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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1994-05-16CSC\1994-05-16 MAY 16, 1994 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:05 p.m., with all members present. Others Present: Councillor J. Ziegler, Messrs. T. McKay, K. Baulk, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, J. Gazzola, G. Nixon, R. Wyatt, M. Price, and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. KINSMEN FIREWORKS AND FAMILY CARNIVAL The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Councillor C. Zehr, dated May 13, 1994, concerning a grant request from the Kinsmen Fireworks and Family Carnival for an-kind facility rental grant for use of Centennial Stadium, in the amount of $1,200.00. Mr. McVicar attended the meeting on behalf of the Kinsmen to advise that the grant would not be required. He invited everyone to attend the event. 2. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB RELOCATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, dated May 10, 1994, recommending that the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club be relocated to Breithaupt Park. In his report, Mr. Clancy addressed some of the outstanding neighbourhood issues. Along with Mr. Clancy's report is a letter from Mr. R. Arnot, dated May 11, 1994, summarizing the meeting held on Tuesday May 10, 1994, with staff, neighbours, members of the Lawn Bowling Club, and Councillor J. Smola, at the Breithaupt Recreation Centre. The Committee was also in receipt of a copy of the "Rockway Lawn Bowling Club Site Evaluation - Comparative Summary of Potential Alternative Sites" dated January 11, 1994, prepared by the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club Technical Committee. In addition, the Committee was provided with copies of written submissions from: Mr. S. Gerhardt of the Mount Hope Breithaupt Park Neighbourhood Association, Ms. K. Reid, Ms. J. Elry, and Mr. C. Highfield who are residents of Fairfield Avenue and two petitions containing a total of 179 signatures in opposition to the relocation of the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club to Breithaupt Park. The following delegations spoke to the Committee outlining their concerns about the relocation of the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club to Breithaupt Park: Ms. K. Reid, Mr. C. Highfield, Ms. E. Strom, Mr. S. Gerhardt, Mr. N. Milne, and a gentleman who resides on Blucher Street. Mr. D. Mayne spoke on behalf of the Blind Bowlers who attend the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club, in favour of the relocation. The main concerns of those delegations in opposition to the relocation were: loss of open space in Breithaupt Park, parking, lighting, and security. The Committee questioned the delegations on their concerns. Mr. I. Watt, President of the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club, addressed the Committee advising that when he spoke two weeks ago he endorsed the relocation to Breithaupt Park because the club likes the setting, location and because the site has great potential. He was aware that the move will involve some change however, he believed that it would be for the better. The relocation will require that some space be given up however, it can be used by the neighbours. He stated that lawn bowling is a great sport for young and old and is an effective use of a small space. Mr. Watt invited the neighbours to attend the open house at the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club. Mr. Watt advised that he would discuss with the Club's Executive limiting the lighting so that there would be no lighting beyond 10:00 p.m. Further, he advised that he would encourage car pooling and would try and change their game schedule where baseball and lawn bowling overlap. Councillor G. Leadston questioned whether anyone of the top five sites, identified in their evaluation, would be suitable. Mr. Watt responded that the first six sites would be suitable, with the top three sites being very desirable and the next three sites being desirable. Breithaupt Park was chosen because staff said they were willing to agree with that site. Councillor Leadston then suggested a few of the sites which would have less impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. He noted that nothing in the club's ranking system takes into consideration the COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 1994 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB RELOCATION - cont'd impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. Discussion then took place on alternate sites with different members of the Committee giving their suggestions and questioning Mr. Watt. Mr. Watt emphasized that these sites are all possibilities but that Breithaupt Park had been chosen because it had been supported by staff. Mr. T. Clancy addressed the Committee advising that staff reviewed the analysis provided by the club as well as looking at other sites. Staff do not recommend Victoria Park. Further, there are financial issues to be considered and originally the club did not want to look at costs. There are substantial costs involved in creating the green, fencing, constructing parking lots and a clubhouse at many of the other sites. Another advantage to Breithaupt Park is that the seniors there could take advantage of the lawn bowling club. Councillor Stortz questioned whether staff had any involvement in drafting the criteria in the evaluation to which Mr. Clancy advised that staff were not involved. Staff's original position was to join the two existing Lawn Bowling Clubs together. Councillor Stortz suggested that new criteria be developed which would be beneficial to both the City and the Club. Councillor C. Zehr questioned why Victoria Park had been eliminated. Mr. Clancy responded that the club would want exposure on the street and that the open space along Joseph Street should be maintained for several functions. Further, there is no building for a clubhouse and there are financial implications. The financing increases substantially when there is no building and no parking. Councillor Zehr then questioned what the implications would be to the improvement of Rockway Golf Club if there has to be a reconsideration on relocating the lawn bowling club. Staff advised that general maintenance at the golf club has been left undone because staff believed the renovations were imminent. Money will have to be spent on maintenance and repair if the lawn bowling club has to remain there another year. Councillor T. Galloway questioned why Victoria School Centre could not be used as a clubhouse if the lawn bowling were to relocate to Victoria park. Further, he stated that a double green in Victoria Park would only use 10% of the open space but considerably more at Breithaupt Park. He could not understand why Victoria Park had been dismissed. Mr. Clancy responded that staff are not convinced that the Victoria School Centre can accommodate the needs of the club. He advised that staff can analyze a number of sites and report back to the Committee; however he could not comment further at this time. Councillor M. Yantzi advised that Victoria Park would be an ideal high profile location; however there is a problem in taking up to much space which is currently well utilized. It was his concern that the committee was losing its focus. Councillor G. Leadson again suggested that staff and the club review the top five sites adding that he sees the club as being an asset to these parks. He suggested that the matter be deferred and that staff, in consultation with the lawn bowling club and the affected neighbourhoods, bring back a report on the top five sites. Mayor D. Cardillo put forward a motion that the relocation of the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club to Breithaupt Park be approved and that staff spend more time on the concerns of the neighbours. Councillor J. Smola spoke in opposition of the Mayor's motion. He advised that it was clear, after the neighbourhood meeting, that the final decision would have to be made by this committee. The lawn bowler's, neighbours, and staff have all had an opportunity to state their points of view. He advised that he is opposed to the relocation to Breithaupt Park because the park is already over used. The relocation would exclude the neighbours from using the park and the parking COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 1994 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB RELOCATION - cont'd situation will worsen. Further, there are four or five neighbours who will be adversely affected by the lighting, which will increase when the second green is installed. Councillor B. Stortz put forward a motion that this matter be deferred and that the whole issue be revisited. Staff should evaluate other sites in the city and Council should identify other criteria, such as finances, parking and impact on neighbourhood, for evaluating the sites. Councillor M. Yantzi responded to the motion by saying that Council should take a leadership role. There will always be concerns. Perhaps less use should be made at the baseball diamonds before the second green is installed. He suggested that Council should address the concerns raised rather than choose a new site. Councillor Leadston spoke in support of the deferral as the Lawn Bowling Club has agreed that any of the top five or six sites are suitable. Councillor B. Stortz advised that he does not want to limit the options, so staff should be allowed two or three months to report. Councillor Wagner advised that he would like the deferral motion amended so that Victoria Park is not considered. Councillor Stortz did not agree to this amendment. Councillor Zehr stated that if a decision is not made today then a future decision should not be rushed as it could take some months to address the situation properly. Councillor Lorentz stated that there have been a lot of meetings and that he believed this proposal to be a good one. He stated that lawn bowling is a good clean sport and that this is a great opportunity for combining uses. There is also a potential for young people to get involved. He advised that he is in favour of the relocation. A recorded vote for both recommendations was requested. Moved by Councillor B. Stortz: "That consideration of relocating the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club to Breithaupt Park be deferred to allow staff, in conjunction with the Lawn Bowling Club, to report on alternative sites for the relocation.' In Favour_.' Councillors B. Stortz, C. Zehr, J. Smola and G. Leadston. Contra: Councillors M. Wagner, G. Lorentz, C. Weylie, T. Galloway, M. Yantzi and Mayor D. Cardillo. Motion Lost. Moved by Mayor D. Cardillo: "That we endorse the development of a bowling green at Breithaupt Park, as shown on the concept plan prepared by the Parks and Recreation Department; subject to an agreement being signed with the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club and subject to more time being spent on the concerns of the neighbourhood residents." In Favour_.' Councillors M. Wagner, G. Lorentz, M. Yantzi, C. Weylie and Mayor D. Cardillo. Contra: Councillors G. Leadston, B. Stortz, C. Zehr, J. Smola and T. Galloway. Motion Lost On A Tie Vote. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 1994 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB RELOCATION - cont'd The Committee briefly discussed what action they would take at this time. On motion by Councillor G. Leadston it was resolved: "That staff in conjunction with the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club and affected communities, prepare a comprehensive report on the possibility of relocating the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club to each of the top five sites, as noted in the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club Evaluation, and any other site deemed suitable by staff, to be presented to the Community Services Committee within the next three months." 3. DELEGATION - KITCHENER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The Committee was in receipt of a letter from the Kitchener Horticultural Society, dated May 11, 1994, explaining the society's financial situation and asking for additional funding. Mr. P. McPherson was in attendance to represent the Horticultural Society's request. Discussion took place concerning the Master Plan being prepared for Rockway Gardens and the Committee was advised that the hold up concerns traffic problems which will arise as a result of the proposal to close Floral Crescent. On motion by Councillor C. Zehr it was resolved: "That consideration of the grant request of the Kitchener Horticultural Society be deferred to the Community Services Committee meeting of June 6, 1994, to allow staff and the Horticultural Society an opportunity to work on the Master Plan for Rockway Gardens." 4. DELEGATION - BINOOJIINH AASWAAKOSHING The Committee was in receipt of a grant request from Binoojiinh Aaswaakoshing for a cash grant in the amount of $1,500.00 to assist with the legal cost of incorporation. Ms. C. Coulson was in attendance to answer any questions the committee might have in this regard. Ms. Coulson distributed copies of their proposed by-laws, constitution, statement of philosophy and financial information. It was pointed out to Ms. Coulson that this committee does not fund daycare and that she should contact Regional Social Services. Ms. Coulson assured the committee that other sources of funding have been sought for setup and operation of the daycare and this grant request was strictly for funds to cover the fees and legal costs of incorporation as they would not be entitled to any other levels of funding without being incorporated. Mayor Cardillo hoped that a solicitor would donate the time required as Ms. Coulson advised that approximately $1,000.00 will be required for legal costs and $500.00 for fees. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That we approve a cash grant, in the amount of $500.00, for Binoojiinh Aawaakoshing to assist with the cost of their incorporation." 5. DELEGATION - KITCHENER BLIND BOWLERS The Committee was in receipt of a grant request from the Ontario Lawn Bowling Association Of The Blind requesting a cash grant in the amount of $3,500.00 to assist with the travel expenses for the team to attend the National Championships in Saskatoon from August 9 - 14, 1994. Ms. C. May was in attendance to answer any questions the committee might have in this regard. 5. DELEGATION - KITCHENER BLIND BOWLERS - cont'd MAY 16, 1994 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee raised the issue of obtaining financing from the City of Waterloo and Ms. May advised that a grant had been approved by the City of Waterloo in portion to the number of bowlers who are residents in Waterloo. She advised that six of the seven bowlers are Kitchener residents. The question was also raised as to whether funding should be obtained from the CNIB and Ms. May advised that funding was not available from that source. Councillor C. Weylie questioned staff about a travel grant policy to which staff advised that it would be forthcoming in June in conjunction with a grant policy review. On motion by Mayor D. Cardillo it was resolved: "That we approve a cash grant, in the amount of $1,400.00 for the Ontario Lawn Bowling Association of the Blind to assist with their travel costs to the National Championship in Saskatoon, from August 9 - 14, 1994." DELEGATION - KITCHENER WATERLOO MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL The Committee was in receipt of a letter and grant application from the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre Inc., requesting additional funding to hold the Multicultural Festival one additional day this year, as Canada Day immediately precedes the festival. Ms. M. Sahas was in attendance to answer any questions the committee might have in this regard. She explained that the request is mainly to see if Council was interested in extending the festival to a three day event and if so, will Council support an in-kind grant for the additional services required. The Committee was also in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Gazzola, dated May 13, 1994, outlining certain points for the committee's consideration and giving comparative figures for the 1993 event as compared to the cost for the 1994 event. Discussion took place over the financial information provided. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That we support, in principle, to the extension of the 1994 Multicultural Festival to a three day event; and further, That Mr. J. Gazzola provide the exact cost of running the festival for one additional day to Council at its meeting of May 24, 1994." WOODLOT ACQUISITION FUND The Committee was in receipt of a report from Councillor T. Galloway, dated May 12, 1994, in this regard. The Committee agreed to defer consideration of this matter to the next meeting and requested that the Finance Department provide a report in this regard. "POLZIN" FLAT MARKER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. L. EckeI-Braun, Supervisor of Cemeteries, dated May 10, 1994 in this regard. On motion by Mayor D. Cardillo it was resolved: "That we approve an exemption to the Municipal Code Chapter 210 (Cemeteries- Municipal) to allow for the installation of a flat marker at the foot end of lot #7 in the Acacia Gardens." 9. GOFER VIDEO MAY 16, 1994 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENER It was agreed to defer this item to the Committee's next meeting. 10. NEW BUSINESS Councillor C. Weylie advised that approval had been given earlier this date for a street closure on June 18, 1994, to allow Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association to hold a fireworks display. She requested approval of an-kind services grant of $350.00 to cover the costs involved with the street closure. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie it was resolved: "That we approve an in-kind services grant in the amount of $350.00 for the Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association to cover the cost of the street closing on June 18, 1994, for their fireworks display." 11. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt the following for information purposes: A) FITWEEK B) KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET - THURSDAY MARKET OPENING PROMOTION C) 1994 SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM D) K.M.A. - EVENT ATTENDANCE E) K.M.A. - MONTHLY SUMMARY, APRIL 1994 F) K.M.A. - EVENT FINANCIAL REPORTS G) THANK-YOU LETTERS-WESTHEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL/EASTWOOD COLLEGIATE H) GRANT SUMMARY 12. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled for Monday June 6, 1994, in the Council Chambers, commencing at 1:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary