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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1999-05-17 SFAC\1999-05-17-SPE FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 17, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Ziegler, commencing at 5:10 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor John Smola and Councillor C. Weylie. Councillor Jake Smola and Councillor B. Vrbanovic were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Ms. P. Houston, Messrs. E. Kovacs, P. Sinnott, R. Pritchard, B. Stanley, T. Clancy, J. Shivas, J. Hancock, B. MacDonald and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RESPONSE TO MAYOR'S REPORT RE: RATIONALIZATION / REGIONALIZATION OF SERVICES Members of Management Committee were in attendance to continue their PowerPoint presentation, started on May 10, 1999, in response to the Mayors' Report on Rationalization/Regionalization of Services. Mr. B. Stanley presented Management Committee's perspective on the devolution of development control planning, in two parts, the first dealing with a two tier official plan and the second dealing with a single tier official plan. He noted that the first situation would allow for a continued devolution of development control, with three key approvals not being delegated, comprehensive official plan approval, amendments involving Regional expenditures and amendments not in conformity with the Regional Plan. The benefits of this approach are that it is consistent with the two-tier approach and there is close integration of official plan policy development and amendment. Mr. Stanley felt that time could be saved particularly when an official plan amendment, zoning by-law and plan of subdivision are being processed for the same property. It streamlines planning and engineering approvals. Having the official plan approval delegated to the local municipality would allow the growth management process to be strong and effective; as it would provide for a timely distribution and a balance of growth on all sides of the City. Mr. Stanley advised that having a Regional role and a City role would provide for matters of Regional significance. This method could allow for the broader issues at the same time as dealing with local significance. With respect to a single tier official plan, Mr. Stanley advised that this could be achieved by not renewing each official plan as it comes up for renewal. He noted that this would save time at the Regional level; an efficiency that serves the bureaucracy but not the customer. A drawback of this method is that official plan and zoning must be under the same jurisdiction. The conclusion is that the Region would have the ultimate say under a one tier official plan and this is a fundamental question that must be addressed. On question by Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. Stanley advised that the one-tier official plan had been discussed by the Mayors. Mayor Zehr advised that had been considered in the first draft of the Mayors' Report; however, there was a level of discomfort with this and it was pulled from the recommendations. Mr. Stanley then continued to outline the implications of a one tier official plan. It was noted that the Region's official plan would have to become more general to apply to all the lower tier municipalities. Mr. Stanley indicated that this proposal would weaken a strong two-tier system. A one tier Regional plan would move toward a single zoning by-law across the Region. Mr. Stanley noted that there is a close match between By-law 85-1 and the municipal plan. If the official plan is done by the Region, then there would have to be a single zoning by-law. This would allow for greater control at the Region and weaken the two-tier system. Mr. Stanley believed this would provide for significant inefficiencies and delays. He gave several examples in this regard. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned a Regional Transportation System or evaluating growth and whether a Regional plan would look after these situations better. Mr. Stanley advised that this could be done now and he hoped the Regional plan would move towards this. Councillor Haalboom stated that she felt the Regional plan is weak in this area now. Mr. Stanley stated that a one tier official plan does not make for a seamless approach and it leads to elements of fragmentation. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 177 1999 - 76- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RESPONSE TO MAYOR'S REPORT RE: RATIONALIZATION / REGIONALIZATION OF SERVICES - CONT'D Councillor T. Galloway stated that a one tier official plan is obviously not beneficial. He questioned where the suggestion came from. Mayor Zehr advised that it came from the Townships, as theirs is now done on contract. Ms. P. Houston then reviewed the comments and concerns with respect to rationalizing computers/information services at the Region. She reviewed the pros and cons of this rationalization; noting that this would provide a reduction in service for the City of Kitchener, who now has the highest service level. Ms. Houston noted that the City of Kitchener has been working with other municipalities to standardize service and application. Ms. Houston then reviewed other opportunities for administrative sharing or rationalization, given a strong two-tier system; Emergency Planning Human Resources Finance/Accounting Functions Fleet Maintenance Ambulance Security Services Centre in the Square Parks and Tree Maintenance Libraries Training and Development A discussion then took place as to what information should be made available to the public for the public forum to take place on Wednesday, May 19th. Mr. Sinnott advised that a flyer would be going in the newspaper and would also be available at the public forum. Mayor C. Zehr stated that there needs to be a context and the issues need to identified. He suggested having a 10-15 minute presentation of the issues at the beginning of the forum. He suggested that Mr. Sinnott prepare another handout for the forum, outlining the issues. Mayor Zehr volunteered to give the presentation of the issues at the start of the public forum. A brief discussion took place with respect to the setup for the public forum and the members of Council decided that they wish to sit in the audience. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6.05 p.m. D. H. GILCHRIST COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATOR