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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1995-04-03CSC\1995-04-03 APRIL 3, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:35 p.m., with all members present. Others Present: Messrs. T. Clancy, R. Arnot, J. Cooper, M. Price, K. Baulk, R. Weber, J. Gazzola, Ms. B. Spry, Ms. B. Aikenhead and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. CHAIRMANS REMARKS Councillor G. Lorentz commented on the stated of the general provision grant fund advising that he has some serious concerns with the situation. He had a sense that some of the groups are circumventing the system and advised of his concern that there would not be enough funds to get through the rest of the year, at the current rate. Several of the members of Council agreed with Councillor Lorentz on this matter. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic it was resolved: "That a committee, composed of Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor G. Lorentz work with Parks & Recreation Department staff on revamping the grant policy for 1996; with a report to come back to the Community Services Committee at its meeting scheduled for September 18, 1995." 2. INTRODUCTION Mr. T. Clancy introduced Mr. M. Aribeb, one of the Windhoek Delegation in attendance at the meeting. Mr. Aribeb was welcomed by Councillor G. Lorentz. 3. ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events and Leisure Programs, dated March 22, 1995, recommending that Mr. Nicholas Rees be recognized as the Artist in Residence for this season. Mr. Price reviewed the report briefly and advised that the licencing agreement has not been completed at this time but will be necessary. It was generally agreed that the licencing agreement could come from the Legal Department directly to Council at next Monday night's meeting. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That we recognize the selection of Nicholas Rees as the inaugural City of Kitchener "Artist In Residence"; and further That the licencing agreement for this purpose be considered by City Council at its meeting scheduled for April 10, 1995." 4. ATHLETIC AWARDS BANQUET The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Cooper, Supervisor, Athletics, dated March 29, 1995, providing background information on the Athletic Awards Banquet and recommending that the City host a similar event in 1996 with the same budget on the same basis as the event was held in 1995. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 3, 1995 -31 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. ATHLETIC AWARDS BANQUET - cont'd "That the City of Kitchener host the 28th Annual Athletic Awards Banquet on or around February 29, 1996, at the Kitchener Farmers' Market, utilizing the same format as the 1995 banquet; and further That the same amount of funds be included in the 1996 budget as approved in 1995 in order to hold the event on the same basis as in 1995 to recognize an estimated 300 athletes." 5. GRANT APPLICATION - MARCEL PRUSKI The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated March 28, 1995 in this regard along with a copy of the grant application and background information. Mr. Arnot explained the grant request. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether this should be a personal grant or a grant to the organization on behalf of the athlete and was advised that the grant should be made to the organization on behalf of Marcel Pruski. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That a travel grant, in the amount of $200.00, be awarded to the Canadian National Telemark Ski Team, on behalf of Marcel Pruski, to assist with his expenses to compete in the World Telemark Championships, from March 15 - 30, 1995. 6. WATERLOO COUNTY JUNIOR BROOMBALL ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt of report of Mr. R. Arnot, dated March 29, 1995, and a copy of the grant application from the Waterloo County Junior Broomball Association requesting a travel grant to assist with the associations participation in National Championships in Cornwall, Ontario from April 27 - 30, 1995. Mr. Arnot explained that the grant being recommended is $500.00, although up to a maximum of $1,000.00 is sited in the grant policy, as the competition takes place in this province. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Waterloo County Jr. Broomball Association for a travel grant, in the amount of $500.00, to assist with the cost of attending the National Broomball Competition in Cornwall, Ontario from April 27-30, 1995." 7. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated March 29, 1995, recommending a grant in the amount of $321.29 to the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club to cover the cost of using the Rockway Active Living Centre for a garage sale. The Committee was also in receipt of a letter from Mr. E. Edwards, Vice President, Rockway Lawn Bowling Club in this regard. Mr. Edwards was in attendance to represent the grant request and to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 3, 1995 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB - cont'd Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether this event had taken place before and what the purpose of the funding raising would be. Mr. Edwards advised that this is the first time that the Lawn Bowling Club is holding such an event and the purpose of the funds is for new equipment and anticipated future expenses involving the move of the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club. Councillor Ziegler suggested that a grant of half the amount might be appropriate as this is a fund raising event and expenses should be taken into consideration. Councillor M. Wagner put forward a motion to approve the full amount. He commended the Lawn Bowling Club on its efforts to start building up funds to expand the greens, as the City may have been requested to pay for the green expansion. Councillor T. Galloway questioned why staff are charging this fee when these people are part of the Seniors Club. Mr. Arnot responded that charges are being made because staff have to come in specially for the event. Mr. T. Clancy advised that staff are tightening their belt and that it is the Community Services Committee that has the right to give money away. At one time staff may have covered this cost, however, the situation is really beyond staffs' authority. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that this is another issue that should be looked after by the Committee just formed. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether the actual rental fee is less than the grant being recommended and Mr. Arnot responded that there is a staff charge involved in this fee and that the fee would be approximately $100.00 less. Councillor Yantzi commented that volunteers are raising funds to enhance City facilities and that under these circumstances staff should be authorized to take this amount from the existing budget. Councillor Redman then suggested that the recommendation put forward by Councillor Wagner be amended so that the staff are directed to waive the rental fee and accommodate any other expenses through the Parks & Recreation Department budget. Councillor M. Wagner accepted this amendment to his motion. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That the Parks & Recreation Department waive the rental fee for the Rockway Lawnbowling Club's use of the Rockway Centre for Active Living on Saturday April 29, 1995 for a garage sale; and further That any other expenses arising from this event be accommodated through the Parks & Recreation Department budget." Councillor Jake Smola asked for an update on the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club move. The Chairman advised that a brief update would be given at the end of the meeting. 8. THE LUNG ASSOCIATION - WATERLOO REGION - GRANT APPLICATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot dated March 29, 1995 recommending that the Committee not approve a grant-in-kind for the waiver of room rental at the Rockway Centre for Active Living, as requested by the Lung Association. The Committee also was in receipt of a copy of the grant application and financial information submitted by the Lung Association. Ms. D. McGee was in attendance and gave a verbal presentation on the Association and on the Breath Easy Program. She advised that the program is free of charge, is run by volunteers and this is the first request that the Lung Association has made to the City for a grant. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a motion of no action. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 3, 1995 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. THE LUNG ASSOCIATION - WATERLOO REGION - GRANT APPLICATION Several of the members of Council stated that they were not in support of the motion and it was suggested that as this is a service to our seniors that the fee be waived. Councillor J. Ziegler then withdrew his motion. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic it was resolved: "That the Parks & Recreation Department waive the rental fee for The Lung Association - Waterloo Region's use of the Rockway Centre for Active Living for their Breath Easy Program; and further That Rockway staff work with the Lung Association in staging this program." DELEGATIONS - SAINT ANNE ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND & BRIDGEPORT ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND The Committee was in receipt of two reports from Mr. Arnot both dated March 29, 1995 recommending the approval of grants for these adventure playgrounds to hire part-time staff. Ms. W. Simon and Ms. S. Little were both in attendance to represent their respective grant requests. Councillor John Smola suggested that if the Committee decided to give these grants, as requested, they should be an overexpenditure to the Parks & Recreation Department budget and not be paid out of the general provisional grant fund. On motion by Councillor John Smola it was resolved: "That the request of the St. Anne's Adventure Committee and the Bridgeport Adventure Playground Committee for funding to hire part-time staff be financed through an over- expenditure to the Parks & Recreation Department playground budget; and further That staff review this account prior to submitting their 1996 Operating budget and report to the Community Services Committee." The Committee asked Mr. J. Gazzola for his comments in this regard and he responded that this is an increase in service which makes it difficult for staff to come in with a zero base budget. It is difficult to increase services without increasing funds in the City's budget. Mr. R. Arnot stated that there are a great number of volunteer hours put into Adventure Playgrounds and he stated that in September he would like to give a presentation to this Committee on Adventure Playgrounds including the number of volunteer hours donated. 10. KITCHENER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY- GRANT APPEAL The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. R. Arnot to Mr. Paul MacPherson of the Kitchener Horticultural Society, dated March 1, 1995, in which he outlines the grant which had been awarded by Council to the Horticultural Society along with a copy of the original grant application and some background financial information from the Horticultural Society. In addition, the Committee was provided with a hand out by the Horticultural Society, dated April 3, 1995. 10. KITCHENER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - GRANT APPEAL - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 3, 1995 - 34 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. MacPherson addressed the Committee and advised that they are still having financial problems and there are areas of the gardens which have a high maintenance cost. He advised that the draft Master Plan is now available and that a ten year financial program must be put in place. A discussion then took place on the amount of money, approximately 60% of the budget, spent on wages. The Committee was advised that the Horticultural Society has one full-time staff person and three part-time seasonal staff people. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the fund balances and was advised that these funds are donations from families for capital expenditures and not operating funds. Councillor Jake Smola then questioned the Society's purpose to which Mr. MacPherson advised that the purpose of any Horticultural Society is to educate people and beautify the City in which they live. This Society decided years ago to have a permanent site rather then small one week events. This Society also does an education program and a Master Gardener Program. Councillor Jake Smola then questioned if Mr. MacPherson thought the Society could serve its purpose if City staff looked after Rockway Gardens. Mr. MacPherson responded in the affirmative. Mayor Christy complimented the Horticultural Society on the quality and diversity of the services provided at Rockway Gardens. He stated that the Gardens is a very important asset to the community and that the Society is a major contributor to the community. Upon questioning, Mr. T. Clancy advised that staff have now received the Master Plan and suggested that capital issues be set aside until the Master Plan is reviewed and the Community Services Committee is brought up-to-date. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested leaving the grant the way it is until the Master Plan has been reviewed and staff are able to report to this Committee at a meeting in May. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Kitchener Horticultural Society for funding in excess of that already approved by Council for 1995." Councillor M. Wagner urged the Society to get involved in its own fund raising endeavors and to increase the amount of volunteer labour. 11. BRIDGING THE GAP Ms. J. Hutcheson, Mr. B. Clos and Ms. D. Williams were in attendance to advise the Committee of the Bridging the Gap program. The Committee was provided with a progress report at the meeting. Mr. Clos addressed that the Committee advising that this a pre-retirement program involving the emotional, social, and physical well being for people going into retirement. The program works on the buddy system. The program is being developed through the Parks and Recreation Department and Human Resources. He advised that he hoped the City of Kitchener would continue to be involved with this program and in the future it is hoped that the program can help a large number of people. Ms. J. Hutcheson gave a presentation reviewing the progress report distributed to the members. She outlined the objectives of the program which is to develop a peer resource group, research retirement planning and to develop two resource packages, one for pre or new retirees and one for program planners. Ms. D. Williams then addressed the Committee advising that she is the City's liasion with this program and, as an upcoming retiree, advised of the program from her personal point of view. 12. BRIDGEPORT UNITED CHURCH - GRANT APPLICATION The Committee was receipt of a grant application from the Bridgeport United Church, Church Fair a Committee requesting an in-kind services grant to cover the cost of erecting and removing barriers to close a street for a church fair. The Committee was also in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot dated March 29, 1995 recommending that the Committee not support this grant application. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 3, 1995 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor John Smola questioned why it was not possible for staff to drop off the barriers on Friday and pick them up on Monday and allow the Church Committee to erect the barricades on the weekend and remove them. He suggested that staff may be able to accommodate the church in this way. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Bridgeport United Church for an in-kind services grant to cover the cost of erecting and removing barriers to close off the street for their Church Fair to be held on Saturday June 10, 1995; and further That Traffic & Parking Division accommodate this request if at all possible." 13. K-W SKATING CLUB, KWeens ON ICE - GRANT APPLICATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated March 28, 1995, recommending the approval of a grant in the amount of $1000.00 to assist the KWeens On Ice in attending the National Precision Competition in Calgary, Alberta, from April 11 - 17, 1995. The Committee was also in receipt of a copy of the grant application and background information. On motion by Councillor K. Redman it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the KWeens on Ice for a travel grant, in the amount of $1,000.00, to assist with their expenses in attending the National Precision Skating Championships in Calgary, Alberta, from April 11-17, 1995." 14. ROCKWAY LAWN BOWLING CLUB UP-DATE Mr. T. Clancy gave a quick update on what is happening with moving the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club advising that the team is looking at a possible four locations and that the information report would be coming forward to the Community Services Committee sometime in May. 15. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged the receipt of the following for information purposes: A. Mid-week Market at Kitchener Farmers Market B. CBC filming of "NET WORTH" C. World Horseshoe Pitching Championship D. Canadian Track & Field Championships E. Tournament Statistics 15. INFORMATION ITEMS- cont'd APRIL 3, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER F. KMA Complex - Hockey Breakdowns - February & March '95 G, Grant Analysis Update Councillor T, Galloway questioned whether the City would be getting a credit in the movie "NETWORK", Mr, R, Arnot said that he would look into this matter, 16. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled for Monday May 1, 1995, at 1:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers. 19. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary