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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1996-10-07CSC\1996-10-07 OCTOBER 7, 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. Others Present: Ms. R. Upfold, Ms. L. MacDonald, Messrs. R. Arnot, T. Clancy, K. Baulk, R.W. Pritchard, J. Cooper, R. Wyatt, P. Wetherup and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. PARK NAMES - HIGHLAND WEST OPEN SPACES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development and Mr. G. Nixon, Landscape Architect, dated September 16, 1996, recommending park names for two park areas in Ward 10. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the two park areas in Ward 10, one bounded by the Detweiler Greenway and the other having frontage on Bankside Drive, be named Detweiler Park and Bankside Park respectively." 2. TERRY HAGGITH (RIVER ROMANTICS) AGREEMENT RENEWAL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development, dated September 30, 1996, recommending an agreement between the City and Terry Haggith that would permit him to continue to seasonally operate the boat concessions in Victoria Park. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement with Terry Haggith that would permit him to continue to seasonally operate the boat concessions in Victoria Park, from May 1, 1997 to October 9, 1999 inclusive, all of which shall be subject to the approval of the City's Legal Department." 3. 1996 ATHLETIC AWARDS BANQUET REPORT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development and Mr. J. Cooper, Supervisor of Athletics, dated September 26, 1996, providing background information on the Athletic Awards Banquet, the success of the 1996 Banquet and a recommendation for continuation of the Athletic Awards Banquet in 1997. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener host the 29th Annual Athletic Awards Banquet on or about February 27, 1997, utilizing the same format as the 1996 Banquet, and further, That the same amount of funds be included in the 1997 budget as in the 1996 budget in order to recognize an estimated 300 athletes." 4. ANTHONY PLACE FENCING The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect, dated October 2, 1996, providing background information and a recommendation concerning fencing between 39 Anthony Place and the City's walkway. Also attached was a copy of a letter from the property owners to Councillor B. Vrbanovic concerning their request for a wooden fence rather than the usual chain link fence, as provided for in the City's policy on fencing along walkways. Councillor B. Vrbanovic addressed this issue and requested that, should the recommendation be adopted by this Committee, an additional clause, requiring an agreement for future COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1996 - 63 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. ANTHONY PLACE FENCING (CONT'D) maintenance of the fence, be included in the recommendation. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener pay one half of the cost of a wooden fence at 39 Anthony Place, to a maximum of $401.25; with the fence to be constructed by the property owner, on their own lands, in conformance with the height restrictions detailed in the City's Fence By-Law, and further, That the funds for this fence be allocated from the Parks and Recreation Department walkway fencing index set up for the administration of the walkway fencing policy, and further, That the owner of 39 Anthony Place be required to enter into an agreement with the City of Kitchener for the future maintenance of the fence." 5. BEER SERVICE TO DRESSING ROOMS - KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated October 1, 1996, recommending that Council support the concept of providing beer service to dressing rooms for adult events at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward the recommendation as contained in the staff report. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether it was staff's intention to review this after a period of time. Mr. K. Baulk responded that this would be a permanent decision which would be turned over to Brown's who will decide if this makes financial sense. Councillor M. Wagner questioned whether all groups have to agree with this and Mr. Baulk responded that letters have been sent to all the adult groups and that no negative feedback has been received. Further, this is just an extension of an existing service. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Council support the concept of providing beer service to dressing rooms for adult events at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex." 6. EXPANDED ALCOHOL SERVICE - KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX Councillor T. Galloway declared a conflict of interest with matter as he is employed by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated October 1, 1996, recommending that the City take no action, at this time, relative to exercising an option to apply for a stadium licence to serve alcohol in the tiered seating area of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex during Kitchener Ranger hockey games. The recommendation also stated that staff be directed to develop a report that would include a complete analysis of alcohol service in other facilities during O.H.L. games this season and also a recommendation from the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club regarding tiered seating alcohol service. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor Jake Smola requested that the recommendation be voted on in two sections as he had some questions about part 2 of the recommendation. It was his opinion that there was a COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1996 - 64 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. EXPANDED ALCOHOL SERVICE KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX (CONT'D) bigger problem in the Complex with respect to smoking and non-smoking areas. A discussion then took place over smoking/non-smoking areas within the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and with respect to compliance to the Regional smoking by-law. Councillor Jake Smola questioned staff as to what they were looking for in the report and whether it would strictly be a survey or would discuss revenue generation. Mr. K. Baulk responded that staff want to see what happens in facilities that do allow alcohol and that he was not sure of what the outcome of the report would be. One of the positives could be revenue generation and unless there was some revenue generated, Brown's and the Rangers would probably not want to get involved with serving alcohol in the tiered seating area of the Complex. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City take no action, at this time, relative to exercising an option to apply for a stadium licence to serve alcohol in the tiered seating area of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex during Kitchener Ranger hockey games." Concerning the second part of the recommendation contained in the staff report, Councillor Jake Smola advised that he was not in favour of this. He stated that he attends games with and without his children and that when he has attended the Blue Line Room, it has never been crowded and there is not a long waiting line and he felt that this was unnecessary. Councillor M. Wagner advised that this still requires a final decision from the Community Services Committee and Council and that this is only directing staff to prepare a report. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to develop a report that would include a complete analysis of alcohol service in other facilities during O.H.L. games this season and also a recommendation from the Kitchener Ranger Hockey Club regarding tiered seating alcohol service." Councillor K. Redman questioned the timing of the report and Mr. Baulk responded that it would be close to the end of the hockey season. Councillor Jake Smola requested that staff include, in the report, the number of incidents of Liquor Licence Act charges. INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CHARGES Councillor M. Yantzi addressed the issue of charges to community groups for such things as posting signs in Victoria Park, when they hold an event there, and road closure costs, stating that it is becoming very expensive for user groups to cover these types of costs for community events. He questioned whether there could be a blanket charge included in the budget to cover off such costs. Mr. T. Clancy responded that staff did look at this some time ago and it was reviewed by Management Committee. He advised that staff will come back to the Community Services Committee with a report in this regard. Councillor K. Redman advised that this not a streamlined approach for volunteer groups and that a dollar figure should be included in the budget to cover these costs. NAME THE TRAIL CONTEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. P. Wetherup, Parks Planner, dated October 7, 1996, recommending that the 5 kilometre trail, formerly the Grand River Railway Line, linking downtown Kitchener and Victoria Park to uptown Waterloo and Waterloo Park be named "Iron NAME THE TRAIL CONTEST (CONT'D) Horse Trail". The name has been selected from over 400 suggestions from citizens of both COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1996 - 65 - CITY OF KITCHENER Kitchener and Waterloo through the "Name the Trail Contest". Councillor M. Wagner advised that this same motion will go to the City of Waterloo Council at their meeting this date. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the 5 kilometre trail, formerly the Grand River Railway Line, linking downtown Kitchener and Victoria Park to uptown Waterloo and Waterloo Park be officially named "Iron Horse Trail"." 9. ELECTRICAL CABLING - VICTORIA PARK Councillor G. Lorentz raised a questioned about the electrical cabling for Christmas lights in Victoria Park and whether staff knew exactly where they were. This relates to a concern raised by user groups in the park who want to put up tents and drive stakes into the ground. Mr. T. Clancy advised that staff do know where the cables are. Mr. Clancy also advised that for events, such as the Multicultural Festival, staff have marked out for people where they can put their tents; however, the problem arises when the participants in these events decide of their own accord to move the tents somewhere else. 10. JOINT USE AGREEMENT WITH SCHOOL BOARD Councillor K. Redman questioned staff as to when they would be seeing the revised joint use agreement and Mr. R. Arnot advised that staff are waiting for a draft agreement from the school board and as soon as it is available staff will report to this Committee. 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. and reconvened at 2:10 p.m., at which time all members were in attendance. 12. FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS Mr. T. Clancy introduced this matter, giving a brief presentation on the success of the Festival of Neighbourhoods in 1996. He spoke of the number and types of events which took place over the summer in different neighbourhoods throughout the city, culminating in the Festival at City Hall. He stated that the Festival has doubled in size this year. Speaking about the $10,000 prize for a neighbourhood improvement, Mr. Clancy advised that, in order to qualify to win the prize, the neighbourhood had to hold an approved event, complete a questionnaire and build a float for the Festival at City Hall. Mr. Clancy then presented a symbolic cheque to Mr. A. Rudow on behalf of the Cedar Hill Neighbourhood Association, the prize winner. Mr. A. Rudow thanked the Committee for the prize and for the great working relationship between the residents and Parks and Recreation staff and Council. Mayor R. Christy stated that he was very proud of all of the neighbourhood groups who worked so hard to make the Festival a great success. He stated what a pleasure it was to see people working together with their neighbours. 13. GENERAL GRANTS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 2, 1996, concerning the general grant funding for the K-W Art Gallery, Homer Watson House and Gallery, the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and the Kitchener Horticultural Society. Councillor G. Lorentz introduced this matter, advising that Mr. Arnot's report is a result of a 13. GENERAL GRANTS (CONT'D) Council/staff sub-committee's review of the grant policy and those groups who continue to receive COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1996 - 66 - CITY OF KITCHENER operating funds. Councillor Lorentz then advised that there were two delegations present; as no one would be appearing from the Horticultural Society and Mr. E. Ginsler of the Social Planning Council had asked for a two week deferral. Mr. R. Arnot advised that Mr. Ginsler had been out of town for the past two weeks; as a result, staff suggested that he come to this Committee in two weeks, on October 21, 1996. If the Committee decides they want something different, staff can contact Mr. Ginsler. Councillor M. Yantzi asked for clarification as to how these groups were chosen. Councillor Lorentz advised that the sub-committee reviewed 30 groups which they felt did not meet the grant criteria. These recommendations are as a result of the review. It is now up to the Committee to decide what they want to do with the recommendations. Councillor Yantzi responded that he thought these recommendations should be considered with all the other grant requests and not ahead of time. Councillor K. Redman stated that these are substantive changes and propose a real shift in how the City supports these groups financially. Councillor M. Wagner advised that the sub-committee is also looking at groups where there is an overlap of services and the affect of services. There are two other groups that staff are looking into. Councillor J. Ziegler applauded the sub-committee for this work, acknowledging the effort involved and that the work needed to be done. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the 5% reduction in grant funding last year and whether an overall reduction in grants has been discussed by the sub-committee. Mr. Arnot responded that a covering letter has gone out to last year's grant recipients along with an application form, which is to be returned by the end of October. The covering letter notifies that there could be a reduction in grants this year. The Committee then reviewed recommendation no. 1 in the report, concerning the K-W Art Gallery and the Homer Watson House and Gallery. Mr. B. Blain was in attendance on behalf of the K-W Art Gallery. Mr. Blain advised that he'd only received the copy of the recommendation last week, by facsimile. He advised that such a review had been done twice before and nothing has happened. If Council believes that it is funding two galleries then a review such as proposed can only be achieved in two ways: either Ernst & Young be hired to do a study or Council makes a decision that one gallery take over the other. Further, Mr. Blain stated that the Homer Watson House and Gallery has done an excellent job with very little money. He spoke of the Peter Stoke's report and its emphasis on the restoration of the house and not on its use. Mr. Blain again complimented the staff of the Homer Watson House on their work. Councillor M. Wagner questioned Mr. Blain on how he would capitalize on the strengths of the Homer Watson House. Mr. Blain stated that he believed that the K-W Art Gallery was founded by people who wanted an art gallery; whereas, the Homer Watson House was founded by people who wanted to preserve the house. The K-W Art Gallery has changed dramatically over the last 6 years, introducing such things as receptions and various program changes. He stated that the Homer Watson House does not want the Art Gallery coming in and telling them what to do. He stated that he doesn't know the perfect use for the house but he can understand why Council thinks it is funding two galleries. It is very important for the House to consider changes. There has to be programming to attract people to come out to that area. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether a contract would be necessary if Homer Watson House would come under the direction of the Gallery. Mr. Blain responded that there would have to be some type of contract or agreement. Further, there are a number of questions which would have to be researched before an agreement could be reached. 13. GENERAL GRANTS (CONT'D) Councillor Jake Smola questioned the amount of City funding received by the Art Gallery and their other funding sources. Mr. Blain responded that their grant from the City of Kitchener this year is COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1996 - 67 - CITY OF KITCHENER $125,000 and their operating budget is $550,000 per year. Their total government funding is 53% of the budget and they generate 47% of their budget and this portion is growing each year. Mr. C. Totzke of the Homer Watson House and Gallery next addressed the Committee, stating that Mr. Blain had outlined the background of co-operative ventures very well. Mr. Totzke then emphasized the uniqueness of this facility locally and throughout Canada. He stated that it adds to the quality of the community. Mr. Totzke then stated that restructuring has taken place and that they have meet with the K-W Art Gallery for assistance and suggestions. Mr. Totzke stated that the difficulty is in the location of the house, as it not easy to find and they do not get any drive-by trade. He advised that their current mandate is to expand on the house's exposure in the community. They have looked at joint memberships and joint mailing and other things with the K-W Art Gallery. There are also other funding possibilities, such as receptions. The Homer Watson House is willing to sit down with others to see what things could be implemented to improve the budget situation. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether her understanding was correct and that the Board is willing to look at other means of raising funds. Mr. Totzke explained other fundraising possibilities but cautioned that staff has been reduced to a minimum and they do not want to take away from the mandate of the Gallery. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Totzke advised that the House's annual operating budget is $120,000 with $80,000 coming from the City and $40,000 coming from fundraising. Councillor M. Wagner advised of his support for recommendation no. 1 in the staff report, with some minor changes in wording. It was generally agreed that Councillor Wagner and Councillor Galloway be the members of Council involved with this project. Councillor Wagner then moved the recommendation. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then requested that a member of the City's Finance Department staff attend these meetings. Councillor M. Yantzi advised that he would like to move a deferral of this matter, as the Art Gallery is also funded by the City of Waterloo and not just Kitchener. It was clear to him that, to take this project on, would be stretching the mandate of the K-W Art Gallery. He made the suggestion that consideration should be given to putting the Homer Watson House into private hands. He suggested that the City doesn't need to own an art gallery. He further suggested that the matter be deferred and that the City put out a proposal call. There followed a discussion on the deferral. Councillor K. Redman spoke in favour of Councillor M. Wagner's motion. She hoped that the recommendation would allow for all options. Mayor R. Christy stated that he had visions of moving back decades with Councillor Yantzi's suggestion. The beauty of Councillor Wagner's motion is that is does not discount Councillor Yantzi's suggestion. Mayor Christy stated that it is important to preserve the uniqueness of this gallery. There is a need to keep both facilities going and attendance has increased at both facilities over the years. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he is in support of Councillor Wagner's motion and that the City is trying to achieve a win/win situation for everybody. Councillor Wagner stated that anything suggested by Councillor Yantzi can be done through his motion. He stated that, in spite of the outcome of previous studies, this review will happen this time. Councillor Yantzi questioned whether Councillor Wagner would be willing to amend 13. GENERAL GRANTS (CONT'D) his motion to specifically address Councillor Yantzi's concerns. Councillor Wagner advised that he had no intention of recommending that the City sell Homer Watson House. It was his opinion that the City has a responsibility to make it stay efficient and alive. OCTOBER 7, 1996 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 68 - CITY OF KITCHENER 14. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the Boards of the K-W Art Gallery and the Homer Watson House and Councillors T. Galloway and M. Wagner review the operations of the Homer Watson House and Gallery, and further, That the focus of the review shall be to determine how the operations of the Homer Watson House and Gallery could be blended with that of the K-W Art Gallery, subject to an agreement with the K-W Art Gallery, to bring about long-term financial savings and operational efficiencies, while keeping both operations distinct, effective and efficient and continuing the legacy of Homer Watson's creative spirit through the enjoyment and practice of the visual arts at the House and Gallery, and further, That the report of this Committee be presented to the Community Services Committee at their meeting of November 4, 1996." Councillor M. Yantzi then put forward a motion that recommendation no. 2 in the staff report be deferred to the October 21, 1996 Community Services Committee meeting. A debate then took place as to whether this matter should be deferred to the Council meeting of October 15, 1996 and Mr. Ginsler be invited to attend or whether to defer to the October 21, 1996 Community Services Committee meeting. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That consideration of the 1997 grant for the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo be deferred to the Community Services Committee meeting of October 21, 1996." Concerning recommendation no. 3 in the staff report, Mr. R. Arnot advised that the Horticultural Society accepts the recommendation and is willing to sit down with staff and Council. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener grant to the Kitchener Horticultural Society be reduced by $10,000 in 1997, and further, That Councillor M. Wagner and Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager of Parks and Recreation, meet with the board of the Society to investigate and implement ways in which the Parks and Recreation Department can work more closely with the Society to bring about positive changes that will reduce the operating costs, while maintaining the Gardens as an attraction to the local citizens and tourists." ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary