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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1995-10-02CSC\1995-10-02 OCTOBER 2, 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 the following members present: Mayor R. Christy, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor M. Wagner and Councillor J. Ziegler. Councillor B. Vrbanovic was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. B. Spry, Messrs. R. Arnot, R. Weber, M. Price, T. Clancy, T. McKay, T. McCabe, K. Baulk, J. Gazzola and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. SUMMER PLAYGROUND REPORT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Weber, Manager, Community Development, dated September 5, 1995, outlining the Summer Playground Program. Mr. Weber was in attendance to present the report and highlighted some of the aspects of the Summer Playground Program. He advised that there are a broad range of programs and most of them are run by committees which are composed of parent volunteers. He then explained the role of these committees. He further advised the Commitee that all the sites run with a minimum of two staff members present and that the staff are complimented by the Volunteers In Training Program. He advised the Committee that donations were solicited this past summer and this practice will continue. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he has heard from a number of residents that the Summer Playground Programs are excellent programs. He noted that there not as many dollars donated by the Neighbourhood Associations this year and that sometimes the Neighbourhood Associations sponsor a playground leader. Councillor M. Wagner asked staff for a comparison of Kitchener's Summer Playground Program with similar programs offered by other municipalities. Staff advised that as far as they were aware the City of Kitchener runs a unique program as far as the volunteer committees are concerned and that many other municipalities do not go to the individual neighbourhoods but hold the playground programs in a central location. Councillor Wagner requested that when this same report is prepared next year if staff would provide more statistics on numbers of employees, number of volunteers, etc. Further he encouraged staff to seek sponsorships as it was his understanding that business would like to be involved in this kind of program. 2. NATIONAL COMPETITION - PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION AT VICTORIA PARK The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Mr. M. Price, Division Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated September 25, 1995, containing recommendations and background information concerning the initiation of a National Public Art Competition. Mr. M. Price was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee may have in this regard. Mr. Price advised that this recommendation is being put forward by the Arts Acquisition Committee. Councillor T. Galloway spoke about the cost of the art acquired for the City Hall and questioned the cost of another national competition. Mr. Price responded that the Committee feels that it can be done nationally for this amount of money. He also stated that for the dollars being requested it would be likely that the participants would be mostly local artists but the Committee would like to do this nationally, for the exposure. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener develop a National Public Art Competition for the installation of a work in Victoria Park, and further, That $20,000.00 be allocated from the Public Art Trust Fund to cover all administrative costs of the competition, including payment to finalists and the successful artist for installation, and further, That the Art Acquisition Committee, in conjunction with staff, provide the co-ordination for the competition." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 2, 1995 - 83 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. AGREEMENT WITH ST. MARY'S COPTIC CHURCH The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated September 25, 1995, recommending that the City enter into an agreement with St. Mary's Coptic Church for the designation of burial spaces at the Williamsburg Cemetery. The Committee member were also provided with copies of the draft agreement. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement between the City of Kitchener and St. Mary's Coptic Church for the designation of burial spaces at Williamsburg Cemetery, in the form considered by the Community Services Committee on October 2, 1995." 4. DELEGATION - KITCHENER-WATERLOO HEALTH CENTRE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated September 27, 1995, providing background information and a recommendation with respect to the grant application received from the Kitchener-Waterloo Health Centre requesting in-kind services totalling $943.00 related to the "Health Care Health Fair" which is being presented at City Hall on October 4th & 5th, 1995. The Committee was also in receipt of a copy of the grant application and background information. Mr. T. Mavor, Co-ordinator of Health Promotions, was in attendance to represent the grant request and to oppose the staff recommendation which was not to approve the grant. Mr. Mavor advised that events of this kind have proven economic and social benefits to the community. There will be a number of exhibitors from across the Region and the City. He emphasized that the purpose of the Fair is to pull the community together for the broad determinants of health. The Fair will provide useful applicable information for the full range of ages and will help make people responsible for health and lifestyle choices. From an economic point of view, this can save dollars through health care institutions and police. Prevention saves dollars for health care services. The cost of parking was discussed along with who would benefit from the parking grant. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Kitchener-Waterloo Health Centre for an in- kind grant, in the amount of $943.00, for parking passes and rental of the City Hall Rotunda on October 4 & 5, 1995 for the 'Health Care Health Fair'." 5. DELEGATION - TWIN CITY JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated September 27, 1995, containing a recommendation and background information with respect to the grant application of the Twin City Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) grant application for an in-kind services grant totalling $2,200.00 to cover the cost of road closure services for the 35th Annual Santa Claus Parade. The Committee was also in receipt of a copy of the grant application and background information. Ms. J. Kuechler was in attendance to represent the grant application and to answer any questions this Committee might have in this regard. She briefly explained the request. Councillor M. Wagner put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned why the Jaycees had paid for the road closure in the previous two years but were not willing to do it now. Ms. Kuechler advised that the Jaycees thought they were on the list to receive a grant each year and only found out at the last minute that they had 5. DELEGATION - TWIN CITY JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CONT'D.) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 2, 1995 - 84 - CITY OF KITCHENER no grant approved and had to come up with the money. She advised that if absolutely necessary the Jaycees would try to seek out a corporate sponsor if the City could not cover the cost. She pointed out that this is a $28,000.00 project. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that the City pay for half the cost of the road closure and was advised by Ms. Kuechler that they are only paying for half as the City of Waterloo is covering the cost of the road closures in Waterloo. She stated that she hoped that the City of Kitchener would join with the City of Waterloo and the Jaycees in sponsoring this event. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested an amendment to the recommendation contained in the staff report so as to consider a grant in the amount $1,000.00. The Chairman advised that the main motion would be voted on first and if defeated then Councillor Ziegler could put forward his motion. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he was in support of the recommendation contained in the staff report and the Jaycees are still underwriting this event to the tune of $18,000.00. He advised that the Jaycees are also sponsors of the Huron Natural Area. Councillor John Smola suggested that the motion be amended to include the Jaycees as part of the annual grant system. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Twin City Junior Chamber of Commerce for an in-kind services grant in the amount of $2,200.00 to cover the cost of road closure for the 35th Annual Santa Claus Parade on November 18, 1995, and further, That the Twin City Junior Chamber of Commerce request for an in-kind services grant for road closure for the Santa Claus Parade be included as part of the annual grants in subsequent years." DELEGATION WATER PLAYGROUND - DOON PIONEER PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt of letter Ms. P. Nippell, Community Liaison, Doon Pioneer Park Community Association, dated September 11, 1995, requesting that the City of Kitchener consider a partnership with the Doon Pioneer Park Community Association on a dollar for dollar basis up to a maximum of $15,000.00 to install a water playground on the property of the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre. Ms. Nippell was in attendance to represent the request and answer any questions in this regard. She advised that there is no water recreation in that area of the City. There is an area at the Community Centre where the water playground could be installed. They are considering a 40 x 30 area with 3 or 4 spray outlets coming out from the ground, with the area to be fenced if necessary. She advise that the Association has put aside $10,000.00 for this purpose and are quite confident that they can raise the other $5,000.00 by next spring. They are hoping that the City will match them dollar for dollar to a maximum of $15,000.00. She also advised that the Community Association is willing to pay all maintenance costs. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that the matter be referred to Capital Budget and anticipated that a final approval would be available by January 19, 1996, being Budget Day. Mr. T. McKay suggested that the City could agree to an interest free loan. The Community Association would then be able to continue with their proposal and Council could approve a grant later if it wished. Discussion then took place on the types and costs of equipment and whether the water should be recycled and the different costs associated with the each type. Mr. T. Clancy was questioned on the matter and staff was requested to prepare a report in this regard. The Committee commended Ms. Nippell and the Neighbourhood Association for their initiative with DELEGATION WATER PLAYGROUND - DOON PIONEER PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (CONT'D.) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 2, 1995 - 85 - CITY OF KITCHENER respect to fundraising and partnership. It was suggested that this type of partnership should be entered into more often. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the request of the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre for a grant to cover 50% of the cost of installing a water playground at the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre, to an upset limit of $15,000.00, be referred to Capital Budget." 7. DELEGATION - CENTRAL ONTARIO MISSION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated September 22, 1995, recommending a grant in the amount of $2,000.00 to be allocated to the host committee of the 1996 Central Ontario Mission to offset expenses of a municipal sponsored media reception along with background information. Reverend J. Reese and Reverend J. Somerville were in attendance to represent the request and answer any questions the Committee in this regard. Reverend Reese advised that the Mission will bring together all Christian denominations in all communities in the area. Councillor M. Wagner questioned how much control the City would have over the event. Mr. Baulk responded that the control of the money will rest with the local committee. The event will be held at the City's facility; however the committee will run the event, with the Mayor representing the City. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that there has not been enough information provided including the benefits to the community. Reverend Reese advised that the costs overall would be between $150,000.00 to $200,000.00 which will be covered by their organization. The request being made now is only for funds to cover the cost of the luncheon. Mr. Baulk stated that this is looked at as a one time function with significant economic spinoffs. Councillor M. Wagner put forward the recommendation contained in Mr. Baulk's report and asked that additional financial information be provided. The Mayor requested that the additional information be provided before next Monday's Council meeting. It was then agreed to defer consideration to the Council meeting and that staff be required to provide the additional information prior to the Council meeting. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That consideration of the request of the host committee for the 1996 Central Ontario Mission for a grant in the amount of $2,000.00 to offset expenses of a municipally sponsored media reception, be deferred to the Council meeting of October 10, 1995, and further, That staff provide additional financial information with respect to this event prior to the Council meeting." 8. DELEGATION - KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY STRATEGIC PLAN Ms. P. Walshe, Chief Librarian, was in attendance along with the Chairman of the Library Board and a member of staff to present the Kitchener Public Library Strategic Plan. Copies of an outline of the Strategic Plan were provided to the Committee members and with the aid of the overhead Ms. Walshe presented the Plan. Ms. Walshe advised that in 1992 a baseline study 8. DELEGATION - KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY STRATEGIC PLAN (CONT'D.) was conducted and it was determined that 75% of the community used the library facilities. The biggest complaint at that time was parking at the Main Branch. She advised that they are presently looking at a strategic plan because there have been changes in demographics, changes COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 2, 1995 - 86 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. in expectation, changes in information and if the library wishes to build for the future. She stated that several different groups have been consulted including: seniors, the multicultural community, the special needs community, literacy groups, young adults and the business community. She explained the needs of and the responses of each of the groups listed. She advised that she hopes to take the Strategic Plan to the Library Board and have it approved in December. Councillor M. Wagner questioned Ms. Walshe where the word "books" is in the Strategic Plan and Ms. Walshe responded that the word now is "information". People are now requesting information in many different forms. Councillor Wagner continued that the Strategic Plan was started in 1994 before the Provincial election and questioned whether it would look different if it had been after the election. Ms. Walshe responded that even if funding is cut, these groups cannot be forgotten as they are taxpayers and voters and have certain rights. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he thinks that the Plan is excellent. He questioned whether there are any administrative objectives such as revenue generation. He questioned whether there were other potential resources other than the cafe. Ms. Walshe advised that if the Library were to charge user fees they would be violating the law. She will have to wait and see what the Provincial government is going to do. Councillor M. Wagner questioned Ms. Walshe as to whether there may be any benefits in combining the library service in Kitchener-Waterloo. Ms. Walshe advised if cost saving is the intent Kitchener already pays a greater amount of money and to amalgamate would be a great expense and there would probably be no cost saving. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: Statistics: Kichener City Hall (January to June 1995) Kitchener Remembers Caucus and Rotunda Gallery Programs Community Parks Week - October 1 - 7, 1995 National Hockey League Activity Thank You Letter from Streetball Thank You Letter from Ontario Track & Field Association 1995 Athletic Programs Grants Analysis Update ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary