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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1996-05-13CSC\1996-05-13 MAY 13, 1996 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:40 p.m., with all members present. Mayor R. Christy was in attendance for only part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. C. Oliver, Ms. L. EckeI-Braun, Ms. B. Spry, Ms. R. Willms, Ms. N. Dahmer, Ms. P. Houston, Messrs. T. McKay, L. Proulx, R. Arnot, T. Clancy, G. Kett, M. Price, D. Daly, R. Wyatt, J. Gazzola, J. Shivas, K. Baulk and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. ANIMAL PROBLEMS ON MUNICIPAL LANDS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager and Mr. D. Daly, Manager of Parks Operations, dated May 6, 1996, outlining some of the problems occurring due to the rapid increase in numbers of beavers. Mr. D. Daly was in attendance to represent the report. Councillor T. Galloway put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Mr. T. Clancy introduced Ms. C. McAIlister, in the audience, whom he advised objects to the recommendation but does not wish to speak to the Committee at this time. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that since staff had prepared a presentation that the Committee should hear it. Mr. Daly addressed the Committee advising that this matter is here as an information item and to solicit support from the Committee. He advised that staff had documented the damage to public property caused by the beaver population's rapid increase. Mr. Daly then showed a few slides depicting the damage caused by the beavers. He advised that the City of Kitchener does not usually deal with wild animals on private property. Most beaver problems are brought to staff's attention by complaints by citizens. He suggested that some control is necessary in order to control the beaver population. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether the beaver has any natural enemies and Mr. Daly responded that their natural enemies are primarily wolves and when they are young, hawks. He suggested that the lack of predators is a problem. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener continue to control animals on municipal lands where their presence poses risk or may cause damage to persons or property." 2. FESTIVALS REPORT Ms. J. Lynn was in attendance to present the report prepared by her company, Lynn Communications Inc., which is Phase 1 of a research report conducted at the City's request on community festivals and special events. A hard copy of the report was provided to each member of the Committee. Ms. Lynn then went through the report presenting each of the recommendations. She also gave an explanation of how the report was prepared and the consultation which took place internally and externally. Councillor B. Vrbanovic thanked Ms. Lynn for the excellent report and questioned the City Hall audit of sponsorships. Ms. Lynn responded that within the community there is a lot of fund raising going on and it would be beneficial to have an co-ordinated effort to avoid sponsor fatigue. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then questioned the volunteer co-ordinator and Ms. Lynn responded that it could be a staff person or a volunteer; however, it would be an extremely important position as it is necessary to develop a strong volunteer core. She also suggested that maybe one of the sponsors could donate some human resources for this purpose. Councillor Vrbanovic then questioned the two events recommended in the report being a spring festival and summer festival. Ms. Lynn responded that she hoped within a short period of time information for planning the festivals could be made available, after public consultation. FESTIVALS REPORT (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 13, 1996 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor K. Redman then questioned the Youth Volunteer Action Team and Ms. Lynn responded that it would be beneficial to Parks and Recreation staff, who are already promoting partnerships, to be educated to look at partnerships in a new way. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned when the next two phases of the study would be complete and Ms. Lynn responded that she hoped that the next phase would be ready by the end of June and that a business plan would be ready by October. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener accept, in principle, the recommendations contained in Phase 1 of the Community Festivals and Special Events report prepared by Lynn Communications Inc., dated May 1996." CEMETERIES SECTION BUSINESS INITIATIVES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated May 7, 1996, recommending the endorsement of certain initiatives with respect to the City's cemetery operations and the Crematorium Feasibility Study which had been prepared by Kraemer & Britten. Mr. Kett was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. Kett also introduced the Cemeteries Section Business Initiatives Team who were also in attendance. He advised that the team has been together for 6 months. He also applauded the efforts of Kraemer & Britten who prepared the report. Mr. L. Proulx then addressed the Committee and advised that an old Mennonite church had been found, which had been demolished approximately 3 years ago and can be rebuilt on this site. The intention is to recreate the chapel with the crematorium at the back and that this would cost less than building a new chapel. A rendering of the chapel was viewed by the Committee. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether the actual cremation unit would be at the back of the church and questioned the use of the church. Mr. G. Kett advised that the chapel will be a multi- purpose building for funeral services for cremation or other burials. It will also be available for memorial services. Councillor Galloway then questioned what cost is attributable to the crematorium. Mr. T. McKay responded that if there is no crematorium then there would be no church. Councillor T. Galloway stated that the masterplan shows the church would eventually be built even if there was no crematorium. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned whether there would be a washing facility for the Muslim community. Mr. G. Kett responded that this aspect needs further discussion as the needs change depending on who you talk to. Councillor M. Wagner questioned the material to be used in constructing the crematorium and whether staff would take in to consideration the brick in the church. He also gave the opinion that the church would lend character to the site. Ms. P. Houston then addressed the Committee and gave two financial forecasts for the construction of this project. A further discussion took place over the cost of the project, the need for the chapel and the changing needs of the community over the next couple of decades. Mr. T. Clancy stated that he encouraged this Committee not to separate the chapel from the crematorium and that the cost to build a new chapel would be considerably more than re-erecting the Mennonite chapel. It was his opinion that the two tie in fairly closely. 3. CEMETERIES SECTION BUSINESS INITIATIVES (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 13, 1996 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That the Crematorium Feasibility Study presented by Kraemer & Britten be accepted and endorsed, and further, That the Crematorium Centre Development plan, as submitted by the Cemeteries Section Business Initiatives Team be approved and the Division Manager of Cemeteries and Golf Course Operations be directed to submit the applications for the necessary approvals to proceed with the development of the facility, and further, That the Cemeteries Section Business Initiatives Team proceed with the development of detailed plans for the construction of the facility once the necessary approvals are in place, and further, That the Cemeteries Section continue to explore other initiatives, with a focus on the sale of pre-need interment rights and cremation services." Councillor T. Galloway stated that the tax levy has to subsidize cemeteries in this city and the cemetery operations should be looked at as an enterprise which makes a profit. It was his opinion that this proposal should go a long way to relieving the burden on the tax base. Councillor G. Lorentz thanked Mr. Clancy and Mr. Kett and the Business Initiatives Team for an excellent job. 4. DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT It was agreed that consideration of the Parks and Recreation Department Annual Report be put to the end of the agenda and, if necessary, deferred until the Committee's next meeting. 5. DELEGATION - ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE - CULTURE PLAN UPDATE Mr. M. Carty, Chair of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, was in attendance to bring the Committee up-to-date on the process involved in preparing the Culture Plan. Mr. Carty addressed the Committee advising that the output of the work taking place with respect to the preparation of a Culture Plan for the City of Kitchener will be contained in 3 documents. The first is the report of the 4 day workshop, the second outreach document takes the workshop ideas to the larger community and thirdly there will be a recommendation on the Cultural Strategic Plan. Mr. Carty took the Committee through a review of the work which has taken place already in this regard concerning the workshop and public involvement in the preparation of the plan. He advised the Committee that it is aim of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee to have a Cultural Strategic Plan for consideration by July, 1996. Councillor M. Wagner spoke on behalf of the Mayor and Council to thank Mr. Carty and Mr. M. Price for their involvement in this project and all the work involved. 6. VICTORIA STREET PIT PROJECT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development, dated May 8, 1996, containing background information and a recommendation with respect to the development of the Victoria Street Pit Project. Mr. R. Wyatt was in attendance to represent the report and advised that there were 3 representatives from the Optimist Club of Stanley Park in attendance who are in support of the staff recommendation and do not wish to address the Committee at this time. Councillor John Smola put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor Jake Smola asked that these gentlemen identify themselves as he had not had an opportunity to meet them and thank them yet. Mr. M. Kerr, Mr. S. Roberts and Mr. Watt stood 6. VICTORIA STREET PIT PROJECT (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 13, 1996 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER in the audience to be recognized. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the time4rame for the land issue and whether this project is imminent. Mr. T. Clancy advised that he has worked extensively on this project and it is fairly close now, being in the hands of the Legal Department to look at options. Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting at this time. Mr. T. Clancy continued that it would take approximately one year for the project to commence once the gravel has been extracted. Councillor Jake Smola thanked the Stanley Park Optimist Club for their involvement in this project and stated that the project is well overdue and he is looking forward to the process going ahead. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That, subject to the Victoria Street Pit Project proceeding as planned, with the mining of gravel and the development of a park, the City accept the offer of the Optimist Club of Stanley Park to donate, upon completion of the project, $35,000 and in-kind services toward the project in exchange for recognition and on-going involvement in the park by the club, and further, That upon initiation of the project a formal agreement be established between the City and the Club, the terms of which shall be subject to the approval of the Legal Department." 7. PEACE MEMORIAL - VICTORIA PARK Mr. J. Breithaupt and Mr. W. Ristau were in attendance on behalf of the German Canadian Business and Professional Association to present a proposal with respect to the erection of a Peace Memorial in Victoria Park. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development and Mr. W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect, dated May 8, 1996, recommending that the City support the proposal, in principle, to erect a monument in Victoria Park with the purpose being to acknowledge and describe the history of the original Peace Memorial, erected in 1897. Mr. Breithaupt spoke to the Committee advising that he is here to provide some information in this regard and get some advice from the Committee. He advised that the purpose is to place a plaque on a replica of the monument within Victoria Park and it is hoped that the unveiling could take place on Sunday, August 25 as part of the Victoria Park 100th Birthday celebrations. Mr. Breithaupt then referred to the drawings contained in the agenda and the size, design and proposed location for the monument. He stated that he would appreciate comments and suggestions and that the purpose is to restore a very important piece of this community's history. Councillor M. Wagner advised that the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee had considered this information at their meeting on Friday, May 10 and are in support of the proposal. He put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Mayor R. Christy questioned who decides on which size of monument is constructed and on the location. Mr. T. Clancy advised that Option #1 would be recommended by staff; however, if the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee wants the monument to be located close to its historic location Option #2 could be chosen. Councillor M. Wagner advised that LACAC is generally in agreement with location #1 and he 7. PEACE MEMORIAL - VICTORIA PARK (CONT'D) also thanked Mr. Ristau and his organization for their generosity in this regard. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 13, 1996 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That we support the proposal of the German Canadian Business and Professional Association and approve, in principle, the erection of a monument in Victoria Park, with the purpose being to acknowledge and describe the history of the original Peace Memorial erected in 1897, and further, That the monument be a replica of the original monument base, with minor modifications, to accommodate accessibility and interpretation, affixed with bronze plaques describing the history, and further, That the Parks and Recreation Department, in consultation with the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and the Victoria Park Heritage Committee, approve the detailed design and the location for the monument within the park, and further, That the erection of the monument be done at no cost to the City other than services in kind." 8. ROCKWAY GOLF COURSE CHANGES The Committee was provided with a petition from members of the Rockway Golf Club, dated May 10, 1996 and Mr. G. Mclntosh was in attendance as a delegation to advise the members of the Community Services Committee of their concern with respect to the physical changes taking place at the golf course. Mr. Mclntosh addressed the Committee advising that he feels that the driving range is unnecessary. Mr. T. Clancy reminded the Committee that Council approved the business plan for the Rockway Golf Club. Hopefully, the clubhouse additions will be finished this week. Further, staff are in the process of refining the plans. Mr. Clancy advised that the staff would like to take another look at the business plans, taking into consideration the letter submitted today and come back to Council in this regard. Councillor J. Ziegler requested that staff set-up a mechanism whereby members of the golf club get copies of the staff report in advance and the date of the meeting at which the report would be presented. Councillor K. Redman questioned the previous meeting and whether it was for input or sharing of ideas. Mr. G. Kett responded that the architect met with 10 to 15 committee members in October. He recorded the ideas presented and later came back with a concept plan, which he thought would work best. Once the plans were complete, the architect presented the plan to the same group of people he originally met with and subsequently, a meeting was held for all those who wanted to know what was going on. A brief discussion then took place in this regard. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned when staff would be coming back to this Committee and Mr. G. Kett advised that it would be approximately 6 weeks. 9. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. Councillor K. Redman questioned the Clock Tower and Mr. T. Clancy advised that approximately $165,000 is still needed. Mr. Clancy advised that a plan is almost completed which will soon be advertised. 9. INFORMATION ITEMS (CONT'D) A question was raised as to what is happening with the plan presented by Mr. J. MacDonald COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 13, 1996 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. concerning the maze in Victoria Park. Mr. R. Arnot advised that he would attempt to have an update on the maze for the May 27 Community Services Committee meeting. Concerning the two festivals recommended in the Lynn Report, Mr. T. Clancy stated that it will be necessary to have an extensive commitment from volunteers for these festivals. Staff will work closely with the volunteers; however, with the number of events taking place it is going to be hard on staff. NEW BUSINESS Councillor K. Redman introduced the motion with respect to the creation of an indoor skatepark. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to investigate options, locations and possible community partnerships for an indoor skatepark for 1996; with a report to be presented at the May 27, 1996 Community Services Committee meeting." ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary