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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 1995-03-06 SCOUNCIL\1995-03-06-SPE MARCH 6, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER A special meeting of City Council was held at 2:10 p.m. this date and chaired by Mayor Richard D. Christy, with the following members present: Councillors M. Wagner, M. Yantzi, C. Weylie, T. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic, K. Redman, John Smola, J. Ziegler and G. Lorentz. Councillor Jake Smola was in attendance for part of the meeting. Notice of the special meeting had previously been given by the City Clerk pursuant to Chapter 25 of the Municipal Code. Professor Robert W. Williams, Department of Political Science, University of Waterloo, was in attendance for a general discussion with Members of Council, concerning possible Ward boundary realignment. Dr. Williams gave background information on the process used to adjust Ward boundaries in 1978 and offered his services, as time allows, relative to a review of the current Ward system. He specifically asked for direction from Council concerning the process and timetable to be followed, the role of City staff, any expectations regarding the end of the process such as the desired number of Councillors for Wards, and an indication of how possible Ward boundary realignment would be influenced by any recommendations from the Region of Waterloo Task Force concerning representation on Regional Council. Dr. R. Williams indicated that he is willing to prepare a report on recent developments in ward systems throughout Ontario, highlighting any trends or models which would give direction concerning areas which should be pursued or avoided. Mr. R.W. Pritchard reviewed the criteria used in establishing the present Ward boundaries; including, ward population, a sense of community or common interest within each Ward. adherence to natural boundaries, and a compact and contiguous shape. It was noted that two referendums were held before finalizing the current system, and also that any process undertaken should be completed by the 1997 Municipal Election. In response to a further question from Mayor Christy, Mr. Pritchard put forward a general process outline including finalization of Ward boundary criteria, presentation of alternative strategies to Council and an invitation to the public (including Neighbourhood Associations) to comment. Dr. R. Williams suggested that any process should be tailored to the needs of the community and indicate the nature of public consultation and at what point this will occur relative to by-law preparation. He suggested that the first decision before Council would be to decide whether it wishes to retain the current ten Ward system or prefers to expand/reduce the number of Wards. A general discussion in this regard took place. Dr. R. Williams also suggested that the City should investigate what the Ontario government is considering with regard to the election of Regional Councillors. Mayor R. Christy also asked that a comparison of the core and suburban communities as regards Council representation be noted as an issue for future consideration. In response to a question from Mayor Christy, Dr. Williams strongly recommended that Kitchener representatives also speak with Mr. J. Sweeney before the Region of Waterloo Task Force report is presented in September. It was agreed that Council would await a report from Dr. R. Williams on recent trends and developments in Ward systems in Ontario before taking any further action. It was noted that this report should also make reference to other Ward models in Ontario, as well as the impact of population growth in Kitchener on the current Ward configuration. In response to a request from Mayor R. Christy for any additional criteria over and above those used in the 1975 Study, Councillor M. Wagner suggested public expectation of the role of a Councillor. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that a regular interval be established for review of Ward boundaries and suggested 9-10 years, being the historic mid-point between establishing the boundaries and revising them. Dr. R. Williams agreed that growth planning should be integrated with any Ward criteria. Mr. T. McKay pointed out that if population is a major criteria, there may be a major shift in representation from the downtown to the suburban areas. He suggested that it may be appropriate to factor in assessment in order to weight the population figures. Mr. R.W. Pritchard pointed out that the present ward system was only intended to be effective for approximately ten years, and noted that the system is based on the use of the Conestoga Parkway as a definitive boundary, which could be a major problem in the future. Councillor J. Ziegler cautioned against weighting population by assessment in view of the disproportionately large assessment of some businesses such as Uniroyal/Goodrich. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. MARCH 6, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - $7- CITY OF KITCI:IENER Mayor R. Christy suggested that upon receipt of the report from Dr. R. Williams, Council again meet to discuss the matter, preferably before a regular Council meeting. Members of Council were asked to correspond with Mr. R.W. Pritchard in this regard. Council then considered a motion to authorize a City Council meeting in-camera. Notice of this item was previously given by the City Clerk pursuant to Chapter 25 of the Municipal Code. Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler Seconded by Councillor M. Yantzi That an in-camera meeting of City Council be held at the conclusion of this special Council meeting for the purpose of discussing a possible land acquisition. Carried. Councillor J. Ziegler enquired as to the next in-camera meeting to consider the personnel matter first discussed on February 27, 1995. Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler Seconded by Councillor Jake Smola That an in-camera meeting of City Council be held on March 20, 1995 for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter. Carried. On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m. MAYOR CLERK