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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1992-10-05CSC\1992-10-05 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY OCTOBER 5, 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 J. Smola, Alderman M. Wagner, Alderman C. Weylie, Alderman M. Yantzi, Alderman C. Zehr, Alderman B. Stortz. Alderman G. Leadston and Alderman J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. F. Graham, L. Wiegand, T. McKay, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, B. Stanley, G. Nixon, J. Wallace and Ms. G. Holstead and Ms. D.H. Gilchrist. This meeting of the Community Services Committee commenced at 1:15 p.m. 1. Minutes On motion by Alderman C. Weylie it was resolved: "That the Minutes of the regular meeting of the Community Services Committee of September 14, 1992, as mailed to the members, be accepted." 2. Deleqation - Homer Watson House Foundation Dr. R. Christy, a Director of the Homer Watson House Foundation, was in attendance at the request of this Committee, to advise of the financial position of the Foundation and its long term goals. Dr. Christy read from a prepared presentation advising of the progress of the Foundation over the last 5 years, in terms of restoration of the building, increased attendance, workshops, revenues and donations. Alderman J. Ziegler and Alderman G. Leadston left the meeting at this time. The question was raised as to whether the Foundation intended to develop any long term relationship with Doon Heritage Crossroads or Joseph Schneider Haus and Dr. Christy advised that they are trying to develop a closer relationship with Doon Heritage Crossroads as they have a major program with the schools. Further they have some Homer Watson artifacts which are being loaned to the Foundation. When questioned as to their long term planning, Dr. Christy advised that they do have a five year plan; however they would like to get some new members on the board and generate some new ideas. Dr. Christy advised that no increase in grant funding will be requested from the City in 1993 and it was his opinion that the Foundation, over the next few years, will not need increased funding from the City as they will be able to generate more of their own funds. Alderman M. Wagner suggested that consideration be given to combining the management of the Homer Watson House & Gallery and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. He felt that there would be economic savings. Dr. Christy stated that there was a study done in approximately 1987, which determined that there would be no benefit to combining these two galleries. Further he advised that the Art Gallery does not want to take over the management of the Homer Watson House & Gallery. He also advised that a great deal of effort has gone into the Homer Watson House & Gallery over the last 10 years by board members and volunteers who have worked hard to bring the gallery up to its current standards. Further efforts in this regard may be lost if the two galleries are combined. Alderman T. Galloway started to expand on this point; however the Chairman advised that no decision would be made in this regard or on the actual grant amount at this time and further discussions could take place when the grants are decided upon. The Committee requested that Dr. Christy provide a copy of the 1987 study and the Foundation's 1991 financial statements. 3. Deleqation - Kitchener Dutchmen Jr. "B" Hockey Club COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 129 - OCTOBER 5, 1992 Mr. P. Collins was in attendance on behalf of the hockey club to discuss the revised financial projections and the Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. Collins along with revised financial statements as requested at the Committee's September meeting. Mr. Collins advised that the hockey club has been approved by the City and by the Licensing Branch of the Province for bingos. They must be registered as a charitable organization and it was his opinion that they would be ready to begin bingos at the beginning of 1993. Mr. Collins advised that he is requesting a grant to cover the costs of ice rental for the 1991-92 season. There was concern raised with the accumulated deficit and the long term viability of the hockey club, as it appears that there is a need for long term continuous funding and it was questioned whether the City was the appropriate body for this. In response, Mr. Collins advised of the success of other hockey clubs with bingo lotteries and the funding that they are able to obtain in this fashion. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. B. Stanley advised that currently the hockey club owes the City $17,914.76 in ice rentals and $2,220.00 in C.R.F. charges; not including any of the charges payable for the 1992-93 season. Alderman C. Zehr advised of his concern that this Committee is always left to deal with the club's shortfall by default, as the grants are always being requested after the year-end. He suggested that the Committee has to make a fundamental decision as to whether or not we are to include this hockey club under minor sports. It was suggested that this is not really a minor sports organization as most of the players are over 18 years of age. The question was raised that if the club was to get a $20,000 grant at this time, would they consider that this would be the last grant that they would ever request from the City. General discussion took place over whether or not it was appropriate to grant the funds being requested and different methods of payment by the hockey club to the City. On motion by Alderman J. Smola it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Dutchmen Jr. "B" Hockey Club meet with City staff and members of Council to review the club's financial situation and bring a recommendation to this Committee at its meeting of October 19, 1992." 4. Delegation - Waterloo Regional Arts Council Ms. C. Ewing and Ms. B. Rothwell were in attendance at the request of this Committee to review the Arts Council's financial situation and future planning. Ms. B. Rothwell read from a prepared presentation advising of the Arts Council's present situation and the need for increased funding in 1993. Ms. Rothwell advised that the financial statements for the Arts Council were not available because of the short notice to attend this meeting and because of the delay in moving to their new facility. Ms. Ewing advised that the Arts Council would like to increase its programming, workshops and be able to help artists put together proposals and grant applications. Alderman M. Wagner advised that he could support increased grant funding for this organization because the Community can see the results of the money they spent. Ms. Ewing advised that the Arts Awards would take place on November 12, 1992 at the Humanities Theatre and the tickets are $10.00. 5. Delegation - Kitchener-Waterloo Live Theatre The Committee was advised that Ms. R. Peters was unable to attend this date and would appear before the Committee at its next meeting. 6. Delegation - Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Messrs. R. McGill and B. Blain were in attendance on behalf of the Art Gallery, at the request of this Committee. Mr. Blain addressed the Committee advising that the Art Gallery has, for the last 2-1/2 years, been involved in a process of continuous improvement and cost cutting and has reduced its $60,000 deficit down to $8,000. He advised that this is truly a municipal art gallery and has good attendance. Further he stated that this art gallery is one of the most efficiently run art galleries in COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 130 - OCTOBER 5, 1992 Canada and has the most efficient cost per visitor. The gallery is always looking for ways to maximize its own revenue and has a strategic plan and a five year plan. Discussion then took place over the possibility of combining the Homer Watson House & Gallery and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. Mr. Blain advised that he would have to go to his Board in order to determine whether they would want to undertake a study in this regard. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery and the Homer Watson House Foundation be requested to form a sub-committee of staff and board members together with a member of Council to examine the potential for closer co-operation in administering both organizations and minimize their joint request to the City for financial support, and further; That this sub-committee report back to Council by March 31, 1993." 7. Status of MacLennan Park The City was in receipt of a letter from Mr. F.S. Graham dated September 28, 1992 recommending that MacLennan Park be included with the Parks & Recreation Leisure Facilities Master Plan. Mr. J. Wallace, City Solicitor, addressed the Committee recommending that there are still matters to be resolved concerning the methane gas. He suggested that this recommendation is premature at this time. On motion by Mayor D. Cardillo it was resolved: "That consideration of including MacLennan Park in the Parks & Recreation Leisure Facilities Master Plan be deferred until such time as a report is received from Mr. J. Wallace, City Solicitor." 8. Information Items The Committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: a) Memo from Mr. L. Wiegand, dated September 29, 1992, outlining status of General Provision Grants, b) K.M.A. Monthly Summary - July/August, 1992, c) Kitchener Rangers Subscriber Sales, d) Junior"A" Hockey Ticket Price Comparison, e) Canadian Amateur Hockey Association Letters of Appreciation, f) Canadian Figure Skating Association Letter of Appreciation, g) Award of 1994 World Hockey Challenge to Arnos, Quebec, Letter of Appreciation 9. Next Meetinq The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled for Monday October 19, 1992, at 1:00 p.m, in Committee Room 4. 10. Adjournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary