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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1996-05-27CSC\1996-05-27 MAY 27, 1996 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:15 p.m., with all members present. Mayor R. Christy was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. B. Spry, Ms. C. Oliver, Messrs. T. McKay, D. Corks, K. Baulk, T. Clancy, T. McCabe, G. Kett, R. Arnot, D. Snow, K. Carmichael and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. SALE OF FARMERS' MARKET BUILDING AND MARKET PARKING GARAGE Mr. M. Conrad was in attendance along with his son and architect to advise that The Cora Group has just acquired Market Square and the company wishes to purchase the Market Building and Parking Garage. A concept plan of the proposed renovated Market Building was displayed for the Members and Mr. Conrad advised that it is intended that the Market be expanded to include an outdoor market. Mayor R. Christy advised that people should be aware that this is just a schematic of what might be and that there will be staff input into the final design of the project. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a motion to have the City enter into an agreement with The Cora Group for the purchase of the Market Building and Garage in accordance with the letter of understanding from the City Solicitor, dated May 24, 1996. Councillor Jake Smola requested a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener enter into an agreement with The Cora Group for the sale of the Farmers' Market Building and the Market Parking Garage in accordance with the letter of understanding prepared by Mr. J.H. Shivas, City Solicitor, dated May 24, 1996." Carried unanimously. Councillors K. Redman and G. Lorentz both stated that people should be aware that the City is selling the Market Building and not the Kitchener Market and that the City values the Kitchener Farmers' Market. The Committee took a brief recess for a press conference and the meeting reconvened at 1:45 p.m.. Mayor R. Christy did not return to the meeting. SEAT NAME PLATE/SPORT GROUPS FUNDRAISER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, dated May 16, 1996, providing an overview and recommendation concerning a proposed seat dedication program for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium which sport groups could use for a fundraising project, with half the proceeds going to the fundraising group and half to the City of Kitchener. Mr. K. Baulk was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that this was a good program but he thought the price was too high. He felt that seats could go for $50.00, $75.00 or $100.00, the same as the difference in the ticket prices. Mr. K. Baulk responded that he has met with the sport groups and they have no concern about the $100.00 purchase price. He advised that staff would look into different possibilities but it was hoped that the program could be kept as simple as possible. Councillor John Smola spoke about the name plates themselves and where they are placed on the seats. Mr. Baulk advised that staff have looked at options and most people who have already purchased seats are happy with the location of the name plate. Councillor M. Yantzi advised that he would like to stay with the recommendation contained in the COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER staff report and he would be willing to support it. SEAT NAME PLATE/SPORT GROUPS FUNDRAISER (CONT'D) Councillor Ziegler put forward the recommendation that the seat name plate fundraiser be approved with 3 possible prices, being $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00, with the proceeds being split 50/50 between the City and the fundraising group. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he would not support Councillor Ziegler's motion and was in support of the staff recommendation. He felt that the sport groups would benefit as well as the City of Kitchener and that this was a really good idea. Councillor K. Redman spoke in support of the staff recommendation. She advised that she had discussed the possibility of different seat prices with Mr. Baulk and felt that if the program was not working after a year then staff could go back to the sport groups and see if they want to reduce the prices. Councillor Ziegler then suggested that the program be approved in principle and that staff go back to the sport groups to get their reaction. The motion originally put forward by Councillor Ziegler for 3 different prices for seats was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener offer "The Best Seat in the House" Auditorium name plate seat dedication program to various Kitchener sport groups as a fundraising project for their organizations, and further, That the sport organizations sell each seat name plate for $100.00 with the organization receiving $50.00 and the City retaining $50.00." EXTENSION OF FOOD AND ALCOHOL SERVICE - GOLF COURSES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Golf Course and Cemetery Operations, dated May 20, 1996, providing background information and a recommendation with respect to the expansion of the sale of food and alcohol onto the golf courses for the 1996 season. Mr. Kett was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard and provided a further report, dated May 27, 1996, concerning a directive received from the L.L.B.O.. A brief discussion took place in this regard. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Golf Unit acquire the necessary equipment and enter into the necessary agreements in order to extend the sale of food and alcohol onto the courses for the 1996 season and that a report be presented to the Community Services Committee at the end of the 1996 season which will outline the overall success of the program." LONG TERM MEMBERS - DOON AND ROCKWAY GOLF CLUBS The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Councillor J. Ziegler, Fairview Ward, to Mayor R. Christy and Members of Council, dated May 22, 1996, outlining concerns of some of the members Doon and Rockway Golf Clubs. Several golf club members were in attendance in the audience. Councillor Ziegler introduced this matter and discussed some of the concerns contained in the letter. He suggested that a sub-committee of the Community Services Committee could meet with the golfers. Councillor G. Lorentz responded that staff could respond to the concerns and come back to this Committee in two weeks time. Mr. T. Clancy addressed the Committee stating that this is a process matter and requested that staff be allowed to meet with the golfers to work out a solution to these concerns. He suggested that if staff was not able to do this then Council could get involved. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that staff would have to meet with the executives of the committees of golfers who should be COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. LONG TERM MEMBERS - DOON AND ROCKWAY GOLF CLUBS (CONT'D) working with staff in this regard. Staff was requested to come back before the Community Services Committee in two weeks time with a report in this regard. GRANT APPLICATION - AIDS COMMITTEE OF CAMBRIDGE, KITCHENER, WATERLOO AND AREA The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 22, 1996, recommending that the Committee not approve the grant to the Aids Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area as this organization is already receiving a reduced rate offered for charitable tournaments. Councillor Ziegler put forward the recommendation for no action as contained in the staff report. Councillor Yantzi questioned a discounted price given to other groups and Mr. G. Kett responded that there are 2 groups at each golf club receiving this discounted price because of long-standing relationships with the golf courses. Mr. T. Clancy advised that there would be a report coming before the Committee shortly in this regard. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Aids Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA) for a grant in-kind in the amount of $1,050.00." 6. GRANT REQUEST - CENTRAL FREDERICK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 22, 1996, recommending a grant in-kind in the amount of $590.75 to the Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association for their Summer Festival to be held in August 1996. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association for an in-kind grant in the amount of $590.75 for their Summer Festival to be held in August, 1996." 7. GRANT REQUEST - K-W COUNSELLING SERVICES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 22, 1996, recommending a grant in-kind in the amount of $552.46 in connection with their event to celebrate the organization's 45th anniversary. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a recommendation that a grant in the amount of $416.04 be approved and that the rental charges we waived. He stated that the City is asking people to come Downtown but at the same time are making it prohibited. He requested a report from staff on reducing or waiving rental rates on Downtown facilities as the City is encouraging people to come Downtown. Mr. T. McKay asked that the Committee go with the original recommendation, as this is Council's established policy. Mr. T. Clancy advised that he could see the Committee's concerns and has some himself; however, the City has other facilities that are not Downtown. He advised that staff will submit a report with a number of issues in connection with running facilities of this nature. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Clancy advised that the report could not be ready for the next meeting which will be held on June 10 but it would be ready in time for the Committee's meeting of June 24. GRANT REQUEST - K-W COUNSELLING SERVICES (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the K-W Counselling Services in the amount of $552.46 for use of the Civic Square and Rotunda on May 14, 1996 for a special event to celebrate their 45th anniversary." Councillor John Smola questioned if the Committee was just following its own policy and Mr. T. McKay responded that that is the case and the policy was established in order to recover the cost incurred by the City and to control access to the buildings. 8. DELEGATION - A TASTE OF WATERLOO COUNTY 1996 The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 22, 1996, concerning a grant request received from the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Volunteer Committee for a grant in the amount of $1,200.00 to assist with hosting A Taste of Waterloo County in 1996. Ms. J. Beck was in attendance to represent the grant request and gave a brief presentation in this regard. She advised that they are asking for a facility rental grant and an in-kind services grant. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he felt this event was worthwhile for the Rotunda and would like to recommend that the grant be approved. Councillor M. Wagner spoke in favour of Councillor Galloway's recommendation stating that it's not only the Symphony who benefits from this event but 25 - 30 local restaurants benefit as well. Councillor K. Redman spoke in favour of the grant stating that she felt this was a worthwhile event although she had some questions about some of the items included in the grant application such as parking and security staff. Councillor M. Yantzi spoke against the recommendation stating that the Symphony gets a very large operating grant each year from the City of Kitchener and although he thinks this event is worthwhile it goes against City policy and he cannot support it. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he agrees with Councillor Yantzi in this regard. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a recommendation to approve the grant request and agreed with a request from Mr. T. McKay that the wording "notwithstanding City policy" be included in the recommendation. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, notwithstanding City policy, we approve the request of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Volunteer Committee for an in-kind services grant in the amount of $1,200.00 for "A Taste of Waterloo County"." 9. DELEGATION - COUNTRY HILLS RECREATION ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 21, 1996, concerning a grant request received from the Country Hills Recreation Association for an in-kind grant in the amount of $200.00 to provide two buses during the Santa Claus Parade in 1996. Ms. E. Jackman was in attendance to represent the County Hills Recreation Association and advised that she was in attendance on behalf of the 31 neighbourhood associations who participate in the Santa Claus Parade and that the buses would be used to pick-up the neighbourhood association participants in the parade and return them to Waterloo at the end of the parade in order to collect their vehicles. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that this touches on almost every neighbourhood association in 9. DELEGATION - COUNTRY HILLS RECREATION ASSOCIATION (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER the City of Kitchener and that he thinks that there should be some assistance in the form of bus tickets so that the neighbourhood association participants could use regular bus routes to return to their vehicles. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Country Hills Recreation Association be provided with a maximum of 100 Kitchener Transit bus tickets to distribute to neighbourhood association volunteers who participate in the 1996 Santa Claus Parade." 10. DELEGATION - HEALTH FAIR The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 21, 1996, concerning a grant request received from Mr. R. VanderBeek, Chiropractor, for a facility rental grant in the amount of $228.00 in order to use the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre for a health fair on September 20, 1996. Ms. E. Prevost was in attendance on behalf of Mr. VanderBeek to give a presentation in support of the request. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether Ms. Prevost had contacted the neighbourhood association in this area for their co-operation and co-sponsorship of this event. Mr. R. Arnot advised that the applicant should go back through staff and see what can be done. Councillor T. Galloway encouraged staff to talk to the neighbourhood association and advised that he would also talk with them to see if the neighbourhood association will sponsor this event and allow the chiropractor to benefit from a lesser rental fee. Councillor Galloway suggested to Ms. Prevost that she go back through staff to obtain this benefit. Mr. T. Clancy pointed out that there would still be a rental charge by doing things this way; however, it would be a smaller rental rate. 11. DELEGATION - FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS 1996 The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 21, 1996, concerning the request of the St. Mary's Hospital Volunteer Association for a grant in-kind for the 1996 Festival of Trees and Lights. Mr. S. Woods was in attendance to represent this grant request and give a brief verbal presentation. A general discussion took place concerning this request. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that, although he believed this to be a worthwhile event, the City has had to face budget cuts. He felt that, as this is becoming a continuing grant, it should face the same 5% cut back as all the other continuing grants face this year. Councillor Ziegler put forward a recommendation for a grant in the amount of $2,400.00. Councillor Yantzi suggested that the recommendation be amended so as to allow for the set-up and take-down costs in addition to last year's grant. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he had a problem with the reduced grant and suggested that the Committee should be looking at what events we charge for and who we charge. He suggested that these amounts are an internal transfer only and that the full grant request should be approved. Councillor K. Redman questioned the logic of applying the policy to this group and not to others. She advised that she would be in support of a grant in the full amount requested. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he agrees with Councillor Ziegler. It is their choice to go to a 10 day festival this year and he suggested that the Committee should have to draw the line at a reasonable point. The motion by Councillor J. Ziegler to award a grant in the amount of $2,400.00 was voted on 11. DELEGATION - FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS 1996 (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER 12. 13. 14. and lost. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the St. Mary's Hospital Volunteer Committee for a grant in the amount of $4,493.88 for use of the Victoria Park Pavilion in November for the annual Festival of Lights." DELEGATION - BRIDGEPORT UNITED CHURCH The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 22, 1996, recommending that the Committee not support an in-kind services grant in the amount of $225.00 for the Bridgeport United Church. Mr. P. Clarkson was in attendance to represent the grant application and gave a brief verbal presentation. He stated that this is first and foremost a community event and a family event and that a portion of the money raised through this event will go to 4 community associations. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether this was part of the Festival of Neighbourhoods as he felt it should be and suggested that maybe if they sign-up with that group their would be no charge. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Bridgeport United Church for an in-kind services grant in the amount of $225.00 to cover the cost of barriers to close off a street for a Church Fair." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned staff as to whether the Humane Society has filled out one of the surveys concerning grants and also the Visitor and Convention Bureau. He requested that they be provided with the survey as well as Project Lift and that they be given an extended time to complete this survey and return it. Mr. R. Arnot congratulated the Committee on the way it handled the grant requests this date and advised that since the Committee has gone to a quarterly consideration of grants, September will be the last time that the Committee will consider grants for this year. Councillor K. Redman referred to the information item attached to the agenda concerning skateboarding/BMX bikes. Mr. R. Arnot advised that there is a brief note in the package this date and that substantial work has to be done before bringing back a report to this Committee which he hoped would be available by the end of June. Councillor K. Redman directed that staff come up with some kind of criteria for such a facility. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary