Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1992-03-23FAC\1992-03-23 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1992 The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, commencing at 11:05 a.m., under the Chairmanship of Alderman C. Zehr with the following members present: Aldermen B. Stortz, T. Galloway, G. Lorentz, M. Wagner, C. Weylie and J. Ziegler. Mayor D.V. Cardillo was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Alderman G. Leadston, Messrs. T. McKay, J. Gazzola, R. Freeborn, D. Paterson, J. Wallace, R.W. Pritchard and G. Sosnoski. PARTNERSHIP IN TRAINING PROGRAM Mr. D. Paterson introduced Mr. Robert Gibbs, Professional Development Officer and Honorary Lecturer, Education Department, University of Sheffield, England, and Mr. William Fisher, Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Manager, Teacher Placement Service, British representatives on a study visit involving four North American centres which is partly sponsored by the Sheffield City Council. Ms. Nancy Finkle, Industry and Education Adviser, was also in attendance on behalf of the Waterloo Region Separate School Board. Mr. Gibbs explained the purpose of the study tour and indicated the Kitchener visit was prompted by the City's reputation in developing successful partnership programs involving educators and employers. Mr. Gibbs offered advice on program organization including the need to develop shared purposes and dialogue between participants, to create administrative structures which are clear and non-bureaucratic, to develop the role of focus groups in defining a relationship as well as the need for funds to facilitate partnership programs which he felt are good long term investments. Mr. Fisher elaborated on the role of the British Teacher Internship Program and explained the value of discussion and co-operation between teachers and employers. He noted that partnership programs must be geared to solving specific problems and involve participation by industry representatives in the education system. Mr. Fisher presented the City with several tokens of appreciation and Mayor D.V. Cardillo accepted these on behalf of Council. HALLS LANE/AMUSEMENT ARCADE Mr. Steven Smith appeared on behalf of Canada Trust and expressed concern over suspicious activities involving Tony's Billiards, 61 Halls Lane, and that portion of the Lane adjacent to the newly constructed Canada Trust headquarters. Staff Inspector Westbrook appeared on behalf of the Waterloo Regional Police and referred to police responses involving the Lane, advising that there is no direct link between 61 Halls Lane and the responses in question. He noted that police received numerous calls involving this area of downtown Kitchener and officers respond two to three times a day. Staff Inspector Westbrook acknowledged the concerns of Mr. Smith and other area residents and advised that the police will do their best to address these and other issues. In response to a question from Alderman Stortz concerning allegations involving public consumption of alcohol and the possession and sale of drugs, he advised that police are monitoring the situation. He cautioned, however, that in the absence of facts and evidence the police do not wish to create an inaccurate impression that this immediate area of the City is unsafe. He added that the number of officers assigned to the downtown has been increased and their storefront office will assist in policing the downtown core. Mr. Anthony Correira appeared on behalf of the owner of 61 Halls Lane and indicated he was in attendance to listen to discussion and convey any suggestions the police and Committee may have. He also pointed out that cameras have been installed to monitor the premises and expressed the belief that police will regulate activity in the Lane accordingly. Alderman Stortz reminded Mr. Correira that one of the responsibilities 2. HALLS LANE/AMUSEMENT ARCADE (cont.) FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 32 - MARCH 23, 1992 agreed to by arcade owners as a result of recent discussions involving operating hours was to address the loitering issue, and asked what has been done to date in this regard. Mr. Correira replied that loitering is difficult to control since only one employee is on the premises and cannot monitor both the interior and exterior at the same time. He added that police, however, regularly patrol the Lane. Alderman Stortz asked that staff review the present lighting in Halls Lane with the intent of upgrading where necessary, and investigate the possibility of amending the licensing by-law for arcades to address the issue of loitering. Mr. Wallace replied that the City cannot regulate, through the licensing by-law, what occurs outside of an arcade premises. However, it can address issues relating to the obstruction of a public walkway. Alderman Stortz advised that he will be forwarding a copy of a letter from Canada Trust to the Liquor Licensing Board of Ontario for investigation of the alleged liquor infractions. Ms. Nancy Brawley, Kitchener Downtown Business Association, questioned whether it is reasonable to expect a billiard hall to operate with a single employee on the premises at any given time and expressed her concern in this regard. Mr. Wallace clarified that there are two outstanding items which the City has the legal authority to control and which have not been addressed to date. The first relates to the licensing of operators rather than owners, and the second to hours of operation. IMPACT STUDY - 1988 BASE YEAR ASSESSMENT Mr. F. Jenkins, Regional Assessment Commissioner, Mr. B. Wroblewski and Mr. D. Riddell, Valuation Managers, appeared on behalf of the Ministry of Revenue concerning the recently completed Region-Wide Tax Study. Copies of the study were circulated this date by the Ministry representatives. The Committee was also in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Gazzola dated March 19, 1992 concerning the Region-wide Re-Assessment. Mr. Jenkins advised that assessment notices will be mailed on March 30, 1992 and a series of public open houses held at the Rockway Golf Club on April 7, 8, 9 and 10. Mr. Jenkins reviewed the major components of the tax study as they apply to the City of Kitchener and noted that under the proposed re-assessment the City's share of taxes collected would increase from 42.67% to 43.03% as a reflection of the adjustment from 1984 to 1988 market value. In response to a question from Mr. McKay, Mr. Jenkins acknowledged that there will be a move in the payment of Region and Education taxes from the rural to the urban areas, and within the urban framework from commercial/industrial to residential properties. Mr. McKay also noted that it appeared the market value for older residential properties had increased more rapidly than newer ones. Mr. Jenkins replied that property values in 1984 were substantially lower than in 1988, especially with regard to older residential properties, though it would be dangerous to conclude that in all cases older residential buildings increased in value more rapidly than newer homes. A general discussion took place concerning issues relative to specific Wards. Mr. Jenkins reviewed the assessment value calculation and outlined the method of appeal. He also noted that this re-assessment is in compliance with direction contained in the Region of Waterloo Act, and was not specifically requested by the Province. Mr. Gazzola asked when the City will receive details of the assessment over and above the general percentage figures provided to date, and complained of the delay in receiving the relevant data from Regional Assessment. Mr. Jenkins replied that notwithstanding their use in the tax study document circulated this date, the available figures are incorrect and revised data will hopefully be delivered to municipalities by March 30. He also noted that if the City is willing to accept the information in its present condition, it will be forwarded as soon as possible. 4. EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 33 - MARCH 23, 1992 The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendation from Mr. R. Freeborn dated February 18, 1992 concerning an extension of the above program and the allocation of additional funding. In addition, Members of Council received, under separate cover, copies of the Early Retirement Incentive Analysis dated January 14, 1992. Mr. Freeborn pointed out that no changes to the program itself are proposed beyond the extension, however, additional funding in the amount of approximately $100,000.00 is being requested to facilitate early retirement where employees have not accumulated the required 30 years of service. Mr. McKay indicated that it was his understanding a $100,000.00 transfer from the Sick Leave Reserve Fund to the Early Retirement Reserve Fund was made by Council on Budget Day though this is not reflected in the Finance and Administration Committee report adopted by Council on that date. Mr. Freeborn clarified that he is requesting an additional $100,000.00, over and above the transfer referred to by Mr. McKay. In response to a question from Alderman Zehr, Mr. Gazzola advised that any additional funds would also have to be transferred from the Sick Leave Reserve Fund. On a motion by Alderman J. Ziegler- It was resolved: "That the Early Retirement Incentive Program originally approved by City Council on March 27, 1986 and renewed on November 1, 1988, be renewed for a further three year period effective March 1, 1992." On a motion by Alderman J. Ziegler- It was resolved: "That relative to the 1992 Budget, $100,000.00 be transferred from the Sick Leave Reserve Fund to the Early Retirement Reserve Fund." Alderman Ziegler put forward a motion that an additional $100,000.00 be transferred from the Sick Leave Reserve Fund to the Early Retirement Reserve Fund in order to enhance the present program. Alderman Galloway cited the absence of criteria for evaluating employee requests in this regard and Alderman Zehr advised that application of the incentive would be discretionary. Alderman Galloway expressed concern that other employees may ask for a similar retirement package, which he does not feel the City could refuse under the circumstances. Alderman Ziegler accepted a friendly amendment to his earlier motion involving allocation of an $100,000.00 to reflect the requirement that staff report to Council, in caucus, concerning any proposed use of the additional $100,000.00 amount. On a motion by Alderman J. Ziegler- It was resolved: "That relative to the 1992 Budget, an additional $100,000.00 be transferred from the Sick Leave Reserve Fund to the Early Retirement Reserve Fund to enhance the present Early Retirement Incentive Program as outlined in the report from Mr. R. Freeborn, Commissioner of Administrative Services, dated February 18, 1992, and further, That staff report to Council, in caucus, regarding any proposals involving the additional $100,000.00 sum allocated to the Program." AMENDMENT TO THE LABOUR RELATIONS ACT The Committee was in receipt of an information report from Mr. R. Freeborn dated March 12, 1992 concerning proposed changes to the Labour Relations Act. 5. AMENDMENT TO THE LABOUR RELATIONS ACT (cont.) FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 34 - MARCH 23, 1992 It was generally agreed that due to time constraints this issue would be dealt with at the April 6, 1992 meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee. 6. DRAFT LEGISLATION - CONFLICT OF INTEREST/OPEN MEETINGS/DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R.W. Pritchard dated March 9, 1992 summarizing recommendations made by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. They were also in receipt this date of a letter from Ms. Helen C. Cooper, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMa) dated February 27, 1992 concerning the proposed reform. Due to time constraints, Alderman Zehr suggested that this item be dealt with directly by Council on March 30, 1992. Mr. Pritchard advised that the AMa had asked the Province to extend the response deadline until May 1, 1992. It was generally agreed that Mr. Pritchard would confirm extension of the deadline by the Province and advise of the appropriate date for consideration by the Finance and Administration Committee. LICENSING CLERK - DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES AND CITY CLERK 10. The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendation from Mr. R.W. Pritchard dated March 13, 1992 regarding a proposed consolidation of staff positions. On a motion by Alderman J. Ziegler- It was resolved: "That the position identified as Licensing Clerk in the Department of General Services and City Clerk currently occupied by two part-time employees be converted to a full time position effective May 1, 1992." CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROCESS Mr. McKay advised of an upcoming 16 hour CIP Orientation Program scheduled for April 7, 14, 21 and 28, 1992 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and he encouraged Committee members to attend at least the first session. Alderman Ziegler asked that a memo be circulated to Council outlining the dates, times and location. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on Monday, April 6, 1992. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 1:02 p.m. G. Sosnoski Assistant City Clerk