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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1995-05-01CSC\1995-05-01 MAY 1, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:26 p.m., with all members present. Others Present: Mr. L. Proulx, Mr. D. Trask, Deputy Fire Chief N. Kuntz, Fire Chief J. Hancock, Ms. D. George, Mr. T. McKay, Mr. D. Mansell, Mr. T. Clancy, Ms. B. Spry, Ms. R. Willms, Ms. C. Oliver, Ms. S. Keller, Mr. R. Arnot, Mr. L. Lynch, Mr. J. Nelson, Mr. D. Daly, Mr. R. Wyatt, Mr. J. Gazzola and Ms. D. Gilchrist 1. AGENDA Councillor G. Lorentz advised all members of staff and all members of the Committee that any reports to appear on the Community Services Committee Agenda were to be presented to Mr. T. Clancy who would in turn provide them to the Clerk's Department. 2. CHARGE FOR ADULT USERS OF SCHOOLS Mr. T. Clancy gave a brief verbal report to advise the Committee that the Board of Education is now charging for adult users of schools. The Board of Education Committee on this matter was to meet that evening and that the Parks and Recreation Department would be asking them to delay that action in order to evaluate the impact. If the Board of Education agrees to this then a report will be prepared for the Community Services Committee. Mr. Clancy advised that he does not disagree with the schools charging but with the way it is being handled. 3. FIREFIGHTER JOINT TRAINING FACILITY The Committee was in receipt of a report, dated May 1, 1995, titled "Report on the City of Kitchener Firefighter Training Facility" prepared by G. Poole, E. Weckman and A. Strong of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo and D. Trask, Training Director, City of Kitchener Fire Department. Mr. D. Trask was in attendance to report to the Committee on the benefits of developing a Firefighter Training Facility and was accompanied by the other members of the team who prepared the report. Mr. Trast reviewed, for the Committee's benefit, the process undertaken to arrive at this report and the benefits derived from working with the academic community. Mr. Trask then reviewed the recommendation as stated in the report and gave a brief overview of the report. Mr. Trask emphasized that there is no room for errors in a firefighters performance on the job. The threat of civil action forces the Fire Department to prove that the job was done properly every time. Another important aspect is cross-training with other emergency services such as Ambulance and Police. The Fire Department's schedules are becoming more demanding as the public demand for their services increases. It has become very important to have a place to train, on a timely basis. It is essential to have an available space where you can go to train. You must train properly and regularly to get the most value from your employees. Ms. E. Wackman then reviewed some of the technical aspects of the report. She identified four main issues: safety of personnel, realism of training, durability of materials and environmental impact on water and air. She advised that the time to consider the environmental concerns is at the design stage. Ms. Wackman then cited three options for training, being: all on the job, time and space elsewhere and build your own facility. Ms. Wackman suggested that if all the training is done on the job, a firefighters skills will degenerate. If training is done elsewhere, problems of scheduling occur. The cost of training elsewhere becomes excessive. Another drawback is that you cannot develop your own program. Also there is a reduction in staff during an emergency. Further, there 3. FIREFIGHTER JOINT TRAINING FACILITY - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1, 1995 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER are no locally available facilities of quality. The benefits of developing your own facility are many. You can develop your own programs. You can provide more realistic training. There are no scheduling problems and your employees are close at hand in cases of emergency. Ms. Wackman then reviewed the diagram, on page 18 of the report, showing an example site layout. It was obvious that the Budd Park site would not accommodate such a facility. She advised that staff should look for a site which will meet current and future needs. Further, it is worth looking towards a joint venture. Mr. Trask again addressed the Committee stating that a facility of this nature is expensive. That is why the Fire Department would like to explore the possibility of a joint venture and he felt that a joint venture would also appeal to other municipalities. He stated that the Fire Department is looking for approval in principle and a further report would come back to this Committee. Councillor M. Wagner and some of the other members of the Committee stressed the idea that this should be a regional facility. He strongly urged the other municipalities in the region to join in with Kitchener in this venture. Mr. Trask was questioned as to whether he had spoken to any other Fire Departments. He advised that he has had some discussion with Waterloo and Cambridge; however, he wanted this Committee's backing before going further. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Kitchener Fire Department to research potential sites for a training facility and to explore options with respect to joint training use, ownership and management." 4. WALKWAY - MILLWOOD CRESCENT The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Councillor T. Galloway, dated April 25, 1995, outlining a problem which exists with the property owners at 168 and 174 Millwood Crescent, which properties abut this walkway. Councillor T. Galloway briefly outlined the problem and introduced Mrs. P. Thompson, one of the property owners, who outlined some of the incidents of nuisance and vandalism being performed by some of the youth who use this walkway as a place to hang out. She requested that the Committee members agree on one of the three options outlined in Councillor T. Galloway's memorandum. When questioned by Councillor K. Redman, Mrs. Thompson advised of her preferance that the abutting porperty owners be permitted to purchase the walkway. If that is not possible, she requested, as a second choice, that the stairs and railing be taken out and the walkway be surfaced with stone chips. Mr. T. Clancy advised that the walkway was installed to access a use at the other end; however, there is very little open space use. Mr. D. Mansell advised that when the subdivision was developed, the City needed a sanitary and storm outlet to connect to the facilities in the park. He also advised that walkways have been sold before. He stated that there is no reason not to sell the walkway provided that the City obtains an easement. Councillor T. Galloway put forward a two part motion with the first part being to sell the walkway, subject to an easement and the second part, if the first was not possible, to redesignate the walkway to open space; as outlined in recommendation number 2 in his memorandum. Several Committee members spoke in favour of part 1 of the motion but not part 2. Councillor Galloway agreed to amend his motion accordingly. 4. WALKWAY - MILLWOOD CRESCENT - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1, 1995 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor T. Galloway it was resolved: "That the walkway located between the properties known municipally as 168 & 174 Millwood Crescent be closed and a sale of the land to the abutting property owners be negotiated, and further; That any sale of the closed walkway be subject to the City retaining an easement for existing municipal services." 5. AD AND SALES CLUB AWARDS The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Ms. C. Oliver, Manager of Marketing and Communications, dated April 25, 1995, advising that the City, through Suzanne Keller and Caroline Oliver, received four awards on Monday April 17 at the 15th Annual Ad and Sales Club Advertisers of the Year Awards. Mr. T. Clancy introduced Ms. Oliver and Ms. Keller and advised of the prestige nature of these awards. Examples of these awards were distributed for view by the members of Council. Councillors C. Weylie and G. Lorentz congratulated Ms. Oliver and Ms. Keller. They suggested that this information be provided to Ms. D. Robertson for the City's page in the Internet. 6. 1997 INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CONGRESS WORLD'S TOURNAMENT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated April 26, 1995, recommending that this Committee support the bid to bring the 1997 Internation Softball Congress World's Tournament to Kitchener and that the City enter into an agreement with Kitchener Fastball Promotions and Waterloo Ontario Fastball Association in submitting the bid and sharing the revenue. Mr. J. Thompson, a member of the bid committee, was in attendance to provide some background for the Committee in this regard. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway it was resolved: "That we support the bid to bring the 1997 International Softball Congress (ISC) World's Tournament to Kitchener; and further That we enter into an agreement with the Waterloo Ontario Fastball Association in revenue." Kitchener Fastball Promotions and submitting the bid and sharing of 7. SUMMER IN THE CITY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. G. Holstead, Supervisor Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated April 26, 1995, recommending that the City endorse plans for Summer in the City as a jointly planned event. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway it was resolved: "That we endorse plans for "Summer In The City" as a jointly planned event between Kitchener Parks and Recreation and Mr. Glen Smith and volunteers." 8. DELEGATION - CHILDREN'S MUSEUM Councillor K. Redman introduced a delegation of four, who form a committee interested in MAY 1, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER establishing a children's museum in downtown Kitchener. She advised that this committee is struggling with a deadline which is not at their own making. Ms. E. Lippert addressed the Committee on behalf of the group, stating that they, in the context of Downtown Revitalization, want to develop an interactive children's museum. She advised that there are only 4 children's museums in all of Canada. She advised that her committee is looking for financial support from the City, in the amount of U.S. $1,343.00 for three of their members to attend a children's museum conference in Philadelphia on May 18. Mayor Christy questioned whether this matter should come before the Committee at this time. He stated that he would like to see this group get support in principle, but go back to their corporate sponsors for funding. He believed this delegation to be valid but questioned how to weigh this proposal against the others projects which may also be valid. The delegation explained that they are not a registered charitable organization at this time and therefore cannot get corporations to make donations. Councillor Redman advised that she had cautioned the delegation that this Committee may not take action on their request. She explained that the conference takes place on May 18 and is an annual event. Further, this committee has been working on developing relationships with corporations. Councillor Wagner advised that he wished the delegation well, but could not recommend a grant at this time. He questioned why they could not attend the conference next year. The delegation responded that this year's conference offers a pre-conference workshop on founding a children's museum. The conference would allow them to study simular museums in the United States and there is a mentor program which would allow them to match with a simular museum in a downtown area. When questioned by the Committee, the delegation advised that the four museums existing in Canada are in London, Hamilton, Winnipeg and Hull. Councillor B. Vrbanovic recommended that this matter be referred to the next week's Council meeting. He wanted to be able to debate this in conjunction with other proposals for the downtown. Mayor R. Christy stated that he was in favour of Councillor Vrbanovic's recommendation. He suggested that Mr. J. Gazzola determine if the delegation can use the City's charitable number in order to obtain donations from private sponsors. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he was concerned about Council's reticence to support this initiative. He stated that it is still in the feasibility stage. Council should show some support for this community initiative. Councillor M. Yantzi put forward a motion to award the delegation a grant of $1,000.00. Several members spoke in favour of Councillor Yantzi's motion. Councillor Jake Smola requested that the motion be amended to require the funds to be paid from the Downtown Revitalization Account. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Children's Museum Committee for a cash grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to assist with their attendance at a conference in Philadelphia on May 18, 1995; with the funding to be paid from the Downtown Revitalization Account." = ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated April 26, 1995, in this regard and a copy of the grant application made by the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Mr. R. Parent was in attendance to represent the grant application and answer any questions the Committee might have COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1, 1995 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER in this regard. He gave a brief explanation of the reason for the grant application. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets for a facility rental and cash grant totalling $1,300.00." 10. CHRISTOPHER DUBRICK- GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated April 25, 1995, in this regard along with a copy of the grant application. Although registered, Mr. Dubrick did not appear at this time. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That we approve the request of Christopher Dubrick for a travel grant in the amount of $100.00 to assist in his expenses in attending the National Squash Tournament in Montreal in May 1995." 11. FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated April 26, 1995, in this regard, along with a copy of the grant application. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Festival of Neighbourhoods for a grant up to the amount of $7,500.00 for their 1995 event." 12. BLOCK PARENTS- GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated April 26, 1995, in this regard alond with a copy of the grant application. Ms. M. Lenio was in attendance and gave a brief presentation in this regard. When questioned by the Committee, she advised that Regional funding does not cover one time conferences. Further, she has already received a grant from the City of Cambridge and the City of Waterloo for $2,000.00 each. Further, she advised that the conference is to take place at the Holiday Inn on Fairway Road in Kitchener. A brief discussion took place over this application as compared to the one previously submitted by Neighbourhood Watch. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Waterloo Regional Block Parent Program Inc. for a cash grant of $3,000.00 to assist them in hosting the 1995 Ontario Block Parent Conference in Kitchener from May 3 - 5, 1995." 13. WATERLOO MINOR RINGETTE ASSOCIATION - GRANT APPLICATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated April 26, 1995, in this regard along with a copy of the grant application. Although Mr. L. Richardson had registered as a delegation for this meeting, he was not in attendance. Councillor T. Galloway questioned why a COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1, 1995 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER grant was being recommended for a Waterloo sports team and Mr. R. Arnot advised that the Kitchener team did not offer this level of competition. A few of the Committee members expressed some concern with offering a grant to a Waterloo sports team. Mr. Arnot was requested to determine whether or not a Kitchener team of this calibre exists. On motion by Councillor K. Redman it was resolved: "That we defer consideration of the request of the Waterloo Minor Ringette Association for a travel grant, for their attendance at the Provincial Ringette Championships in Sudbury, the week of March 15, 1995, to the May 8, 1995 Council Meeting." 14. LAURENTIAN PRE-SCHOOL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics/Community Arenas/Design-Development, dated April 25, 1995 in this regard along with a copy of the proposed agreement. A representative of the school was in attendance and advised of the need to reduce the rent, as the enrollment has dropped dramatically, partially due to the introduction of Junior Kindergarten. She also outlines several actions being taken by the pre-school to reduce their costs. On motion by Councillor K. Redman it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a licensing agreement, dated May 1, 1995, to allow the Laurentian Pre-School to use a portion of the Kitchener Lions Community Arena from May 28, 1995 to May 28, 1996 for rent in the amount of $1,000.00." 15. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: Publication of "Exhibits Spaces Handbook: A Cultural Resources Guide for Waterloo Region" B. Grass Cutting - Waterloo Mount Hope Cemetery, 1995 C. Victoria Park Playground and Wading Pool Reconstruction D. Renovations toVictoria Park Boathouse E. KMA Complex: Hockey Breakdown - Playoffs 1995 Poem Hockey Tournament Financial Summary K-W Old-timers Hockey Tournament Financial Summary F. Thankyou Letters: K-W Gems Precision Skating Team Raise Home Support Services for the Elderly 15. INFORMATION ITEMS- cont'd iii) Ontario Special Olympic's Inc. iv) K-W Oktoberfest v) K-W Symphony Volunteer Committee COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1, 1995 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER vi) Rainbow Rhythm G. Letter from the Royal Life Saving Society of Canada H. Grants Analysis Update I. Agreement - Forest-Mill Park Drive Councillor John Smola spoke to the matter of the renovations at the Victoria Park Boathouse questioning whether or not the costs were excessive. Mr. R. Arnot advised that Mr. L. Proulx had worked with staff on the renovations; however, to make to building fully accessable it would cost approximately $100,000.00. Councillor J. Smola agreed to discuss the matter with Mr. Proulx. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that staff need to be more sensitive to the tenant. Mr. T. Clancy stated that he objected to those comments as Sheila Marie has been totally involved. Further, Mr. Clancy advised that the money for the renovations is coming from the Infrastructure Program. Sheila Marie, the tenant in the Boathouse, was in attendance and asked for permission to address the Committee, which was granted. She stated that the first time she was informed of the renovations were to take place in May was on April 11. She stated that the plans for the renovations take approximately 120 square feet out of her restaurant. She advised that she had called the City on April 10 to find out what was happening but nobody informed her. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that staff provide a full report to Council at it's meeting of May 8. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that his staff had been approached by Parks and Recreation to postpone the renovations; however, it was determined that if the renovations were postponed it may jeopardize the funding. Councillor T. Galloway spoke on the Agreement Forest-Mill Park Drive. He stated that it is owned by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Region does not have enough staff to maintain it. The Region has approached the Ministry of Natural Resources to de-certify this Agreement Forest. Councillor T. Galloway further advised that the Province wants to do this on a province wide basis. He is looking for some general agreement from this Committee that the City will take over to provide some maintenance. Mr. T. Clancy has advised that he has looked at the matter and he could take over responsibility for maintenance of the Forest. He also sees this as a neighbourhood initiative as vandalism is the cause of most of the damage. The Committee requested staff to take over the maintenance of this Agreement Forest. Mayor Christy addressed the Committee advising that he had received a request from the Legion to take out an ad in a paper which will recognize the 50th anniversity of the end of World War II. He requested the Committee's agreement in this regard. 15.INFORMATION ITEMS - cont'd On motion by Mayor Christy it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1, 1995 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That we take a half page advertisement, in the special insert to be published recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II, at a cost of $823.50, to list the names of those men and women of the City of Kitchener who lost their lives during World War I1." 16. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary