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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1996-06-10 SFAC\1996-06-10-SPE SPECIAL FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 10, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date commencing at 7:05 p.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, M. Yantzi and C. Weylie. Others present: Messrs. T. McKay, R. W. Pritchard, J. Shivas, B. Stanley, R. Mattice, L. Parkhouse, L. Neil and G. Sosnoski. 1. WARD BOUNDARY RE-ALIGNMENT The Committee was in receipt of a report from R. W. Pritchard on behalf of the working committee dated May 13, 1996 including two scenarios for a 10 Ward system and three scenarios for an 8 Ward system. Mr. Pritchard reviewed activity to date regarding the proposed Ward boundary re-alignment as well as a comparative chart of the current 10 Ward system and the five other options under consideration. He pointed out that in 1995 none of the scenarios complied with the minimum/maximum range of electors; however, by the year 2005 all scenarios are in compliance and within the 25% acceptable variance, with the exception of the current Ward configuration. Councillor Ziegler outlined the options before the Committee as regards boundary re-alignment; namely, do nothing and retain the existing 10 Ward system, re-align the Ward boundaries to conform to the needs of Kitchener irrespective of Regional or Province actions, or retain the existing system and suggest a change after the 1997 election. Moved by Councillor G. Lorentz "That Kitchener retain some form of 10 Ward system." Councillor Wagner indicated his support for a 10 Ward system, and his opposition to an 8 Ward configuration, noting that with 10 Council members there is more likelihood of a broader range of backgrounds and a more efficient distribution of work load. He noted that by his calculation, any 8 Ward configuration could result in a work load increase per Councillor of up to 25%. He also suggested that 8 Wards could lead to the advent of full-time Councillors which has been opposed in the past. He also suggested that the City should not concern itself with the potential actions of the Region, but make a decision based on what is best for the City of Kitchener. Councillor Redman indicated her support for the existing 10 Ward system, and suggested a reduction to 8 Wards is premature. However, she noted that she would be willing to look at a possible reduction to 8 Wards at a later date. Councillor Ziegler indicated his support for a 10 Ward system, noting that it has been demonstrated elsewhere that as the number of Wards decreases, and their size increases, there is less participation by the public. He advised that he does not necessarily support the existing configuration, based in large part on concerns he has over the configuration of the South Ward. The previous motion by Councillor G. Lorentz to retain a 10 Ward system was voted and Carried. Councillor K. Redman put forward a motion to adopt a 10 Ward system as outlined in Scenario #2. This scenario retains two Wards in the Downtown and recognizes the Conestoga Parkway and a portion of Highway #8 as natural boundaries. Councillor Lorentz advised that he is satisfied with either Scenario #1 or #2, and also has serious concerns over the size of the South Ward, as this comprises a growing part of the City. He also referred to concerns over the size of the Victoria Park Ward. Councillor Galloway indicated his support for Scenario #2, on the basis of its retaining two Downtown Wards, and pointed out that if the present configuration is retained, the South Ward would grow to approximately 321% larger than the smallest City Ward. Councillor Vrbanovic expressed concern over adding the Eastwood community to his Ward on the basis that it is on the opposite side of the expressway and there is no link in terms of community interest. He also expressed concern over the exclusion of Idlewood and neighbouring areas. Councillor Yantzi FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 10, 1996 - 94 - CITY OF KITCHENER WARD BOUNDARY RE-ALIGNMENT - CONT'D suggested that the motion be amended to allow for reconsideration of any option chosen this date based on possible future decisions by the Region or the Province. Councillor Jake Smola indicated his support for Scenario #2 and suggested that based on concerns he has it may be advantageous to modify the Scenario in order to reconcile perceptions of what constitutes the traditional Stanley Park as opposed to the Stanley Park Ward. This would involve changes to the Wards identified in Scenario #2 as #6 and #7. He also suggested that the Eastwood community should remain within it's present Ward. Mr. Pritchard indicated his willingness to rework the Scenario to determine the impact, but cautioned that based on the neighbourhood planning areas involved, the resulting Wards may not conform to the criteria involving a compact and contiguous shape. Councillor Wagner indicated his support for Scenario #2 noting that he is not personally concerned over the shape of a Ward, and for this reason does not have a difficulty with the modifications suggested by Councillor Jake Smola. Based on a rough calculation, Mr. Pritchard advised that it would appear the re-configuration proposed by Councillor Jake Smola would fall within the established Ward criteria. Councillor Ziegler suggested that staff could either rework the Scenario to reflect the proposed change, or alternatively, Councillors Jake Smola, B. Vrbanovic and K. Redman could discuss the matter amongst themselves and present a preferred re-alignment. He suggested approval of Scenario #2 subject to a consensus being reached on the reworking of the three Wards involved. He also stressed that it is important to obtain projections for these changes to the year 2005. Councillor Vrbanovic indicated that he would like to see the Scenario reworked as proposed by Councillor Jake Smola, but also as regards his suggestion that Idlewood be added to the present Chicopee Ward and Eastwood be returned to the present Centre Ward. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he has no real concerns over Scenario #2 as presented and is prepared to defer to the wishes of the majority in this regard. Councillor Redman accepted as a friendly amendment, the suggestion of Councillor Yantzi that if adopted, the 10 Ward configuration (Scenario #2) could be changed by a simple majority rather than the Notice of Motion procedure in the event changes impacting this Scenario are made at the Regional level. Councillor Jake Smola reiterated his earlier concern over the repositioning of the Eastwood community as reflected in Scenario #2. The Committee then voted on the following motion, as amended. On a motion by Councillor K. Redman it was resolved: "That Council adopt the revised ten Ward configuration as outlined in Scenario #2 appended to the report of R. W. Pritchard, dated May 30, 1996, and further, That in the event subsequent changes are made by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo which have an impact on the above decision, the City's position can be changed or otherwise modified through a simple majority of Council members voting in favour rather than the Notice of Motion procedure outlined in Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code." ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 8.10 p.m. G. Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records/Assistant City Clerk