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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1996-09-23FAC\1996-09-23 SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 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: Councillors T. Galloway, K. Redman, Jake Smola, John Smola, B. Vrbanovic and M. Wagner. Mayor R. Christy, Councillors G. Lorentz and C. Weylie were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Ms. R. Upfold, Mrs. J. Koppeser, Ms. L. MacDonald, Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. McCabe J. Shivas, E. Kovacs, T. Clancy, J. Witmer, R. W. Pritchard, L. F. Parkhouse, D. Anderson, G. Sosnoski. METHANE GAS MONITORING PROGRAM - RALGREEN CRESCENT The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Department report #PD96-88 (J. Witmer) recommending adoption of the recommendations contained in a report from Heath Consultants Limited, entitled "Methane Gas Monitoring Program for the Former Ralgreen Landfill Site" (September 1996). The following were in attendance in regards to this issue: Mr. Wayne Wettlaufer, M.P.P.; Mr. Bill Bardswick, District Manager, and Mr. L. Macdonnell, Area Supervisor, both of the Ministry of Environment and Energy; Mr. D. Sider, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Mr. B. Hatton, Director - Healthy Environments, Mr. M. Gianfrancesco, Manager- Healthy Environments, and Mr. S. Villard, Manager - Environmental Enforcement, all the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Ralgreen Crescent residents Tammy Zettel and Kim Baker were also present. Mr. Witmer summarized the consultant's recommendations involving residential monitoring, intrusive bar hole evaluation, review and testing of existing ventilation systems, random air quality analysis, provision of residential gas alarms for residents interested in purchasing these, an allowance for contingency services, and a continuation of public meetings. Mr. Witmer noted that the $114,024.00 cost of implementing the recommendations is itemized in the report. Mr. D. Keeling, Vice President, Heath Consultants Limited, provided an overview of the report, noting that the purpose of the recommendations is to conduct further tests to assess possible hazards and to make suggestions as to remedial solutions. Councillor Galloway enquired whether Heath had analyzed results of another consulting company employed by one of the Ralgreen Crescent residents. Mr. Keeling replied that he had and that in his estimation the test results are similar, not withstanding the differences in testing methods. He pointed out that the consultant employed by the resident used bore hole testing; whereas, Heath Consultants conducted investigations in the buildings themselves. He also noted that the Ministry of Environment and Energy looked at the test results relative to water quality. Councillor Galloway enquired whether it was safe to assume that there is no imminent health or safety risks at the present time and Mr. Keeling replied in the affirmative. Mr. Witmer added that the highest test reading in any of the houses on Ralgreen Crescent was 200 parts per million (p.p.m.), and that 1000 p.p.m, is cause for concern, with methane gas becoming explosive only at 5000 p.p.m. He summarized that the test results suggest there are no significant amounts of methane in either the air or the water tested. Councillor Redman enquired as to what the City would do in the event higher levels are recorded and Mr. Witmer replied that there is a protocol in the report which outlines actions when concentrations are found in access of 1000 p.p.m, adding that this information will be shared with Ralgreen residents. Mr. Witmer also indicated that he anticipates quick implementation of the consultant's recommendations. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 -119- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. METHANE GAS MONITORING PROGRAM - RALGREEN CRESCENT - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz it was resolved: "That Council approve, in principle, the recommendations contained in the report of Heath Consultants Limited dated September 10, 1996 relative to the Methane Gas Monitoring Program for the former Ralgreen Landfill Site; and, That Council acknowledge a total cost for implementation of the said recommendations of $114,024.00, exclusive of taxes, for which the Corporation of the City of Kitchener agrees to share equally with the Ministry of the Environment & Energy; and further, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Ministry of the Environment and Energy as the City's endorsement of the Methane Gas Monitoring Program in order that the Ministry can proceed to obtain their portion of the required funding." Councillor Lorentz suggested that a task force be struck to deal with the remaining issues including soil contamination, water quality and settling of the buildings, and outlined the composition of the task force. Mr. Wayne Wettlaufer, M.P.P., indicated that at present the Ministry of Environment and Energy is awaiting Council's decision relative to the study recommendations, and indicated he would take Kitchener's position back to the Ministry today. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That a Task Force, reporting to the City's Finance and Administration Committee, be struck to consider various issues relating to the detection of methane gas in the Ralgreen Crescent neighbourhood and the former Ralgreen Landfill Site, including items relating to soil contamination, water quality and building settlement; and further, That said Task Force be comprised of Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Wayne Wettlaufer, M.P.P. and representatives of the City of Kitchener, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, the Ministry of Environment & Energy and the Ralgreen Crescent Neighbourhood." On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz it was resolved: "That the recommendations put forward this date by the Finance and Administration Committee relative to the Methane Gas Monitoring Program and related Task Force be considered at the Special Council Meeting to be held later this date." MOTION PICTURE LICENCE MOUNT HOPE/BREITHAUPT PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt this date of a report from J. Koppeser dated September 20, 1996 outlining a request from the Neighbourhood Association to waive the $100.00 per day fee for showing motion pictures as described in the Theatres Act, at premises other than a licensed theatre. Mrs. Koppeser explained that current films would be shown at the Breithaupt Centre as a Iow cost leisure time activity for Association members. Councillor Redman expressed concern over the costs involved in waiving the fee and the notion that such showings at a City facility would be in direct competition with movie theatres. Councillor Wagner suggested that the request be deferred in order to obtain additional information regarding details of the request, particularly the suggestion that current run films will be shown. Councillor John Smola also questioned the cost of the required Provincial licence and the issue of copyright. MOTION PICTURE LICENCE MOUNT HOPE/BREITHAUPT PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor John Smola, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 - 120 - CITY OF KITCHENER it was resolved: "That consideration of the request from the Mount Hope-Breithaupt Park Neighbourhood Association for a licence to allow the showing of moving pictures as described in the Theatres Act on a weekly basis from September 1996 to May 1997 be deferred and referred to the September 30, 1996 Council meeting or alternately the October 7, 1996 Finance and Administration Committee meeting pending receipt of additional information from staff concerning the cost of the required Province licences and the copyright impact of the proposed showings." BINGO PRIZE BOARDS The Committee was in receipt this date of a report from J. Koppeser dated September 20, 1996 advising that the trial period for increased bingo prize boards expires September 30, 1996, and outlining options in this regard. Moved by Councillor M. Wagner, "That the current trial period with regard to bingo prize boards, which includes a $3,000.00 prize board and provision of four (4) $5,500.00 bingos per hall, be extended from September 30, 1996 to December 31, 1996 to allow for discussion of the trial by the Twin City Committee." Councillor Wagner advised that this issue has not been discussed by the Twin City Committee as previously directed by Council, and does not appear to be a major concern of any other parties involved. Councillor Redman asked whether the City of Waterloo has any objection to extending the trial period and Mrs. Koppeser advised that she has spoken to City officials and no objections were raised. The motion by Councillor M. Wagner to extend the trial period for increased bingo prize boards was voted and Carried. ADVERTISING - BODY RUB PARLOURS The Committee was in receipt this date of a request from Ms. Elizabeth Szenyi to amend Chapter 650 (Body Rub Parlours) of the Municipal Code to delete the requirement that the operator's name and business address be included in every business advertisement. Mrs. Koppeser advised that the reason for the requirement is that the licences are issued as personal licences and the address allows staff to match a name with a business in order to ensure that a licence has been obtained. Councillor Ziegler enquired whether including a licence number in the advertisement would not address this requirement, and Mrs. Koppeser replied that this may be possible subject to any limitations imposed under the Province's newly enacted Bill 26. She also pointed out that an amendment to the current by-law would be required. Councillor Ziegler also suggested that rather than amend the by-law, staff could be asked to waive enforcement in this instance. Mr. Shivas replied that waiving enforcement is not advisable in that the provisions of the Chapter should be applied consistently. In regard to the question of the impact of Bill 26, he further advised that he is not prepared to comment at this stage as to whether it is possible to amend the by-law as requested without implementing the provisions of the Bill. Ms. Koppeser pointed out that the applicant is anxious for a response as her advertisement comes up for renewal later this week. Councillor Redman enquired as to the number of body rub parlour licences issued by the City and Mrs. Koppeser replied that at present there are five licensed parlours and the by-law imposes no limitations on the overall number in the City. ADVERTISING - BODY RUB PARLOURS - CONT'D It was agreed that staff would obtain information concerning the requested amendment and the impact of Bill 26 and report to Council by September 30, 1996. Staff were also asked to advise the applicant. 5. NEXT MEETING FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 - 121 - CITY OF KITCHENER The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on Monday, October 7, 1996. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11.05 p.m. G. Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records/Assistant City Clerk