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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1998-02-09CSC\1998-02-09 FEBRUARY 9, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:40 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor J. Ziegler. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor John Smola were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. P. Houston, Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, N. Kuntz, M. Price, R. Wyatt, K. Baulk, and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. EASTERN ONTARIO ICE STORM The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. N. Kuntz, Deputy Fire Chief, dated February 4, 1998, with respect to the emergency relief provided to the victims of the ice storm in Eastern Canada, in January, 1998. Mr. Kuntz was in attendance to represent the report and gave a brief outline of it, including the areas of improvement for our own Emergency Plan, which he hopes to achieve in 1998. The Committee discussed the costs involved, as outlined in the report, and Councillor T. Galloway stated that, unless money is available to the Province, this would be a goodwill gesture on the part of the City of Kitchener. He noted that if the Province has a disaster relief fund then the City of Kitchener should apply, but the City should not be billing those we assisted. Mr. N. Kuntz noted that the municipalities that had the disasters are responsible for the costs, as the Province did not declare the disaster. Mr. T. Clancy noted that he had spoken with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and because they were requested to provide assistance by Ontario Hydro, they expect to recover their costs. Because their jurisdiction is different it may be that they can recover their costs from a different fund. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he stood by his suggestion that this be a goodwill gesture and if there is a fund, provincially, then the City should apply. He noted that a fundraising event was supposed to take place and the City pledged $2,700.00. As the event did not take place he suggested that the City should donate this money to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. He noted that the City's contribution through staffing and equipment may be part of the City's contribution. He asked staff to advise what has been done by other municipalities and in other disasters. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that staff didn't have an answer at this time but they will do research and report back. Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this time. 2. COMMUNITY ARENAS AND VICTORIA PARK BOATHOUSE CONCESSION OPERATIONS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development, dated February 2, 1997, outlining recommendations with respect to the operation of concessions at the 5 community arenas, the Picnic Booth concession at the rear of Victoria Park and the Victoria Park Boathouse. Mr. Wyatt was in attendance to represent the report and to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. The Committee members were also in receipt of a copy of an e-mail from Councillor M. Yantzi concerning the operation of the Victoria Park Boathouse. Mr. R. Wyatt gave an explanation of the benefits of the City taking back these operations and operating them themselves. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether the City received $35,000.00 less per year by contracting out which Mr. Wyatt confirmed was correct. Councillor John Smola entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Ziegler questioned capital improvements and Mr. Wyatt advised that there will be some capital improvements, but not a lot, as the previous operator did many capital improvements. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether sales had gone down and whether the City could expect sales to be down. Mr. Wyatt responded that the business is still there and that the City can do at least as well as they did before, if not better. He also confirmed that Brown's sales are up from when they started. COMMUNITY ARENAS AND VICTORIA PARK BOATHOUSE CONCESSION OPERATIONS COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 -9- CITY OF KITCHENER (CONT'D) Councillor T. Galloway stated that when the City would resume the operation it would not have the infrastructure in place within the Parks and Recreation Department and questioned what it would take. Mr. R. Wyatt explained that the department will hire and train its own staff. Councillor Galloway questioned who would set-up the concessions and Mr. Wyatt advised that the existing arena managers would perform that function. Councillor T. Galloway noted Councillor M. Yantzi's request to see something special take place at the Boathouse, something more than just a concession, and questioned whether this was still valid. He stated that Council wanted to see a special restaurant or cafe located there and he was not convinced that the City is in the business of doing that. He suggested trying one more time to find a private operator for this facility. Mr. R. Wyatt responded that staff could do as Councillor Galloway requested. He noted that 5 years ago the City put out an extensive request for proposal and there were only 2 final groups coming out of this request and the best one was the past operator. He noted that given the location and the type of building, these are things that worked against the past operator including the seasonal nature of the business and the limited parking. Councillor T. Galloway noted that Brown's still operates the concessions in the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and questioned whether the logic could be extended there as well. He questioned whether it was logical to conclude that staff could do better at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Mr. K. Baulk responded that one of the great savings by going to Brown's at the Auditorium was eliminating the staff person. Further, the guarantees by Brown's were greater that what we had made ourselves. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that she could not conclude that it was not in our best interest to tender again. She felt it would be best to tender the Boathouse operation and give a private operator an opportunity. Further, she stated that the City should ask for themes. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned the length of the contract at the Auditorium and Mr. K. Baulk advised that the contract goes to 2001. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then questioned why all of this couldn't be tendered out as one package and why it was being tendered individually. Mr. R. Wyatt responded that it was not being treated individually and that Brown's has tried to operate all concessions together. Mr. T. Clancy advised that this report is a year ahead of time and that there is time to review the matter and break down each piece. He also noted that the margin is not there for the Boathouse. He noted that staff were breaking down each element and making it work on its own merit. He stated that a theme idea had been tried; however, the margin of profit was not enough to cover the cost of the capital improvements. He also felt that clumping all these concessions together is not necessarily the best idea. Councillor B. Vrbanovic recommended deferring consideration of the matter for more information about the operation of the Auditorium concessions over the past 5 to 6 years, including actual sales and number of staff. Further, he wanted information to help the Committee determine whether the 2 should be considered differently. It was also his opinion that the Boathouse does have the ability to have a little more flare and that should be pursued. Councillor K. Taylor- Harrison advised that she would second such a motion. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that a theme could be included in the call for proposal and she wanted this added. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that there are real problems with the Boathouse operation including parking and, unless there are special events taking place in the park, there is not a lot of money being spent. He requested that staff dig up the minutes from the sub-committee meetings which took place the last time there was a call for interest, so that Council can see what took place when the previous decision was made. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison suggested that staff set out the limitations of the operation in the call for proposal. 2. COMMUNITY ARENAS AND VICTORIA PARK BOATHOUSE CONCESSION OPERATIONS (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 -10- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Parks and Recreation staff prepare a call for proposal for operation of a restaurant/concession at the Victoria Park Boathouse, to be presented to the Community Services Committee on February 23, 1998, and further, That Parks and Recreation staff prepare a report, for the Community Services Committee meeting of March 23, 1998, with more information on the operation of concessions at the community arenas, concessions at the K.M.A. Complex, so that the Committee can review the merits of combining or separating these 2 operations." 1998 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated January 1998, advising of the recommendation of the Public Art Committee that Mr. R. Hewson be named the 1998 Artist in Residence. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That we support the recommendation of the Public Art Committee that Ron Hewson be named the 1998 City of Kitchener Artist in Residence, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a license agreement with Ron Hewson to officially place him as the City of Kitchener Artist in Residence for 1998." DELEGATION - KITCHENER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - GRANT REQUEST Ms. G. Sears, President, and Mr. B. McNeil, Member of the Board of Directors, of the Kitchener Horticultural Society were in attendance to support their request for an operating grant in 1998. Ms. Sears addressed the Committee advising that she wished to support their grant request which was submitted in the fall and also to advise that she submitted a request to the Mayor to have a member of Council sit on the Kitchener Horticultural Society Board of Directors. She provided the Committee with a verbal update on their 1997 accomplishments and background on the Horticultural Society. She advised that the Society has 2 separate focuses, 1 being horticultural activities and the other Rockway Gardens. She noted that they were facing a large challenge in 1998 as 66% of their board members have left and there is a fair amount of work to do to re- establish their base. She advised that in November 1997 they held a special meeting of past and present board members and it was determined through that meeting that there is a need to direct more of their energy into their broader base of activities. Ms. Sears advised that they have been talking with staff with respect to reducing some of their expenses and they have had useful discussions which will continue and in this regard she thanked Mr. T. Clancy. Ms. Sears also advised that they have considered different approaches for fundraising. Ms. Sears then distributed copies of the Rockway Gardens budget for 1996, 1997 and projected 1998 budget and highlighted specific items in the budget. Councillor J. Ziegler noted staff increases and Ms. Sears advised that the staff at the Rockway Gardens make less than comparable City staff and they do not have the same benefits. She also stated that if the Horticultural Society is not successful in their grant request then they may have to consider whether they can continue carrying Rockway Gardens as a horticultural garden. She stated that they may have to give some responsibilities back to the City. A discussion then took place over volunteer hours in the gardens and in other activities, equipment replacement needs and memberships. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned Mayor C. Zehr as to whether he had any thoughts on a member of Council being on the Board and the Mayor said he would follow up on this separately. 5. DELEGATION SKILL CANADA PROVINCIAL & NATIONAL COMPETITIONS - GRANT REQUEST COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Bill Harrison and Ms. H. Thompson were in attendance to represent the request of Skills Canada for awarding the 1998 and 1999 Provincial Skills Canada (Ontario) competition to the City of Kitchener along with the 1999 National Skills Canada competition. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated February 3, 1998, in support of awarding these competitions to the City and recommending silver sponsorships for both competitions. Mr. Harrison addressed the Committee and presented their proposal and thanked the City for its 1997 grant. Mr. Harrison explained the grant request and the amount of support and sponsorships being received from other levels of government and from private industry. He advised that Skills Canada (Ontario) has moved its head office from Barrie to Kitchener. Ms. H. Thompson, a competitor in the 1997 Skills Canada competition, spoke of her experience and how these competitions benefit the students involved. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a motion that the City provide a grant in the amount of $5,000.00 for 1998 and take on a Gold Sponsorship, in the amount of $15,000.00 for the national competition to take place in 1999. He stated that this event has real potential to showcase our community and he urged staff to consider the Kitchener Utilities' logo for this event. A debate took place on whether or not it was appropriate to award a grant in the amount $15,000.00 as a ceiling on grants had been set with the Women's World Hockey championships at $10,000.00, and some of the members of the Committee were concerned about raising that limit. Councillor B. Vrbanovic responded that he felt this was different than a sporting event as it focuses on our youth and that is an important factor. He stated that youth unemployment is a very serious problem and he felt that the City should give this level of support. Councillor T. Galloway stated that the City is not into education and it is in the event of business and that this should be looked at as an event. He stated that the most the City has ever awarded is $10,000.00 and he wanted to maintain that limit. Councillor Vrbanovic's motion was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That we support the awarding of the 1998 and 1999 Provincial Skills Canada (Ontario) competition and the 1999 National Skills Canada competition to the City of Kitchener, and further, That the City contribute, from its grant account, a total of $5,000.00 in 1998 to purchase a Silver Sponsorship for the Provincial competition and $10,000.00 in 1999 to purchase a Silver Sponsorship for the National competition." DELEGATION - ONTARIO HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, dated January 20, 1998, recommending that the City support the bid to host the 2000 Ontario High School Hockey Championship at the City of Kitchener. It also recommended an in- kind grant in the amount of $2,000.00. Mr. A. Garrett was in attendance to represent the request and to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. He advised that the 20 best high school hockey teams will be competing in this championship and he advised of the financial benefits to the community. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener support the bid to host the 2000 Ontario High School Hockey Championship tentatively scheduled for March 15 - 18, 2000, and further, 6. DELEGATION - ONTARIO HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP - GRANT REQUEST (CONT'D) That an in-kind facility rental grant in the amount of $2,000.00 be provided to the local host COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER committee to partially off-set ice rental costs at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex." DELEGATION - K-W AREA VISITOR AND CONVENTION BUREAU - GRANT REQUEST Ms. L. Kennedy was in attendance on behalf of the K-W Area Visitor and Convention Bureau to support the grant request for a 1998 operating grant. She advised of the importance of tourism to the local economy stating that statistics have shown that in 1996, locally, tourism brought $232M to the community and supported 4,000 jobs. She stated that these figures make tourism a key player in the economic development of the area. She advised that the Visitor and Convention Bureau is a destination marketing organization, it is also a co-ordinating body with 150 member businesses. Ms. Kennedy also advised that the City gets 4,200 information requests answered by the bureau each year and 30% of these requests are from local residents. The Committee members then reviewed the budget and asked questions about specific line items in the budget. It was also noted by Councillor T. Galloway that the 2 larger municipalities provide $1.00 per capita in funding, whereas the townships provide approximately $0.15 per capita and questioned whether there was any efforts to get the townships contributions up to the levels of the cities. Ms. Kennedy explained how the Woolwich Chamber of Commerce provided some of their own services in this regard. DELEGATION - KITCHENER-WATERLOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION GRANT REQUEST Representatives were in attendance from the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association to represent their grant request for operating funds in 1998. It was noted that Council had directed that the in-kind facility rental grant previously provided to the Taste of Waterloo County should, this year, be included in the Symphony's grant request. It was pointed out that the Centre in the Square receives revenue from the Symphony in the amount of $400,000.00 and that 40% of the Centre in the Square performance activity is done by the Symphony. It was also pointed out that the City of Kitchener grant, in 1997, represented 4% of the total budget for the Symphony. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that the Symphony's request was 10% higher than it was in 1997 and questioned whether there is a contingency plan in place if they receive the same or less than last year. The representatives stated that they would leave no stone unturned and that they would put on as many concerts in other cities in Ontario as they could and they are trying to grow that business. It was noted that there are a variety of ways for the Symphony to grow their revenues. Mayor C. Zehr questioned monies expected from the Canada Council and the Ontario government and was advised that the Canada Council monies are expected to remain flat and that they had been assured by the provincial government that funding for 3 years would be stable and then the government cut their funding by 30% so they are not sure what to expect from the provincial government. DELEGATION - K-W MULTICULTURAL CENTRE - GRANT REQUEST Ms. M. Revera was in attendance on behalf of the K-W Multicultural Centre to represent their request for a 1998 operating grant. Ms. Revera advised that last year, when making a similar presentation, a comment had been made to her that perhaps she should talk about everything the Multicultural Centre does, so she is in attendance this date to explain what the Multicultural Centre is doing. She advised that she has come to ask to start a conversation about the work they do in this community for its residents. She advised that the Multicultural Centre has 3 full-time staff and 3 part-time staff. The Centre looked after 2,092 first time clients this year and that does not include immigrants coming to the community from other cities in Canada such as Montreal and Thunder Bay. She advised that in 1997 the Centre saw over 9,000 clients. She stated that in 1997 the Centre worked with 175 businesses or agencies in this community because they did not know how to work with the immigrants. The Centre has approximately 250 volunteers who work with 52 different languages. She also advised that 80% DELEGATION - K-W MULTICULTURAL CENTRE - GRANT REQUEST (CONT'D) of their clients live in the City of Kitchener. Ms. Revera suggested that there may be other ways to cover the grant such as offering services in exchange for rent. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 -13- CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned whether there was any other organization in the city who who can provide the same services and Ms. Revera responded that the Y gets some funding but that the Multicultural Centre does more things than the Y can do. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. In addition, staff distributed an information report with respect to the feeding of ducks in Victoria Park. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that Mr. Fischer who had been selling potatoes at the Kitchener Farmers' Market has died. She advised that he lived at the farmstead at 1 Oregon Drive which is within the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District. She questioned how we recognized someone such as this. Staff were requested to come back with some suggestions. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary