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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1995-09-18CSC\1995-09-18 SEPTEMBER 18, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:40 p.m., with all members present. Others Present: Messrs. P. Wetherup, R. Arnot, G. Kett, T. Clancy, J. Shivas, R. Pritchard, R. Wyatt, W. Sleeth, J. Cooper, Ms. L. EckeI-Braun and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS Councillor G. Lorentz announced that items #3, 5 and 7 on the agenda would be deferred. Councillor G. Lorentz spoke of the success of the Festival of Neighbourhoods which had taken place the previous weekend. He advised that the Courtland/Shelley Neighbourhood was successful in obtaining the $10,000.00 grant. He offered his congratulations on a quality event. Councillor K. Redman also advised of the great success of the Festival of Neighbourhoods and that it was very impressive. She offered her congratulations. 2. WALKWAY FENCING The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. P. Wetherup, Parks Planner, dated September 12, 1995, regarding the City's policy with respect to payment assistance for fences which divide private property from public walkways. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether the homeowner was aware that the City has no on- going responsibility for the fence. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Policy No. 1-610 (Fencing-Walkway), we reimburse the owner of the property known municipally as 1454 Queen's Boulevard for 50% of the cost of installing the 6' high wooden fence between that property and the City owned public walkway." 3. AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 210 OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER MUNICIPAL CODE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Division Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated August 31, 1995, along with a copy of a draft by-law. The question was raised as to whether the funeral homes had been circulated with a copy of the by- law and Mr. Kett advised that they had circulated the industry and no responses have been received. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That the draft by-law, to amend Chapter 210 (Cemeteries - Municipal) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, as considered by the Community Services Committee on September 18, 1995, be presented to Council for consideration and enactment at their meeting of September 25, 1995." A discussion took place over the possibility of the City having a crematorium and Mr. Kett responded that staff believed this to be a good initiative but there are other initiatives that staff would like to explore as well. Staff would like to meet with this Committee for further direction. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, meet with this Committee to discuss the possibility of a crematorium and other initiatives at City cemeteries. GRANT POLICY COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 1995 - 78 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor G. Lorentz advised the Committee that he hoped to have a report before this Committee in approximately two weeks time to discuss the recommendations and amendments to the City's grant policy which have been suggested by this Committee. He advised that he has met with the sub-committee and they have directed staff accordingly and the sub-committee would like a chance to review the report and prepare a draft for this Committee. 5. DELEGATION - WATERLOO REGIONAL LABOUR COUNCIL Ms. J. Cruickshank was in attendance on behalf of the Waterloo Regional Labour Council to represent their grant application for an in-kind facility rental grant for use of the Breithaupt Centre on September 23, 1995 for a dance. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated September 13, 1995, in this regard, along with a copy of the grant application. A copy of the Labour Council's income and expenses statement from their 1994 event was distributed at the meeting. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Waterloo Regional Labour Council for an in-kind facility rental grant, in the amount of $333.96, for their use of the Breithaupt Centre on September 23, 1995 for a dance." 6. DELEGATION - ROCKWAY GARDENS MASTER PLAN Mr. P. McPherson was in attendance on behalf of the Kitchener Horticultural Society to present the Rockway Gardens Master Plan. The Committee was provided with a copy of the final report of the Rockway Gardens Master Plan as attached to the agenda. Mr. McPherson addressed the Committee and advised that this is being tabled for information only, at this time. Councillor Jake Smola questioned how the capital funds belonging to the Horticultural Society fit in to their business plan. Mr. McPherson responded that they are not specifically designated at that time and that the Society has approximately $100,000.00 in capital funds. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether the fund raising plans have been made in any detail and Mr. McPherson responded that they had not been detailed at this time. Mr. McPherson explained that the Horticultural Society would arrange to have this work done; however, this work could involve City staff. Mr. T. Clancy advised that the estimates provided in the Master Plan revolve around 100% of the work being done by private contractors. He also advised that there is a possibility of some of the work being done by City staff and that the Horticultural Society should sit down with the Plan and develop a ten year financial plan. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That we accept, for information, the Rockway Gardens Master Plan, as presented to the Community Services Committee on September 18, 1995." 7. DELEGATION - COMMUNITY TRAILS - LYNN VALLEY PARK/HENRY STURM GREENWAY SEPTEMBER 18, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 79 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. T. Clancy, General Manager and W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect, dated August 21, 1995, containing background information and plans and recommendations with respect to the location of a portion of the community trail extending from Stoke Drive along the Henry Sturm Greenway. Mr. R. Brunton, Mr. G. Mahabir, Mr. & Mrs. J. Pentsa and Ms. B. Haygarth, neighbourhood residents, appeared as delegations in opposition to the staff report. Each delegation addressed the Committee advising of their concerns regarding such things as vandalism, the route used be maintenance vehicles to enter in to the trail for maintenance, the treatment of the creek with concrete, parking and lighting. The position of several of the delegates was that another entrance to the community trail, at the point recommended by staff, is not required or desirable. They also complained about the behaviour of students using the trail to get to Resurrection High School. Mr. & Mrs. J. Pentsa advised that they live adjacent to an existing walkway to the community trail and they spoke of the vandalism and harassment they endured by people using the trail. They suggested that another entrance to the community trail may solve some of their problems. Mr. T. Clancy introduced the staff report and Mr. W. Sleeth gave an overview, background and history of the park. He advised that staff are simply following through with the standard planning process. Mr. Clancy responded to the delegations concerns advising that he has listened to the concerns of the neighbours and has tried to look after them. It was his experience that when a community trail is constructed it actually makes a neighbourhood safer. He did agree that the students using the trail to access Resurrection High School have presented a challenge. Concerning the comments regarding damage to the eco-system and the use of concrete, Mr. Clancy advised that the department has ceased this process for the past several years. Concerning the parking, Mr. Clancy advised that it is a policy not to provide parking for neighbourhood parks as most people who use them are close enough to walk. Further, it is not unusual to have organized ball in a neighbourhood park. Concerning the lighting issue, Mr. Clancy advised that only one trail has ever been lit. Staff try to deter night use of the trails and providing lighting only encourages night use. Upon questioning by Councillor J. Ziegler, Mr. W. Sleeth explained why it was not possible to move the trail to the other side of the creek. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he does not agree with staff concerning lighting. He questioned whether the approved plan of subdivision is shown to people prior to them purchasing their homes. Mr. Sleeth responded that the information is available and that the trail blocks are clearly shown on subdivision plans and in the community plan. Councillor Galloway then questioned the encroachments and their seriousness and whether the City has a program to deal with the problem. Mr. T. Clancy advised that maintenance staff are requested to report encroachments. Further, he advised that neighbours are encouraged to plant on the trail but within 10 feet of the property line only. He would like some of the plantings removed as some are not natural to the area and the plantings cause a problem with the public knowing exactly what is private land and what is public land. Mayor Christy questioned how to address the neighbours' problems. Mr. Clancy advised that, with respect to the behaviour of youths using the trail, the problem usually disappears in a few years as they age; however, in this location, the problem will probably continue because of Resurrection High School. Upon questioning by the Mayor, Mr. Clancy advised that the City does not fence backyards. The Mayor requested that staff review the situation and fencing be installed if appropriate. The Mayor also questioned whether lighting would be easy to install and whether the additional access would spread out the pedestrian flow. Councillor Weylie suggested that the need for lighting could be worked out between the neighbourhood and staff. 7. DELEGATION - COMMUNITY TRAILS - LYNN VALLEY PARK/HENRY STURM GREENWAY - cont'd COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 1995 - 80 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Weylie then put forward the motion not to install the proposed walkway as shown in green on schedule A attached to the staff report. This motion was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That the Parks & Recreation Department proceed with the construction of the Community Trail extending from Stoke Drive westerly along the Henry Sturm Greenway, located on the north side of the creek; and That this community trail be constructed to City Standards of 3 m wide and surfaced in stonedust, and further That the existing encroachments of unauthorized tree and shrub planting be relocated in such a manner as to provide clear access through this area for public use along the trail, provide for future stream and park maintenance operations and provide visual screening of the new trail from nearby residential properties." Mayor Christy requested that staff take these suggestions provided by the neighbourhood residents and provide directives and that staff be more pro-active. Further, he asked that they give the Committee some insight in to the solutions taken. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that the City should do something about having the trails put in when the subdivision is built so that those people purchasing homes in the subdivision would be aware of where the parks and community trails are located. He asked staff to provide an update in this regard. 8. DELEGATION - TAKE BACK THE NIGHT COMMITTEE Ms. D. Playford was in attendance on behalf of the Take Back the Night Committee to represent their grant request. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated September 13, 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 Take Back the Night Committee for an in-kind facility rental grant and in-kind services grant totalling $491.67 to cover the costs of using the City Hall Rotunda and 50% of bus rental for their event to take place on September 21, 1995." 9. DELEGATION - REQUEST FOR FREE USE OF BUS Ms. E. Covey was in attendance to request free bus transportation for those members of the public on welfare to allow them an opportunity to come downtown for the Christmas light display at Victoria Park. Councillor J. Ziegler introduced Ms. Covey and advised that she had approached him in this regard. Mr. R. Arnot advised that the Transit Division has buses to tour the lights for seniors and it is a matter of phoning the Transit Division and reserving a bus for this use. Ms. Covey advised that she is more concerned about mothers with small children who will suffer from welfare cuts. 9. DELEGATION - REQUEST FOR FREE USE OF BUS - cont'd Councillor J. Ziegler questioned where Ms. Covey thought the bus should pick up these people and SEPTEMBER 18, 1995 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES -81 - CITY OF KITCHENER she advised that it wouldn't necessarily involve a bus per say but that there should be a central place for people in this situation to pick up free bus tokens to go downtown to see the lights at Victoria Park. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that this should be a 3-way partnership. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that there may be some way to give tokens with the Christmas hampers. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi it was resolved: "That Traffic, Transit and Parks & Recreation staff investigate the possibility of subsidizing bus transportation for welfare recipients to travel downtown for the Christmas light display in Victoria Park." Councillor Yantzi directed that Ms. Covey get a copy of the report and be advised when this matter would come back to committee and to which committee. 10. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: Community Use of Schools Northward Playground Penny Carnival Special Events Report from District 1 Victoria Sizzles Canadian Authors Association Short Stow Contest - 1995 Option #1 Membership Status - Municipal Golf Clubs Grants Analysis Update Questions arose with respect to the Community Use of Schools and staff advised that the Board was charging adult groups at a rate of $9.00 per hour to use school facilities. Councillor K. Redman commented that Centre Ward residents who have no community centre find this punitive. Councillor John Smola commented on the staff report concerning Option #1 Membership Status from Municipal Golf Clubs. He requested a report from staff detailing the number of people who live outside of the municipality that have Option #1 Golf Memberships. 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary