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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 1995-05-16 SCOUNCIL\1995-05-16-SPE MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER A special meeting of City Council was held at 7:00 p.m. this date with all members present except Councillor J. Ziegler who entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Notice of the special meeting had been previously given to all members of Council both at the May 8 Council meeting and by the City Clerk pursuant to Chapter 25 of the Municipal Code. Mayor R. Christy advised that the purpose of this special meeting was to consider the Mayor's Task Force on the Downtown recommendations as advanced by the Downtown Action Committee. Further, he advised that Council was asked to consider a report from the Community Services Committee dealing with the extension of the Farmers' Market outdoors onto Scott Street this summer. Mayor R. Christy asked that those persons present in the Council Chambers rise and observe one minute of silence out of respect for Mrs. Dianne Mahaffey and Mr. Abe Wiebe, each of whom passed away suddenly over the weekend. Before hearing delegations Mayor R. Christy asked for comments of Members of Council with respect to any issues of concern with regard to the recommendations arising from the Report of the Downtown Action Committee as outlined in the May 5, 1995 letter from Mr. B. Stanley which contains minor clarifications with respect to the Report. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he had concerns with regard to Recommendation No.13 dealing with the coffee house proposal at 79 Joseph Street and suggested if one recommendation was referred to Council's May 23 meeting that all recommendations should be so referred. Councillor Jake Smola stated that the parking garage issue was of concern to him and questioned if it would be referred to the Public Works and Transportation Committee to deal with the issue of the actual repairs to the Market Square Parking Garage. Mr. T. McKay advised that it was intended that Recommendation No.3 be dealt with by Council on May 23. Councillor M. Wagner expressed his concern with the total costs of the recommendations and how these costs would be tallied. Mayor Christy assured Councillor Wagner that monies were available out of budget reserve. Ms. Debra Rothwell was registered as a delegation but advised that students who proposed the coffee house project would be speaking to the issue. Ms. Sheila Marie Biers appeared as a delegation and advised that her views were previously made known to the Task Force and Members of Council. She was opposed to the coffee house proposal because of its location near a public park and proximity to a residential area, suggesting that it would be more appropriate in the downtown core. Further, she stated she had concern that the coffee house would have a negative effect on her own business. Ms. Biers also noted that the neighbourhood was under the impression that there was going to be a neighbourhood meeting to discuss the coffee house proposal before City Council dealt with it. Mr. Fred Bishop appeared as delegation in opposition to the location of the coffee house and the costs to develop it. It was his opinion that the Task Force had erred in offering a specific location rather than a set of alternatives. He stated that the coffee house would be more properly located in a business location and that he was concerned about noise including music and a patio operation of the coffee house. Further, he expressed concern that there would be overflow from the coffee house, if it was at capacity, to the clock tower with associated problems. He also questioned the ability of young people to enter into a contract for rental of the facility. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this point. Ms. Jane Smith appeared as a delegation and advised that she had lived on Richmond Street for ten years and had a petition signed by fifteen area residents who were opposed to the coffee house proposal. She noted that the residents accept noise in the day time as part of the activities within Victoria Park but expect the park to be quiet at night as many neighbours properties are in close proximity to the proposed coffee house. She expressed concern with regard to potential noise violations, gathering outside of the building, the small capacity of the building and how very large improvement costs could be justified. Further, she questioned if the facility would really serve the youth in the core and suggested that common sense necessitated a responsible long term supervisor being on the site. In summary, she noted that the proposal represents a change in land use which was expensive to the municipality and did nothing to enhance Victoria Park. MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - ~- CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor T. Galloway noted that Victoria Park was a large regional type of park and questioned what the City should do in regards to any park development. Ms. Smith recommended that the City allow the park to remain as green and open as possible. Ms. Dianne Kewley appeared as a delegation to read a letter to Council submitted by Andrea Walker who is a resident of Richmond Street. Ms. Walker supports the idea of a coffee house in the neighbourhood on the basis of the activity that the operation would generate thereby enhancing safety in the evening and that the proposal simply had merit as an outlet for young people. Mr. Philippe Craan appeared as a delegation and advised that he was also a resident of Richmond Street. Mr. Craan stated that he supported the concept of a coffee house youth centre operation but not at the suggested location. Further, he stated that he understood a by-law actually prohibits people from the park after 10 p.m. and noted that regardless of any controls placed on the operation, there would be disturbances and residents were prepared to call the authorities in that regard. Mayor R. Christy questioned if Mr. Craan would be willing to accept a trial period of operation during the 1995 summer months simply as an experiment. Mr. Craan responded that he suspected that the problems that would arise were known at this time. In this regard, he referred to examples of cars parked on David Street where stereos were blasting in the evening hours. Further, he noted that the building was in-efficient in that it was a small building on a small parcel of land. Messrs. Chad Krulicki, Harold Soulis, Jeff Oke and Kevin Boggs appeared as a delegation to speak in support of their proposed student run coffee house. The delegation noted that the idea for the coffee house was developed by them. It was suggested that the community would benefit from the proposal since it would allow the community to observe students in a constructive activity and also there would be benefit arising directly to the students from the Arts and Mentoring aspect of the proposal. It was stated that the proposal has met with overwhelming positive response and they have received many enquiries from people wishing to assist and participate in the endeavour. It was also indicated that they have a new financial plan to allow the facility to be developed and running by the summer. This would allow for delay of any costs associated with winterization of the building and provide additional time for them to look for various support by means of sponsorships and donations. The delegation advised that their plans were clearly outlined in their business plan previously submitted and upon their request, many individuals in attendance who support the concept stood to express that support. The delegation then provided answers to anticipated questions concerning the operation. On the matter of why a subsidy, they advised that the City provides large subsidies to sports activities. They raised the matter of people congregating outside the facility - gangs, drugs and alcohol and stated that such assumptions were prejudicial and discriminatory. They also stated that if it was deemed that the proposed location at 79 Joseph Street was not appropriate they would consider another location. On the matter of noise, they stated that this should not be a concern as the facility would close by 11 p.m. As to the matter of procedure to deal with problems, it was pointed out that the facility was not a drop-in centre and that the police would be called if any problem should arise and arrangements have been made to have the police drop by on their regular patrols within the downtown. With regard to any concern that the coffee house might be taking business away from other business in the downtown, it was suggested that any competition should be considered good, but that in fact, the customers to the coffee house were individuals who otherwise would not be in the downtown. On the issue of supervision, it was pointed out that the operators would be reporting monthly to the Education Committee. Councillor C. Weylie referred to the size of the building and questioned if it was too small. The delegation advised that if over a summer trial period it was found that there was too much crowding, they would accept the necessity to change location. Councillor M. Wagner questioned how broadly based support was in the community for the coffee house proposal and was advised there was substantial support from students in other schools. She was further advised that the students feel there were enough other students within the group to allow for the coffee house to carry on after they have moved on to other endeavours. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned if the students had approached Kathy Smith for support from Junior Achievement. He was advised that they did consider it but concluded the enterprise was their concern and they did not want to lose control of their dream. Ms. Debra Rothwell advised that they had a very brief discussion with Junior Achievement. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that earlier he had requested someone from the Task Force to contact Junior Achievement on the basis that the proposal could fall in under the umbrella of that organization which he indicated has a location at 7 Water Street. Councillor K. Redman questioned if the students feel the proposal is still their own dream notwithstanding the MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - 223- CITY OF KITCHENER involvement of mentors and others and was advised that the students were still of the opinion given they put the plan together. Councillor Redman stated that she liked the focus on the arts as it relates to the proposal, but expressed concern that the initiative may be circumventing the appropriate development process. She was advised that the Task Force contacted the students to propose use of the former P.U.C. building and that the suggested renovation costs of $25,000 had been reduced to below $20,000. A Kiwanis Club representative advised Council that the students were looking at the lowest possible cost to start up the proposal and the Club was prepared to support them. It was noted that pricing of renovations represented contractors services and that other improvements could be done on an in-house basis. Councillor K. Redman questioned if the former P.U.C. building was the only location considered. The delegation advised that many other locations had slight problems in addition to charging high monthly rents and that the best offer was the $1 nominal rental fee for 79 Joseph Street. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he was supportive of the trial period taking place during the summer months and a subsequent review, which would result in a minimum expenditure for needed improvements at 79 Joseph Street. He also questioned the delegation how they would address neighbourhood concerns after they were raised and the delegation responded that they would follow a procedure to ensure control of activities. Further, it was stated that all music would be inside the building and that no patio operation was proposed. Councillor M. Yantzi pointed out that the building was not air-conditioned and the Kiwanis Club representative advised that the building had good cross ventilation and could get by without air-conditioning Mr. Don Bourgeois, Chairman and Mr. Bert Coates appeared as a delegation on behalf of the Friends of St. Jerome. Mr. Bourgeois advised that the group was established in April, 1994 with a vision to rehabilitate the theatre contained in the 1909 building on the St. Jerome's site. He advised that they have a proposal and architectural drawings for renovation of the first floor. He indicated that the Task Force recommendation was that the Friends of St. Jerome consider rehabilitation of both buildings and the group was willing to undertake creation of a facility with an Arts/Cultural focus as it was their view that there should be more emphasis on Arts development within the community. Mr. Bourgeois advised that they willingly undertook the broader vision for a larger renovation and have invested $35,000 in donated services in this regard. He noted that there was a need in the community for an Arts facility with a seating capacity of 350-400 seats. Further, he noted that a just theatre facility would result in substantial spin-off economic benefits to the downtown. It was estimated that $1,000,000 would be brought in directly to the downtown on an annual basis and that did not include indirect spending from theatre patrons. It was their vision that a theatre would provide economic opportunities for new business and tourist development as elsewhere Arts and Culture has become an impetus for development in other centres. He advised that $50,000 towards a feasibility study would demonstrate whether the project is feasible/viable without direct operating subsidy from the City and that it would be totally self-funding Mr. Bourgeois advised that on the issue of ownership, the group was not in a position to purchase the building without completion of a feasibility study and if proved feasible, then they will make a decision to purchase the whole building. He advised that the project has a fair amount of public support in that it would provide both revitalization in the downtown and revitalization of a historic building. Further, he noted that the proposal meets current planning requirements for the site. Councillor T. Galloway questioned what was to be considered within the feasibility study. Mr. Bourgeois advised that the terms of reference would include proposals for raising of capital funds of $1,000,000 in the case of the theatre or $3,000,000 in the case of the whole building, as well as dealing with generation of operating funds. He noted that it would also establish the question of need for the theatre, the viability of the centre proposed and address the ownership structure, potential growth and fund-raising opportunities. Councillor Galloway referred to a study done some years ago and the delegation advised that at that time, such a theatre was found to be feasible. The delegation also responded that the governance issue of the proposal was critical and stated that the Board must manage the Arts facility by balancing artistic freedom and community value issues. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned if the Friends of St. Jerome's really needed $50,000 in funding and the delegation advised that such study would normally cost up to $100,000, but they have already covered a number of issues. Councillor J. Ziegler expressed concern over the possibility of continued requests for funding on an annual basis and Mr. Bourgeois stated that the purpose of the feasibility study was to confirm that in fact, there would be no need for such annual funding. Councillor M. Wagner questioned if the feasibility study was really needed, given that there was already general consensus in favour of the facility. Mr. Bourgeois advised that the major reason for the feasibility study related to capital fund raising initiatives since without a feasibility study they would be unable to support a request to levels of MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - 994 - CITY OF KITCHENER government and corporations for donations. In response to a further question, he advised that the group has had periodic discussions with officials of the Centre In The Square who have been very supportive to them. It was the delegation's view that their project would complement the operations of the Centre In The Square. He also stated that they have taken a broad regional approach to the need for this development. In response to Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. Bourgeois advised that the owners of the existing property were the Congregation of the Resurrection and that estimates of value for sale purposes were being developed for negotiation purposes. In response to Mayor R. Christy, he advised that letters patent had been approved in principle and the group was waiting for the signature of one individual who was unavailable at this time. Also, he indicated that the in-kind services could represent a portion of the $50,000 funding request. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned what time-lines were in place for the facility and was advised that if negotiations were begun for the purchase, it was envisaged that a renovated facility would open in 1997/98. Mr. John MacDonald of the Mayor's Task Force for the downtown questioned if the Friends of St. Jerome were willing to intensify their purchase efforts and Mr. Bourgeois advised that the group was willing to do whatever was necessary to see the project proceed. Also he advised that they have preliminary drawings for restoration. Mr. Alex MacDonald appeared before Council and advised that he was hired by the Congregation of the Resurrection in 1991 to try to facilitate redevelopment of the approximate 3 acre St. Jerome's land parcel. He noted that he was also a specialist in historic buildings and has worked for the congregation over a ten-year period. He stated that their plan was to first to lease the 70,000 square foot school building to the Waterloo County Roman Catholic Separate School Board and this has taken place with renovations ongoing and occupancy scheduled for September, 1995. As Phase II, it was their intention to deal with the 1909 building and in Phase III to deal with the 1907 building. He advised that extreme efforts had been made to find a purchaser for the property and that the owners were asking $500,000 for the 1909 building. He pointed out that the owners have incurred considerable expenditure to accommodate the School Board. Mr. A. MacDonald stated that there was no reason to doubt the success of a theatre. He cautioned that there were certain problems because of the building attached, noting that the 1909 building is very fragile and it was their fear that if not renovated before 1997, it would be too late as the building is in need of immediate attention and restoration. He stated that the owners were ready to move immediately to complete a sale. He advised that their costing information on restoration excluding the theatre, was available and they were willing to negotiate some confidentiality provided there was no conflict with trades. Mrs. Nancy Brawley appeared as a delegation representing the Downtown Business Association and commended members of the Mayor's Task Force for their report and condensation into 26 recommendations of all the information which they received. She stated that the Association fully supports the recommendations but wishes clarification on a few points. In reference to Recommendation No.8 she advised that the Association has undertaken the issue in the past and was willing to do so in the future. With regard to Recommendation No.14, she suggested that the issue was both internal and external, but that the recommendation was limited to looking at the issue in one way. With regard to Recommendation No. 15, she asked that the reference to Retail Action Plan be changed to Action Plan for Business Development. She also asked that the Plan of Development and implementation be looked at as a total project extending to December 1996 and advised that the Association wishes to participate in development of all aspects of the plan. On the matter of parking dealt with in Recommendation No.19, she thanked Council for its quick initiatives so far and requested that consideration be given to the provision of free parking all day Saturday. Finally, in reference to Recommendation No.26 respecting a dedicated management structure, she advised that the Association wishes to play role in that regard. Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the 2-hour free parking being provided and questioned if Mrs. Brawley could provide commentary on the effects of the change to date. Mrs. Brawley advised that the Association has a Parking Committee which will be putting forward a total education program and will include dealing with abuses by employees of downtown businesses. Councillor Lorentz suggested that Council should also be involved in meetings with regard to Recommendation No.8. In response to Councillor Lorentz respecting Recommendation No.10, Mrs. Brawley advised that monies of the Downtown Business Association will be freed up to allow for participation in other initiatives and it was their intention to allocate the $28,500 expenditure to the Business Action Plan. Further, she stated that they saw the City and the Association as co-partners in this ongoing program. In response to Councillor J. Ziegler, Mrs. Brawley advised that the Downtown Business Association has a $342,000 budget in 1995 and also the Association does benefit additionally to some degree in terms of in-kind work provided by the City along with funds for specific projects. Councillor J. Ziegler then raised MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - 225- CITY OF KITCHENER questions concerning Recommendation No.1 dealing with a downtown events co-ordinator. Mrs. Brawley responded that wide community events bringing people downtown should be a City responsibility and that the Business Association had only been doing the community events co-ordination because in the past, no one else was doing it. She pointed out that the Association had three full-time staff and various part- time help and volunteers to assist in specific programs. Councillor M. Wagner questioned if there was any confusion regarding the free parking and Mrs. Brawley advised that there has been confusion as to what was free with respect to streets off of King Street. Councillor Wagner requested that the Association monitor the situation and report back to City Council in a few months. On the matter of possible employee parking abuse, Councillor T. Galloway questioned what education program the Association plans to establish and noted that costs in the recommendation were based on a self-enforcement system. He questioned what position and role the Association would take with regard to this matter. Mrs. Brawley replied that the best way of dealing with potential abuse was peer pressure by other merchants/employees. She stated that the Association does not have control over their members but does have commitments from businesses to assist in the parking plan. Councillor Galloway maintained some requirements and enforcement were needed and in this regard suggested that businesses provide the licence plate numbers of their employees to the City. Mrs. Brawley stated that enforcement was one of the tasks that the Association intends to address. Mayor R. Christy questioned if the Downtown Business Association would provide licence plate documentation and Mrs. Brawley advised that it would. Moved by Councillor G. Lorentz Seconded by Councillor John Smola That the report of the Community Services Committee of this date be adopted. Carried. Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler Seconded by Councillor M. Yantzi That the report of the Downtown Action Committee endorsing the recommendations of the Interim Report of the Mayor's Task Force on the Downtown, as amended in the May 5, 1995 letter from Mr. B. Stanley, be adopted. Council agreed to discuss and vote on each recommendation of the Interim Report of the Mayor's Task Force on the Downtown, separately. Recommendation No.1 was discussed and Councillor K. Redman requested that the words "under the Parks and Recreation Department" be deleted at this time, as she felt the Downtown Events Co-ordinator should have a certain independent figure head role. Councillor Lorentz questioned where the person would be housed and suggested that approval in principle, should be subject to development of a budget involving compensation and benefits. Councillor M. Wagner questioned the link between Recommendations No.1 and 14 and the Mayor explained the broad aspect of linkage to Recommendation No.14. Councillor Wagner indicated his support as he has thought for some time that a communication officer position was needed. Councillor B. Vrbanovic agreed with the linkage between Recommendations No.1 and 14 and commented that both positions were needed. He stated that he would like some further investigation of the link between public relations and events co-ordinator and requested further clarification of the roles. Councillor J. Ziegler requested that reference to "an initial" relative to the two-year contract, be deleted, however, he stated it was his view that the Downtown Events Co-ordinator should be hired through the Kitchener Downtown Business Association. Councillor M. Yantzi disagreed and noted that the position requires focus and it was not just a KDBA function but rather a City-wide events function. Mr. John MacDonald, Mayor's Task Force member, explained the thinking behind the "portability" of the position. In reference to costs, Mr. J. Gazzola advised that he could have these refined within several days. Mr. T. McKay pointed out that the documentation already provided referred to approximately $169,000 in costs for the position, however, Mayor R. Christy requested a breakdown of that figure. A motion by Councillor John Smola, seconded by Councillor K. Redman to amend Recommendation No.1 so as to delete the words "under the Parks and Recreation Department" was voted on and accepted. A motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, seconded by Councillor John Smola to delete the words "an initial" from MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - ~6- CITY OF KITCHENER Recommendation No.1 was accepted. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz, seconded by Councillor J. Ziegler, Recommendation No.1 was amended to require that the hiring be subject to financial details being provided with respect to salary and benefit costs. Recommendation No.14 was then considered. Mr. T. McKay advised Council that he was not sure the recommendation was practical and that he would like to consider it in more detail. He suggested that department heads would have to consider the role but that he was not sure the recommendation could be done at no cost. Councillor T. Galloway acknowledged the need for tourism responsibilities and noted that the City provides monies to the Visitor and Convention Bureau but that Recommendation 14 appeared to be a parallel operation. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he was meeting with staff and considering ways of enhancing the City within the Visitor and Convention Bureau's operations. Mayor R. Christy advised that Ms. S. Tranter and Ms. L. Fryfogel were working at initiating methods of communicating with the media. Councillor K. Redman pointed out that the need was for a focused plan and it was necessary to dedicate someone's time to the undertaking. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner, seconded by Councillor M. Yantzi, it was agreed to delete the reference to the word "tourism" from the phrase downtown as a tourism destination and to also delete from the first sentence the words "marketing, promotions and communications to serve as a Communications Officer" and replace those words with "the City as a whole, the downtown in particular and development of a media strategy." Councillors Jake Smola and J. Ziegler requested to be recorded as being opposed to the amendment. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he was requesting further information on linkage between Recommendation No. 1 and 14. Recommendation No.2 was considered and accepted. Recommendation No.3 was dealt with and Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that the July, 1995 date was unrealistic and that more time was needed. Mayor R. Christy advised that Cambridge Leaseholds was concerned about their long-term investment and that the target date of July 1995 was essential and was established as a result of the seriousness of the issue. Councillor G. Lorentz commented that he had a problem in spending additional monies on the Market Square Garage which was essentially a poor structure and suggested that Cambridge Leasehold should come forward with a creative plan to address the problem. Mr. T. McKay referred to a report prepared regarding this matter which details what monies that will be expended this year and it was requested that the report be included on the next agenda of the Public Works and Transportation Committee. Recommendation No.3 of the report was then considered and accepted. Recommendation No.13 of the report was then considered. An amendment by Councillor M. Yantzi, seconded by Councillor C. Weylie was proposed to provide for a lease period of June 1 to September 30 on the basis of a trial period with up to $5,000 for improvements expended by the City, that a group be formed with evidence of written support from the Arts Council to support the venture and provide continuity and that the entire operation be reviewed by September 30. Councillor Jake Smola questioned if there was asbestos in the building and Mr. T. McKay stated that he would expect that this was an issue that Mr. L. Proulx would have considered in his inspection of the building condition. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he was opposed to the location but supported the concept of the coffee house. Councillor K. Redman advised that at a neighbourhood meeting, it had been indicated that the hope was to circulate the resolution concerning the coffee house and that she was uncomfortable with the process that had taken place with regard to the Joseph Street site. She also expressed concern that we may be setting the operators up for failure. A motion to amend Councillor M. Yantzi's amendment was moved by Councillor K. Redman, seconded by Councillor J. Ziegler to provide that the upgrade cost to be expended by the City not exceed $10,000 rather than $5,000. Councillor Yantzi's amendment to Recommendation No.13, as amended by Councillor Redman, was accepted on a recorded vote with Mayor R. Christy and Councillors John Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Redman, B. Vrbanovic, C. Weylie, J. Ziegler and M. Wagner voting in favour while Councillors Jake Smola, M. Yantzi and T. Galloway voted in the negative. A further amendment by Councillor J. Ziegler, seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz was proposed requiring that the operators have sufficient additional funds committed to complete the project before the City's $10,000 was finally committed. Councillor Ziegler's amendment to Recommendation No. 13 was accepted on a recorded vote with Mayor R. Christy and Councillors John Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Redman, B. Vrbanovic, C. Weylie, J. Ziegler and M. Wagner voting in favour while Councillors Jake Smola, M. Yantzi and T. Galloway voted in the negative. SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 16, 1995 - ~7- CITY OF KITCHENER Recommendation No.13, as amended, was accepted on a recorded vote with Mayor R. Christy and Councillors John Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Redman, B. Vrbanovic, T. Galloway, C. Weylie, M. Yantzi, J. Ziegler and M. Wagner voting in favour while Councillor Jake Smola voted in the negative. Recommendation No.12 of the report was then considered. Councillor B. Vrbanovic expressed support for the recommendation but suggested additional wording be incorporated to provide that the $50,000 grant could be composed of elements of in-kind services. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he would support the recommendation provided the community supports the facility hereafter. Councillor T. Galloway pointed out that the resolution really subscribes to the theory that Arts/Cultural/Entertainment will drive downtown rejuvenation. Councillor M. Wagner commented that this was the kind of hard resolution that will have a long lasting effect on the downtown. In response to Councillor Jake Smola as to where the $50,000 would come from, Mr. John Gazzola advised that most items will be financed out of funds that have been set aside and that he would be providing a report to Council in this regard. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, seconded by Councillor M. Wagner, Recommendation No.12 was amended to add the additional wording "including elements that could be in-kind services" after the amount of $50,000. Recommendation No.8 was considered and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie, seconded by Councillor M. Wagner, it was agreed to amend the recommendation so as to provide for inclusion of Council representation. Recommendations No.4, 5, 6 & 7 of the report were then considered and accepted. Recommendation No.9 was then considered. Mr. T. Clancy advised that there was $5,000 budgeted in the Parks & Recreation Department Operating Budget for minor repairs to downtown furniture and that the recommendation proposed more extensive repairs that would require additional funding. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if there were other sources of funding that would allow for this expenditure without extra costs being incurred. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, seconded by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Recommendation No.9 was amended so as to provide for approval of $15,000 with additional expenditure requirements being subject to reallocation of monies from existing 1995 budgets and consideration by the Community Services Committee. Recommendation No. 10 was considered and accepted. Recommendation No. ll was then considered and Councillor Jake Smola questioned what the costs would be. Mr. T. McKay advised that costs would be up to $500,000 for this project which was 3 to 5 years in the future. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that many other decisions would have to be made prior to this matter being dealt with. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, seconded by Councillor M. Wagner, Recommendation No. ll was amended to add the words "that in principle, subject to consideration of a staff report respecting approximate costs and Capital Forecast timing". Recommendation No. 15 of the report was then considered. An error was pointed out in the report where reference was made to Retail Action Plan. It was requested that the words be replaced with the words "Action Plan for Business Development". On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, seconded by Councillor C. Weylie, Recommendation No. 15 was amended to provide for approval in principle subject to receipt of detailed information and to insert the words "Action Plan for Business Development" in place of "Retail Action Plan". Recommendations No. 16 & 17 of the report were considered and accepted. Recommendation No. 18 of the report was considered and Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that it should be referred back to staff for a written report from Mr. T. McCabe. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner, seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz, Recommendation No.18 was amended to approve action in principle subject to consideration of a staff report on matters of legality and implementation. Recommendation No.19 was considered and Councillor T. Galloway commented that he could not support it unless there was an explicit ironclad process with respect to enforcement of employee parking. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway, seconded by Councillor J. Ziegler, Recommendation No.19 was amended to ensure a user friendly enforcement program that provides for a co-operative system of enforcement involving the City and the Kitchener Downtown Business Association allowing employers to self-enforce employee parking in the downtown. MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - ~8- CITY OF KITCHENER Recommendation No.20 was considered and Mr. T. McKay commented that it was already being implemented and would be ongoing within existing budgets. Councillor Jake Smola requested that staff segregate the costs of advertising for these changes in parking policy relative to the downtown and was advised that this would be done. Recommendation No.20 was accepted. Recommendation No.21 was considered and Councillor J. Ziegler indicated that he was in favour of it and asked for a report from staff as to what road network they think will work in the downtown. In response to Councillor John Smola, Mayor R. Christy advised that any costs with respect to changes in the road network would be put into the Capital Forecast. Mayor R. Christy, in reference to the Ring Road System requested elimination of the words "through private property" on the basis that this would leave the design team with more freedom so that if it meant going through some private property, that option would be available. Councillor K. Redman advised that a regional review committee was looking at the changes in a study. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, seconded by Councillor M. Wagner, Recommendation No.21 was accepted on a recorded vote with Mayor R. Christy and Councillors John Smola, K. Redman, B. Vrbanovic, C. Weylie, M. Yantzi, J. Ziegler and M. Wagner voting in favour while Councillors G. Lorentz, T. Galloway and Jake Smola voted in the negative. Recommendations No.22, 24 & 25 were considered and accepted. Recommendation No.23 of the report was considered and Councillor Jake Smola questioned if staff were doing it already. Ms. S. Frenette advised that there were a number of things staff have wanted to do in regards to the recommendation but so far have been unable to focus on. Councillor M. Wagner commented that Recommendation No.23 was one of the most fundamental in the study and pointed out that a great deal of work needs to be done as part of the recommendation. Ms. S. Frenette advised Councillor Jake Smola that staff were looking for a full cross-section of housing forms as part of the process of creating new housing. Recommendation No.23 was accepted. Mayor R. Christy referred to Recommendation No.26 in the Interim Report of the Mayor's Task Force on the Downtown which was not contained in the report being considered this date and stated he understood that Recommendation No.26 was to be dealt with as part of the final report of the Task Force that will be presented in June. Mr. John MacDonald noted that it was the intent of the Task Force to put Council on notice as to the importance of Recommendation No.26 and their belief that a management structure needs to be dealt with. The original motion to adopt the report as moved by Councillor J. Ziegler, seconded by Councillor M. Yantzi, and the amendments accepted this date were then put to a vote and it was resolved: "That the report of the Downtown Action Committee endorsing the recommendations of the Interim Report of the Mayor's Task Force on the Downtown, as amended in the May 5, 1995 letter from Mr. B. Stanley and as further amended this date, be adopted." Recorded votes were taken with regard to Recommendations No.13 and 21 of the report as outlined under consideration of each of these recommendations. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed thanks to all members of the Task Force for the time and effort they had committed in preparing the report considered this date. Mayor R. Christy expressed his personal thanks to the members of the Task Force for their contribution in preparing their report which he considered to be historic in terms of downtown planning. He acknowledged that there were plenty of financial considerations that would be coming forward that must be dealt with by City Council. On behalf of Task Force members, Mr. John MacDonald thanked Council for the opportunity to be involved in this project. Moved by Councillor John Smola Seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce a by-law to confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council and that the same be taken as read a first, second and third times, be finally passed and numbered 95-76 by the Clerk. Carried. SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 16, 1995 CITY OF KITCHENER On motion, the meeting adjourned. MAYOR CLERK MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - ~30- CITY OF KITCHENER REPORTS ADOPTED BY COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - That the 1995 outdoor market be operated on Scott Street from June 17, 1995 to October 14, 1995, and That the dates be subject to street closure and two way traffic on Scott Street, from Weber Street to Duke Street, being implemented by the Traffic & Parking Division, and That staff continue investigating additional parking opportunities during Saturday markets, and further That we approve over expenditures in accounts identified in the 1995 Outdoor Market Budget as considered by the Community Services Committee on May 15, 1995. DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEE (MAYOR'S TASK FORCE ON THE DOWNTOWN) - That in principle and subject to financial details including salary and benefit costs, the City hire a Downtown Events Coordinator for a two year contract. The purpose of the position shall be to attract, initiate and coordinate special events and festivals in the entire Downtown area that will encourage economic spin offs and tourism. In the short term, continue the implementation of the Kitchener Market Business Plan to maintain and build upon the revitalization momentum gained in the last 6 months. Proceed with the plans to provide a greater outside presence by expanding the outdoor market onto Scott Street between June and Octoberfest 1995. In the long term, resolve the farmers market as part of the Retail Action Plan. Direct senior management to work with Cambridge Leaseholds to resolve the Market Square parking garage issue for the long term by July 1995 recognizing the implications for Market Square, the Farmer's Market location and parking needs in the area. That City Council establish a Kitchener Safer Community Committee comprised of a broad community membership, property owners and City staff whose short term mandate shall be to focus on the commercial core and abutting residential areas. The Committee will develop an overall strategy for safety in the city beginning with a program to implement safety audit recommendations and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. Direct City staff to consult with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and the Safer Community Committee to determine priority locations for lighting, tree pruning and clearing of vegetation to increase light levels, to improve the uniformity of light in the core, to improve site lines and eliminate entrapment areas. Have staff report back to Council with a 5 year capital budget proposal for addressing the safety audit priorities. Assign a co-ordinator from City staff to provide resources to the Safer Community Committee to initiate and oversee the implementation of safety audits and to link existing agencies, programs and safety initiatives to mobilize and support community based projects. Begin a targeted property standards cleanup of derelict and unsightly properties in the commercial core and along the main arteries leading into the core namely King Street, Frederick Street, Duke Street, Charles Street, Queen Street, and Victoria Street. Direct staff to identify and take action on all property maintenance problems to send a clear message that neglected buildings and properties will no longer be tolerated. That City Council make a formal request to the Kitchener Downtown Business Association, including Council representation, the Waterloo Regional Police and the Liquor License Inspector of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to meet with the owners of downtown entertainment facilities and bars to seek their cooperation in managing patron behaviour and the protection of property outside the confines of their establishments. 9. That we approve $15,000 and additional expenditure requirements being subject to re-allocation of MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - 231- CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. monies from existing 1995 budgets and consideration by the Community Services Committee, so as to provide in the operating budget of the Parks and Recreation Department for the maintenance of downtown furniture to paint, refinish, repair, replace existing street furniture and to rejuvenate the gardens at the entrances to the Downtown. Provide an additional $ 28,500 to the Parks and Recreation Department to assume beautification initiatives currently undertaken by the KDBA, namely banners, tree lights and Christmas lights. That in principle, subject to consideration of a staff report respecting approximate costs and Capital Forecast timing, we incorporate Gaukel Street into the Master Plan for Victoria Park and redesign Gaukel Street to create a tree-lined boulevard street forming a dramatic promenade with visual appeal between King Street and the Clock Tower. That City Council in partnership with the Friends of St. Jeromes support the cost sharing for a feasibility study to restore and operate the St. Jerome's Centre for the Arts in the amount of $ 50,000 including elements that could be in-kind services. The initial study should focus on the theatre and ancillary space on the first floor as well as the second, third and fourth floors of the College Street building. That on a trial basis for the summer 1995, we lease the City owned (P.U.C.) building for $1.00 for the purposes of a student run coffee house. As landlord, the City should provide basic upgrades such as plumbing, heating, lighting and a barrier-free washroom at costs not exceeding $10,000. The students shall be expected to present a Business Plan to the City and operate within the contractual conditions of a lease agreement. The assistance of the City's Community Development staff should be lent to the mentoring aspect of this project. Further, that the above shall be subject to the following conditions: - the trial period existing from June 1, 1995 to September 30, 1995 - receipt of a letter from the Waterloo Regional Arts Council confirming their sponsorship of this venture in a support role - review of the business operation before September 30, 1995 involving the residents and coffee house operators And further the above arrangement for building upgrades is subject to the proponents having obtained sufficient funding commitments to complete all basic upgrades before the City's $10,000 investment is finally committed. That in principle, we dedicate an existing City employee knowledgeable of the City as a whole, the downtown in particular and development of a media strategy to enhance Kitchener's presence in the community and to position downtown as a destination. This may be achieved by taking a leadership role in getting out the news about downtown and developing marketable tourism packages geared to individual, group and tour markets, developing special events through the Downtown Events Coordinator, supporting proposed tourism related projects, and developing an effective media/communications strategy. Subject to receipt of detailed information, we approve in principle providing matching dollars up to $ 20,000 to the KDBA to hire a Retail Marketing Consultant to prepare an Action Plan for Business Development. Staff of the Economic Development Department and the Department of Planning and Development should be assigned to a Steering Committee comprised also of members of the KDBA to oversee the work of the consultant and to help facilitate the implementation of the plan. Assign staff to a business and retail response team reporting to the CAO and Mayor to seek out and welcome new ventures and respond proactively with strategies to keep businesses that are contemplating relocation from the downtown. This is an interim recommendation. The final report will recommend a structure for ongoing implementation. 17. Create a "one-stop shopping" or one-window procedure for new or expanding businesses to facilitate Iocational decision making, marketplace data, building and renovation by-law information, and business licensing procedures. Institute a multi-department Continuous Improvement process to work out the details with the objective to provide a streamlined process for the business customer seeking approval to locate a business in the Downtown. MAY 16, 1995 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - 232- CITY OF KITCHENER 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. That in principle and subject to consideration of a staff report on matters of legality and implementation, we institute a three year exemption on municipal fees for applications, permits and certificates for businesses and development within the downtown core, provide a three year exemption of parkland dedication under Section 42 of the Planning Act as weft as a three year exemption on cash in-lieu-of parking and amend the City's Development Charge By-law to exempt all residential and non-residential development charges. Integrate the new initiatives of free two hour parking on downtown streets into an overall parking strategy for the downtown that will address equitable fees for surface lots, parking structures and will include an innovative, user friendly enforcement program that provides for a co-operative system of enforcement involving the City and the KDBA allowing employers to self-enforce employee parking in the downtown and will consider the consequences of free parking in all City lots and garages on Saturdays. This work to be completed in time for inclusion in the final report. Develop and implement an advertising program to publicize and clarify the parking fees in the Downtown. That City Council endorse in principle the return of the Downtown portion of Duke and Charles Streets in the Ring Road system to a two-way traffic system and request the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to accommodate the necessary changes to the road network design including removal of the King/Duke connection through private property in the Regional Downtown Road Study. That Traffic and Parking Services be instructed to re-evaluate the function of the one-way local roads in the downtown with the prospect of opening the streets to two-way traffic and providing optimum choice in turning movement and directional flow to the patrons of the Downtown. That the Department of Planning and Development and the Economic Development Division be instructed to actively promote the creation of new housing in the Downtown through: a) the identification of appropriate buildings for conversion to housing, vacant sites and redevelopment sites; b) providing market research into the needs of individuals seeking housing in the Downtown area; c) marketing the lifestyle opportunities of living in the Downtown area; and d) working with housing developers to ascertain and facilitate inducements to housing development. Direct the Department of Planning and Development to prepare a report outlining the implications of amending the Zoning By-law to permit live-work space in the industrial warehouse areas on the western edges of the downtown. 25. Request Kitchener Housing Inc. to consult with the downtown artists interested in establishing a live-work community in renovated downtown space and to explore through the Ministry of Housing the incentive programs and funding options to undertake such a development.