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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1996-02-19CSC\1996-02-19 FEBRUARY 19, 1996 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:20 p.m., with all members present except Mayor R. Christy. Others Present: Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. L. Pasternak, Messrs. T. McKay, N. Kuntz, T. Clancy, M. Price, R. Weber, J. Nelson, M. Mahaffey, R. Arnot, J. Shivas, G. Kett, D. Daly and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF WILMOT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Deputy Fire Chief N. Kuntz, dated February 7, 1996, concerning the request of the Township of Wilmot for an agreement with the City of Kitchener for the provision of aerial ladder protection to the Township. The Committee questioned the Deputy Fire Chief as to whether there would be any renumeration for the City for the provision of these services and he explained that payment would be on a fee for service basis along with a minimum $6,000.00 per year standby fee. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Township of Wilmot, relating to the City of Kitchener providing aerial ladder protection in the Township of Wilmot, the term of the agreement to be for a period of three years." 2. CHANGE OF COMMITTEE NAME The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated January 31, 1996, recommending that the name of the Art Acquisition Committee be changed to "Public Art Committee" to better reflect the nature of its activity. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the name of the "Art Acquisition Committee" be changed to "Public Art Committee" to better reflect the nature of its activity." Councillor K. Redman and Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting at this time. 3. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated January 31, 1996, recommending that the City purchase or commission a piece of art, for public viewing, by the outgoing Artist in Residence each year. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Council approve negotiations by the Art Acquisition Committee (Public Art Committee) to purchase or commission a piece of art for public viewing by the outgoing "Artist in Residence" each year with the Public Art Trust Fund being used as funds are available, and further, That the ceiling amount be ascertained each year and be determined by the availability of funds, other Public Art installations planned for the year and the nature of the artist's work." 4. VANIER PARK IMPROVEMENTS COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 1996 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Weber, Manager, Community Development Division, dated February 8, 1996, as a follow-up to the award to the Courtland Shelley Neighbourhood at the Festival of Neighbourhoods in 1995. The report recommends that improvements to Vanier Park be approved as the project for the $10,000 prize. The report also included the list of works to be completed as the improvements. Later in the meeting, Mr. J. Nelson displayed a plan, for the Committee's benefit, to show the exact improvements to be made to the park. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That improvements to Vanier Park be approved as the project for the $10,000 prize awarded to the Courtland Shelley Neighbourhood at the Festival of Neighbourhoods in September 1995." TRANSFER OF KIWANIS PARK TO THE CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee members were in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, Department of Parks and Recreation, dated February 15, 1996, recommending that the City accept the offer of the Grand River Conservation Authority to transfer Kiwanis Park back to the City for the sum of $1.00. The report also recommends that Council direct staff to pursue an operational agreement with the Twin Cities Kiwanis Club for redevelopment and ongoing operations of the park. Councillor B. Vrbanovic introduced the report. Councillor John Smola questioned whether an invitation would be extended to the City of Waterloo to get them involved with the park. Mr. T. Clancy advised that an offer was made by the City of Waterloo to the Grand River Conservation Authority to assist with maintenance of the park; however, the Grand River Conservation Authority did not follow through on this invitation. He also advised that the Kiwanis Club would follow through with the City of Waterloo. Mr. Clancy was directed to follow through on the invitation of the City of Waterloo to be involved with maintenance of the park and to advise this Committee of the outcome. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Kiwanis Club will be getting all of the parties together in this regard. Mr. A. Morscher was in attendance on behalf of the Twin Cities Kiwanis Club and advised that the Club is very interested in Kiwanis Park and will work with the City of Kitchener in any way that the City wants. The Club will work with the City in any way that the City thinks that the park should be operated. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener accept the G.R.C.A. offer to transfer Kiwanis Park back to the City of Kitchener for the sum of $1.00, and further, That Council direct staff to pursue an operational agreement with the Twin Cities Kiwanis Club for redevelopment and ongoing operations of the park." GRANT POLICY REVIEW The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, Department of Parks and Recreation, dated February 16, 1996, containing an initial draft of criteria for the Grant Review Committee's consideration. He asked that the first meeting of the Grant Review Committee be convened by mid-March to address these criteria. Mr. R. Arnot advised that representatives from the Finance Department and the Department of Parks and Recreation will be in attendance at these sub-committee meetings. 7. WOODLAND MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 1996 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee members were provided with a binder containing the Woodland Management Program ,as developed by the Forestry Section of Parks Operations in the Department of Parks and Recreation, dated revised March 1995. Mr. M. Mahaffey was in attendance to give a slide presentation to explain the contents of this program. A question period followed the presentation. Staff were questioned about whether they felt they had enough input in the planning process to acquire large enough woodlots for the woodlots to be sustainable. Mr. Mahaffey advised that in intense population areas a minimum 10 acre woodlot would be optimum and that in areas of lesser density and in industrial areas a woodlot of a smaller acreage could survive. The question was raised as to what drastic measures could be taken to protect woodlots and at what point the survival of the woodlot is beyond redemption. Mr. Mahaffey gave an explanation and advised that the only way to solve to problem is to block these areas off. He stated that a strong attempt has been made by staff to block off certain trails and redirect the traffic; however, it wouldn't be feasible to block off a whole woodlot. If a particular area is blocked off it would take a minimum of 5 years for the area to regenerate. A question was raised as to dirt bikes and trail bikes and are they permitted. Mr. Mahaffey advised that they are not but there is a problem in policing this. It was suggested that the matter be discussed with the police to see if they will do anything this year. Mr. T. Clancy explained that patrols of law enforcement students were used last year and that was an extremely good program but this may not be possible this year due to cutbacks. Mr. T. McKay advised that he would bring this matter up with the police representative at the next Management Committee meeting. 8. COYOTES Councillor B. Vrbanovic introduced this item and he advised that it has arisen because of sightings of coyotes in his ward. Ms. L. Pasternak was in attendance and advised that she has looked in to the matter and found some documentation from the City of Mississauga on how humans and coyotes can survive in urban areas. She advised that coyotes are becoming part of the urban wildlife like raccoons. She read some excerpts from the pamphlet stating that coyotes are shy around humans and generally avoid them. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that staff take the pamphlet and prepare a Kitchener version of this pamphlet for distribution. It was suggested that the pamphlet be distributed through community centres and pools and Councillor G. Lorentz requested that Neighbourhood Associations be provided with copies. 9. DELEGATION - THEATRE & CO. Mr. S. Scaddron-Wattles was in attendance to represent Theatre & Co. to thank the Community Services Committee for the grant received by them. He stated that he was not in attendance to appeal the grant but to discuss funding to the arts in general. He stated that reductions in grants show a major shift in the support of the arts and with the shift in funding something has to be done. There either has to be a shift in source or a shift in strategy. While a 5% across the board cut may be a good short term solution, there should be some consideration of a strategic shift for next year. He suggested that an examination of the nature of partnerships be encouraged. Upon questioning, the Committee was advised that the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee will be putting together guidelines to present to Council in this regard. It was hoped that they would be ready by the end of June. 10. DELEGATION - K-W ART GALLERY Mr. W. Hail and Mr. B. Blain of the K-W Art Gallery were in attendance and provided the COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 1996 -13- CITY OF KITCHENER Committee with a hard copy of their presentation. Mr. Hail opened the presentation advising that the Art Gallery had a small 1995 surplus. He stated that he is proud of the number and quality of volunteers in this community. Mr. B. Blain addressed the Committee explaining why he felt the Art Gallery is deserving of the City's support. He also recited many examples to show that the Gallery is broadly supported by the community stating that 45% of the Gallery's budget comes from the private sector. He suggested three main criteria for the Committee's use when evaluating requests for grants in the future; suggesting that non-profit groups demonstrate strong community support, that non-profit groups which create jobs should be supported and that Council should always consider cost effective ways of providing a service. He stated that if public sector follows the private sector, then value added will be a criteria for grant considerations in the future and that the Art Gallery would stand tall in this regard. 11. DELEGATION - HOMER WATSON HOUSE Ms. G. McCulloch was in attendance on behalf of the Homer Watson House and Gallery stating that the gallery is disappointed in the amount of their 1996 grant; however, they will live with it. She stated that the Homer Watson House and Gallery is an important part of the history of this area and that she hoped that Council would take a good look at the Foundation next year when grants are awarded. Councillor M. Wagner questioned what efforts the Homer Watson House and Gallery were making in fundraising. Ms. McCulloch advised that there will be a raffle, a brochure and letter and stated that the Foundation will have to work hard on fundraising. A brief discussion then took place over the possibility of a merger or integration between the Homer Watson House and Gallery and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. Councillor G. Lorentz pointed out to Ms. McCulloch that in addition to the operation grant provided by Council there is $25,000.00 set aside in the Capital Budget for repairs and maintenance to the Homer Watson House and Gallery for 1996 and 1997, on the understanding that the Homer Watson House will match these funds. Ms. McCulloch left a hard copy of her presentation for each member of the Committee. 12. RACE RELATIONS COMMITTEE OF KITCHENER-WATERLOO It was noted in the agenda that a representative of the Race Relations Committee of Kitchener- Waterloo would be in attendance this date as a delegation; however, no one was in attendance. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated February 13, 1996, asking for the Committee's direction with request to the grant application from the Race Relations Committee. Councillor K. Redman put forward a recommendation that the Race Relations Committee be granted funds equal to 95% of their 1995 grant. Councillor C. Weylie spoke in opposition to this grant. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That we approve a 1996 grant for the Race Relations Committee of Kitchener-Waterloo in the amount of $950.00." 13. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS (CONT'D) With respect to the automated golf course systems, Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Golf Course and COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 1996 -14- CITY OF KITCHENER 14. Cemetery Operations, advised that there would be open houses in this regard for the members. Councillor John Smola requested that the open houses be advertised to the general public. Concerning the Kitchener Farmers' Market and the sale of Market Square, Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he wanted meetings to be arranged with the Market vendors once the dust has settled. Mr. T. McKay advised that this would probably take place sometime in May. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that the Food Bank of Waterloo Region be moved from General Provision Grants over in to the Annual Grants. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary