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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1996-01-22CSC\1996-01-22 JAN UARY 22, 1996 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:20 p.m., with all members present, except for Mayor R. Christy. Others Present: Ms. C. Oliver, Messrs. T. McKay, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, M. Price, G. Kett, K. Baulk, J. Witmer, J. Gazzola, M. Mahaffey and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATION - CONESTOGA COLLEGE Ms. Gail Smyth was in attendance on behalf of Conestoga College to represent their request for assistance to bid for the 1997 and 1998 Provincial Skills Canada Competitions to bring them to Kitchener. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated January 15, 1996, recommending that the City support Conestoga College in their efforts and that Council award a grant in the amount of $3,000.00 for local hosting expenses should the competitions be awarded to Kitchener. Mr. Baulk was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. Baulk advised that the competition has been held in Hamilton for the past 2-3 years at Copps Coliseum. Staff attended last year's competition and found that it was well run and had a good impact on the community. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports the bid to bring the 1997 and 1998 Provincial Skills Canada Competitions to Kitchener, and further, That a $3,000.00 one time cash grant be allocated for local hosting expenses, in the event that Skills Canada awards the competition to Kitchener." 2. DELEGATION - SLOPITCH ONTARIO PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated January 15, 1996, recommending the City's support for the bid and recommending a grant, in each of the 3 years, of $3,000.00 for a Municipal reception and local committee expenses. Mr. Baulk was in attendance to represent the report. Mr. Baulk advised that Mr. Schedewicz was not in attendance because he had to leave for a 2:30 p.m. appointment. Mr. Baulk advised that the championships were held in Hamilton for the past 3 years and the economic spin-off to the community, per year, was determined to be $5.23 million. Mr. Baulk further advised that the bid will be made in conjunction with the City of Waterloo. When questioned on the possibility of the success of this bid, Mr. Baulk advised that he believes that the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo are in just as competitive a position as any of the other municipalities bidding for the championships. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener support the bid to bring the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Slopitch Ontario Provincial Championship to Kitchener, and further, That a $3,000.00 grant in each of the three years be allocated for a municipal reception and local committee expenses in the event that the championship is awarded to the City of Kitchener." 3. RECOMMENDATION FOR 1996 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated January 22, 1996, recommending Carol Bradley as the 1996 Artist in Residence. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER The report also contained background information. Mr. Price was in attendance 3. RECOMMENDATION FOR 1996 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE (CONT'D) to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Carol Bradley be named the 1996 Artist in Residence for the City of Kitchener, pending mutual agreement of a licensing agreement prior to occupation of the Reflecting Studio in April 1996; as recommended by the Art Acquisition Committee." 4. CAPITAL RESERVE FUND CHARGES - KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX Councillor T. Galloway declared a conflict of interest with this matter, as he is employed by the Kitchener Rangers, and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated January 15, 1996, recommending an increase in the Capital Reserve Fund for ticketed events, to $1.00 per ticket, except for Kitchener Ranger tickets, which are to be increased to $1.00 over a 3 year period. Mr. Baulk was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Councillor M. Wagner questioned why the Kitchener Rangers would not have an immediate $1.00 increase. Mr. Baulk explained that a $1.00 C.R.F. would mean a 5% increase in ticket prices even before the Rangers increase ticket prices to cover their own needs. As there has not been an increase in the C.R.F. for 8 years, this phasing in seems to make sense. Councillor C. Weylie questioned Mr. J. Gazzola as to the C.R.F. at the Centre in the Square and he advised that he thought it was $1.25. Councillor Weylie then stated that she felt the C.R.F. on Ranger tickets should be increased to $1.00 immediately. Councillor John Smola put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor K. Redman advised that she thinks the Rangers C.R.F. should be increased to the full amount sooner than proposed by staff. Mr. Baulk advised that the Rangers' contract is up at the end of this season and they may be looking for something in terms of rental rates. Mr. Baulk then advised that Auditorium ticket prices are generally lower than those of the Centre in the Square, so that, on a percentage basis, a $1.00 C.R.F. is probably a greater percentage of the ticket price than the C.R.F. at the Centre in the Square. Councillor Jake Smola directed staff to obtain that information. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That the Capital Reserve Fund (C.R.F.) charge for ticketed events at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex be increased to $1.00 per ticket effective May 1, 1996; except for shows/events currently under contract, and further, That staff, as part of the contract re-negotiation process with the Kitchener Rangers, negotiate a three year phase-in for Kitchener Ranger ticket purchases on the following basis: 1996-1997 season - $0.50; 1997-1998 season - $0.75; 1998-1999 season - $1.00." Councillor T. Galloway declared a conflict of interest with this matter, as he is employed by the Kitchener Rangers, and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. 5. 1996 ANNUAL GRANT REQUESTS COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager of Parks and Recreation, dated January 17, 1996, listing those organizations requesting grants in 1996. In the report, Mr. Arnot advised that organizations were directed to make their submissions based on a 0% increase over their 1995 grant amount. The applications were reviewed by the administration and subsequently reduced by 5%. Mr. Arnot also advised that subsequent to Council's approval, staff will notify each organization and they will be given an opportunity to appeal to approved amount at the Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for February 19, 1996. Mr. Arnot was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward the motion contained in the staff report. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that staff should look closely at the grant requests in 1997 and not just cut grants on an across the board basis. Councillor K. Redman advised that she does agree with an across the board 5% reduction, as to do anything else would be a value judgement and it would be difficult for staff to decide. Councillor Redman questioned the grant recommended for the Race Relations Committee, as they have not applied for a grant. Mr. R. Arnot advised that staff received no response from the Race Relations Committee and the grant has been included just in case. Councillor Redman then questioned a few of the other grants included in the report, including the one for the City float. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that this is a Capital Reserve Fund for the City float and not a grant. He stated that it should not be included with the grants. There was further discussion on some of the grants. Councillor Jake Smola requested background financial information on the groups and Mr. Arnot advised that he would provide the requested information. Councillor Ziegler advised that he did not agree with Councillor Wagner that staff should not recommend an across the board reduction in 1997; as he thought this to be a value judgement. He was of the opinion that these organizations should be put on notice that there will be a further 5% reduction in grants in 1997. If the Committee feels that individual groups need to be reviewed in more detail, that can be done. The question was raised as to how the City of Waterloo was handling grants this year. Mr. Arnot advised that it was his understanding that the City of Waterloo is reducing grants by 10% this year and a further 10% next year. They are doing the same with Minor Sports grants. A discussion then took place over whether the City of Waterloo's greater reduction would upset the established 1/3 - 2/3 balance. Some felt it was necessary to maintain this balance while others felt the City of Kitchener should handle grants the why they felt was right. Mr. T. McKay advised that the 5% across the board cut is being recommended by the Administrative Review Committee and not Parks and Recreation staff. The philosophy behind the cuts was not to affect organizations who depend on the City any more than what the City has been affected by the Province. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether the amount being recommended for the Multicultural Festival is reasonable, given that their grant is for in-kind services. Mr. Arnot responded that they will be advised and given an opportunity to appear before this Committee in February. Mr. T. Clancy advised that staff has had meetings with the Multicultural leaders. This is becoming a profitable event; however, the organizing committee does not make much money from it. Staff would like to help them find ways to get some of the money that is being made that day. A discussion then took place concerning the grant to the Social Planning Council. Councillor M. Wagner expressed some concern and suggested that it needs to be monitored, as it is a very large grant. With respect to Councillor Wagner's comment about exercising judgement when recommending grants, Mr. Clancy advised that staff feel more comfortable about making those judgements with respect to Minor Sports grants, as they are more closely involved with these organizations; however, they do not have that same involvement with the other groups. 5. 1996 ANNUAL GRANT REQUESTS (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER Concerning the proposed grant for the Race Relations Committee, Councillor C. Weylie put forward an amendment to Councillor Ziegler's motion, that the grant to the Race Relations Committee be eliminated and the money put in the General Provision Account. This amendment was accepted by Councillor Ziegler. Councillor B. Vrbanovic recommended that the groups be put on notice that there will be an additional 5% decrease in grants next year, so that they can plan for this reduction. Councillor Wagner questioned the grant to the City of Kitchener Beautification Committee and questioned where the money is spent. He asked staff to prepare a report in this regard for a future meeting. Councillor normal for user fees. Jake Smola referred to the Social Planning Council and questioned whether it was the City to fund organizations who also receive Provincial and Regional funding and Several other organizations, such as the K-W Symphony, were cited. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he was not in agreement with a definite 5% reduction next year. He suggested that the organizations be advised that there is a strong indication that a further 5% decrease in funding will be necessary in 1997. Councillor J. Ziegler agreed to this amendment to his motion. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the 1996 annual grant requests as considered by the Community Services Committee on January 22, 1996, be approved, save and except for the proposed grant to the Race Relations Committee which shall be eliminated and the funds transferred to the General Provision Account, and further, That staff notify each organization receiving a grant that there is a strong indication that a further 5% decrease in grant funding will be necessary in 1997." MEMBERSHIP STATUS OF ROCKWAY AND DOON VALLEY MEMBERS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Golf Course and Cemetery Operations, dated December 1995, providing a breakdown of the membership at both golf courses, as to how many are Kitchener residents and how many are non-residents. It was noted that this report had been requested by Councillor John Smola. Mr. Kett was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Councillor John Smola asked Mr. G. Kett how many rounds a member with an Option No. 2 membership would have to play to break even and Mr. Kett advised that the member would break even at 49 rounds. Councillor John Smola stated that he is asking the Committee to look at the principle here. He asked that out-of-town members not be allowed to purchase an Option No. 1 membership. He suggested that the same criteria be applied as for voting in municipal elections. A discussion took place in this regard with some of the members suggesting that there may be other reasons for allowing out-of-town members to purchase Option No. 1 memberships. Mr. T. McKay asked that the Committee not consider this recommendation, as there is a long history of membership at these golf courses. Further, he advised that Option No. 1 memberships have been grandfathered. Mr. Kett advised that the Option No. 1 memberships were grandfathered in 1988. It was suggested that before any changes were made, the Committee would want input from the membership. Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked that the matter be deferred to a future meeting and the membership be given notice. MEMBERSHIP STATUS OF ROCKWAY AND DOON VALLEY MEMBERS (CONT'D) Councillor John Smola stated that there is a principle that some out-of-town residents are getting a COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 22, 1996 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER 10. subsidy. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he was missing the principle to some extent, as the golf courses are a separate enterprise not subsidized by the taxpayers. He did not see how the change being recommended would be a great benefit. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken, at this time, with respect to out-of-town residents holding Option No. 1 memberships at either Rockway Golf Club or Doon Valley Golf Club." TREE REPLACEMENT OPERATING ACCOUNT The Committee was provided with copies of a report from Mr. D. Daly, Manager, Parks Operations, dated January 2, 1996, providing background information and various options, as requested by the Finance and Administration Committee during budget meetings. Mr. T. Clancy addressed the Committee advising that last week this information was requested and staff were instructed to provide the information to this Committee prior to budget day. Mr. Clancy then reviewed the report and advised that there are no recommendations, only options. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That no changes be made to the existing policy with respect to the replacement of trees on City boulevards." MINOR SPORTS GRANTS The Committee had been provided with a report from Mr. R. Wyatt concerning Minor Sports grants, under separate cover. Mr. R. Arnot requested that this matter be deferred to the Committee's next meeting. Councillor John Smola questioned why the grant to Ringette has been reduced and Mr. Arnot advised that their registrations are down; therefore, their ice time is reduced. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That consideration of Minor Sports grants be deferred to the Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for February 5, 1996." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary