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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1997-05-05CSC\1997-05-05 MAY 5, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:30 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor K. Redman, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor M. Wagner, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor M. Yantzi. Mayor R. Christy, Councillor B. Vrbanovic and Councillor J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. R. Upfold, Ms. L. Gove, Messrs. J. Gazzola, R. Arnot, J. Shivas, R. Wyatt, K. Baulk, T. Clancy, G. Kett, J. Hancock, D. Trask and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. REGIONAL EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING FACILITY AND FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING FACILITY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Hancock, Fire Chief, dated April 13, 1997, titled "Regional Emergency Services Training Facility" and a report from Dr. E. Weckman and Dr. A. Strong, dated April 14, 1997, titled "Summary Brief on the City of Kitchener Fire Fighter Training Facility". Mr. J. Hancock introduced Dr. Weckman who gave a brief verbal report on the proposed future training facility, advising that it is a live fire training facility. She spoke of the reality of the facility which is the key to training. Dr. Weckman then thanked the City of Kitchener for their support over the years and the opportunity provided for her to work with the City. She advised that in the fall they will be running a burn facility design workshop at the University of Waterloo which will be put on jointly by the University and the Kitchener Fire Department. The full document/report was circulated to the Committee members for viewing. Mr. J. Hancock then addressed the Committee advising that this report contains 3 recommendations. He briefly gave background to the report and stated that it is not possible to afford to do this project alone, at a cost of $6M. Mr. Hancock advised that the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board has $3M in their capital budget for this project. He stated that he hoped the Committee would support this initiative. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he supported the recommendations contained in Mr. Hancock's report. He questioned the City of Cambridge's participation in this project. Mr. Hancock responded that they will allow discussion on the project to go ahead and that they are not going to block the project but they are not going to jump on the band wagon. Councillor M. Wagner then questioned how much extra it would cost the participants with the City of Cambridge not being involved and Mr. Hancock responded that it would not cost any more; however, it could cost less if the City of Cambridge were involved. Councillor T. Galloway moved the recommendations contained in Mr. Hancock's report. He then questioned whether the Region will finance and provide the land and Mr. Hancock responded that they would; however, the stakeholders must front end the capital costs in order to prevent delays. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he hoped that there would be a fall back position if the Region is not agreeable, so that we can still proceed with the project. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether the police plan to include a gun range in this project and Mr. J. Hancock responded that they do intend to have an indoor gun range along with an outdoor canine training facility. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned whether the Fire Department has projected how much time there will be available for training after the 2 major users. Mr. D. Trask advised that there would be lots of marketable time available; as this is to be located on a large parcel of land and many different groups can train at the same time, for example there would be classroom time, driver training time, burn time, etc.. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he thought that this should be funded by Regional tax dollars. He stated that he was in support of the recommendations. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 5, 1997 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. REGIONAL EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING FACILITY AND FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING FACILITY (CONT'D) "That we approve the request of the Fire Chief to discuss details of location, construction, funding and management of the Emergency Services Training Facility with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, and further, That approval be granted to advance the concept of a regional project steering committee, and further, That the report of J. Hancock dated April 14, 1997, titled "Regional Emergency Services Training Facility" be circulated to the area municipalities, the Waterloo Regional Police Service, the Regional Ambulance Services and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for information and comment." KMA COMPLEX - ALCOHOL SERVICE, SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT AND ADDITION The Committee was in receipt of 2 reports from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Farmers' Market and Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, one dated April 22, 1997 and the second dated April 25, 1997, with respect to alcohol service and smoke free environment at the Auditorium Complex and also the request of the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club to develop a concept and proposal for a building addition to the Auditorium Complex. Councillor T. Galloway declared a conflict of interest with both matters as he is employed by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to these matters. Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting during consideration of these reports. Mr. K. Baulk presented the report and Mr. T. Scharf, President of the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club, was in attendance. Councillor M. Wagner questioned the meaning of community festivals and whether this would include major sports events and Mr. Baulk responded that it would. Councillor M. Wagner advised that these event organizers should be reminded that by the year 2000 there will be no smoking permitted at all. Councillor John Smola moved the recommendations contained in both staff reports. Councillor K. Redman questioned the addition and Mr. K. Baulk responded that the matters have not been discussed in detail and that this is simply conceptual and a full report will come back to this Committee for final approval. Mr. T. Scharf advised that they would like to bring it back to the Community Services Committee at the last meeting in June. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That we take no action relative to exercising an option to apply for a stadium license to serve alcohol in the tiered seating area of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex during Ontario Hockey League games, and further, That staff be directed to implement a "no smoking policy" that would create a smoke free environment at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex by August 15, 1997, and further, That Oktoberfest or similar community festivals be exempt from the facility's smoke free policy, but still continue to be governed by municipal and regional by-laws." On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 5, 1997 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER KMA COMPLEX - ALCOHOL SERVICE, SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT AND ADDITION (CONT'D) "That we support the request by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club to develop a concept and proposal for a building addition to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, and further, That the proposed concept be developed based on it serving to house a new dressing room, new office space and other meeting and training facilities for the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club, as deemed necessary, and further, That the concept and a full report be presented to Community Services Committee prior to final approval." COMMUNITY ARENAS Mr. R. Wyatt was in attendance and gave an overhead presentation on the success of the 1996/97 fees for community arenas. Mr. Wyatt advised that 95% of the regular rentable hours are used. He also advised that approximately 500 hours per year are contributed to free use for public skating. Mr. Wyatt then spoke of the shared use agreement with the School Boards advising that approximately 170 hours per year are used by the School Boards through the shared use agreement. Mr. R. Wyatt then spoke of methods used by staff to reduce expenses and increase revenues; speaking of such matters as: increased ice rentals, decreased staff costs, new programs being investigated such as in-line skating and also in-house advertising in conjunction with the Rangers. Councillor M. Wagner requested a copy of the overhead presentation. WILLIAMSBURG CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Division Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated April 29, 1997, with respect to naming the chapel and crematorium at the Williamsburg Cemetery. Councillor M. Wagner questioned where the name Trillium Woods came from and Mr. Kett responded it was from the Master Plan. Councillor M. Wagner then advised that he disagrees with the name, stating that it should remain Williamsburg which is an historic name. Councillor Wagner also felt that changing the name would cause confusion. Mr. T. Clancy responded that the name Trillium Woods could be considered appropriate as the original plan called for the wood to be included with the site and that there is a significant woodland at the rear. Mr. Clancy also advised that the word "memorial" should be taken out of the name. Councillor T. Galloway questioned how important, from a marketing point of view, it was for the chapel and crematorium to have its own identity. Mr. Clancy responded that this is a significant marketing opportunity and the word "Trillium" has a good connotation. He felt that having 2 different names would be a short lived confusion. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that the name of the chapel and crematorium be "Trillium Woods Chapel and Crematorium at Williamsburg". He advised that he wanted to see "at Williamsburg" on every reference to the chapel and crematorium. Councillor Jake Smola felt that there was a value in having two names: Williamsburg Cemetery and Crematorium and Trillium Woods Chapel. He saw a value in separating the identity of the crematorium and cemetery from the chapel, as he felt that it was possible that people may want to be married in the chapel. Councillor Jake Smola put forward a motion to name the cemetery and crematorium the "Williamsburg Cemetery and Crematorium" and the chapel to be called "Trillium Woods Chapel" and that appropriate signage be erected for the chapel. 4. WILLIAMSBURG CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 5, 1997 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Councillor M. Wagner put forward a recommendation that the matter be deferred to the May 26th meeting of the Community Services Committee. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That consideration of the naming of the chapel and crematorium at the Williamsburg Cemetery be deferred to the May 26, 1997, Community Services Committee meeting." 5. K-W ARTS AWARDS COMMITTEE Ms. D. Watson was in attendance on behalf of the K-W Arts Awards Committee to thank the City for this initiative and financial support. The Committee was also in receipt of a report from Ms. L. Gove, Supervisor, Arts, Culture and Events, dated April 28, 1997, advising of the success of this year's Arts Awards. Several members of the Committee congratulated Ms. D. Watson on the fine awards presentation. 6. GRANT REQUEST - 6TH ANNUAL COUNTDOWN TO CANADA DAY Mr. G. Exley was in attendance to represent the request of the K.D.B.A. for a grant, in the amount of $5,000.00, for the 1997 Countdown to Canada Day Celebration. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, dated April 30, 1997, recommending that the Committee not approve this grant request. The report states that the City currently has its own events program which is self-funded. In 1996, the Countdown to Canada Day Committee received $5,000.00 in financial support as a one time donation. Mr. G. Exley addressed the Committee advising that if this Canada Day event is cancelled, there will nothing in the downtown for Canada Day. He stated that 80% of the budget comes from corporate sponsorship. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether Kitchener Utilities was supporting this event and Mr. Exley advised that Kitchener Utilities has declined. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned what the long term plan for this event is and Mr. Exley advised that they intend to make it the number one event in downtown Kitchener. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then stated that he sees this event growing into a volunteer run event. Mr. Exley responded that there are many volunteers who participate in running the event on the day of the event. Councillor M. Yantzi moved a grant for this event in the amount of $5,000.00, and, at the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic accepted an amendment to require the money to be paid from the Downtown Development Fund. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned how much money is going into other City run events and Mr. Clancy responded that no money is being put into events for Canada Day. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association for a grant, in the amount of $5,000.00, to assist with the 1997 Countdown to Canada Day Celebration; with the money to be paid from the Downtown Development Fund." 7. FOREST HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTRE/FIRE HALL Mr. M. Lobban of Rieder, Hymmen & Lobban Architects was in attendance to present this COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 5, 1997 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER Committee with sketches of the proposed Forest Heights Community Centre and Fire Hall, Ambulance Station. Different aspects of the floor plan were discussed. Councillor G. Lorentz acknowledged the work put into this plan by Mr. Lobban. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned what is happening with the request of Recycle Cycles for space in downtown Kitchener and Mr. Clancy explained that he had discussed the matter with Mr. R.W. Pritchard, who is on a staff group looking at the appropriate use for the space in the Duke Street parking garage. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that the Committee wished to have something before it, at the meeting scheduled for May 26, 1997, as he understood that Recycle Cycles must be out of their current location by the end of the month. Councillor K. Redman suggested that if a permanent location can not be found at this time, staff should come forward with a temporary location. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary