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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1993-04-19CSC\1993-04-19 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MONDAY APRIL 19, 1993 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 J. Smola, Alderman M. Wagner, Alderman C. Weylie and Alderman M. Yantzi. Alderman B. Stortz, Alderman C. Zehr and Alderman J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. L. Wiegand, M. Price, G. Nixon, J. Cooper, T. McKay, R. Arnot, F. Graham, B. Stanley, D. Corry, J. Wallace, Fire Chief J. Hancock, Deputy Fire Chief N. Kuntz, Ms. D. George, Ms. C. Oliver, Ms. L. Bamford, Ms. D. Arnold and Ms. D.H. Gilchrist. This meeting of the Community Services Committee commenced at 1:00 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 April 5, 1993, as mailed to the members, be accepted." 2. Rinqette Championship On behalf of the National Ringette Championships, Alderman G. Leadston presented Alderman G. Lorentz with a token of their appreciation. Alderman Leadston advised of the teams appreciation of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, the co-operative staff and volunteers and the friendly atmosphere. 3. Grant Application Dr. J. Bishop, was in attendance to represent the grant request of Conestoga Trail '93 Lions Convention in the amount of $4,000, to assist the cost of bus transportation for the convention, to take place in Kitchener-Waterloo from May 13-16, 1993. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. L. Wiegand, dated April 13, 1993, along with a copy of the grant application. Copies of a memo from Mr. L. Wiegand, April 19, 1993, advising that Ms. K. Durst, Commissioner of Recreation & Culture, City of Waterloo, will be recommending a $2,000 grant to her council, were distributed at the meeting. Dr. Bishop advised that he has already received a $2,000 grant from the City of Waterloo; further, he advised that the total transportation grant required is $6,000, $2,000 from the City of Waterloo and $4,000 from the City of Kitchener. On motion by Mayor D. Cardillo it was resolved: "That we approve an in-kind transportation grant, in the amount of $4,000, for the Conestoga Trail '93 Lions Convention, to take place in Kitchener-Waterloo from May 13-16, 1993." Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Adopt Your Environment This item was introduced by Alderman M. Wagner, who also introduced Ms. Nancy Finkle, who is the Volunteer Co-ordinator for this project. Alderman C. Zehr and Alderman B. Stortz entered the meeting at this time. Alderman M. Wagner advised that this program is an off-shoot of the adopt-a-highway program taking place in the U.S. However, this program is unique in that it is more extensive than the usual adopt program. This program deals with all environmental areas and has three aspects; monitoring on a regular basis, safety and education. It is much broader than parks and more extensive than clean-up. Alderman Wagner stated that the background and planning for the program are complete. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 46 - APRIL 19, 1993 4. Adopt Your Environment - cont'd Mr. G. Nixon, Manager of Design/Development, advised that the program recognizes peoples need to be involved and offers a reporting mechanism. Within the proposed structure, volunteers will report to Ms. Finkle or their ward co-ordinators. This provides accountability to the volunteers. The program will not overlap what staff is already doing and Parks crews will play an intrical part in the process. Ms. Nancy Finkle addressed the Committee advising that the structure of the program is important as there is already a lot of volunteer activity going on that the City is not aware of. The purpose of the program is to co-ordinate everyone's efforts. At the present time, Ms. Finkle advised that she is looking for people to be ward co-ordinators who can make the time commitment required to establish their own ward committees. She stated that she needs a minimum of five ward co- ordinators to start the program. Once these co-ordinators are on board, a meeting will be held and she will advise this Committee as to the time and location for the meeting. Alderman C. Weylie questioned the number of responses received from the newspaper ad and Ms. Finkle responded that she had spoken to two people so far and has four more to speak to. Alderman T. Galloway advised that this program ties in with the Strategic Plan for the Environment and is supported by the Environmental Committee. Alderman Galloway sited examples of citizen groups involved in this type of effort in the past and stated that the program allows for the tapping of the enthusiasm of the people. He felt that this will be an excellent feature for the City. Alderman B. Stortz advised that there is a lot of energy out there; however, people need some structure and direction in which they will get through this program. Further, this is also a good community building exercise. Alderman C. Zehr advised that he is in support of the program and questioned whether the additional costs can be absorbed in the Parks & Recreation Department budget. Mr. F. Graham responded that the municipality can look after the costs. Ms. Finkle stated that there should be some consideration given to the cost of program supplies, advertising, publicity, volunteer recognition and training. Mr. G. Nixon advised that the Parks & Recreation Department is assisting as it can; however, as the program gains momentum additional funds will be required. Alderman G. Leadston requested that a list of all the ward co-ordinators and contacts be provided to all members of Council. Alderman T. Galloway stated that it is realistic to expect that there would be costs involved. Further, the members of the Environmental Committee will discuss the possibility of funding. Alderman T. Galloway stated that the efforts of Ms. Finkle and Mr. Nixon should be recognized and the time and effort put in by Alderman M. Wagner. He offered thanks to them for their hard work. Mr. F. Graham questioned whether it is the intention to erect signs in parks to recognize the efforts of volunteers and Ms. Finkle responded that once a formalized agreement has been entered into, the signs will be erected. Alderman G. Lorentz advised Ms. Finkle that the members of Council will be happy to help in any way they can. Ms. Finkle advised that in two weeks she hopes to have the first meeting of ward co-ordinators who will be asked to identify members for their own ward committees. She asked that anyone interested in assisting with this program call her directly or call the Parks & Recreation Department. Kiwanis Park Mr. A. Morscher was in attendance on behalf on the Twin City Kiwanis Club to request that a COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 47 - APRIL 19, 1993 delegation from the City of Kitchener attend the G.R.C.A. meeting to take place on Friday, April 23, 1993, to let them know that the City of Kitchener is serious about keeping the Kiwanis Park open in 1993. He advised of the Kiwanis Club's request that the City consider taking back ownership of the park from the G.R.C.A. or at least in conjunction with the City of Waterloo. It is the Kiwanis Club's opinion that this is really a City park and not a passive conservation area. The Kiwanis Club is prepared to make a $10,000 contribution to the maintenance and up-keep of the park in 1993 and will find money in their budget in subsequent years to make capital improvements to the park. He again requested that a strong delegation be sent to the meeting on Friday to request that the park be kept open in 1993. Mayor D. Cardillo spoke of the long term commitment of the Kiwanis Club to the park, which he felt should indicate to the City that we should find some money in the budget and find out if the City of Waterloo has any money in their budget for Kiwanis Park. Mr. F. Graham advised that neither City has any money budgeted for capital or operational expenditures for Kiwanis Park. Alderman G. Leadston suggested that the City of Kitchener representatives on the Grand River Conservation Authority should be contacted. Mr. F. Graham advised that Friday's meeting will be a meeting of a technical committee who will make a recommendation to the Executive Committee. He suggested that this matter could also be discussed by the Twin City Committee. Alderman B. Stortz suggested that this matter be discussed by the Twin City Committee at its upcoming meeting next Monday. Mr. Morscher questioned whether a delegation from the Kiwanis Club could attend the Twin City Committee meeting and Alderman G. Lorentz invited Mr. Morscher to attend next Monday, April 26, 1993, at 12 noon in Committee Room #4 in Kitchener City Hall. It was noted that Ms. T. Bealne was also in attendance in this regard and she distributed copies of a report that she has prepared dated April 19, 1993. She requested that the City of Kitchener send additional representatives to the G.R.C.A. meeting on Friday. Further, she advised that her recommendations are outlined on the last page of her report. Alderman J. Smola volunteered to attend the G.R.C.A. meeting this Friday and suggested that someone check with the City of Kitchener representatives on the Grand River Conservation Authority. Mr. F. Graham advised that the meeting is to take place at the Grand River Conservation Authority offices in Cambridge at 1:30 p.m. 6. Hot Air Balloon Pilots Mr. W. Metier was in attendance on behalf of four or five hot air balloon pilots who occasionally take off from Victoria Park and Breithaupt Park. He advised that Council approval was obtained for this 1982. He advised that this year, they have been asked to double their insurance coverage and sign an indemnity agreement. He requested that the Committee cut back the required insurance coverage to the previous coverage of $1,000,000; as doubling the coverage would cost each individual an additional $400 to $600 and they only use these sites 4-5 times per year. Further, he stated that his group consist of pilots who do this for a hobby, when a special activity or event takes place additional insurance is purchased to cover the event. Alderman C. Weylie questioned the need for the additional insurance and Mr. J. Wallace responded that the amount of coverage hadn't increased over the past 10 years and in the event of an accident he felt that $2,000,000 coverage would be a more realistic amount. Further, it was Mr. Wallace's opinion that the City should be protected by an indemnity agreement when these pilots are flying from a City park. Alderman C. Weylie advised that she was prepared to put forward a motion in this regard. Alderman J. Ziegler questioned the need for the indemnity agreement. Mr. Metier advised that the Ministry of Transportation, the regulating body, Hot Air Balloon Pilots - cont'd have found that $1,000,000 in insurance coverage is acceptable. They don't require an indemnity agreement because that party would have first rights to the insurance coverage. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 48 - APRIL 19, 1993 Alderman B. Stortz questioned the need for the indemnity agreement and Mr. Wallace advised that the City could be sued if someone is injured in the park. He questioned why the City should become the deep pocket. Mr. Metier advised that an indemnity agreement is a way of buying insurance for the City of Kitchener. He stated that this is not a high risk venture and once the balloons are launched there is no problem for the City. Alderman C. Zehr advised that he does not want an increase in coverage; however, he does agree with an indemnity agreement as it was his opinion that the City should not be at any greater risk than if the balloons were not there. Alderman J. Ziegler questioned whether the City has an indemnity agreement with the gondolier operator and restaurant at Victoria Park and Ms. D. Arnold, Assistant City Solicitor, advised that we do. Alderman Ziegler stated that these operators involve the public; however, the balloons are for personal use only and not for hire. He suggested that the private pilots should not have to enter into an indemnity agreement but commercial pilots should. On motion by Alderman J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That private hot air balloon pilots, who take off from City owned property, be required to maintain a $1,000,000 insurance policy; and further, That only commercial hot air balloon pilots, and not private hot air balloon pilots, be required to enter into an indemnity agreement with the City of Kitchener when taking off from City owned property." Alderman B. Stortz left the meeting at this time. 7. Fire Department - 1992 Annual Report Fire Chief J. Hancock, with the assistance of Ms. D. George, gave a computerized presentation of the Fire Departments Annual Report for 1992, for the Committee's benefit. 8. Smoking Policy Mr. B. Stanley introduced this item and the Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. Stanley, dated April 13, 1993. It was noted that Mr. Stanley is requesting that the report be received for information and referred to the Committee's meeting of May 3, 1993, to allow staff an opportunity to discuss this proposed policy with the primary tenants. Alderman B. Stortz re-entered the meeting at this time. General discussion took place on this matter and it was generally the feeling of the Committee that there should be a total smoking ban at all City owned facilities. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner it was resolved: "That all City owned indoor facilities and outdoor seating facilities be declared smoke free effective June 1, 1993; and further, That staff develop guidelines for the enforcement of this policy; and further, That staff discuss this policy with its primary tenants and report back to the Community Services Committee at its meeting of May 3, 1993." Alderman J. Smola left the meeting at this time. 9. Athletic Awards Banquet The Committee agreed to defer consideration of this matter to its meeting of May 3, 1993. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - 49 - APRIL 19, 1993 10. Kitchener Farmers' Market Operations Review The Committee acknowledged receipt of a report from Mr. D. Corry, Market Manager, dated April 14, 1993, outlining the progress on implementing the key recommendations in the Chorney Report. 11. Federation of Canadian Municipalities The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. F. Graham, dated April 17, 1993, together with a letter from the Kitchener-Waterloo Area Visitor & Convention Bureau, dated March 17, 1993. The letter from the Bureau asks whether the City, in conjunction with the City of Waterloo, would consider hosting a National Board Meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 1994- 1995. Mr. Graham's letter recommends that this matter be considered by the Twin City Committee. General discussion took place on this matter. On motion by Alderman J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That we invite the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to hold a meeting of their National Board of Directors in the City of Kitchener in 1994-1995." 12. Information Items The Committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: a) 1992-93 Foodland Ontario Grant b) Market Vendor Inventory - January 1993 c) Vendor Recruitment 1993 13. New Business Alderman G. Lorentz made reference to a recent newspaper article on minor baseball and asked that staff provide a report on what is happening with the City's baseball diamonds. 14. Next Meetinq The next regular meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled for Monday May 3, 1993, at 1:00 p.m, in Committee Room 4. 15. Adiournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary