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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1995-05-15CSC\1995-05-15 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:20 p.m., with all members present except Councillor B. Vrbanovic. Others Present: Mr. D. Daly, Ms. B. Aikenhead, Mr. M. Price, Mr. P. Beaudry, Ms. C. Oliver, Mr. K. Baulk, Ms. L. Bamford, Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. T. McKay, Mr. R. Arnot, Mr. J. Shivas, Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. B. Spry, Mr. J. Gazzola, Mr. R. Wyatt, Mr. G. Kett, Mr. D. Snow, Mr. R. Weber and Ms. D. Gilchrist 1. 1996 DISTRICT SENIOR GAMES The Committee was in receipt of a report from ms. B. Aikenhead, Manager, Seniors and Leisure Support Services and Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 9, 1995, providing background information in this regard. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway it was resolved: "That staff from the Seniors Division of the Parks and Recreation Department co- ordinate the June 1996 District Senior Games." 2. NON-RESIDENT FEES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. P. Beaudry, Manager of Aquatics, dated May 10, 1995, recommending that the City of Kitchener charge a surcharge on Aquatics Programs for non- Kitchener residents. Mr. P. Beaudry gave a brief presentation to explain the history of non-resident fees and why the department feels they should be charged. He stated that there is a need for a non- resident surcharge as Kitchener residents pay twice for these facilities, once through their taxes and the second time is through user fees. Without any non-resident surcharge, non-residents only pay once. Mr. P. Beaudry advised that staff considered different options. The "SMART" program will reduce administrative costs and it rewards frequent users. It was his opinion that this program would be viewed as a positive response. The program would charge an annual fee and offers the same benefits as Kitchener residents have. The annual fees would be as follows: child/senior - $16.15, adult - $38.60 and family - $112.00. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned why there would be a reduction for seniors. Mr. Beaudry responded that many seniors volunteer at Kitchener facilities and this is a form of recognition. Councillor T. Galloway stated that over 500 Waterloo residents participated in Kitchener aquatics programs last year. He questioned Mr. Beaudry as to how that number might change with this new program and what would be the anticipated revenue. Mr. Beaudry responded that he is anticipating a 40 percent drop in Waterloo registrations. He stated that is difficult to anticipate revenue but suggested that it would be between $8,000.00 and $10,000.00. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether there would be an overall efficiency. Mr. Beaudry responded that it would be difficult to project as the effects would be spread out over the whole city. The impact may not be immediate. The question was raised as to whether the program and/or surcharge would apply to only aquatic programs. Staff responded that only aquatics would be affected at this time; however it may apply to other areas once the program is worked out. Councillor C. Weylie stated that the "SMART Card" is not a good name and gave examples of other programs with the same name. She also advised of her concern that non-resident surcharges did not work at the public library and would not work in this situation either. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 46 - CITY OF KITCHENER NON-RESIDENT FEES - cont'd Councillor K. Redman questioned whether there would be flexibility in the system to allow the retroactive purchase of the "SMART Card" if people had paid the non-residential surcharge initially. Mr. Beaudy advised that initially there would be some flexibility but in the long run there would not. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a motion to approve the staff recommendation with one change, so that the senior's rate would be charged to senior volunteers and any seniors who are not volunteers would be charged the adult rate. Mr. T. McKay advised that the senior's rate, at half price, has a history in this community. The fact that seniors and children pay half price stems from the 1950's. If the Committee feels that senior's should no longer pay half price, then the whole pricing policy should be revisited. Councillor M. Wagner spoke against the non-resident surcharge and suggested that it can only be viewed negatively. He questioned how much money the City would lose without charging this additional money. Mr. P. Beaudry responded that, through the Balanced Use Agreement, the City of Waterloo paid the City of Kitchener $60,000.00 last year. Councillor J. Ziegler's motion to change the senior's fee for the "SMART Card" was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That the Parks and Recreation Department implement a "SMART" program in conjunction with a non-resident surcharge of 25%, to be levied on all aquatic program registrations by non-Kitchener residents/taxpayers at any City of Kitchener aquatic facility, effective June 1, 1995; and further That the fees for the "SMART" program, for 1995, be as follows: Child/Senior - $16.15, Adult - $38.60 and Family - $112.00." SPORTSTIMER ADVERTISING AGREEMENT Councillor T. Galloway declared a conflict of interest with this item and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this item. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Division Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated May 8, 1995, recommending that the City of Kitchener enter into an agreement with the Kitchener-Waterloo Record for display advertising on Sportstimers at Centennial Stadium and Jack Couch Park. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That we enter into a five (5) year agreement, ending Kitchener-Waterloo Record, for display advertising on Stadium and Jack Couch Park; and further March 31, 2000, with the Sportstimers at Centennial That the Kitchener-Waterloo Record pay the City of Kitchener $1,500.00 per Sportstimer for a total of $3,000.00 per year." 4. SCOTT STREET OUTDOOR MARKET COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Division Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated May 9, 1995, recommending the outdoor market, for 1995, be operated on Scott Street from June 17, 1995 to October 14, 1995. A general discussion took place over the report. On motion by Mayor R. Christy it was resolved: "That the 1995 outdoor market be operated on Scott Street from June 17, 1995 to October 14, 1995, and That the dates be subject to street closure and two way traffic on Scott Street, from Weber Street to Duke Street, being implemented by the Traffic & Parking Division, and That staff continue investigating additional parking opportunities during Saturday markets, and further That we approve over expenditures in accounts identified in the 1995 Outdoor Market Budget as considered by the Community Services Committee on May 15, 1995." Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether Council should be dealing with this recommendation at the Special Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday May 16, 1995 dealing with the Downtown. It was agreed that this recommendation would be forwarded to City Council for the special meeting of Tuesday May 16, 1995. 5. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT The Parks and Recreation presentation. Each of the respective divisions. Department gave their annual report in a computer generated Department managers reviewed the highlights from 1994 for their Several members of the Committee requested that the presentation be printed and distributed to the members of the Committee. 6. DELEGATIONS - KITCHENER DUTCHMEN JUNIOR B HOCKEY CLUB The Committee was in receipt of a report and recommendation from Mr. K. Baulk, Division Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated April 28, 1995, in which he provided background information and a recommendation on the Hockey Club's payment for facility use in 1995/96 and the repayment of its accumulated debt. Mr. P. Collins was in attendance to represent the Hockey Club. He advised that he was in an agreement with the staff report and at the same time was requesting a grant for the accumulated interest for 1994/95, on the Hockey Club's debt. A general discussion took place as to whether the Committee would be willing to forgive the debt for 1994/95 or accept some lesser amount in payment. On motion by Councillor John Smola it was resolved: "That we approve the following financial arrangement relative to the Kitchener Dutchmen Junior B Hockey Club payment for facility use in 1995/96 and payment of its accumulated debt: 6. DELEGATIONS - KITCHENER DUTCHMEN JUNIOR B HOCKEY CLUB - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER a) That the Hockey Club agrees to pay the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex $2,000.00 monthly against its 1995/96 facility costs, commencing on June 1, 1995 through to April 1, 1996 with a final balance payment made by May 1, 1996; b) That the Hockey Club agrees to remit C.R.F. revenues at the end of each month, beginning September 30, 1995, through to the conclusion of post season place; c) That the Hockey Club agrees to pay the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex for the cost of one part-time event supervisor calculated at $40.00 per game; d) That the Hockey Club agrees to pay the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex a minimum of $500.00 per game or 25% of the gross gate receipts, which ever is greater, as rent, beginning with the third play-off round, after deducting C.R.F. taxes, O.H.A. share and the visiting teams share in the deciding game of a series; e) That the Hockey Club agrees to repay its accumulated debt to the City no later than July 1, 1999, by paying a minimum of $10,000.00 annually; and further f) That the interest rate for the Hockey Club debt be calculated at Prime less 2% commencing April 1, 1995 until the debt is retired. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That the interest rate on the debt of the Kitchener Dutchmen Junior B Hockey Club be calculated at Prime less 2% for the period April 1, 1994 to March 31, 1995." 7. DELEGATION - GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Messrs. MacRobbie, Holmes, Beaumont and Reid of the Grand River Conservation Authority were in attendance to give a slide presentation on the activities of the Grand River Conservation Authority for 1994. They also provided the Committee with two copies of their annual report for 1994. After the slide presentation, Councillor Jake Smola questioned if there were any pollution problems in the river due to the sewage treatment plants. The delegation responded that the water coming out of the sewage treatment plants is probably cleaner than the water already in the river. Mayor Christy stated that the Grand River Conservation Authority has a high profile in the non- urban areas of the watershed. He advised that he has been working with the G.R.C.A. to increase their profile in urban areas. Further, the Grand River Conservation Authority's work is not readily understood as they have a diversified mandate. He thanked them for coming and making this presentation. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he was looking forward to the discussions between the Mayor and the Grand River Conservation Authority and to working together with them. He thanked them for coming and making their presentation. 8. DELEGATION - CENTRAL FREDERICK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Ms. M. Wasilka was in attendance to address the decision of the Waterloo County Board of COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 49 - CITY OF KITCHENER Education to charge a fee to adult users of schools. Ms. Wasilka advised that the Board is proposing a fee of $20.00 per hour for adult programs. Ms. Wasilka requested that the City do several things. She first requested that the City conduct an inventory of the unserviced population to determine their needs. Secondly, Ms. Wasilka requested discussions with the Board. Thirdly, she requested that the City provide financial assistance if the fee is to be implemented, for those areas where there are no community centres. Finally, Ms. Wasilka requested that the City delay re-zoning of a property at the end of Mansion Street from community open space to residential. Mr. R. Arnot advised that staff are meeting with the Board staff and that the use agreement between the Board and the City will continue. He advised that staff will continue working with School Board staff and will bring a report back to this Committee. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether there would be an opportunity for community input. Mr. Arnot responded that there would probably be a meeting with the Board and Council with the public also being involved. Mayor Christy questioned whether staff would be working with the community to determine the availability of any City facility for their use. Mr. Arnot responded that staff would be looking at all facilities in the area, both public and private. Ms. Wasilka requested that Council look at all available recreational programming space and that the central Frederick area be placed on a waiting list to line up for recreational space. Her second concern is the re-zoning of land which is now zoned for community recreational space. Councillor K. Redman questioned the community centre priority list and whether it has been reviewed recently. Mr. Arnot responded that the community centre plan and the master plan will be reviewed shortly and that the central Frederick area is not on community centre list. Councillor K. Redman requested that staff then forward the master plan review and the community centre list review. 9. DELEGATION - COUNTDOWN TO CANADA DAY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated May 9, 1995, recommending that the Committee take no action on the request of the KDBA to co-sponsor this event with the City of Kitchener. The Committee was also in receipt of information from Mr. T.B. Stanley, dated May 5, 1995, advising that the Downtown Action Committee supports a joint City and KDBA effort to sponsor Countdown to Canada Day. Ms. N. Brawley of the KDBA was in attendance to request a grant to assist with hosting the Countdown to Canada Day. She advised the Committee that the event had previously been sponsored by Market Square but they are not hosting it this year. Further, she advised that the KDBA feels this is a worthwhile event and is hosting it this year. A general discussion took place in this regard. Councillor Yantzi suggested that an in-kind services grant be provided for those City services required for the event. Mr. T. McKay suggested that Kitchener Utilities may want to sponsor an event of this kind. He requested an opportunity to discuss this matter with Mr. E. Kovacs. He advised that he would be able to report to Council at it's meeting of May 23, 1995. It was generally agreed that this meeting be deferred to the May 23 Council Meeting. 10. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary