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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1997-08-11CSC\1997-08-11 AUGUST 11, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor T. Galloway, commencing at 2:35 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor M. Wagner, Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor J. Ziegler. Mayor R. Christy was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. B. Aikenhead, Ms. L. MacDonald, Messrs. K. Baulk, K. Bauman, N. Kuntz, J. Nelson, L. Gordon, R. Arnot, M. Price, J. Gazzola and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATION - COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS FOR PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS Ms. D. King, of the K-W Social Planning Council, was in attendance to present her report titled "Snap-Shot of Preschool Programs in Kitchener - A Regional Perspective", which was included in the agenda for this meeting. Ms. King provided background information to the report and reviewed the contents of the report itself. She referred to page 8 of the report, "Local Perspective" and commented on unlicensed programs where the City of Kitchener is providing some of the funding. It was Ms. King's opinion that there is no need, at this point, for additional programs, as most are now under utilized. Ms. King felt that something should be done to bring programs and users together. She advised that she would like to come back to this Committee, in a couple of months, with Ms. T. Beaulne, to identify the gaps, if there are any. Ms. King commented on the wage subsidy, provided by the Province to not-for-profit daycares, which she estimated at $134,000.00, in Kitchener. She stated that, should this subsidy be withdrawn, daycares could very likely come to the City to regain this funding. A brief discussion took place over the wage subsidy. Councillor M. Wagner questioned whether the Province was going to cut the wage subsidy and Ms. King responded that they are threatening to cut it. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he felt the municipality's role is to provide facilities and assist neighbourhood associations. He did not see Council's role as a source of funding to cover wage subsidies. Councillor T. Galloway questioned what Ms. King would be expecting when she comes back to this Committee and Ms. King responded that the subsequent report would be strictly to provide information on gaps in the service if any exist. DELEGATION - JOINT COMMITTEE - TREE OF HOPE, A CHRISTMAS FANTASY, THE FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS Mr. B. Loney was in attendance to inform the Committee that the CHYM Tree of Hope, A Christmas Fantasy and The Festival of Trees and Lights are now working together. Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Loney advised that this will be the 5th year for the Tree of Hope and Family and Children's Services is the beneficiary. He also advised that this year The Festival of Trees and Lights is moving to the City Hall Rotunda. He advised that the Tree of Hope will be lit on Saturday, November 29th and A Christmas Fantasy will also start that date and run through to January 1, 1998. The Festival of Trees and Lights will run from Thursday, November 27 to Sunday, November 30, 1997. Mr. Loney stated that these 3 events run with the support of the City of Kitchener and he thanked the Committee for its support. Councillor T. Galloway thanked all those involved with these 3 events. ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME AND RANGERS BUILDING ADDITION AND LOAN Councillor T. Galloway declared a conflict of interest with these matters, as he is employed by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 - 64 - CITY OF KITCHENER these matters. Councillor B. Vrbanovic chaired the meeting during consideration of ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME AND RANGERS BUILDING ADDITION AND LOAN (CONT'D) these 2 matters. The Committee first considered the report of Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated July 28, 1997, concerning the Ontario Hockey League Ali-Star Game. Mr. Baulk was in attendance to represent the report along with Mr. Sharf of the Kitchener Rangers, who spoke in support of the staff report. It was noted that 6,000 people are expected to attend the event with $2M - $3M being spent over the 3 days. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports the bid to bring the 1997/98 Ontario Hockey League All-Star game and related activity to the City of Kitchener, and further, That, should the City be awarded the event, a $3,500.00 grant be allotted to the local committee to host 3 media receptions and provide local transportation via Kitchener Transit." The Committee went on to consider the report of Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated July 31, 1997, concerning the proposed addition to the KMA Complex by the Kitchener Rangers. Mr. B. Hamilton, the contractor, was in attendance and displayed a concept drawing of the proposed addition. Mr. Hamilton advised that the main entrance will match-up with the existing entrance and the same cement block will be used. The Committee was advised that the addition will be 5,300 square feet, 2 stories and will house a parents' lounge, directors' lounge, players' lounge, changeroom facilities and showers. Mr. Sharf advised that the addition will cost approximately $500,000.00. They will be getting an expansion grant but still need a $200,000.00 loan. In theory, based on this year's receipts, they will be able to pay the loan back in 2 - 3 years. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That we support the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club proposal for an addition to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, as presented by Schiedel Construction, subject to further design input from both the Hockey Club and the City, and further, That the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club pay all costs associated with construction and furnishing of the new addition, and further, That the City provide a $200,00.00 interest free loan from the Community Loan account, repayable over no more than 5 years at the greater of $40,000.00 per year of 50% of the Club's profit per year, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement to be developed by the Legal Department confirming ownership of the building by the City and outlining general financial and operational issues." Councillor T. Galloway resumed the Chair at this time. 1998 AND 1999 ONTARIO TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated July 28, 1997, recommending that the City of Kitchener support the bid to bring the Ontario Track and Field Association Championships to the City of Kitchener in 1998 and 1999. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 - 65 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. 1998 AND 1999 ONTARIO TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS GRANT REQUEST (CONT'D) Mr. T. Mausser of the Western Regional Track and Field Association was in attendance to support the staff report. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports the bid to bring the Ontario Track and Field Association Championships to the City of Kitchener in 1998 and 1999, and further, That, if the events are awarded to the local committee, an annual $1,000.00 grant be awarded each year to facilitate the hosting of both of the event receptions for the Juvenile/Senior meet (July 24 - 26, 1998 and July 23 -25, 1999) and Bantam/Midget/Junior meet (July 31 - August 2, 1998 and July 30 - August 1, 1999)." TENDER FOR AERIAL LADDER REPLACEMENT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. N. Kuntz, Deputy Fire Chief, dated July 30, 1997, requesting permission to re-tender for the replacement of the Fire Department's aerial ladder platform. Mr. N. Kuntz was in attendance to represent the report. When questioned by Councillor T. Galloway as to the difference in cost between the two technologies, Mr. Kuntz responded that it is $100,000.00 on an $800,000.00 unit. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Fire Department be permitted to prepare specification and re-tender for the replacement of their present aerial ladder platform." STANDARD CROSSING AGREEMENT WITH CN RAIL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Nelson, Supervisor of Technical Services, dated July 21, 1997, concerning a Standard Crossing Agreement with CN Rail, relative to the Ironhorse Trail. Ms. L. MacDonald, Assistant City Solicitor, requested an amendment to the recommendation in Mr. Nelson's report to add the following: subject to the City Solicitor being satisfied as to C.N.'s standard indemnity form referred to in section 1 of the agreement. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the "Standard Crossing Agreement" with C.N. Rail regarding the Ironhorse Trail crossing, at Mile 1.21, Huron Park Spur, subject to the City Solicitor being satisfied as to C.N.'s standard indemnity form referred to in section 1 of the agreement." SENIORS/LEISU RE SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION: 1997-99 STRATEGIC PLAN Ms. B. Aikenhead, Division Manager, was in attendance to present the draft report, titled "Seniors, Leisure Programs and Support Services Division, 1997-1999 Strategic Plan" which was included in the agenda for this meeting. Ms. Aikenhead highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the Division, as identified in the draft report. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether the strategic plans for all divisions would be integrated. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 - 66 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. SENIORS/LEISURE SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION: 1997-99 STRATEGIC PLAN (CONT'D) Mr. R. Arnot advised that once all the divisions are finished, the strategic plans will be amalgamated. Councillor M. Wagner commented that, in all the places he has visited, he has yet to come across a community that provided better seniors' programs than we do. Councillor T. Galloway noted that this was a draft and questioned whether the Committee would get a report of the final product. Mr. R. Arnot advised that a final report would probably be in front of this Committee in November. 8. CEMETERY SERVICES PRE-NEED MARKETING PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated July 16, 1997, outlining a pre-need marketing program for the Cemeteries Division. A brief discussion took place on the marketing plan. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether the City would be able to use the Utility billing system for the general public. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that staff are aiming for that and it is hoped that this will be possible by the middle of next year. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Cemeteries Division be permitted to proceed with the Pre-need Marketing Programs, as considered by the Community Services Committee on August 11, 1997." 9. KMA COMPLEX - OUTDOOR SIGN PROPOSAL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated July 29, 1997, concerning the proposal to erect a pylon sign at the Auditorium. Mr. Baulk was in attendance to explain the proposal and the guarantee of return on advertising. It was his opinion that this is a risk-free proposal. Mr. Baulk advised that the proposed location is close to the ballpark and the off-ramp at the Expressway. Mayor Christy asked if drawings of the sign were available and Mr. Baulk advised that none were available; however, this is the same sign that was originally proposed. Mr. Baulk also advised that when the previous application was withdrawn from the Committee of Adjustment, staff met with the neighbours who recommended this site. Staff will have an open-house once the final engineered drawings are received. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether staff had discussed the matter with the ball club and Mr. Baulk advised that they had not. He stated that the sign will be set-up in such a way that it will be at 90 degrees to the ballpark. He stated that staff will have discussions with the ball club. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a 5 year agreement with Neon Sign Products on the outright purchase option of the outdoor full colour Daktronic Message Centre, and further, That the sign be located on City owned property at the corner of Ottawa Street and the Conestoga Parkway, and further, That the arrangement guarantee an overall revenue benefit to the City, including capital repayment, over the term of the agreement, and further, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 - 67 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. 12. KMA COMPLEX - OUTDOOR SIGN PROPOSAL (CONT'D) That the final agreement be subject to approval by the Committee of Adjustment, Ministry of Transportation and Region of Waterloo." KMA COMPLEX SITE PLAN The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated July 31, 1997, requesting permission to engage a consultant to undertake a master site plan of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. Mr. Baulk was in attendance to represent the report and advise that, in view of the competing facilities on the site, a site plan is required. Councillor M. Wagner questioned the cost and Mr. Baulk advised that it would cost approximately $50,000.00. Councillor Wagner questioned why a consultant is needed and why it could not be done by staff. Mr. Baulk responded that staff and the associations who use the facility will be involved. He also stated that a consultant will bring in a level of expertise that staff do not have and it will take a fair amount of time, which staff do not have. Mayor Christy questioned the last time a site review was conducted and Mr. Baulk responded that a parking lot plan was prepared prior to the twin ice pads but not a proper site plan review. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison questioned whether the review would consider the impact on the community, as there is a considerable concern about parking. Mr. Baulk advised that this would be included in the review. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That we approve, in principle, of hiring a facility consultant to undertake a Master Site Plan review of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, to be funded from the K.M.A. Complex current, general, capital account, and further, That final approval be required, subject to Calls for Expressions of Interest, per City Purchasing By-laws." KOROVA HOUSE - GRANT REQUEST It was noted that Mr. C. Krulicki, who had registered as a delegation, was unable to attend the meeting. Councillor M. Yantzi advised that he had just received a copy of the business plan for the Youth Festival, to take place in Victoria Park on August 23, 1997 and the request is for an in-kind grant in the amount of $1,069.00 for City services such as picnic tables, garbage cans, etc.. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of Korova House for an in-kind grant in the amount of $1,069.00 to assist with the Youth Festival, in Victoria Park, on August 23, 1997." ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary