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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1997-03-17CSC\1997-03-17 MARCH 17, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:40 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor K. Redman, Councillor John Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor M. Wagner, Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor J. Ziegler. Mayor R. Christy and Councillor Jake Smola were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. L. Gove, Ms. C. Oliver, Ms. D. Arnold, Messrs. K. Carmichael, D. Snow, K. Nabert, T. Clancy, J. Hancock, K. Baulk, O. den Ouden, R. Pedersen, R. Arnot, J. Cooper, R. Wyatt, G. Kett, M. Price, G. Nixon, J. Gazzola, P. Wetherup and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. 1997 ANNUAL GRANTS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 12, 1997, listing the general grants which have been approved by Council. There were 6 organizations who appeared before the Community Services Committee at their meeting of February 24, 1997 and who's grants must be finalized. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a motion to continue with the 5% reduction. Councillor K. Redman spoke of Art Works! and the $8,000.00 recommended grant, which she advised she supported, less the overexpenditure of $1,600.00 from 1996. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he wished for the Committee to deal with each of these groups individually. Councillor K. Redman again spoke of the Art Works! grant in the amount of $8,000.00 less the $1,600.00 which they were over from the 1996 budget. Councillor M. Wagner spoke in support of Councillor Redman's recommendation, advising that this group is starting something like Oktoberfest did, and what they need is seed money to get this event going. He urged Council to vote in favour of Councillor Redman's recommendation. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he supported the recommendation; however, when referring to the sliding scale of support, as outlined in the memorandum from Ms. L. Gove, he recommended that the grants be reduced by $2,000.00 each subsequent year to 2001 when the grant would be zero. He asked that this be included as a friendly amendment to Councillor Redman's recommendation. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That we approve a 1997 grant to Art Works! in the amount of $8,000.00 less the $1,600.00 overexpenditure from 1996, and further, That we recommend to future Councils the following grants for Art Works!: 1998 $6,000.00; 1999 - $4,000.00; 2000 - $2,000 and 2001 - $0." The Committee then dealt with the grant request of the Kitchener-Waterloo Area Visitor and Convention Bureau. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he supported the grant in the amount of $180,500.00 and requested that an additional amount of money, approximately $10,000.00 be put in a building reserve fund so that the Visitor and Convention Bureau could, in the future, put money into a permanent site. Councillor John Smola advised that he disagreed with the extra $10,000.00. He stated that business taxes will be eliminated and that the municipality will lose approximately $20M in revenue once this happens. He stated that it was his opinion that the City should not be giving money to the Visitor and Convention Bureau at all, once the business taxes are eliminated. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he could not support Councillor Vrbanovic's motion. He was in COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER agreement with the $180,500.00 grant but not the additional $10,000.00. 1. 1997 ANNUAL GRANTS (CONT'D) Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Councillor K. Redman questioned how the Visitor and Convention Bureau would gain access to the additional funds and Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that a capital reserve fund be established for this money and that the Visitor and Convention Bureau would gain access to the money when they have obtained a permanent location. The motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic to approve a 1997 grant to the Kitchener-Waterloo Area Visitor and Convention Bureau in the amount of $180,500.00 with an additional $10,164.00 being deposited into a building reserve fund to be accessed by the K-W Visitor and Convention Bureau once they have obtained a permanent site was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That we approve a 1997 grant to the Kitchener-Waterloo Area Visitor and Convention Bureau in the amount of $180,500.00." The next grant discussed was that for the K-W Multicultural Centre Inc., and, On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That we approve a 1997 grant to the K-W Multicultural Centre Inc. in the amount of $9,620.00." The Committee then discussed the grant to the Kitchener Horticultural Society, and, On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That we approve a 1997 grant to the Kitchener Horticultural Society in the amount of $91,000.00." The Committee then discussed the grant requests of the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association Inc.. Councillor M. Wagner asked the Committee to consider the grant to these associations in the amounts that they have requested for 1997. He stated that these organizations are losing a lot of money from the provincial government and they contribute a lot to the community. He also stated that these organizations work very hard at fundraising and have been very successful with their fundraising efforts. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he was not in support of Councillor Wagner's recommendation. The recommendation by Councillor Wagner to approve grants for the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association Inc. in the amount of $127,007.00 and $155,167.00 respectively was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That we approve a 1997 grant to the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery in the amount of $120,657.00." On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 -21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. 1997 ANNUAL GRANTS (CONT'D) "That we approve a 1997 grant to the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association Inc. in the amount of $147,409.00." 2. SPECIAL EVENTS - TRAFFIC AND PARKING The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. E. Kovacs, General Manager, and D. Snow, Director, Traffic and Parking Division, dated February 18, 1997, recommending traffic and parking control measures for special events taking place in the City of Kitchener and how they could be financed. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward the recommendations contained in the staff report, save and except for the dollar figure in recommendation #4, which he changed to $13,500.00. Councillor K. Redman advised that she felt strongly that there shouldn't be charges for work that takes place during normal business hours and Mr. D. Snow explained the reason why this amount of money needs to be included and why staff time needs to be accounted for. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether staff had looked at staggering work hours so that overtime was not necessary and Mr. D. Snow responded that very little overtime is required. Councillor B. Vrbanovic thanked the Traffic and Parking Division for coming up with this report. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener Traffic and Parking Division retain the responsibility for providing and installing all traffic and parking control for all City of Kitchener Special Events, and further, That all affected budgets be adjusted and special event charges to charitable organizations for traffic and parking control services be consolidated into the operating budget of the Traffic and Parking Division, and further, That the Traffic and Parking Division annually table a consolidated special events report to the Community Services Committee, itemizing previous year's actual expenditures and budget estimates for the Committee's approval prior to budget deliberations, and further, That for 1997, a consolidated budget of $13,500.00, for special event traffic and parking control services, be approved for events listed in Appendix II of the report of Mr. E. Kovacs, General Manager, Department of Public Works, dated February 18, 1997." 3. FIRE AT 116 BRIDGE STREET EAST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Hancock, Fire Chief, dated March 10, 1997, with respect to the fire which took place at Logel's Auto Wreckers, 116 Bridge Street East, on February 25, 1997. Councillor John Smola thanked the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief for the report. He noted that the Region is looking at shifting licensing responsibilities for these types of businesses from the Region to the local municipalities and suggested that the City should look at having the Fire Chief develop a pro-active approach on these sites with a charge back coming through the licence fees. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether the Fire Department does follow-up with the employees and Mr. R. Pedersen advised that the crews were talking to the employees. Councillor John Smola questioned whether there was an inventory of chemicals stored on the site and was the neighbourhood in danger because of the chemicals on the site. Mr. R. Pedersen advised that the neighbourhood was not in danger and that the company had its WHIMS list up- to-date. 3. FIRE AT 116 BRIDGE STREET EAST (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor G. Lorentz questioned the Fire Chief as to why inspections of these types of businesses are not made and the Fire Chief responded that there isn't enough time to do inspections other than residential inspections, as this is the major area of fires in the municipality. 4. CHANDLER MOWAT COMMUNITY CENTRE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 10, 1997, with respect to the operating assistance for the House of Friendship to operate the Chandler Mowat Community Centre. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: That a grant in the amount of $8,002.00 be approved in 1997 for the House of Friendship to assist with the operation of the Chandler Mowat Community Centre, from March to December 1997, and further, That a yearly grant in the amount of $10,670.00 be approved for the House of Friendship to assist with the operation of the Chandler Mowat Community Centre with the funds to come from the Annual Grants." 5. 1999 WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP The Committee was in receipt of an update from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated March 10, 1997, with respect to the City's bid to host the 1999 World Junior Hockey Championship. Ms. C. Oliver was in attendance and Mr. K. Baulk gave a brief review of the report. Ms. Oliver provided the members of the Committee with a copy of the bid package for their review. She advised that the City of Kitchener is 1 of 5 municipalities on the short list and that we should know the results by the end of March to the middle of April. She stated that any of the bidding parties has the capabilities of holding the event. 6. ADVERTISING AGREEMENT WITH KITCHENER RANGERS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics/Community Arenas/Design-Development, and G. Kett, Manager, Cemeteries/Golf Courses, dated March 6, 1997, with respect to a possible advertising agreement with the Kitchener Rangers for advertising in the 5 community arenas and 2 municipal golf courses. Councillor T. Galloway declared a conflict of interest with this matter as he is employed by the Kitchener Rangers and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. Councillor K. Redman put forward the recommendations contained in the staff report. There was a brief discussion on why there were no other bidders for this advertising. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That staff be authorized to enter into discussions with the Kitchener Rangers for the expressed purpose of developing an agreement for the provision of advertising at the 5 community arenas and 2 municipal golf courses, and further, That the particulars of the agreement be presented at a future Community Services Committee meeting for discussion and approval." 7. 1997 ATHLETIC AWARDS BANQUET REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics/Community Arenas/Design-Development, and J. Cooper, Athletics Supervisor, dated March 6, 1997, with respect to the 30th Annual Athletic Awards Banquet to be held on or about February 26, 1998. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener host the 30th Annual Athletic Awards Banquet on or about February 26, 1998, utilizing the same format as the 1997 Banquet, and further, That the same amount of funds be included in the 1998 budget as in 1997, in order to recognize an estimated 300 athletes." 8. OUTDOOR SKATEPARK FACILITY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics/Community Arenas, Design-Development, and P. Wetherup, Parks Planner, dated March 11, 1997, with respect to the site location for the proposed outdoor skatepark facility. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That the outdoor skatepark facility be constructed at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex site." 9. 1997 COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM COMPETITION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. T. Clancy, General Manager, and T. Potworka, Supervisor of Horticulture, dated March 12, 1997, recommending that the City of Kitchener enter as a municipal participant in the Communities in Bloom - Ontario Rating Program for 1997. Councillor M. Wagner put forward the recommendations contained in the staff report. He questioned the criteria of heritage conservation and Mr. Clancy responded that this includes buildings, heritage trees, etc. and is a fairly broad category and also advised that the categories in the judging are weighted differently. Mr. Clancy advised that the Horticultural Society is involved and they are just forming a committee which they hope will have very strong community backing. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener enter as a municipal participant in the Communities in Bloom - Ontario Rating Program for the 1997 competition, and further, That staff submit an application to the Communities in Bloom - Ontario Program organizers with the entry fee payment of $500.00." 10. GOLF PROFESSIONAL AGREEMENT The Committee was provided with a copy of the proposed agreement to hire Mr. M. Martz as the golf professional for the Rockway Golf Club and Doon Valley Golf Club for 1997. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement with Michael Martz, substantially similar to the draft agreement, dated March 14, 1997, satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 10. GOLF PROFESSIONAL AGREEMENT (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. 12. 12. Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting at this time. DELEGATION - 'I'VVIN CITY SPINNERS INC. GRANT APPLICATION Mr. W. Brittenden was in attendance on behalf of the Twin City Spinners Inc. to request a cash grant in the amount of $1,500.00 to assist the Tournament Committee in hosting the 1997 Canadian Junior and Mini Basket Wheelchair Basketball Finals on April 18 - 20, 1997. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 12, 1997, in this regard. Mr. W. Brittenden advised that the tournament would take place at the Resurrection High School which is in the City of Kitchener and that there would be teams from Quebec and Alberta as well as Ontario participating in this tournament. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That we approve a cash grant in the amount of $1,500.00 for the Twin City Spinners Inc. Tournament Committee to assist with hosting the 1997 Canadian Junior and Mini Basket Wheelchair Basketball Finals on April 18 - 20, 1997." VICTORIA PARK CAROUSEL PARK RIDE PROPOSAL Mr. C. Issighos was in attendance to pursue his request of the City for financial assistance to create a carousel to be located in Victoria Park. Attached to the agenda was a report from the staff team, composed of Ms. D. Arnold, Ms. P. Houston, Mr. M. Price and Mr. W. Sleeth, dated February 18, 1997, suggesting that this proposal is not feasible without substantial community support and significant financial funding over the long term. At the meeting, Mr. J. Gazzola provided the Committee members with his own report. Mr. Issighos advised that he had nothing more to add at this time, except to request a little more time to solve the problems. Councillor M. Yantzi requested some explanation of the material presented. Mr. J. Gazzola addressed the Committee advising that Mr. Issighos was before this Committee approximately one month ago. At that time, a staff team was set-up to review and comment on Mr. Issighos' proposal. There review and analysis of the proposal was contained in the staff report. Mr. Gazzola advised that he has discussed the staff report with Mr. Issighos, who has provided some additional information. Mr. Gazzola stated that he has challenged the team and done his own calculations and looked at many different scenarios and the results are still the same. Mr. Gazzola then advised that there are 3 or 4 factors which are hard to deal with. The first is the number of rides and Mr. Gazzola advised that he could never come up with the optimistic figures that Mr. Issighos did. Concerning concession income, others already have rights to concession income at Victoria Park and they could not be given to Mr. Issighos. Also, we would be dealing with a physical asset worth approximately half a million dollars and there has to be some depreciation and costs for maintenance. Mr. Gazzola estimated that between 5% and 7.5% of the value of the asset would be required to maintain it. Another consideration is Mr. Issighos' request of the City to advance a loan of $110,000.00 at no interest for the first 3 years and prime plus 1% in subsequent years. Another question to be answered is whether the City is prepared to have a carousel in Victoria Park. In the final analysis, the carousel will always belong to Mr. Issighos. Councillor K. Redman advised that she appreciated all the work put into this proposal by Mr. Gazzola and staff. She questioned whether the carousel could be considered a public art and questioned Mr. Issighos as to whether he would consider the City having ownership. Mr. Issighos advised that the idea of having such an elaborate structure is to have a landmark. Mr. T. Clancy stated that there is a conflict between the art and function of the carousel. Victoria Park's reputation is now at an all-time high and this will conflict with other uses in the park. Spaces would have to overlap. VICTORIA PARK CAROUSEL PARK RIDE PROPOSAL (CONT'D) Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he felt that the carousel could be a very definite asset to the park. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER He advised that, in principle, he would like to see this explored further, subject to City, business and service club involvement. He put forward a motion to that effect. Councillor M. Wagner stated that this is in need of significant municipal funding and significant community involvement. He stated that no one will support tax dollars being spent on this project unless it is owned by the City. Further, he stated that we have already spent enough time on this, as a municipality. Councillor Wagner stated that no further staff time and no money whatsoever should be spent on this project. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener is open to the idea, in principle, of having a carousel in Victoria Park, subject to certain criteria and subject to the proponent, Mr. Constantine Issighos, exploring possible partnerships with or support from the business community and local service clubs." 13. GRANT REQUEST - YVV CITY KIDS DAYCARE Ms. J. Maslen was in attendance on behalf of the YVV City Kids daycare to represent their request for an in-kind grant in the amount of $141.00 for use of the Civic Square on June 7, 1997, for a fundraiser. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 12, 1997, advising that they are applying for a grant because they have not been charged for this event for the past 2 years. Ms. Maslen advised that in the past, they have been able to get assistance from one of the parents but they are not able to this year. They only make a small amount of money from this garage sale. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he didn't understand why these charges were being levied. They should have volunteers set-up the tables. Mr. Arnot responded that they can do the set-up but not the clean-up. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the YVV City Kids daycare be permitted to use the Civic Square on June 7, 1997, for their fundraiser, with the organization doing their own set-up and staff doing the clean-up, and further, That staff report to the Community Services Committee if there are any additional charges." 14. GOLDEN TRIANGLE ROSE & GARDEN SOCIETY - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 12, 1997, recommending a facility rental grant to the Golden Triangle Rose & Garden Society of $393.50, representing 50% of the cost to the Society of renting the Breithaupt Centre on June 28, 1997, for their Annual Rose Show. Mr. G. Blyth was in attendance to represent the request and he advised that the Society was formed in 1988-89 and their Annual Rose Show is one of the premier rose shows in Canada. He advised that the money made from the show goes to the rose garden at the Freeport Hospital and any expenses deplete what can be spent on those gardens. 14. GOLDEN TRIANGLE ROSE & GARDEN SOCIETY - GRANT REQUEST (CONT'D) Councillor K. Redman questioned when the show will be held and Mr. Blyth responded that it will be held on June 28th from 1 - 5 p.m.. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That we approve an in-kind facility rental grant in the amount of $500.00 to the Golden Triangle Rose & Garden Society for use of the Breithaupt Centre on June 28, 1997, for their Annual Rose Show." 15. CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 12, 1997, recommending that the Committee not approve the grant application of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Region in the amount of $475.42 to cover the cost of the Rotunda rental for the art auction held on November 7, 1996, as this organization does not fit into the general provision grant criteria. Ms. M. Brown appeared on behalf of the Association to support the grant request. She advised that the proceeds from this event will be used for community education programs, which receive no funding in Kitchener or Waterloo. She also advised that the population served is the downtown population and they are hoping to make this an annual event. Councillor M. Wagner put forward a motion to approve a grant in the amount of $275.00 which was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Region for an in-kind grant in the amount of $475.42 to waive the rental fee of the Rotunda for the Art Auction which was held on November 7, 1996." 16. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. Mr. T. Clancy introduced Mr. M. Martz who said a few words to the Committee about how much he was looking forward to his new position at the golf courses. Mr. Clancy advised the Committee that there would be an open house on Tuesday, March 18, 1997, at Rockway Golf Club, to view the new Master Plan for Rockway Golf Club. Mr. Clancy advised that staff has developed a series of 2 minute garden tips to be aired on CKWR radio and if the Committee has no concerns, staff will proceed. Mr. Clancy advised that the Town of Durham has been flooded twice this year and he would like to offer them similar assistance as was offered to Goderich when they had their disaster. He advised that the Union would be approached to ask for volunteers and they would solicit the donation of a bus. The volunteers would assist in clean-up and repair of parks. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That Council supports the efforts of the Department of Parks and Recreation to send staff, on a volunteer basis, to assist the Town of Durham to reclaim their parks which have been damaged by recent floods." 17. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary