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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Corp - 2004-01-19FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 19~ 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:10 p.m. Present: Chair Councillor B. Vrbanovic Mayor C. Zehr (in attendance for part or the meeting) Councillors J. Smola, J. Gazzola, M. Galloway, C. Weylie and G. Lorentz Staff: J. Fielding, Chief Administrative Officer C. Ladd, General Manager of Strategic Services P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services/City Treasurer G. Sosnoski, General Manager of Corporate Services/City Clerk F. Pizzuto, General Manager of Community Services G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services R. Pitfield, Director of Communications S. Turner, Director of Enforcement L. MacDonald, City Solicitor J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator 1, CRPS-04-001 EXEMPTION FROM CITY OF KITCHENER MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) CONESTOGA COLLEGE - PLOUGHING PARKING LOTS The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-04-001, dated January 14, 2004, advising of Conestoga College's request for an exemption from City of Kitchener Municipal Code Chapter 450 (Noise) to allow them to clear their parking lots of snow, prior to 6 a.m., as required. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to Conestoga College from January 26 to April 15, 2004, to permit the college to remove snow from their parking lots prior to 6 A.M. on an as required basis." Mr. Turner was directed to have his staff, or Conestoga College advise the abutting neighbours of this recommendation prior to next Monday's Council meeting. 2. CRPS-03-198 AMENDMENT TO CITY OF KITCHENER MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 408 (ANIMALS) REMOVE AUTHORITY OF COUNCIL TO GRANT EXEMPTIONS ALLOWING PIGEONS TO BE KEPT IN THE CITY The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-198, dated January 14, 2004, in response to Council's direction of October 20, 2003, for staff to investigate and report on the process involved in removing the provisions in City of Kitchener Municipal Code 408 (Animals) that provide for exceptions to allow, under specific circumstances, the keeping of pigeons in the City of Kitchener. Staff were also directed to address the issue of grandfathering previously approved exemptions. The report recommends a by-law be adopted to remove the exemption provision from Chapter 408, and that previously approved exemptions be permitted to continue. Ronsan Sandham of the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union spoke to the Committee in opposition to the staff recommendation, requesting consideration of the staff recommendation be deferred. He advised that racing pigeons are a different breed from common pigeons living in the city, and racing pigeons is a sport. He requested consideration of a by-law that would allow the showing and keeping of racing pigeons. Such a by-law could include the specific times of day racing pigeons may be released for training. Further, a keeper of racing pigeons would have 45-50 birds during the winter and 60 birds during the breeding and flying season. Mr. Sandham provided a video and printed material on racing pigeons for information. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMI'I-FEE MINUTES JANUARY 19~ 2004 -7- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CRPS-03-198 AMENDMENT TO CITY OF KITCHENER MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 408 (ANIMALS) REMOVE AUTHORITY OF COUNCIL TO GRANT EXEMPTIONS ALLOWING PIGEONS TO BE KEPT IN THE CITY (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That a by-law be enacted to amend Chapter 408 (Animals) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code to remove the provisions in the Chapter that authorize Council to grant exemptions for the purposes of keeping pigeons in the City, and to provide for the grandfathering of previously approved exemption applications, as outlined in Corporate Services Department Report CRPS-03-198." Councillor Lorentz directed staff to provide information for the January 26, 2004, Council meeting on which municipalities in Ontario prohibit pigeons. Councillor Vrbanovic advised Mr. Sandham that Council will consider this recommendation at its meeting of January 26, 2004, commencing at 7:00 p.m., and invited him to appear as a delegate if he wished. CSD-04-014 CITY OF KITCHENER PARTNERSHIP WITH WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-014, dated January 16, 2004, recommending the City of Kitchener enter into a partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University, with respect to locating the WLU School of Social Work in the former St. Jerome's College at 100 Duke Street West. The recommendation also stipulates the City's financial contribution to the partnership. Attached to this report is a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Wilfrid Laurier University. In addition to the staff report, the Committee was in receipt of "Economic and Community Impact Analysis of the Establishment of a University Campus in Kitchener", prepared by Adventus Research, dated January 13, 2004, as well as preliminary floor plans for the School of Social Work at St. Jerome's, prepared by Cianfrone Architect, undated. Mr. Pizzuto briefly introduced the report noting this is the first educational opportunity for Downtown Kitchener. Benefits of locating an educational institution in the Downtown include: an annual financial injection into Downtown of $1.5M, direct and indirect financial benefits, and the preservation of one of Kitchener's most significant heritage buildings. Mr. G. Svoboda, Aventus Research, reviewed the findings of his impact analysis, which reaches 12 conclusions on the benefits of locating the WLU School of Social Work in the former St. Jerome's College, including the direct and indirect economic benefits and the benefit to restoring and using the currently vacant heritage building. In support of his findings Mr. Svoboda cited the benefits achieved by Brantford in locating a WLU Campus in that municipality, and the benefits derived by the City of Cambridge as a result of having the University of Waterloo School of Architecture locate in that municipality. Mr. L. Fusco, Dean of the School of Social Work, stated this is an exciting opportunity for the School of Social Work in terms of locating in Downtown Kitchener, and preserving a heritage building. He advised this matter has been discussed at meetings of the Council of the School of Social Work and there is over 70% support for this move. The following delegations addressed the Committee in support of locating the WLU School of Social Work in the former St. Jerome's College: Mr. M. Schreiter, KDBA, Mr. S. Fahel, Mr. E. Pries, Mr. G. Woolner, Ms. M. Riviera, K-W Multicultural Centre, Mr. B. Isaac, resident and Chair of the Kitchener Public Library Board, Mr. B. Smith, Chair, Citizen's Advisory Committee for the Waterloo Regional Police. The delegations spoke of the important role educational institutions play in revitalizing downtowns, and of the importance of having people living, working and shopping in the Downtown. Ms. Riviera spoke of the 10-year partnership between the K-W Multicultural Centre and the School of Social Work, and the benefits to the school's programs and the students themselves in being located in the community. Mr. B. Isaac spoke of the potential partnership between the Kitchener Public Library and the School of Social Work FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMI'I-FEE MINUTES JANUARY 19~ 2004 - 8 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-04-014 CITY OF KITCHENER PARTNERSHIP WITH WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY (CONT'D) with respect to certain resources. Mr. Fielding addressed the Committee noting that staff have not taken this proposal lightly, but have put together a business plan with solid economic models, and have looked at a range of ways that values will come back to the community. He noted that Wilfrid Laurier University is a very important institution and the City employs many graduates from this school. Councillor Smola put forward the recommendation in the staff report. Councillor Gazzola spoke in opposition to the financial cost to the City of Kitchener as presented by staff, suggesting that the Province and the Kitchener Downtown Business Association should be making a financial contribution. He was also of the opinion that Wilfrid Laurier University should be making a larger financial contribution, as their only contribution will be made through fundraising, and they will be assisted by the City in this endeavour. Councillor Gazzola also stated that this is the first time this proposal has been discussed publicly by Council. Mayor Zehr advised this project has gone through a year long process, and made no apologies for the current process. He stated that in many ways the City is a trustee for the community. Staff was directed to find organizations to partner with the City of Kitchener, and the first major opportunity is here on the City's doorstep. Our downtown is becoming employment land, and the current proposal is the start of something for the future. All other Committee members spoke in support of the staff recommendation, and the positive values to the City in having the School of Social Work located in the downtown generally, and specifically in the form of St. Jerome's College. A recorded vote on Councillor Smola's motion was requested. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener enter into a partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), including a maximum contribution by the City of up to $6.5M, to locate the WLU Faculty of Social Work at the former St. Jerome's High School; and, That the draft Memorandum of Understanding, attached to Community Services Department report CSD-04-014, be approved in principle; and, That the City agree to acquire the two St. Jerome's properties from Wilfrid Laurier University at the price equal to all reasonable costs incurred by WLU in the acquisition of said property (approximately $1,250,000) in the event the City and WLU fail to reach an agreement as to their respective contribution to the partnership or should WLU decide not to proceed with the development and further; That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a final Memorandum of Understanding with Wilfrid Laurier University in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor." In favour: Contra: Mayor Zehr left the meeting at this time. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, C. Weylie, G. Lorentz, J. Smola and M. Galloway Councillor J. Gazzola JANUARY 19~ 2004 4. FIN-04-002 FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMI'I-FEE MINUTES - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR LEGIONS AND VETERANS' SERVICE CLUBS The Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-04-002, dated December 30, 2003, recommending an exemption from City taxation for properties owned or leased by Veterans' Clubs and Legions. The report notes that the current exemption expired on December 31,2003, and the current Municipal Act allows for exemptions not exceeding 10 years. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 325 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, an exemption from City taxation be granted to properties owned by or leased to Legions and Veterans' Service Clubs for the period of January 1, 2004 to December 31,2009." This meeting recessed at 4:29 p.m., and reconvened at 5:22 p.m. with the following members present: Vice-Chair Councillor M. Galloway, and Councillors C. Weylie, J. Smola, J. Gazzola and G. Lorentz. 5. CRPS-03-206 REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM CITY OF KITCHENER MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 408 (ANIMALS) PERMISSION TO KEEP PIGEONS AT 141 HOLBORN DRIVE Councillor J. Gazzola requested consideration of the exemption from Municipal Code Chapter 408 (Animals) to allow pigeons to be kept at 141 Holborn Drive, be deferred and referred to the January 26, 2004, Council meeting. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That consideration of the application of the owner of 141 Holborn Drive for an exemption from City of Kitchener Municipal Code Chapter 408 (Animals) to allow 6 pigeons to be kept at the subject property, as outlined in Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-206, be deferred and referred to the Council meetinq of January 26, 2004." CSD-04-010 APPROVAL OF WORK PLAN INVESTIGATION OF NEW KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY DOWNTOWN RENEWAL INITIATIVE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-010, dated January 16, 2004, recommending a work plan for the investigation of the New Kitchener Public Library as a Downtown Renewal Initiative. Mr. Pizzuto noted the financial implications contained in the report, and requested an amendment to the recommendation in the staff report to include approval of the $15,000 cost to be paid from Capital Contingency. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the work plan for the investigation of a new Kitchener Public Library as a Downtown Renewal Initiative, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-04-010, be endorsed, including the hiring of consultants and architects at a cost of $15,000. to be paid from Capital Contingency; and further, That staff report to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee on March 1, 2004 on the outcome of the investigation." FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMI'I-FEE MINUTES JANUARY 19~ 2004 - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DTS-04-007 APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURES WATERLOO STREET RECONSTRUCTION The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-007, dated January 13, 2004, advising that the fees for consultant services for Expression of Interest E01-125, Consultant Services - Waterloo Street Reconstruction have increased as the reconstruction has been delayed by the City for 2 years. The recommendation seeks approval of increased fees. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That the increased expenditure of $67,089. for consultant services for Expression of Interest E01-125, Consultant Services - Waterloo Street Reconstruction resulting from City initiated changes be approved, with the City to recover $30,550. of this increased expenditure from the City of Waterloo." 8. FIN-04-005 2004 BUDGET SCHEDULE AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS The Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-04-005, dated January 7, 2004, curling a process for obtaining public input into the 2004 Budget Process as it relates to sewer and water rates and the Capital Budget. Ms. Houston noted that in addition to the meetings outlined in the schedule, a Special Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting has been scheduled on February 9, 2004, to review the 2004 Capital Budget and 10-year Capital Forecast. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the public participation process for the 2004 budget, as outlined in Financial Services Department report FIN-04-005, be endorsed." Councillor Galloway directed that information regarding this public consultation process be put in the City's Website. REPORTS DEFERRED TO FEBRUARY 212004 The Committee generally agreed to defer and refer consideration of the following reports to its February 2, 2004 meeting: · SSD-03-039 - Funding Request - Waterloo Wellington Training and Adjustment Board · SSD-03-041 - Budget Request - New Corporate Employee Development Program · SSD-03-040 - Amendment to Council Policy 11-240 - Recognition of Employees With 15 Years of Service · CRPS-04-009 - Amendment to Council Policy Respecting Flags 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Dianne Gilchrist Committee Administrator