Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1997-05-26CSC\1997-05-26 MAY 26, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:18 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor M. Wagner, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor J. Ziegler. Councillor B. Vrbanovic was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. C. Oliver, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. A. Braun, Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, G. Kett, T. O'Brien and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. MIDWAY LOCATIONS Councillor J. Ziegler raised concerns with respect to the operation of a midway at Best Pipe and noted the concerns of residents which had been brought to his attention. A discussion took place with respect to moving these midways at a greater distance from residential areas. Councillor Ziegler then read aloud a motion which would require midway operators, who receive licence approval for large midway locations, to notify the ward Councillor as to the proposed site location and the details of the dates and hours of operation, so that they may have an opportunity to address the potential concerns of residents and that, after the application has been approved and before the midway has been set-up, that the applicant be required to notify residents within 400 feet of the midway that it will be operating, the dates and hours of operation and advise what charity is being sponsored. Councillor Ziegler advised that residents near the midway wanted to know that it was going to be there and the hours of operation. Councillor M. Wagner questioned how we would know that the operators of the midway have informed the residents and Councillor Ziegler responded that the onus would be on the part of the operators. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he concurred with Councillor Ziegler but questioned what is "large". How would we differentiate and where do staff draw the line. Councillor Ziegler responded that, in his opinion, anything more than 2 rides and 2 concessions would be large. Councillor Ziegler then amended his previous recommendation to include a request to staff to advise how to differentiate what is "large". On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, prior to the approval of an application for a large midway location; the proposed site location and details of the dates and hours of operation be brought to the attention of the ward Councillor, to allow an opportunity to address the potential concerns of residents, and further, That after the application is approved and before the midway is set-up, the applicant be required to notify residents within 400 feet of the midway location that it will be operating, the dates and hours of operation and advise what charity is being sponsored, and further, That staff advise Council as to an appropriate definition for "large midway"." 2. NAMING OF NEW FACILITY AT WILLIAMSBURG CEMETERY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated May 20, 1997, with respect to the naming of the new crematorium and meeting place at the Williamsburg Cemetery. The report also provided background information on how staff arrived at the term "dedication centre" rather than chapel or some other terminology. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he found the word dedication quite meaningless. He wanted to hear from staff as to why this facility should be called a dedication centre and not a chapel. Further, he advised that he found 2 different names, being Trillium Woods Dedication Centre and Williamsburg Cemetery, to be confusing as it was his opinion that no one knows where NAMING OF NEW FACILITY AT WILLIAMSBURG CEMETERY (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER Trillium Woods is. Councillor Wagner stated that he did not like the name Trillium Woods and questioned why it could not be called the Williamsburg Crematorium and Chapel. Councillor Ziegler then withdrew the previous motion. Ms. C. Oliver addressed the Committee advising that the term dedication centre has a more positive connotation and that it would allow the opportunity to use the facility for other than a cemetery. She advised that it would be possible to work around the 2 names, Trillium Woods and Williamsburg, and it would afford the opportunity to market the facility for other than a cemetery. Mr. T. Clancy advised that staff have used their experience from the Woodland Cemetery and the Acacia Gardens. The same philosophy has been applied here. The word "dedication" means something is being dedicated, which means a lot to people. He advised that it is possible to name different areas within the cemetery and still have the whole facility known as Williamsburg Cemetery. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he liked the term "dedication centre" because it would appeal to many different religious groups; however, he did think that Trillium Woods could be confusing. Councillor M. Wagner responded that he would accept the term "dedication centre". Councillor M. Wagner then put forward a motion to rename the crematorium and meeting space at the Williamsburg Cemetery as the Williamsburg Dedication Centre in Williamsburg Cemetery. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he was coming around to understand what staff are talking about. He stated that Williamsburg probably doesn't have the same appeal as Trillium Woods. He advised that he would not support Councillor Wagner's motion and that the promotional material for this facility should state that it is the Trillium Woods Dedication Centre at Williamsburg. He advised that he did see this as a marketing opportunity. Further, the facility has been designed in consultation with several ethno-cultural groups. Councillor M. Yantzi advised that he felt that they were designing a marketing plan by Committee, which he felt was not a good idea. He advised that he would not support the motion. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the new facility at Williamsburg Cemetery, which contains the crematorium and meeting place, be known as the "Williamsburg Dedication Centre in Williamsburg Cemetery"." GRANT REQUEST -WATERLOO PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP Messrs. D. Novak and J. Mancini were in attendance on behalf of the Waterloo Public Interest Research Group to request an in-kind grant for use of the City Hall Rotunda on April 16, 1997. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 20, 1997, recommending that the Committee not approve the grant. He advised that the grant request does not fit within the current general provision grant criteria, as established in October 1995. Mr. Novak addressed the Committee asking that the staff recommendation not be approved. Mr. Mancini then addressed the Committee, stating that he really thought that it was an appropriate issue to bring to City Hall. He felt that it was a very informative way to teach people in the Kitchener-Waterloo area what is happening in Toronto and to prepare them to deal with what may happen here. Further, he stated that all the issues discussed at that meeting were issues that this Council is interested in. He stated that it was his opinion 3. GRANT REQUEST - WATERLOO PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENER that the fee for use of the Rotunda is very steep for small community groups. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Mancini continued that he did not mind paying for staff time but did not feel that it was appropriate to have to pay for rental of the building. Mr. D. Novak advised that this function was put on by small local citizens groups and was done under the umbrella of the Waterloo Public Interest Research Group. The question was raised as to whether any funds were raised through this event and Mr. Novak responded that they gathered $100.00 in donations that night. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that the Waterloo Public Interest Research Group is a Waterloo group and questioned the delegation as to whether they had approached the City of Waterloo or the Region for a grant. Mr. Novak responded that they had not approached the City of Waterloo. He stated that this event was organized quickly and it needed a central location. Councillor T. Galloway put forward a recommendation to approve the grant request. He stated that this particular initiative was municipal in orientation and whether or not the Committee agreed with what was said was not the point. Councillor Galloway felt that the City should support this community event. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that the amount of the grant be $258.68 minus the $100.00 which was collected in donations at the event. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he supported Councillor Ziegler's recommendation. He felt that the only problem might be that there are numerous community groups who could rent the Rotunda first and then come back later looking for a grant. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he supported Councillor Ziegler's recommendation. Councillor M. Yantzi addressed the Committee advising that he would support the motion put forward by Councillor Galloway. He also suggested that the City should develop a policy to deal with issues of a civic nature to allow a forum for people to debate ideas. Mr. T. Clancy responded that he saw a range of things in small increments from one to the other and felt that this was an area which would be pretty hard to define. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that it was a grey area which should be decided around this horseshoe. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested an alternative solution being the $258.68 requested minus $50.00 as, out of the $100.00 collected, there were other expenses which needed to be paid for. Councillor Galloway advised that he would not accept this as a friendly amendment, nor Councillor Ziegler's suggestion either. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Waterloo Public Interest Research Group for an in- kind facility rental grant, in the amount of $258.68, for use of the City Hall Rotunda on April 16, 1997." GRANT REQUEST - WATERLOO REGION ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD Mr. R. Sloos was in attendance on behalf of the Waterloo Region Roman Catholic Separate School Board to represent their request for a grant for use of the Grand River Complex on October 3 - 4, 1997 for a conference dealing with safety and self-defence issues for the visually impaired. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated GRANT REQUEST -WATERLOO REGION ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD (CONT'D) May 21, 1997, recommending that the Committee not approve the grant-in-kind request. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 46 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Sloos addressed the Committee and explained his role as the teacher of blind students and the purpose of this event and advised of who will conduct this event. He requested that the Committee approve the grant request. Mr. Sloos advised that, to the best of his knowledge, an event of this nature has never taken place in Canada. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether Mr. Sloos could use a school for this event. Mr. Sloos responded that they could but a school gym would not be suitable on a Friday as the gym would be used by school children. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned staff with respect to the Shared Use Agreement and questioned whether the total rental cost was incorrect, based on the fact that the School Board is entitled to use City facilities at no cost from Monday through Friday. Mr. R. Arnot responded that any use of a City facility on Saturday or Sunday is automatically charged $30.00 per hour. He advised that they followed the existing policy in dealing with the School Board. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether or not use of rooms comes under a different rule. Councillor Jake Smola questioned Mr. Sloos as to whether the School Board is contributing financially to this event. Mr. Sloos responded that the cost of the program is $2,000.00 and the School Board is not contributing financially to this event. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that this group be billed and then that amount be credited towards the City's use of school space on weekends. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that this group should be charged for room set-up and kitchen clean-up for both days but only room rental on the Saturday. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Waterloo Region Roman Catholic Separate School Board for an in-kind facility rental grant for use of the Grand River Complex on October 3 - 4, 1997, and further, That the Waterloo Region Roman Catholic Separate School Board be charged for room set-up and kitchen clean-up only, on Friday, October 3, 1997 and room set-up, kitchen clean-up and room rental on Saturday, October 4, 1997." 5. GRANT REQUEST - 822 (TUTOR) SQUADRON Mr. J. Hauser was in attendance of behalf of the 822(Tutor) Squadron to request a cash grant in the amount of $15,000.00 towards the Squadron's building program fund raising. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 21, 1997, recommending that the Committee not approve the request, as they do not fit within the present grant criteria. Mr. Hauser addressed the Committee advising that they are requesting a one-time grant for capital funding for their building project. He stated that the majority of the youth going through the program are Kitchener residents. He stated that this organization is recognized as an excellent youth organization with community benefits and it operates with many, many volunteers. He stated that they had never before come for funding and that the parents of the youth involved in the program do most of the fundraising. Further, he advised that the Squadron has also helped other organizations in the community raise funds and gave some examples of these organizations. 5. GRANT REQUEST - 822 (TUTOR) SQUADRON - CONT'D Councillor M. Wagner questioned whether the Squadron has made a similar request of the Cities of Waterloo and Cambridge. Mr. Hauser advised that the City of Waterloo will help them in a small COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER way, a non4inancial way. To date, the City of Cambridge and the Region have not offered any support. Councillor M. Wagner then advised that this matter has been deferred by the Region after lengthy discussion, to have staff determine if the facility could be located at airport. Councillor Wagner advised that this is a large amount of money and the organization has only begun its fundraising. Mr. Hauser responded that $210,000 has been raised so far in in-kind services and they have $23,000.00 in the bank. Councillor M. Wagner put forward a motion of no action. He stated that this is a worthy project, but this is a Regional project and it is not within the City's policy to give this kind of money. Councillor Jake Smola stated that it is his opinion that this is a Federal initiative and it should combine with other similar groups, such as the Fusiliers. Mr. Hauser responded that this building is being built for their use and will be used by other groups. He recognized that fact that the majority of youth came from Kitchener. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned what the Federal government role was in this process and Mr. Hauser responded that the Department of National Defence gives a grant of $6.00 per cadet and then charges $12.00 per cadet. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether this group has had discussions with the Fusiliers and local militia to participate on this project and Mr. Hauser responded that they have had discussions with other air cadets. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner, it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the 822 (Tutor) Air Cadets Squadron for a cash grant in the amount of $15,000.00 to aid with their Building Program fundraising." 6. GRANT REQUEST - ONTARIO LAWN BOWLING ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND Ms. C. May was in attendance to represent the request, for a grant, for the Ontario Lawn Bowling Association of the Blind to assist the hosting the Canadian Lawn Bowl Championship in Kitchener from August 25 - 29, 1997. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 20, 1997, recommending the grant, totalling $1,500.00. On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved, "That we approve the request of the Ontario Lawn Bowling Association for the Blind for a cash grant in the amount of $1,500.00 to assist with hosting the Canadian Blind Lawn Bowls Championships in Kitchener from August 25 - 29, 1997." 7. GRANT REQUEST - WILSON AVENUE PUBLIC SCHOOL Mr. A. Galloway was in attendance on behalf of Parents for Wilson to represent the request for a grant toward the construction of a new creative playground system at Wilson Avenue Public School. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Arenas, Design and Development and T. O'Brien, Landscape Architect, recommending the grant. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Galloway advised that the organization has accumulated $8,000.00 towards this project to date. 7. GRANT REQUEST - WILSON AVENUE PUBLIC SCHOOL - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That we approve the request of "Parents for Wilson", on behalf of Wilson Avenue Public School, for a grant in the amount of $750.00 to assist with the construction of a new creative playground facility at Wilson Avenue Public School." 8. GRANT REQUEST - K-W SYMPHONY VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE Ms. A. Wilcox was in attendance on behalf of the K-W Symphony Volunteer Committee to request an in-kind facility rental grant in the amount of $1,200.00 for use of City Hall facilities in September 1997 for a "Taste of Waterloo County". The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 20, 1997, recommending that the Committee not approve the grant as it does not fall within the grant policy criteria and providing a financial history of the Committee with respect to grants received from the City since 1994. Ms. A. Wilcox spoke to the committee about the value of the orchestra and this particular event, along with the value of volunteers in the community. Ms. Wilcox also pointed out that the K-W Symphony Orchestra is one three remaining professional orchestras in Ontario. She advised that there are 100 active volunteers and that they hope to earn $9,000 from the event. Councillor T. Galloway referred to Page 3/8 in the agenda which shows that the 1996 charge for the event was $812.32 and that there was no charge for the Rotunda, Conestoga Room, Stage and BFI. He questioned why, in 1997, there will be additional charges over last year. Mr. Arnot advised that he did not have an immediate answer but would provide one by Tuesday night's Council meeting. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a recommendation to approve an in-kind grant, up to $1,200.00. He stated that this in an important event in the Downtown core. He also stated that it is important to support the symphony and emphasized Ms. Wilcox's comment that this is one of three remaining professional orchestras in Ontario. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he supported the recommendation of Councillor Vrbanovic and stated that this group is one of the hardest working volunteer groups in the City. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he would not support the motion because it does not fit into the grant policy. He felt that the City should take back some reasonable amount of money to cover costs. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he agrees with Councillor Yantzi's comments; however, he noted that grants to the orchestra have been reduced by $16,000.00 over the last two years. He recommended that, next year, this request should be added to the grant request for the orchestra. He advised that he wanted to hear it from both groups at the same time. Councillor Jake Smola stated that the orchestra has received an operating grant of $147,409.00, this year already. He noted that last year's grant to the volunteer committee was given as a one time grant. He stated that he was confused as to why criteria are established if the Committee is not going to follow them. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he agreed with Councillor Ziegler's suggestion that this grant request be rolled into the symphony's grant request next year. He suggested that this be flagged for Budget time next year, in order to have the funds available to assist with rental costs for the rotunda, separate from grants. Councillor M. Wagner pointed out that the orchestra makes the Centre in the Square solvent. Councillor Ziegler put forward an amendment to Councillor Vrbanovic's motion that, in 1998, the K- W Symphony Volunteer Committee apply for their grant along with the symphony, which was accepted by Councillor Vrbanovic as a friendly amendment. 8. GRANT REQUEST - K-W SYMPHONY VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 49 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That we approve the request of the K-W Symphony Volunteer Committee for an in-kind facility rental grant up to $1,200.00 for use of City Hall facilities, in September 1997, for "A Taste of Waterloo County", and further, That, in 1998, the K-W Symphony Volunteer Committee apply for their facility rental grant, for this function, in conjunction with the K-W Symphony Orchestra grant application." 9. GRANT REQUEST - CRESTVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL Ms. L. Brady and Ms. L. Hinz were in attendance on behalf of Crestview Public School to represent their grant request in the amount of $2,500.00, toward construction of a new school playground facility at Crestview Public School. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Wyatt, Manager, Arenas, Athletics, Design and Development, and T. O'Brien, Landscape Architect, dated May 21, 1997 recommending a grant in the amount of $750.00 towards the construction of another new creative playground facility at Crestview Public School, in accordance with the City of Kitchener policy governing playground equipment grants for schools and community groups. Ms. Brady addressed the Committee explaining the amount of use that this school playground gets from the neighbourhood and community groups as well as the school. She also advised of the need for a playground which is physically accessible to the students. She advised that they are asking for $2500.00 which would be a matching grant to the donation being made by the Board of Education. She stated that this will be the only physically accessible playground in Waterloo County. Councillor Jake Smola addressed the delegation advising that he had indicated to them funding but within the City's policy. Councillor Jake Smola then put forward a motion to approve a grant as recommended by staff. He then asked staff to speak to other facilities in the City for physically disabled children. Councillor T. Galloway also questioned staff as to whether this would be a unique facility in terms of full accessibility. Mr. T. O'Brien responded that none of the City's facilities are fully accessible at this time, but some are partially accessible. Further he advised that staff are trying to make playgrounds without ramps. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned, given the special nature of this facility, has Special Needs ever given money for such a special playground as this. Mr. T. Clancy responded that in the last few years the City has done a major overhaul of its playgrounds. Part of the overhaul is to make them more physically accessible. He also advised that the School Board will be doing the same thing over the next few years. This is not a special thing but is becoming the standard. On a motion by Councillor Jake Smola, it was resolved: "That we approve a cash grant to Crestview Public School, in the amount of $750.00, to assist with the cost of constructing a new creative playground." 10. GRANT REQUEST - CAIRDE-FRIENDS OF IRISH CULTURE Mr. S. O'Seasnain, President, Cairde-Friends of Irish Culture was in attendance to represent the request for in-kind grant in the amount of $441.75 to cover rental costs for a public event hosted at Victoria Park Pavilion on March 7, 1997. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 20, 1997, recommending a one time grant for half the requested amount. 10. GRANT REQUEST - CAIRDE-FRIENDS OF IRISH CULTURE - CONT'D Mr. S. O'Seasnain explained the event and how it evolved and the interest of the community in such an event. He advised that they are requesting the full amount and that this will be a one time request. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether they made any money from this event and Mr. O'Seasnain advised that the event was sold out and they broke even. Councillor Yantzi then recommended that the City pay only a oortion. On a motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, it was resolved: "That we approve a one-time, in-kind, facility rental grant, for the Cairde - Friends of Irish Culture, in the amount of $221.00, to assist with the cost of their rental of the Victoria Park Pavilion on March 2, 1997." 11. REQUEST - CENTRAL FREDERICK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt of a grant application from the Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association for a combination cash grant and in-kind grant in connection with their summer festival to be held in August, 1997. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 21, 1997, recommending that a grant not be approved. He also advised that, in 1996, the Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association received a one-time in- kind grant in the amount of $590.75 to host their annual event. He also wished to point out that numerous other neighbourhood/community associations hold special events throughout the year and do not seek financial assistance. Ms. M. Wasilka was in attendance on behalf of the neighbourhood association to represent this grant request. She advised that two weeks of volunteer time goes into the preparation for this one day event. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether this was a unique year for the festival and whether it was the 25th anniversary of the event. Ms. Wasilka advised that it was the 5th year for the festival. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned staff with respect to an in-kind grant for picnic tables, garbage cans and recycle bins. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That we approve an in-kind grant for the Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association, in the amount of $350.00, to cover the cost of providing picnic tables, garbage cans and recycle bins, for their Summer Festival to be held in August 1997." 12. GRANT REQUEST - K-W POLISH TENNIS ASSOCIATION Mr. L. Robelek was in attendance to represent the request of the K-W Polish Tennis Association for a grant, in the amount of $500.00, to assist with hosting the Polish Tennis Championship in Canada, being held at the Chicopee Ski Club in August, 1997. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated May 20, 1997 recommending a cash grant in the amount $150.00 and that this be a one-time grant. Mr. Robelek addressed the Committee and advised that there will be approximately 300 competitors and spectators for this three day event which is open to many different age groups. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola, it was resolved: "That we approve a one-time, cash grant, for the K-W Polish Tennis Association, in the amount of $150.00, to help offset the cost of the Polish Tennis Championship in Canada, at the Chicopee Ski Club, in August 1997." 13. NEW BUSINESS Councillor G. Lorentz commented on a flyer titled "Don't be a bush stomper". Mr. T. Clancy gave an explanation of the flyer advising that they have been distributed to neighbours of woodlots to encourage them not to dump on the woodlots. He advised that staff would soon start enforcement. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 51 - CITY OF KITCHENER 14. 15. GRANT REQUEST WITHDRAWN It was noted that the Volunteer Action Committee in the Stanley Park Neighbourhood Association have withdrawn their requests for grant, ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary