HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-07
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 9:33 a.m.
Present: Councillor S. Davey - Chair
Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, B.
Ioannidis, 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
C. Fletcher, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services
J. Readman, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services
C. Tarling, Director, Legislated Services & City Clerk
M. Seiling, Director, Building
K. Carmichael, Interim Director, Transportation Services
T. Daniels, Manager, Licensing
J. Oosterveld, Manager, Site Development & Customer Service
T. Benedict, Manager, Building
B. Cronkite, Interim Manager, Transportation Planning
S. Vrentzos, Supervisor, Enforcement
E. Mogck, Associate City Solicitor
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
Pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 25 (Procedure), a motion was brought forward by
Councillor J. Gazzola to discuss Consent Items 1, 2, 3 and 5, which was voted on and was
Carried
.
FCS-16-033 - UNCOLLECTABLE UTILITY ACCOUNTS WRITE-OFF
1.
The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-16-033,
dated February 17, 2016 recommending the write-off of Uncollectable Utility Accounts.
Responding to questions, Mr. D. Chapman confirmed that details regarding the specific write-
offs are no longer circulated in accordance with changes enacted to Council Policy I-517
(Collections - Utility and Miscellaneous Receivable) in June 2014. He agreed to follow-up with
information outlining the reasons behind the changes to the Policy
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock -
it was resolved:
“That uncollectable Utility Accounts amounting to $41,673. be written off against the
Allowance for Doubtful Utility Receivables, as outlined in Finance and Corporate Services
Department report FCS-16-033.”
FCS-16-034 - UNCOLLECTABLE MISCELLANEOUS RECEIVABLE ACCOUNTS
2.
WRITE-OFF
The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-16-034,
dated February 17, 2016 recommending that uncollectable Miscellaneous Receivable
Accounts be written off against the Allowance for Doubtful Receivables.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock -
it was resolved:
“That uncollectable Miscellaneous Receivable Accounts amounting to $64,188. be
written off against the Allowance for Doubtful Receivables, as outlined in Finance and
Corporate Services Department report FCS-16-034.”
FCS-16-023 - 2016 STREET VENDOR BY-LAW
3.
The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-16-023,
dated February 23, 2016 recommending that Council consider the annual Street Vendors By-
law with the addition of a renewal application deadline of May 31, 2016.
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2016 - 15 - CITY OF KITCHENER
FCS-16-023 - 2016 STREET VENDOR BY-LAW (CONT’D)
3.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock -
it was resolved:
“That the annual Street Vendors By-law with the addition of a renewal application
deadline of May 31, 2016 for vendors with currently-assigned locations, be prepared for
Council’s consideration on March 21, 2016, as outlined in Finance and Corporate
Services Department report FCS-16-023.”
FCS-16-029 - REQUEST FOR MIDWAY - 1400 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH
4.
- APRIL 29 - May 8 AND AUGUST 18 - 21, 2016
The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-16-029,
dated February 24, 2016 recommending that Homeniuk Rides Inc. be granted permission to
operate a Midway at Sunrise Centre, from April 28 to May 8 and August 18 to 21, 2016.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock -
it was resolved:
“That Homeniuk Rides Inc. be granted permission to operate a Midway at Sunrise
Centre, 1400 Ottawa Street South, from April 28 to May 8 subject to the following:
Date of Operation Hours of Operation Music Off At
Thursday, April 28 3:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Friday, April 29 3:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 30 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 1 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 2 - Thursday, May 5 3:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Friday, May 6 3:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 7 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 8 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.; and,
That Homeniuk Rides Inc. be granted permission to operate a Midway at Sunrise
Centre, 1400 Ottawa Street South, from August 18 to 21, 2016, subject to the
following:
Date of Operation Hours of Operation Music Off At
Thursday, August 18 3:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Friday, August 19 3:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 20 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.10:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 21 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.8:00 p.m.; and further,
That the required licences with approvals from the City of Kitchener Planning and
Operations Divisions, and Region of Waterloo Public Health be obtained prior to
operating the Midway for April 28 to May 8, 2016 and August 18 to 21, 2016, as outlined
in Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-16-029.”
FCS-16-031 - 2016 DONATIONS MADE TO CITY-RELATED ORGANIZATIONS
5.
The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-16-031,
dated February 17, 2016 recommending that donations received by Kitchener in 2016 on
behalf of City-related organizations be redistributed to those organizations to ensure eligibility
for income tax receipts.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock -
it was resolved:
“That for fiscal 2016, donations received by the City of Kitchener on behalf of City-
related organizations, namely Minor Sports Groups, Neighbourhood Associations, KW
Golf Committee and the KW Chamber of Commerce Physicians Recruitment and
Advocacy Group, be redistributed to those organizations as intended by the donor, as
outlined in Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-16-031.”
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2016 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER
INS-16-015 - PIONEER DRIVE BRIDGE REHABILITATION – CONSULTANT PURCHASE
6.
ORDER INCREASE
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-015, dated
January 25, 2016 recommending approval of an extension of the purchase order issued to
Cima+ for the rehabilitation of the Pioneer Drive Bridge.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock -
it was resolved:
“That an extension of the purchase order issued to Cima+ for Engineering Consultant
services related to the rehabilitation of the Pioneer Drive Bridge in the amount of
$3,500.00. be approved, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-
16-015.”
INS-16-016 - MOORE AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION – CONSULTANT PURCHASE
7.
ORDER INCREASE
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-016, dated
January 25, 2016 recommending approval of an extension of the purchase order issued to
Meritech Services Inc. for the reconstruction of Moore Avenue between Emma Avenue and the
City of Waterloo.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock -
it was resolved:
“That an extension of the purchase order issued to Meritech Services Inc. for
Engineering Consultant services related to the reconstruction of Moore Avenue between
Emma Avenue and the City of Waterloo in the amount of $1,208.95. be approved, as
outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-016.”
FCS-16-035 - WAG N TRAIN – DISTANCE SEPARATION BUSINESS LICENSING
8.
APPEAL
The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Serviced Department report FCS-16-035,
dated February 25, 2016 regarding an appeal filed by the ‘Wag N Train’ to the distance
separation requirements outlined in Municipal Code Chapter 531 (Dog - Kennels - Breeding -
Boarding - Doggie Daycare), which does not permit the operation of a doggie daycare within
200 metres of any residential properties.
In addition, the Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Ms. T. Daniels, dated March
4, 2016 attached to which were the comments received by the Manager of Licensing regarding
the subject appeal, in accordance with Council Policy I-860 (Licence Appeals - Distance
Separation). The Committee was also in receipt of an information package submitted by Ms.
Ellie Ross giving a history of the ‘Wag N Train’ as well as over 600 signatures to a petition and
multiple letters in support of the continued operation of the business.
Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock advised that while she does not have a pecuniary interest in
this matter, for transparency she indicated her brother was a signatory to the petition in support
of the ‘Wag N Train.’
Ms. T. Daniels presented an overview of this matter, which specifically relates to this business
being in non-compliance with the 200 metre distance separation from residential properties.
She advised Council Policy I-860 stipulates that when a distance separation is not achieved,
the licence cannot be issued; accordingly, ‘Wag N Train’s’ business licence renewal was
denied. She added the Policy affords the business owner the opportunity to appeal and
request Council’s permission to continue operations notwithstanding their non-compliance with
the distance separation requirements. She acknowledged that ‘Wag N Train’ was granted a
licence to operate a Doggie Daycare Class II in May of 2015. She noted that while the
business is a permitted use under the City’s Zoning Bylaw, site plan requirements are not
being met. She indicated that in late 2015, staff became aware of subsequent issues with this
business. At that time it was also identified that a neighbourhood information session, which
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2016 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER
FCS-16-035 - WAG N TRAIN – DISTANCE SEPARATION BUSINESS LICENSING
8.
APPEAL (CONT’D)
was supposed to be held when the business originally sought its licence, never took place.
Accordingly, as a part of this process staff ensured that everyone within a 400 metre radius
was notified of the renewal application and the appeal process. She commented staff are
committed to working with the business owner to seek out solutions to the various issues
impacting its operation.
Mr. Patrick Kraemer, Duncan Linton LLP, and Ms. Ellie Ross, ‘Wag N Train’, reviewed the
circulated information package, advising that ‘Wag N Train’ has operated at various locations
since 1999; and, has been at its current location since May 2015. She indicated prior to
relocating to 386 Maple Avenue, she consulted with the City to ensure the property was
appropriately zoned and to seek the necessary building permits. She acknowledged that the
site plan filed with the City by her landlord differs from the one contained in her lease, as it
shows parking spaces in an area currently occupied by an outdoor dog run. She referred to a
revised site plan included with the information package, stating parking is only required when
dog training sessions are taking place, which occur after the daycare is closed and the dog run
is not in use. She commented that accordingly the gates to the dog run could be opened,
which would allow this area to be used for parking. She indicated that since moving to the
current location they have received one noise complaint from a nearby business who primarily
operates during the weekend; and as such, she agreed not to operate during that time. She
spoke to some of the noise mitigation measures that she installed at 386 Maple Avenue,
estimating the cost for the renovations at approximately $100,000. She referred to the
numerous letters of support included in the information package and requested that the
Committee approve the renewal of the business licence for ‘Wag N Train.’
Responding to questions, Ms. Ross confirmed ‘Wag N Train’s’ hours of operation as being
from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., noting that one of the comments submitted by an area resident
cited concerns with dogs barking during the night for the past six years. She confirmed her
willingness to comply with conditions that may be applied to the business licence, such as: a
revised site plan; addressing non-compliant signage; and, implementing measures to further
mitigate noise. She expressed concerns regarding the potential financial implications of
relocating the fence for the dog run.
Ms. Krystal Behrendt, Code Yellow Towing addressed the Committee in opposition to the
issuance of a business licence to ‘Wag N Train.’ She indicated Code Yellow Towing shares a
fence with ‘Wag N Train’, adding there is constant and consistent barking emanating from that
business throughout the day. She stated this makes it difficult for them to conduct business
and creates a distracting / difficult environment when her customers are retrieving items and/or
inspecting their vehicles. She spoke to the adverse impact this has had on her business,
noting the amount of noise created by the barking dogs could result in a loss of customers. In
response to questions, Ms. Behrendt acknowledged ‘Wag N Train’ was in operation when her
business opened last year.
Ms. Kelly Hall and Mr. Landon Hall, area residents, addressed the Committee in support of the
issuance of a business licence to ‘Wag N Train.’ Mr. Hall indicated they conducted a survey of
the surrounding neighbourhood, and most residents expressed overwhelming support for ‘Wag
N Train.’ He noted comments were received regarding industrial noise generated by the other
businesses in the area, but no one raised concerns with the ‘Wag N Train.’ Ms. Hall added
there are numerous dogs which reside in this neighbourhood and it is common to hear barking
emanating from a multitude of homes in the area.
In response to questions regarding ‘Wag N Train’s’ site plan, Ms. J. Oosterveld advised that
the demarcation of parking spaces was not undertaken by the business, as required by its site
plan. She acknowledged that revisions to the site plan could be pursued once a resolution has
been reached regarding the issuance of the business license.
In response to questions regarding noise complaints, Mr. S. Vrentzos confirmed that
Enforcement staff received three noise complaints regarding the subject business in 2015. He
indicated two were from other area businesses and one was filed anonymously. He agreed to
circulate additional information regarding the number of noise complaints that have been
received due to residential dogs in this area.
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2016 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER
FCS-16-035 - WAG N TRAIN – DISTANCE SEPARATION BUSINESS LICENSING
8.
APPEAL (CONT’D)
Responding to questions, Ms. Daniels advised that ‘Wag N Train’s’ was not required to cease
operations during this process. Concerning the original information session, it was indicated
that while the City had a responsibility to create the distribution list the onus is on the business
owner to facilitate the meeting. She stated Ms. Ross has confirmed she was aware of this
requirement.
A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Marsh to approve the issuance of the business
licence to ‘Wag N Train’ subject to conditions addressing its site plan, noise mitigation
measures, outdoor signage and overnight boarding. Additionally, staff were directed to arrange
a site visit of the subject business in advance of the April 25, 2016 Council meeting.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic noted that several different times for the site visits should be set aside to
avoid the possibility of a quorum of Council from being present.
Carried
The following motion was voted on and was on a recorded vote, with Mayor B.
Vrbanovic and Councillors D. Schnider, K. Galloway-Sealock, B. Ioannidis, S. Davey, P. Singh,
Y. Fernandes and S. Marsh voting in favour; and, Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition.
Councillors Z. Janecki and F. Etherington were absent and accordingly did not vote.
On motion by Councillor S. Marsh -
it was resolved:
“That, notwithstanding the requirement for a 200-metre distance separation from any
residential zone, as outlined in Finance and Corporate Services Department report
FCS-16-035, the issuance of a Doggie Daycare Class II licence for ‘Wag N Train’
located at 386 Maple Avenue, Kitchener, be approved, subject to the following
conditions:
• Comply with revised site plan once it has been approved;
• Implementation of both indoor and outdoor permanent noise mitigation
measures;
• Comply with the City’s Sign By-law, including obtaining any permits or variance if
required, for all outdoor signage; and,
• Ceasing of overnight boarding of dogs in accordance with Municipal Code
Chapter 531 (Dog - Kennels - Breeding - Boarding - Doggie Daycare); and
further,
That staff be directed to approach the business owner to arrange for members of
Council to tour the ‘Wag N Train’ in advance of the April 25, 2016 Council meeting.”
CSD-16-010 - TERMITE PILOT PROJECT – 2015 REVIEW
9.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-16-010, dated
February 25, 2016 recommending a revised Termite Control Program over the next 3-5 years
for the area bound by Briargate Drive and Greenock Drive.
In response to questions, Mr. T. Benedict indicated that the pilot program was successful at
containing the termites within the subject area. He advised a specialist, who holds the
appropriate permits from the provincial and federal governments, would need to be retained if
the City wished to apply more aggressive chemical treatments to address this issue. He
acknowledged private homeowners could use those chemicals if they acquired the necessary
permits.
Responding to questions regarding possible sources of funding for the initiative, Mr. M. Seiling
confirmed in accordance with the restrictions outlined in the Building Code Act, the revenues
from the Building Enterprise could not be used to fund the termite control program
On motion by Councillor P. Singh -
it was resolved:
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2016 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER
CSD-16-010 - TERMITE PILOT PROJECT – 2015 REVIEW (CONT’D)
9.
“That in-kind funding continue for the area bound by Briargate Drive and Greenock
Drive (23 properties) for the following in 2016:
a) Application of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in the Spring and Fall of 2016;
b) Continue the weekly monitoring of 177+/- traps within the ‘red’ zone;
c) Organize annual spring and fall yard clean-up weekends; and,
That funding for 2016 come from the General Capital Contingency account, and that
future funding requirements be referred to the 2017 budget process; and further,
That staff be directed to:
a) Remove 138 +/- monitoring traps in the “outer” ‘blue’ zone; and,
b) Continue the monthly monitoring of 145+/- traps in the “inner” ‘blue’ zone on 49
properties, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-16-010.”
The Committee recessed at 11:25 a.m. and reconvened at 11:33 a.m., Chaired by Councillor S.
Davey with all members present except for Councillor Z. Janecki and F. Etherington.
INS-16-024 - LED STREET LIGHTING REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
10.
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-024, dated
February 9, 2016 recommending the implementation of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) street
light replacement program. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of email correspondence
from Mr. Shawn Nielsen citing concerns with aspects of the proposed LED replacement
program.
Mr. B. Cronkite presented the staff report, advising the proposed conversion to LED street
lights would result in a reduced consume of approximately 6,000,000 KWH less electricity on
an annual basis than the current street light program. He added the City could save over $1M
in maintenance and electricity annually as well as Nearly 500 tonnes of greenhouse gasses
(GHG’s). He indicated an LED replacement program provides an opportunity to implement an
integrated network with adaptive controls for the street light system, which could result in
additional future benefits to the City. He noted the retrofit program will cost approximately $7M,
before potential grant and incentive opportunities; however, due to the potential savings the
program would pay for itself within approximately eight years.
At the request of Councillor P. Singh, the Committee agreed to direct staff to pursue all
possible provincial and federal grant funding that could be applied to this program.
On motion, Councillor B. Ioannidis brought the recommendation contained in Report INS-16-
024 forward for consideration.
Councillor J. Gazzola requested that Clause 5 of the recommendation pertaining to the
allotment of $300,000 from anticipated savings to fund the Smart City pilot be voted on
separately.
Carried
Clause 5 was voted on and was on a recorded vote, with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and
Councillors D. Schnider, K. Galloway-Sealock, B. Ioannidis, S. Davey, P. Singh, Y. Fernandes
and S. Marsh voting in favour; and, Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition. Councillors Z.
Janecki and F. Etherington were absent and accordingly did not vote.
The balance of the recommendation contained in Report INS-16-024 was then voted on and
Carried Unanimously
was on a recorded vote by all members present.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
“That a Light Emitting Diode (LED) street light replacement program be undertaken to
replace the existing High Pressure Sodium (HPS) street light fixtures, as outlined in
Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-024; and,
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2016 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER
INS-16-024 - LED STREET LIGHTING REPLACEMENT PROGRAM (CONT’D)
10.
That a narrowband adaptive control network be installed; and,
That, in accordance with the capital investment philosophy, the capital costs of the
project be funded by future operating budget savings; and,
That an LED replacement reserve fund be created to fund the future replacement costs
of LED streetlights as outlined in Appendix B of Report INS-16-024; and,
That $300,000. from anticipated operating savings be set aside to fund Smart City pilot
initiatives in 2017/2018; and further,
That a Request for Information be prepared and circulated for the investigation of a City-
wide broadband communication platform.”
FCS-16-030 - 2015 YEAR-END VARIANCE REPORT
11.
Pursuant to Chapter 25.10.9(5) (Procedure) of the Municipal Code, a motion was brought
forward by Councillor Y. Fernandes to discuss an Information Item, which was voted on and
Carried.
was
The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Serviced Department report FCS-16-030,
dated February 22, 2016 regarding the variance between the City’s financial performance
versus the 2015 budget. Mr. D. Chapman was in attendance and responded to questions from
the Committee.
CAO-16-009 - MAKE IT KITCHENER PROJECT SCHEDULE AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
12.
Pursuant to Chapter 25.10.9(5) (Procedure) of the Municipal Code, a motion was brought
forward by Councillor Y. Fernandes to discuss an Information Item, which was voted on and
Carried.
was
The Committee considered Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-16-009, dated February
18, 2016 outlining the proposed project scheduled and budget allocations from the Economic
Development Reserve Fund to implement Make it Kitchener strategy. Mr. R. Regier was in
attendance and responded to questions from the Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
13.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 1:19 p.m.
C. Goodeve
Committee Administrator