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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1992-11-02CSC\1992-11-02 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY NOVEMBER 2, 1992 The Community Services Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman G. Lorentz with the following members present: Alderman T. Galloway, Alderman G. Leadston, Alderman M. Wagner, Alderman M. Yantzi, Alderman C. Zehr. Mayor D. Cardillo, Alderman J. Smola, Alderman C. Weylie and Alderman J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Fire Chief J. Hancock, Messrs. G. Straus, F. Graham, R. Wyatt, L. Wiegand, R. Arnot, J. Maslanka, G. Nixon, T. McKay, B. Stanley, G. Kett, T. Clancy, R. Weber, Ms. C. Oliver, Ms. J. Dean and Ms. D.H. Gilchrist. This meeting of the Community Services Committee commenced at 12:00 p.m. 1. Minutes On motion by Alderman J. Smola it was resolved: "That the Minutes of the regular meeting of the Community Services Committee of October 19, 1992, as mailed to the members, be accepted." Proposal for Development of Environmentally Compatible Facilities and Proqrams for Firefiqhter Traininq and Fire Research Mr. G. Straus, Training Director, was in attendance along with Professors E. Weckman and A. Strong of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo to present the report included in the agenda. Mr. Straus advised that the City currently owns a 3.6 acre site on Homer Watson Boulevard adjacent to the Bud plant for the purpose of constructing a firefighter training centre. He displayed plans of the site. He stated that before developing the site, the City is looking to address all environmental concerns. Professor Strong addressed the Committee and spoke of the proposal advising that the main issue to be taken into consideration is the public's concern for the environment vis-a-vis the firefighter training. There is a great concern throughout the country over environmental protection and design standards have yet to be developed for this type of training. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. General discussion took place over the report and Mr. T. McKay advised that the site had been purchased in the 1970's and was identified for Fire Station #6 and a training facility. In the 1980's it was determined that Fire Station #6 should be located elsewhere. Professor Strong was questioned as to whether or not he needed the support of the municipality to make his application to the Environmental Innovation Program and the professor advised that he did require the City's support. On motion by Alderman C. Zehr it was resolved: "That the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener supports the application of the University of Waterloo to the Environmental Innovation Program of the Federal Government, in the amount of $319,460.00, to develop environmentally compatible facilities and programs for firefighter training and fire research." Mayor D. Cardillo entered the meeting at this time. 3. Installation of Bench in Spruce Grove Gardens The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery Operations, dated October 26, 1992. Mr. Kett was in attendance to answer any questions that the Committee might have in this regard. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 138 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 3. Installation of Bench in Spruce Grove Gardens - cont'd On motion by Alderman M. Wagner it was resolved: "That we approve the request of Mrs. Joyce Poynter, to have a granite bench installed on Lot #37 in Spruce Grove Gardens. 4. Deleqation - 1993 Central Ontario Exhibition Mr. G. White of the Central Ontario Exhibition was in attendance and apologized that Mr. F. Hunsberger, President of the C.O.E., was unable to attend this date. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. B. Stanley, dated October 26, 1992 and Mr. White read from a prepared presentation which was distributed to the members of the Committee. The Committee was also in receipt of a letter from the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Mr. White advised the Committee that the purpose of his attendance was to determine whether or not there would be any support to hold the C.O.E. in 1993. He stated that the 1992 budget is currently being audited and the audit will be complete on November 24, 1992. Further he advised that as per the contract with the Auditorium, the Board of Directors would pay back to the City the 50% of any profits made. Discussions then took place over what expectations there were for a profit for the 1993 C.O.E. On motion by Alderman G. Leadston it was resolved: "That we approve in principle a grant to the Central Ontario Exhibition in the amount of $48,075.00 to cover the cost of renting the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex for its 1993 Exhibition, July 3-13, 1993." It was generally agreed that this resolution would be forwarded to the Finance and Administration Committee during budget deliberations. Alderman C. Weylie entered the meeting at this time. 5. Jr. "B" Dutchmen Hockey Club The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. B. Stanley, dated October 26, 1992. Mr. P. Collins of the Hockey Club was in attendance. Discussion took place over the recommendation contained in Mr. Stanley's report and it was generally agreed that the final payment for the 1992-93 hockey season would be made December 31, 1993 rather than November 30 as noted in Mr. Stanley's recommendation. Mayor D. Cardillo put forward the recommendation as contained in Mr. Stanley's report. Alderman C. Zehr requested an amendment to the recommendation to include that the outstanding C.R.F. charges of $2,200.00 would be paid back to the City no later than February 28, 1993. The Mayor accepted this amendment to the recommendation. On motion by Mayor D. Cardillo it was resolved: "That we approve a $17,514.76 interest free loan to the Jr. "B" Dutchmen Hockey Club, due March 31, 1994, to cover the cost of their ice time for the 1991-92 hockey season; and further, That effective with the start of the Hockey Club's 1992-93 hockey season, the Kitchener Dutchmen Hockey Club agrees that it will assume full responsibility for its annual facility rental costs, as set out in their agreement with the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex; and further, That the Jr. "B" Dutchmen Hockey Club agrees to pay the City of Kitchener for the cost of annual facility time within the following time lines: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 139 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 5. Jr. "B" Dutchmen Hockey Club - cont'd 1992-93 Hockey Season 50% of the annual rental must be paid no later than March 31, 1993. Balance of the annual rental must be paid no later than December 31, 1993. 1993-94 Hockey Season 100% of the annual rental must be paid no later than March 31, 1994 or immediately following conclusion of post-season play, whichever is later; and further, That the Jr. "B" Dutchmen Hockey Club agrees to include a 25 cent C.R.F. on all gate admission tickets, and the Hockey Club agrees to regularly remit the C.R.F. to the City, as set out in its rental agreement with the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex; and further, That the outstanding C.R.F. balance of $2,200.00 shall be paid to the City of Kitchener no later than February 28, 1993." 6. Deleqation - Walkway Fencinq Mr. A. Volcansek, owner of 1123 Queen's Blvd., was in attendance to request that the City pay 100% of the cost of installing a chain link fence between his property and Lakeside Park. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. J. Dean, dated October 27, 1992. Mr. Volcansek advised the Committee of the problems which he has had to deal with concerning the public's use of his property when accessing the walkway between his property and Lakeside Park. He advised that he had talked to his former Ward Alderman and Parks & Recreation staff and he advised them of the property damage caused by members of the general public. The Committee advised Mr. Volcansek of their sympathy with his problems but advised that there are also many other people in the City who live adjacent to public walkways which must face the same problem; which is why the City developed the policy of paying 50% of the cost for such fences. Discussion took place over whether or not the walkway preceded the existing Council policy. It was determined that it did not. Mr. Volcansek advised that it was his opinion that since the City put the sidewalk through adjacent to his property, the City should be responsible for the cost of constructing the fence. Further, he advised that there is a water problem with water run-off from the concrete walkway onto his property. Discussion also took place over the possibility of installing shrubs along the lot line with some temporary fencing, which was thought to be a cheaper proposition than the fence. Discussion then took place over the possibility of allowing Mr. Volcansek to reimburse the City for 50% of the cost of the fence over a period of time, with or without interest. On motion by Alderman J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the owner of 1123 Queen's Boulevard to have the City pay 100% of the cost of walkway fencing abutting his property; and further, That should the owner wish to take advantage of Council's existing walkway fencing policy, he be permitted to repay the City his 50% portion of the cost of the fence without interest over a 3 year period." Mayor D. Cardillo left the meeting at this time. 7. Deleqation - K-W Drum Corps Association Mr. C. Prack was in attendance on behalf of the K-W Drum Corps Association along with representatives of two of the Association's Drum Corps. Mr. Prack distributed a brochure outlining the eight drum corps involved in the association and read from a prepared presentation. He advised that they raised 95% of their own budget and that their expenses are manageable due to the large amount of volunteer time and effort. He stated that the 1992 grant request amounted to 2% of their operating costs and that prize monies won by the different corps helped pay some of COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 140 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 their costs. When questioned by Mr. F. Graham, Mr. Prack advised that they do get a grant from the City of Waterloo in the amount of $14,000.00. As to the residency of the members, Mr. Prack advised that 31% are Waterloo residents, 47% are Kitchener residents and 22% live outside the Twin Cities. Mr. Prack advised that the Drum Corps Association's 1993 grant request would be the same amount as for the 1992 grant request which represents about 2% of their total budget. 8. Minor Sports Grant Mr. J. Maslanka gave a brief presentation concerning the minor sports grant applications package which was received by each member of the Committee. Mr. Maslanka advised that this new process has been developed in order to give out grant funding in the most equitable way possible. Mr. Maslanka reviewed with the Committee members a chart entitled "Kitchener Parks and Recreation - Minor Sport Grant Analysis 1991-92 and the Kitchener Parks and Recreation - 1993 Minor Sports Grant - Payment Schedule". He advised that a new policy has been developed whereby an organization will receive grant funding from the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo in proportion to the number of residents in the association from each of the two cities. General discussion took place over the proposed change in procedure. Mr. Maslanka advised that staff are looking for approval of this new "Minor Sports Affiliation Package" from the Committee. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner it was resolved: "That we approve the "Kitchener Parks and Recreation Minor Sports Affiliation Package" as presented to the Community Services Committee on November 2, 1992." The Chairman reminded staff that if they wish recommendations to be considered by the Committee, they must be forwarded to the Committee in writing prior to the meeting so that the Committee members may consider them before the meeting. 9. Deleqation - K-W Skatinq Club Staff advised the Committee that Mr. Psutka was unable to attend the meeting this date. 10. Deleqation - Kitchener Rinqette Ms. K. Masters and Ms. B. Hiller were in attendance on behalf of Kitchener Ringette to thank the City for its support. Ms. Masters advised the Committee that Kitchener Ringette is a model association in Ontario. Further, they have great volunteer support. Ms. Masters advised that enrolment has been declining somewhat, as there are more sports opportunities for girls in Kitchener-Waterloo. She stated that enrolment is growing at the bottom end and dropping off at the top end. She advised that the long term goals of the organization are to develop volunteers, develop players' roles and to concentrate on Kitchener Ringette. Alderman T. Galloway advised the Committee that Ms. Masters was recognized as one of Oktoberfest's Women of the Year this year. She was recognized for all of her volunteer time for Ringette and other organizations. The Committee offered Ms. Masters their congratulations. 11. Deleqation - Kitchener Minor Soccer Messrs. D. Damon and J. Hart were in attendance on behalf of Kitchener Minor Soccer and advised the Committee that there have been many changes in Kitchener Minor Soccer this year with the opening of the indoor facility. Further, they advised that they had been approached by other clubs throughout the country to discuss the co-operation which exists between this city and the club. The Committee was advised that Minor Soccer has seen a small amount of growth over the last few years and provided the Committee members with a chart showing the increase by age group. Further, the Committee was advised that more girls are getting involved in soccer and with the construction of the new complex, there has been a greater interest in indoor soccer. In discussing the soccer revenues, the Committee was advised that minor soccer is in flux this year as they now have a business with expenses which run 12 months of the year. They are in the COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 141 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 process of creating an accounting program for the operation of the indoor facility and for outdoor soccer and are trying to identify where they can cut back. They are trying to be more cost effective in programs and in how they are operated. 12. Deleqation - Kitchener Minor Baseball Mr. Stewart and Mr. McKillop were in attendance on behalf of Kitchener Minor Baseball and provided the Committee with a preliminary budget for the 1992-93 season. Mr. Stewart advised that registrations from Minor Baseball have doubled since 1988 with 1,100 children participating last year and over 300 children who could not be accommodated. The Committee was advised that older boys wish to continue playing and they are the hardest ones to accommodate because they need bigger diamonds. The Committee was advised that in the budget, Minor Baseball is starting to put money away in order to fund better facilities. The Committee was advised that Minor Baseball appreciates the City's support and hoped that they would be able to maintain the same grant levels in 1993 as they received in 1992; as well as looking for other forms of fundraising. Alderman C. Zehr questioned whether or not Minor Baseball intended to incorporate this year and questioned what percentage of minor sports organizations are incorporated. Mr. R. Wyatt advised that very few of them are. Alderman Zehr suggested that information on liability issues in addition to insurance should be provided to minor sports organizations and that staff should take this under advisement. General discussion took place over the requirements for ball diamonds for older kids, the number of kids turned away or on waiting lists and the number of ball teams in Kitchener Minor Baseball last year. Alderman J. Smola and Alderman G. Leadston left the meeting at this time. 13. Kinq Edward School - Outdoor Rink The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy dated October 28, 1992 in this regard. Alderman M. Yantzi reviewed last year's arrangement advising that a member of staff, who lives in the area, had volunteered to flood the rink. It was Alderman Yantzi's opinion that the staff person should be paid this year. Mr. T. Clancy advised that the operational costs associated with this rink are minimal however, the capital cost would be $8,000.00. Mr. T. McKay advised that there were no capital funds in the 1992 budget to do this and there will be no funds in the 1993 budget, as the City has a tough budget to face this year. Discussion then took place over the possible misuse of funds in this account. Mr. R. Arnot advised that for rinks on school sites, the City pays $200.00 per year and the School Board pays $200.00 per year, on a fee for service basis. The organization running the rink must keep a budget and return any excess funds at the end of the season. Mr. Arnot explained that in this case the Board of Education is not providing any funds for the rink. 13. Kinq Edward School - Outdoor Rink - cont'd On motion by Alderman C. Zehr it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 142 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 "That the Rink Committee for King Edward Public School continue to flood the rink utilizing the City's flusher as directed for the 1991-92 season." 14. Information - Homer Watson House and Gallery The Committee acknowledged receipt of information provided by Ms. Thompson, Administrator, Homer Watson House and Gallery, dated October 16, 1992. It was noted that Alderman G. Lorentz is Council's appointment to the new Sub-Committee with Alderman C. Zehr being the alternate. 15. 1995 Ontario Winter Games The members of the Committee were provided with copies of a letter from Mr. F.S. Graham, dated November 2, 1992, recommending that the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo submit a joint bid to host the 1995 Ontario Winter Games. It was suggested that the City of Cambridge be approached to participate in the hosting of these games. On motion by Alderman T. Galloway it was resolved: "That the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo submit a bid to the Provincial Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, to host the 1995 Ontario Winter Games; and further, That the City of Cambridge be invited to participate along with the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo." 16. Information Items The Committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: a) Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex reports: Exhibition Hockey Breakdown, September, 1992 KMA Monthly Summary, September, 1992 Country Plus I Love Country, October 10 & 11, financial summary Thrills, Chills and Spills, September 26, 1992, financial summary b) Fall and Spring Tree Planting 17. Next Meetinq The next regular meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled November 16, 1992, in Committee Room 4, commencing at 1:00 p.m. for Monday 18. Adjournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary