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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1992-10-19CSC\1992-10-19 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 1992 The Community Services Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman G. Lorentz with the following members present: Mayor D. Cardillo, Alderman T. Galloway, Alderman G. Leadston, Alderman M. Wagner, Alderman C. Weylie, Alderman M. Yantzi, Alderman C. Zehr and Alderman B. Stortz. Others Present: Fire Chief J. Hancock, Messrs. R. Arnot, R. Weber, T. McKay, F. Graham, L. Wiegand, J. Gazzola, Ms. L. Bamford, Ms. C. Oliver, Ms. G. Holstead and Ms. D.H. Gilchrist. This meeting of the Community Services Committee commenced at 1:20 p.m. 1. Minutes On motion by Alderman M. Wagner it was resolved: "That the Minutes of the regular meeting of the Community Services Committee of October 5, 1992, as mailed to the members, be accepted." 2. Deleqation - Victoria Hills Community Centre Ms. J. Padfield, President, Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association, was in attendance to give an overview of the first year's operation of the Community Centre. Ms. Padfield provided the Committee members with statistics on use for the Centre and activities scheduled for the Centre and photographs of different events which have taken place at the Centre. A video of the use of the Centre was viewed by all members of the Committee. Ms. Padfield thanked Council for the Community Centre and advised of its use including statistics on use and how the Centre is operated. She advised that there is a need for a staff person at the Centre full time, with the attendant's position to include the operation of the reception area, answering of inquiries from the public, answering telephones and doing office work. 3. Deleqation - Kitchener-Waterloo Live Theatre Ms. R.A. Peters, Publicity Director and Ms. I. Price were in attendance on behalf of the Kitchener- Waterloo Live Theatre, at the request of this Committee, to advise of their operation and to discuss grant funding. Ms. Peters advised that the Kitchener-Waterloo Live Theatre is a non-profit organization and is a member of Theatre Ontario and the Western Ontario Drama League. She advised that membership has decreased in recent years and that it is essential for their organization to offer services for the public in order to increase the membership. She advised that the organization has a marginal profit, however their overhead exceeds the profits, with the overhead being paid for out of interest from bonds. She stated that the Theatre is running at a deficit at this time. In order to increase revenues, she advised that the Theatre has started running a series of workshops for adults and children and is hopeful that they will do well. She advised that in the last year, they have done 10 shows and 2 major productions at the Victoria Park Pavilion. Further she advised that the Theatre is looking at other forms of fundraising and new fundraising drives. Ms. Price addressed the Committee advising that the Theatre is offering the same kind of things for youth as sports organizations do. She stated that students can now bring proposals for plays to the Theatre, writing their own scripts. She stated that the Theatre is moving into new territories which are not currently available elsewhere. The question was raised as to the name of the organization and Ms. Peters advised that they changed their name in September, although they are officially still known as the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre. The name change became essential as they were having a lot of phone calls about 3. Deleqation - Kitchener-Waterloo Live Theatre - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 133 - OCTOBER 19, 1992 their name, as the term "Little Theatre" is not well known in the 1990's. She further advised that they are still located in Waterloo. Alderman M. Wagner questioned whether they had links with any arts in the High Schools and Ms. Peters advised that there are no direct links with the School Board and they still remain an amateur theatre. When questioned about their funding, Ms. Peters advised that they receive equivalent funding from the City of Waterloo. The question was raised as to their membership fees and Ms. Peters advised that their fees are down because there are more youth members which receive membership at half price and there are more unemployed youths. She stated that in the mid-1970's the membership was approximately 2,000 people whereas in the 1990's it is only a few hundred. She stated that if you have more to offer then you will get more members. Mr. Graham raised the issue of the Victoria Park Pavilion and whether or not it is a good location and Ms. Peters responded that it is the only home for major productions in the twin cities; however it was not designed, electrically, for major productions and there are some structural and acoustical difficulties. Alderman T. Galloway raised the fact that the St. Jerome's Theatre has been designated by the City of Kitchener and this would be a possibility for the organization if they were looking for new theatre space. Ms. Peters responded that the theatre is actively seeking alternate space at this time. 4. Deleqation - K-W Drum Corps Association The Committee had been advised that the Drum Corps Association would not be able to attend the meeting this date and the Committee agreed to defer consideration of this matter to its meeting of November 2, 1992. 5. Deleqation - K-W Symphony Orchestra Association Inc. Mr. Barry Cole, Managing Director, K-W Symphony Orchestra Association Inc. was in attendance at the request of the Committee to discuss their financial situation. Mr. Cole distributed a written report and read it aloud for the Committee's benefit. Alderman M. Wagner congratulated the Orchestra on its excellent work. He questioned how the Orchestra was able to reduce its marketing costs and Mr. Cole responded that they had hired someone in the community to do their telemarketing campaign this year and to make the actual phone calls, which reduced the cost involved. When questioned about raising additional revenues, Mr. Cole advised that the Board had chosen not to raise ticket prices this year but they will over the next two years. Alderman Stortz questioned the amount of deficit anticipated in 1994 and Mr. Cole responded that in the 1993-94 season, the Orchestra will operate without a deficit, however; there will be an accumulated deficit in 1994. Mr. Cole advised that the Orchestra is working to resolve its deficit as Council had requested and the Board won't allow the symphony to operate if the deficit is more than 10% of the budget. Alderman C. Zehr congratulated the Orchestra on its effort to keep its deficit under control. He requested information on Federal and Provincial funding and Mr. Cole advised that they had had one meeting with the Canada Council and there would be a further meeting, in November, at which representatives of all levels of Government would attend. 6. Deleqation - K-W Philharmonic Choir Messrs. T. Kraft, H. Dyck and A. Beamish were in attendance on behalf of the Philharmonic Choir and advised that they are one of 5 or 6 choirs in Ontario of this size, having 100-110 members in the main choir and 40 members in the junior choir. In addition, they have also a small chamber choir. Mr. Kraft advised the Committee that the choir puts on 4 to 5 concerts per year for ticket sales, along with various works free of charge throughout the year. They have many volunteers and 50% of their expenses are raised on their own, 36% is raised by ticket sales and the rest is raised through Government grants. The Committee was advised that the 6. Deleqation - K-W Philharmonic Choir - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 134 - OCTOBER 19, 1992 expenses go back into community organizations. Further the Committee was advised that $25,000 to $30,000 is paid each year to the Centre in the Square. Mr. Kraft further advised that the Choir has now repaid all it owes to the City and they have a small surplus and they are working on expanding fundraising and the marketing function of the choir. Mr. Dyck addressed the Committee advising that the Orchestra assists with other fundraising efforts for other organizations in the Region as there are frequent occasions when the choir is called on to perform for free. Alderman B. Stortz questioned how much the choir members must pay in membership fees and was advised that the main choir members pay $75.00 per year and the junior choir membership fee is $50.00 per year. Further he was advised that the choir raises approximately $85,000.00 per year from Bingos, which money is mostly spent on the artistic side of the choir and not on administration. However, the main project of the choir at this time is to develop other fundraising avenues. When questioned by Alderman C. Zehr as to the 1993-94 budget for the Orchestra, Mr. Kraft advised that they are working on next year's budget at this time, they have long range plans for touring and doing additional concerts locally and that they have no long range plans to increase spending at this time. Further he advised that it has always been the intention of the choir that touring be self-sufficient and not funded by Government grants. Further he advised that the Orchestra will be formally be requesting that a member of Council sit on their Board of Directors. 7. Delegation - The Kitchener Musical Society Mr. K. Cook, Secretary/Treasurer, The Kitchener Musical Society was in attendance at the request of the Committee and provided the Committee members with a report outlining their 1992 Executive and a summary of their concerts performed in 1992. Mr. Cook advised that this is a volunteer organization of 40 members who perform approximately 25 concerts throughout the year. He added that in 1992, 27 concerts were performed and 45 rehearsals. He added that the Society contains many young people who have come out of high schools and it offers them an opportunity to continue with their music and learn from some experienced musicians. When questioned by Alderman Wagner, Mr. Cook advised that they received no other funding other than a grant from the City of Kitchener and out of that grant they paid for the use of the Victoria Park Pavilion. Mr. Cook stated that this was an area for junior musicians to participate in, who want to continue to improve in the quality and quantity of their music. He stated that participation has increased over the last 5 years and audiences have doubled. Discussion took place as to whether or not it was known of any other musical bands that were sponsored solely by the Municipality. Alderman G. Leadston raised the issue as to whether they had ever considered selling their services to any of the Festhalls during Oktoberfest and Mr. Cook responded that they had not considered anything like that, as this is an amateur organization and not professional. Mr. Cook advised that the musical society is prepared to adjust to a 1993 grant at the 1992 level. 8. Grant Request - The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints The Committee was in receipt of a memo from Mr. L. Wiegand, dated October 14, 1992, along with a grant application requesting funds in the amount of $250.00 to assist with their Nativity Pageant which takes place in Waterloo each year. On motion by Alderman B. Stortz it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for a cash grant in the amount of $250.00 to assist with their Annual Nativity Pageant. 9. New Fire Regulations - Highrise and Lowrise Residences COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 135 - OCTOBER 19, 1992 The Committee was in receipt of a report from Fire Chief J. Hancock, dated October 15, 1992, in this regard. Chief Hancock addressed the Committee advising that these regulations will apply to buildings with more than 2 self-contained units with a common access. He advised that he was not sure of the exact number of units in Kitchener which would fall under these new regulations. He stated that the greatest problem is with the common areas in these buildings. Chief Hancock advised that these new regulations come into effect in November and that the regulations allow for 2 years for implementation. He stated that landlords can apply for extensions of 2 to 3 years and that they may be able to recover their costs under Rent Review Legislation. Chief Hancock stated that this is another example of more work being passed on from the Province to Municipalities, however Fire Departments have been looking for these types of regulations. When questioned by the Committee, Chief Hancock advised that he was not aware of what costs would be involved to administer these regulations, however they would be done in addition to regular inspections. He advised that he would report back to this Committee when more details are available. 10. Tree Removal - 106 Forest Hill Drive Alderman M. Wagner distributed copies of a letter which he had received from the homeowners at 106 Forest Hill Drive advising of a large Silver Maple situated in the boulevard directly beside their driveway and sidewalk. The letter states that there are large roots which extend under the sidewalk and up under the drive and also under the lawn. The contractor which they had hired to replace their driveway would not guarantee the driveway replacement as long as the tree was in the boulevard. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner it was resolved: "That Parks & Recreation staff be directed to remove the Silver Maple on the boulevard in front of 106 Forest Hill Drive, Kitchener." 11. Mill-Courtland Community Centre The Committee was in receipt of a letter this date from Mr. F.S. Graham advising of a Capital Grant from the Ministry of Tourism & Recreation in the amount of $366,660.00 towards of construction of the Mill-Courtland Community Centre. Discussion took place over the last paragraph in the Minister's letter outlining when the project must commence in order to be eligible for the grant. Mr. Arnot was requested to obtain clarification on that date. It was determined that if the tender for the construction of the Community Centre was called in November and awarded in January, that the City would be able to comply with the deadline as outlined in the Minister's letter. On motion by Alderman C. Zehr it was resolved: "That the Mayor acknowledge and thank the Honourable Peter North, Minister of Tourism & Recreation and M.P.P. William Ferguson for their support and capital grant in the amount of $366,660 towards the cost of constructing the Mill-Courtland Community Centre. 12. Information Items The Committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: a) Staff Appointment, Ontario Association of Cemeteries b) Ontario Computer Exhibition, September 27, 1992 c) Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Monthly Summary September 1992 d) Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Hockey Breakdown September 1992 e) Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Exhibition Hockey Breakdown September 1992 12. Information Items- cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 136 - OCTOBER 19, 1992 Alderman G. Lorentz offered his congratulations to Mr. Kett at being acclaimed as President of the Ontario Association of Cemeteries for the 1992-93 fiscal year. 13. New Business a) Alderman G. Lorentz brought to the attention of the Committee the fact that a concession booth at the Auditorium will be up and running by this evening. He suggested that one of the Committee's meetings take place at the Auditorium so that the members could have a tour of the building. b) Alderman G. Lorentz advised the Committee that the official opening of the Kitchener Public Library extension for the Forest Heights Branch is tentatively scheduled for November 28, 1992. 14. Next Meetinq The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled for Monday November 2, 1992, at 1:00 p.m, in Committee Room 4. 15. Adjournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary