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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1997-11-17CSC\1997-11-17 NOVEMBER 17, 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: Mayor R. Christy, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor J. Ziegler. Others Present: Ms. H. Storer, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. D. Arnold, Messrs. J. Gazzola, J. Hancock, N. Kuntz, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, K. Baulk, J. Nelson, P. Beaudry, D. Daly, M. Mahaffey, J. Coish, G. Kett and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. FIRE ALARM MONITORING Mr. J. Hancock, Fire Chief, was in attendance to provide the Committee with a verbal update on the situation with direct-to-fire alarm monitoring and was assisted by Mr. J. Coish. Mr. Hancock displayed the equipment which would be located in individual homes and described how the equipment would work. He advised that all the equipment is available today and that they will start connecting the equipment on January 5th. He advised that as soon as the hardware is in, they are live. Mr. Hancock advised that the department has been heavily inundated with legal agreements which has slowed the process down somewhat. He advised that contracts with individuals are now ready to go. Mr. Hancock advised that this system is directly connected to the Kitchener Fire Department communications. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that this will be the first time a monitoring system has been totally connected to a fire dispatch and that this is totally unique. 2. REALLOCATION OF CAPITAL FUNDING The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. N. Kuntz, Deputy Fire Chief, dated November 10, 1997, concerning the department's request to reallocate Capital funds in the 1998 forecast from Major Equipment Fleet to Fire Station #7 and to a new project with respect to Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. Mr. Kuntz was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Council endorse the transfer of $143,000.00 Capital funding in the 1998 Capital forecast from Major Equipment Fleet to Fire Station #7 and to a new project, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus upgrade." 3. 1998 FEES AND CHARGES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 14, 1997, containing the recommended fees and charges for the Parks and Recreation Department, for 1998. Mr. Arnot was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. Arnot introduced Ms. W. Love, the former Market Supervisor and Ms. I. Chyc, the new Market Supervisor. Mr. Arnot advised that the fees and charges have been increased by the 2% recommended in the Pro Forma Budget, except for general admission fees for pools and arenas and the market vendor rates. He also advised that all the divisions are just about finished their strategic plans and one thing they have in common is fees and charges. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether the KMA and community arenas, tournament/special event ice charge was new and whether it applies to minor sports. Mr. Arnot advised that such a charge exists now. Mr. K. Baulk advised that the charge has been in effect since the twin ice pads were constructed and it does not apply to minor sports. Councillor J. Ziegler moved the recommendation contained in Mr. Arnot's report, subject to it not applying to golf course fees, which were to be considered later in this meeting. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison questioned the different amounts for security charged at the community centres. Mr. Arnot advised that the lower rate applied when the facility attendant COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 17, 1997 - 87 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. 1998 FEES AND CHARGES (CONT'D) provided the security and the higher rate when security was contracted out. He advised that security is contracted out when liquor is involved. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the 1998 Fees and Charges for the Parks and Recreation Department, as contained in the report of Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 14, 1997, save and except for Golf Course Fees and Charges, be approved." 4. CHRISTMAS FANTASY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated November 12, 1997, recommending that Council approve $6,000.00 to assist with in-kind services for the Christmas Fantasy Tree Lighting Program in Victoria Park. Mr. T. Clancy advised that staff have been asked to volunteer time to do some of the work and Local #68 will take this on, as well as some management staff. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned why the money is needed if volunteers are doing the work. Mr. Clancy responded that he was not sure how much would be accomplished by the volunteers but whatever money was not spent will stay in the account. A discussion then took place over what K-W Hydro volunteer time would be involved and what the Commission, itself, contributes. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned why the money is looked at separately and why it does not come out of the regular budget. He questioned internal billing, why it is needed and the ultimate benefit. Mr. T. Clancy responded that he felt that Council should make the decision to spend this amount of money and it should not be a staff decision. Mayor R. Christy advised that he has received 3 or 4 telephone calls about very large fir trees. Mr. T. Clancy advised that staff have looked at 2 and that the Christkindlesmarkt will take one and one will go to the Auditorium. Also, one will be used as a live specimen. He stated that staff do get several requests of this kind during the year. Councillor T. Galloway moved the recommendation contained in Mr. Clancy's report. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Council approve $6,000.00 to assist with in-kind services for the 1997 Christmas Fantasy Tree Lighting Program in Victoria Park." 5. STRATEGIC PLAN - AQUATICS DIVISION AND PARKS OPERATIONS DIVISION The Committee was in receipt of the Strategic Plan for the Aquatics Division, which was attached to the agenda, and the Strategic Plan for the Parks Operations Division, which was circulated under separate cover. Mr. P. Beaudry reviewed the Strategic Plan for the Aquatics Division highlighting the 7 key goals. Councillor T. Galloway noted the 17 objectives and questioned which were high priority items. Mr. Beaudry responded that the 17 objectives are listed in a priority order from high to Iow. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned national trends and Mr. Beaudry advised that many of the trends are to do with an aging population. Mr. Beaudry advised that many pools in Canada have been designed after looking at the Lyle Hallman Pool and this is a major trend. He advised that the therapeutic nature of water and fitness is also a trend. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned how we rationalize services vis-a-vis Sportsworld and Bingemans and Mr. Beaudry responded that we must maintain close monitoring of national trends and look at those areas that we can finance and offer at a reasonable cost. 5. STRATEGIC PLAN - AQUATICS DIVISION AND PARKS OPERATIONS DIVISION (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 17, 1997 - 88 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor M. Yantzi questioned how we can determine who uses the pools, including statistics such as age and income. Mr. Beaudry responded that staff are always trying to determine who uses these facilities. Councillor Yantzi questioned if there were segments of the population who under-utilize these facilities and Mr. Beaudry responded that primarily teenage boys under-use these facilities. Mr. D. Daly then reviewed the Strategic Plan for the Parks Operations Division, with the assistance of a computer aided presentation. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison thanked Mr. Daly and his staff and advised that she was impressed with the dedication of staff to solve problems and find solutions. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned the time lines in both strategic plans and whether staff could come back in 6 months with an update. Mr. R. Arnot responded that 3 more strategic plans would be on this Committee's agenda for the December 8th meeting and then staff will come back in January with priorities for staff to work on. Councillor G. Lorentz thanked staff for the effort involved in putting together these strategic plans. 6. IRON HORSE TRAIL Mr. J. Nelson was in attendance and displayed the sign to be used on the Iron Horse Trail. He advised that the sign will be installed at each street crossing on both sides of the street and that signs will be installed starting within the next 2 weeks. 7. 1998 GENERAL PROVISION GRANT SCHEDULE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 12, 1997, recommending a schedule, with quarterly dates, at which the General Grants would be considered by the Committee. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That we approve the 1998 General Provision Grants schedule, as contained in the report of Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 12, 1997." 8. 1998 ANNUAL GRANT APPLICATIONS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 12, 1997, containing a summary of the 1998 Annual Grant applications received. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that this year he is quite disappointed that the recommendations are between 5% and 10% higher than 1997. He stated that if there was no decrease in the recommended grants he felt they should at least be no higher than the 1997 grant level. Mr. R. Arnot explained that there are no recommendations with respect to these grants and the figures contained in the report are the actual requests from the organizations. He advised that there are a couple of delegations who wish to appear at the December 8, 1997 Committee meeting and Councillor G. Lorentz stated that the Committee should listen to the delegations before making their decision. Mr. Arnot assured the Committee that this report is being tabled for information only, at this time, and that complete details with respect to these grants are available in the Council wing, should the members wish to have that type of information. 9. 1998 MUNICIPAL GOLF CLUB FEES AND MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Golf Course and Cemetery Operations, dated November 11, 1997, recommending the golf course fees and membership structure for 1998. Mr. Kett was in attendance to represent the report and answer 9. 1998 MUNICIPAL GOLF CLUB FEES AND MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE (CONT'D) NOVEMBER 17, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 89 - CITY OF KITCHENER any questions the Committee might have in this regard. It was noted that Mr. T. Brennand had registered as a delegation, concerning this matter, but was not in attendance. Mr. S. Thomas and Mr. A. Mills, golf course members, were in attendance. Mr. Thomas addressed the Committee advising of his concerns regarding the fee increases proposed in Mr. Kett's report. He stated that he was concerned about the equity of the fee increases. Mr. Thomas stated that there are quite a lot of categories of membership and he spoke of the differences between restricted and non-restricted memberships. He stated that, in the current proposal, the rate increase is 6% higher for restricted members and that the difference between restricted and non- restricted memberships is decreasing. It was Mr. Thomas' opinion that a 40% differential should be maintained. Mr. Thomas also provided statistics on the percentage of use of the courses by membership option type, stating that Option #1 members use the courses a greater percentage of the time than their fees are to the total revenues generated. Mr. Thomas stated that, in order to preserve the equity in membership, there should be an 8% increase for all members. Mr. Thomas continued that, what was before the Committee was only a small portion of the golf course financial statement. He stated that, in his opinion, the stimulus for the proposed fee increase is to finance the new 9-hole course at Doon. He stated that, in his experience as a businessman, a new venture of this nature should be financed out of anticipated revenues and not by increasing fees to existing members. Mr. Thomas also noted that, at the recent meeting with the members, the members stated they wanted a choice of an Option #1 or Option #2 membership. In conclusion, Mr. Thomas stated that he felt all classes of fees should be increased by 8% and members should be given a choice of an Option #1 or Option #2 membership. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned, if this was a private golf club, how a person would know that an expansion was paid for out of current revenues or future revenues. Mr. Thomas gave his opinion on the matter and also indicated that increased revenues could also be generated by increased use. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether Mr. Thomas would support: an 8% increase across the board; a choice of Option #1 or Option #2 membership and that full financial statements be made available to the membership. Mr. Thomas advised that he would and that he would also like a copy of the Master Plan. Councillor Jake Smola then questioned staff about volume of golfers. Mr. Kett responded that he didn't think that there were 2 courses busier than Doon and Rockway. He stated that he didn't think it was practical to put more golfers through these courses, as maintenance costs would go up. Councillor T. Galloway referred to the 40% differential and questioned why different increases are being recommended. Mr. Kett provided an explanation of fee increases since 1993. He stated that staff are trying to attempt to equalize increases and from 1998 on, increases can be the same for all categories. Councillor T. Galloway questioned tee time availability as compared to other courses and Mr. Kett responded that the course conditions and services are very comparable to the other 4 golf courses. Councillor T. Galloway then discussed Option #2 memberships and green fees. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison noted that she was quite surprised at how many times golf course fees are discussed. She felt that these increases would be detrimental to people on a fixed income. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he thought a 14% increase to be excessive. He felt that Full Memberships should be increased by 8.7% and Restricted Memberships by 10% and he put forward a motion to this effect. Mr. T. Clancy stated that the golf courses have a Business Plan 1998 MUNICIPAL GOLF CLUB FEES AND MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE (CONT'D) and a Strategic Plan and also that this is a rapidly changing business enterprise. He stated that COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 17, 1997 - 90 - CITY OF KITCHENER he would like to come up with a philosophy for next year. He questioned what percentage Council felt comfortable with and that it is a matter of choice. He also pointed out that the feedback received from the members is primarily an individual point of view. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he was in support of Councillor Ziegler's motion and that we need to keep things reasonable. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether Councillor Ziegler's motion extended to Option #2 memberships and Councillor Ziegler advised that it did not. Councillor T. Galloway then proposed an amendment to the motion, which was accepted as a friendly amendment, that all Option #2 memberships be increased by 10%. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned how this would affect the business plan and Councillor Jake Smola stated that he could not support the motion, as staff have put a lot of time in on the business plan. Councillor Jake Smola stated that the matter should be referred back to staff, for the philosophy spoken of by Mr. T. Clancy. He stated that this Committee is getting involved in the micro end of things and that it should be dealing with the philosophy end of things. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he agreed with Councillor Jake Smola; however, we need to advise the members of the 1998 fees. He stated that next year we can set out a formula for fees. Mr. T. Clancy advised that staff would not be in a position to work on the matter with Finance until January or February. He requested that the Committee support the current report and then staff will work on a policy for next year. Councillor John Smola advised that he was reluctant to support the fees contained in the staff report; now, following the discussion which has taken place, he is not in support of any of the proposed increases. He advised that he is in support of Councillor Jake Smola's recommendation to refer the matter back to staff for a policy/philosophy. Councillor Jake Smola's motion to refer this matter back to staff was voted on and lost. Councillor J. Ziegler's motion, as amended by Councillor T. Galloway, to increase Option #1 Full Memberships by 8.7%, Option #1 Restricted Membership by 10% and all Option #2 memberships by 10%, was voted on and lost on a tie vote. Councillor M. Yantzi put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor T. Galloway put forward an amendment to the motion to increase the green fees as follows: weekdays $25.00, weekends $29.00, twilight weekdays $17.00 and twilight weekends $20.00. He felt that this would be equal to our 4 comparators. Councillor Jake Smola stated that the Committee should stick with the proposal before the Committee. A brief discussion took place concerning the green fees and Councillor T. Galloway subsequently withdrew his amendment. Councillor J. Ziegler requested a recorded vote. The motion by Councillor M. Yantzi to approve the recommendation contained in the staff report was voted on and lost on a tie vote. In Favour: Mayor R. Christy, Councillor John Smola, Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor Jake Smola. Contra: Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor G. Lorentz and Councillor J. Ziegler. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a motion to approve golf membership as previously recommended by Councillor J. Ziegler plus an increase to the green fees as previously suggested by Councillor T. Galloway. 9. 1998 MUNICIPAL GOLF CLUB FEES AND MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE (CONT'D) Mr. J. Gazzola stated that it is important to deal with the philosophy in the new year. He NOVEMBER 17, 1997 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES -91 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. suggested leaving the green fees until this philosophy is decided. Mr. G. Kett noted that Option #2 fees cannot be set without a decision on green fees. Councillor J. Ziegler requested a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the following membership and green fee increases be approved for the golf courses for 1998: Option #1 Full Memberships be increased by 8.7% and Option #1 Restricted Memberships be increased by 10%; All Option #2 Memberships be increased by 10%; Weekday green fees be increased to $25.00; weekend green fees be increased to $29.00; twilight weekday green fees be increased to $17.00 and twilight weekend green fees be increased to $20.00." In Favour: Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor J. Ziegler. Contra: Mayor R. Christy, Councillor John Smola, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor Jake Smola. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary