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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1997-10-06CSC\1997-10-06 OCTOBER 6, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:25 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor R. Christy, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor John Smola, Councillor M. Wagner, Councillor M. Yantzi, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor J. Ziegler. Others Present: Ms. C. Schaefer, Ms. C. Oliver, Messrs. T. Clancy, R. Arnot, G. Kett, M. Price and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated September 19, 1997, recommending that the Public Art Committee be established as a standing committee of Council. Mr. Price was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. It was generally agreed by the Committee to change the term "standing committee" to "special committee". On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the Public Art Committee be established as a special committee of City Council, and further, That the committee structure and size be expanded to include a maximum of 9 committee members, a Council representative and Parks and Recreation staff, and further, That the Terms of Reference for the Public Art Committee remain the same as approved by Council on January 31, 1996." 2. BULLAS FOUNTAIN STATUARY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated October 1997, recommending that the City begin negotiations with the owner of the Bullas Fountain Statuary to secure these pieces and to investigate a site for the installation of them. The report also included background information on the construction and history of the statues. Mr. M. Price was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. On motion by Mayor R. Christy - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener begin negotiations with the present owner of the Bullas Fountain Statuary to secure the 2 pieces, and further, That the City begin investigating a site for the installation of the 2 pieces, ideally with a water component, in the downtown." 3. INSTALLATION OF FIRST OUTDOOR INDUSTRIAL ARTIFACT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated September 23, 1997, recommending that the City install the first outdoor industrial artifact on Mill Street up from Queen Street at the point where the train tracks cross Mill Street. The report advised that there are 3 locations within this general site that could receive large pieces of machinery and it is hoped that 2 more pieces could be installed later, once secured. Mr. M. Price was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. A discussion took place over the possibility of applying to the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation for a grant to assist with installing this artifact. Councillor T. Galloway advised that, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 1997 - 79 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. INSTALLATION OF FIRST OUTDOOR INDUSTRIAL ARTIFACT (CONT'D) as a member of the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation, he felt it would be better if the application came from the Committee and not the City. It would be better for the application to be at arm's length. Mr. N. Rees addressed the Committee and gave a brief presentation about the project. Mr. Rees stated that this is a heritage project and there is a real need to preserve examples of industrial machinery; as it has a strong cohesive effect on the community. He also advised that this project speaks to manufacturers as well and is good for business. He stated that the proposed location is across from the Joseph Schneider Haus and by the community trail, which could become a learning and teaching trail. With respect to aesthetics, Mr. Rees stated that the artifact has a sculptural feel. Mr. Rees concluded by stating that this is a completely unique project and he was not aware of any other municipality undertaking a project of this nature. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether a plaque will be erected and Mr. Rees advised that there will be a plaque containing the name of the project, the date and an explanation of what the machinery was used for. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he agrees with the chosen location but questioned whether they were abandoning the idea that these artifacts be spotted throughout the community. Mr. Rees responded that the idea has not been abandoned and gave reasons for the current recommended location. On motion by Mayor R. Christy - it was resolved: "That the City install the first outdoor industrial artifact in the location on Mill Street suggested in the report of Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated September 23, 1997, and further, That funding for this specific installation be made from existing accounts, and further, That the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee apply for a grant to cover 50% of the cost through the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation, with the anticipated cost being $5,000.00." 4. VICTORIA PARK PLAYGROUND The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect, dated September 26, 1997, in response to a letter received from Raymond Brown regarding the Victoria Park Playground. The report included background information along with a proposed course of action. Mr. T. Clancy advised that this playground has already been changed to go from a high-risk use to meeting the new CSA standards. He stated that Mr. Sleeth will follow-up with Mr. Brown. 5. REVISED GOLF OPERATIONS BUSINESS PLAN Mayor R. Christy left the meeting at this time. The Committee was provided with a report, under separate cover, from Mr. G. Kett, Division Manager, Golf Course and Cemetery Operations, dated September 27, 1997, which included revisions to the Golf Section Business Plan. Mr. Kett was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. Kett presented the revised business plan by way of a computer presentation and a hard copy of the presentation was provided to the Committee members. Mr. Kett advised that there is a Type 1 Membership and a Type 2 Membership which were introduced in 1990. The Type 2 Membership was introduced because it was thought, at the time, that the per round revenues were not enough to maintain the courses. Also, it was not OCTOBER 6, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 80 - CITY OF KITCHENER REVISED GOLF OPERATIONS BUSINESS PLAN (CONT'D) possible to get all the members on the course. The business plan proposes funding the redevelopment of the courses, as outlined in the master plan, including a possible expansion at Doon Valley; therefore, it is necessary to raise additional revenues. Mr. Kett advised that the membership changes will eliminate the inequity between the Number 1 and Number 2 players. It will also dramatically reduce the amount of cash which has to be handled every day. Mr. Kett then advised that the revised business plan contains 3 recommendations. He stated that no one will lose the opportunity to be a member if they are a member today. He stated that the City of Kitchener is in the bottom one-third of pricing for all forms of memberships and fees among golf courses in the area and in the top one-third for condition of courses. He also stated that the proposed 1998 fees are a fair price structure in comparison to other courses in the area. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether the membership has been advised of this proposal and how many current members there are. Mr. Kett responded that the membership has not been advised, as of yet. Further, he advised that there are 224 members at Rockway and 225 or 226 at Doon Valley. Councillor Ziegler then commented that the proposed increases represent a 12 - 13 percent increase and not the 5 percent recommended by the pro-forma budget. Mr. Kett responded that the full adult membership will increase by 12 percent. Councillor T. Galloway questioned why staff are proposing to reverse the present policy of eliminating the Number 1 Memberships. Mr. Kett responded that Number 2 Members will play fewer games and they will not play golf when conditions are not optimum. The total revenues from Number 2 Members, over the full season, will be less than that from Number 1 Members. It is significantly better to go back to the option Number 1 Memberships. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned why the green fees were not being raised a little higher and Mr. Kett responded that last year they were increased by 10 percent for weekends and holidays. Since there were more tee times available, they made enough money. Councillor John Smola questioned Mr. Kett as to how the fees were established and advised that he had concerns with the annual rates for members. He advised that he would like to see benefits after 50 rounds and not 40 rounds. He felt the members should be paying more. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he would not support an increase in excess of 12 percent. This is already a significant jump and it can be revisited next year if necessary. A discussion then took place concerning green fees. Councillor M. Yantzi moved the recommendations contained in the revised business plan. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that the City has been criticized in the past for not notifying golf course members and sharing information. He suggested that the recommendations be approved in principle, to come back to this Committee once the membership has been advised. Councillor John Smola stated that at most other golf courses the members aren't advised in advance. He suggested communicating the information and if the members have any concerns, they can come to this Committee. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested passing the recommendations today and forwarding them to Council for the Council meeting of October 27th. In the meantime, staff can advise the golf course members. Councillor M. Yantzi accepted Councillor J. Ziegler's suggestion as an amendment to his motion. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That we approve the membership and green fee structure, for the Doon Valley Golf Club and Rockway Golf Club, for 1998, as considered by the Community Services Committee on October 6, 1997, and further, That all members be maintained and converted to Option 1 status, and further, That new full membership limits, of 200 at Rockway Golf Club and 225 at Doon Valley Golf Club, be established, and further, OCTOBER 6, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES -81 - CITY OF KITCHENER REVISED GOLF OPERATIONS BUSINESS PLAN (CONT'D) That this recommendation be forwarded to the Council meeting scheduled for October 27, 1997; with staff to communicate this recommendation to the golf membership prior to the Council meeting." Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether the neighbourhood has been advised of the master plan and directed that it be circulated to the neighbours over the winter. GENERAL GRANT REQUESTS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 1, 1997, requesting the Committee's approval of the grant application package for the 1998 General Grants, specifically including 2 letters which were attached to the report. Mr. Arnot was in attendance to represent the report and to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That we approve the grant application package for general grants, for 1998, as outlined in the report of Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 1, 1997, and considered by the Community Services Committee on October 6, 1997." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 2:23 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary