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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1999-01-11FAC\1999-01-11 JAN UARY 11, 1999 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date commencing at 10:10 a.m., and Chaired by Councillor J. Ziegler with the following members present: Councillors T. Galloway, K. Taylor-Harrison, M. Yantzi, John Smola, Jake Smola, B. Vrbanovic, G. Lorentz and C. Weylie. Others present: Ms. L. Pasternak, Ms. G. Luciantonio, Mrs. J. Koppeser, Ms. R. Upfold, Ms. S. Tranter, Messrs. J. Gazzola, J. Shivas, L. Proulx, T. Clancy, T. McCabe, C. Ford, L. Parkhouse, D. Paterson, S. Gyorffy and G. Sosnoski. 1. SUSPENSION OF LOTTERY LICENSING PRIVILEGES - K-W JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (JAYCEES) The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated December 18, 1998 recommending a three-month suspension as a result of repeated failure to meet lottery reporting requirements. Ms. Margaret Hanley-Stares appeared on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and indicated her support for the staff recommendation which she characterized as warranted and just. She advised that steps have been taken to address this problem including a change of personnel and meetings with representatives of the bingo hall. Ms. Hanley-Stares extended apologies to Licensing staff for any inconvenience or wasted time which the actions of the Chamber's representatives may have caused. She further advised that all outstanding reports have been submitted and this was verified by Mrs. Koppeser. Councillor Galloway suggested that given the actions of the Chamber, it may be inappropriate to impose a suspension at this time. He suggested that the Chamber be put under a further probationary period with a subsequent review. Mrs. Koppeser suggested that any such probation period be for a minimum of two events. Councillor Ziegler suggested that any motion in regard to a further probationary period should also include authority for staff to impose the suspension without further Council consideration in the event reports are not submitted. On a motion by Councillor T. Galloway, it was resolved: "That no action be taken at this time to suspend the lottery licensing privileges of the K-W Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) due to ongoing problems with the filing of reports, but that the organization be placed on a further probationary period comprising two events (or approximately one month); and further, That if during the probationary period the organization fails to comply with the terms and conditions of their licence, in particular the filing of the necessary reports within fifteen days of the event, staff be granted the authority to invoke a three month suspension at their own discretion and without further approval by Council." Ms. Hanley-Stares thanked Mrs. Koppeser and licensing staff for their patience and efforts in addressing the current problem. HUMANE SOCIETY - SERVICE LEVEL COMPLAINT Mr. Fred Barsoum appeared and expressed his concerns over how the Kitchener and Waterloo North Humane Society is carrying the terms of the present pound services contract. He noted that he was a volunteer with the Humane Society for approximately 4-1/2 years and was in attendance to speak regarding the dogs kept at the kennel facility. Mr. Barsoum alleged that the cages being used are inappropriate and are not being cleaned in a thorough or timely manner. He noted that this had been pointed to Humane Society staff who had responded that they did not have sufficient time. Mr. Barsoum also took exception to what he characterized as the unnecessary euthanizing of healthy dogs, and questioned why the Humane Society is not expanding its pound facilities in order to avoid the need to put down healthy animals. Mr. Barsoum referred to the Levels of Service Section in the City's contract particularly as it relates to the maintenance of animal holding cages. He also alleged that the Humane Society is depositing dead skunks near the animal cemetery rather than incinerating them, and noted that FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 11, 1999 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER HUMANE SOCIETY - SERVICE LEVEL COMPLAINT - CONT'D in some cases the carcasses are not being buried. Councillor Weylie enquired whether Mr. Barsoum had taken his concerns directly to the Humane Society Board of Directors. He replied that Councillor Bruce Alexander of the City of Waterloo had voiced concerns on his behalf, but Mr. Barsoum indicated the only response was a letter from the Board stating that they are a private company and not under the jurisdiction of municipalities. Mr. Barsoum indicated that he is prepared to provide, on a confidential basis, documentation from other individuals who are also concerned about the current kennel services. Mr. Pat Flynn, of Flynn and Sorbara, appeared on behalf of the Humane Society. Mr. Gerry McDonnel also appeared in his capacity as the Society's President. Mr. Flynn noted that the Society has provided animal services to Kitchener for most of the period from 1940 to this date and is incorporated in accordance with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. He advised that it is the Society's position that they are meeting all service level standards in the City's animal control services contract as well as requirements of the Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. He advised that the animal shelter is professionally run and is managed by Dr. G. Hess, a retired Veterinarian. Mr. Flynn stated that the euthanizing of animals is overseen by Veterinarians and in accordance with legislated requirements. He further indicated the Society's willingness to open the facility to further scrutiny. Mr. Flynn added that Mr. Barsoum's complaints had been considered by the Humane Society which found them to be groundless. Councillor Taylor-Harrison noted that it appears the lack of a pro-active approach to animal neutering has resulted in an increasing number of animals being turned over to the Humane Society which must subsequently be disposed on if homes cannot be found. Mr. McDonnel responded that the Society offers remuneration to individuals who will neuter animals, and noted that last year it spent approximately $30,000.00 in the area of animal neutering. Approximately $138,000.00 was spent in 1998 on public education. Mr. McDonnel advised that kennel facilities are controlled by numerous government regulations and are routinely inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture. He added that the Society has been commended for its kennel maintenance and inspection records are open for public review. Mr. McDonnel pointed out that the cage size used at the kennel facility is in accordance with the Canadian Council of Animal Care specification, with the health and welfare of animals kept at the kennel attended to by local Veterinarians. He advised that though not pleasant, it is often necessary to euthanize animals, and noted that Mr. Barsoum had taken exception to the destruction of two puppies which had to be destroyed because they were pitbulls and could not be kept due to the current City by-law. Mr. McDonnel advised that the Humane Society added 50 additional cages in 1998 and presently has between 150 and 200 of these at its kennel facility. Councillor Ziegler enquired as to the allegation concerning the disposal of skunk carcasses and Mr. McDonnel answered that to the best of his knowledge all wildlife is destroyed in the Humane Society's incinerator. He further noted that wildlife disposal is the responsibility of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Society only becomes involved where animals have been injured or killed by cars. In response to a further question, Mr. McDonnel advised that the cages are cleaned approximately once per day, and in some cases twice where required. He suggested that unfortunately it is not possible to maintain a large number of animals at the same level of care they would enjoy in someone's home. Councillor Jake Smola referred to the City's past practice of appointing a Councillor to attend Humane Society Board of Director meetings though in a non-voting capacity. Mr. Flynn commented that it was the City's decision to discontinue this involvement. He added that the Humane Society responds to complaints at both the staff and the Board level, and in addition the Provincial Animal Care Review Board receives and investigates complaints independently. Councillor Smola advised that he would like to see future Council involvement on the Board and asked that this be considered. Councillor Vrbanovic enquired whether the terms of the City's current contract are being fulfilled, and Mr. Shivas replied that though he could not answer FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 11, 1999 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. HUMANE SOCIETY - SERVICE LEVEL COMPLAINT - CONT'D definitively at this time, it was his understanding that the service levels are being met. On a motion by Councillor Jake Smola, it was resolved: "That staff investigate and report as to whether a member of Council can be appointed to sit on the Board of Directors of the Kitchener and Waterloo North Humane Society, and whether the Council representative can be appointed as a voting member; and further, That staff conduct an inspection of the kennel facilities provided under contract by the Humane Society and determine whether these conform to the terms of the existing contract, with a report in this regard to be tabled for consideration at the same time as the above." 3. NEW LOCATION REQUEST - ADULT ENTERTAINMENT PARLOUR The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated January 4, 1999 and correspondence from the proponents of a proposed establishment to feature male exotic dancers. Ms. Tanja Guelck and Ms. Lesley Fisher appeared in support of their request that Council amend the current By-law so as to allow an adult entertainment parlour at 159 King Street West, opposite City Hall. Ms. Guelck pointed out that only two of three permitted locations are presently offering this form of entertainment and that she proposes an elegant, upscale establishment featuring male exotic dancers for the benefit of women. She further advised that it is planned to divide the premises so that between 11:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. a portion will be open as a social/dance club. She indicated that it was her intention to improve the image of adult entertainment parlours in the City. J. Shivas advised that the three adult entertainment parlour locations are established by by-law under the Municipal Act and operation of this type of business elsewhere in the City is prohibited. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a motion of no action on the request for an additional adult entertainment parlour location. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that a great deal of debate had taken place in arriving at the three location limit and he is not prepared to re-open the issue. Councillor Ziegler advised that he does not support the Downtown location, but there may be other more appropriate locations in the municipality. On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanoic, it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of Tanja Guelk and Lesley Fisher to amend Chapter 504 (Adult Entertainment Parlours) of the Municipal Code to provide an additional adult entertainment parlour location featuring male exotic dancers." 4. CHARITY ROSTER - ADVANCE FUNDING PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of a report from L. F. Parkhouse dated December 29, 1998 recommending funding and funding amounts pursuant to the requirements of the Ontario Lottery Corporation. Councillor Weylie requested that a vote on the allocation to Planned Parenthood be taken separately, as she is not in support. 4. CHARITY ROSTER - ADVANCE FUNDING PROGRAM - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 11, 1999 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER "That in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Lottery Corporate, the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener approve Planned Parenthood to receive funding in the amount of $16,000.00 under the Advance Funding Program." On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Lottery Corporation, the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener approve the following organizations to receive funding in the amount shown under the Advance Funding Program namely: Kiwanis Kavaliers Ron Day's Canadian Mental Health Literacy Council Canadian Hearing Society Canadian Diabetes Catholic Family Counseling $ 100. $ 10. $ 5. $ 25. $ 5. $ 7. $ 55. 000.00 000.00 000.00 000.00 000.00 000.00 000.00 #80 Spitfire Squadron $ Achievement in Motion $ Anselma House $ Big Brothers $ Central Ontario Developmental Riding $ Citizens Concerned with Crime $ Core Literacy $ Family Awareness & Drug Ed. $ Hospice of Waterloo Region $ K-W Easter Seal Charitable $ K-W Multi-Cultural Centre $ Marillac Place $ Parents are People Too $ Project Lift $ Raise Home Support for the Elderly $ Reaching Our Outdoor Friends $ Royal Canadian Legion #50 $ Skills Canada $ Street Kids in Preventative Programs $ Waterloo Region Track 3 Ski $ Youth Against Substance Abuse $ YMCA $ 1.900.00 10.000.00 16.000.00 10.000.00 23.655.00 15.372.00 4.000.00 1.000.00 20.289.00 20.000.00 21.500.00 25.000.00 1.000.00 71.641.00 18.000.00 5.000.00 5.000.00 10.000.00 1.000.00 5.000.00 1.000.00 10.000.00 Addiction, Assessment, Care $ Aids Committee $ Alzheimer Society $ Canadian Blood Services $ Canadian Cystic Fibrosis $ Heart & Stroke $ Kidney Foundation $ Sunbeam Residential Development $ Waterloo Regional Down Syndrome $ Waterloo Regional Chapter of MS $ 9.240.00 15.000.00 9.000.00 5.000.00 10.400.00 6.000.00 20.000.00 15.000.00 10.000.00 15.000.00 CHARITY ROSTER Central Ontario Chinese Cultural $ JM Drama $ K-W Chamber Orchestra $ - ADVANCE FUNDING PROGRAM - CONT'D 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 K-W Performing Arts K-W Symphony Orchestra $ $ 2,500.00 2,500.00 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 11, 1999 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER Asahi Judo Kit. Minor Boys Softball $ 2,500.00 $ 5,000.00 K-W Hebrew Day School $ 5,000.00" 5. COUNCIL APPOINTEES - KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council was in receipt of a report from L. F. Parkhouse dated December 29, 1998 recommending the appointment of five members of Council to the Advisory Committee in accordance with the previously approved terms of reference. A brief discussion took place during which it was suggested that three Council representatives on the Advisory Committee may be sufficient, as the Mayor is an ex-officio member. On a motion by Councillor John Smola, it was resolved: "That the terms of reference for the Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee be amended so as to reduce the number of Council members appointed to the Committee from five to three; and further, That Councillors K. Taylor-Harrison, B. Vrbanovic and M. Yantzi be appointed to the Downtown Advisory Committee for a term of one (1) year, expiring November 30, 1999." 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS - KITCHENER HOUSING INC. The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendation from L. F. Parkhouse dated December 16, 1998 concerning ratification of appointments to the Board of Directors. On a motion by Councillor C. Weylie, it was resolved: "That City Council approve the following appointments to the Kitchener Housing Inc. Board of Directors, namely: Ms. Myra South and Mr. Fred Bishop for a term of three years expiring November 30, 2001; Messrs. Ron Pallister and David Heintz for a term of two years, expiring November 30, 2000; and Ms. Donna Billo and Ms. Kelly Gonslaves for at term of one year, expiring November 30, 1999." 7. TUITION ASSISTANCE POLICY REVISIONS The Committee was in receipt of a report from S. Tranter dated January 6, 1999 recommending adoption of various policy revisions. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that the City, and this particular policy, would benefit from a baseline performance management system to evaluate work performance. Councillor B. Vrbanovic disclosed a pecuniary interest and abstained from all voting and discussion concerning revisions to the City's Tuition Assistance Policy as his wife is employed in the Information Services Division. 7. TUITION ASSISTANCE POLICY REVISIONS - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, it was resolved: "That Council approve the revisions to Policy #11-184 (Tuition Assistance) as outlined in the report of S. Tranter dated January 6, 1999." FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 11, 1999 -6- CITY OF KITCHENER 8. ANNUAL REVIEW - ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM C. Ford gave a presentation on energy management initiatives in 1998. The Committee was previously in receipt of a summary report dated November 23, 1998. Mr. Ford advised that to date the City has spent approximately $3,643,000.00 on energy related upgrades, with a payback to date of $7,800,000.00. Mr. Ford noted that the Council approved acceleration of the Energy Management Program over the next three years will result in approximately 115 additional projects involving 44 facilities and an anticipated expenditure of $1.5 million. It was generally agreed that Mr. Ford would give a full presentation of the energy management initiatives at an upcoming televised meeting of City Council and that press promotion of these initiatives would be coordinated with the televised presentation. 9. IDLEWOOD SEWAGE PUMPING STATION IMPROVEMENTS The Committee was in receipt of a report from S. Gyorffy dated January 5, 1999 recommending budget funding for improvements to the ventilation system at the above pumping station. Councillor Jake Smola questioned why these problems are occurring only 13 years after the facility was constructed, and asked whether contractor liability is involved. He also referred to a corrosion problem at this pumping station. Mr. Gyorffy replied that the original, standard design for the facility was approved by the City, and it is the pumping station's proximity to housing that is causing the odor problem. He also noted that the corrosion problem referred to is peculiar to this station and that this has been caused by the lack of ventilation. Councillor Smola suggested that the City should ensure when dealing with subdivision plans that it has appropriate standards in place for pumping stations including reasonable distance separation and vibration attenuation. On a motion by Councillor Jake Smola, it was resolved: "That $80,000.00 be added to the 1999 Capital Forecast for general rehabilitation and improvements to the ventilation system of the Idlewood Sewage Pumping Station, with these improvements to be financed from the Sewer Surcharge Fund; and further, That the firm of Totten, Sims and Hubicki be retained to provide engineering services for the supervision of this work at an estimated cost of $7,500.00." 10. SAFETY EQUIPMENT - SANITARY AND STORM SEWER MAINTENANCE The Committee was in receipt of a report from S. Gyorffy dated January 5, 1999 recommending funding for apparatus to comply with the Operational Health and Safety Act. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That $70,000.00 be provided in the 1999 Capital Forecast to purchase appropriate testing equipment, rescue and retrieval apparatus, and breathing apparatus to meet the needs of the Public Works and Transportation Department in complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with funding to be provided from the Sewer Surcharge Fund." 11. OTHER BUSINESS Councillor Lorentz referred to a recent incident involving security at the Transit Terminal and the related issue involving the purging of security records. Mr. Gazzola advised that Legal Department staff are preparing a report in this regard. Councillor John Smola requested a report for consideration at the January 25, 1999 Finance and Administration Committee meeting concerning back payments for supplementary tax billings. He referred to one instance where the amount owing is retroactive over a three-year period and the FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 11, 1999 -7- CITY OF KITCHENER 12. 13. monthly payment amount to more than $500.00. He noted that there appears to be no policy in place for this circumstance and asked that staff report on the number of such situations encountered and submit a draft repayment policy addressing the issue of a phase-in of payments. Mr. Gazzola commented that the circumstances referred to by Councillor John Smola are abnormal, but that staff will prepare a report in this regard. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee received, as information, the Financial Report as at October 31, 1998 and the second quarterly report of the Waterloo Region Municipalities Insurance Pool. The Committee was also in receipt of a memorandum from G. Sosnoski dated January 4, 1999 outlining revised wording for the December 18, 1998 Finance and Administration Committee Budget Review minutes. It was generally agreed that the following will replace the wording in the original minutes as circulated: "Councillor Vrbanovic asked that $7,500.00 be added to the Community Development budget to reflect part-time wages for youth programming at the Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre. Councillor Taylor-Harrison noted that some neighbourhood associations are themselves paying the cost of such a position, and suggested that budgeting of this should be considered City wide and not just for one community centre. On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: 'That $7,500.00 be added to the Community Development portion of the Parks and Recreation Department budget to cover part-time wages for youth programming at the Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre.'" NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on Monday, January 25, 1999. 14. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m. G. Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records and Assistant City Clerk