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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1994-05-02CSC\1994-05-02 MAY 2, 1994 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:10 p.m., with all members present. Others Present: Councillor J. Ziegler, Messrs. R. Arnot, J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, T. McKay, G. Nixon, G. Kett, P. Wetherup, B. Sleeth, K. Baulk, R. Wyatt, T. McCabe, Ms. B. Aikenhead, Ms. C. Oliver, Ms. L. MacDonald and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATION - DOON VALLEY LADIES COMMITTEE Ms. P. Skipp-Beer, Captain of the Doon Valley Ladies Committee, was in attendance to represent her request to be permitted to purchase a #1 membership at the Golf Club, due to her position as the Captain of the Ladies Committee. She advised that she currently has a #2 membership. It was Ms. Skipp-Beer's position that because of the number of hours of volunteer work that a Captain puts in, and the extra number of rounds of golf she must play, she should be permitted to purchase a #1 membership. The Committee members were in receipt of a petition, containing 30 signatures, in support of Ms. Skipp-Beer's request. Councillors Ziegler and Wagner spoke in support of the request, provided that the privilege was assigned to the position and not the person. To this, Ms. Skipp-Beer responded that she felt that the Captain should be allowed a #1 membership for life, considering the number of volunteer hours donated. Mr. G. Kett addressed the Committee advising that there are 2 issues; the price of memberships and the total memberships of each type issued. It is intended that the #1 memberships be eliminated over time. Ms. Skipp-Beer advised that another woman had been allowed a #1 membership this year because her husband has a #1 membership. This incident prompted her to make this request. Mr. Kett advised that this had been a matter of interpretation by a staff member at the time, and would not be repeated. Councillor Ziegler questioned how many committees there are at each of the golf courses and was advised by staff that there are ladies', mens' and seniors' committees at each golf course. Councillor Ziegler then put forward a motion that the Captain from each committee at each golf course be permitted #1 memberships in the years that they are Captains. The question was raised as to how many executives there are on each committee and Mr. K. Baulk advised that the number varies from year to year, with the average number being 10. The Committee then discussed the possibility of letting each member on the executives purchase a #1 membership. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That the Captains of the Mens, Ladies and Seniors Committees at the Rockway Golf Club and the Doon Valley Golf Club be permitted to purchase No. 1 memberships in those years that they have been elected Captains." Councillor G. Leadston requested that staff provide an update at the next meeting on the expansion of the Doon Valley Golf Club. 2. GRANT REQUEST - HIGHLAND FUSILIERS The Committee was in receipt of a grant application from the Highland Fusiliers of Canada for a cash grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to assist with the hosting of a reception and luncheon for the veterans in Waterloo Region attending the 50th Anniversary Parade on Saturday June 4, 1994. 2. GRANT REQUEST - HIGHLAND FUSILIERS - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 2, 1994 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER Captain Tony Lea of the Highland Fusiliers was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. He advised that there would be 2 parades on June 4th, one in Kitchener from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and a second one in Cambridge commencing at 2:00 p.m. The parade in Kitchener would start at Epton Industries and go to City Hall where there would be a reception and luncheon, afterwards the participants would then go to Cambridge for the second parade. He advised that there would be between 250 and 300 people participating. On motion by Councillor G. Leadston it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Highland Fusiliers of Canada for a cash grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to assist with the hosting of a reception and luncheon for veterans in Waterloo Region attending the 50th Anniversary Parade on Saturday June 4, 1994." 3. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, dated April 26, 1994, recommending the relocation of the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club to Breithaupt Park. Mr. I. Watt, President of the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club, was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. He advised that the Club endorses the recommendation in the report. First, the relocation for a cost of $152,000.00 is a good deal as Breithaupt is a good location and a nice setting. Further, Breithaupt Park has the potential to become a first class lawn bowling facility as he foresees a second green and a clubhouse. Mr. Watt went on to advise that the Club now sees the merit in becoming financially involved, as it gives the Club a stake in the move and an incentive to make it work. It also allows the Club to be part of the decision making process. Councillor M. Wagner questioned how long it will take until the second green is required and Mr. Watt advised that he could not give a definite answer. First the $40,000.00 will have to be repaid and then money will have to be raised in order for the Club to participate in the financing of the second green. Councillor M. Wagner then asked whether the move would help increase membership. Mr. Watt responded that the membership would have to double to make the move work. He advised that they now have 75 full paying members and that seniors play at a reduced rate. They want to encourage the seniors to take full memberships. Mr. Watt also sees an interest in the Breithaupt area for membership. The Club would like to be self-supporting and intends to get involved in fundraising. Councillor Wagner then questioned whether the Club would get involved in hosting provincial and national championships, to which Mr. Watt replied that it would not be possible until the second green was installed. However, there is a great potential for provincial and national championships. In response to a question about lighting, Mr. Watt replied that there was a neighbourhood meeting the previous week and there were no concerns raised about lighting. Further, the lights would be Iow slung and only light up the green. Mayor Cardillo questioned the days of the week the greens would be used and Mr. Watt advised that the club competitions are generally held in the evenings from Monday to Friday from 7:00 p.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. Lighting is required for approximately 1 hour in the evening. There are competitions with other clubs but they usually take place in the daytime. Mr. S. Gerhardt of the Mount Hope-Breithaupt Park Neighbourhood Association was in attendance advising that he thought they would be provided with all the information before the decision was made. He questioned why the report did not contain information on the other sites considered. Without that information, it is not possible to determine whether Breithaupt Park is a good choice. Mr. Gerhardt also questioned the cash flow analysis. The neighbourhood association has been trying to get space in the Breithaupt Recreation Centre for some time, and Mr. Gerhardt questioned why the Lawn Bowling Club is being pushed ahead. 3. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 2, 1994 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. K. Baulk responded that the land sale mentioned in the cash flow is the money from the sale of land to Kitchener Housing Inc., which was to be put toward this relocation. Further, Mr. Baulk advised that the debenture information was put together by the Finance Department 6 months ago. Mr. T. Clancy stated that this is existing space and staff will deal with the request of the neighbourhood associations for space in the Breithaupt Centre. Further, staff did not arrive at these conclusions until January and they involve the neighbourhood as soon as staff reach that point. Mr. Clancy advised that it is anticipated that green #1 will be ready by 1995 and green #2 is anticipated in 6 to 10 years. Green #2 is shown on the plan so that everyone will know that it is the Club's intention to construct a second green. Mr. Gerhardt stated that the neighbourhood association is not saying that it does not make sense to relocate the Lawn Bowling Club to Breithaupt Park, only that there are many unclear areas. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Watt advised that the Club looked at 20 sites, each was analyzed and ascribed 10 criteria, each having a value of 10. Each site was then given a score for each criteria for a total value out of 100 points. The top site was Victoria Park with a value of 86, the next was Breithaupt Park with a value of 82, and the third site was Wilson with a value of 77. This was a very exhaustive study with the criteria being developed by the Lawn Bowling Club. Councillor M. Wagner questioned Mr. Gerhardt as to why these concerns were not raised at the neighbourhood meeting last week. Mr. Gerhardt advised that the neighbourhood association only meets monthly and that not all the information was made available. He questioned why Breithaupt Park is a better site. Further, the issues of the impact on the residents of Fairfield Avenue and park users in general, have not been addressed. Councillor Wagner then questioned whether, with what had been discussed at this meeting, Mr. Gerhardt felt comfortable in supporting the Lawn Bowling club relocation to Breithaupt Park. Mr. Gerhardt requested that consideration of this matter be deferred, so that all the information could be made available to the neighbourhood. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that the use of community space is a separate issue. Mr. Gerhardt responded that the neighbourhood association has been asking for space over the years and has been refused. Now, another organization is being given land and building space and the neighbourhood association still cannot get regular use of space. He questioned what the reasons are behind giving the club this space. Mr. T. Clancy, responding to a question from the Committee, advised that the use of the space behind the building is extensive and is not a recommended location for the second green. Further, he advised that Breithaupt Park is a district park and not just a local park. There is often a conflict in deciding which part is district and which part is local. With respect to the deferral, Mr. Clancy advised that a short deferral could be accommodated, however, staff need one year in order to grow the required grass. Further discussion took place on this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Smola it was resolved: "That consideration of the relocation of the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club to Breithaupt Park be deferred to the Community Services Committee meeting of Monday May 16, 1994, for further discussion with the neighbouring community." 3. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB - cont'd Councillor G. Lorentz thanked Mr. Gerhardt for coming forward today and for his approach. He COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 2, 1994 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER thanked the audience for attending and stated that he felt that all parties were working hard to resolve the situation and that the Committee is close to making a decision. He also thanked staff for not being confrontational and stated that he was hopeful that in 2 weeks there would be a recommendation that all could support. 4. KITCHENER-WATERLOO SYNCHRONIZED SWIM CLUB The Committee was provided with copies of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated April 29, 1994, along with a copy of the grant application from the Kitchener-Waterloo Synchronized Swim Club, requesting a travel grant in the amount of $400.00 to send the team to the National Synchronized Swimming Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba from May 7 - 15, 1994. Ms. O. Dixon of the Swim Club was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. She advised that the parents have paid all costs for travel up to this point. It will cost $1,038.00 for each swimmer to go to the Championship in Winnipeg. The parents have raised some of the money and the City of Waterloo has approved a grant of $300.00 for the 3 members of the team living in Waterloo. On motion by Mayor D. Cardillo it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Kitchener-Waterloo Synchronized Swim Club for a cash grant in the amount of $400.00 to assist with the cost of sending the team to the National Synchronized Swimming Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba from May 7-15, 1994." Councillor C. Weylie questioned whether the City has a travel policy similar to that of Waterloo. Mr. R. Arnot advised that this will be included in the grant policy review requested for June. 5. GRANT REQUEST - COUNTDOWN TO CANADA'S BIRTHDAY The Committee was in receipt of a request for an in-kind facility rental grant for use of the Market Parking Garage from 6:00 p.m. on June 30 to 1:00 a.m. on July 1, 1994 for the Countdown to Canada's Birthday celebration. The application noted a value of $400.00 to $800.00. The Committee was also in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated May 2, 1994, advising that due to the change in parking charges, Mr. J. McBride has advised that the value of the parking will be $2OO.OO. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That we approve an in-kind facility grant for the Countdown to Canada's Birthday Celebration for use of the Market Square Parking Garage from 6:00 p.m. on June 30th to 1:00 a.m. on July 1st, 1994, to a maximum of $200.00." 6. ENCROACHMENT POLICY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. T. Clancy and P. Wetherup dated April 7, 1994, recommending an encroachment policy for City-owned lands. In the report, they advise that the recommendation is as a result of a growing concern that parkland, which is meant for the enjoyment of the general public, is increasingly being encroached upon and/or altered for the exclusive use of abutting property owners. Ms. L. MacDonald and Mr. P. Wetherup were in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. A brief discussion took place in this regard. 6. ENCROACHMENT POLICY - cont'd On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 2, 1994 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That we direct City staff to enforce the Municipal Code (Chapter 270 - Parks, Chapter 690 - Trees) as they relate to encroachments on City property, and That we allow no encroachments within natural areas, floodplain, Environmentally Sensitive Protected Ares, wetlands, water courses or storm water management areas, and That we allow no restrictive use of parklands that would preclude public use, including fences, gardens and structures that would restrict free public passage, and That if a disagreement arises over any request for an encroachment, on parklands, other than those identified above, the matter shall be brought to the Community Services Committee; otherwise, requests for encroachments be dealt with in the normal manner; and further That if the encroachment is approved, the property owner shall enter into an agreement with the City of Kitchener. The Committee directed that they wish to review the grant policies to discuss and determine what the policies should be. The Committee directed staff to prepare for a review of the existing grant policies at the Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for June 6, 1994." 7. WOODLAND INVENTORY AND EVALUATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt and P. Wetherup, dated April 7, 1994, recommending the preparation of a Woodland Strategy to identify the means of protecting, conserving and integrating high value woodlands in future developments. Messrs. P. Wetherup and T. McCabe were in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. T. Clancy addressed the Committee advising that the purpose is to give a strategy to look after what we have. He stated that he is very pleased with the quality of the report. Mr. T. McCabe advised the Committee that the report deals with woodlots beyond the development line and that there has already been some work done as a result of the outer area community plan. It is anticipated that the strategy will protect the future of woodlots. Woodlots are already protected through Planning documents and this strategy is for acquisition. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie it was resolved: "That the Parks & Recreation Department, in co-operation with the Planning & Development Department, initiate the preparation of a Woodland Strategy which will identify the means of protecting, conserving and integrating the woodlands identified as high value in future developments; and That this Woodland Strategy recognize the integrated nature of the woodlands identified as high value and that isolation or fragmentation in one area can reduce woodland values in others; and 7. WOODLAND INVENTORY AND EVALUATION - cont'd That further inventory and assessment work be carried out during the spring and summer of 1994 in the woodlands outside of the study area of the report prepared by the Parks & Recreation Department, dated February 1994,which meet the criteria for high MAY 2, 1994 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER value and are not protected through public ownership, as funds permit; and That Woodlands 52-3, 46-6 and 46-1 be considered as potentially satisfying criteria for ESPA designation and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be advised of the specific field data collected in these ares; and That the Parks & Recreation Department conduct field research in the areas previously studied every five years to update the data files and monitor changes in woodlands over time, particularly in areas closest to existing urban development; and further That the Parks & Recreation Department pursue funding and employment grants, such as the Environmental Youth Corps, for the purpose of field research. 8. INFORMATION ITEMS The committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: A) B) 1994 GRANTS K.M.A. - EVENT FINANCIAL REPORTS 9. NEW BUSINESS Councillor C. Zehr requested an update on what is happening with the clock tower. Mr. T. Clancy advised that he would be meeting with Mr. L. Proulx to develop a strategy. It could be that Mr. Eckert would have to be brought back on a small honorarium to collect all the stones in one place. Mr. Clancy advised that the clock tower is in several pieces and he would like to bring them together before making any further move in this regard. Councillor Zehr advised that he had had a call from a contractor who would be willing to prepare drawings and a clock maker who would volunteer for that part of the work. Mr. Clancy was requested to bring this matter back before the Committee at its next meeting. Councillor G. Leadston advised that he had been given a panoramic photograph of Victoria Park which had been taken in the early 1900's; which is being stored at the Joseph Schneider Haus. He advised that an expenditure of approximately $250.00 would be required to restore, preserve and frame the photograph. He questioned which body should be approached in this regard. Mr. T. Clancy suggested that the Victoria Park 100th Anniversary Committee should be contacted in this regard. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that the Arts Acquisition Committee would accept the photograph if the Victoria Park Committee does not want it. 10. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled for Monday May 16, 1994, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary