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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1996-03-04CSC\1996-03-04 MARCH 4, 1996 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:05 p.m., with all members in attendance except Councillor M. Yantzi. Others Present: Messrs. T. McKay, J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, R. Wyatt, K. Baulk, G. Nixon, L. Gordon and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATION - NEW LAWN BOWLING FACILITY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt and G. Nixon, dated February 26, 1996, recommending the awarding of the tender to construct one lawn bowling green at Rosenberg Park to Cambridge Landscaping Inc. at their tendered price of $132,984.55, including G.S.T.. The report advised how the cost would be financed. In addition, the report noted that, as part of the tendering process, the contractors were asked to submit bids for the construction of a second green at the same time as the first. Cambridge Landscaping Inc. submitted a cost of $104,326.68 including G.S.T.. Mr. Michael Sanderson appeared as a delegation, on behalf of the Rockway Lawnbowling Community. Mr. Sanderson referred to a letter, sent to the members of Council on February 29, 1996, proposing that a two green facility be constructed at this time. Mr. Sanderson advised that the club has 180 members and the membership is growing; further, there are adult bowlers, senior bowlers, junior bowlers and blind bowlers. Mr. Sanderson then advised the Committee that in addition to the $40,000 which the club had previously agreed to contribute to the first green and clubhouse, the club would be willing to contribute another $30,000, $10,000 as an additional loan and $20,000 in cash, towards the cost of the second green. Further, he noted that the club would be taking on the financial responsibility of the day to day operations of the green. He also noted that the club would be giving up its space at the golf club in order to allow the golf course to expand. Mr. Sanderson stated that the club is growing and a second green is required to accommodate the increased membership. The second green is also necessary to help generate income. With a second green, the club will be able to host Provincial and National Championships. Mr. Sanderson felt there would be some financial benefit in having a second green constructed while the contractors are already on site. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether the club could come up with a larger contribution than the addition $10,000 as he felt the contribution being offered was not a great proportion of the cost involved. Further, Councillor Ziegler felt that the membership was not growing that rapidly and felt that the club was managing with one green now. Mr. Sanderson responded that the existing green is taxed to the limit and is 50% over used, as one green can handle approximately 100 bowlers. Mr. Sanderson also advised that the club would be looking into some fundraising activities to raise more money. Councillor B. Vrbanovic clarified that the club is willing to commit to $40,000 for the first green and clubhouse and an additional $30,000 for the second green. Mr. Sanderson confirmed that these figures were correct. Councillor Jake Smola clarified that the additional $10,000 towards the second green will be an additional financial obligation to be repaid, which was confirmed by Mr. Sanderson. Councillor M. Wagner questioned the benefits of the second green in terms of membership and tournaments. Mr. Sanderson responded that, in terms of membership, they have 180 members now. A one green facility reaches saturation at 100 to 125 members, so the current membership is being squeezed in. They would not be able to accommodate any new members. With two greens, the club would be able to hold tournaments, which would generate income for the club and there would also be economic spinoffs to the community. They could not hold tournaments with only one green. Councillor Wagner then questioned Mr. Sanderson about winter bowling. Mr. Sanderson COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 4, 1996 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER responded that winter bowling started this year in the City of Waterloo facility and has worked 1. DELEGATION - NEW LAWN BOWLING FACILITY (CONT'D) well and they intend to stay there for winter bowling. Councillor T. Galloway questioned why the Committee is being asked to deal with this matter at this late date. He stated that all the sites were looked at with an eye to a second green somewhere down the road and he did not realize that the second green would be immediate. He questioned why it was necessary now. Mr. Sanderson responded that this process started 4 years ago and the process has dragged out. The future, 2 to 4 years ago, is now. This process has taken longer than anticipated. Further, Mr. Sanderson felt the club was proposing an equitable financial partnership. Councillor Galloway stated that his understanding that the City's obligation was to relocate the existing facility. Mr. Sanderson responded that there used to be 1 1/2 greens, which has been whittled down to one and they have lost some of the clubhouse to the golf course. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned the size of the existing green compared to the original green and Mr. Sanderson advised that the existing green measures 120 feet by 120 feet but the original green was 120 feet by 200 feet. Further, the clubhouse was originally two floors; however, the basement has been taken over by the golf club. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that he hopes this issue will be resolved today. Even if a second green is not approved, Councillor Lorentz was of the opinion that this would be a successful conclusion to the situation. He questioned the growth in membership and Mr. Sanderson advised that the membership has grown by 30 to 40 percent over the last few years. Councillor Lorentz clarified that the club will be paying the day to day operating costs at the new location which Mr. Sanderson confirmed. Mr. I. Watts then addressed the Committee earnestly urging them to come to some kind of an agreement today. He stated that the members are frustrated with the 4 year process. He advised that once they are given the green light to move they will make it a very viable club. A discussion then took place over the financing for the greens and which account the money would be paid from. Councillor Jake Smola put forward a motion to approve of the construction of the two greens by Cambridge Landscaping Inc. subject to the promised financial contribution by the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club with the balance of the cost of the second green to be paid from the Capital Contingency Account. The Mayor and several members of the Committee spoke in favour of the motion and a few members spoke in opposition. Councillor T. Galloway put forward an amendment to the motion that the arrangement be subject to a satisfactory agreement being approved. Councillor Galloway stated that this is a usual requirement when working with groups in the community. Councillor Jake Smola accepted this as a friendly amendment. Councillor Jake Smola requested a recorded vote. Moved by Councillor Jake Smola "That Cambridge Landscaping Inc. be approved to construct two lawn bowling greens at Rosenberg Park at their tendered price of $237,311.23, including G.S.T., and further, That the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club contribute a total of $70,000, $50,000 in the form of an interest free loan to be repaid to the City over a period of 10 years and a $20,000 cash payment, to be paid upon commencement of construction, and further, That the balance of the cost of the second green be paid from the Capital Contingency Account, and further, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 4, 1996 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER DELEGATION - NEW LAWN BOWLING FACILITY (CONT'D) That this arrangement be subject to the Rockway Lawn Bowling Club entering in to an agreement with the City of Kitchener, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor. The motion was then put to a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor R. Christy, Councillors John Smola, K. Redman, B. Vrbanovic, C. Weylie, M. Wagner and Jake Smola. Contra: Councillors G. Lorentz, T. Galloway and J. Ziegler. Carried. NEW BUSINESS Councillor C. Weylie questioned when the signs for the Adopt-A-Park program will be ready. Mr. G. Nixon advised that he will look into the matter. Councillor Weylie directed staff to report to the Environmental Committee in this regard. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. The Seat Name Plate Program at the Auditorium was discussed and staff were directed to come back to this Committee in the near future with a report and marketing plan. Mr. R. Wyatt commented to the Committee on a recent incident, reported in a letter to the editor, on use of unsavoury language at one of the arenas. He advised that prior to the letter being published, Minor Hockey handled the discipline problem and handled it extremely well. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary