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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2004-06-07COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 7~ 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 3:55 p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor G. Lorentz Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic, J. Gazzola, M. Galloway and C. Weylie. Staff: R. Browning, Interim Chief Administrative Officer F. Pizzuto, General Manager of Community Services P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services C. Ladd, General Manager of Strategic Services K. Baulk, Director of Enterprises S. Adams, Director of Community Programs & Services K. Currier, Director of Operations D. Chapman, Supervisor of Special Events P. Wetherup, Parks Planner J. Billett, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-04-086 - 2003 ANNUAL REPORT - JM DRAMA ALUMNI - REGISTRY THEATRE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-086, dated April 30, 2004 concerning the City's partnership agreement with JM Drama Alumni for operation of the Registry Theatre and attached 2003 Annual Report. Mr. Don Bourgeois attended on behalf of JM Drama Alumni to provide an overview of activities of the Registry Theatre. He advised that 2 audits (inspections) were undertaken in 2003 by Theatre Ontario and the Electrical Safety Authority, the results of which speak well of the facility and its operation. He noted that the level of usage has far exceeded original expectations, placing strains on the facilities resources. Mr. Bourgeois presented a cheque in the amount of $18,500. to Ms. P. Houston, City Treasurer, as partial payment of the Alumni's capital loan with the City, reducing the outstanding amount to $100,126. He pointed out that applications sent to over 80 Foundations seeking financial support for the remainder of the capital loan have not been very successful and that JM Drama is now faced with the possibility of continuing to owe money at the end of the 5 year period. He commented that if the Alumni continues to devote time and resources to raising funds to pay off the capital loan it will be at the expense of programming and the City's guidance is being sought with respect to priority setting. He stated that the partnership with the City has worked well, in that, the Theatre has exceeded its objectives and he acknowledged the high level of service given by City staff. He further advised that the Alumni is interested in being a part of the City's new direction toward a more planned, aggressive approach to cultural industries and events, and is looking forward to another successful year of operation. Mr. Bourgeois responded to several questions, noting that future departure of the Kitchener- Waterloo Little Theatre to its own facility will open up opportunity for the Registry Theatre to meet current demands for rental use of the facility. It was further noted that the Alumni plans to build on its success by developing an approach to cultural and educational programming to make more effective and efficient use of the facility. Councillor B. Vrbanovic pointed out that the Alumni had assumed an additional $90,000. as part of the loan agreement as a result of higher than anticipated tender costs. He congratulated the Alumni on their successful operation of the Theatre and expressed confidence that an equitable resolution to the loan agreement would be reached. 2004 ONTARIO STRONGMAN COMPETITION Mr. Don Chapman, Supervisor of Special Events, presented a video of the 2004 Ontario Strongman Competition held in Kitchener on May 29 & 30, 2004. Attendance at the 2 day event was estimated at 7,000 and economic benefits to Downtown businesses were achieved. Mr. Chapman advised that TSN will broadcast competition finals at a date to be determined in late July. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor G. Lorentz then presented Jamie Aszmies, member of the Canadian Federation of Strength Athletes who placed 3rd overall in this year's competition, and his wife Maggie, with a commemorative plaque in recognition of Jamie's outstanding COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2. 7~ 2004 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2004 ONTARIO STRONGMAN COMPETITION (CONT'D) achievement and their combined effort in working with the Kitchener Downtown Business Association to ensure a successful event. Mr. D. Chapman advised that as a result of the success of this event, the City is in a good position to pursue hosting the 2006 National Strongman Competition. CRPS-04-089 - REFERRAL OF SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENTATION RE: FUNDING FOR KITCHENER DOWNTOWN STREET OUTREACH PROJECT (CSD-04-094) The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CSD-04-089, dated May 10, 2004 recommending an allocation of $20,000. to the Kitchener Downtown Street Outreach Project from the Safe & Healthy Advisory Committee budget; and attached Community Services Department report CSD-04-094, dated May 11, 2004 detailing activities of the Kitchener Downtown Community Collaborative relative to the Outreach project. Messrs. Marty Schreiter, Kitchener Downtown Business Association (KDBA) and Gerard Keough, Downtown Street Outreach Worker, attended in support of the Advisory Committee's recommendation. Mr. Schreiter advised that the Collaborative consists of a number of key working groups that together provide direction to address issues and challenges inherent in working with a street population within the Downtown, of which the Outreach Project is one component. He noted that the Collaborative previously received funding toward development of a Job Cafb model that will provide individuals who are marginalized from the labour market with a place to earn an income. He pointed out that an application for funding has been submitted to the Ontario Trillium Foundation with regard to the Outreach Project and the KDBA has committed $10,000. towards the salary of the Outreach Worker. In response to questions, Mr. G. Keough advised that through his advocacy of the project and his persistence he has gained the support of a number of agencies, including the Grand River Hospital. He added that beginning in September he will be assisted by a student from Conestoga College. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Safe & Healthy Advisory Committee unanimously endorsed the request for funding, acknowledging the success of the Collaborative in providing strategic development of projects to address issues of safety in the Downtown and assisting those in less fortunate circumstances. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That $20,000. be allocated to the Kitchener Downtown Street Outreach Project from the 2004 Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee budget." CSD-04-100 - REGION OF WATERLOO MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY - PEDESTRIAN / CYCLIST CROSSING OF HIGHWAY 401 The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-100, dated May 25, 2004 and attached Region of Waterloo report E-04-085, dated June 1,2004 concerning the undertaking of a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study (Class EA) in partnership with the Region of Waterloo and the City of Cambridge, to consider construction of a separate pedestrian / cyclist bridge over Highway 401, near Homer Watson Boulevard. Mr. Gary MacDonald, Head, Transportation Engineering, Region of Waterloo, presented details of the proposal for construction of the new bridge. He advised that the Region is currently partnering with the Ministry of Transportation (MT©) to undertake improvements at the Highway 401 interchange with Homer Watson Boulevard, including cycling facilities. The final design eliminated separate cycling lanes and instead incorporates a 2.5 m side clearance on either side of the new structure for cyclists, resulting in a cost savings of approximately $225,000. Mr. MacDonald advised that the Region is prepared to use the cost savings toward a separate pedestrian / cyclist bridge crossing, subject to partnership with the Cities of Kitchener and CSD-04-100 - REGION OF WATERLOO MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 7~ 2004 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER ASSESSMENT STUDY - PEDESTRIAN / CYCLIST CROSSING OF HIGHWAY 401 (CONT'D) Cambridge. A Class EA is required to consider the technical feasibility of the project and provide for public consultation. He outlined a number of benefits to support a separate structure, including linkage to the Trans Canada Trail, promotion of alternate modes of transportation and significant cost savings if undertaken in conjunction with the Highway 401 interchange improvements. Alternative 3A at a cost of $1.155M has been identified as the preferred alternative and would consist of a new bridge at Morningside Drive, with on-road pedestrian / cycling facilities on Morningside and an off-road link from the bridge to Doon Valley Drive on the north side of Highway 401. The cost is to be shared equally between the Region and the Cities of Kitchener and Cambridge with each contributing $385,000., to be invoiced in 2007. Funding is also being sought from Trans Canada Trail Ontario and Conestoga College has agreed to contribute in-kind by granting an easement on the north side of Highway 401 to connect the bridge to Doon Valley Drive. Mr. MacDonald advised that it is the Region's position that the bridge should be owned and maintained by the local municipalities as the structure will not be located on a Regional right-of-way and is not designated as a cycling route in the Regional Draft Cycling Master Plan. The municipalities will be required to enter into an agreement with MTO to formalize jurisdiction and maintenance relative to the new structure. He advised that Cambridge has considered and approved the proposal in Committee and the Regional Cycling Advisory Committee has endorsed the project; however, has asked that the designated on-road cycling corridor along Homer Watson Boulevard and Fountain Street be retained. In conclusion, he advised that Regional staff will present an updated report to Regional Council on June 9, including a request by the City of Kitchener to have shared costs reconsidered with the objective to have full costs paid by the Region. The delegation responded to questions, clarifying details of the cost savings achieved in redesign of the Highway 401 interchange improvements and the position of Conestoga College relative to funding options. Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the Region's criteria for designating Regional roads, whereby a road linking two municipalities is classified as Regional and suggested that as the bridge will link two municipalities together it should be considered in the same manner. Mr. Bart Forwell, member of the Regional Cycling Advisory Committee, attended in support of the proposed pedestrian / cycling bridge over Highway 401. He commented that the project provides opportunity to create a link between communities and break down the barrier posed by Highway 401 for pedestrians and cyclist. He added that the proposal fits within the Region's mandate to promote alternative forms of transportation and encouraged acceptance of the staff recommendation. Councillor J. Gazzola brought forward the staff recommendation for consideration advising that he supports approval as it provides a safer alternative and will be an important link in the trail system. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he was prepared to make a request of Regional Council to consider designating both the cycling corridor along Homer Watson Boulevard and Fountain Street and the new bridge structure as cycling routes in the Regional Draft Cycling Master Plan to provide safe alternatives for both commuter and recreational cyclists. He suggested that if accepted, his request would place more responsibility on the Region with respect to funding of the project. Mayor Zehr then pointed out that Clauses 4 & 5, as worded, appear in contradiction with Clause 3 and suggested they be revised by adding the phrase 'notwithstanding the approval in Clause 3 above'. Councillor B. Vrbanovic proposed that Clauses 3 & 4 be reversed and revised with stronger wording to encourage the Region to take full responsibility for funding of the project. Mayor Zehr suggested that it is important to allow time for negotiation rather than asking the Region to make a quick decision, which in all likelihood would result in an unfavourable response. Councillor Vrbanovic advised that he would accept the recommendation as revised by Mayor Zehr, however, he expressed strong disappointment that the Region has not taken a leadership role with regard to ownership and responsibility of this project. Councillor M. Galloway stated that he could not support the dollar amount attributed to the City and suggested that on a per capita basis the Region should pay the majority of costs. At the request of Councillor M. Galloway, Clause 3 of the following motion was voted on CSD-04-100 - REGION OF WATERLOO MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 7~ 2004 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER - PEDESTRIAN / CYCLIST CROSSING OF HIGHWAY 401 (CONT'D) separately and Carried. Councillor M. Galloway requested to be recorded as opposed to Clause 3. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That Kitchener City Council approve the following with respect to the Region of Waterloo Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study of a Pedestrian/Cyclist Crossing of Highway 401 (near Homer Watson Blvd) project: That filing of the 'Notice of Completion' of the Class Environmental Assessment Study be approved for the mandatory 30 day public review period in accordance with the requirements for a Schedule B - Municipal Class Environmental Assessment; and, That the Recommended Design Alternative #3A be adopted as the preferred alternative, (New Bridge at Morningside Drive and an off-road link from the new bridge to Doon Valley Drive), at an estimated construction cost of $1,155,000.; and, That an expenditure of up to $385,000. be approved in 2007 to the Region of Waterloo for the construction of the Recommended Design Alternative #3A and that the Region of Waterloo in its leadership role, explore additional funding resources to be used to reduce the project costs for each of the three partners; and, That notwithstanding the approval in Clause 3 above, the Region of Waterloo reconsider its capital financing of the project and fund the full construction cost of the bridge; and further, That notwithstanding the approval in Clause 3 above, ownership and maintenance considerations of the bridge project be deferred until a full discussion has occurred with all partners." CIVIC SQUARE OUTDOOR CHESS PROGRAM - UPDATE AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENHANCEMENT It was agreed to defer this item to the June 21, 2004 Community Services Committee meeting as Mr. Douglas Hoch, Director, KW Chess Club, was not in attendance this date. CSD-04-105 - TURF OPERATIONS - COMMUNITY SERVICES OPERATIONS DIVISION - REQUEST BY COUNCILLOR M. GALLOWAY FOR REVIEW OF 2004 GRASS CUTTING PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-105, dated May 28, 2004 outlining a summary of resources and the status of turf / grass cutting operations to date in 2004. Mr. Ken Currier, Director of Operations, acknowledged that grass cutting efforts were behind this year and in response to concerns raised, he advised that steps have been taken to assign staff from other areas and re-deploy certain staff of the Operations Division to assist with grass cutting. He noted that 10 additional staff were added bringing the total to 42, currently working in 2 shifts daily and on weekends, to step up operations and improvements are being realized. Councillor C. Weylie questioned if consideration has been given to the use of alternative landscaping to limit areas requiring grass cutting. Staff advised that the City does provide a grant program to encourage neighbourhood residents to convert cul-de-sacs to Iow maintenance areas. Mr. F. Pizzuto added that staff will consider service level improvements such as starting earlier with double shifts and involving more staff from other areas. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that staff consider a more active approach to alternative landscaping, suggesting a pilot project to engage the community in developing a strategy for naturalized / alternative CSD-04-105 - TURF OPERATIONS - COMMUNITY SERVICES OPERATIONS DIVISION - REQUEST BY COUNCILLOR M. GALLOWAY FOR REVIEW OF 2004 GRASS CUTTING PROGRAM (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 7~ 2004 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER landscaping of cul-de-sacs. In response to further questions, Mr. Currier advised that spraying of pesticides on City-owned land was discontinued and added that the process of topsoil dressing has not been utilized because of high cost and the need to maintain it with application of pesticides. Councillor M. Galloway referred to his request of staff to provide a comparison of service level improvements over the last 2 to 3 years. He asked that staff provide a further report to demonstrate specifics of service level improvements (ie. manpower, equipment, etc.) and how increases in budget is justified. Mr. F. Pizzuto agreed to provide additional information concerning service levels and pointed out that one of the primary benefits of increased dollars was the ability to re-deploy staff from other areas. CSD-04-107 - EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF CONDENSERS - KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX The Committee was in receipt this date of Community Services Department report CSD-04-107, dated June 4, 2004 concerning replacement of condensers at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (KMAC). Councillor J. Gazzola pointed out that the Capital Contingency account would be primarily expended if used to cover the replacement cost and questioned if other sources of funding were available. Mr. Keith Baulk agreed to investigate options of alternative sources of funding and report to the June 14, 2004 Council meeting to allow consideration prior to final ratification of the Committee's recommendation. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the two condensers at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex located in the Twin Pads be replaced immediately; and, That $125,000. be funded for replacement from Capital Contingency; and further, That the Manager of Purchasing be permitted to shorten the usual tender call to allow for delivery and installation of the condensers prior to July 21,2004." CSD-04-101 - SIGNAGE PROJECT - BELMONT VILLAGE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-101, dated May 27, 2004 concerning proposed signage to be erected along Belmont Avenue, between Glasgow Street and Union Boulevard, as initiated by the Belmont Village Business Improvement Association. It was noted in the report that the proposed signage does not comply with requirements of the Sign By-law. Accordingly, an application must be submitted for consideration of the Committee of Adjustment, followed by ratification of the Committee's decision by City Council. At the request of Councillor C. Weylie, it was agreed to refer this matter to the special Council meeting to be held later this date to consider giving Council pre-approval for erection of the signage, subject to a favourable decision of the Committee of Adjustment. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator