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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 1993-04-13 SCOUNCIL\1993-04-13-SPE SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 13, 1993 The Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener met this date in special session with all members present except Alderman J. Smola. Others present: Messrs. T. McKay, F.S. Graham, R.W. Pritchard, S. Klapman, J. Hancock, J. Gazzola, J. Wallace, D. Suzuki, G. Sosnoski. Notice of the special meeting had previously been given by the City Clerk pursuant to Chapter 25 of the Municipal Code. 1. Africa 2000 Program Council was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. McKay dated April 6, 1993, summarizing activity to date and future direction of the exchange between the City of Kitchener and the City of Windhoek, Namibia. Alderman J. Ziegler enquired as to the cost of the Africa 2000 exchange. Mr. T. McKay replied that save and except funding for reception of the Namibian delegates, all City costs relate to staff time. Alderman M. Yantzi expressed the opinion that the Program's value cannot be judged on the basis of dollar value alone. Alderman C. Zehr clarified that in his experience there is little value lost due to the absence of selected staff, as these individuals normally compensate for this through overtime worked before and after an exchange. Alderman M. Wagner described the Program as a rare opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves without any significant cost to the taxpayer. Alderman G. Leadston asked whether the Program, in the event it is extended, would be better served by sending different staff representatives. Mr. T. McKay clarified that to date only himself and the Director of Transit have been involved in more than one exchange. He indicated that to date two protocols have been signed and a third would be necessary to extend the Program. The latter would identify specific needs and areas of Program expansion. Mr. T. McKay advised that the report under discussion this date suggests that the relationship with Windhoek be extended, and that Alderman C. Zehr participate in an assessment of the Program to date and in negotiation of the third protocol. He also noted that it addresses his involvement in an upcoming Southeast Asia evaluation which would not involve signing another protocol. It was pointed out that any costs related to the latter would be paid for by the Canadian International Development Agency and that two weeks would be charged to the Chief Administrator's personal vacation. The third week would be covered by the City of Kitchener on the basis that Mr. McKay would take the opportunity to explore economic linkages in accordance with the program under development by the Economic Development Division. In response to a question from Alderman G. Leadston, Mr. McKay advised that a report on the Economic Development Division incentive referred to would be brought forward for discussion by the end of May. Alderman J. Ziegler indicated that he does not agree with the proposal that the City cover the third week of the trip as there is at present no established policy in this regard. Moved by Alderman M. Wagner Seconded by Alderman G. Leadston That Council agree to extend its involvement in the Africa 2000 Program by a further two years. Carried. Moved by Alderman M. Wagner Seconded by Alderman G. Leadston That Alderman C. Zehr participate, as the City's representative, in a full Africa 2000 Program assessment to take place in Africa in the latter part of August and early part of September, and in development with the Windhoek administration of a protocol covering a further two years. Alderman G. Lorentz expressed the opinion that Council should consider sending a member other than Alderman Zehr, and in this regard suggested Alderman M. Yantzi. Mr. T. McKay explained that Alderman Zehr, given his experience to date, would be in a better position to assess the entire program and COUNCIL MINUTES - 180 - APRIL 13, 1993 negotiate an extension of the protocol. He also noted that in the event Alderman Yantzi or any other member of Council is sent, the City would be required to pay the cost of participation. The previous motion by Alderman M. Wagner, seconded by Alderman G. Leadston, to endorse Alderman C. Zehr as the City's representative was voted on and Carried. Moved by Alderman M. Wagner Seconded by Alderman G. Leadston That Council agree to the participation of Mr. T. McKay on a four person evaluation team travelling to Southeast Asia in July of this year on the understanding that all costs will be borne by the Canadian International Development Agency, and that two of the three weeks will be charged to Mr. McKay's personal vacation time with the third to be absorbed by the City. Carried. Mayor D.V. Cardillo left the meeting at this time and Alderman C. Zehr assumed the chair. 2. Community Visions Alderman M. Wagner presented a report of the Visions Task Force dated April 13, 1993. Alderman M. Wagner explained that the Task Force composed of himself, Alderman G. Leadston, Mr. T. McKay and Mr. S. Klapman have examined how other Ontario municipalities have approached Strategic Planning and Community Visions. The two principle examples studied were in the City of Brampton and the City of Burlington. Alderman Wagner explained the visioning concept and how it relates to good management and leadership practices. He qualified that a full- scale visioning exercise is not recommended, but rather a program which addresses the community's needs in a cost-effective manner. Alderman M. Wagner suggested that public involvement is crucial and in this regard input would be obtained within parameters established by Council and senior staff. He outlined the four steps proposed which are contained in the April 13, 1993 report, namely, a Council/Senior Management Workshop, Constituency Focus Groups, a Public Communication Program, and a Summary of Input. Alderman Wagner stressed that it is important the Vision be articulated, co-ordinated among various City departments and accepted by the public. He advised that a cost of approximately $5,000 is anticipated. Mr. S. Klapman agreed with the comments made by Alderman M. Wagner and added that though City departments may have separate goals it is necessary that these be compatible in order to achieve a common community vision. Accordingly, priorities must be set which all departments can support. Alderman B. Stortz indicated his support for the initiative, but questioned the proposed method. He suggested it may be more appropriate to obtain public input first, from which Council and senior management would establish relevant goals. He also referred to a Healthy Community's project in downtown Kitchener which is presently underway and suggested that this and other related initiatives could be directed toward the proposed Vision Program. Alderman M. Wagner responded indicating that the approach suggested by Alderman Stortz in the first instance would require more time and have a higher cost. He pointed out that much of the work has already been done based on public input relative to the City's Environmental and Official Plans. Alderman Stortz conceded that the recommended approach may work provided a proper structure is established for public input. He also indicated his personal preference for open discussions in response to a concise and meaningful document rather than anonymous phone call feedback as referred to in the report. Alderman C. Zehr noted that the constituency focus groups would address this concern. Mr. T. McKay suggested that the attempt of the City of Brampton was unfocused and resulted in 150 objectives, many of which are not within the control of the municipality. He advised that focus has an important impact on the results of a request for public input. He suggested a meeting among senior staff to develop consensus as to which areas public input should focus upon. Alderman C. Weylie expressed concern over the lack of public response in conjunction with the Official Plan and Environmental Plan. Alderman M. Wagner expressed confidence that if properly COUNCIL MINUTES - 181 - APRIL 13, 1993 focused the necessary public input could be obtained. Alderman J. Ziegler advised that he feels the public wants the municipality to provide certain services which are run responsibly, and the visioning concept should incorporate this expectation. In response to a further question from Alderman B. Stortz, Alderman M. Wagner acknowledged that the Downtown Health Community project could be combined as part of the constituency focus groups. Moved by Alderman B. Stortz Seconded by Alderman M. Wagner That Council endorse, in principle, the visioning concept outlined in the report of the Visions Task Force dated April 13, 1993. Carried. It was generally agreed that staff would canvass participants in the Council/Senior Management Workshop to establish an appropriate meeting date prior to the end of May. It was suggested that a full day would likely be required. On motion, the meeting adjourned. MAYOR CLERK