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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1995-02-13FAC\1995-02-13 FEBRUARY 13, 1995 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, commencing at 10:15 a.m., under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Ziegler with the following Members present: Mayor Richard D. Christy, Councillors T. Galloway, K. Redman, M. Wagner, M. Yantzi, John Smola, B. Vrbanovic, G. Lorentz and C. Weylie. Councillor Jake Smola was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Messrs. T. McKay, J. Gazzola, T. McCabe, T. Clancy, D. Patterson, D. Snow, M. Price, J. Panunto and G. Sosnoski. 1. SUBSIDIZED PARKING REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price dated January 30, 1995 concerning separate applications for parking subsidy at the Market Square garage from each of the following non-profit agencies; namely, the Waterloo Regional Arts Council, Gallery 2000, and the K-W Multicultural Centre Inc. Ms. Deborah Budd (Waterloo Regional Arts Council), Mr. Monty Wright (Gallery 2000) and Ms. Myrta Sahas (K-W Multicultural Centre Inc.) appeared in support of their requests. Ms. Budd advised that each of the organizations operates on a not-for-profit basis and relies heavily on volunteers. She suggested that it is inappropriate to request such individuals to pay for parking, and that this may limit the number of available volunteers. In response to a question from Councillor Ziegler she also advised of safety concerns relative to use of the Cedar Street surface lot. Mr. Wright advised that his organization is not in a financial position to pay even 50% of the cost of parking, and noted that Gallery 2000 is requesting free parking. It was also noted that approximately twenty individuals are involved in the Gallery on a rotating basis, and that the provision of two parking spaces would cause logistical problems. Ms. Sahas characterized her organization as a social service agency employing eleven staff. She indicated a willingness on behalf of the Centre to enter into a partnership with the City whereby City staff would be offered cross-cultural communications training for up to three days per year on a no charge basis in exchange for some sort of relief from the parking charge. In response to a question from Councillor Galloway, Ms. Sahas advised that her organization reimburses volunteers for parking expenses and that the request relates to staff positions only. She also reminded the Committee of the Centre's "gracious withdrawal" relative to rental of the former Registry Building. Councillor Wagner referred to Mr. Price's report and questioned whether staff are recommending a 50% subsidy. Mr. Price replied that during negotiations this percentage was felt to be reasonable. Mr. Wright noted that both Gallery 2000 and the Arts Council have a mandate to serve the community and people involved in the arts, and offered the opinion that in so doing they constitute an important part of downtown revitalization. Mr. Wright referred to what he described as an exceptional gallery opening which drew approximately 400 visitors. Mayor Christy questioned whether any of the organizations had anticipated the parking expense when moving to Market Square, and whether their staff could use less expensive parking. Mr. Wright acknowledged that parking was not part of the Gallery 2000 business plan. Ms. Sahas responded that parking was not considered a legitimate component of a marketing plan and was viewed as a staff problem. She also pointed out that the Multicultural Centre was forced to move out of its previous accommodation and relocated in the Market Square only after its proposal concerning use of the City owned Registry Building was turned down. Ms. Budd advised that parking is not a component of the Arts Council budget. In response to a question from Councillor Redman, Mr. Snow advised that providing volunteer parking on a rotating basis could be accommodated using ticket equipment in the Market Square garage, but would be more problematic at less expensive facilities. Councillor Yantzi indicated that he was prepared to put forward a motion requesting that staff investigate services which could be provided to the City in exchange for some form of parking relief. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 137 1995 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Lorentz inquired as to the source of the money for such a subsidy and suggested that if by a grant the entire issue should be considered by the Community Services Committee. Mr. McKay acknowledged that any relief would have to be in the form of a grant. Mr. Snow cautioned that he receives many subsidy requests from non-profit and private organizations, and that no subsidy has been provided to date. Mayor Christy indicated that he is thankful the groups before the Committee this date have chosen to remain in the downtown core, but also referred to the need to combat the attitude that downtown Kitchener is a giveaway zone. He also noted his concern that each of the groups has approached the City after rather than before making the decision to relocate to Market Square. He indicated his deep reservations as regards the City providing subsidized parking for outside groups and the precedent this may set. Moved by Councillor M. Yantzi, "That in response to requests for subsidized parking from the Waterloo Regional Arts Council, Gallery 2000 and the K-W Multicultural Centre Inc., staff investigate the possibility of exchanging services these organizations do or could provide (and which would be of tangible benefit to the City) for a waiving of part or all of the relevant parking fee." Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Redman expressed reservations over the flow of grant funds to organizations under the guise of a service provision. Councillor Lorentz pointed out that when calculated over an extended period of time, agreeing to the request would be a more costly commitment than has been presented this date. Mayor Christy added that agreeing to the request would amount to setting a new policy concerning parking subsidies. Mr. McKay suggested that each of the groups include a parking allocation as part of their budget and make application for a grant, though he would not necessarily endorse such a grant or an arrangement for providing parking in exchange for services. The previous motion by Councillor M. Yantzi directing staff to investigate further was voted on and Carried. 2. CORPORATE JOB POOL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Panunto dated February 8, 1995 providing an update on the recent posting relative to the job pool. Councillor Lorentz indicated that he had requested the report and that some employees have indicated they are dissatisfied with the process. Mr. Panunto reported that his staff have tracked forty individuals who are eligible for hire, and that of this number, thirty temporary staff were identified as eligible for rehire, three are now full-time employees, one no longer has an interest in employment with the City and six are to be considered subject to availability. 3. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on Monday, February 27, 1995. 4. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m. ........... G. Sosnoski ........... Manager of Corporate ........... Records/Assistant City Clerk