 a.m. Present: Councillor S. Davey - Chair Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway- Sealock, J. Gazzola, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh, D. Schnider, and P. Singh. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services D. Tyagi, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services J. Miller, Executive Director, Office of CAO C. Tarling, Director, Legislated Services & City Clerk A. Pinard, Director, Planning M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs L. Majcher, Manager, Strategy & Business Planning P. Harris, Manager, Licensing C. Bluhm, Manager, Downtown Community Development D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator CSD-15-004 - 2015 APPOINTMENTS TO THE GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY 1. COMMITTEE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-004, dated December 15, 2014, recommending approval of several applicants be appointed to the Grand River Accessibility Committee (GRAAC) for a 3-year term ending December 31, 2017. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That the following applicants be appointed to the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) for a 3-year term ending December 31, 2017, pending ratification by the partnering municipalities of the City of Waterloo, Region of Waterloo, Township of North Dumfries, Township of Wellesley and Township of Woolwich, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-15-004: Kathie Must City of Waterloo New Brenda Robinson City of Waterloo New Andrew Tutty City of Kitchener Reappointment Amanda MoorheadCity of Kitchener Reappointment Mike Shipley Township of WoolwichReappointment” FCS-15-007 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 2. - COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS (CEIG) The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-15-007, dated January 2, 2015, recommending approval of three awards for the Community Environmental Grant (CEIG) and that the CEIG be funded from the Environmental Stewardship Capital Account. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That the 2014 Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG), to be funded from the Environmental Stewardship Capital Account, as outlined in Finance and Corporate Services report FCS-15-007, be awarded as follows: $2,000. to JF Carmichael School Council for a School Greening Project, to create a school greening club, two edible gardens, a naturalized butterfly garden, and a waste diversion program (to create compost for the gardens); and, FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 19, 2015 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-15-007 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 2. - COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS (CEIG) (CONT’D) $1,500. to Kitchener-Waterloo Newcomer Environmental Group [KW-NEG] for a Full Circle: Organic Food Cycle Program, to educate the community (especially newcomers) and build environmental stewardship through workshops on sustainable, low impact behaviours (vermicomposting, seedling, canning, etc.) by creating a community garden. [The grant is conditional upon receipt of the other funds to complete the project and proof that a minimum of 10 participants have committed to the program. The grant is not to cover harvesting party or appreciation gifts]; and further, $1,500. to Mansion Greens Community Garden for a Rain Water Infiltration Project in Weber Park to install an infiltration gallery that will capture and sink excess storm- water from turf grass and community garden area. The community garden will be able to utilize water collected in the garden area. The project will also include a workshop and permanent signage. [The grant is conditional upon receipt of proof of approval of City Parks Operations and receipt of the other funds to complete the project].” CAO-15-003 - PROPOSED CITY OF KITCHENER 2015 BUSINESS PLAN 3. The Committee considered Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-15-003, dated January 8, 2015, regarding the City of Kitchener 2015 Business Plan. The Plan represents an integrated blueprint of the work within the organization planned over the next 12 months. The projects within the Plan are linked to the community priorities for 2015-2018 identified during the strategic planning process. Ms. Majcher presented the Report advising that there are 104 projects, including 29 corporate projects prioritized by the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) into 4 levels of priority. She indicated that the 2015 Business Plan will be subject to final consideration on February 23, 2015, Final Budget Day. Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillor Y. Fernandes entered the meeting at this time. Ms. Majcher responded to questions regarding quantitative measurement of the efficiencies gained throughout the business planning process advising that aside from performance measurements for each project, efficiencies are difficult to measure. She explained that business planning provides focus to the organization, which has multiple priorities operating within financial constraints. She added that the return on investment is demonstrated in community value and value to the citizens in customer service and is difficult to quantify. Councillor S. Marsh requested a pie chart to reflect the financial allocation of projects for each Division in order to demonstrate resource allocation. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock requested that a report be brought forward with information on current City practices for dealing with rat infestations and potential options, such as a review to take place over the coming months. In response to further questions, Ms. Majcher advised that all of the 104 projects included in the Business Plan will be monitored and status updates will be reported to Council and the public three times per year. Mr. J. Willmer responded to questions regarding the current priority, 1 through 4, of the 29 corporate projects advising that the key is that the project is on the list within the Business Plan and that staff are committed to taking action on these projects. Mayor B. Vrbanovic requested that the Communications Division receive a synopsis of the 2015 Business Plan with the intention that it would be published in ‘Your Kitchener’ with reference to the City’s website. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 19, 2015 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-15-006 - UPPER DOON HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT REVIEW 4. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-006, dated December 24, 2014, recommending steps staff could take to strengthen the City’s ability to conserve the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District (UDHCD). Mr. A. Pinard introduced the Report. Ms. Jean Haalboom addressed the Committee in support of staff’s recommendation. In addition, Ms. Haalboom had a number of suggestions to improve the implementation of the work plan as outlined in the Report. These suggestions included: immediate dialogue between the neighbourhood residents of Upper Doon and Heritage Planning Staff to clarify the specifics within the UDHCD Plan to be strengthened; discussion regarding the Grand River Conservation Authority and grading requirements in the floodplain that can impact the overall height of a structure; ensuring conservation is the first response to applicants who apply for a Heritage Permit application for renovation or new structure within the UDHCD; and, implementation of guidebooks specific to the UDHCD for heritage gardens, landscapes and fences. Mr. Richard Haalboom addressed the Committee encouraging preservation of the existing UDHCD Plan. He stated that the By-law 88-17, as approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in 1988 should not be disregarded and should remain unchanged unless thorough consultation with the residents of the area takes place. He reminded the Committee that the Ontario Heritage Act prevails over the regulations of any other Act with respect to planning matters and stated that the UDHCD must be preserved in order to maintain the characteristics of the area. Councillor Y. Fernandes brought forward an amendment to staff’s recommendation within Report CSD-15-006 by adding an additional clause directing staff to engage the members of the Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon (SPUD) and the neighbourhood residents. Carried Unanimously Upon request the first three clauses were voted on and were on a recorded vote. Carried Councillor Fernandes’ additional clause was then voted on and was on a recorded vote with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors Y. Fernandes, F. Etherington, K. Galloway- Sealock, S. Davey, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki, D. Schnider and S. Marsh voting in favour; and, Councillors B. Iaonnids and P. Singh voting in opposition. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: “That staff be directed to undertake the following in order to strengthen the City’s ability to conserve the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District, as outlined in the Community Services Department report CSD-15-006: Until the planning framework for the District is updated, the Ward Councillor shall be invited to meet with staff, the Upper Doon representative from Heritage Kitchener and the proponent of any heritage permit application in the District proposing significant alterations, demolition and/or new construction prior to the application being considered at Heritage Kitchener; and, Heritage Planning staff, in consultation with Legislated Services staff, shall review and report to Heritage Kitchener on the community notification process for agenda items and reports regarding any heritage permit application in the District proposing significant alterations, demolition and/or new construction; and, The Planning Division shall pursue the course of action outlined in the “Directions” section of Report CSD-15-006; and further, That as part of this process, Heritage Planning staff engage the members of the Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon (SPUD) and the neighbourhood residents.” FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 19, 2015 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-15-003 - FOOD TRUCKS 5. The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-15-003, dated January 6, 2015 requesting approval of amending By-law 2014-056 (Food Trucks). Ms. P. Harris introduced the Report. Ms. Linda Jutzi, Executive Director, Kitchener Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), addressed the Committee stating that Kitchener is fortunate to have an eclectic group of restaurants within the Downtown and acknowledged that they are open to the integration of food trucks. She indicated that the Downtown is in a state of transition during this period of revitalization and share limited amount of foot traffic. She encouraged the Committee to take careful consideration of the impact unlimited food trucks within the Downtown may have on the ability of the restaurants to survive during revitalization. Mr. Brad Schmuck addressed the Committee requesting additional consideration be given to broader zoning for food trucks within industrial and business park areas. He explained that it is his understanding of the zoning by-law that food trucks are restricted to areas where restaurants are permitted. He suggested examining areas such as Riverbend Drive Industrial Park, Huron Business Park and other smaller areas where the employees could benefit from having a food truck on the premises. In response to questions, Ms. Harris agreed to communicate with Planning staff for clarity on the existing locations zoned to allow food trucks. Ms. Chris Corrigan appeared in support of the recommendation and requested consideration for food truck access to Carl Zehr Square five to seven days per week. He suggested that having one or two food trucks within the Square would increase foot traffic to the Downtown. In response to questions, Mr. Corrigan stated that he is amenable to scheduling with staff and acknowledged that the food trucks would be open to being present all day and not just during peak periods. Ms. Nadia Dragusanu addressed the Committee in support of the recommendation. She requested specific timelines for the exploration of surface parking lots and/or on-street bays in the Downtown core, as outlined in the Report. In addition, she requested distance separation be reconsidered to allow 10m door-to-door rather than from the property line and expressed support for collaborating with the DBIA to draw patrons to the Downtown. Mr. C. Bluhm responded to questions advising that Transportation Services staff can respond to the matter of surface parking and/or on-street bays in the Downtown core within the next two weeks. However, he indicated that the DBIA meets monthly which presents a challenge but noted that an April or May timeline would be possible for consideration of parking lots and information on five days per week in Carl Zehr Square. Mr. Reuben Salonga addressed the Committee in support of the recommendation emphasizing that food truck operators want to work with the DBIA. He commended the City of Kitchener for being forward thinking and being market leaders in their support of food trucks throughout the City. Mayor B. Vrbanovic requested that during exploration of food trucks in Carl Zehr Square, consideration be given to a location on Duke Street as well as potential permanent locations. Mr. D. Chapman provided clarification to the Committee advising that information on the rationale for distance separation and permissible zoning locations will be provided in advance of the February expiration of the By-law. With regard to input from the DBIA, due to the timing of the meeting of the Board of Directors, information will be provided for the consideration of Council in April or May 2015. A motion was brought forward by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock to approve the staff recommendation with additional direction for staff to report back on the potential operation of 1 to 2 food trucks at Carl Zehr Square five days per week with financial impact for programming to be determined by Special Events staff as well as a potential location on Duke Street; direction to staff to provide the rationale for 10m distance separation from the property line FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 19, 2015 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-15-003 - FOOD TRUCKS (CONT’D) 5. versus door-to-door as well as the zoning regulations for operation in business parks; and, further direction to staff to facilitate a meeting with the Kitchener Downtown BIA, Belmont BIA, and food truck operators to inform the 2016 Food Truck By-law review process. Carried Unanimously The following motion was then voted on and was on a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor - it was resolved: “That By-law 2014-056 (Food Trucks) be amended, as outlined in Section 3 of Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-15-003, to incorporate the results of stakeholder feedback into a revision of the Food Truck By-law; and, That the following additional opportunities be explored, with potential By-law revision to be brought forward prior to the end of May 2015 should a community consensus be achieved: Surface parking lots and/or on-street bays, such as Duke Street, in the Downtown as well as potential permanent locations identified through discussions between food truck operators, the Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area and Transportation Planning staff; and, Use of an on-street parking bay on the north side of Breithaupt Street, just east of Moore Avenue – through City-led consultation with commercial and residential property owners in the vicinity of Breithaupt Street; and, Report back on the potential operation of 1 to 2 food trucks at Carl Zehr Square five days per week with financial impact for programming to be determined by Special Events staff, and, Report back on the rationale for 10m distance separation from the property line versus door-to-door as well as the zoning regulations for operation in business parks; and further, That staff facilitate a meeting with the Kitchener Downtown BIA, Belmont BIA, and food truck operators to inform the 2016 Food Truck By-law review process.” ADDITIONAL ITEM - SNOW DUMP FACILITY 6. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock requested further information to be incorporated into the Capital Budget Issue Paper on the Snow Dump Facility that is scheduled to be considered on Final Budget Day, February 23, 2015. Councillor Galloway-Sealock stated that she would like the Issue Paper to include options for the location of the snow dump facility; annual operating costs associated with the current location as well as potential locations; and, consideration of options for a one-year lease in order for Council to make a fulsome decision. Mr. D. Tyagi agreed to provide the detail in the Issue Paper and added that staff is currently working with the owner of the current site to secure a one-year lease extension. He explained a one-year extension would provide the opportunity for a comprehensive report to come forward at a future date. He noted that capital funding allocation will still be requested as part of Final Budget Day deliberations with the assurance that expenditures will not be incurred until the comprehensive report is brought forward. ADJOURNMENT 7. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 12:57 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator