HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1998-04-27FAC\1998-04-27
APRIL 27, 1998
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
CITY OF KITCHENER
The Finance and Administration Committee met this date commencing at 10:25 a.m. Chaired by
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. P. Houston, Mrs. J. Koppeser, Ms. L. MacDonald, Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, J.
Witmer, L. Parkhouse, J. Shivas, T. McCabe, R. W. Pritchard, K. Baulk, E. Kovacs and G. Sosnoski.
1. SURPLUS LAND EVALUATION -ARLINGTON BOULEVARD
Mr. Chris Pidgeon, Green, Scheels and Pidgeon, appeared on behalf of Emmanuel Village Homes
(Kitchener) Inc. and advised that since the April 13 meeting he has met with Mr. Andersen
concerning the $25,000.00 estimated value of the easement and they have been unable to reach
agreement on a lower price. The lands in question were declared surplus by City Council on April
20, 1998 and Emmanuel Village Homes is interested in purchasing a surface easement for
emergency access to development planned on adjacent lands owned by Emmanuel.
Mr. Pidgeon asked that the Committee make a recommendation concerning the value of the
easement, noting that his client believes the cost proposed by staff is excessive and is unable to
pursue an independent appraisal at this time. Mr. Pidgeon also referred to a previous staff
comment to the effect that this is the first time in memory that Council has requested payment in
relation to emergency access. Mr. Pidgeon also referred to a proposed senior citizen
development in the Sandhills area, noting that Council has waived development charges for this
project, and on this basis he requested that the Committee recommend the cost of the easement
be waived or that it establish a fair value.
Councillor Jake Smola enquired as to the City's position concerning access over developable
land without compensation and Mr. McCabe advised that the policy in this area in this area is new
and is intended to apply to new plans of subdivision; however, he verified that no other project has
been asked to purchase land to provide emergency access. Mr. Pidgeon further clarified that the
access requirement relates to a City policy and is a condition of site plan approval for the balance
of the Emmanuel project.
On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic,
it was resolved:
"That Council agree to the purchase of a surface easement by Emmanuel Village Homes,
(Kitchener) Inc. over the City lands known as Part of Lot 5, Registered Plan 267, being a
vacant lot on the East side of Arlington Boulevard; the purpose of said easement being to
facilitate emergency access to the adjoining lands proposed for development as Emmanuel
Village (Site Plan Application SP 97/22/WNL-1250 Weber Street West; and,
That said easement be sold for the price of $5,000.00 conditional upon the purchaser being
responsible for the maintenance of the easement and adjacent City owned lands; and
further,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign any documentation in regard to the above,
to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor."
2. ANABELLA MASSAGE STUDIO RELOCATION
The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated April 21, 1998 concerning a
further request from Mr. Randy Zivkovic for consideration of a proposed location at 23 Campbell
Avenue. The report advised that the address in question is located in an M2 zone which does not
permit personal service.
Mr. Randy Zivkovic appeared this date to request consideration of his relocation option, and
circulated correspondence in this regard from J. Stephen Schmidt, Barrister and Solicitor, dated
April 24, 1998 requesting favourable consideration of the request. The letter advises that the site
meets all of Council's criteria except zoning.
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ANABELLA MASSAGE STUDIO RELOCATION - CONT'D
Councillor Galloway rose on a point of order and questioned why this matter is before Council
given its previous resolution to take no further action in regard to relocation of the Anabella
Massage Studio and questioned whether a motion to reconsider is required.
Mr. Zivkovic reminded the Committee that he has tried to find alternate locations which meet all of
Council's criteria but has been unsuccessful to date. He noted that six employees are involved,
and that there have been no complaints about the business at its present location. He asked that
he be allowed to continue operations at the present location until such time as an alternate
location can be found.
Councillor Vrbanovic enquired as to whether Mr. Zivkovic has continued to operate at the present
location since Council's most recent decision to take no action on the relocation options
presented. Mr. Zivkovic replied that he has continued to operate the business at the present
address, adding that he has not been advised in any way that he must cease operation. He also
noted that in his view his license has been neither revoked nor suspended. Mrs. Koppeser
clarified that no 1998 license for the establishment has been issued to date. Councillor Vrbanovic
pointed out to Mr. Zivkovic that he has been operating without a business license and expressed
his surprise in this regard.
Councillor John Smola requested a ruling as to whether a motion to reconsider is required in order
to deal with Mr. Zivkovic's request. Mr. Sosnoski advised of the previous Council resolutions in
this regard and noted that a March 2, 1998 resolution of Council granted Mr. Zivkovic a final
extension to the deadline for relocating Anabella's to March 23, 1998 on the understanding that
there would be no further extensions granted in regard to the relocation. He offered the opinion
that this decision suggests that a motion to reconsider is required.
Councillor Vrbanovic enquired as to the status of enforcement in regard to the current Anabella
location, and Mr. Shivas advised that the Legal Department had indicated to Licensing that Mr.
Zivkovic should be given some time to wind up his affairs at the present location and suggested 60
days from March 30, 1998. Mrs. Koppeser verified that to date, Mr. Zivkovic has not been formally
advised that he must cease operation. Councillor Vrbanovic indicated that he presumes staff will
enforce the by-law the same as it would for any other business, and in this regard no further
direction is required. Mr. Shivas suggested that enforcement matters be left to the discretion of
staff, who will act in accordance with the usual procedure.
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (GRCA) - PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Representatives of the GRCA were in attendance to give a presentation on their programs and
services.
Mr. Peter Krause, Chair - GRCA, introduced the staff in attendance; namely, Mr. Alan Holmes, Mr.
Keith Murch, Mr. Paul Emerson and Mr. Ralph Baumont.
Mr. Baumont gave a slide presentation and circulated a booklet called "Programs and Services -
January, 1998". Mr. Baumont outlined the core programs of the GRCA to which the municipal levy
is applied including: watershed planning; improving water quality; reducing flood damage and
information management. He also referred to funding changes since 1998, including Provincial
grant reductions and an increase in self generated revenue from approximately 33 per cent to 68
per cent at present.
Mr. Krause pointed out that the GRCA has reduced municipal levies over the past three years by
approximately 23.5 per cent and participates with municipal staff in reviewing development
proposals and conducting sub-watershed reviews. He noted that the GRCA is regarded
internationally as leaders in the area of watershed management and planning.
Mayor Zehr enquired as to the status of the Trans Canada Trail initiative and Mr. Krause advised
that all municipalities in the Region have been supportive and that the GRCA will take a
coordinating role in pulling the various links together. Mr. Emerson advised that a complete off-
road system is envisioned using redundant rail lines and that the trail will extend from Hamilton
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3. GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (GRCA) - PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
to Elora, with a report in this regard expected next month.
Councillor Galloway referred to the Rural Water Quality Program and the $1.5 million contribution
from the City, noting that he was disappointed to hear that other partners in the watershed had not
contributed to the Program in the same proportion. He asked what is being done to assure equity
of contributions, and Mr. Krause responded that all partners in the watershed are being
encouraged to support the Program.
4. AUTO INDUSTRY TRADE POLICY
Mr. John Coleman, President of Local #1461 of the Canadian Auto Workers Union appeared and
expressed concern that the trade policy motion before the Committee this date does not include
mention of the Auto Pact and related agreements as was the case in earlier drafts. He asked that
the Committee reconsider the wording and include reference to both the Auto Pact and the Auto
Parts Tariff in its resolution. He noted that the Auto Pact requires a commitment to job creation
and economic growth in the communities where assembly plants are opened and that this
commitment must continue, especially in the area of auto parts. He suggested that at present the
big three auto makers have a significantly greater investment in the North American auto parts
industry than competitors, and that this commitment is six times as great as that of Toyota. He
suggested that foreign produced parts can be imported in vast quantities and that Federal
Government leadership is required to ensure vehicles assembled in Canada use Canadian made
parts thereby ensuring decent jobs for Canadian workers.
Mr. Greg Mordue and Mr. Adriaan Korstanje appeared on behalf of Toyata Motor Manufacturing
Canada Inc. Mr. Mordue pointed out that trade policy is primarily a Federal issue, noting that
Ottawa is undertaking a review of competitiveness in the Canadian auto industry and the tariffs on
incoming vehicles and auto parts. He noted that at present the big three auto makers are free to
import vehicles and parts from anywhere in the world at no charge; whereas, Toyota is required to
pay a tariff. Mr. Mordue pointed out that Toyota has made a substantial economic contribution to
the community and has already invested $2.2 billion in the Cambridge facility and provided 2,500
well paying jobs, as well as sizeable local, charitable contributions including funding of an $8
million visitor centre. He stressed that Toyota built the plant in Cambridge on the understanding
that it would be allowed to join the Auto Pact.
Mayor Zehr suggested that there are issues referred to in the draft motion before the Committee
this date which have an effect on local employment, and though this matter is principally the
responsibility of the Federal government, the municipality has an obligation to raise its concerns.
He clarified that the resolution before the Committee was dealt with, and with amendments
endorsed by the Large Urban Mayor's Caucus of Ontario.
Moved by Mayor C. Zeh~
"WHEREAS the auto industry is critical to the economic health of Canada and its
communities, with this important industry having been described as the engine of the
Canadian economy; and
WHEREAS trade policy has always been central to the Canadian auto industry providing
150,000 direct jobs (assembly and components) and some 175,000 spin-offs (steel,
plastics, glass, rubber, etc.); and
WHEREAS the Federal Government is contemplating an adjustment to its automotive trade
policy; and,
WHEREAS the adjustment of tariffs facing non-investor companies could lead to job losses
in the many communities in Canada that depend on the auto industry, either directly or
indirectly through related activities such as parts, production and spin-off economic activity;
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4. AUTO INDUSTRY TRADE POLICY - CONT'D
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Government be urged to cease any
action, legislative or otherwise, that would discourage continued investment in Canada; and
THAT this resolution be circulated to local Federal Members of Parliament, Local Provincial
Members of Parliament and to Municipalities with a population greater than 100,000."
Councillor G. Lorentz put forward an amending motion which would have the effect of adding the
previously deleted references to the Auto Pact and the Auto Parts Tariff.
Mayor Zehr argued that due to the complexity of the issue City Council should avoid details
relating to tariffs, and Councillor Lorentz responded that the amendment adds clarity to the motion
and if implemented would protect all Canadian Auto workers.
The amending motion by Councillor G. Lorentz was then voted on and Lost.
The main motion by Mayor Carl Zehr was then voted on and Carried.
5. EXEMPTION TO DRIVER TRAINING BY-LAW
The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated April 21, 1998 recommending no
action on a request for exemption from the Driver Training By-law requirement for an established
place of business.
Mr. Zdravko Vesic appeared in support of his request and his written submission dated April 17,
1998. Mr. Vesic explained that under the current by-law the City requires him to provide office
space and a classroom, noting that his preference would be to operate from his car and to use the
office space and in-class instruction facilitities provided by the Canada Driving School, to which he
is affiliated.
Ms. Faith Morphy appeared on behalf of the Driver Training Association of Ontario (DTAO) and
cautioned the Committee against agreeing to Mr. Vesic's request. She explained that the Canada
Driving School must be approved by the DTAO and must comply with all of its terms and
conditions. She pointed out that the request is in many respects contrary to these and would
result in the Canada Driving School losing its approval. Ms. Morphy suggested that Mr. Vesic
cannot share classroom facilities and that the Canada Driving School must be responsible for all
office administration as referred to in the letter of acknowledgement circulated this date. She
noted that what are referred to as "feeder schools" are a problem in Ontario and that the main
reason for regulation by the DTAO is to ensure consumer protection.
On a motion by Councillor Jake Smola,
it was resolved:
"That no action be taken on the request of Mr. Zdravko Vesic for exemption from Section
536.3.4 of Chapter 536 (Driving School Operations, Instructors and Employees) of the City
of Kitchener Municipal Code as it relates to Driver Training Schools."
6. MEDIA BINGO CARDS
The Committee was in receipt of the initial request from the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club for
permission to sell media bingo cards in Kitchener as outlined in the report of J. Koppeser dated
March 17, 1998. They were also in receipt of a recommendation from the Twin City Committee as
outlined in a memorandum from D. Gilchrist dated April 24, 1998.
Councillor Lorentz clarified that the $5,500.00 prize board amount is at the request of the Lions
Club and is not being imposed by the Province as was his earlier understanding.
6. MEDIA BINGO CARDS - CONT'D
Councillor M. Yantzi disclosed a pecuniary interest and abstained from all voting and discussion of
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the request of the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club for permission to sell media bingo cards in
Kitchener as his employer receives funding from the Lions Club.
Moved by Councillor G. Lorentz,
"That subject to a maximum prize board of $3,000.00, with a maximum of six $5,500.00
prize boards per calendar year, the Councils of the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo
approve the request of the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club and the Kitchener Waterloo
Community Spirit Lions Club to sell media bingo cards in the Cities of Kitchener and
Waterloo; and,
That the Lions Clubs from all the municipalities involved in the media bingo resolve how to
operate the media bingo with a maximum prize board of $3,000.00, and with a maximum of
six $5,500.00 prize boards per calendar year; and further,
That the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club and the Kitchener Waterloo Community Spirit Lions
Club report back to the Twin City Committee in six months on the operation of the media
bingo."
Councillor Jake Smola indicated that he would not support the motion as it would create another
venue for gambling in the municipality and would also reduce revenues from local bingos.
Councillor Lorentz questioned the suggested reduction in local bingo revenues and Councillor
Galloway advised that approval would be consistent with the City recognizing licensed events it
would like to support.
The motion by Councillor G. Lorentz was then voted on and Carried.
PRE-BUDGET APPROVAL - RINK SLAB AND BOARD REPLACEMENT (DOM CARDILLO
ARENA)
The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendation from K. Baulk dated April 16, 1998.
On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz,
it was resolved:
"That pre-budget approval be granted in the budgeted amount of $675,000.00 for rink slab
and dasher board replacement at the Dom Cardillo Arena; and further,
That the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to approve awarding of the tender, with
the results being forwarded to Council for review."
Councillor Haalboom questioned the City's expenditures in regard to the arts community as
compared to sports associations, and Ms. Houston advised that a prior report could be
recirculated which outlines the City's expenditures in the area of the arts. Councillor Galloway
commented that the City has been very supportive of the arts and cultural community, and may in
fact contribute more on a dollar per attendance basis.
8. NEW STREET VENDOR LOCATION - (KING AND BENTON STREETS)
The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated April 21, 1998 outlining a request
for an additional location pursuant to the Street Vendors By-law.
Councillor Vrbanovic enquired whether the adjacent mall and the Four Points Sheridan Hotel have
expressed concern, and Mrs. Koppeser advised that she has not heard from the mall; however,
the Sheridan has registered an objection.
EXEMPTION TO DISTANCE REQUIREMENT (REFRESHMENT VEHICLE BY-LAW - FAIRWAY
ROAD/WILSON AVENUE - WEBER STREET EAST)
On a motion by Councillor M. Yantzi,
it was resolved:
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"That no action be taken on the request of Greg Sikorski for permission to locate a Hot Dog
Cart near the corner of King and Benton Streets."
The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated April 22, 1998 recommending no
action on a request for exemption from the distance separation requirement as it relates to a hot
dog cart in the plaza at Fairway Road and Wilson Avenue. They were also in receipt this date of a
similar request from Mr. Steven Webb, Steve's Dog House, requesting similar consideration in
respect to the premises at 1426 Weber Street East.
On a motion by Councillor T. Galloway,
it was resolved:
"That no action be taken on the requests of Mr. Richard Hamm and Mr. Steven Webb
(Steve's Dog House) for an exemption from the Refreshment Vehicle By-law as it relates to
separation distances."
10. CONCESSION STAND REQUEST - OPEN EARS FESTIVAL
The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated April 21, 1998 outlining a request
to locate stands on City lands in the Civic Square and Victoria Park.
On a motion by Councillor M. Yantzi,
it was resolved,
"That no action be taken on the requests of Mr. Richard Hamm and Mr. Steven Webb
(Steve's Dog House) for an exemption from the Refreshment Vehicle By-law as it relates to
separation distances."
11. PROVINCIAL EXPENDITURE REDUCTION TARGET
The Committee was in receipt of draft resolution requesting a recalculation of the City's portion of
the City's portion of the expenditure reduction target.
Mayor Zehr advised that if approved at the special Council meeting of this date, the resolution will
be forwarded to the Minister of Finance through the office of Mr. Gary Leadston, M.P.
On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr,
it was resolved:
"WHEREAS, in its Local Services Realignment formula, the Province of Ontario has calculated an
expenditure reduction target of $5,040,000 being equal to 3.2% of the City of Kitchener's gross
expenditures;
AND WHEREAS, the above formula applied to the City of Kitchener's unique circumstances,
results in an unfair target, compared to other municipalities;
AND WHEREAS, this issue has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Field Office Staff, local MPP's, and Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Municipal Finance Branch Staff, to
no avail;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Kitchener strongly recommends that the Hon.
Ernie Eves, Minister of Finance amend the calculation of the expenditure reduction target for the
City of Kitchener to properly reflect our unique circumstances, specifically:
11. PROVINCIAL EXPENDITURE REDUCTION TARGET - CONT'D
Adjust the reduction for transfers to other funds to include not only transfers to capital
funds, but also transfers to reserve funds, in order to fully reflect the fact that the City of
Kitchener's accounting practice is to transfer all capital funds first to the reserve fund, as
they are allocated in the annual budget process and then to the capital fund when the funds
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are spent.
Adjust the reduction for services provided to other municipalities to reflect the fact that the
City of Kitchener provides transit service, not only for the City of Kitchener but the City of
Waterloo, as well. This adjustment will require a reduction for Waterloo's share of transit
revenues and capital expenditures.
Ensure all operating and capital expenditures for the City of Kitchener's Gasworks
enterprise are excluded from the calculation.
Adjust the calculation to include the Centre in the Square's expenditures only to the extent
that the City provides a grant to this theatre operation, rather than the full gross expenditure
that is primarily recovered through fees.
Adjust the calculation to exclude the gross expenditures of the two municipal golf courses,
that are enterprise operations (i.e. expenditures fully recovered through fees).
Adjust the calculation to exclude the gross contract settlement costs of the Kitchener
Rangers Junior A Hockey Club, which is primarily a flow through of box office receipts,
administered by the City of Kitchener, on a commission basis.
THAT, as a result of the above adjustments, a corresponding adjustment be made to the City of
Kitchener's 1998 provincial grant allocation from the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF); and
further,
THAT, the City of Kitchener strongly recommend that the Province consider a consultation process
with municipalities to develop a more equitable methodology for the allocation of Community
Reinvestment Funds in future years."
12. APPOINTMENT - DOG DESIGNATION APPEAL COMMITTEE
The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendation from L. F. Parkhouse dated April
17, 1998 concerning the filling of the vacant Veterinarian position.
On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz,
it was resolved:
"That Dr. James Currie be appointed as the Veterinarian to serve on the Dog Designation
Appeal Committee for a term of one year expiring November 30, 1998."
13. YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Due to time constraints, it was decided to refer this item to the May 11, 1998 agenda, and the
Committee requested that it be listed as the first item of business following any delegations and
related issues.
14. RECESS
The Committee meeting then recessed at 12:25 p.m. and reconvened at 1:35 p.m.
15. CURRENT STAFFING AND BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS
The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Department report PD98/31 (J.
Witmer) containing recommendations for a Risk Management Action Plan in the Building Division.
A larger, more detailed report in this regard entitled "Building Division Risk
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15. CURRENT STAFFING AND BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS - CONT'D
Management and Building Administration Report" was previously circulated.
They were also in receipt of correspondence from Mr. Mark Van Dongen dated April 22, 1998 on
behalf of the K-W Homebuilders Association expressing concerns over the recommendation to
implement HVAC inspections.
Mr. Witmer spoke to the report and referred to the various issues outlined therein as well as some
of the 800 changes made by the Province to the Building Code. Mr. Witmer requested
endorsement of the recommendations outlined in his report.
Councillor Galloway enquired as to the new positions referred to in several of the clauses of the
staff recommendation, and in particular the cost. Mr. Witmer replied that the overall cost is
approximately $150,000.00 for three positions, and this amount is not currently in the budget.
Councillor Galloway also enquired as to the HVAC system inspections referred to in the
Homebuilder's letter, and Mr. Witmer replied that the Building Code stipulates that the City must
perform these.
Councillor Galloway suggested that the proposal in terms of additional staff resources is optimal in
his view and questioned how Council could decide on the minimum resources required. Mr.
Witmer replied that if construction activity is as forecast, Kitchener will be short staffed without the
additional positions requested; however, if activity is less than projected short staffing may not
occur. In response to a further question, Mr. Witmer advised that he expects approximately
$40,000.00 in additional building fee revenue in 1998. Mr. Houston clarified that the full amount of
building fee revenue has already been budgeted.
16. RECESS
The Finance and Administration Committee meeting recessed at 3:00 p.m. and reconvened at
3:30 p.m. with all members present.
17. CURRENT STAFFING AND BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS - CONT'D
Further discussion took place concerning the Risk Management Report and recommendations
submitted by the Planning and Development Department. Councillor Jake Smola enquired
whether staff have considered methods of reducing inspection calls by having one inspector
inspect more than one class of work, thereby eliminating the need for multiple trips to the same
site. Mr. Witmer replied that this option of combining inspections is being investigated, though it
would not likely reduce the workload. Councillor Smola asked whether benchmarking in terms of a
reasonable expectancy of the time to complete a specific inspection is being undertaken, and Mr.
Witmer replied that four of the area municipalities are beginning a benchmarking process.
Councillor Galloway questioned how any increase in staff would be funded, and asked Mr. Witmer
to prioritize the staff requests outlined in Clauses #4, #5 and # 6 of his recommendation. Mr.
Witmer advised that the contract building/plumbing funding inspection positions referred to in
Clause #4 of the report are the Division's first priority, the contract plan examination position in
Clause #6 is a second priority, but is only required if construction activity increases, and the two
additional inspectors referred to in Clause #5 are a third priority. Councillor Galloway questioned
what the impact would be in the event the positions in Clauses #6 or #5 are not filled and Mr.
Witmer replied that if the contract plan examination position is not filled the time required to obtain
a permit will increase; however, if building activity is at 1996 levels this task can be handled by
existing staff. He also stated that a backlog of inspections would result if the two additional
contract building/plumbing inspectors are not hired.
Councillor Vrbanovic suggested the possibility of dealing with increased activity through overtime
and reallocating work, or possibly creation of a co-op position. Mr. Witmer noted that increased
overtime expenditures would result as well as the possibility of overwork and resulting error. He
advised that he would be prepared to use a co-op student to fill the contract position. Councillor
Jake Smola expressed concern over converting the two current contract positions to full-time.
Councillor Jake Smola put forward a motion to adopt all the clauses in the staff recommendation
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except Clause #5 which deals with the hiring of two additional contract building/plumbing
inspectors subject to amending Clause #4 to reflect that the positions therein remain on a two year
contract, and Clause #6 so as to require an annual review of the contract plan examination
position.
Councillor Galloway expressed concern over giving pre-budget approval to the request and
suggested that Councillor Jake Smola's recommendation be amended to reflect acceptance in
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17.
a)
CURRENT STAFFING AND BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS - CONT'D
principle with a referral to Budget Day. Councillor Jake Smola indicated that he would not accept
the suggestion of Councillor Galloway as a friendly amendment, on the basis that he does not view
this as a budget issue.
On a motion by Councillor T. Galloway,
it was resolved:
"That the following in regard to an action plan for risk management in the Building Division
and provisions of the Ontario Building Code and Regulations be accepted, in principle, and
be referred to Budget Day (May 15, 1998) for further discussion and a detailed costing:
That the Building Division commence plan examination and field inspection of heating,
ventilating and air conditioning systems for Part 9 buildings within the City of Kitchener;
and,
b) That the Building Division commence structural plan examination and field inspection
for Part 9 buildings within the City; and,
c) That the Building Division undertake and implement a "backflow prevention" program
for all buildings within the City, except Part 9 residential buildings; and,
d)
That the existing contract building/plumbing inspection positions remain as contract
positions with a term of two years in order to provide the necessary inspections for
the above noted programs in accordance with the Ontario Building Code Regulations;
and,
e)
That a contract plan examination position be created to permit heating, ventilating and
air conditioning plan review, structural plan review and septic design plan review, and to
allow for permit issuance in the "three stream permit approval process" until the current
permit administration positions are upgraded/trained to complete these functions; and,
That the above plan examination position be contracted on a year-to-year basis with
a review of its necessity each year as part of Council's budget review process; and,
f)
That Building Division staff continue to participate in various training opportunities
offered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Ontario Building Officials
Association and the local Chapter, to obtain and maintain Provincial certification as
Certified Building Code Officials or certified Plumbing System Inspectors; and,
g)
That Council support the recommendations for "effective and efficient administration of
the Building Code Act" contained within Section V of the report of J. Witmer entitled
"Building Division Risk Management and Building Administration Report" dated
February, 1998; and,
h) That Council support the "quality control recommendations" contained in Section VI of
the report.
i)
That Council endorse the proposed implementation schedule contained within Section
VII of the report, as it relates to improved customer service and implementation of risk
management principles and procedures; and,
J)
That Council acknowledge that the Building Division does not provide plan examination
or field inspection for the structural aspects of Part 3 buildings due to the absence of
technical expertise in-house; however, to compensate for this, staff will take a more
aggressive approach to obtaining the required field inspection reports from the stated
design professionals; and,
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17.
18.
19.
CURRENT STAFFING AND BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS - CONT'D
k)
That Council acknowledge that the Building Division does not provide mechanical plan
examination or complete field inspection of mechanical systems for Part 3 buildings due
to the absence of technical expertise in-house; however, to compensate for this staff will
take a more aggressive approach to obtaining the required field inspection reports from
the stated design professionals; and,
I) That a draft Building By-law be prepared for Council's consideration; and further,
m) That a standard operating procedure for "stale-dated" permits be developed for
Council's consideration, confirming best management practices for the benefit of the
City and its residents."
Councillor Vrbanovic asked that staff investigate his suggestion that the contract inspection
positions be required to work irregular, possibly including Saturdays.
NEXT MEETING
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on
Monday, May 11, 1998.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
G. Sosnoski
Manager of Corporate Records
and Assistant City Clerk