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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1992-11-16CSC\1992-11-16 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY NOVEMBER 16, 1992 The Community Services Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman G. Lorentz with all members present. Others Present: Messrs. T. McKay, R. Arnot, L. Wiegand, G. Kett, T. Clancy, R. Weber, W. Pearce, J. Gazzola, Ms. B. Aikenhead and Ms. D.H. Gilchrist. This meeting of the Community Services Committee commenced at 1:12 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 November 2, 1992, as mailed to the members, be accepted." 2. 1993 Cemetery Tariff of Charqes The Committee was in receipt of a memo from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery Operations, dated November 6, 1992, listing the proposed Tariff of Charges for 1993. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner it was resolved: "That the 1993 Cemetery Tariff of Charges attached hereto and forming part of these minutes be approved; and further, That the Manager of Cemetery Operations be directed to file the tariff with the Cemeteries Regulations Branch of the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations." 3. Deleqation - Waterloo Reqion Catholic School Board Mr. D. Degutis of the Art Department of the Waterloo Region Catholic School Board was in attendance to represent the Board's request for an in-kind market facility rental grant. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. L. Wiegand in this regard, dated November 5, 1992. Mr. Degutis explained that the Market would be used as a central meeting place and a place for band rehearsals. At the request of the Committee, he explained that this event is happening system-wide with events taking place throughout the City. Alderman T. Galloway questioned whether or not this could be covered under the reciprocal agreement and was advised that the Market Hall is not part of the reciprocal agreement with the Board of Education. Alderman Galloway expressed the opinion that the Market should be part of the reciprocal agreement as when the City uses school facilities they use rooms other than the gyms in the school. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Degutis advised that the event will run from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and therefore the additional security will not be required. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Waterloo Region Catholic School Board - Art Department for an in-kind Market facility rental grant, in the amount of $488.99 towards the "Celebration of the Arts Program"." 4. Deleqation - Youth Aqainst Substance Abuse Inc. Mr. S. Stephens was in attendance to represent the grant request of Youth Against Substance Abuse Inc. for an in-kind facility rental grant for use of the Breithaupt Centre on November 20, 1992. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. L. Wiegand, dated November 5, 1992 in this regard. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 144 - NOVEMBER 16, 1992 4. Deleqation - Youth Aqainst Substance Abuse Inc. - cont'd Mr. Stephens explained that the Breithaupt Centre would be used for a dance and it is expected that approximately 300 people would attend, purchasing tickets valued at $5.00. Discussion took place over possible funding from two other organizations, one being "F.A.D." and the other being Parents Are People Too. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Stephens advised that Youth Against Substance Abuse Inc. is a part of the Parents Are People Too organization. Further discussion took place over whether or not the City would be receiving a grant request from the Regional Drug Awareness Week Committee. It was suggested that Mr. Stephens might also approach this group for funding. The Committee directed that staff determine the name of the contact person for "F.A.D." and forward it to Mr. Stephens. Alderman G. Leadston put forward a motion that no action be taken on this request; however the recommendation was not voted on. Alderman B. Stortz suggested that this grant application was contrary to the City's grant policy, as it is the City's policy not to fund fundraisers. On motion by Alderman M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That we defer consideration of the request of Youth Against Substance Abuse Inc. for an in- kind facility grant for use of the Breithaupt Centre, to allow them an opportunity to approach other organizations for this funding." 5. Deleqation - Victoria School Centre Mr. W. Pearce, Building Inspector and Ms. B. Aikenhead, Manager, Seniors Section, were in attendance and gave the Committee an update on the progress at the Victoria School Centre. It is expected that the Centre will be ready for occupancy in February, 1993. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. B. Aikenhead, dated November 9, 1992. Ms. Aikenhead reviewed the functions of the advisory committee and the recommendations contained in the report. Further, Ms. Aikenhead advised that on Friday last she had received word from Health and Welfare Canada that they had been approved for a grant in the amount of $50,000 for equipment. Questions were raised over staff recommendation #4, and Ms. Aikenhead explained the difference between the contract custodian, the part-time maintenance/custodial and the part-time facility attendant. She stated that this was the most cost effective method of providing custodial services. Alderman Zehr questioned whether this number of staff had already been approved. Ms. Aikenhead read the resolution previously approved by this Committee and it was determined that the part-time facility attendant had not previously been approved. It was noted that even if the Committee should approve recommendation #4 it would still be subject to budget review. Staff was directed to have documentation prepared for budget review to explain what would happen at the Centre in 1993 if the part-time facility attendant is not hired. Alderman G. Leadston raised two points with respect to the membership of the advisory committee. Firstly, he suggested that a member of the D.B.I.A. be appointed to the advisory committee. Secondly, he questioned whether a member of the Tenant's Association would be on the advisory committee. In response to the D.B.I.A. suggestion, Alderman B. Stortz stated that the Centre is really outside of the downtown core but there could be a liaison between the association and staff. It was generally agreed that Alderman B. Stortz would be Council's alternate on the advisory committee. With regard to Alderman Leadston's query about the Tenant's Association; staff advised that Ms. S. Frenette is a member of the advisory committee representing the Kitchener Housing Inc. Alderman T. Galloway questioned the relationship between Kitchener Housing and the City. Mr. McKay advised that there is a legal agreement between the two parties for use and operation of the Centre. 5. Deleqation - Victoria School Centre - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 145 - NOVEMBER 16, 1992 Alderman Galloway questioned whether this Centre would be open any more hours than any other community centre and Mr. Arnot responded that it would. Alderman Wagner gave the opinion that each community centre should have, proportionately, the same amount of staff. It was Alderman Lorentz' opinion that this is a combined centre and is unique and that it cannot be compared to any other community centres. Ms. G. Miehm, Ms. A. Kuehner and Mr. G. Todd appeared, representing the different volunteer groups who have been involved with the development of the Centre. They all thanked the committee and staff for the Centre and advised of the work and time that the volunteers have put into development of the Centre. On motion by Alderman M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That we confirm the name of the community centre located in the former Victoria Public School as the Victoria School Centre; and That we confirm the name of the community advisory committee as the Victoria School Centre Advisory Committee; and That the mandate of the Victoria School Centre Advisory Committee be as follows: (a) to provide a forum for discussion and resolving issues; (b) to look for new and innovative ways for the Centre to meet the needs of the community; (c) to facilitate the development of a strong vision to allow the Centre to meet the needs of seniors, Victoria Park neighbourhood and the community; (d) to share information and set direction for the development of the Centre; (e) to advise staff regarding program needs, facility requirements and budgetary matters; (f) to solicit views from the community when appropriate; (g) to advise politicians regarding the needs of the community; (h) to accommodate the regular users of Charles Street Seniors Centre and to ensure space is available for new program development; (i) to continually monitor the needs of the community; and further That the staff complement at Victoria School Centre shall consist of: (a) one full time Centre supervisor (b) one full time secretary (c) one full time programmer (d) one contract custodian (35 hours per week) (e) one part time maintenance/custodial (20 hours per week) (f) part time course instructors (30 per year) (g) one part time facility attendant (28 hours per week); subject to budget approval." 6. Deleqation - K-W Skatinq Club COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 146 - NOVEMBER 16, 1992 Mr. M. Psutka, President of the K-W Skating Club, was in attendance, as requested by this Committee, to advise of the club's operations and financial situation. Mr. Psutka provided the Committee members with a brochure containing information about the programs offered by the skating club and income statements as of September 30, 1992. Mr. Psutka spoke of the great volunteer effort involved in the running of the club and the many championships hosted by the club. He advised that the K-W Skating Club is the only club in Canada asked a second time to host the Canadian Precision Skating Championships; which will be held in Kitchener from April 8 - 11, 1993. Mr Psutka also spoke of the economic spin-off to the community at large resulting from these championships. With respect to the grant received from the City, Mr. Psutka advised that it goes a long way to keeping fees in line so that Iow income families can participate. Alderman C. Zehr questioned the anticipated loss of the winter skating school and Mr. Psutka advised that the summer and fall schools made a small profit which will compensate for the anticipated loss. When questioned about the grant received from the City of Waterloo, Mr. Psutka advised that they are given a 60% reduction in rates charged for the use of The Rink in the Park which amounts to approximately $100,000.00. Deleqation - Kitchener Minor Hockey Mr. J. Grandy, President, Mr. T. Martindale, Secretary and Mr. J. Gazzola, Treasurer of the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association were in attendance at the request of the Committee, to review their operation and financial situation. Mr. Grandy provided the Committee members with a brief in this regard. Mr. Grandy reviewed the costs of registration fees for the players, depending on their league, and the additional costs for the players for their equipment, etc. He advised that they are always trying to reduce the costs. Mr. Grandy advised that the association has a $40,000.00 surplus from last year and have decided to use the money as follows: to freeze registration fees for this year, to purchase better quality sweaters with a longer life expectancy and to upgrade some of their computer systems. The Committee was advised that the association now has a full female division which has grown from 45 members to 100 members. The Committee was also advised that the association has a very active volunteer group and are actively involved in bingos to raise money to assist lower income families to be able to be involved in hockey. Alderman G. Leadston raised the issue of the economic spin-off to the community from such tournaments as the Blue Line Tournament, which attracted teams from all over Canada. Another issue raised was the operation of the message centre at the auditorium. Mr. T. McKay directed that the appropriate staff train others to operate the message centre. Alderman C. Zehr questioned how many children participate and was advised that a total of 2,300 children, male and female, participate in the hockey association. Alderman M. Wagner stated that he has been advised by two independent sources, that the community's volunteer base is deteriorating and that the deterioration is accelerating. Mr. Grandy advised that the association is not experiencing a problem in this regard. Mr. J. Gazzola, Treasurer, reviewed the association's financial position. Alderman G. Leadston left the meeting at this time. Deleqation - K-W Oktoberfest Inc. Mr. W. Stewart was in attendance on behalf of the K-W Oktoberfest Inc. at the request of this Committee. He advised that of the grant money received from the City, $5,800.00 is returned to the City in the form of facility rental; further, the City does benefit from the festival. 8. Deleqation - K-W Oktoberfest Inc. - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 147 - NOVEMBER 16, 1992 Mr. Stewart advised that the K-W Oktoberfest Inc. would be looking for some additional funding from the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo in 1993 for their 25th anniversary celebration. He suggested that the cities might participate as sponsors in a dinner or dance to recognize the great number of volunteers who have contributed over the last 25 years. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Stewart advised that their year end is not until November 30, however it looks as though there will be a surplus this year. 9. Deleqation - Kitchener Horticultural Society Mrs. G. Reed, President of the Kitchener Horticultural Society was in attendance, as requested by this Committee. She advised that the Society is currently undertaking a 10 year plan, as recommended by the Department of Parks and Recreation. She advised that all aspects of the society are being reviewed and the consultant will also be exploring other means of revenue. Mrs. Reed also advised of the great volunteer effort involved in keeping the Society in operation. 10. Deleqation - The Enrichment House Ms. Snyder and Ms. Barsume of The Enrichment House were in attendance as requested by the Committee to advise of their operation and their financial situation. Ms. Snyder advised that the House functions as a non-profit family resource centre and is operated as a drop-in centre. She listed the programs offered at the house for children and adults. Ms. Snyder advised that the house operates 31 weeks of the year and during that time there will be 2,250 visits made by adults and 3,700 visits made by children. Ms. Snyder advised that the City's grant makes up 10% of their budget with their other funding sources being the Ministry of Community and Social Services, memberships and child care fees. 11. Deleqation - K-W Habilitation Services Mrs. W. Hehn appeared on behalf of the K-W Habilitation Services, at this Committee's request. Ms. Hehn advised that the service provides employment for people with developmental handicaps while serving seniors with Iow incomes. She stated that they received funding in the amount of $34,592.00 from the Ministry. She stated that the seniors must meet certain criteria to be eligible and in addition to those seniors, they provide this service to approximately 10 other seniors at an hourly rate. 12. Next Meetinq The next regular meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled for Monday December 7, 1992, in Committee Room 4, commencing at 1:00 p.m. 13. Adiournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary