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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1999-11-22FAC\1999-11-12 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor T. Galloway, commencing at 9:35 a.m., with the following members present: Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor John Smola, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor C. Weylie. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Others present: Ms. J. Koppeser, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. L. Pasternak, Ms. G. Luciantonio, Messrs. G. Sosnoski, L. Proulx, T. Fox, D. Mansell, E. Kovacs, B. Stanley and D. Gilchrist. 1. 1999 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION REORGANIZATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. L. Proulx, Director of Facilities Management, dated November 16, 1999 with respect to the proposed reorganization of the Facilities Management Division. Mr. L. Proulx was in attendance to present the report. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison moved the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor C. Weylie questioned the position vacated by Mr. C. Ford and Mr. Proulx advised that they have advertised for the position but received no applications. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether staff in the Parks and Recreation Department could fill these jobs. Mr. Proulx responded that there may be staff who could take up some of these positions; however, he is still required to post these jobs. Councillor Jake Smola questioned seconded staff from Parks and Recreation or job sharing. Mr. Proulx responded that those options could be discussed. He was of the opinion that two of the jobs could be filled in that fashion; however, the others could not as the skills are not available. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the cost and whether this would involve a budget increase. Mr. Proulx advised that, over time, there would be no increase and that some capital funds would be used to help the operating budget. When questioned by Councillor T. Galloway as to whether pre- budget approval is being requested, Ms. Houston advised it is not and that the operating costs would be reduced over time. She stated that technically there would be an increase in the capital budget, as it would be necessary for project management costs to be built into the capital budgets for projects. A discussion then took place with respect to the need for project management when projects are tendered and Mr. Proulx explained the need for an in-house project management to represent the owner's interest, and the need for project management in order to occupy a new building. Councillor Jake Smola questioned contracting project management when required for a specific project, and Mr. Proulx pointed out that contracting project management for City Hall would have cost $1M and staff provided project management for $300,000. Councillor C. Weylie questioned eliminating the Environmental Engineer position, as the position had saved the City a considerable amount of money and Mr. Proulx responded that it is to be replace with an Environmental Technican. On a motion by Councillor K. Taylor- Harrison - it was resolved: "That Council approve the following reorganization for the Facilities Management Division: a) Eliminate one Environmental Engineering position; b) Eliminate one Alarm Maintenance Technician position; c) Reinstate the Administrative Assistant position in City Hall; d) Create one new Project Management position; FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 -169 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1999 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION REORGANIZATION -CONT'D e) Create one new Energy Systems Technician position; f) Create one new Clerical position at Elmsdale; and further, That the following project management cost recovery formula be approved: FEE SCHEDULE PERCENTAGE OF PROJECT BUDGET Proiect Type Project Requiring Complete Consultant Services Partial Consultant Services Required No Consultant Services Required Conceptual/ Schematic Design Contract Doc. & Tenderin,q Construction & Commissioninq 1 1 1 2 2 to 6 2 to 5 2 8 5" DOWNTOWN FINANCIAL INCENTIVES - 150 DUKE STREET WEST AND 207 KING STREET WEST The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services Staff Reports BPS # 99/184, and BPS # 99/178, both dated November 3, 1999, recommending the approval of "Grants-in-Lieu of Building Permit Fees", under the Downtown Financial Incentive Program, for renovations at 150 Duke Street West and 207 King Street West. On a motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That Council approve an application from Deutschmann & Kelly for a "Grant-in-Lieu of Building Permit Fee" in the amount of $1,713.00 under the Downtown Financial Incentive Program for renovations to 150 Duke Street West, Kitchener." On a motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That Council approve an application from Gordon Straus for a "Grant-in-Lieu of Building Permit Fee" in the amount of $277.20 under the Downtown Financial Incentive Program for renovations to the retail store at 207 King Street West, Kitchener." FESTIVAL OF THE NIGHT - FOOD VENDORS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. J. Koppeser, Manager of Licensing, dated November 17, 1999 with respect to the location of food vendors for the Festival of the Night Celebrations, December 31, 1999. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 -170 - CITY OF KITCHENER FESTIVAL OF THE NIGHT - FOOD VENDORS - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That three food vendors be granted permission to locate in Victoria Park or on Civic Square during the Festival of the Night celebrations, December 31, 1999, provided the necessary licences are obtained, including the signatures of Fire and Health; and further, That the $25.00 Special Event licence fee be applicable." ONTARIO LOTTERY CORPORATION ADVANCE FUNDING PROGRAM - REVISED CHARITY ROSTER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Sosnoski, Deputy City Clerk, dated November 18, 1999, with respect to the change in eligibility, under the Ontario Lottery Corporation's Advance Funding Program, for the Canadian Blood Services. The report also recommended that the $5,000 originally allocated to the Canadian Blood Services be re-allocated to "Reaching Our Outdoor Friends" (R.O.O.F.). On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Council amend the roster of organizations eligible to receive funding under the Advance Funding Program (Ontario Lottery Corporation) by deleting reference to the Canadian Blood Services and the corresponding $5,000.00 amount as this organization has been declared ineligible by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario; and further, That in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Lottery Corporation, Council approve additional funding in the amount of $5,000.00 to Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (R.O.O.F.)." K-W YOUTH COLLECTIVE PROPOSAL FOR A YOUTH DROP-IN CENTRE IN DOWNTOWN KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services Staff Report BPS # 99/172, dated November 8, 1999, responding to a request from the K-W Youth Collective for a youth drop- In centre in Downtown Kitchener. The report recommended that no further action be taken on the request at this time. Councillor J. Haalboom moved the recommendation contained in the staff report. A brief discussion took place with respect to the relationship of the K-W Youth Collective with "Food Not Bombs". On a motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That Council take no further action on the request of the K-W Youth Collective proposal for a youth drop-in centre in Downtown Kitchener at this time." FINANCIAL ISSUES RELATED TO THE TRANSFER OF THE TRANSIT SYSTEM TO THE REGION OF WATERLOO Mr. R. Bronson, Manager of Financial Services, Region of Waterloo, was in attendance to address the financial issues raised by Council at its meeting of November 15, 1999, related to financing capital and operational costs associated with the transfer of public transit system to the Region. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 -171 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. FINANCIAL ISSUES RELATED TO THE TRANSFER OF THE TRANSIT SYSTEM TO THE REGION OF WATERLOO - CONT'D Councillor John Smola advised that, at the Transit Transfer Committee meeting held on November 18, 1999, some of the issues were addressed, including an explanation of the area rating, capital funding and the transfer of development charges. Mr. Bronson advised that the Region is setting up their transit budget in the same way as the municipalities have. The budget will be tracked by area municipality. The Region will parallel the Kitchener tax rate for Transit; with the only change being the cost of the Kitchener/Cambridge link planned for late 2000. Councillor John Smola questioned future expansions. Mr. Bronson responded that, over time they will harmonize the rate in urban areas. The townships will have their rates harmonized over time, as well. As the service levels are reviewed, the rates will be reviewed as well. Councillor Lorentz noted that Kitchener currently has the higher level of service. Mr. Bronson noted that changes in service levels would depend on demand and would be subject to review over the years. Mayor C. Zehr questioned the rates per capita for each City and suggested that Kitchener would benefit from a blend in the rates if there was no change in the service level. Mr. Bronson advised that staff are suggesting seven individual rates for the year 2000, with the difference in rates being Transit. Questions were raised with respect to capital costs. Mr. Bronson advised that they are treating capital the same as operating and whatever the costs are they would flow through the area rate. Councillor Weylie questioned parallel transit and was advised that service would be included. With respect to development charges, Mr. Bronson noted that Kitchener will be amending its development charge by-law and the Region will amend its by-law accordingly. There will also be a transfer of money. LIONS' T. V. BINGO - SALE OF TICKETS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. J. Koppeser, Manager of Licensing, dated November 17, 1999, recommending that the City of Kitchener maintain the status quo with respect to the size of prize boards for the Lions' T. V. Bingo, and that approval be given to permit the sale of T. V. Bingo cards in the City of Kitchener for another year. The Committee was provided with some statistical information at the meeting. Mr. M. Rausch was in attendance on behalf of Kitchener Charities Bingo, in opposition to eliminating the existing prize board restrictions for the Lions' T. V. Bingo. Mr. Rausch stated that Kitchener Charities Bingo has, throughout 1999, lost money during the Tuesday time slot when the T. V. Bingo runs. He noted that they pay licence fees to the City of Kitchener that the T. V. Bingo does not. Mr. Rausch pointed out that there is an agreement with the City of Waterloo regarding the amount of these prize boards. He also noted that large prize boards squeeze out small groups. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned whether Mr. Rausch was agreeable to maintaining the existing prize board structure and he advised that he would be agreeable to maintaining the status quo. Mr. J. Facey was in attendance to represent Bingo Country and the Ventures. He provided the Committee members with Bingo Country's statistics for the Tuesday 7:00 p.m. time slot. Mr. Facey explained the expenditures in running a bingo, noting that there is a slim profit margin. He noted problems which they may also be faced with, resulting from the Smoking By-law and asked that the status quo with respect to the Lions' T. V. Bingo be maintained. Mr. B. Sniatenchuk was in attendance on behalf of the Kitchener Pioneer Lions' Club to support their request to remove the restrictions on the prize boards for the Lions' T. V. Bingo. He noted that the T. V. Bingo runs on Tuesday nights for one hour, starting at 7:00 p.m., in seven municipalities. He advised that Kitchener and Waterloo are the only municipalities with this LIONS' T. V. BINGO - SALE OF TICKETS - CONT'D FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 -172 - CITY OF KITCHENER restriction. Mr. Sniatenchuk stated that they are not out to hurt other charities and their bingos do not address the same audience. He felt that their audience consists of people who do not wish to or cannot go to the bingo halls, and he did not believe that the T. V. bingo has been a factor in lowering the Tuesday night Bingo profits at the bingo halls. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether the City has access to their financial statements and whether the Lions' Club would be willing to provide them. Mr. Sniatenchuk stated that they would be willing to provide them on the condition that they remain confidential. The question was raised as to whether the Lion's made profits at the bingos prior to T. V. Bingos. Mr. Sniatenchuk advised that they did make profits from bingos previously; however, they stopped because they had a problem finding members to work at the bingos. The question was raised as to how much money from the T. V. Bingos comes back into the community and the Committee was advised $4,500 per month. Mayor C. Zehr questioned staff as to how much of the charities financial statements is made public and Ms. Koppeser advised that only the aggregate figures or ranges are made public. Mayor C. Zehr put forward a motion to maintain the status quo with respect to the size of the prize board, and that the Lions' financial statements to be submitted to staff for review. The question was raised as to when the existing approval expires and Ms. Koppeser advised February 29, 2000. Mayor Zehr included in his motion that the approval to sell bingo cards be extended for another year and, after consultation with staff, included in his motion that all financial statements to date be submitted and, on a yearly basis, all future financial statements be submitted to staff. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club to remove the current prize board restriction of $3,000 with a maximum of six $5,500 prize boards per calendar year, for the Lions T. V. Bingo; and, That Council approve the request of the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club to sell media bingo cards, for the Lions T. V. Bingo, in the City of Kitchener for a further year, March 1, 2000 to February 28, 2001, subject to maintaining the existing approved prize board structure; and further, That the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club submit all their financial statements to date, with respect to the Lions T. V. Bingo, and on an annual basis, all subsequent financial statements in this regard to the City's Manager of Licensing." Councillor G. Lorentz requested that this motion be forwarded to the City of Waterloo. 8. LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION - INNER CITY NIGHT CLUB, 276 KING STREET WEST The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services Staff Report BPS # 99/183, dated November 18, 1999, with respect to the liquor licence issued to Inner City Nightclub (1306677 Ontario Ltd.) to operate at 276 King Street West. The Committee was also in receipt of a written submission from Mr. John Ioannou of the Inner City Night Club & Entertainment Complex, which had been distributed with the agenda. Mr. John Ioannou advised that he holds the liquor licence and business licence for the Inner City Night Club. He advised that he was in attendance to speak to their intentions and to alleviate the City's concerns. He advised that they had their liquor licence at the end of 1998, before the Council resolution, and they received no objections during the 30-day plaquing period. Mr. Ioannou provided his personal and family background and his thoughts about what makes a downtown a healthy place to live and work. LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION - INNER CITY NIGHT CLUB, 276 KING STREET WEST - CONT'D FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 -173 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Ioannou stated that by prohibiting another nightclub, Council would be allowing the two existing nightclub owners a monopoly. He believed that the market would decide how many nightclubs could survive in the downtown. Mr. Ioannou stated that the downtown is for people and it depends on a steady flow of people at night as well as through the day. Further, the downtown has an entertainment and cultural function. Mr. Ioannou warned of the big box entertainment centre south of the downtown and those things which cause the demise of downtowns. Mr. Ioannou then spoke of how the inside of the nightclub will be designed, the stigmas of the downtown nightclubs and how to erase them. He concluded by asking the Committee for support, noting they did nothing wrong in applying for a liquor licence. Mr. A. Costabis addressed the Committee providing his personal background and his motivation for starting this business. Mr. Costabis advised of the procedures they will undertake to deal with intoxication and how they will handle their customers. Mr. Costabis then recited their policies with respect to customers, security staff, admittance and dealing with intoxication. He requested that the City review its concerns with the issuance of the liquor licence. Mayor C. Zehr questioned whether the delegation is the same operators who ran this business previously. Mr. Costabis advised that they were not, although he had been the General Manager of the previous business. He then reviewed some the reasons why the previous business closed. Mayor Zehr referred to several dates provided by the delegation relating to the processing of the liquor licence application and questioned whether there had been a subsequent up-dating of their approval. Mr. Ioannou advised that the licence is valid for one year, which would take them to mid- November. They advised the Alcohol and Gaming Control Commission of Ontario that they require more time, as they intend to open on December 15th. Mayor Zehr then questioned the renovations proposed for the entire building. Mr. Ioannou advised that the third floor will be converted to office space, and there will be exterior painting, facade improvements and interior cosmetic improvements. Mayor Zehr questioned whether the delegation was aware that the City had a task force working on the entertainment area, which is now a Committee of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association. Mayor Zehr noted those issues addressed by the task force and questioned whether the delegation would be willing to become part of the committee. Mr. Ioannou responded that they would be willing to become part of the Committee and would also be willing to participate on other committees. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison stated that their liquor licence application has caused an enormous amount of stress. She advised that she appreciated the delegation's comments about how the nightclub will operate. She noted that the problems which take place after hours are what causes problems for the police. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison then referred to the clean-up and noise problems which exist. Mr. Costabis agreed that there is a problem with spillage onto the street. He advised of their proposal to stay open an additional hour until 4:00 a.m. He advised that they will not support in/out privileges. Mr. Costabis referred to the problems St. John's Church is experiencing with other nightclubs and the garbage problems. He advised that they will have staff to clean-up the street and they will also have a cafe in the building to provide a place for people to sober-up. Councillor Haalboom questioned whether the delegation was aware of Council's intention to pass the resolution with respect to liquor licences in the downtown. Mr. Ioannou responded that they did not object to Council's resolution because they had hoped to open last year. They reviewed Council's policy but did not think that it applied to licences which had already been approved. He referred to the Alcohol and Gaming Control Commission approval process, noting LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION - INNER CITY NIGHT CLUB, 276 KING STREET WEST - CONT'D that owners would not make investments if they thought there was opportunity for objections later FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 -174 - CITY OF KITCHENER in the process. Councillor Haalboom questioned whether sales would revolve around liquor and Mr. Ioannou explained other sales proposed for the business. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he was impressed with the security measures proposed. He thanked the delegation for coming forward with these security measures. Mayor C. Zehr questioned staff as to what was behind the recommendations in the staff report. Ms. L. Pasternak stated that the first part of the recommendation is permitted under the Liquor Licence Act, noting that the licence was issued on November 16th but there is still an opportunity for objection. With respect to the second portion of the recommendation, the City has received mixed messages on the timing of the process. The deadline dates are unclear and there is confusion as to what takes place between filing the application and receiving approval. Mayor Zehr questioned the value of the objection and Ms. Pasternak responded that she could not predict what the Alcohol and Gaming Control Commission will do, at the very least, the City will be on record as having its position clear, if there are any future problems. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison advised of her concern that, if Council agrees to this application it makes everything done previously hypocritical. She stated that she understood what the delegation has said but the City must be consistent. Councillor Jake Smola stated that the City has the option to support this business and questioned whether the City has ever objected to existing licences. He stated that he appreciated the offer of the delegations to work with the City, noting that if the current bar owners in the downtown would do only a portion of what the delegation proposes, the downtown would be a much better place. He suggested that the City start working with existing bar owners to change their policies and procedures to match those of the delegation. Councillor Jake Smola then put forward a motion not to object to the liquor licence issued to the Inner City Night Club, based on the operational criteria presented by the delegation today. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison advised that the City has worked very hard, since March, with the downtown bar owners, who are now willing to work with the City. She noted that the City is trying not to support big bars in the downtown and this proposal is for a big bar. She stated that she is not sure what would happen but the City should at least be consistent. Councillor G. Lorentz spoke in support of Councillor Jake Smola's motion noting that what the City has been trying to do is to stop irresponsible bar owners. He felt that the proposal of the delegation today should be the standard and he felt that there was a niche that needed to be filled. Councillor Lorentz also stated that the City should stop providing a monopoly for bar owners in the downtown. He felt that it was not the intent of the City to stop the number of bars or limit the size of bars, but to stop irresponsible management. He stated that he was supportive of the delegation's proposal. Mayor C. Zehr stated that he agreed with Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison's position that the City is trying to limit the number of bars in the downtown but the licence has already been issued. He felt that it was important to get the City's message across to the Alcohol and Gaming Control Commission. Mayor Zehr proposed an amendment to Councillor Jake Smola's resolution to state that, notwithstanding the fact that the liquor licence has been issued, Council go on record with the Alcohol and Gaming Control Commission, in keeping with Council's policy established February 1, 1999, and that the City would have objected to the liquor licence if it had been made aware prior to its issuance. He felt that the second portion of the staff recommendation should stand as written. Mayor Zehr questioned whether Councillor Jake Smola would accept this amendment as a friendly amendment and Councillor Jake Smola advised that he would not. Councillor Jake Smola stated that the reason for Council's policy was the irresponsibility of the bar owners in the downtown. He noted that he did support staffs recommendation when he LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION - INNER CITY NIGHT CLUB, 276 KING STREET WEST - CONT'D originally read the memorandum but has since changed his mind based on the presentation made FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 -175 - CITY OF KITCHENER at this meeting. Mayor Zehr stated that if Councillor Jake Smola's motion is defeated, he will bring forward his motion. Councillor John Smola noted that in the presentation made by the delegation, they have advised that they hire off-duty police officers and questioned whether the other bars to that. Mayor Zehr responded that one of the other clubs does hire off-duty police officers but the others do not. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison suggested resolving into caucus to discuss a matter of Solicitor- Client privilege. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether the City would be able to ask for conditions on a licence, such as after-hours clean-up and off-duty police and Ms. Pasternak responded that a variety of conditions can be put on a licence but it is a matter of what the Alcohol and Gaming Control Commission will agree to. On a motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That an in-camera meeting be held immediately to consider a matter of Solicitor-Client privilege." The Committee recessed at 11:46 a.m. and reconvened at 11:50 a.m. following an in-camera meeting. Councillor T. Galloway questioned Councillor Jake Smola as to whether he was dealing with the first part of the staff recommendation in his motion. Councillor Jake Smola agreed that he was and noted that some positions have been established by the Committee members and if capacity is concerned, then we should oppose all liquor licence applications. Councillor Jake Smola's motion not to object to the issuance of the liquor licence for Inner City Nightclub was then Voted on and Lost. On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That, notwithstanding the fact that a liquor licence has been issued to Inner City Nightclub, (1306677 Ontario Ltd.) to operate at 276 King Street West, Kitchener, Council go on record with the Alcohol and Gaming Control Commission of Ontario that, in keeping with its established policy set February 1, 1999, Council would have objected to the granting of the liquor licence had it been aware of the pending licence." On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to prepare a letter to the Alcohol and Gaming Control Commission of Ontario expressing the City of Kitchener's concerns about the process that led to the issuance of a liquor licence for Inner City Nightclub (1306677 Ontario Ltd.); and further, That a copy of this letter be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations, the local members of Provincial Parliament and AMO." Councillor T. Galloway advised the delegation that these recommendations would be considered by City Council at its meeting of Monday November 29th. AMENDMENTS TO DEVELOPMENT CHARGES BY-LAW The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. D. Mansell, Chairman, Development Charges Committee dated November 18, 1999, recommending specific changes to the City's development FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 -176 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. charges by-law resulting from the transfer of the Transit System to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The Committee was also provided with copies of a draft by-law dated November 2, 1999. On a motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Schedules "A" and "B" of By-law 99-106, being Chapter 315 (Development Charges) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, be amended as contained in the draft by-law dated November 2, 1999, with respect to removal of all charges, requirements and references to the Transit Service; and further, That Council approve Amendment # 1 to the Development Charges Policy Background Study, dated November 22, 1999." METHODS OF DEALING WITH GRAFFITI The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services Staff Report BPS # 99/175, dated November 16, 1999, recommending various ways of dealing with the removal of graffiti on City facilities. Ms. J. Dean was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions that the Committee might have in this regard. Ms. Dean advised that the matter had been discussed at City Wide Youth Issues and she explained the background to the report. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned whether the new staff person to be hired by the Kitchener Downtown Business Association would be solely for the downtown and Ms. Dean responded that they would concentrate in the downtown by they would work City wide. The question was raised as to whether there would be ongoing funding required and Ms. Dean responded that this would be a test period to determine if it would be successful and staff want to track the costs for the first year. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she was in support of the recommendations and questioned what residents could do now. Ms. Dean pointed out that resident would be included in the outreach proposed in Clause #3 of the recommendation and Councillor Haalboom asked that Clause #3 be amended to include residents. Councillor C. Weylie questioned what would happen to people caught damaging property in this way and Ms. Dean responded that it was up to the Courts and that the City had no jurisdiction in this regard, although the City may be able to work with the John Howard Society. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison advised that the Safe City Committee is enthusiastic with the program as is the Youth Collective. 10. METHODS OF DEALING WITH GRAFFITI - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 -177 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. "That the City support the "Partners Against Crime" funding application pilot project through coordination, active promotion of the program and the training of one person (to be hired by the Kitchener Downtown Business Association) in the use of a vehicle and equipment; and, That Public Works, Parks and Facilities Management track and report on the incidents and costs of graffiti and vandalism so that the extent of the problem on City property is understood, the effects of the removal program can be evaluated, and the Police are given evidence which may be used in prosecutions; and, That the City review its policies and practices to ensure that graffiti deterrents are considered in the design and maintenance of municipal facilities and that staff disseminate information to encourage residents, and the building and development industry to adopt similar practices; and further, That staff explore the idea of developing and maintaining City sanctioned "graffiti boards" to give youth an approved outlet for self-expression." Councillor T. Galloway advised that he had raised this issue and thanked staff for the staff report. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m. D. H. GILCHRIST COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATOR