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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1996-06-24CSC\1996-06-24 JUNE 24, 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 the all members present except Mayor R. Christy. Others Present: Ms. C. Oliver, Messrs. T. Clancy, M. Price, K. Baulk, B. Stanley, J. Gazzola, J. Nelson, J. Cooper, R. Wyatt, T. O'Brien, D. Daly and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. CULTUREPLAN: A CULTURAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events & Leisure Programs, dated June 18, 1996, recommending approval of the recommendations contained in the document "CulturePlan: A Cultural Strategic Plan for Kitchener" and that Council recognize the members of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, under the Chairmanship of J. Michael Carty, for the work they have put into the preparation of this plan. Ms. D. Cardinal and Mr. J. M. Carty were in attendance to give a brief overview of the CulturePlan, which the Committee members had received at the Council meeting of June 17, 1996. Ms. Cardinal emphasized the community involvement in the preparation of the plan. She advised that the 50 person group was self-selected. The preparation of the plan was a community development activity in which the citizens have said what they would like to see. Mr. Carty then reviewed the recommendations contained in the plan advising that recommendations 1 to 4 are goals, recommendations 5 to 23 deal with events, situations and people and number 24 is a monitoring recommendation. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he was prepared to move the recommendation contained in Mr. Price's report and advised that he would be willing to answer any questions the Committee might have. Councillor Wagner thanked all those who participated in the preparation of this CulturePlan for their outstanding contributions and especially noted the contribution of Mr. A. Daniels, who has been on the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee the longest. Councillor Jake Smola questioned recommendation number 17, asking if any thought had been given to using the auditorium at the K.P.L.. Councillor M. Wagner responded that there are several options to be investigated. Ultimately, the recommendation could require a major investment by Council; however, this recommendation is for investigation only and not a financial commitment at this time. Councillor Wagner stated that, by far, the majority of the recommendations are a road map provided by the citizens and show the sense of pride people have in this city. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether the recommendations deal with private sector involvement. Councillor M. Wagner responded that all the recommendations deal with that aspect. There may be partnerships between artists and between the arts community and the private sector. Councillor Wagner referred Councillor Jake Smola to page 6 of the plan, where this matter is considered. Mr. T. Clancy thanked Ms. Cardinal, Mr. Carty and Mr. Price on behalf of his department, for the energy and enthusiasm they have put in to this project. He stated that the participants have shown a willingness to contribute ideas. Mr. Clancy advised that each initiative will have to come back with detailed plans and with a budget for approval by Council. Councillor K. Redman advised that she is pleased to see the final recommendations contained in the CulturePlan. It was her opinion that these recommendations marry what is with a vision of what can be. Councillor G. Lorentz thanked Ms. Cardinal, Mr. Carty and all those who participated in the preparation of this plan, stating that he appreciated all the time and energy that has gone in to it. He questioned what assurance there is that this plan will not sit on the shelf. Councillor M. Wagner assured the Committee that this plan will not sit on the shelf because it has been written by the community. Councillor Wagner read aloud some of the recommendations which have already been started. Councillor Wagner then moved the recommendation contained in Mr. Price's report. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMIIlEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CULTUREPLAN: A CULTURAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR KITCHENER (CONT'D) Mr. T. Clancy stated that this group will not let the plan sit on the shelf, as they have invested so much in it. The groups will come back to this Committee once they have decided which recommendations they want to work on. Mr. Clancy anticipated that the Committee will likely see some of these recommendations coming back to them every few months. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested an analysis of which of these recommendations can be accomplished in the long term and which can be accomplished in the short term. Mr. Clancy advised that a chart would be prepared for the Committee and it would be updated on a regular basis. Councillor Jake Smola requested that the plan be approved in principle and Councillor M. Wagner stated that he did not object, as anything that requires an expenditure will have to come back through this Committee and Council for final approval. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Council receive, for discussion and consideration for approval, in principle, the recommendations contained in the document "CulturePlan: A Cultural Strategic Plan for Kitchener", and further, That Council recognize, through an appropriate manner, and commend the dedication and leadership provided by members of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, under the Chairmanship of J. Michael Carty, in developing and managing the process resulting in CulturePlan." 2. REDUCING RENTAL RATES FOR CITY HALL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events & Leisure Programs, dated June 18, 1996, concerning the use of part-time staff to reduce the cost of rental rates for City Hall. Mr. M. Price was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. A discussion took place over which part-time staff would be used, the need to hire new staff for this purpose and any discussions which have taken place with the Unions. Councillor B. Vrbanovic moved the recommendation contained in Mr. Price's report. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that the recommendation was pretty open-ended and suggested an amendment to the recommendation by removing the second half of the first part of the recommendation. Councillor Vrbanovic accepted the suggestion amendment. Councillor K. Redman advised that she had no problem with leaving the recommendation as written because a report would have to come back to this Committee. She advised that she is supporting the recommendation as contained in the staff report. Councillor C. Weylie suggested the use of volunteers and Mr. Price advised that that is not always possible, depending on what has to be moved. After further discussion, Councillor B. Vrbanovic withdrew his motion. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That the Parks and Recreation Department review the possibility of training and utilizing existing part time, departmental staff for customer service support and light custodial requirements at City Hall rental functions, with the costs to be absorbed as part of the rental fee, and further, That if it is not possible to utilize existing staff, appropriate steps be taken to hire a COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMIIlEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. REDUCING RENTAL RATES FOR CITY HALL (CONT'D) dedicated team that could be scheduled, as needed, with costs being absorbed as part of the rental fee, and further, That the base rental rate of $53.50 for the Rotunda be retained." 3. MARKET HALL RENTALS AT KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. W. Love, Market Supervisor, dated June 17, 1996, recommending that Market Hall rentals be discontinued, effective January 1, 1997, and the space be used for Farmers' Market vendors for permanent displays. Councillor K. Redman advised that she is still getting complaints from a couple of vendors. Mr. K. Baulk advised that there is a lot of change going on at the Market right now and staff are trying to involve the vendors in a team to help deal with the changes. Further, he advised that the upper level vendors are all in support of this recommendation. Councillor M. Wagner commented that there should be standards developed for these permanent displays and Mr. Baulk advised that there will be a report coming back to this Committee in this regard. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Market Hall rentals at Kitchener Farmers' Market be discontinued effective January 1, 1997, and further, That the upper level of the market be allocated to the sole use of the Farmers's Market vendors for permanent displays." 4. DISASTER RELIEF FOR SOUTH DUMFRIES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated June 19, 1996, concerning a letter received by the Mayor's Office from the Reeve of the Township of South Dumfries, requesting financial assistance to help off-set the damages experienced during a severe windstorm. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That we approve the request for disaster relief financial assistance from the Township of South Dumfries in the amount of $1,000.00, to be taken from the General Provision Grant account." 5. CREMATION SITE WASHING FACILITIES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events & Leisure Programs, dated June 16, 1996, recommending the investigation, through appropriate public agencies and the Legal Department, of the establishing of washing facilities at Williamsburg Cemetery. Councillor B. Vrbanovic gave a brief explanation of the purpose of the report and moved the recommendation contained in the staff report, with a minor change in wording, replacing the words "review the possibility of" with "to allow". Councillor T. Galloway suggested that staff should circulate something to the funeral homes to let them know what the City in contemplating. Councillor J. Ziegler disagreed with this direction to staff while Councillors C. Weylie and M. Wagner agreed with Councillor Galloway. Mr. T. Clancy responded that he felt the department had no choice but to advise them. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMIIlEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENER CREMATION SITE WASHING FACILITIES (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Council request the Province, through appropriate Provincial bodies, to allow the establishment of washing facilities at the cremation site at Williamsburg Cemetery, and further, That the Legal Department investigate the legal implications of such services being introduced." CREMATORIUM PARTNERSHIP The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated June 24, 1996, recommending that staff be directed to investigate the possibility of a partnership with respect to the crematorium/chapel for Williamsburg Cemetery. Mr. T. Clancy provided a brief explanation in this regard. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to investigate the opportunity of developing a partnership regarding the creation of the crematorium/chapel for Williamsburg Cemetery." DELEGATION - NATIONAL JUNIOR BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS The Committee was in receipt of a copy of a letter from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, to Mr. J. Weber, Chairman, National Junior Championships, dated June 12, 1996, concerning financial support for the National Junior Baseball Championships to take place in Kitchener in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Mr. J. Weber was in attendance to represent the funding request and gave a brief presentation. Mr. Weber advised the Committee that, should a profit be realized at the end of the championships, the money will be given to the City as a contribution towards capital improvements to the ball park. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That we approve a grant, in the amount of $2,000.00, to assist with the cost of hosting the opening reception for the National Junior Baseball Championships to take place in the City of Kitchener in August 1996, and further, That we recommend, to the future Council, a $2,000.00 grant in support of the National Junior Baseball Championships in each of 1998, 1999 and 2000." Mr. J. Weber provided free passes to the championships to the Committee members. DELEGATION - CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & AWARDS SHOW The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated June 13, 1996, recommending that a grant be awarded to the host committee of the Canadian Country Music Association Convention & Awards Show, should this event be awarded to the City of Kitchener in 1999 or beyond. Mr. V. Folliot was in attendance to represent this grant request and to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. Folliot gave a brief presentation and then a discussion took place concerning how a revenue loss would be handled, should one occur. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMIIlEE MINUTES JUNE 24, 1996 - 46 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. DELEGATION - CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & AWARDS SHOW (CONT'D) 10. 11. "That the City of Kitchener supports the bid to bring the 1999 (or beyond) Canadian Country Music Association Convention and Awards Show to the City of Kitchener, and further, That a $10,000.00 cash grant be allocated to the host committee to help off-set expenses should the Canadian Country Music Association award this event to the City of Kitchener." DELEGATION - CANADIAN MARTYRS PARENT ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Arenas, Design & Development and T. O'Brien, Landscape Architect, dated June 13, 1996, recommending a grant, in the amount of $750.00, in 1996, towards the construction of a new creative playground at Canadian Martyrs School. Ms. I. Brisson was in attendance on behalf of the Parents' Association to represent the grant request. Ms. Brisson advised that the Parents' Association has raised $13,759.00 towards the cost of the playground. She stated that the playground is also used by other community groups and neighbourhood children and the neighbourhood has helped with the fundraising. Ms. Brisson advised that the School Board will match the City's funding as well as provide certain services. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That we approve a grant, in the amount of $750.00, in 1996, to the Canadian Martyrs Parent Association, towards the construction of a new creative playground at Canadian Martyrs Separate School, in accordance with the City's policy governing playground equipment grants for community groups." Councillor Jake Smola thanked Ms. Brisson and the Canadian Martyrs Parents' Association for their efforts in this regard. DELEGATION - ALPINE PUBLIC SCHOOL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Arenas, Design & Development and T. O'Brien, Landscape Architect, dated June 14, 1996, recommending a grant, in the amount of $750.00, in 1996, to assist the Partners With Alpine School Committee in constructing a new creative playground at Alpine School. Ms. B. Cox, Principal of Alpine Public School, was in attendance to represent their request for a $2,000.00 grant towards the construction of the creative playground, siting the removal of one of the playgrounds at Alpine Park as justification for the additional funding. Ms. Cox also advised that $11,000.00 has already been raised towards the cost of the playground and the School Board has offered in-kind services plus a grant to match the City's contribution. A discussion took place over staff's decision to remove one of the playgrounds in Alpine Park. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a motion to approve a grant in the amount of $2,000.00 due to the fact that one of the playgrounds in Alpine Park has been removed, which was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That we approve a grant, in the amount of $750.00, in 1996, toward construction of a new creative playground, at Alpine Public School, in accordance with the City's policy governing playground equipment grants for community groups." DELEGATION-RECYCLE CYCLES The Committee was in receipt of background information concerning Recycle Cycles and it was COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMIIlEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER noted that Councillor M. Yantzi had invited this group to come to this Committee for guidance and/or assistance in locating in Downtown Kitchener. Mr. J. Franssen was in attendance on behalf of Recycle Cycles and gave a brief presentation on the purpose of this group and the reason for locating in Downtown Kitchener and asked for some assistance with relocating. A general discussion took place in this regard and a debate over whether it was appropriate for the City to get involved or whether this organization should be approaching the private sector. It was also suggested that they should approach the Region, who has a department involved in recycling. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That we support, in principle, the concept of Recycle Cycles locating in Downtown Kitchener, and further, That Facilities Management staff, in consultation with the Downtown Action Committee and other City departments, investigate possible locations for this group in the Downtown core." 12. THE RECORD INTERNATIONAL TRACK & FIELD COMPETITION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated June 19, 1996, recommending that approval not be given to the request of The Record International Track & Field Competition for an in-kind grant in the amount of $1,500.00. A brief discussion took place in this regard. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the organizers of the "The Record International Track & Field Competition" for a grant in-kind in the amount of $1,500.00 for facility rental and lighting at Centennial Stadium, for a two-day international track and field competition." 13. CANADIAN OPEN T-BALL TOURNAMENT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated June 21, 1996, concerning a grant request for the 1996 Canadian Open T-Ball Tournament which will be held in the City of Kitchener from August 3 - 5, 1996. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Forest Hill T-Ball Association for an in-kind grant in the amount of $1,500.00 to cover the field rentals for the 1996 Canadian Open T-Ball Tournament, to be held in Kitchener from August 3 - 5, 1996." 14. DISSOLVEMENT OF THE CENTRAL ONTARIO EXHIBITION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated June 19, 1996, advising of the intention of the Central Ontario Exhibition to dissolve. A discussion took place over part 3 of Mr. Baulk's recommendation concerning the sale of 220 Ottawa Street South. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the need to sell this property at this time. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that when the Central Ontario Exhibition had a large debt with the City of Kitchener, the City took over 4 houses owned by the C.O.E. and 220 Ottawa Street 14. DISSOLVEMENT OF THE CENTRAL ONTARIO EXHIBITION (CONT'D) South was never sold. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he was concerned about selling the house, as he was concerned about access entering into the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium from Ottawa Street South and he felt that it was premature to sell the house at this time until this problem is solved. He suggested that if the house was sold then the City should maintain an COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMIIlEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER 15. 16. easement or do something to ease the right-hand turn. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that this portion of the recommendation be removed and that it be deferred to a future meeting for an appraisal and a report from the Traffic and Parking Division. Mr. J. Gazzola asked that any surplus funds be transferred to the Captial Contingency Account. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That we acknowledge receipt of the letter from the interim Board of Directors of the Central Ontario Exhibition, dated June 12, 1996, in which they advise of their decision to dissolve, and further, That the assets of the Central Ontario Exhibition be transferred to the City of Kitchener prior to June 30, 1996, and further, That all funds accrued from the assets of the Central Ontario Exhibition be applied against their outstanding debt, with any remaining balance being transferred to the Capital Contingency Account, and further, That no action be taken, at this time, to sell the City owned property at 220 Ottawa Street South, pending an appraisal and a report from the Traffic and Parking Division on any possible improvements needed for the Ottawa Street entrance/exit to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the report on mosquito control and spoke of complaints received from residents in his ward. He thanked staff for the report but requested more detailed information about the concerns raised by the residents in the River Road area. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned how much time staff has to look into these types of issues. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether an opinion has been received from the Health Department on health risks in this regard and Councillor Vrbanovic advised that he did have an opinion and it was the opinion of the Health Unit that these mosquitos are not a serious health problem. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary