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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1997-04-21CSC\1997-04-21 APRIL 21, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:15 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor K. Redman, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor M. Wagner, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor M. Yantzi. Mayor R. Christy, Councillor J. Ziegler, Councillor B. Vrbanovic and Councillor John Smola entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Others Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. R. Willms, Ms. D. Arnold, Messrs. J. Gazzola, R. Wyatt, J. Nelson, G. Nixon, T. Clancy, N. Kuntz, J. Hancock, R. Arnot, D. Trask, J. Cooper, T. McCabe, M. Price, L. Proulx, J. Shivas, G. Kett, R. Grau and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. SKATEPARK AT KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development, dated April 16, 1997, providing background information and several recommendations concerning the construction of a skatepark at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. The Committee was also in receipt of a letter from Councillor J. Ziegler, dated April 18, 1997, outlining the concern of the World Horseshoe Championship Committee. Mr. D. Williams, of the Neighbourhood Association, addressed the Committee and submitted 2 petitions, accepted by Mayor R. Christy, in opposition to the construction of the skatepark at the Auditorium. He explained that the first petition states that the neighbours do not want the skatepark to be built. The second petition addresses safety issues. Mr. Williams advised that people signed both petitions because they were advised that this is a done deal. He advised that they would like to have this matter reconsidered because they were not given proper notice. Mr. M. Villemaire then addressed the Committee requesting reconsideration of this matter, as the neighbourhood has not been given proper opportunities to speak to this issue. He stated that the notices given to the neighbours were improper. He stated that he felt there was enough activity at the Auditorium already and the neighbourhood already had to deal with enough noise. He requested that the Auditorium be left alone and that the City look for another site, if they had to have a skatepark at all. Mr. Villemaire also felt that the cost of $200,000.00 was too expensive. Further, he felt there would be increased insurance costs and litigation. He requested that the City open-up the matter again and show the people that Council is listening. A discussion then took place comparing the petitions received today with the previous petitions submitted requesting the construction of the skatepark. The discussion also dealt with notice to the neighbours concerning the public meeting. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the possibility of neighbourhood programming and providing skateboarding lessons. Mr. M. Neville and Mr. C. Farley, Co-Chair of the Mayor's Advisory Council for Youths, were in attendance and each made a presentation in support of the skatepark. Each were questioned by the Committee and discussed such matters as the feasibility of the site, the fact that skateboarding is illegal in the City of Kitchener and examples of how aggressive behaviour is handled in Cambridge. The matter of a fee for use was also discussed. Councillor Jake Smola again spoke about making time available to the Neighbourhood Association for programming. Mr. R. Wyatt advised that it could work, depending on how it is proposed to the community. He advised that those time slots could be posted on the sign. Councillor J. Ziegler referred to his letter and the concern of the World Horseshoe Championship Committee that construction not take place during the championship. Councillor K. Redman advised that she had asked Mr. D. Wiseman, from the City's insurance company, to address the issue of insurance rates and liability. Mr. Wiseman advised that he looks after most of the risk management and has experience with skateparks in other municipalities. He stated that if the skatepark is properly constructed and properly maintained, there is no increase in insurance premiums. Further, experiences in other municipalities are COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21, 1997 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER SKATEPARK AT KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX (CONT'D) good. Councillor Redman asked Mr. Wiseman to speak briefly on the issue of fencing and the posting of safety regulations. Mr. Wiseman advised that whether there is a fence of not, regular inspections of the facility must be made and the pavement must be properly maintained. Also, there must be proper signage. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that the Committee now consider the 7 recommendations contained in the staff report. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that the recommendations be dealt with separately. Councillor Redman advised that she would move all 7 recommendations; however, they could be voted on separately. Councillor Redman stated that she felt the Auditorium was a good site for the skatepark because it is already a supervised facility. A discussion took place about fencing. Mr. G. Nixon advised that the cost of fencing is estimated to be $5,000.00. At the conclusion of the discussion, Councillor Redman agreed to an amendment to staff recommendation #2, so that, if warranted, a fence could be installed after the first season of operation and that $5,000.00 be set aside for this purpose. Councillor J. Ziegler again spoke of the concerns of the World Horseshoe Championship Committee and staff advised that the skatepark would be constructed prior to the championship but not usable until approximately August 2. Most members of the Committee spoke in favour of the staff recommendations; with an additional recommendation added, which Councillor Redman agreed to, requiring the Operations Committee to report back to Council in one year. A discussion then took place over the inclusion of a track around the skatepark. Mayor R. Christy questioned whether it would be possible, in the future, and Mr. G. Nixon advised that it could be accommodated in the future. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he did hear suggestions from parents on the benefits of having a track now, as it would create more of a family environment. He suggested that there may be a cost benefit of installing it now. He requested that recommendation #7 be dealt with at the Council meeting on Monday night and Councillor Redman agreed to this request. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That a fence not be installed around the perimeter of the skatepark, to be constructed at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, as part of the initial design, and further, That should it be determined, through ongoing operational concerns, a fence is warranted, one be installed after the first season of operation, with $5,000.00 to be set aside for this purpose, and further, That no direct supervision be provided by the City and no admission fee be charged, and further, That staff investigate the financial interest and member involvement of a service club(s) in the ongoing operation and support of the skatepark, and further, That an Operations Committee be established to oversee and guide the operation of the skatepark, and further, That the Operations Committee report to Council in one year, and further, That signage be installed, clearly defining the rules, regulations and hours of operation of the skatepark, and further, That a decision on the incorporation of a track into the design of the skatepark be deferred and referred to the Council meeting of April 28, 1997." 2. FIRE STATION LOCATION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21, 1997 - 34 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. N. Kuntz, Deputy Fire Chief, dated April 15, 1997, recommending the implementation of the plan for the relocation of fire stations, as outlined in the 1995 Fire Station Relocation Plan. The report also included information and a recommendation for the City to finance and construct an ambulance station in connection with the construction of the fire station and community centre to be built at Queen's Boulevard and Elmridge Drive. Mr. Kuntz was in attendance to present the report and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. There was a lengthy discussion concerning the hiring of 20 additional fire fighters. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he had hoped that there would have been a business plan associated with this report. He was hoping to see a 10 year forecast that would, over time, show savings. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that the department has done a lot of work in that area. He advised that a business plan will be presented to Council over the next 4 to 5 months, before budget. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether the Committee is being asked to deal with the issue of the ambulance station. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether the Fire Department had considered looking into a joint ambulance/fire facility at Fairway Road. Mr. N. Kuntz advised that this matter has been addressed; however, it has not been identified by the ambulance as a near future site. Further, the site is quite confined and quite narrow. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the amount of equipment and staff needed. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he wished to have the recommendation dealt with and if more information is required it can be provided at the Council meeting Monday night. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That we endorse the implementation plan for the relocation of fire stations as outlined in the 1995 Fire Station Relocation Plan." Councillor B. Vrbanovic then put forward the motion to approve the ambulance station. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he was in support of the ambulance station; however, prior to construction, he wished to have the City make it perfectly clear to the Ministry and the Region that the City is proceeding and expects to be compensated. He also requested that the funding not be taken from the community centre fund. Other methods of financing were suggested and Councillor Galloway advised that he wished to have no doubt, in the future, as to the costs involved in constructing the ambulance station. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener finance the construction of an ambulance station in conjunction with the fire station and community centre to be constructed at Queen's Boulevard and Elmridge Drive, and further, That, prior to the construction of the ambulance station, it be made clear to the Ministry of Health and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, that the City of Kitchener is proceeding with the construction and expect to be duly compensated, and further, That the City of Kitchener finance the construction of the ambulance station in such a way that the costs are clearly identifiable." Mr. N. Kuntz then requested permission to tender for and order a pumper in 1997 for delivery in 1998. 2. FIRE STATION LOCATION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21, 1997 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the Fire Department be given pre-budget approval to tender for and order a pumper in 1997 for delivery in 1998." 3. DEFERREDITEMS The Chairman directed that the following items be deferred to the Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for May 5, 1997: Regional Emergency Services Training Facility, Kitchener Fire Fighters Training Facility and Community Arenas 4. ACQUISITION OF ST. PETER'S LUTHERAN CEMETERY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated April 15, 1997, recommending the acquisition of the St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. Attached to the report was a draft copy of the agreement. Mr. Kett was in attendance and explained the situation. Upon questioning by the Committee, Ms. D. Arnold advised the Committee that the final agreement would come back to this body through the Committee of the Whole. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That, subject to obtaining all the necessary provincial approvals, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement to purchase St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Weber Street East, Kitchener, with such agreement being substantially similar to the draft agreement dated April 2, 1997, considered by the Community Services Committee on April 21, 1997, and satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and further, That the City Solicitor be directed to prepare a by-law, pursuant to the Cemeteries Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter C.4, to authorize this purchase." 5. DELEGATION - SONALI THAKKAR - FORUM FOR YOUNG CANADIANS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated April 16, 1997, recommending that the Committee not approve the request for financial assistance from Sonali Thakkar to attend at the upcoming Forum for Young Canadians. The Committee was also in receipt of a letter from Ms. Thakkar, dated March 14, 1997, explaining what the Forum is and requesting financial assistance. Ms. Thakkar was in attendance to represent her request and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned Ms. Thakkar as to whether she received any donations from the school and was advised that the school had contributed $50.00. Councillor M. Wagner advised that, as much as he felt that this was a good program, the grant policy did not allow for funding of this nature. He put forward the recommendation contained in Mr. Arnot's report. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he thought that Council should be encouraging young people to get involved in programs of this nature. He stated that if it was a sporting event, she would have got grant funding. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of Sonali Thakkar for a grant to assist with her costs in attending the Forum for Young Canadians." 6. DELEGATION - DARYL NOVAK - RECYCLE CYCLES COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21, 1997 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. D. Novak, Recycle Cycles, dated April 16, 1997, requesting assistance in finding space for Recycle Cycles in downtown Kitchener. To date no space has been found and it will be necessary for the project to move out of the Waterloo Community Arts Centre by the end of May. If suitable space is not found by that time it will force the termination of the project. Councillor T. Galloway questioned how much space was required and Mr. Novak responded that 1,000 square feet, altogether, would be required. Councillor Galloway then questioned whether they had looked at any warehouse space that is available and Mr. Novak responded that he had sent out letters of request and worked with the Business Association but nothing is available to this point. Councillor M. Yantzi spoke about space available at City facilities and in particular whether space would be available in the Ontario Street garage, as he felt that this would provide active use of the space. He suggested that Recycle Cycles be accommodated or provided space in the Duke/Ontario Street parking garage free of charge. Mr. T. Clancy responded that a senior staff committee is looking at various facilities and that a C.I.P. Program is reviewing this building. He advised that the results of the C.I.P. Program may be a recommendation for use of this space for another City function. Councillor M. Wagner responded that he didn't think he wanted to force staff into housing Recycle Cycles in the Duke/Ontario Street parking garage at this time, until the results of the C.I.P. Program are known. Councillor J. Ziegler responded that there is no staff report on this matter and that he would suggest that staff take another look at the possibility of housing this group and report back to the Community Services Committee in 2 weeks time on where they could possibly be accommodated. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That staff determine the impact of accommodating Recycle Cycles in the Ontario/Duke Street parking garage, and further, That staff review other City owned and non-City owned facilities available where Recycle Cycles could possibly be accommodated, and further, That staff report to the Community Services Committee on May 5, 1997, in this regard." 7. SATURN KITCHENER - PLAYGROUND DONATION Mr. J. Nelson addressed the Committee in this regard advising that Mr. R. Kraishnik of Saturn Kitchener had to leave the meeting. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Nelson, Supervisor of Technical Services, dated April 10, 1997, advising of the playground donation made by Saturn of Kitchener. Mr. Nelson advised that Saturn is donating playgrounds to 3 sites in Canada this year and Kitchener was one of the ones chosen. 8. KITCHENER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated April 16, 1997, recommending an increase in the grant for the Kitchener Horticultural Society for 1997. Attached to Mr. Arnot's report was a letter from Ms. G. Sears, President, Kitchener Horticultural Society, dated April 11, 1997, explaining why the Horticultural Society could not operate on the grant already approved by Council and the need for additional funding this year. The Chairman stated that he had been advised by the Secretary that notice of motion and a motion to reconsider the previous grant approval would be required. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he felt that this was a reasonable request and that he would recommend to Council, at next Monday night's Council meeting, that they reconsider the 8. KITCHENER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - GRANT REQUEST (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21, 1997 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. previous grant approval for the Horticultural Society for 1997 and then he would recommend to Council that they award the Kitchener Horticultural Society a grant in the amount of $96,198.00 for 1997. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. SCOT'S FUSILIERS - GRANDFATHER CLOCK Mr. J. Gazzola brought to the attention of the Committee the fact that a grandfather clock, listing the names of those members of the Scot's Fusiliers who had lost their lives in the war, had been donated to the City of Kitchener. He asked that the Committee pass a resolution accepting the clock and its proposed location in the Rotunda, on the outside wall opposite from the cashiers/Revenue counter. There was some discussion over whether this was an appropriate location and Councillor G. Lorentz advised that the Fusiliers want it in an area where it can be seen by the general public. Mr. J. Gazzola also advised that a reception would be held on Monday, April 28, 1997, prior to the Council meeting. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That we accept, with thanks, from the Sergeant's Mess, Scots Fusiliers of Canada, the donation of a grandfather clock, to be placed in the City Hall Rotunda on the outer wall, facing the Revenue cashiers/elevator lobby." ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary