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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1998-02-09FAC\1998-02-09 FEBRUARY 9, 1998 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Ziegler with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors T. Galloway, K. Taylor-Harrison, M. Yantzi, John Smola, Jake Smola, B. Vrbanovic, J. Haalboom, G. Lorentz and C. Weylie. Others present: Ms. L. Pasternak, Mrs. J. Koppeser, Ms. P. Houston, Messrs. J. Gazzola, S. Gyorffy, L. Lynch, R. W. Pritchard, J. Shivas, L. F. Parkhouse, T. McCabe, T. Clancy, D. Kerr, Z. Janecki, G. Anderson, P. Wetherup and G. Sosnoski. 1. VENDOR LICENCE FEES - SHAWN MILLER The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated February 4, 1998 recommending an amendment to By-law 97-188 (Temporary Vendors) to reflect that the $1000.00 maximum fee would apply for up to five sites, after which an incremental charged would be applied until the second maximum of five locations is reached, and so on. Councillor Ziegler pointed out that the Committee had been mistakenly informed at a prior meeting that the $1000.00 maximum fee per year is levied on a per site basis. Mr. Shawn Miller was in attendance and indicated his support for the staff recommendation as it would apply to his eight flower locations. He also requested consideration of a fee reduction for Kitchener residents, on the basis that such vendors occupy permanent addresses within the municipality and would be already paying local taxes. Councillor Vrbanovic indicated his concern over offering a fee reduction to Kitchener residents, since the fee itself is charged on a cost recovery basis. He advised that in his view the staff suggestions concerning the by-law amendment are reasonable and strike a good balance between the concerns of transient vendors, and owners of businesses occupying permanent locations in the municipality. On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That By-law 97-188 (Temporary Vendors) be amended to reflect that the maximum annual fee of $1000.00 applies up to a limit of 5 locations, after which additional locations are charged at a fee of $290.00 for each three day period per site to a second annual maximum of $1000.00." 2. MIDWAY LICENCE - HOMENIUK RIDES The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated February 4, 1998 in response to a request from Homeniuk Rides for permission to temporarily locate a midway at the former Bestpipe site on Strasburg Road. Chair Ziegler was also in receipt this date of correspondence from Mr. Randy Homeniuk outlining the request and the conditions under which he agrees to operate. Ms. Linda Homeniuk was in attendance this date in support of the request. Councillor Ziegler advised that he had spoken with the operator and is satisfied the concerns raised last year by area residents have been addressed. Mr. McCabe advised that the Planning Department will be unable to sign off on licence issuance as the proposed use does not conform to the present zoning. On a motion by Councillor T. Galloway, it was resolved: "That Council grant the request of Homeniuk Rides Incorporated for permission to operate a midway at 245 Strasburg Road (former Bestpipe site) at the corner of Ottawa Street South and Strasburg Road on May 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10, 1998, with this approval subject to the following conditions: a) The hours of operation to be Thursday and Friday 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m.; FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. MIDWAY LICENCE - HOMENIUK RIDES - CONT'D b) The site of the midway is to be moved from the 1997 location and be set up on the Bestpipe site across from the video store, closer to the corner of Homer Watson Boulevard; c) Any music is to be turned down at 10:00 p.m. out of consideration for area residents; and further, That enforcement of the Zoning By-law be waived for the above location and dates." 3. LOTTERY TICKETS - PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL FOUNDATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated February 3, 1998 in response to Council's request for additional background information concerning the proposed lottery ticket sales. Mr. Rob Donelson, Executive Director, and Ms. Liz Bickerton were in attendance on behalf of the St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation, and in opposition to the request for permission to sell lottery tickets from a single location in the municipality. Mr. Donelson advised that the Foundation is opposed on the basis of timing, as the ticket sales for Princess Margaret will conflict with the scheduled April 1, 1998 start of the St. Mary's Hospital fundraiser. He noted that approving the request of Princess Margaret would create unnecessary conflict, and pointed out that funds raised by St. Mary's are used in the community and for the purchase of capital equipment. He reminded the Committee that fundraising dollars are limited, and that approving the Princess Margaret request will created unnecessary competition. Councillor Jake Smola pointed out that Princess Margaret has only asked to sell from a single location within the municipality, and it was further noted that a community wide mail drop in regard to their draw is already being circulated to Kitchener households. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that, though he values the work performed by Princess Margaret in the area of cancer research, this community is currently underserviced in the area of health care, and everything possible should be done to ensure that health care spending is retained in the community. A motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic to take no action on the request of Princess Margaret Hospital for permission to sell lottery tickets in the community was voted on and Lost. On a motion by Councillor Jake Smola, it was resolved: "That Kitchener City Council grant the request of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation for permission to sell tickets for their Spring '98 Home Lottery at the Future Shop (Gateway Drive location) from February 25, 1998 to May 5, 1998." 4. 1998 STREET VENDOR BY-LAW Council was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated February 4, 1998 recommending preparation of the 1998 By-law with the elimination of the Wabanaki Drive location and provision for Shoe Shine Stands in the Downtown. They were also in receipt this date of a written submission from Mr. John Poole outlining his proposal for the Shoe Shine Stands. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a motion to adopt the staff recommendation along with the guidelines suggested for the Shoe Shine Stands by the Downtown Action Committee. He also asked that the Shoe Shine issue be reviewed in one year's time. He subsequently accepted, as a friendly amendment, a suggestion from Councillor Lorentz that operator guidelines and criteria for Shoe Shine Stands be reviewed by Council prior to implementing. The motion was then voted on, as amended. 4. 1998 STREET VENDOR BY-LAW - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER it was resolved: "That the Manager of Licensing and the Legal Department prepare the 1998 Street Vendors By-law to provide for the licensing of street vendors in Victoria Park and at specific street intersections in accordance with the locations and vendor types outlined in the 1997 By-law, with the following amendments; a) elimination of the Hot Dog Cart location on Wabanaki Drive; b) provision for a maximum of 4 Shoe Shine Stands on City sidewalks in Downtown Kitchener, with suggested locations to be supplied by the successful applicant, and with a licence fee of $100.00 per location; and, That an advertisement be placed in the newspaper requesting applications to operate the 4 Shoe Shine Stands, with an operator being chosen through a draw of qualified applicants; and further, That prior to implementation, staff prepare and submit for consideration operation guidelines and criteria for the Shine Stands." SIDEWALK REPAIR/REPLACEMENT The Committee was previously circulated with correspondence suggesting that in 1997 the City missed, due to staff reassignments in the Engineering Section, an opportunity to implement mudjacking repairs of sidewalk segments in the Fairview Ward and related savings. The Committee was also in receipt this date of a report from Mr. S. Gyorffy dated February 9, 1998 explaining mudjacking repairs and their appropriate use. Councillor Ziegler pointed out that the City missed an opportunity to save approximately $40,000.00 in a portion of Fairview Ward alone as a result of staff not reviewing mudjacking options prior to authorizing replacement, and questioned the amount of lost savings in other parts of the City. Mr. Gyorffy spoke to his report, noting that mudjacking was initiated several years ago as a method of repairing trip ledges on sidewalk joints. He acknowledged that there is the potential for substantial savings as a result of mudjacking; however, in many cases mudjacking is only a temporary solution to sidewalk repair problems and judgement must be exercised as to where it is implemented. He also noted that over time mudjacked slabs will crack when lifted and will eventually have to be replaced in any event. Mr. Gyorffy acknowledged that with a shift in responsibilities, and a substantial workload in 1997, staff may not have been informed as to the need for a mudjacking review prior to replacement. He assured the Committee that this oversight has been corrected and will not occur in future. Councillor Weylie pointed out that mudjacking was attempted on several streets in the Victoria Hills area, with these segments having to be replaced a year or two later. Councillor Galloway questioned the appropriateness of dealing with this matter at the Committee level, as the individual who pointed out this situation is a City employee who raised the matter through a KAPS suggestion. Councillor Jake Smola raised similar concerns, and Councillor Ziegler replied that in his estimation the issue of lost savings is a budget issue, and explained that he wanted to know the extent of lost savings overall throughout the City. LAND INVENTORY COMMITTEE UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Shivas and G. Anderson dated February 4, 1998 on the Committee's progress in dealing with Corporate Strategic Plan Objective No. 6.3 involving the inventory of surplus lands owned by the City and the preparation of an updated index in this regard. LAND INVENTORY COMMITTEE UPDATE - CONT'D Mr. Anderson spoke to the report and introduced the other members of the Inventory Committee. He advised that they are now at the point where the inventory is up-to-date and the City can now comply with the requirements of Bill 163. He further advised that it may be determined that FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER additional properties are not required and these will be identified for possible surplus and sale. In response to a question, Mr. Anderson clarified that Bill 163 requires the City to list the sites only, and that the City's current inventory identifies roll number and legal description, and in some case the dimensions and property addresses. Councillor Galloway noted that in the past Council has been criticized for not providing sufficient information in this regard, and expressed his hope that at a future date staff will be able to identify all aspects of the property. Mr. Anderson advised that this is the Committee's objective, though it is uncertain as to how soon this can be accomplished. INFORMATION ITEMS Mr. R. W. Pritchard advised of a delay in preparation of the report on direct election to Regional Council which he hoped to have before the Committee this date. He advised that he has now received all information and the report will be on the next agenda. Councillor Lorentz referred to the report on the recent fire in the underground parking garage of City Hall, and to concerns over certain areas of response and equipment use. Mr. Pritchard replied that this matter had been brought before Management Committee and improvements and changes will be made where required. Councillor Lorentz pointed out that similar scenarios could take place in other City facilities, and asked how staff would apply the lessons learned at City Hall about the operation of safety equipment to these other facilities. Mr. Gazzola advised that he would review and report on the situation and will look at retraining and other program options. Councillor Jake Smola advised that in regard to the Committee's Unfinished Business agenda, responsibility for the report on alternate fuel use within the City fleet should be delegated specifically to L. Gordon and B. Gulliver and the agenda amended accordingly. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on Monday, February 23, 1998. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon. Clerk G. Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records/Assistant City