Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1996-01-22FAC\1996-01-22 JAN UARY 22, 1996 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, commencing at 9:40 a.m., under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Ziegler with the following members present: Councillors T. Galloway, G. Lorentz, K. Redman, Jake Smola, John Smola, B. Vrbanovic, M. Wagner, and M. Yantzi. Councillor C. Weylie was in attendance for part of the meeting. Other present: Mrs. J. Koppeser, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. L. Pasternak, Messrs. T. McKay, J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, T. McCabe, L.F. Parkhouse, J. Shivas, D. Snow, D. Paterson, G. Anderson, E. Kovacs, R. Arnot, R.W. Pritchard, B. Stanley, R. Mattice, L. Proulx, and G. Sosnoski. BREAK-OPEN TICKETS -WISH KIDS FOUNDATION The Committee was previously in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated December 27, 1995, and consideration of the request was deferred to the meeting of this date to allow the requester to attend and answer questions. Mr. Terry Hurlbut, Executive Director, appeared on behalf of the Wish Kids Foundation concerning a request to sell break-open tickets from a local variety store. Mr. Hurlbut explained the purpose of the Foundation and indicated that it is a registered, non-profit, charitable organization. He also advised that the Foundation would only finance families in Kitchener and is willing to open a separate bank account and prequalify the families. Councillor Redman indicated that the Foundation should supply financial information, as this is a requirement for all other groups. On a motion by Councillor K. Redman - It was resolved: "That Council grant the request of Terry Hurlbut, Executive Director, Wish Kids Foundation, for permission to sell break-open tickets on an on-going basis from the third party site at King's Video and Variety, 607 King Street West, Kitchener, and, That an account be established at a bank in the City of Kitchener in this regard, and further, That the above is subject to Council receiving the Foundation's financial statements prior to the January 29, 1996 Council meeting." SALE OF VACANT LAND - DOON VILLAGE ROAD The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendation from G. Anderson dated January 10, 1996 concerning the sale of a former Fire Station site. On a motion by Councillor T. Galloway It was resolved: "That the City owned property situated on Doon Village Road, described as Part of Lot 2, Biehn's Tract designated as Parts 1, 2 and 3, Plan 58R-8155 be declared surplus to the City's needs and be offered for sale to the public." LICENCE FEE - K-W PHILATELIC SOCIETY The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from J. Koppeser dated January 15, 1996 recommending against a request by the Society to waive licence fees. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER LICENCE FEE - K-W PHILATELIC SOCIETY - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - It was resolved: "That Council grant the request of the Kitchener-Waterloo Philatelic Society to waive the required fees for a Hawkers and Peddlers Licence in conjunction with their proposed show and sale scheduled for April, 1996." 1996 STREET VENDORS BY-LAW The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from J. Koppeser dated January 17, 1996 requesting direction concerning the 1996 By-law. Councillor Yantzi questioned whether any existing vendors had expressed an interest in continuing at their present locations and Ms. Koppeser replied in the affirmative. In response to a further question, Mr. Clancy referred to a circumstance in Victoria Park where one vendor cart is licensed through an agreement involving the Boat House and another vendor operating in the Park is treated differently. He expressed an interest in seeing some uniformity in this regard. Councillor Jake Smola indicated a willingness to put forward a recommendation that current vendors be given an opportunity to occupy the same location in 1995. Councillor Lorentz suggested there is a need for a comprehensive review of the By-law and on this basis the Committee would need to know the number of carts and locations involved and receive a report from Parks and Recreation on any additional locations they would propose on public lands. Councillor Redman questioned whether any perspective vendor had expressed an interest in any of the currently occupied locations, and Mrs. Koppeser replied that Licensing received one inquiry last week, and that any individuals who had previously inquired have found locations on private property. Councillor Wagner suggested that the entire issue should only be opened up if the current vendors are dissatisfied with their location and wish to move to another. Mr. Parkhouse referred to two existing problem locations on King Street. On a motion by Councillor M. Wagner - It was resolved: "That Licensing, Parks and Recreation and Legal staff prepare a comprehensive report for consideration by the Finance and Administration Committee as soon as possible concerning the location of street vendor carts on City property, with said report to include background on the two problem locations referred to by staff at the January 22, 1996 Finance and Administration Committee meeting, any new vendor locations on City property proposed by the Parks and Recreation Department, a list of all currently approved locations on public property and the number of vendor carts in service." Councillor C. Weylie entered the meeting at this time. CITIZENS SURVEY - SERVICE DELIVERY The Committee was in receipt of a report from the Progressive Marketing Group which conducted a survey on taxpayer views of City service delivery. Mr. Greg Bernhardt and Mr. Robert Grein appeared on behalf of the Progressive Marketing Group and presented the survey findings. Mr. Grein advised that the term of sample for the survey were excellent. He expressed confidence that the results of the survey are reliable with two limitations; namely, City planning and the Farmers' Market, as these two categories contain some ambiguity and are subject to personal association. Mr. Grein reviewed the methodology used in the study and 3resented the major findings of the report which were as follows: CITIZENS SURVEY - SERVICE DELIVERY - CONT'D a) That Kitchener residents believe all community provided services are important in varying degrees, and that this indicates there would be sensitivity to the removal of any FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER services the City currently provides; b) Downtown parking is the second most used service; however, it has the lowest level of satisfaction when compared to other community services; c) That road maintenance and snow removal are rated as having high importance when compared with other core services, but that both services ranked Iow in satisfaction; d) That over half (51.6%) of Kitchener residents surveyed indicated a preference for cutting tax support to social, recreational and cultural groups, with these groups increasing their fees and reducing their reliance on tax dollars; e) That respondents indicated a preference for maintaining service levels by increasing user fees or introducing new fees, where appropriate, indicating an overall willingness of the community to pay for services they use. In the area of transfer payment reduction options, the study indicated the following: that almost half of Kitchener residents would prefer service levels to be maintained by increasing user fees or introducing new fees, where appropriate; 29.8% of respondents indicated they would prefer minor reductions in service levels with the tax increase at the rate of inflation; 14.6% of Kitchener residents surveyed would prefer major reductions in service levels with no tax increase; and just over one in ten (11.1%) of people surveyed would prefer service levels maintained by an increase in taxes to compensate for Provincial cuts. Mr. Grein then reviewed the relative levels of importance and usage for various City services and noted that the Kitchener Public Library was high on the list in terms of importance and usage as well as the level of satisfaction of people using the service. He noted that there was a high sensitivity to reducing the level of community services and that the message received was that citizens do not want to see a reduction in services and that the community is willing to pay to retain these. Councillor Galloway urged caution in interpreting the results of the survey and increasing budget expenditures or allocations accordingly. He suggested there is no direct correlation between a level of satisfaction and a need to spend more money. Councillor Weylie referred to several calls she has received regarding the recommendation to eliminate bookmobile service. Councillor Yantzi commented that the message suggests the municipality should be fiscally responsible but should not "slash and burn". Councillor Wagner asked for copies of the colour bar graphs used in the presentation this date. Councillor Redman inquired as to any cautions which the Progressive Marketing Group would extend as regards using the information for budget decisions. Mr. Grein replied that the numbers, in his estimation, are very accurate and reflect how the community feels, and for this reason can be used with a high degree of assurance. He also referred to a number of "open comments" which he has on computer disk which he is presently trying to group. It was noted that these comments are in addition to or elaborate upon responses requested in the survey. On a motion by Councillor M. Wagner - It was resolved: "That Council accept the Market Research Report (Resident Survey) of the Progressive Marketing Group, dated January 19, 1996, and further, That the Group be requested to provide to Council colour hardcopy of the graphs used in their presentation to the Finance and Administration Committee on January 22, 1996 as well as the additional information referred to that date as 'other comments'." CITIZENS SURVEY - SERVICE DELIVERY - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - It was resolved: "That the Market Research Report (Resident Survey) dated January 19, 1996 be forwarded to Management Committee for discussion and comment." FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. McKay suggested that consideration should be given to conducting surveys of this type on a regular basis in order to monitor any changes in perception. 6. 1996 OPERATING BUDGET Councillor Ziegler asked that the Committee consider an additional Finance and Administration Committee meeting to review the Budget position prior to February 2, 1996 and also to set a time for the Council/Senior staff roundtable meeting. On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - It was resolved: "That the City Clerk give notice of a special Committee of the Whole meeting to be held on Monday, January 29, 1996 at 12:00 noon and a special Finance and Administration Committee meeting on the same date at 4:00 p.m." 7. MODIFICATIONS TO THE WARD SYSTEM The Committee was in receipt of a report from R.W. Pritchard on behalf of the staff Committee, dated January 18, 1996 containing two further scenarios for eight and ten Ward configurations. Dr. R. Williams, University of Waterloo, was in attendance to present the two scenarios which were developed in response to previous Committee direction. Dr. Williams pointed out that the eight Ward configuration has the major features the Committee would like to incorporated. He also noted that the ten Ward configuration divides the City centre as requested and addresses the concern over the Expressway dividing Wards. Councillor Lorentz offered the opinion that the geographical area of a Ward is not as important as population size, and in this regard suggested that the population estimates used contain large assumptions. Mr. Stanley expressed confidence in the population figures, and indicated that if anything they are conservative. Mr. Mattice also pointed out that the total figures for 2005 are in line with the Regional Forecast. Councillor Wagner indicated that his main concern is over the number of years it will take to realize some equity in the population of individual Wards, and that in the near term the proposed ten Ward configuration may make the situation worse. Dr. Williams responded that the configuration can be reviewed at any time Council feels this is necessary and adjustments can be made. He stressed that in any event, periodic reviews are suggested. Councillor Wagner suggested that the first step should be to decide whether the City wishes an eight or ten Ward configuration, and then to address the details. Councillor Ziegler noted that the eight Ward configuration does break up some communities of interest which Council knows exist. Councillor Galloway also pointed out that the number of Wards may be dependent on the outcome of governance discussions at the Regional level. He suggested that if Kitchener has eight representatives on Regional Council then this number of Wards would make sense; however, if Regional Council is elected separately, then the number of Wards would be entirely dependent on Kitchener's needs. It was noted that the percentages in the Ward scenarios reflect the population representation if these had been implemented in 1995, and Councillor Ziegler requested that a comparable scenario be developed to illustrate representation in the current ten Ward system. 7. MODIFICATIONS TO THE WARD SYSTEM - CONT'D Councillor Weylie put forward a motion that further discussion of modifications to the existing Ward boundaries be deferred until either July, 1996 such time as Regional governance issues are decided, whichever comes first. Mr. Pritchard commented that the timeframe proposed is tight as an application to the Ontario Municipal Board must be filed by September 1, 1996. Councillor Lorentz suggested that Kitchener should act independently in this regard to ensure Ward modifications are in place prior to the 1997 election. Councillor Vrbanovic indicated that it would be helpful if staff could prepare a large map illustrating elector population, now and in the year 2005, by planning community. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Redman suggested that the actual Ward boundaries are likely more important to Council than to the average ratepayer who only has an interest in who to contact with problems, and some level assurance that these concerns will be addressed. She also suggested that reducing the number of political representatives should not be the sole criteria for moving from a ten to an eight Ward configuration. Mr. Pritchard pointed out that the timelines for Ward reconfigurations depend on how quickly Council is prepared to make a decision after public consultation. In this regard, he suggested that any public meeting should be held no later than June 1, 1996. Councillor Yantzi suggested that Council should finalize two to three Ward options, obtain public input and be prepared to act quickly. Mr. Pritchard asked that Council establish a deadline for the final configuration of Ward options of May 1, 1996 to ensure all other requirements can be met. Councillor Wagner put forward, and the Committee voted on, the following amending motion. On a motion by Councillor M. Wagner - It was resolved: "That further consideration as to modification of the City's current Ward boundaries be deferred and referred to the May 13, 1996 meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee pending consideration and decisions by Regional Council on various governance issues impacting the number and configuration of City Wards." Councillor Ziegler requested, and the Committee generally agreed, to defer three items on the agenda this date; namely, parking for employees of City Hall tenants, early retirement incentive, and employee sick leave payout, to the special Committee of the Whole meeting planned for January 29, 1996. 8. PIT BULL INCIDENT In response to a recent incident in which a dog was severely mauled by a pit bull which was running at large and was finally killed by police, Councillor Vrbanovic and Councillor Jake Smola put forward, and circultaed this date, two motions involving regulation and possible and restriction of dangerous dogs, specifically the pit bull variety. Councillor Vrbanovic outlined the two motions, the first giving direction to staff and the second asking the Province for legislative changes to give municipalities greater control in this area. Dr. G. Hess appeared on behalf of the Humane Society and advised that pit bulls are a continuing problem in Kitchener and most other cities. He advised that based on the number of pit bulls in the City, they account for five times the amount of serious bites relative to other breeds. He pointed out that pit bulls have abnormal strength and do not like other animals. He also suggested that the owners of pit bulls are often not the City's most exemplary citizens, tend to flout authority and use the dogs as a means of overcoming personal shortcomings. Dr. Hess suggested that the motion directing staff should include an additional condition for obtaining a licence; namely, that when off of the owner's property the dog should be under the control of a person capable of handling the animal. Dr. Hess also advised that since the 1970's the number of pit bulls in the area has increased. 8. PIT BULL INCIDENT - CONT'D Councillor Vrbanovic pointed out that the most recent incident occurred within two blocks of two schools, and referred to a prior incident involving injuries to a seven year old child. He pointed out that the contents of the motion directing staff come from a recent Winnipeg by-law and referred to the possible creation of a restricted animal licence. Councillor Vrbanovic put forward his motion directing staff to develop a report concerning the regulation of restricted animals, as amended to add the requirement that when off the property, an animal should be under the control of a person capable of handling it. Mr. Shivas asked that the motion be amended to request a staff report alone, and not to recommend specific remedies, as this will allow the Legal Department to bring back objective advice. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Vrbanovic amended his previous motion which the Committee then voted on. On a motion by Councillor V. Vrbanovic - It was resolved: "That Legal Department staff develop a report on the regulation of restricted animals, specifically dogs of the pit bull variety known to be vicious, and thus a potential threat to the general safety of the community, and in developing said report consider the remedies outlined in the written submission of Councillors B. Vrbanovic and Jake Smola, dated January 22, 1996." Councillor Jake Smola put forward the motion circulated this date asking the Provincial Government to amend legislation which would have the effect of broadening the authority of municipalities to regulate dangerous animals or breeds thereof. Councillor Smola accepted, as a friendly amendment, a suggestion by Councillor Ziegler that in addition to regulating dangerous animals the motion should also make provision for their restriction, and the motion as amended was voted on. On a motion by Councillor Jake Smola - It was resolved: "That the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Honourable Al Leach, be requested to forthwith acknowledge the danger posed to communities by certain breeds of dangerous animals such as pit bulls, and in this regard amend Bill 26, Section M, which would have the effect of amending the Municipal Act so as to strengthen the existing provisions for the regulation of dangerous or restricted animals by providing for a specific section pertaining to the regulation and restriction of dangerous animals or breeds, and, That in the event this cannot be accomplished, the Minister make this change as part of the comprehensive review of the Municipal Act scheduled for 1996, and further, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Clerks of municipalities in the Region of Waterloo for consideration by their respective Councils, to local MPPs and to municipalities in Ontario with a population greater than 50,000." 9. ENERGY MANAGEMENT REPORT By general consent, consideration of the information report previously circulated by C. Ford was deferred and referred to the February 5, 1996 meeting. 10. OTHER BUSINESS Councillor John Smola previously circulated his correspondence dated January 19, 1996 concerning a water usage charge relative to 103 Shanley Street. The correspondence notes that the owner feels he was unfairly charged for water usage by neighbouring properties at the 10. OTHER BUSINESS - CONT'D time water laterals were installed by a private contractor. On a motion by Councillor John Smola - It was resolved: "That Council approve, without prejudice or precedent, a grant in the amount of $361.75 for Mr. W. Siegfried with respect to water usage at 103 Shanley Street for the period May- August, 1994." 11. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on Monday, February 5, 1996. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 12.35 p.m. ........... G. Sosnoski ........... Manager of Corporate ........... Records/Assistant City Clerk