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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1996-11-25CSC\1996-11-25 NOVEMBER 25, 1996 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor T. Galloway, commencing at 1:30 p.m., with all members present except Councillor G. Lorentz. Others Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. D. George, Ms. W. Love, Ms. B. Aikenhead, Messrs. M. Price, P. Beaudry, J. Hancock, N. Kuntz, H. Hoist, R. Arnot, J. Gazzola, L. Proulx, T. Clancy, G. Kett, D. Snow, R. Weber, L. Gordon, C. Ford, K. Baulk, J. Shivas and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. TENDER FOR AERIAL LADDER PLATFORM REPLACEMENT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. H. Hoist, Division Chief, and Mr. L. Gordon, Manager of Purchasing, dated November 14, 1996, with respect to the replacement of the conventional aerial ladder platform with an articulating aerial ladder platform. Mr. H. Hoist was in attendance and presented the report including a brief video presentation of accidents which can occur with the conventional aerial ladder platform and some of the benefits of the articulating aerial ladder platform. Councillor M. Wagner put forward the motion contained in the staff report. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether this was a request for an increase in budget or whether this would fit within the current budget and Mr. J. Hancock advised that this is included in the Capital Budget and Mr. J. Gazzola advised that there would be no impact on the Capital Budget with this purchase. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Kitchener Fire Department to prepare specifications, tender for and replace the present conventional aerial ladder platform with an articulating aerial ladder platform." 2. MARKET VISION AND STRATEGIC PLAN The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated November 19, 1996, recommending that the Market Vision and Strategic Plan be approved in principle and that input be sought from various groups prior to final approval. Also, the report recommends that a special project team be formed to address the Duke Street closure proposal prior to implementing any formal closure procedure. Mr. K. Baulk was in attendance and gave a brief explanation of the contents of the report and advised that the most controversial aspect of the changes proposed for the Market is the closure of Duke Street. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward the motion contained in the staff report. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he has a problem with the report in that it does not say how these things will be implemented. He would like to see more information on how these proposals are going to happen and who is going to do them. Mr. K. Baulk advised that it is the intention of this document to simply lay out objectives and that there is a lot of work still to be done. Mayor Christy asked staff for assurance that the momentum which was built up around the sale of the Market Square has not been lost. It was his opinion that what was proposed was more of a study than an action plan. Mr. Baulk responded that one of the problems relates to the Duke Street and private lands and there is a dilemma being faced. Mayor Christy stated that he wanted a strategy for accomplishing what was implemented at the sale. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that there are varying opinions and varying rationales and all needs must be taken into consideration. Mayor Christy stated that it was his opinion that the identity of the Market has to be upgraded to recapture our share of the market. He requested that staff be sure that by the end of the study, they have something that can be implemented. Councillor K. Redman advised that every group has a different concept of what the Market is. She advised that she was in support of the plan which is a necessary first step prior to implementation. 2. MARKET VISION AND STRATEGIC PLAN (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 1996 - 80 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Farmers' Market Vision and Strategic Plan, as considered by the Community Services Committee on November 25, 1996, be approved in principle, and further, That input be sought from Market vendors, the K.D.B.A. board, east end retailers and the Downtown Action Committee prior to final approval, and further, That a special project team be formed to address the Duke Street closure proposal and make a recommendation to Council prior to any formal closure process." ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated October 31, 1996, recommending that the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee be made a permanent committee and that a new Terms of Reference be adopted. Mr. Price was in attendance to present the report. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned item #4 in the Terms of Reference which states that the committee will provide advise to staff on staffing for positions with arts and culture duties as requested. Councillor Ziegler advised that he wanted "when requested by Council" at the beginning of this duty. Councillor Ziegler put this forward as a formal amendment which was voted on and carried. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned the timing in the committee's mandate #1 and Mr. Price that a 5 year period is a good time to review the goals contained in Culture Plan. Mayor R. Christy stated that he had concerns, that as staff have been kept at minimum levels, this committee will place further demands on limited staff resources. He questioned Mr. T. Clancy as to where the need for this committee is stemming from and how it will affect staff. Mr. Clancy responded that this committee will streamline things. The key component is how much energy the members bring to the table. Staff can take on the role of facilitator and this has some efficiencies for staff. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that this will ensure that limited staff resources are best utilized. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That we endorse the establishment of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee on a permanent basis, recognizing that the committee has fulfilled its original mandate, and further, That we endorse the Terms of Reference for the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, as amended by the Community Services Committee on November 25, 1996." DELEGATIONS - COUNTRY HILLS COMMUNITY CENTRE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Weber, Manager, Community Development, dated November 21, 1996, recommending the involvement of the Optimist Club of Country Hills in the construction and financing of an 800 square foot meeting room at the Country Hills Community Centre. Messrs. D. Snider, R. March and E. Boudreau of Snider, Reichard, March Architects were in attendance and presented the floor plan, elevations and site plan for the proposed community centre identifying the special features of the building. Ms. N. Kaufman of the Country Hills Recreation Association was in attendance and spoke of 4. DELEGATIONS - COUNTRY HILLS COMMUNITY CENTRE (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 1996 -81 - CITY OF KITCHENER the Associations commitment to the community centre and the great benefit the centre would provide in terms of their programming. She advised that the Recreation Association has made a commitment to finance some of the special features in the building needed for their programs. Mr. B. Berge was in attendance on behalf of the Optimist Club of Country Hills in support of Mr. R. Weber's report and the draft agreement. He advised that the Club agrees to everything contained in the agreement. He thanked the Committee for this opportunity. Councillor C. Weylie questioned whether the gymnasium has access to outside doors. Mr. March responded that the gym has outside access from side doors and, with closing 2 other doors, the rest of the community centre can be locked off. A brief discussion then took place on the parking arrangement on this site. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That we approve the draft agreement with the Optimist Club of Country Hills, dated draft - November 4th, 1996, for use of the Country Hills Community Centre, subject to review by the City's Legal Department, and further, That the Optimist Club of Country Hills make an initial payment of a minimum of $50,000, payable by November 1, 1997, with the balance funded through an interest free loan from the City of Kitchener, to an up-set limit of $50,000, and further, That the Optimist Club of Country Hills make 5 annual payments of $10,000, if required, on November 1 of each year, commencing in 1998, to repay the loan." 5. DELEGATION - MAYOR'S ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR KITCHENER SENIORS The Committee was in receipt of a report which was also presented by Ms. C. den Duyf at this meeting, on the activities of the Mayor's Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors. The Committee thanked Ms. C. den Duyf for being in attendance and updating Council in this regard. 6. DELEGATION - VICTORIA PARK 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE Ms. L. Ferguson was in attendance to give the final report of the Victoria Park 100th Anniversary celebrations. The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. L. Ferguson, dated November 18, 1996, in this regard. Ms. Ferguson addressed the Committee thanking Council for its support and for financial endorsements at critical points along the way. Ms. Ferguson spoke of the special events which had taken place throughout the year and the thousands of volunteer hours donated. She spoke of the fundraising which had taken place and the financial contributions made, advising that they had met all their financial obligations including paying back the loan from the City of Kitchener. Ms. Ferguson advised that it was a rewarding experience to chair this committee. Mayor R. Christy and Councillor M. Yantzi thanked Ms. Ferguson for co-ordinating the committee, stating that it was a very exciting event. 7. DELEGATION - ART WORKS! The Committee was in receipt of a report titled Art Works! at Kitchener City Hall. Ms. I. Stefanescu was attendance to review the report. She spoke of the origins of Art Works!, the benefits and costs. She advised that Art Works! implemented certain recommendations 7. DELEGATION - ART WORKS! (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 1996 - 82 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. contained in Culture Plan. Ms. Stefanescu spoke of the number of volunteer hours put into the project and the donations of money and services in-kind received. Ms. Stefanescu thanked Parks and Recreation staff, especially Ms. L. Gove, for all their help and Council for its financial support. Ms. Stefanescu then requested Council's consideration of support for Art Works! in 1997 for half the cash costs, being approximately $8,000. She advised that they would also be doing their own fundraising. She advised that within 5 years they expect to be self-supporting She asked the Committee to give their grant request serious consideration. Councillor M. Wagner commented on the magnificent report and wrap-up to this event. He spoke of 2 festivals being planned through Jennifer Lynn for next year and questioned whether Art Works! would blend in with one of these festivals or go on its own. Ms. Stefanescu responded that to blend in with another festival would diminish the focus on visual arts and would make it less desirable for the participating artists. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the request of Art Works! for funding of their 1997 event be referred to the grant process." DELEGATION - ROCKWAY GOLF COURSE ISSUES Mr. T. Brennand addressed the Committee with respect to changes being made at Rockway Golf Club. Mr. Brennand submitted a petition signed by 200 members and guests who are also opposed to these changes. Mr. Brennand spoke of problems with management, with the computer system and of his opinion that management is out to antagonize the members. He advised that there are a number of members leaving because of the computer system and management. Councillor M. Wagner stated that the Committee would take Mr. Brennand's comments under advisement and directed staff to prepare a report addressing these allegations. CEMETERY TARIFFS OF CHARGES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated November 11, 1996, recommending tariffs of charges for 1997. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the 1997 cemetery tariffs of charges be approved, and further, That the Division Manager be authorized to forward a copy of the tariffs to the Cemeteries Regulations Section of the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations for filing in order that the proposed rates become effective on January 1, 1997." Councillor C. Weylie questioned whether the funeral homes had been provided with this information and Mr. Kett advised that he wanted to bring it to the Committee first. Councillor Weylie directed that the information be provided to the funeral homes before next week's Council meeting. DEFERREDITEMS Councillor T. Galloway advised that the following agenda items will be deferred to the December 9, 1996 Committee meeting: 10. DEFERRED ITEMS (CONT'D) - Aquatic Program Registration Report - McLennan Park Sign COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 1996 - 83 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. 12. - RFP Partnership - Williamsburg Crematorium - 1997 Fees and Charges for Aquatic Summer Swim Passes, Auditorium and Community Arenas Ice Time, Viewing Lounge Rates for Licensed Events - KPFFA Combat Challenge Team Request for Funding The 1997 general grant requests, tabled at this meeting, will also be considered at the December 9, 1996 Community Services Committee meeting. NEW BUSINESS Councillor B. Vrbanovic brought forward a motion with respect to the formation of a steering committee for the Fundraising Feasibility Study for the St. Jerome's Centre for the Arts. He advised that he had discussed this matter with Mr. J. Gazzola. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the Fundraising Feasibility Steering Committee for the St. Jerome's Centre for the Arts be formed and consist of 3 members of City staff, to be designated by the Interim Chief Administrative Officer, 3 members from the Friends of St. Jerome's and 1 member of City Council." On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That Councillor B. Vrbanovic be appointed as the member of City Council on the Fundraising Feasibility Steering Committee for the St. Jerome's Centre for the Arts." ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary