HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv Comm - 2004-03-23ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
March 24, 2004
11:00 am - 1:00 p.m.
Conestoga Room -City Hall
Attendance:
Staff:
Peter Benninger
Howie Budd
Peter Cook
Robert Denton
Henrik Noesgaard
Glen Woolner
George Borovilos
Kathy Bissell
Jeff Willmer
Cherie Sajkunovic
Guest Ann Wood
Bryan Isaac
Regrets:
Scott Baird
Lawrence Bingeman
Mark Paleczny
Hans Pottkamper
Mayor Carl Zehr
Councillor Christina Weylie
Edward Brooker
Janette MacDonald
Rob Morgan
Patricia Bacon
Carla Ladd
Diane Slimmon
Jane Jantzi
Shawky Fahel
Approval of Minutes of February 25, 2004
Minutes of February 25, 2004 were approved as written.
Moved by Peter Cook
Seconded by Mark Paleczny
Carried
Kitchener Public Library Presentation
Hans Pottkamper introduced Bryan Isaac, Ann Wood and Dianne Slimmon
representatives of the Kitchener Public Library.
Dianne Slimmon opened her presentation by indicating that the Library is municipally
funded and administered by an independent board.
She presented an overview of the future space plans for the Main Branch of the
Kitchener Public Library. The presentation included the following highlights:
· KPL began a space assessment review in 1999
· A series of reports have indicated that the current facility is inadequate to meet
the needs of the growing population
· On-site building expansion is not possible as building was not designed for
vertical expansion and would have to be demolished and rebuilt to create
sufficient space and parking. Costs and operational interruptions would be very
high. Current building is showing its age (42 years) and requires substantial
investments in systems repairs and upgrades simply to keep functioning.
· The library generates a number of important benefits as it relates to business,
education, urban planning and technology.
· KPL also attracts, despite parking and public transit issues, a large number of
patrons each year. Lack of retail presences in the current location limit the
possible retail contribution such traffic could generate.
A discussion followed and a number of issues were raised:
· Suburban requirements of the branch libraries
· Partnership opportunities with Conestoga College
· Location of current main branch in the Downtown
· Economic impact spin-offs relative to the size of the investment
3. Economic Development Investment Fund
Carla Ladd outlined the staff report dealing with the proposed Economic Development
Investment Fund. She reviewed in detail the recommendations outlined in her report
which supported the need for the City to create a $110 million capacity to pursue
economic development related projects in the two major employment areas -
Downtown and Industrial Land.
A discussion followed and a number of points were raised:
· How to leverage alternative funding sources based on the $110 million
allocation?
· Importance of examining within each project objectives, alternatives, quantitative
and qualitative benefits, and the anticipated return on investment.
4. EDAC Motion re. Employment Lands
Hans Pottkamper tabled a motion to EDAC concerning employment lands. A number
of comments were made suggesting changes to the motion. It was agreed to by EDAC
that Hans Pottkamper, Carla Ladd, and George Borovilos meet to revise the EDAC
motion and forward the revised motion to Council on March 29 through Councillor
Weylie.
EDAC Minutes
March 24, 2004
5. Proposed Meeting with Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge Economic
Development Advisory Committees
Hans Pottkamper proposed initiating a meeting with the Economic Development
Advisory committees of Waterloo and Cambridge to discuss related issues and explore
more interaction among the cities. This will be an initial step toward potentially
including other communities as well as the region. EDAC members welcomed and
supported this initiative.
6. Employment Lands Review
George Borovilos provided a very brief overview of the next steps with respect to
employment lands. Staff will be preparing a more detailed development proformas
regarding the potential internal and external employment land alternatives. These
business cases will need to take into account alternatives development options, cost
issues and other related development factors. Because of time constrains George and
staff will provide more detailed information at subsequent meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 1:10 pm.
Moved by: Henrik Noesgaard
Seconded by: Glen Woolner
Carried
Cherie Sajkunovic, Recording Secretary
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Next Meeting April 28, 2004
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Conestoga Room, Kitchener City Hall
EDAC Minutes
March 24, 2004