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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2004-03-22COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22~ 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 3:45 p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor G. Lorentz Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola and M. Galloway. Councillor B. Vrbanovic - in attendance for part of the meeting. Staff: J. Fielding, Chief Administrative Officer P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer F. Pizzuto, General Manager of Downtown Development & Community Services G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services C. Ladd, General Manager of Strategic Services S. deMoree, Assistant City Solicitor K. Baulk, Director of Enterprise S. Adams, Director of Community Programs & Services M. Hildebrand, Manager of Aquatics & Athletics D. Chapman, Supervisor of Special Events E. Harris, Arts & Culture Co-ordinator R. Willms, Administration Co-ordinator W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect R. Cyr, Co-ordinator of Athletics J. Billett, Supervisor, Council / Committee Services CSD-04-037 - RENEWAL OF LENDING AGREEMENT - KOCSIS ARTWORK - EXHIBIT IN CITY HALL The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-037, dated March 1,2004 concerning an agreement to exhibit artwork in public areas within City Hall. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a renewed Temporary Exhibition of Art Agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with art collector Peter Lerner to enable the extended exhibition of artwork in public areas of City Hall, as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-04-037." CSD-04-041 - 2003 ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - PROPOSAL FOR COMMISSION OF ARTWORK AND AGREEMENT - MICHAEL J. AMBEDIAN The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CSD-04-041, dated March 5, 2004 regarding a final commission of artwork by the 2003 Artist-in-Residence. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the recommendations of the City's Public Art Working Group and Arts & Culture Advisory Committee to approve and install the proposed final commission by 2003 Artist- In-Residence, Michael Jacob Ambedian, entitled 'Sawdust Angelus', be endorsed; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Michael J. Ambedian regarding the Artist-In-Residence Commission, as set out in Community Services Department report CSD-04-041 ." CSD-04-059 - SERVICE PROVIDER CONTRACT AMENDMENT - AIRBOUNCE AMUSEMENTS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-059, dated March 17, 2004 concerning a contract relative to operation of the 2004 Kidspark event in Victoria Park. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22~ 2004 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-04-059 - SERVICE PROVIDER CONTRACT AMENDMENT - AIRBOUNCE AMUSEMENTS (CONT'D) On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the Special Events Facilitator be authorized to sign the Service Provider Contract, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Airbounce Amusements relative to the 2004 Kidspark event in Victoria Park, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-04-059; and, That the pre-approved Service Provider Contract regarding Airbounce Amusements be amended to add the phrase 'save and except damage arising solely from the City's negligence' to the end of clause 3 following the phrase 'The City shall not be liable for any injury or damage to the Service Provider, his/her agents, servants, subcontractors, customers, invitees or licensees, or resulting from any cause whatsoever'; and further, That payment to Airbounce Amusements in the amount of $8,490. be approved." CSD-04-049 - AGREEMENT - ST. GEORGE'S OF FOREST HILL ANGLICAN CHURCH - SCATTERING MEMORIAL GARDEN - 321 FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-049, dated March 9, 2004 regarding a request to establish a memorial scattering garden at 321 Fischer- Hallman Road. Mr. Keith Baulk noted that this was the first request of this nature and involves some risk as the City would acquire responsibility for the memorial scattering grounds in the event the Church became insolvent or ceased to operate. He stated that should this occur the care and maintenance trust (minimum of $5,000.) would be transferred to the City and is deemed sufficient to assume responsibility for future maintenance of the garden. Mr. Les Protopapas, Parish member and Solicitor, attended in support of the request along with Church Wardens, Sheldon Moore and Sheila McKenzie. Mr. Protopapas advised that the Parish Board has no concerns with respect to the proposed agreement or the Trust Fund for care and maintenance of the garden. He suggested that the risk to the City is minimal given the Church is a thriving parish and has been in existence for over 150 years. He emphasized that the memorial garden is not a commercial enterprise and is intended only for use of parish members. Mr. Protopapas advised that municipal approval is required prior to the Church obtaining a Provincial licence under the Cemeteries Act for operation of the garden. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with St. George's of Forest Hill Anglican Church, granting approval for a scattering garden at the Church's municipal address of 321 Fischer-Hallman Road; and further, That Kitchener Council consents to a reduction in the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations care and maintenance fund standard for new cemeteries from $100,000. to $5,000." DELEGATION PRESENTATION - DOWNTOWN KITCHENER YOUTH This presentation was not made as the delegation was not in attendance this date. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22~ 2004 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-04-051 - GRANT REQUEST - 13TM ANNUAL COMMUNITY ARTS ONTARIO CONFERENCE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-051, dated March 10, 2004 concerning a grant request from the Community Arts Ontario Steering Committee regarding their annual conference to be held May 13 to 16, 2004 at the Walper Terrace Hotel. Ms. Maxine Graham and Mr. Jeff Ferst attended on behalf of the Steering Committee in support of the grant request. The delegation advised that 200 delegates from across the Province, as well as 100 local participants, are expected to attend the 4 day arts and culture conference. The delegation also advised that delegates will be exposed to a variety of community cultural venues within the City and across the Region, and the event is expected to have a significant economic impact within the Downtown. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. In response to questions, the delegation clarified that the original request for $2,500. in cash was revised to $3,000. as a result of eliminating transportation costs and realigning the cash portion to cover other operational costs. They further advised that the City of Cambridge has committed to a cash contribution of $5,000. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That a one-time general provision grant in the amount of $5,000. ($3,000. cash; $2,000. in-kind) be approved to the Community Arts Ontario Steering Committee to assist with expenses to host the 13th Annual Community Arts Ontario Conference at the Walper Terrace Hotel." CSD-04-052 - GRANT REQUEST - CONCORDIA CLUB - "SHARED VISION OF THE CONCORDIA CLUB IDENTITY ART PROJECT: THE UNITED YOUTH OF KITCHENER-WATERLOO" PROJECT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-052, dated March 12, 2004 concerning a grant request by the Concordia Club with respect to their "Shared Vision of the Concordia Club Identity Art Project: The United Youth of Kitchener-Waterloo" project. Messrs. Frank Wolf, Concordia Club and Rick Murphy, D3 Artworks, attended in support of the grant request. Mr. Wolf advised that the Club successfully completed the initial 'Youth and Community Services' component of the project. The next phase entails a 'Cultural and Heritage' component and fundraising has begun to solicit corporate and various levels of government funding. The City is being asked to contribute $11,250. to the project. He advised that the end result will be a permanent, public attraction featuring the Concordia Club / German culture and heritage that has significantly impacted the Region. Mr. Wolf referred to a review of the grant request by the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC), who did not support the request because of their perception that education is the main focus rather than arts and culture. He suggested that they did not fully understand the scope of the project which involves both an education component and a heritage / cultural component, and offered to make further presentation to ACAC. Councillor B. Vrbanovic spoke in favour of providing a one-time contribution of $3,000. to the project as recommended by staff. Councillor M. Galloway suggested that consideration be given to raising the amount of the contribution given the significant impact German culture has had to this community. Councillor G. Lorentz agreed with the comments of Councillor Galloway. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor B. Vrbanovic raised concerns regarding precedents as there are other German clubs / cultural groups within the community that could potentially come forward with similar projects. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22~ 2004 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-04-052 - GRANT REQUEST - CONCORDIA CLUB - "SHARED VISION OF THE CONCORDIA CLUB IDENTITY ART PROJECT: THE UNITED YOUTH OF KITCHENER-WATERLOO" PROJECT (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That a one-time general provision grant in the amount of $3,000. be approved to the Concordia Club to assist with expenses related to the 'Shared Vision of the Concordia Club Identity Art Project: The United Youth of Kitchener-Waterloo' project." CSD-04-040 - GRANT REQUEST AND AGREEMENT - CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STRENGTH ATHLETES (CFSA) - 2004 TO 2006 ONTARIO STRONGMAN CHAMPIONSHIPS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-040, dated February 24, 2004 concerning an agreement with the Canadian Federation of Strength Athletes (CFSA) and grant request for the Ontario Strongman Championships. Mr. Don Chapman introduced Mr. Jamie Aszmies, member of the CFSA, who was in attendance to support the grant request. Mr. Chapman advised that the 2004 event will be held on May 29 & 30, 2004 in 2 Downtown locations; ie. King Street in front of City Hall and Victoria Park. He also noted that the events held on May 30 will be broadcast on TSN. Events will include pulling of a City fire truck by Jamie Aszmies and a tug of war between Jamie and City Council. Hugo Gerard, Ontario Strongman Champion, is also expected to attend this years event. Mr. Chapman advised that a 3 year commitment is proposed with grants (in-kind services) to be provided in 2004, 2005 and 2006. In response to questions, Mr. Chapman clarified budget details relative to in-kind services in 2004 as follows: $3,500. for event services; $1,500. for staffing; and $1,000. for signage. He also advised that out-of-pocket expenses are estimated at approximately $2,000. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener enter into an agreement with the Canadian Federation of Strength Athletes (CFSA), satisfactory to the City Solicitor, to host the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Ontario Strongman Championships; and further, That funding of in-kind services be approved, as follows: $6,000. in 2004; $5,000. in 2005; and $4,000. in 2006." DTS-04-040 - VICTORIA PARK ENTRANCE FEATURE - STATUS REPORT The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 04-040, dated March 11, 2004 outlining timelines for implementation of various design and construction phases for the Victoria Park entrance feature. Mr. William Sleeth advised that the GSP Group, consultants for the project, undertook research to develop concepts for creation of an entrance feature to Victoria Park at the eastern limit of Joseph Street and Gaukel Street. Mr. Sleeth introduced Messrs. Glen Scheels and Chris Bohme, GSP Group, in attendance to present an overview of project development. Mr. Scheels presented a brief history, acknowledging the importance of improving the entrance to Victoria Park as an open, pedestrian oriented connection to the Downtown and to provide proper framing for the Clock Tower. Mr. Bohme presented details of public information sessions; environmental / geotechnical research; proposed improvements to Joseph Street, focusing on pedestrian movements; road improvement concept plans for Joseph / Gaukel / Young Street corridor; and future development block considerations. Mr. Bohme provided an illustration of the preferred design concept which incorporates a setting consistent with the 'romantic' style of Victoria Park, and includes pedestrian walkways, sitting areas and a water feature. He advised that the estimated cost of the project is $1.24 M and the next steps will involve an open house session on COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22~ 2004 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. DTS-04-040 - VICTORIA PARK ENTRANCE FEATURE - STATUS REPORT (CONT'D) 10. March 24, 2004; detailed design plans and tendering of the contract; and commencement of construction by June 2004. In response to questions, the delegation advised that the detailed design stage will involve signage, lighting and safety considerations. They also advised that sessions are ongoing with Grand River Transit regarding pedestrian use of Gaukel Street and in the long term is it intended to provide crossing to Victoria Park from both sides of Gaukel. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. F. Pizzuto clarified that funding for the Victoria Park entrance feature was provided for in the 2002-03 budgets and is not part of the 2004 budget deliberations. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the design concept for the entrance feature to Victoria Park, located at the west terminus of Gaukel Street, and identified as a significant focus in the Gaukel/Young Corridor Master Plan (May 2002), be endorsed." CSD-04-057 - GRANT REQUEST - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM - CULTUREPLAN I1: THE ACTIONPLAN The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-057, dated March 15, 2004 concerning a grant request from the CulturePlan Steering Committee. Ms. Erina Harris advised that the current CulturePlan requires review to create a new 5 year plan for arts and culture. Mr. Martin de Groot, Chair, CulturePlan Steering Committee, stated that the plan is intended to be a strategic planning tool for arts and culture and will be developed through a process of public research, interviews and a public facilitated session in June 2004. A draft of the new CulturePlan II will be presented to the Committee in the Fall of 2004. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That a one-time grant in the amount of $7,150. be approved to the Steering Committee for CulturePlan I1: The Actionplan, to be funded from the Community Development Infrastructure Program." 11. CSD-04-058 - 36th ANNUAL ATHLETIC AWARDS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department information report CSD-04- 058, dated March 12, 2004 concerning the 36th Annual Athletic Awards event. Mr. Rolland Cyr advised that the 2004 event was held on March 4 at the Four Points by Sheraton, with 122 Provincial and National athletes in attendance. The awards presented were engraved with a depiction of the Pioneer Tower, representing perseverance in comparison of local settlers to local athletes. Honorary National Awards (pewter puzzle piece coasters) were then presented to each member of the Committee in recognition of Council's continued support of athletes and sports. Mr. Cyr advised that Mr. Darren Henry, a Triathlon champion and member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, was guest speaker at the event and staff would like to seek sponsorships to continue to provide high quality guest speakers at future events. Several members of the Committee spoke in favour of pursuing the concept of sponsorships and a suggestion was made to broaden the scope to venues that could potentially benefit minor sports. Staff were directed to investigate and report back at a future date with a proposed business plan. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22~ 2004 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 12 CSD-04-053 - APPOINTMENTS TO KITCHENER YOUTH SOCCER ADVISORY BOARD 13. The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-053, dated March 11, 2004 outlining the interview / selection process and individuals chosen to sit on the Kitchener Youth Soccer Advisory Board. Mr. Mark Hildebrand advised that of 30 applications received, 12 individuals were interviewed and 7 were selected as members of the Board. He stated that the candidates selected represent a talented group and staff look forward to working with them to shape the future of minor soccer. Mr. Hildebrand advised that Board meetings will be scheduled to begin the visioning and goals exercise and members of Council were invited to attend. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the following individuals, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD- 04-053, be endorsed as the Kitchener Youth Soccer Advisory Board: Sue Beamish, Andrew Coppolino, Jim Daley, Linda Gilchrist, Drew Hamilton, Paul Laurie and Scott van Rooy." CSD-04-056 - UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO - PROPOSAL FOR STUDENT-RUN GALLERY - DOWNTOWN KITCHENER - 158 KING STREET WEST The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-056, dated March 12, 2004 concerning a proposal by the Fine Arts Department and Dean of Arts Office, University of Waterloo, to establish a student-run gallery exhibiting student and community art work at 158 King Street West. This matter was originally presented to the Committee on February 2, 2004 (report CSD-04-015) and approved in principle, subject to 2004 budget deliberations. The Committee's recommendation was considered by City Council at its meeting of February 9 and deferred and referred back to staff for further investigation of an alternate location that would not require capital investment. The matter was deferred a second time to the meeting this date to allow additional time for staff investigation. Ms. Erina Harris advised that staff reviewed all costing options for the project and have determined that the proposal, as originally considered, remains the most viable. She noted that the Mayfair Hotel, being the only other potential location in the Downtown, will be more expensive to renovate and the University of Waterloo has advised that they are unable to provide cost reductions for the majority of improvements relating to barrier-free renovations. Mr. F. Pizzuto added that the Department of Fine Arts is already contemplating applying for additional grants to allow for expansion to use additional space in the subject building. In this regard, he pointed out that partnering with Universities often produces spin-off benefits and encouraged support of the project. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That subject to the 2004 budget process, the partnership proposal from the Fine Arts Department and Dean of Arts Office, University of Waterloo, regarding the establishment of a student-run gallery exhibiting student and community artwork at 158 King Street West, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-04-056, be approved; and, That $13,705. be allocated from the 2004 Capital Contingency for one-time renovations to 158 King Street West; and further, That the City enter into an operating agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Fine Arts Department, University of Waterloo." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22~ 2004 - 21 - 14. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. CITY OF KITCHENER Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator