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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1995-02-27CSC\1995-02-27 FEBRUARY 27, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:15 p.m., with all members present. Others Present: Messrs T. McKay, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, G. Kett, K. Baulk, Fire Chief J. Hancock, Ms. C. Oliver and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. FIRE ALARM MONITORING The Committee was in receipt of a report dated February 20, 1995, from Fire Chief J. Hancock, providing a recommendation and background information with respect to fire alarm monitoring. The report recommended that alarm monitoring be initiated through an agreement with Fire Monitoring of Canada (FMC) to allow for the connection of fire alarm customers to the Kitchener Fire Department. The report advised that now that the Fire Department has a computer aided dispatch system in place, the information received will be intercepted by the CAD screen and with very few key strokes, and the elimination of a telephone call, have all the necessary information needed to dispatch and respond to the fire destination. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether this should go through the City's regular tendering process. Fire Chief Hancock advised that FMC is one of the only companies who do this; however, he was prepared to amend the recommendation and go through the Purchasing Division for tendering, bringing back an agreement for this Committee's approval. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he agreed with the recommendation in the staff report and questioned whether FMC accepts liability. The Fire Chief responded that should the system fail because of technology, FMC will accept up to $5,000,000.00 per occurrence which is covered by their insurance policy. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Fire Department be permitted to tender for a company who can connect fire alarm customers to the Fire Department for the purposes of alarm monitoring; with the tender to be awarded by and any agreement to be approved by the Community Services Committee." 2. FIRE FIGHTER DEFIBRILLATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Fire Chief J. Hancock, dated February 20, 1995, recommending that the Fire Department get involved with fire fighter defibrillation as an adjunct to the Tiered Response service presently provided. Along with the Fire Chief, Mr. W. Morris, Manager of the KW Regional Ambulance and Dr. D. Stewart of the Base Hospital, were in attendance to answer any questions the Committee may have in this regard. The Fire Chief gave an overhead presentation showing statistics of response time for the ambulance and for the Fire Department noting that the results of a study conducted by the Waterloo Regional Base Hospital in 1994 indicated that the Fire Department can respond at least 90% of the time in 8 minutes or less which meets the Provincial guidelines for rapid defibrillation programs, whereas ambulance could not. Upon questioned by the Committee, Fire Chief Hancock responded that there is no money in the budget to purchase these units or to pay for training so the Department is proposing to obtain the funds through fundraising. Dr. Stewart explained that the units need a competent operator; however, the units monitor the patient, diagnose heart rhythm and decide if the patient needs to shocked or not and how much and when. 2. FIRE FIGHTER DEFIBRILLATION - cont'd. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 1995 -17- CITY OF KITCHENER Mayor R. Christy commended the Fire Chief for his initiative and suggested that he approach different service clubs within the City for funds. He put forward the four recommendations contained in the staff report and Councillor G. Lorentz volunteered to be the member of Council on the fundraising team. Councillor T. Galloway questioned certifying the operators and the Fire Chief responded that they will have two members of staff at each station trained to be trainers. They will be trained by the Base Hospital and will be re-trained and re-certified annually. These staff members will in turn train all the fire fighters on the use of this equipment. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he was opposed to recommendation #3 in the staff report as he felt that this equipment and the training should be funded through the City budget. Mr. T. McKay responded that the City has no responsibility for ambulance and further that this is a downloading from the Province. If the ambulance had obtained the defibrillators, it would be paid for by the Province but this is not the case for the Fire Department. The ambulance cannot respond in the required amount of time therefore; the Fire Department is obtaining this expertise and equipment because they can respond more quickly. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he is concerned that the public cannot tell the difference between this service and other Fire Department responsibilities and that their reactions would not be very good. It was noted that the press was not in attendance and Councillor G. Lorentz requested that the Fire Chief prepare two press releases concerning the fire alarm monitoring and the defibrillation. Each of the recommendations contained in the staff report be voted separately and, On motion by Mayor R. Christy it was resolved: "That Council endorse the implementation of fire fighter defibrillation as an adjunct to the Tiered Response service presently provided; and That, subject to the successful solicitation of donations, Council approve the purchase of defibrillators and the necessary training equipment, at an estimated cost of $83,000.00; and That Councillor G. Lorentz be appointed, along with the Fire Chief, as a Community fundraising team; and further That, subject to acquiring equipment and training, Council approve implementation to coincide with the Base Hospital's Regional implementation date of November 1, 1995." 3. 1995 ANNUAL GRANT APPLICATIONS A brief discussion took place on these grant applications with specific applications being cited and Councillor Jake Smola cited a section from the City's Grant Policy wherein it notes that the City would encourage these organizations to become more self sufficient and not depend on the City for continual operating grants. He advised that he wished to review each grant application one at a time. It was agreed that consideration of the grant applications would be deferred until later in the day, at the conclusion of the Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting. 4. PROPOSED CHANGES TO 1995 GOLF MEMBERSHIP FEES COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 1995 -18- CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Division Manager, Golf Courses and Cemeteries, dated February 21, 1995 along with supporting documentation and a memorandum to Council from Councillor J. Ziegler, Chair, Finance and Administration Committee, dated February 9, 1995. Mr. G. Kett gave a brief overview on how the fees were decided upon and recommended that all fees remain the same save and except for the full adult couple. Mr. Kett provided the Committee members with a chart comparing the City's fees for Rockway and Doon with other golf courses in the area. He advised that he felt the fees recommended by staff were in line with many of the other clubs in the area. He also discussed the additional OGA and CLGA fees payable in addition to the City membership fees. Mr. T. Brennand, Head of the Mens' Committee at Rockway Golf Club, was in attendance and advised that he had had many phone calls from members who were disenchanted with the fees for Rockway and Doon. He noted that there was a general increase in fees of 10% while the green fee increase was only 2.2% and the members are concerned that the City wants to eliminate memberships. He advised that the membership would have been willing to accept a 5% increase; however, the increase proposed by staff is more than the members feel is acceptable. Mr. S. Thomas, a member of the Doon Valley Golf Course, was in attendance suggesting that the increase was excessive and questioned whether or not the City would consider phasing-in the increases rather than them being paid all in one year and suggested that there should be a marked narrowing between the per game cost of a #1 membership and #2 membership. Some of the members of the Committee questioned why the couples rates is less than two individual memberships. Mr. K. Baulk gave some background information on the #1 membership indicating that it had been approved by Council to eliminate this membership over time and that only members who have had #1 memberships before 1990 and maintained the memberships would be allowed to continue. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a motion to adopt the staff recommendation and to add another clause that any increases over 5% be phased-in over the next two years. The amendment was voted on and LOST. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That the golf course fees previously approved by Council remain the same save and except for the "Couple Full" fee which is to be reduced to $1352.00 (plus OGA and CLGA fees) from the previously approved rate of $1430.00." Mr. T. McKay advised that most of the members were already paying the OGA fee to the pros in the past. Councillor John Smola questioned the market conditions for the other golf courses in the area. Mr. G. Kett advised that there are still a limited number of memberships available at the other courses; however, Doon and Rockway are working on a waiting list at this time. Councillor M. Wagner put forward a motion that in 1996 green fees and singles fees be raised over a period of one to two years in parody with other courses in the area which was voted on and LOST. 5. PROPOSED WATERLOO-ST. JACOBS RAILWAY FEBRUARY 27, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES -19- CITY OF KITCHENER = = = = Mr. C. Hinrichs was in attendance to advise the Committee of the progress being made with the proposed Waterloo-St. Jacobs Railway. He advised that the application is into the N.T.A. and also to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). The route being proposed is from the Seagram's Museum in Waterloo onto the Farmers' Market and then into St. Jacobs. Further he advised that his company will look into excursions between Kitchener and Elmira. The question was raised as to whether the trip would be expanded in time to take in Elmira and Kitchener and whether any thought had been given to bringing people into Kitchener as well as taking them out of Kitchener, particularly during Oktoberfest. Mr. Hinrichs advised that this would occur over time and that Kitchener and Elmira are not an after thought, as they are part of the original application to N.T.A. and OMB. It was suggested by Councillor B. Vrbanovic that discussions take place with Kitchener Transit on routes to connect Waterloo train station with Kitchener attraction. Mr. T. McKay was directed to have the Transit staff meet with Mr. Hinrichs. The Committee was advised that Mr. Arnot and Ms. C. Oliver would meet with Mr. Hinrichs after this meeting. GRANT REQUEST - K-W MULTICULTURAL CENTRE The delegations who had registered for this meeting were not in attendance at this time. The Committee was in receipt of a grant application from the K-W Multicultural Centre along with a recommendation from Mr. R. Arnot dated February 22, 1995. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the K-W Multicultural Centre for an in-kind facility rental grant in the amount of $400.00 to partially cover the cost of their use of the Market Hall on April 8, 1995." 1997 WORLD HORSESHOE PITCHING CHAMPIONSHIPS Mr. R. Fanjoy, President of Horseshoe Ontario, was in attendance to support the staff report of Mr. K. Baulk, Division Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated February 13, 1995. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That we support the bid to bring the 1997 World Horseshoe Pitching Championships to Kitchener; and further That a $10,000.00 cash grant be allocated to the host committee in 1997 to help off-set expenses should the National Horseshoe Pitching Association award the championship to the City of Kitchener and Horseshoe Ontario." 1996 SKILLS CANADA COMPETITION As Ms. Smyth was not in attendance, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of this request to the meeting of March 20, 1995. 1996 CANADIAN SENIOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Division Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated February 13, 1995 in this regard. A representative from the Track and Field Association was not in attendance at this time. 9. 1996 CANADIAN SENIOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS - cont'd. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 1995 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER it was resolved: "That, subject to the additional awarding of the 1997/98 Canadian Senior Track and Field Championships or the 1998 Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships to the City of Kitchener, we support the bid to bring the 1996 Canadian Senior Track and Field Championships to Kitchener; and That a $3,000.00 grant be allocated to the host committee in 1996 to help off-set expenses, in the event the Championship is awarded to the City of Kitchener; and further That additional $3,000.00 annual grants be allocated for the additional Canadian Senior or Junior Championships, should they be awarded to the City of Kitchener in 1997 and/or 1998." 10. K-W PHILHARMONIC CHOIRS - GRANT REQUEST Rev. A. Paulsen and Ms. M. Dyck were in attendance to represent the grant request of the Philharmonic Choir for a travel grant to assist the members of the Choir to attend the European Church Music Festival being held in Schwaebisch, Germany from August 7-22, 1995. Ms. Dyck advised that there are 110 voices in the senior choir, 50 voices in the childrens choir and 30 choral voices. She explained the tour and the other fundraising projects being undertaken to help finance this trip. She advised that the tour will cost approximately $3,000.00 per member. Councillor M. Wagner asked for a comparison between this event and a sports event and how prestigious it is. Ms. Dyck responded that the Choir is attending by invitation. She explained the calibre of the festival and that there is an opportunity to bring other choirs to Kitchener-Waterloo. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Kitchener Waterloo Philharmonic Choir for a cash grant in the amount of $2,500.00 to assist with their travel costs to attend the "European Church Music" festival being held in Schwaebisch, Germany from August 7-22, 1995." 11. NEIGHBOURHOODWATCH As the delegations did not appear before the Committee at this time, it was agreed that consideration of this matter be deferred to the Committee's meeting of March 20, 1995. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: D. E. F. Facility Rental - Great Lakes In-Line Roller Hockey League K.M.A. Complex- Monthly Summary (January 1995); Hockey Breakdown (January 1995); Homexpo Spring 1995; the Legends of Hockey Thank you letter from David Branch Thank you letter from Jane Falconer Thank you letter from S. Douglas Philpott Grants Analysis Update 13. REGIONAL SMOKING BY-LAW Councillor M. Wagner advised that there will be a meeting of the Regional Smoking By-law Committee in approximately two weeks and requested feedback from Council prior to the meeting. 14. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled for Monday March 20, 1995, in the Council Chambers, commencing at 1:00 p.m.. FEBRUARY 27, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES -21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. 16. 1995 ANNUAL GRANT APPLICATIONS The meeting of the Community Services Committee reconvened at approximately 6:00 p.m. to consider the 1995 annual grant applications. On motion it was resolved: "That the 1995 grant applications as presented to the Community Services Committee on February 27, 1995 as amended, be approved in principle, with the applicants being given an opportunity to appeal the recommendation of the Community Services Committee at their meetings scheduled for March 20, 1995 and/or April 3, 1995." Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary