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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1998-04-27CSC\1998-04-27 APRIL 27, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:10 p.m., with all members present. Others Present: Ms. J. Clark, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. B. Aikenhead, Messrs. J. Gazzola, R. Arnot, M. Price, M. Mahaffey, G. Kett, R. Wyatt and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATION - BOULEVARD TREE REMOVAL - 410 DUKE STREET WEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Mahaffey, Supervisor of Forestry, dated April 20, 1998, providing background information on the state of the Sugar Maple tree standing on municipal property inside the sidewalk in front of Duke Street West and south of the driveway entering 410 Duke Street West and recommending that it not be removed. Ms. C. Moser, owner of 410 Duke Street West, was in attendance to request that the tree be removed. She explained the problem with the location of the tree and the problems with accessing her driveway. She indicated that there could possibly be some drainage problems at her house caused by the root system of the tree. She stated that the tree is causing damage to her driveway and noted that it is lifting the sidewalk in front of her property which can also cause problems for pedestrians. Ms. Moser provided a written submission from her neighbour who also is requesting that the tree be removed. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether Ms. Moser would be wanting to remove the tree herself or whether she is requesting that the City remove the tree. Ms. Moser responded that the tree is on City property and so she is asking the City to remove the tree. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned whether there was any way to mark the tree so that people will avoid it. Ms. Moser responded that the tree roots are now growing on top of the pavement and it is not easy to avoid. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether staff had any concerns and Mr. Mahaffey advised that forestry staff have no problems with the tree itself but there is a problem with the driveway and the sidewalk. He advised that the Public Works Department has means to repair the sidewalk and could put asphalt on the driveway. He noted that the cost to remove the tree would be approximately $1,200.00. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she agreed with staff with respect to repairing the driveway and the sidewalk. She felt something else could be done to solve the problem and keep the tree. Councillor John Smola advised that he visited this property and he recommends that the staff recommendation be deferred to get a report from the Public Works Department on the cost of repairing the sidewalk and the driveway. He did agree that it was difficult to get a car into the driveway and suggested that perhaps the driveway ramp and the driveway past the tree could be shifted. He also noted the drainage problems identified by Ms. Moser and suggested that it should be determined whether the tree roots are causing a problem with the drain. He put forward a motion to defer this matter for a report from the Public Works Department. Councillor T. Galloway requested an amendment to the motion that the report include an estimation of how many of these situations exist in the city, which was accepted by Councillor John Smola. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That we defer consideration of the request of Ms. C. Moser to remove the Sugar Maple located on municipal property, inside the sidewalk in front of Duke Street West and south of the driveway entering 410 Duke Street West, and further, That the Public Works Department report to the Community Services Committee , at its meeting scheduled for May 11, 1998, on the cost of repairing the sidewalk and the cost of shifting the driveway ramp and driveway, past the tree, at 410 Duke Street West, and further, 1. DELEGATION - BOULEVARD TREE REMOVAL - 410 DUKE STREET WEST (CONT'D) APRIL 27, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER That the Public Works Department investigate and report on what problems, if any, the roots of the street tree may be causing the property owner at 410 Duke Street West, with respect to drainage, and further, That the Public Works Department advise how many similar situations, of trees on City boulevards causing damage to sidewalks and driveway ramps, exist in the City." VICTORIA HILLS COMMUNITY GARDEN The Committee members were provided with copies of a report from Mr. J. Gazzola, Chief Administrator, dated April 27, 1998, providing the Committee members with an update on the situation with respect to maintaining the Victoria Hills community gardens, which had been discussed at the Committee's meeting of April 6, 1998. Mr. Gazzola advised the Committee that he wanted to ensure that the garden could continue for this year. He advised that the owner has been co-operative in this regard, but is looking at this as a business venture. He stated that the property has a high dollar value. Staff and the owner have been looking at swaps and alternatives. Mr. Gazzola advised that Mr. T. Clancy has been looking at alternative sites and has a list of 12 sites. He stated that he realized the neighbourhood thinks that this is the best site but he is not certain whether this site can be maintained in the long run. Councillor C. Weylie stated that the best thing that has happened so far is that the discussions continue and that the owner has agreed to the continued use of the rear yard for the garden. Further, the discussion with respect to land swaps continues. Ms. Clark, a representative for the neighbourhood, stated that the land being offered for the garden is very small and it hasn't been marked off yet. She requested that they be permitted to use the whole of the land if they agree to vacate by September 1st. Mr. J. Gazzola explained that the owner wants to put up one townhouse unit this year as a display. He requires Committee of Adjustment approval. When questioned by the Committee, the Secretary advised that the soonest this matter could come before the Committee of Adjustment is June 9th and that an application has not been submitted yet. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Gazzola advised that the developer has his financing in place and is ready to go. Councillor C. Weylie requested that the developer be contacted to mark out what portion of the land can be used for the garden and that it be done by Council next Monday night. SENIORS OF DISTINCTION AWARDS EVENT AND HARRY TASKER INTERGENERATIONAL AWARD The Committee was in receipt of brochures and nomination forms for these awards. Ms. B. Aikenhead, Manager of Seniors and Leisure Support Services, and a delegation were in attendance to explain these award programs. APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure Programs, dated March 25, 1998, recommending that Ms. C. Ewing be appointed as a member of the Public Art Committee. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Cheryl Ewing be appointed as a member of the Public Art Committee for a term to expire November 30, 1998." PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Culture, Events, Leisure COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 1998 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER Programs, dated April 1998, recommending that the City accept a gift from Mr. Thomas Seniw, of a work of art. Mr. Seniw was in attendance and provided information on this work of art. Councillor C. Weylie requested a photograph or design to get a better idea of what this work of art will look like. She advised that she wished to see this prior to next Monday's Council meeting. Councillor M. Yantzi put forward a motion to approve the recommendation contained in the report. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she supports Councillor Yantzi's motion as it offers a great opportunity for partnership with business and the community and it will enhance the building. She also stated that the City was fortunate to have a piece of art from an artist with an international reputation. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That Council accept a gift from artist Thomas Seniw of a work of art, comprised of ceramic tile stone in a mosaic mural style, to be located on the 2nd level of the Rotunda, directly opposite the north Council Chamber entrance, and further, That the Manager of Arts, Culture, Events be designated as the City Co-Ordinator for its installation and acceptance by the City." 6. SPECIAL EVENTS STAFFING The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated April 22, 1998, outlining the proposal for additional part-time staffing hours for the Arts, Culture and Events Division as well as requesting additional funds for programming on Civic Square. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether, based on the report at the Finance and Administration Committee meeting earlier this date, this matter should be dealt with in the marketing report or whether it should be deferred until the marketing is dealt with. Mr. J. Gazzola and Mr. M. Price advised that they were prepared to wait until the marketing report is dealt with. Mr. Price requested that, if the matter is to be deferred, the $10,000.00 for additional programming be dealt with today. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Department of Parks and Recreation for additional funds, in the amount of $10,000.00, for programming Civic Square, and further, That the request of the Department of Parks and Recreation, for additional part-time staffing hours, for the Arts, Culture and Events Division, be deferred and referred to Mr. J. Gazzola for inclusion in his report dealing with marketing and communications for the City of Kitchener." 7. COMMUNITY ARENA CONCESSION OPERATIONS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Manager, Athletics, Community Arenas, Design/Development, dated April 17, 1998, recommending an addendum agreement with Brown's Automatic Vending (1975) Limited to extend the community arenas concession operation agreement, with the agreement to include a new provision for an annual contribution of $10,000.00 to the City. He also requested that the $10,000.00 annual contribution be dedicated to the improvements of the community arenas. Councillor Jake Smola questioned when the current agreement is due and Mr. Wyatt advised that it would expire January 30, 1999. Councillor Jake Smola then questioned whether there was any interest shown by anyone else and Mr. Wyatt responded that there was no interest 7. COMMUNITY ARENA CONCESSION OPERATIONS (CONT'D) from companies, only individuals. Councillor Jake Smola then questioned whether this was the best deal the City could get. Mr. R. Wyatt explained that Brown's current agreement has an option COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 1998 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER for a 3 year extension. Mayor C. Zehr questioned why we would not simply exercise the 3 year option and not go beyond that and Mr. Wyatt advised that the additional years are due to the additional $10,000.00. He further advised that the Legal Department has no problem going with 5 years instead of 3. Ms. P. Houston pointed out the suggestion in recommendation #2 and suggested that it not be included. She advised that the dollars it generates flow to the department's bottom line. Mr. R. Wyatt stated that staff had gone this route because of the revenues. He was concerned because it is quite possible that the $10,000.00 would not go back into the concessions which is the reason for this additional income. A discussion then took place on whether the concessions at the community arenas should be tied in with the contract for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. It was noted by staff that the clientele at each is much different and the type of operations are different. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he was prepared to move recommendation #1 but not recommendation #2 as he felt that this was not for Council to decide. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an addendum agreement with Brown's Automatic Vending (1975) Limited to extend the community arenas concession operation agreement for a further term of 5 years and 2 months, that being February 1, 1999, to March 31, 2004, inclusive, with such agreement to include a new provision for an annual contribution of $10,000.00 to the City of Kitchener and with the terms of such agreement being satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 8. RECREATION AND LEISURE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. M. Sanderson, Supervisor, Leisure Support Services for Persons with Disabilities, dated April 20, 1998, which the Committee accepted as an information item. 9. UPDATED CEMETERIES BUSINESS PLAN INITIATIVES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated April 16, 1998, recommending updated Cemetery Business Plan Initiatives. Councillor T. Galloway stated that we really do have to update the business plan for the Cemetery and he stated that he endorsed these initiatives. He put forward a motion to adopt the recommendation contained in Mr. Kett's report. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That we approve the Cemetery Business Plan Initiatives contained in the report prepared by Mr. G. Kett, Division Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated April 16, 1998, as considered by the Community Services Committee on April 27, 1998, and further, That staff be directed to implement or review the Cemetery Business Plan Initiatives in the time-frames identified in the report of Mr. G. Kett, dated April 16, 1998." 10. INFORMATION ITEMS Councillor B. Vrbanovic drew the Committee's attention to the report of Mr. R. Weber, Manager, Community Development Division, with respect to access to neighbourhood community centres by Waterloo Regional Police. Councillor B. Vrbanovic briefly explained the report and the process APRIL 27, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. which is taking place. He asked Council to endorse this initiative. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That we endorse the expanded use of community centres and pools by the Waterloo Regional Police, as outlined in the report of Mr. R. Weber, Manager, Community Development Division, dated April 15, 1998, and further, That staff report back to the Community Services Committee in 3 - 6 months to advise of the progress of this initiative." ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary