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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1997-10-20CSC\1997-10-20 OCTOBER 20, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:20 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor R. Christy, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor John Smola, Councillor M. Wagner, Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor J. Ziegler. Councillor Jake Smola and Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting after its commencement. Others Present: Ms. R. Willis, Ms. G. Holstead, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. L. Gove, Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, M. Price, J. Cooper and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATION - KITCHENER FIRE FIGHTERS COMBAT CHALLENGE TEAM The Committee was in receipt of a report, under separate cover, from Mr. R. Kalan, Assistant Chief Fire Prevention Officer, dated October 8, 1997, requesting a grant to assist with the cost of attending the North American Championships for the Combat Challenge, to be held in Las Vegas, from November 6 - 8, 1997. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Kalan advised that they were asking for a grant in the amount of $1,500.00, which is the amount that Council granted them last year. Mr. Kalan then gave a brief explanation of the request. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Kitchener Fire Fighters Combat Challenge Team for a grant in the amount of $1,500.00 to assist with the cost of attending the North American Championships, in Las Vegas, from November 6 - 8, 1997." DIRECT EVENT PROGRAMMING - CiViC SQUARE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. G. Holstead, Co-ordinator of Programs, dated October 14, 1997, advising of the success of the events which have taken place over the last summer, on Civic Square. A video was shown of some of the events which took place. Mr. M. Price and Ms. G. Holstead were in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. Several members of Council commended staff for the excellent work done to attract and host events in the Civic Square. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison thanked Council for having the foresight to develop the Civic Square at the time the City Hall was built. 1998 SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL ATHLETICS & BOCCIA MEET AND 1999 ONTARIO GAMES FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 14, 1997, recommending that the City of Kitchener Department of Parks & Recreation host the 1998 Southwestern Regional Athletics & Boccia Meet and the 1999 Ontario Games for the Physically Disabled. The report included background information in this regard. Mr. R. Arnot was in attendance to represent the report and he introduced Mr. D. McClintock of Royal Trust who is on the committee for these events. Mr. McClintock briefly spoke to the Committee advising that last year Royal Trust was a corporate sponsor and they are looking forward to continuing their involvement. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener Department of Parks & Recreation host the 1998 Southwestern Regional Athletics & Boccia Meet at Centennial Stadium on Saturday, May 9, 1998, and further, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 1997 - 83 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. 1998 SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL ATHLETICS & BOCCIA MEET AND 1999 ONTARIO GAMES FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED (CONT'D) That the City of Kitchener Department of Parks & Recreation host the 1999 Ontario Games for the Physically Disabled from July 15 - 18, 1999 at Centennial Stadium and Rockway Golf Course." EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE - SECONDARY RESPONSE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated October 15, 1997, with respect to the appointment of a Municipal Parks Official to initiate secondary response and assistance to other municipalities following damage due to winds, floods or similar emergencies. Mr. T. Clancy was in attendance to represent the report and briefly discuss the benefits of such an appointment and the emergency response itself. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned Mr. Clancy stating that Council has never denied his requests in this regard and questioning why it was necessary to appoint such an official. Mr. Clancy responded that in the case, where Council or this Committee is not meeting, such as during the summer schedule, it would allow the City an opportunity to respond in a short period of time. Councillor John Smola put forward the recommendation contained in Mr. Clancy's report. Mayor R. Christy requested an amendment to the motion, that Council be informed as soon as possible, which was accepted as a friendly amendment. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener designate the General Manager of Parks & Recreation as the "Municipal Parks Official" to initiate secondary response and assistance to other municipalities following damage due to winds, floods or similar emergencies; as outlined in the report of Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated October 15, 1997 and considered by the Community Services Committee on October 20, 1997, and further, That the General Manager of Parks & Recreation notify Council, as soon as possible, after he has initiated such response and assistance." INFORMATION ITEMS Councillor T. Galloway referred to the Vehicle Over Parkland report attached to the agenda stating that the owner is required to get the permit but the contractor usually does the damage. He stated that some contractors aren't very careful and questioned whether there was any way to get the contractors to co-sign the application for the permit. He stated that he felt that if they were on the hook, they would be much more careful. Mr. T. Clancy responded that over the years it has been determined that there are only a few contractors who are repeat offenders and those contractors won't come anywhere near the City. He was not sure how to tie in the contractors to this permit process. Councillor T. Galloway made 2 suggestions: the first, that the contractor be required to come in after the homeowner has made the application and get the contractor to sign; secondly, that the homeowner be given a form that they get the contractor to sign before they come onto the property. He suggested that the Legal Department may be able to help draft something. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether there could be a list of problem contractors and when they are to do the work, a deposit be required. Mr. Clancy suggested that he could explore that possibility with the Legal Department but stated that we would then be starting to judge. With respect to tree trimming on boulevards and upon questioning by the Committee, Mr. Clancy advised that staff are now 1 year behind and are starting to classify situations so that hazards are looked after first. He stated that staff are now having to react to complaints. He advised that Committee that he would be coming back to Council with a game plan at budget time. 6. DELEGATION - ST. JEROME'S COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE UPDATE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 1997 - 84 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. D. Bourgeois, Friends of St. Jerome's, and Mr. S. Scadron-Wattles, Theatre & Co., were in attendance to update the Committee on the progress of the St. Jerome's Community Arts Centre, since the June 23, 1997 update, to review the revised design concept for the College Street building and to assess the project at this stage. Mr. Bourgeois reviewed the progress made to date. He distributed copies of the drawings to the Committee members, prepared by the Walter Fedy Partnership, showing proposed renovations to the College Street building. Mr. Bourgeois advised that he wished to thank the Walter Fedy Partnership for the work they have done, without charge, advising that it is indicative of the kind of commitment they have been getting from the community. Mr. Bourgeois then reviewed the drawings, outlining the renovations they proposed. He stated that they are trying to see that the money is going into the foundation of the building and they are looking at ways to keep costs in check. Mr. Bourgeois then advised that they are looking at 3 management options for the facility: purchasing management from an existing theatre operation, hiring their own staff or having a shared agreement with the school board. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Bourgeois then requested the Committee proceed with its resolutions of November 1996. He advised that they have had discussions with the K-W Community Foundation to have professional management of their endowment fund and he explained the benefits of such an arrangement. Mr. S. Scadron-Wattles then addressed the Committee stating why this community arts centre was essential to the growth of the arts in this area. He identified 5 reasons why the City should again pass their previous resolutions of a year ago. Councillor M. Wagner stated that he was frustrated with this process. He advised of his understanding that Theatre & Co. would manage this facility and questioned why no decision has been made. Mr. Scadron-Wattles advised that they are presently working out a contract. Councillor M. Wagner stated that he thought the fourth floor was not going to be renovated. Mr. Bourgeois advised that it will be cleaned out and then it would be up to the occupants to make any improvements. He stated that the negotiations are currently taking place. Councillor M. Wagner then referred to a figure of $1.3M, an amount which the Friends have stated will be required to renovate the building. Mr. Bourgeois advised that when the Walter Fedy Partnership undertook to design the renovations, the objective was to have the work done for $1.3M; however, the costs will be $2M, according to the Walter Fedy Partnership. Councillor Wagner then questioned what the Fundraising Feasibility stated they were likely to achieve and Mr. Bourgeois advised that $1M plus was the figure provided in the Feasibility Study. Councillor Wagner questioned where the fundraising is at this time and Mr. Bourgeois advised that, as soon as Council passes the resolutions, they will start on a fundraising committee. Councillor Wagner questioned why they haven't started fundraising yet and Mr. Bourgeois responded that most of their time has been taken up going through the process they have been required to go through. Councillor Wagner then questioned, if the City agrees to the 3 things contained in last year's resolutions, will the fundraising begin next spring? Mr. Scadron-Wattles stated that the fundraising will begin in November. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he would like to see this project move faster; however, he thanked all the volunteers who have brought this program this far. Councillor Vrbanovic then questioned the 3 motions from 1996 and Mr. Bourgeois advised that they included securing the building and insurance coverage. He advised that they were looking to staff to implement Council's direction from 1996. Councillor Weylie questioned what funds Council had agreed to contribute and Mr. Bourgeois advised that Council had agreed to a $1M endowment fund. Council had decided not to contribute to the capital improvement but to an endowment fund which would assist with operating costs. Councillor Weylie then questioned the use of the Duke Street building and was 6. DELEGATION - ST. JEROME'S COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE UPDATE (CONT'D) OCTOBER 20, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 85 - CITY OF KITCHENER advised that the proposed purchasers intend a use which will be complimentary. A discussion then took place over the usage for the Duke Street property. Mr. Bourgeois stated that what they were asking of Council is to protect and secure the building over the winter; to have staff continue to work with the Friends to bring this project to fruition and the endowment fund. Councillor M. Yantzi noted that Council said they would contribute to an endowment fund if the Friends could raise funds. He stated that we still don't know if this is feasible and suggested that the City not release any funds until the project is a go. Ms. P. Houston advised that the interest from the endowment fund was to be used for operating expenses. This was previously approved in principle, but no money was put aside. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he would not support any motion until he saw the previous motion and minutes. He referred to the agenda stating that there is nothing in the agenda to say that this Committee would be asked to adopt resolutions today and he was not prepared to consider any motions at this time. Mayor R. Christy stated that he was in agreement with Councillor Ziegler. Further, Mayor Christy stated that he would not approve of any other body administering the endowment fund. The Mayor stated that they already have approval of Council to secure the building and he directed Mr. J. Gazzola to look into this. Mr. J. Gazzola stated that it was his understanding that, if the Friends of St. Jerome's could raise the funds, then the City would secure the building and contribute the endowment fund. Councillor G. Lorentz directed staff to prepare a report for the Council meeting of Monday, October 27th, concerning the issues of securing the building, the endowment fund and the staff issues. Councillor M. Wagner highlighted 2 issues, being the management of the facility by Theatre & Co. and that he would be happy if the fundraising began next spring, as he felt it would not be possible to start in November. DELEGATION - ART WORKS! Ms. I. Stefanescu was in attendance to report to the Committee on the success of Art Works!, held September 20 - 21, 1997. A video was shown of the event and Ms. Stefanescu thanked Council for its support. She advised that the event had obtained an Ontario Art Council grant and a grant from the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation. She stated that 4,000 people had attended the event in the 2 days. She also stated that the event really needs Council's support. Councillor G. Lorentz thanked Ms. Stefanescu for attending and giving the Committee an update on the success of this event. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary