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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1997-02-10CSC\1997-02-10 FEBRUARY 10, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:55 p.m., with all members present, except Councillors B. Vrbanovic and M. Wagner. Others Present: Messrs. T. Clancy, R. Arnot, M. Price, R. Wyatt, G. Kett, N. Kuntz, J. Hancock, R. Pedersen, K. Baulk and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. TRANSFER OF INSPECTION RESPONSIBILITY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. N.E. Kuntz, Deputy Fire Chief, dated January 30, 1997, with respect to the transfer of inspection responsibilities from the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office under the Hotel Fire Safety Act and the Nursing Home Act. Mr. N. Kuntz was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions the Committee might have. Mr. N. Kuntz explained that Council, in 1995, gave approval for the Kitchener Fire Department to undertake these inspections, subject to satisfactory compensation from the Fire Marshal's Office; however, this compensation has not been achieved. Since then, the government has introduced Bill 84, The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1996, which will probably become law by the middle of this year. Mr. Kuntz advised that he would like approval to go into a transition period now, so that training may be obtained from the Fire Marshal's Office. Councillor T. Galloway questioned, that if this bill won't be proclaimed until June, why it was necessary to go into a transition period now. Mr. Kuntz responded that no local inspections are being done by the Fire Marshal's Office, so the Kitchener Fire Department has been doing the inspections but they should really have Council's approval. Councillor Galloway advised that he was concerned about the Fire Marshal's Office abdicating its responsibility. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether it would be necessary to hire more staff for this purpose. Mr. N. Kuntz advised that additional staff would not be required and he explained the shuffling of staff which has taken place in order to assume these new responsibilities. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether there would be any compensation and Mr. Kuntz advised that there would only be training. Mr. R. Pedersen explained that, with Council's approval, the department would come under these Acts and liability would be covered. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the frequency of inspections and Mr. N. Kuntz advised that there has been one inspection per year and it is intended to remain the same. Councillor J. Ziegler wanted to clarify that these new responsibilities would not require any increase in staff or salaries and Mr. N. Kuntz confirmed that that was correct. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division, assume inspection responsibilities and establish a program for properties presently inspected by the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office under the Hotel Fire Safety Act and the Nursing Home Act, and further, That the Fire Prevention Division expand upon its commitment to fire safety through prevention, education, pre-fire planning, fire drills and evacuation procedures in the hotels and nursing homes within the City of Kitchener." Councillor G. Lorentz stated that, at the City of Waterloo, incorporated into the Fire Department at considerable savings. prepare a report for the Committee in this regard. the Building Division has been He requested that Mr. J. Hancock COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1997 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. EXCEPTION TO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 210 - CEMETERIES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Division Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated February 4, 1997, with respect to testing a new process for photographic reproduction on monuments. Mr. G. Kett was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have and circulated photographs of the photographic reproduction being considered. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Letter of Agreement and supporting report from Ms. L. EckeI-Braun, Supervisor of Cemeteries, dated January 23, 1997, regarding a request from Mrs. S. McLean to test a new process for photographic reproduction on monuments be approved, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the Letter of Agreement on behalf of the corporation." 3. GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC SKATING IN MUNICIPAL ARENAS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development, dated February 5, 1997, with respect to Guidelines for Public Skating in Municipal Arenas. It was noted that a draft of the Guidelines was considered by the Community Services Committee at its meeting of January 27, 1997 and the Guidelines were distributed to a number of organizations and individuals for comment. The Guidelines considered by the Committee this date included the collective feedback from those organizations and individuals. Mr. R. Wyatt was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Guidelines for Public Skating in Municipal Arenas, as considered by the Community Services Committee on February 10, 1997, be approved and implemented." 4. THE HERITAGE GREENS LAWNBOWLING CLUB The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development, and Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated February 5, 1997, with respect to an agreement between the City of Kitchener and the Heritage Greens Lawnbowling Club. A copy of the draft agreement dated January 31, 1997 was also included with the report. Messrs. R. Arnot and R. Wyatt were in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Councillor Jake Smola put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he was of the understanding that the maintenance would be done by the Club. Mr. R. Arnot responded that the Club will do the regular maintenance and the City will be responsible for spraying such things as herbicides. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an Agreement with Heritage Greens Lawnbowling Club in accordance with the draft agreement dated January 31, 1997, as considered by the Community Services Committee on February 10, 1997." 5. WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated January 31, 1997, recommending that the City support the bid of COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1997 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER 5. WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP (CONT'D) the Ontario Hockey Association to utilize the City of Kitchener as a co-host for the 1999 World Junior Hockey Championship and recommending that Council allocate funds to support the host committee in the event that the championships are co-hosted by the cities of Kitchener and Hamilton. Mr. K. Baulk was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report with additional wording that the guarantee would be based on projected net revenues from Kitchener games only. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether the $15,000.00 grant was to come from the grant fund and questioned the bid fund. Mr. K. Baulk advised of the purpose of the bid fund and that all grants to host committees have been paid from the grant account. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that any proceeds from this event should first go to repay the grant. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he heartily endorses this recommendation. He stated that this is a tremendous honour to be asked to be part of this bid. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That we support the bid of the Ontario Hockey Association which utilizes the City of Kitchener as a co-host for the 1999 World Junior Hockey Championship in conjunction with the City of Hamilton, and further, That we allocate $15,000.00 in the 1998 budget as a grant to the host committee in the event Kitchener/Hamilton is awarded the championships, and further, That we accept the responsibility of being a financial co-guarantor for the event, based on the projected net revenue from Kitchener games only." 6. 1997 GENERAL GRANT REQUESTS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated February 5, 1997, recommending that the 1997 General Grants be reduced by 5% in 1997, save and except the Social Planning Council and the K-W Horticultural Society. An outline of the General Grants by applicant was attached to the report. Mr. R. Arnot was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the 1997 General Grants be reduced by 5% in 1997, save and except the Social Planning Council and the K-W Horticultural Society." 7. GOLF COURSE PROPOSAL CALL FOR CLUB PROFESSIONAL Mr. T. Clancy distributed copies of a report about negotiations with Mr. M. Martz respecting the provision of Head Professional Services at Rockway and Doon Valley Golf Courses. Mr. Clancy advised that a contract would come back to this Committee and Council for final approval. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to enter into negotiations with Mike Martz to arrive at an agreement respecting the provision of Head Professional Services at Rockway and Doon Valley Golf Courses." 8. KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT POSITION ON AMBULANCE SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1997 -13- CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor G. Lorentz distributed an extract from the minutes of the special Regional Council meeting of November 14, 1996, dealing with a region wide central dispatch service for police, fire and ambulance. He advised that there will be notice of motion at Regional Council next Thursday. It was for this reason that Councillor Lorentz requested that Mr. J. Hancock give a verbal report on the Kitchener Fire Department position on ambulance services. Mr. J. Hancock spoke of the existing ambulance services and the difference between the K-W Regional Ambulance and Cambridge Ambulance. He also listed the advantages and disadvantages of the Fire Department taking responsibility for delivery and administration of ambulance services. Mr. J. Hancock recommended that the Kitchener Fire Department take on this responsibility. Councillor T. Galloway stated that this is premature. He suggested that the Province may not transfer these responsibilities to the lower level. The Province has said that it will be giving these monies to the most senior level of local government. Councillor T. Galloway also advised that there is a licence involved that has commercial value and it costs a lot of money. We can not assume that it doesn't have any affect anymore. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that the only way to make a decision on this matter is to have all the information and that is why he has asked Mr. Hancock to make this presentation. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he would want to see a business plan before agreeing to anything and the plan should include liability. He stated that although ambulance service is provincially funded, it is privately run and could still be contracted out. These people are licensed and trained and are also trained as paramedics. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he could understand the capital advantage but questioned the disparity in salaries. What about the extra costs involved? Mr. J. Hancock advised that eventually we would have people capable of doing both jobs. Mayor R. Christy questioned whether the rental savings would be the only savings and Mr. Hancock advised that there would also be savings in office and administrative support. Councillor Jake Smola said he would like a report containing the following: radio system, job description and collective agreement, agreement between the Province and the existing ambulance service and rental savings. He also asked for a business plan including an operating budget and a capital budget. Councillor T. Galloway felt that this was premature. He asked that the same thing be done at the regional level and that Region be allowed to take the lead to develop this process. Mayor R. Christy thanked Councillor Lorentz for bringing this matter forward. He stated that it is important to have this debate because a unified regional process does not always serve the needs of the local municipality. He stated that there are some very important items to track before coming to a conclusion. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that it is important to have all the information and to look at this situation from the view of the local municipality as well as from the Region. 9. DOWNTOWN FESTIVALS PROGRESS REPORT Ms. J. Lynn, Downtown Events Promoter, and Mr. H. Froklage, Chairperson, Kaleidoscope, were in attendance to provide the Committee with a progress report on the Kitchener Spring Festival "Adventure of the Senses" and the "Kaleidoscope: Kitchener Festival of the Arts". A copy of a report dated February 5, 1997, from Lynn Communications Inc., was attached to the agenda. Ms. J. Lynn addressed the Committee advising that there are 2 festivals proposed, 1 in the spring and 1 in the summer, and it is important for the community to embrace them as their 9. DOWNTOWN FESTIVALS PROGRESS REPORT (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1997 -14- CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. own. The positive aspects of the process so far are that new alliances have been created and existing relationships have been improved. The spring festival will be anchored at City Hall and Market Square. Ms. Lynn then introduced Mr. H. Froklage, Chair of the Kitchener Festival of the Arts. Mr. Froklage introduced the members of the committee who were in the gallery. He advised that these people represent the many volunteers from the arts community and business community. He explained the work of the committee and where the name for the festival came from. Mr. Froklage explained that this event will have a number of venues. There will be a large main stage area by the Clock Tower and a secondary stage at City Hall. There will be formal and informal performances. Marketing of this event is very important. Mr. Froklage advised that the official opening for the Wordmark and Logo Competition begins today and the official launch will be April 2nd. He asked the Committee for its support. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned how this festival compares with Art Works and Ms. Lynn advised that they want to be a visual arts festival only. Councillor K. Redman commended the delegation for the work done to date. She questioned whether they had decided what success will look like. Ms. Lynn advised that there will be an exit survey and that will determine the degree of success. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged the information items attached to the agenda. Mr. T. Clancy acknowledged the work of staff in the sledge issue and his admiration for how staff handled the issue. He advised the Committee that there are about 15 municipalities who have approached him for a copy of this policy. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary