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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1999-03-22FAC\1999-03-22 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Ziegler, commencing at 10:55 a.m. with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor M. Yantzi. Mayor C. Zehr was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Koppeser, Ms. M. Walshe, Ms. S. Franzen, Ms. L. Pasternak, Ms. C. Ball, Ms. L. MacDonald and Messrs. E. Kovacs, T. McCabe, J. Hancock, N. Kuntz, J. McBride, R. Wyatt, J. Cooper, D. Paterson, T. Fox, P. Sinnott, J. Gazzola, G. Sosnoski, K. Baulk, J. Shivas, D. Snow, L. Gordon, L. Proulx and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATIONS - HOT DOG VENDORS REQUEST TO BUILD SHELTER Mr. R. Hamm was in attendance to represent his request to build a shelter at the location he occupies in the Huron Business Park. He advised that this is a unique situation, as the location is very windy and in the spring and fall it is very muddy. He noted that the purpose of the platform is to anchor the shelter. Noting the staff report, Mr. Hamm advised that, if the property is sold, the shelter could be removed in hours. Councillor J. Ziegler pointed out that Mr. Hamm would be taking a risk. Mr. Hamm responded that this location is very windy and even on good days the wind can blow out his barbeque. He stated that he is trying to enhance his business and remain open for the time he usually works. Ms. J. Koppeser advised that the Street Vendors By-law sets the footage to be used and if the Committee approves this request, the By-law will have to be amended for this location. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that the City has received no complaints about this location. He noted that there are no sidewalks in this location and he would support this request. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned Ms. Koppeser concerning comments in her report that there have been similar requests in the Downtown. Ms. Koppeser stated that potentially this may open up new requests in the Downtown. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned Mr. T. McCabe about concerns raised by the Economic Development Division. Mr. McCabe advised that he had no concerns, as there is no sale pending for this property. He noted that, if a building permit is involved, Mr. Hamm may have to get some other approvals. He suggested that, if this was to be a permanent arrangement, perhaps the City should receive some lease money. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned whether Mr. Hamm realized that he could not cook in this shelter. Mr. Hamm responded that he would not have a roof over the cooking area. A discussion took place as to whether a building permit should be required. Ms. MacDonald advised that the approval could be made conditional on the plans being approved by the Building Division and inspected; however, for structures under 100 square feet, a building permit is not required. A discussion then took place about the platform and Mr. Hamm advised that it would be no higher than one foot. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned whether there was any further information to show what the shelter would look like. She stated that she could not support the request, as she was concerned about the appearance of these hot dog stands. She advised that she required further background material. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that the request be granted for one year. He did not see a problem with the proposal. The area is muddy and windy and is located in an industrial park. Councillor Jake Smola requested that the recommendation include a requirement that plans be submitted and fire approval be obtained. He felt there could be a liability issue. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that the costs of this agreement be borne by the applicant. Councillor J. Ziegler requested that the agreement include a 30-day removal clause. Ms. L. MacDonald advised that the licence does not allow for a 30-day removal clause. She FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 27- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DELEGATIONS - HOT DOG VENDORS REQUEST TO BUILD SHELTER - CONT'D suggested that this be treated as an encroachment and the applicant be charged accordingly. In an agreement, a 30-day removal clause could be included. She suggested that this location be removed from the Street Vendors By-law and be dealt with as an encroachment. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he was supportive of the request and Ms. MacDonald's suggestion. He advised that he had some concerns about the size of the platform, as he did not want customer seating provided. He requested that the agreement include a clause prohibiting seating and that the platform be reduced in size to 10' x 10'. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That, subject to the agreement being satisfactory to the City Solicitor, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a licensing agreement with Mr. Richard Harem to encroach on City property, at the corner of Strasburg Road and Shoemaker Street, for the 1999 season, for the purpose of operating a hot dog cart and constructing a 10' x 10' platform on which will be anchored a shelter, subject to the following conditions: a) That the plans for the platform and shelter shall be approved by the City's Chief Building Official and the Fire Department; b) That the licensing agreement shall include a 30-day removal clause; c) That the licensing agreement shall include the stipulation that customer seating will not be permitted; d) That the platform shall not exceed 10' x 10', and further, That the location of Strasburg Road and Shoemaker Street be removed from the Street Vendor By-law." A brief discussion then took place concerning insurance and tables. 2. POLICY - DUTIES OF CITY SECURITY OFFICERS/SECURITY RECORDS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. W. Pritchard, General Manager of Corporate Services and City Clerk and Mr. J. Shivas, City Solicitor dated March 17, 1999, recommending a policy with respect to prohibited activities and enforcement options for City Security Officers. Also attached to the report were recommendations from the City's Records Retention Committee with respect to City security records. The report also recommended that the Legal Department apply to the Province to designate the City's Security Officers as Provincial Offences Officers. Mr. J. Shivas introduced the proposed new policy for City Security Officers. He noted that the policy sets out the jurisdiction and a guide to prohibited activities. The basic purpose of the policy is to obtain a better balance between individual rights and collective rights. Mr. Shivas also advised that the policy would shift the timing of the use of trespass notices from the beginning of process to the last resort. He noted that they would fill in the gap by obtaining ticketing authority from the Province. Mr. Shivas then pointed out other features of the policy including the education of Security Officers, searches being conducted by Police and records for enforcement purposes. Mr. J. Ichim of the Youth Collective was in attendance to address the proposed policy. He addressed problems regarding a definition for loitering, use of profane language and asked that the right to detain an individual be more defined. Mr. Ichim was questioned by Councillors on the use of profane language and the rights of individuals as compared to collective rights. Mr. Ichim advised that, although he may personally not agree with profanity, he does not want the policy to be over restrictive in terms of individual FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 28- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. POLICY - DUTIES OF CITY SECURITY OFFICERS/SECURITY RECORDS - CONT'D rights and freedoms. Mr. E. Jermol, Security Officer, addressed the Committee with respect to loitering, noting that loitering does not mean waiting for a bus but there are other activities taking place. It becomes a problem when loitering impedes the movement of others in the bus terminal. With respect to the use of profanity, he noted that it is offensive to users of the transit system and people can be intimidated. He stated that the transit terminal is a place of business and profanity is not appropriate. When questioned by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. Shivas advised that he thought that profanity and loitering had been addressed. Concerning arrest, Mr. Shivas stated there are constitutional guarantees with respect to arrest and there may be times where arrest is necessary. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison put forward the recommendations contained in the staff report. She also put forward a motion to add one more clause to Schedule "A", "loitering at Civic Square after normal operating hours". Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether this had been a problem in the past. Mr. Jermol advised that, particularly in the summer, large groups of individuals do congregate there and there have been fights. Councillor Yantzi stated that this is a pro-active policy and it recognizes the role of the City in assuring the enjoyment of public property. He felt it had been well thought out. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he was in support of the recommendations as they recognized the professionalism of City staff and recognized training. He commented that the issue of community centres was not included and Mr. J. Shivas advised that it would be the subject of a further report. Councillor Vrbanovic advised that he wants to see something in the future on the safety of our Security Officers. Councillor J. Haalboom noted that the report looks at rights and responsibilities. She felt that individuals have to fit and have to have respect for other individuals around them. Everyone has the right to enjoy use of City property. She questioned whether the policy should be posted. A brief discussion took place in this regard and it was agreed that this was an administrative matter. On a motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison it was resolved: "That the City's Legal Department be directed to apply to the Province to designate the City's Security Officers as Provincial Offences Officers to issue Provincial Offences Notices (tickets) and Part I and III summonses for offences under the Trespass To Property Act, and further, "That Policy # 1-314, attached to the report of R. W. Pritchard, dated March 17, 1999, become effective upon receipt of the legal authority from the Province to have the City's Security Officers designated as Provincial Offences Officers, and further, That the Waterloo Regional Police be requested to work with the City's Security Officers to develop standard operating procedures to implement Policy # 1-314, and further, That Council adopt the March 8, 1999 recommendations of the Records Retention Committee concerning the security records, as outlined in the schedule attached to the report of R. W. Pritchard, dated March 17, 1999, with a draft amending by-law to be considered by Council on March 29, 1999, and further, That City security records not be used for enforcement purposes by the City after a period of two years from their term, as defined in the Records Retention By-law as amended, provided that no further enforcement occurs within the said period, and further, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 29- CITY OF KITCHENER That Schedule "A" to Policy # 1-314 be amended to include that no loitering will be permitted in the Civic Square after regular operating hours." DOWNTOWN FINANCIAL INCENTIVES - 70 VICTORIA STREET NORTH AND 22-38 KING STREET WEST The Committee was in receipt of two Department of Business and Planning Services staff reports BPS #99/38, with respect to 70 Victoria Street North and BPS #99/41 with respect to 22-38 King Street West, Kitchener, former Goudies location and adjacent land. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison moved the recommendations contained in these staff reports. Councillor J. Haalboom said she had questions with respect to 70 Victoria Street North and the City's Municipal Plan policies. Mr. T. McCabe explained that the Committee of Adjustment had approved the necessary variances for this project and that, at the Committee, the Planning report had been against the application but the Downtown group supported the application. Mr. McCabe advised that he was in support of this proposal. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she wanted a recorded vote with respect to 70 Victoria Street North, as there has been a conflict with Planning. On a motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, it was resolved: "That Council approve an application from "City Works" for a Feasibility Study Grant in the amount of $10,000.00 under the Downtown Financial Incentive Program for redevelopment of the former Goudies site and adjacent land, 22-38 King Street West." On a motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, it was resolved: "That Council approve an application from 1295355 Ontario Inc. for a Feasibility Study Grant in the amount of $6,281.75 under the Downtown Financial Incentive Program for redevelopment of the Button Factory site at 70 Victoria Street North." In Favour: Councillor J. Ziegler, Councillor T. Galloway, Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison,Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor M. Yantzi. Contra: Councillor J. Haalboom POOLING OF GROUP INSURANCE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. C. Ball, Manager of Operations, dated March 22, 1999 with respect to the pooling of group insurance with other municipalities, recommending that the City participate in a feasibility study to investigate a group insurance pooling arrangement. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener participate in a feasibility study to investigate a group insurance pooling arrangement with other municipalities; with the estimated cost to the City of Kitchener being $10,040.00." LOT MAINTENANCE CLEANUP BY-LAW - 50 PELTZ AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of a report from the Department of Business and Planning Services BPS #99/42 dated March 8, 1999, recommending that the property owner be notified that the City intends to consider a by-law authorizing the removal of waste material FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 30- CITY OF KITCHENER LOT MAINTENANCE CLEANUP BY-LAW - 50 PELTZ AVENUE - CONT'D from 50 Peltz Avenue, at the owner's expense. This by-law would come before Council at its meeting of March 29, 1999. On a motion by Councillor John Smola, it was resolved: "That the property owner be notified that the City intends to consider a by-law at the March 29, 1999, Council meeting authorizing the removal of waste material from 50 Peltz Avenue, at the property owner's expense, if this has not been done by the owner on or before March 25, 1999." KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX ENERGY MANAGEMENT & BUILDING SYSTEM UPGRADES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated March 10, 1999, attached to which was a report from Ms. P. Houston, Chief Financial Officer and City Treasurer, dated February 24, 1999, recommending that the upgrade project for the K.M.A. Complex be approved to be implemented in 1999. Ms. Houston's report included the estimated cost of the upgrades and a proposed funding model for these upgrades. Councillor Jake Smola questioned Mr. Wyatt as to whether this was part of the budget and Mr. Wyatt noted that it was part of the budget, as outlined in Ms. Houston's report, for site upgrading provisions for the next four years. Councillor Jake Smola also questioned whether Facilities Management has been involved and was advised by Mr. Wyatt that they were. Councillor G. Lorentz put forward the recommendation contained in Ms. Houston's report. He noted that originally, he had thought that these upgrades would be more expensive. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison asked that an addition be made to the motion requiring Facilities Management to conduct a comprehensive review of all City facilities. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he would not accept this as part of the motion and that it should be a separate motion requiring separate discussion. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he was supportive of the recommendation but questioned why it was coming forward at this point in time. Mr. Baulk advised that it was staff's intention to move forward with this as a result of the Energy Management Review. He stated that it makes sense to move forward with all items together and the facility will be like new. The Mayor noted the scenarios in the report and Ms. Houston advised that staff propose Option #1. She noted also the report shows the different energy savings. With respect to financing, Ms. Houston noted that most of these items are in the Capital Forecast. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he supports these initiatives for energy savings because there are paybacks. He felt that there were some efficiencies in the capital costs by doing all the work at once. He questioned the master plan process currently under way and whether anything that is being proposed at this time could be impacted by the master plan process. Mr. L. Proulx advised that we are trying to bring the basic building back to a better standard. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison questioned Ms. Houston with respect to the source of funding and what would happen to site upgrading over time. Ms. Houston responded that this is not the total amount for site upgrading. Councillor Taylor-Harrison stated that someone had decided that this amount of money was needed for site upgrading. Mr. Baulk responded that the site upgrading budget also took into consideration some of these building upgrades and that staff will have to have a look at this budget during the next budget process. Councillor Jake Smola questioned why Facilities Management was not looking at all City facilities. He questioned what would happen over the next five years and what direction does staff need to look into this. He also questioned why this matter did not come forward sooner. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that, over the past five years, we have gone through the Social FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 31- CITY OF KITCHENER Contract and municipalities have been under many constraints. This City has also tried to provide tax breaks to the public and upgrading the facilities has been a question of priority. KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX ENERGY MANAGEMENT & BUILDING SYSTEM UPGRADES - CONT'D Mr. Gazzola noted that the City has never compromised safety but there have been some projects which had to be put off. He noted that there has been some giving and taking, and here we have been able to take advantage of energy savings. Councillor Jake Smola questioned why we were looking at energy management independently and not corporate wide. He noted that the City has an Energy Management Program and questioned why these items were not brought forward at that time. Mr. L. Proulx responded that each year there was a budget of $100,000.00 and that staff stayed away from the Auditorium Complex because $100,000.00 would not get through the door. Councillor J. Haalboom noted that, a couple of years ago, money was spent on the roof. Mr. Baulk advised that was so but that had been a staged project. Councillor Haalboom then questioned, if this is moved forward, what it does to other projects. Mr. J. Gazzola responded that all departments have looked at this proposal, there is a financial plan in place and the Capital Forecast will be reviewed each year. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That the upgrade project for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex be approved to be implemented in 1999 at an estimated cost of $600,000.00, and further, That the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex upgrade project be funded $100,000.00 from Capital Contingency, $25,000.00 from 1999 Kitchener Memorial Auditorium site upgrading general provision and $475,000.00 from the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium site upgrading provision over the next four years (2000-2003)." Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison put forward a motion that the Facilities Management Division conduct a comprehensive review of all City buildings to ensure that adequate provisions are made in the City's budget. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that a vote would not be taken but that Mr. J. Gazzola should take this as direction and the matter should be placed on the next Finance and Administration meeting agenda. 10-5-5 CAPPING LEGISLATION The Committee was in receipt of a letter from the Regional Clerk, dated February 25, 1999, informing the City of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's resolution of its meeting of February 24, 1999, requesting the Ontario Property Assessment Corporation to maintain the frozen assessment listings required to implement the 10-5-5 Capping Program under Bill 79 for 1998, 1999 and 2000. The Committee was advised that the Region is asking the City to endorse this resolution. On a motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, it was resolved: "That Kitchener Council endorse the resolution of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo of February 24, 1999, requesting the Ontario Property Assessment Corporation to maintain the frozen assessment listings required to implement the 10-5-5 Capping program under Bill 79 for 1998, 1999 and 2000." REQUEST TO OPERATE MIDWAY - 245 STRASBURG ROAD The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. J. Koppeser, Manager of Licensing, dated March 16, 1999, attached to which was a letter from Mr. R. Homeniuk, President of Homeniuk Rides Incorporated requesting permission to operate a midway at 245 Strasburg Road from April 22-25, 1999 and April 29-May 2, 1999. Ms. Koppeser noted that this event has operated at this location for a number of years. The Health Unit and the Public Works Department have been advised of the request and the applicant indicates that, again this year, they will be FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 32- CITY OF KITCHENER working with the local Foodbank in this venture. direction. The report requests the Committee's REQUEST TO OPERATE MIDWAY - 245 STRASBURG ROAD Councillor J. Ziegler noted that no complaints were received last year. Ms. J. Koppeser advised that the Public Works Department would like any resolution to include that the collection and disposal of garbage from this event be at the expense of the operators. On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That we approve the request of Homeniuk Rides Incorporated to operate a midway at 245 Strasburg Road from April 22-25, 1999 and April 29-May 2, 1999; subject to complying with Council's policy on providing notice to residents in the surrounding area and further, That all garbage collection and disposal from the midway, to be operated by Homeniuk Rides Incorporated at 245 Strasburg Road, shall be at the operator's expense." JOSEPH SCHNEIDER HAUS - HERB FAIR AND HANDWERK- WAIVER OF LICENCE 10. FEES AND NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. J. Koppeser, Manager of Licensing, dated March 17,1999, advising of the requests received from Ms. Burke, Manager/Curator of the Joseph Schneider Haus requesting permission for a waiver of licence fee for their Herb Fair and Perennial Exchange to take place at the Joseph Schneider Haus on May 1, 1999. The report also noted the requests for the waiving of licence fee and noise by-law exemption, with respect to Handwerk: A Waterloo County Craft Show and Sale, to be held at the Joseph Schneider Haus, on August 21, 1999. The report requests the Committee's direction. Councillor C. Weylie put forward a motion to approve the requests. Mr. Sosnoski questioned what the fee would be for the first item and Councillor Weylie advised that she was recommending a reduced fee of $10.00. Ms. Koppeser explained that if the fee is waived there would be no conditions. On a motion by Councillor C. Weylie, it was resolved: "That the licence fee for the Herb Fair and Perennial Exchange to take place at Joseph Schneider Haus on May 1, 1999 be reduced to $10.00." On a motion by Councillor C. Weylie, it was resolved: "That a reduced licence fee of $10.00 for a Temporary Market Licence be applied to the "Handwerk: A Waterloo County Craft Show & Sale" to be held at the Joseph Schneider Haus on August 21, 1999." On a motion by Councillor C. Weylie, it was resolved: "That we permit an exemption to the Noise By-law, Chapter 450 of the Municipal Code, for "Handwerk: A Waterloo County Craft Show & Sale" to be held at the Joseph Schneider Haus from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on August 21, 1999." A BRUSH WITH ART The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. J. Koppeser, Manager of Licensing, dated March 16, 1999, attached to which was a letter from Ms. D. Brisbin a member of the executive of Brush with Art, requesting a reduced fee for a Temporary Vendors Licence to sell brushes at City Hall the first week of April. She advised that Brush with Art is a non-profit fund-raising campaign for the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery and the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 33- CITY OF KITCHENER 10. A BRUSH WITH ART - CONT'D Mayor C. Zehr spoke in support of the request and put forward a recommendation to approve the request. On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was resolved: "That the charitable licence fee of $10.00 be approved for the Temporary Vendors Licence required by "Brush with Art" to permit them to sell brushes at City Hall the first week of April, 1999." 11. POLICY - REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENCE It was agreed that this matter would be deferred to the April 12th meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee. 12. REVIEW OF SERVICES - POSSIBLE RATIONALIZATION/REGIONALIZATION A brief discussion took place as to the necessity to discuss this matter at today's meeting and when it would be discussed at all. The Chair advised that the Finance and Administration Committee meeting would be reconvened after the Caucus meeting and on motion, this meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. at which time a review of services for possible rationalization/regionalization was discussed. Mayor C. Zehr introduced this matter stating that he wanted to keep the discussion as open as possible. He advised that the request of the Region is to bring forward a list of services to be considered to their meeting scheduled April 14, 1999. He suggested that Council put forward the kinds of services which could be considered for regionalization; if that leads to a discussion on amalgamation, so be it. We have to be prepared to deal with anything that goes on the list to the Region. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that if services are to be rationalized, they have to cost the taxpayers less. He advised that when he read Mr. Gazzola's report it did not include savings. He did not see the point of giving over services if greater efficiencies and/or tax savings would not result. Mayor Zehr responded that amalgamation was talked about, primarily because of costs and savings; which would not necessarily be the result. The discussion should involve things that would result in cost savings for all and not just a few. Councillor Ziegler stated that this has been talked about before and we did not proceed because it would have cost Kitchener taxpayers more money. Councillor Lorentz stated that he represents Kitchener on Regional Council and that this has to be good for Kitchener to be good for the Region. Council has done a lot for its citizens and we should go to the Region and put forward our criteria. If it does not meet our criteria then we should not discuss it. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that this is a very complex issue and he felt it was more complex for Kitchener. We provide a certain level of services for our citizens and also provide services to other municipalities. We have already made the decision to have these things; therefore, rationalization is more difficult for us. When we compare service levels, the other municipalities want to come up to our level, we do not want to come down to theirs. Councillor Vrbanovic used the Library as an example. When considering rationalization, we want our taxpayers to gain in terms of services and dollars Councillor T. Galloway advised that he agreed that we need terms of reference or a context for discussions. He felt there needs to be a net benefit to Kitchener citizens; otherwise, there would be no sense in having this discussion. We are in the most difficult position. We have FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 34- CITY OF KITCHENER 12. larger systems. Using the example of water and sewer, Councillor Galloway noted that we have the lowest rates and the best infrastructure. He noted that discussions on amalgamation REVIEW OF SERVICES - POSSIBLE RATIONALIZATION/REGIONALIZATION - CONT'D have seen huge amounts of capital investment. Councillor Galloway suggested that there could be various delivery models and gave some examples. He also suggested that there should be an option to have variable levels of service. He felt there could still be some autonomy at the local level. He stated that he entirely agreed that the City of Kitchener is in a difficult situation. He felt that Kitchener should receive the same or better level of service and/or cost savings. Mayor C. Zehr stated that rationalization does not, in and of itself, mean you have to have the same level of service for each municipality. It is also possible to have services delivered by a service board and not the Region. As an example, Mayor Zehr referred to talks taking place between the Kitchener and Waterloo Libraries. We could assist Waterloo but not have a common program. Kitchener and Waterloo would both benefit from this. This is part of picking and choosing the services you want. Councillor John Smola stated that he felt this would be decided by the Provincial government after the next election. He felt these discussions were redundant until after the election, then the discussions will start. To discuss this matter now can not accomplish much until we know who will be in power. He noted that the Region has housing and ambulance services to deal with. Kitchener has hydro to deal with. These are important decisions to make and we should deal with these matters now and deal with rationalization after the Provincial election. He felt that after the election we would know what direction we have to go in. Councillor Jake Smola commented that the Province has to be looking at the C.A.O.'s report. He felt, regardless of which Provincial government gets elected, municipalities have to cooperate. He then referred to the Chamber of Commerce questionnaire, indicating that we are over-governed in this Region. He stated that we have to work with other municipalities and gave as an example Fire Dispatch. Mayor Zehr suggested that a resolution should be forwarded to Council next Monday night to outline the criteria discussed at this meeting. Councillor Lorentz suggested that the Mayor work with staff on the wording of a resolution, which should be circulated prior to the Council meeting. Councillor Lorentz indicated that he was shocked at the article in the newspaper concerning the C.A.O.'s report. He stated that he never thought of those things. He stated that we should sit down and talk with other Councils. He felt that The Record was pushing this and we must be really careful. He noted that he had spoken with a couple of the Township Mayors and they are pretty upset. Councillor M. Yantzi referred to the suggestion that the Townships should be amalgamated with the Cities, indicating that if this were to happen it should not be for the purpose of urban expansion. He felt that we need to have a good mix of rural and urban. This should be an underlying principle. Councillor Yantzi stated that there are too many levels of decision making. He stated that he is not convinced of the need for two layers of decision making. Councillor Yantzi then referred to the separate decision making for Education. He stated that he did not want to lose the sense of neighbourhoods, including schools and education. He had a concern that core values that are really important had not been identified. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that she agreed with Councillor Yantzi's comments about values. She questioned where these values enter the picture. These seem to be a crucial element and quality of life has to be included. She asked that the resolution include values and the quality of life. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he had spoken with all the Mayors and some of the Councillors and they know where the information came from. He advised the Committee that they know this was not a political decision. Mr. J. Gazzola asked for an opportunity to speak. He stated that, being as the issue is out in public, the three C.A.O.'s wanted to get something on the table. He stated that given the criteria, there will be no rationalization of services. He used water as an example. The C.A.O.'s felt that rationalization of service was difficult to do. He noted that many rationalizations have taken place, for instance, insurance pooling. He noted that the C.A.O.'s FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 35- CITY OF KITCHENER 12. never talked about land grabs. They want to protect a way of life for the future and the rural sector should be protected for the future. He stated that the "land grab" is typical of the local REVIEW OF SERVICES - POSSIBLE RATIONALIZATION/REGIONALIZATION - CONT'D 13. 14. media and this was never discussed. He felt that establishing criteria was a good idea and would help for the future. Councillor Jake Smola stated that the criteria should maintain current services at no added cost to the municipality. UNFINISHED BUSINESS AGENDAS Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the Standing Committee Unfinished Business agendas noting that some of the items are getting fairly old. He advised that Councillors need to know when to expect reports on these matters. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that he would work on the Standing Committee Unfinished Business agendas. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that some of these issues need to be addressed, for example the Fire in the City Hall parking garage and the Year 2000 staffing contingency plan. Ms. P. Houston advised that the Year 2000 team will be reporting to the Finance and Administration Committee some time in April. Mr. J. Gazzola requested that Council members be more specific in what they are after. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that anything that needed clarification, staff should come back and ask for that clarification. Councillor Jake Smola referred to the park on Highway #7 which should be on the Community Services Committee agenda. He asked for an update and where we were with the park, given the shortfall. Mr. R. Wyatt briefly advised the Committee in this regard. Councillor T. Galloway referred to the information item with respect to the Committee of Adjustment Hearing process and advised that these notices were not reaching commercial tenants. Councillor Galloway advised that he was concerned that the commercial tenants be advised because they have a substantial investment in the properties, even though they do not own them. Ms. Gilchrist advised that she would investigate whether the G.I.S. had this information. Mr. T. McCabe advised that he was going to suggest that, in order to reduce fees for Sign and Fence Variance applications, that notices not be put in the paper, but be given by First Class Mail to owners of property. It was agreed that this matter should be considered further and a further report brought to the Committee. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m. D. H. GILCHRIST COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATOR