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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1998-12-07FAC\1998-12-07 DECEMBER 7, 1998 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date commencing at 10:20 a.m. and Chaired by Councillor J. Ziegler with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor T. Galloway, K. Taylor-Harrison, John Smola, B. Vrbanovic, J. Haalboom, G. Lorentz and C. Weylie. Councillor Jake Smola was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Ms. P. Houston, Mrs. J. Koppeser, Messrs. J. Gazzola, J. Shivas, R. Arnot, T. McCabe, B. Musselman, L. Proulx, L. Parkhouse, T. Clancy, J. Cicuttin, D. Snow, L. Gordon, R. W. Pritchard, B. Stanley and G. Sosnoski. 1. LOCATION CRITERIA - BODY RUB PARLOURS The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated December 2, 1998 requesting confirmation of the location criteria established in 1997. On a motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, it was resolved: "That the following location criteria will be taken into consideration during Council's review of applications for grant of licences under Sections 505.2.14 and 505.2.15 of Chapter 505 (Adult Entertainment Parlour) of the City's Municipal Code: a) The establishment shall be located on lands zoned C6; b) The establishment shall not be located within 100 meters of the premises of an existing school, including an institutional day-care facility; c) The establishment shall not be located within 100 meters of the premises of an existing religious institution; d) The lands upon which the establishment is located shall not face any part of the premises of any existing residence across the street; e) The side property line of the lands upon which the establishment is located shall not abut the premises of any existing residence; f) The rear property line of the lands upon which the establishment is located may abut the premises on an existing residence; g) The establishment shall not have a total floor space greater than 125 square meters; h) The lands upon which the establishment is located shall not include an existing residence." = PLACE OF REFRESHMENT - LICENCE FEES The Committee was in receipt of a report from J. Koppeser dated December 2, 1998 in response to Committee direction of November 30, 1998 concerning the proposed 1999 fee for Places of Refreshment. The report recommends that, in accordance with previous Committee direction, the fee remain at $50.00 per year, but that a fee of $150.00 apply if a current licence is not renewed by the annual March 15 deadline. The current by-law directs a 1999 fee of $100.00 and a 2000 and 2001 fee of $150.00. 2. PLACE OF REFRESHMENT - LICENCE FEES - CONT'D DECEMBER 7, 1998 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That the Legal Department prepare an amendment to Chapter 584 (Refreshment Places) to provide a licensing fee schedule as outlined in the report of J. Koppeser dated December 2, 1998; and to include the following changes in regard to 1999 Places of Refreshment licences: a) Applicants making an initial application for licence will pay a fee of $50.00; b) Licencees applying for renewal of a licence prior to March 15 will pay a fee of $5O.OO; c) Licencees applying for renewal of a licence after March 15 will pay a fee of $150.00." Mr. Parkhouse referred to the December 4, 1998 report from J. Koppeser concerning Festival of the Night celebrations, and noted that when the Committee deals with the recommendation therein they should be aware that the existing contract with Williams Coffee Pub prohibits bringing another coffee vendor into the Civic Square. COMPREHENSIVE FEE REVIEW The Committee resumed its review of the 1999 departmental fees which began at the special meeting held on November 30, 1998. They were previously in receipt of a Comprehensive Fee Review document dated November 30, 1998 outlining fees for all departments. They were also in receipt this date of a proposed schedule of fees for the Doon and Rockway Golf Courses and a summary outline of Planning fees, copies of which are appended hereto and form part of these minutes. Mr. McCabe referred to the Summary of Planning Fees circulated this date, noting that it is being recommended for 1999 the majority of these remain at 1998 levels, with only a few increases. He indicated that he does not personally support small, incremental increases in fees, but would rather impose larger increases when required. He also clarified that the portable sign fee is currently $45.00 and not $40.00 as previously indicated, this resulting in an $8,000.00 increase in revenues. On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was resolved: "That the 1999 fees for the Business and Planning Services Department be approved as outlined in the comparison chart appended to the December 7, 1998 Finance and Administration Committee minutes; and further, That the Tariff of Fees By-law be amended accordingly." Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. On a motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, it was resolved: "That the 1999 fees and charges relative to the Doon and Rockway Golf Courses be approved as outlined in the fee schedule appended to the December 7, 1998 minutes of the Finance and Administration Committee." The Committee then reviewed the fees for the Parks and Recreation Department. Councillor M. Yantzi made reference to recommendations forthcoming from a youth committee regarding fee subsidy, and asked that this matter be referred to budget deliberations. 3. COMPREHENSIVE FEE REVIEW - CONT'D DECEMBER 7, 1998 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was resolved: "That the 1999 fees for the Parks and Recreation Department, excluding the golf course enterprise and cemetery fees which were dealt with by City Council on November 30, 1998, be approved as outlined in the Comprehensive Fee Review document dated November 30, 1998" Councillor Vrbanovic questioned the 11 and 14 per cent increases in skating admission fees, and Mr. Arnot advised that these are below the current Waterloo rates. He also noted that a Committee is comprehensively reviewing all of the fees and charges of the Parks and Recreation Department in relation to other municipalities. Councillor Vrbanovic asked that in the interim, Mr. Arnot provide Council with the comparative skating admission fees from other municipalities before this matter is dealt with on December 14, 1998. The Committee then reviewed the fees for the Public Works Department, and Councillor Jake Smola noted the 14.3 percent increase in Transit fares. Mr. Cicuttin acknowledged that the cash fare would be increased from $1.75 to $2.00, noting that staff anticipate the increase in revenues will outstrip the loss in ridership. He also pointed out that the intent of the pricing structure is to encourage the use of monthly passes and pre-purchased tickets as opposed to cash fares. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that this issue should be examined carefully as increasing fares with the knowledge that ridership will decrease is counter-productive to the stated initiative of increasing ridership. Councillor Vrbanovic pointed out that the net result of the cash fare increase is a projected $200,000.00 in revenues, a 2 per cent overall fare increase if all other fare options are considered. Councillor Ziegler pointed out that there have been no increases in the cost of monthly passes or tickets since 1995. Mayor Zehr suggested that when advertising or otherwise referring to Transit fares, it may be wise to do this in the reverse order so that monthly passes and pre-purchased appear before any reference to cash fares. He suggested that this would make it easier for the public to understand the fare structure and identify the best value. In response to a further question, Mr. Cicuttin advised that staff will be working out the details of a Transit pass for university students in 1999 as well as discussing any related service improvement requests. If implemented, this program could take effect in the year 2000. Councillor Weylie enquired whether bus tickets are sold at all senior citizen and community centres, and Mr. Cicuttin replied that he would enquire into this and expand the number of locations where possible. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that tickets should be offered for sale at all City-owned facilities and any locations where administrative staff are serving the public. He further indicated that Transit ridership has been either stable or has increased since 1995, and that staff are currently budgeting for stable ridership in 1999. On a motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, it was resolved "That the 1999 fees for the Public Works and Transportation Department, including Transit be approved as outlined in the Comprehensive Fee Review document dated November 30, 1998." Councillor Jake Smola asked that he be recorded as opposed to the increase in the Transit cash fare. The Committee then considered a recommendation in regard to the City Department fees reviewed at the November 30, 1998 meeting. 33. COMPREHENSIVE FEE REVIEW - CONT'D FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was resolved: "That the 1999 fees for the Finance and Fire Departments be approved as outlined in the Comprehensive Fee Review document dated November 30, 1998; and, That the 1999 fees for the Corporate Services and City Clerk's Department be approved as outlined in the Comprehensive Fee Review document dated November 30, 1998 with the following changes to reflect a contribution to the Mediation Trust Fund: Consent applications - $343.00; combined Consent and Minor Variance applications - $629.00 for the first lot and $315.00 for each additional lot thereafter; and, That the existing fees for the Legal Department be as outlined in the Departmental Fee Review document dated November 30, 1998, with consideration of all proposed new fees deferred for possible implementation on July 1, 1999, and that prior to any final decision on implementing such new fees, staff discuss these with the affected parties and report on the outcome; and further, That the relevant by-laws in respect to the above be either drafted or amended as required." Councillor Vrbanovic enquired as to the rationale for the substantial increase in Committee of Adjustment fees. Mr. Sosnoski explained that recent changes in Provincial legislation require that the municipality change or augment its method of providing notice of Consent applications. Councillor Vrbanovic indicated that his preference is for notices delivered to individual properties affected by these applications and that it is ludicrous for the Province to impose additional costs on the municipality in this regard. He asked for a report concerning the changes required by the Province so that Council could consider a possible response. Councillor Galloway also asked that the Secretary-Treasurer for the Committee of Adjustment submit a short report concerning the feasibility of removing the requirement for Minor Variances, such as for fences, where it is apparent in nearly every instance that these are routinely approved. He also suggested that it may be possible to amend the by-law so as to remove the requirement for a Variance in regard to certain simple, common situations. On a motion by Councillor V. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That the Secretary-Treasurer for the Committee of Adjustment prepare a report for the Finance and Administration Committee concerning the changes recently imposed by the Province regarding the Committee of Adjustment notification process and the related increase in circulation costs in order for Council to consider a possible response to the Province; and further, That said report also address the feasibility of eliminating the requirement for a minor variance, in cases such as fences and for other minor structures, where is has been demonstrated that these are being routinely approved without modification or significant discussion with neighbouring property owners." 4. PURCHASE OF ST. BONIFACE SCHOOL The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Councillor J. Ziegler dated December 3, 1998 providing background to a community request that the City consider purchasing the surplus school property for use as a community centre. He advised that the sale is by the Ontario Realty Corporation and that the deadline for submitting bids is December 13, 1998. Ms. Debbie Schlichter, House of Friendship, spoke on behalf of the various community representatives in attendance this date, and in support of the proposed purchase for a community centre. She referred to the characteristics of the Kingsdale neighbourhood, and the distance from the Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre which is intended to service FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER 4. PURCHASE OF ST. BONIFACE SCHOOL - CONT'D Kingsdale, and which is presently used by only five per cent of these people. Ms. Donna Robinson, Principal - Wilson Avenue Public School, appeared in support of the request and referred to the various programs presently operating out of the school where there is insufficient space to accommodate all community needs. She pointed out that most of the families in the area have only one vehicle and that driving to other, more distant, centres is not an option. Reverend Helen Thoman, Pastor - St. Phillips Lutheran Church, appeared in support of the request to purchase the property as a community centre. She referred to the Church's current role in facilitating many seniors programs, noting that it is presently over capacity with between 30 and 50 seniors involved in certain activities. She suggested that a community centre for the Kingsdale neighbourhood would benefit seniors. She also spoke on behalf of the Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association and referred to its current program offering as well as the shortage of space. Councillor Taylor-Harrison referred to the increased amount of outreach activity which is required when a community centre is established, and Ms. Thoman indicated that all of the groups involved in the proposal are prepared to dedicate their time and energy in this regard. Councillor Taylor- Harrison also stressed the need for the agencies involved to maintain or increase their current level of funding. Ms. Pamela Cummins appeared on behalf of the Canadian English School, a program offered by the School Board from the Courtland-Shelley Community Centre, which presently operates out of a two- storey townhouse. Ms. Schlichter summarized by asking the Committee to recommend that the City submit a bid to acquire the school property for development as a community centre. Councillor Lorentz enquired whether the entire school would be needed as a community centre or whether there was an option to lease space to paying tenants. Ms. Schlichter replied that detailed space allocations have not been determined, but that in all likelihood the entire facility would not be needed and even a portion of the building would be helpful. Councillor Yantzi indicated his preference that schools and churches continue to be involved in facilitating community programs, and questioned whether the St. Boniface site is ideally located to serve as a community centre. Ms. Schlichter responded that in her view, establishing a community centre would not diminish the involvement of the community groups currently facilitating neighbourhood programs. She pointed out that the operating costs of the centre could be paid for by the various groups using the facility, with the City responsible for the capital costs of acquisition. Councillor Yantzi suggested the possible use of portable structures on the existing Courtland site prior to acquiring or building any new facility. Mayor Zehr suggested that the discussion focus on the purchase side of the issue, and it was generally agreed to discuss this matter further when Council convenes its in-camera meeting this date. Councillor Haalboom enquired why a community centre in this area was not in the Capital Forecast. Mr. Arnot replied that the 10-Year Plan foresaw the Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre as addressing the needs of the Kingsdale neighbourhood. Councillor Haalboom enquired as to whether Facilities Management staff have had an opportunity to determine the cost of upgrading St. Boniface School to an appropriate standard, given that schools of this age are deficient in some regards. Mr. Proulx replied that staff attended the open house earlier this date but have not had an opportunity to prepare a report. Councillor Vrbanovic noted that though the Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre is closer to the Kingsdale neighbourhood than St. Boniface School, its relationship to the traffic infrastructure makes the use of the Centreville- Chicopee Centre impractical. Mayor Zehr stressed the need to consider the allocation of community centres comprehensively and on a City-wide basis rather than making a decision piecemeal. Mr. Clancy advised that a report is forthcoming early in 1999 which will outline the process to be followed in this regard, and noted that a six-month study would be required to determine priorities and prioritize needs. He also advised that other community groups have come forward with requests similar to the one before Council this date. 5. NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - BETHANY MISSIONERY CHURCH FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER Consideration of the request was withdrawn, as the matter had already been dealt with by Council. 6. CLOSING OF MAPLE STREET FACILITY The Committee accepted, as information, the report of L. Proulx dated November 30, 1998 outlining a process and costs for modifications required to other City locations as a result of closing the Maple Street Yards. The Committee then dealt with the report from P. Houston dated December 2, 1998 recommending allocation of the proceeds from the sale of the Maple Street Yards. On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That the proceeds from the sale of the Maple Street facility totaling $950,000.00 be allocated to the Future Maintenance Facility Expansion Reserve." 7. CAPPING OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASES - BILL 79 The Committee was in receipt of a report from P. Houston dated December 3, 1998 recommending that the City strongly urge the Province to abandon Bill 79 on the basis that it re-introduces confusion and inequity into a taxation system which the Province has indicated an interest in improving. Mayor Zehr suggested that even though Bill 79 is being considered this date by a Provincial Committee, the City should go on record as opposed to the legislation for the reasons outlined in Ms. Houston's report. Councillor Galloway suggested that there are fundamental flaws in Bill 79 which will make it extremely difficult for municipalities to implement. He further suggested that among the most significant problems is the fact that some properties will not receive the initial, anticipated, tax reduction to which they are entitled. On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was resolved: "WHEREAS the City of Kitchener believes that all taxpayers of Ontario should enjoy the benefits of fair taxation, and fair distribution of taxation; AND WHEREAS the Provincial Government having deemed the previous assessment system as outdated, dysfunctional and unfair, introduced Current Value Assessment for 1998 taxation; AND WHEREAS in introducing the Current Value Assessment system, the Provincial Government empowered municipalities with tax policy decisions on implementation; AND WHEREAS all local tax policy decisions for 1998 taxation have been made and tax billings have been issued; AND WHEREAS the Provincial Government, without consultation with municipalities, has now introduced Bill 79 which mandates unfair tax practices, and substantially curtails the tax policy power previously given to municipalities; AND WHEREAS the Province expects 1998 tax policy to be reshaped and tax billings to be reissued, clawing back decreases to cushion tax increases; AND WHEREAS Bill 79 will result in some taxpayers subsidizing taxpayers in other municipalities; 7. CAPPING OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASES - BILL 79 - CONT'D AND WHEREAS Bill 79 perpetuates the commercial competitive disadvantages which FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER existed in the previous assessment system whereby over-taxed enterprises subsidized under-taxed competitors; AND WHEREAS the Government of Ontario has not notified affected taxpayers of the impacts of Bill 79, despite having promised fair taxation for all of Ontario; AND WHEREAS the complexity of Bill 79 will result in greater confusion for taxpayers; AND WHEREAS the administration costs related to the implementation of the complexities of Bill 79 will have a major impact on municipalities in terms of additional staff resources, computer programming and impact on cash flow; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Kitchener strongly urges the Province of Ontario to abandon Bill 79 and that discussions be resumed with the Municipal Expert Panel in an effort to find a more workable and less costly solution to achieving the Provincial Government's objectives; AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this resolution be circulated to local M.P.P.'s, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Association of Municipal Clerks & Treasurers of Ontario, the Association of Municipal Tax Collectors of Ontario, and the Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario." It was noted that in the interests of time, the above recommendation will be considered at the special Council meeting later this date. The Mayor ask that the Clerk ensure that correspondence in this regard is sent to the Province immediately following Council's consideration of the Finance and Administration Committee's recommendation. 8. RE-STATING OF 1998 TAX RATES The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from the City of Waterloo dated December 2, 1998 requesting Council consideration of their request that the Region re-state 1999 tax rates to reflect the shift in funding for grants-in-lieu of taxes. The Committee was advised that the City of Waterloo has since requested that this item be withdrawn as it is no longer required. 9. DOWNTOWN INCENTIVE GRANTS The Committee was in receipt of two reports from S. Frenette and W. Pearce both dated November 17, 1998 concerning incentive applications for 301 King Street East and 150 Duke Street West. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That Council approve an application under the Downtown Financial Incentive Program from Mak Tung Enterprises Inc. for a grant-in-lieu of Committee of Adjustment fee in the amount of $240.00 in respect to new signage at 301 King Street East." - and - "That Council approve an application under the Downtown Financial Incentives Program from the law firm of Deutschmann and Kelly for a feasibility study grant in the amount of $1,500.00 to conduct environmental and feasibility investigations at 150 Duke Street West." 10. PROPERTY STANDARDS - AMERICAN HOTEL BLOCK The Committee was in receipt of a report from W. Pearce and J. Witmer dated December 3, 1998 recommending that the owner be advised of Council's intention to consider a by-law to authorize DECEMBER 7, 1998 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER 11. 12. 13. repairs to the subject properties at its December 14, 1998 meeting. The properties in question are 1 Queen Street North, 4, 8, 10 and 16 King Street East. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That in regard to the property standards orders under Chapter 665 of the Municipal Code involving repairs to 1 Queen Street North, 4, 8, 10 and 16 King Street East (American Hotel block), each property owner be notified of the City's intent to consider a by-law at the December 14, 1998 Council meeting authorizing the replacement of roofing, structural and other associated work at the property owner's expense." FESTIVAL OF THE NIGHT The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendation from J. Koppeser dated December 4, 1998 concerning the upcoming Festival of the Night celebration and the use of the City Hall Civic Square. The report includes correspondence from G. Holstead outlining interest expressed to date by food and refreshment vendors. The correspondence notes that William's Coffee Pub has been invited to participate, but are unable to do so, and bringing in other vendors of related products may contravene the City's contract with William's. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was resolved: "That a maximum of five food vendors be permitted to locate on King Street adjacent to Civic Square during the Festival of the Night celebration on December 31, 1998, and that the reduced fee of $10.00 be applicable; and further, That permission be granted to the Family Awareness Centre to operate a free bingo in conjunction with this event, and that permission also be granted for a theatrical effects show, with all of the above subject to meeting all related requirements, including but not limited to: health and fire regulations; insurance coverage; regulations for pyrotechnics (including submission of certification, if required); and, satisfactory arrangements being made with the Risk Manager." NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on Monday, January 11, 1999. Special meetings of the Finance and Administration Committee to review the 1999 Operating Budget will be held on December 16 and 18, 1998. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m. G.Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records and Assistant City Clerk