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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1994-01-17FAC\1994-01-17 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 17, 1994 The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, commencing at 11:35 a.m., under the Chairmanship of Councillor C. Zehr with the following members present: Mayor D.V. Cardillo, Councillors B. Stortz, T. Galloway, G. Lorentz, J. Smola, M. Wagner, C. Weylie, J. Ziegler, M. Yantzi and G. Leadston. Others present: Messrs. T. McKay, J. Gazzola, J. Wallace, F.S. Graham, R.W. Pritchard, T. McCabe, J. Witmer, L. Gordon, C. Ford, G. Sosnoski and Ms. D. Arnold. 1994 MOBILE SIGN FEE Mr. David Lamka, A-Z Quality Signs Limited, appeared in opposition to the increase in mobile sign fees approved by Council on December 13, 1993. The Committee was previously in receipt of correspondence from Mr. Lamka dated January 14, 1994 and a representative of Dutch Boy Food Markets dated January 17, 1994. They also received this date a summary sheet outlining sign permit fees in neighbouring municipalities. Mr. Lamka pointed out that the fee has increased to $35.00 a month, a 16.7% increase over the previous $30.00 fee. He also noted that fees had already increased 100% in 1992 when Council reviewed the Sign By-law. Mr. Lamka read a letter from a representative of Dutch Boy Food Markets supporting his position. Mr. Lamka asked that the fee increase be kept at the rate of inflation and be $31.00 a month or less. Ms. K. Florence, Canada Mobile Signs, asked that the increase be reconsidered as it will hurt small businesses already suffering from the recession. She circulated correspondence from Ms. W. Wright, Commissioner of Planning, City of Cambridge, providing notice that Cambridge Council has frozen for one year a proposed increase from $30.00 to $40.00 a month. Mr. McCabe referred to the summary of fees circulated this date and noted that Kitchener has not increased its mobile sign fee for the past 17 months. He pointed that in the past there had been no permits required due to lack of enforcement and also noted that staff have improved the level of service relative to permit application and issuing procedures. He expressed the opinion that a $5.00 increase over a 17 month period is reasonable under the circumstances. Ms. Florence questioned why the City is increasing the fee at all in light of the general increase in revenue resulting from enforcement of the permit requirement. Mr. McCabe replied citing additional and administrative costs. On motion by Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the requests of Mr. D. Lamka and Ms. K. Florence that Council reconsider its approved 1994 Mobile Sign Permit fee." CAUCUS The Committee resolved itself into caucus to consider the two items on its agenda and reconvened at 12:50 p.m. BUILDING CODE REPAIR CLAIM - 142 WHEATFIELD CRES. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Witmer dated December 10, 1993 recommending settlement of a claim by the property owner relative to inspection of a woodstove. On motion by Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That a grant, without prejudice or precedent, in the amount of $752.00 be paid to Mr. Richard Watson relative to work at 142 Wheatfield Cres. necessary to bring a woodstove and hearth into compliance with the Building Code." FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -2- JAN UARY 17, 1994 TELETHEATRE (OFF-TRACK BETTING) The Committee was in receipt of a letter and supporting documents from Mr. Douglas Hopkins, Elmira Raceway, dated December 23, 1993 requesting Council's consideration of a betting theatre proposal involving the Ontario Racing Commission. They were also in receipt of an information report from Ms. D. Arnold dated January 7, 1994. Mayor Cardillo indicated his willingness to put forward a motion generally endorsing the teletheatre initiative with respect to sites in the City of Kitchener. In response to a question from Councillor Galloway, Ms. Arnold advised that consent by the municipality is not legally required, however, the Racing Commissioner has taken the position that licences for a specific site will not be issued unless the municipality gives its consent. She advised that the City would have the option of either generally endorsing the initiative irrespective of the sites chosen or asking that notification be provided for each site application with these to be dealt with on a case by case basis. Mr. Wallace further clarified that the Province has required that the local jockey club or raceway must be involved and staff each teletheatre location with no payment to the bar or restaurant. He suggested that in effect Elmira Raceway has an off-track betting franchise from the Province. Moved by Mayor D.V. Cardillo - "That provided all other regulations and requirements are met, Council grant general approval relative to Teletheatre (Off-Track Betting Theatre) sites in the City of Kitchener, on the understanding that prior to the issuing of a licence for any specific site the Ontario Racing Commission will advise the municipality of the application and extend an opportunity to comment." Councillor Stortz expressed concern that in providing blanket approval the City would be waiving any future right to comment on specific teletheatre locations in the municipality. He spoke in favour of retaining the ability to regulate the location of these in the community. Mr. Wallace suggested that the City could ask to be notified of each specific application and be given an opportunity to comment. Mr. McKay pointed out that if general endorsement is given by Council, the municipality will still receive notification of every request with Council being notified of these and given between three and five days to respond to staff in the event they anticipate a problem with the location. The previous motion by Mayor D.V. Cardillo indicating general approval of the teletheatre initiative was voted on and CARRIED. DRAFT BILL - SALE OF FIREWORKS The Committee was in receipt of a report and draft Bill from Mr. J. Wallace dated January 7, 1994 relative to an application for special legislation to govern the sale of fireworks. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City Solicitor be authorized to proceed with an application for special legislation relative to the sale of fireworks in accordance with the draft Bill dated December 21, 1993." Mr. Wallace indicated his preference that the Bill be sent for the necessary advertising prior to the January 24, 1994 Council meeting in order to avoid a further delay respecting the Province's consideration of the request. Councillor Zehr indicated his agreement with this course of action. COUNCIL CHAMBER A/V SYSTEM - REQUEST TO SPEAK The Committee was in receipt of a report and cost estimate from Mr. T. Boutilier dated September FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3 - JANUARY 17, 1994 30, 1993 relative to installation of a Request to Speak feature in the Chamber. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That no action be taken concerning installation of a "Request to Speak" system in the Council Chamber." 7. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendation from Mr. L. Parkhouse dated January 10, 1994 concerning various appointments to local Boards. On motion by Councillor B. Stortz - it was resolved: "That Messrs. Peter Peachey and Randy Jackson be appointed to the Kitchener Downtown Business Association - Board of Directors for a term expiring November 30, 1994, to complete the unexpired terms of Messrs. Wolfgang Stichnothe and Kirk McBride, both of whom have resigned." On motion by Councillor B. Stortz - it was resolved: "That the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener confirm the appointment of the following individuals to the Board of Directors of the Centre In The Square Inc., namely: Dr. Derek Wyse, representing the K-W Symphony Orchestra and Mr. J.R. McGill, representing the K-W Art Gallery, and further, That these appointments be for a term of three (3) years expiring November 30, 1996." 8. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS CHAPTER 170 (PURCHASING AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT) The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R.W. Pritchard dated December 10, 1993 recommending various changes to Chapter 170. Moved by Councillor M. Wagner - "That Chapter 170 (Purchasing and Materials Management) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be amended as outlined in the report of Mr. R.W. Pritchard dated December 10, 1993." Mr. Pritchard highlighted the proposed changes noting that in the form recommended Council approval of pre-qualification lists would no longer be required. The previous motion by Councillor Wagner to adopt the proposed amendments to the Municipal Code was voted on and CARRIED. 9. PROVINCIAL/MUNICIPAL TASK FORCE The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendations from Mr. T. McKay dated January 10, 1994 concerning input to the Task Force identifying duplication and overlap in Provincial legislation, regulations and policy. Moved by Councillor G. Lorentz - "That Council adopt the staff recommendations in the report of Mr. T. McKay dated January 10, 1994 relative to the Provincial Municipal Task Force charged with identifying duplication and overlap in Provincial legislation, regulations and policies, and further, PROVINCIAL/MUNICIPAL TASK FORCE (cont.) That the above recommendations be forwarded to the Task Force for consideration." FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -4- JAN UARY 17, 1994 Councillor Ziegler expressed concern over some aspects of the report and suggested that if the recommendations were implemented they would not necessarily result in savings to the municipality, but would involve additional responsibilities and powers. He expressed concern that this would lead to an expansion of municipal administration. Mr. McKay referred to an example of potential savings with respect to "as of right" legislation and the Utility and Tax billing system under development. He pointed out that in some instances Provincial legislation prevents a municipality from operating efficiently. The previous motion by Councillor Lorentz to adopt the staff recommendations and forward these to the Task Force was voted on and CARRIED. 10. ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ANNUAL REVIEW Mr. Ford circulated a copy of the Annual Review dated January 17, 1994 and presented selected items with respect to energy costs and savings and the City Hall building control system. 11. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS - HAWKERS AND PEDLARS The Committee was recirculated this date with a legal opinion from Mr. Wallace dated December 13, 1993. Councillor Yantzi noted that he had requested further discussion, but had anticipated additional reports from the Fire Department and the Parks and Recreation Department. He referred to comments and complaints he had received from non-profit organizations with respect to the approval process for Hawkers and Pedlars licences. He referred specifically to the need to obtain information or signatures from local bodies such as the Waterloo Regional Police. Councillor Yantzi suggested that some of these requirements may be unnecessary, particularly in view of the fact that the organizations involved are non-profit or charitable. In addition, he requested a specific resolution waiving the Hawkers and Pedlars License fee relative to the upcoming Heritage Day celebrations sponsored by the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation. On motion by Councillor B. Stortz - it was resolved: "That the Hawkers and Pedlars License fee be waived with respect to the proposed 1994 Heritage Day celebrations at the Fairview Park Mall sponsored by the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation." On motion by Councillor B. Stortz - it was resolved: "That staff outline a procedure to facilitate the waiving of unnecessary licensing related approvals in conjunction with applications from non-profit and charitable organizations." 12. FAIR TAX COMMISSION REPORT Councillor Zehr advised that he has received highlights of the report and that additional copies as well as the full text of the report are available through Publications Ontario. By general consent, it was agreed that Councillor Zehr would make a single copy of the report highlights available for review in the Mayor's Office. 13. 1994 CITY BUDGET Councillor Zehr asked whether Members of Council had any additional suggestions for reducing the mill rate which would require further research or comment by staff prior to Budget Day on January 21, 1994. Councillor Galloway requested comment in response to the City of Waterloo's proposed increase of water and sewage rates. He also 13. 1994 CITY BUDGET (cont.) referred to two items which appeared on List Z and which may warrant partial implementation. He specifically referred to a $400,000.00 item in the Public Works Department budget relative to infrastructure cleaning and questioned whether a percentage of these funds could be removed from the budget. He also referred to the issue of reduced Transit service on statutory holidays. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 5 - JANUARY 17, 1994 Councillor Zehr asked that staff take the comments of Councillor Galloway under advisement. Mayor Cardillo referred to letters received from members of the Industrial Coalition which are available for examination in his office. Councillor Stortz asked that the appropriate Department staff be in attendance at the time listed in the agenda for the January 21, 1994 meeting in the interest of adhering as closely as possible to the schedule. Councillor Lorentz referred to an earlier letter from Mr. D. Hutton on behalf of the Industrial Coalition requesting recorded votes on budgetary issues. By general consent, it was agreed that this item would be the first order of business on Budget Day. 14. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on Monday, January 31, 1994. 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the regular meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. and the Committee reconvened in caucus to further consider one of the items on its agenda. G. Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records/Assistant City Clerk