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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1998-03-23CSC\1998-03-23 MARCH 23, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:25 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic and Councillor C. Weylie. Councillors K. Taylor-Harrison and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. J. Hutchison, Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. R. Upfold, Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, J. Hancock, R. Wyatt, D. Trask, M. Price, G. Kett, P. Wetherup, J. Cooper and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. NATIONAL COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM COMPETITION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated March 17, 1998, recommending support for the National Communities in Bloom Competition. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That we support the National Communities in Bloom Competition by contributing $10,000.00 towards the committee's $30,000.00 budget with this funding to be included in the 1998 Capital Forecast, and further, That the Communities in Bloom Committee be encouraged to raise $20,000.00 through sponsorship." 2. KMA COMPLEX - 1998 CAPITAL ALLOCATIONS The Committee was in receipt of an information report from Mr. R. Grau, Assistant Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated March 12, 1998. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether any further parking lot improvements are anticipated. Mr. R. Grau advised that the budget figures in this report are for general upgrades and that an additional $50,000.00 has been specified for parking lot improvements. Mayor C. Zehr questioned why this is not going through the regular budgetary process and Mr. Grau responded that it was included in the budget; however, Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked for a specific breakdown. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether any of this work is being looked after through Facilities Management and Mr. T. Clancy explained the working relationship with Facilities Management. 3. ADDITION TO CEMETERY TARIFF OF CHARGES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Division Manager, Cemetery and Golf Course Operations, dated March 3, 1998, providing background information and recommending an addition to the Tariff of Charges for the Cemeteries. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to take the necessary action to revise our present Cemetery Tariff of Charges to incorporate a fee of $175.00, which would be the additional fee charged for the completion of a cremation on any Sunday or statutory holiday." 4. HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT FOR 1998 SEASON The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Division Manager, Golf Course and Cemetery Operations, dated March 16, 1998, recommending a contract with Michael Martz. Mr. T. Clancy introduced Mr. M. Martz who gave a brief overview of last year's operation and his plans for the 1998 season. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT FOR 1998 SEASON (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement with Michael Martz, substantially similar to the draft agreement dated March 11, 1998, satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 5. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY - GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BANQUET CONTRACTS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Janke, Supervisor, Doon Valley Golf Club, with respect to the delegation of authority to sign Golf Course Facility Rental Agreements. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Council delegate to the Supervisors of Doon Valley and Rockway Golf Courses, and in their absence the Manager of Cemetery and Golf Operations, the authority to sign the Golf Course Facility Rental Agreement, as prepared by the Legal Department, dated March 1998, and further, That, in the event the applicant requests changes to any condition of the Golf Course Facility Rental Agreement, the agreement must be reviewed by the Legal Department and, if appropriate, brought before Council." 6. ATHLETIC AWARDS BANQUET REPORT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Cooper, Athletics Supervisor, dated March 16, 1998, providing background information on this event and recommending that it be continued in 1999. Councillor T. Galloway thanked staff for putting on this event, which he thought was very beneficial. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener host the 31st Annual Athletic Awards Banquet on or about February 26th, 1999, utilizing the same format as the 1998 Banquet, and further, That the same amount of funds be included in the 1999 budget as in 1998, in order to recognize an estimated 300 athletes." Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. 7. TOPPER WOODS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. P. Wetherup, Park Planner, dated March 16, 1998, providing background information and recommending a master plan be prepared for the Topper Woods area. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that she felt it was crucial that we get on with this as soon as possible. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That a master plan be prepared for the Topper Woods area to deal with the inclusion of community trails and the protection of the environmental features, as identified in the Region of Waterloo's E.S.P.A. designation criteria, and further, That all trail construction be in accordance with the master plan for Topper Woods." COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Weber, Manager, Community Development Division, dated March 18, 1998, with respect to the Community Development Division. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that the report is being presented for information only. Mr. R. Arnot advised that staff have had meetings with Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison and Councillor C. Weylie and Planning staff as well. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison thanked staff for the report and advised that she wants to be included in any future plans. She also advised that she wants a Community Development forum held, possibly in the fall. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. 9. CENTRE WARD - PROGRAMMING AND OFFICE SPACE REPORT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Weber, Manager, Community Development and Ms. J. Hutchison, District Program Supervisor, dated March 18, 1998, with respect to Council's direction of September 22, 1997 that staff budget for a location in Centre Ward where the Neighbourhood Associations can have office space as well as programming space. Ms. J. Hutchison gave a brief overview of the report, advising that staff did meet with Centre Ward residents prior to preparing the report. She noted that the preferred location for office space is at the Kitchener Public Library; however, they are still waiting for approval from the Library Board. Mayor C. Zehr questioned whether there was a place where all the costs have been pulled together and was referred to Appendix 2 of the staff report. The Mayor then questioned whether all the costs are new and Mr. R. Arnot advised that they are all new costs. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he favoured the library option. He then questioned whether this matter is being referred to budget. Mr. Arnot advised that staff will bring the matter to budget and he anticipated that the Library's decision should be available by that time. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison gave a brief background to this report, advising that it came about at the prodding of Ms. M.A. Wasilka. Councillor Taylor-Harrison stated that this would help equalize the situation, as Centre Ward does not have any programming space. She noted that this proposal is less expensive than the cost of constructing a free-standing building. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to include in the 1998 Capital Budget, the dollars necessary for office renovations at either Kitchener Public Library or the former Information Services space, for use by Centre Ward Neighbourhood Associations, and further, That staff be directed to include $10,000.00 in the 1998 Operating Budget to cover the cost of programming space and telephone costs for Centre Ward Neighbourhood Associations." 10. CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS Mr. J. Hancock addressed the Committee advising that he was in attendance, with other staff, in response to calls from the members of Council, about the City of Toronto's by-law concerning carbon monoxide detectors. It was Mr. Hancock's opinion that Kitchener should not follow Toronto's lead, in this regard, but should make residents aware through a public information/education process. Mr. Hancock stated that the equipment is not reliable at this time and these detectors wear out in 18 to 24 months. He stated that most calls received by the department are not life threatening. Mr. Hancock assured the Committee that the Fire 10. CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS (CONT'D) Department is not taking the issue lightly but they would rather encourage people than enforce. MARCH 23, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. 12. He urged the Committee not to take the by-law course at this time. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned whether carbon monoxide detection would be included in the direct connect. Mr. Hancock advised that Bell Cellular is coming out with equipment which will be reviewed and hopefully will be included. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether the program will start with new houses and Mr. J. Hancock and Ms. L. MacDonald explained the current requirements of the Ontario Building Code; which currently requires detectors for solid fuel burning devices. DELEGATION - WATERLOO COUNTY QUILT FESTIVAL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 18, 1998, recommending the approval of the grant requested by the Waterloo County Quilt Festival for their festival to be held in May of 1998. The Committee was also provided with copies of the grant application and background information in this regard. Ms. C. Miller was in attendance on behalf of the Quilt Festival to provide information on the merits and background of the festival. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned the City of Waterloo's involvement in this festival and Ms. Miller advised that they will be providing a grant in-kind. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Waterloo County Quilt Festival for a grant in the amount of $2,000.00 to assist with their festival being held from May 16 - 31, 1998." DELEGATION - KITCHENER WATERLOO SIDEWINDERS SLEDGE HOCKEY CLUB 13. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 18, 1998, in which he recommended the approval of a one time grant to the Kitchener- Waterloo Sidewinders Sledge Hockey Club to assist in the cost of ice rental at the International Sledge Hockey Tournament and Senior Canadian Championship to be held from March 18 - 21, 1999. The Committee was in receipt of a copy of the grant application and background information in this regard. Ms. S. Perrin was in attendance on behalf of the Hockey Club to represent the grant request. Ms. Perrin advised that this program was started by the Parks and Recreation Department and that we have junior and senior teams which are some of the top in Ontario. She spoke of the success of the teams and the tournaments for 1998. She stated that the tournaments will be held in Waterloo; however, they wanted to hold them at the Auditorium Complex but were unable to get the times required. She thanked the Committee for the City's past support and stated that she hoped that the City would support their future efforts. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Kitchener-Waterloo Sidewinders Sledge Hockey Club for a one time in-kind grant, in the amount of $1,800.00, to assist with the cost of ice rental at the International Sledge Hockey Tournament and Senior Canadian Championship to be held from March 18 - 21, 1999, and further, That this grant be allocated from the 1999 grant account." DELEGATION - NATIONAL BLIND LAWNBOWLING Ms. V. Berkeley was in attendance to represent her request for a grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to assist with her attendance at the World Championship and Paralympic in South 13. DELEGATION - NATIONAL BLIND LAWNBOWLING (CONT'D) Africa in August of 1998. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 17, 1998, in which he recommends that the Committee not support MARCH 23, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER 14. this grant request; as she was does not meet the travel grant criteria of being under the age of 18 years. The Committee was also in receipt of a copy of the grant application and background information in this regard. Ms. Berkeley addressed the Committee and advised of her accomplishments to date. She advised that she is out doing her own fundraising and the cost of this trip will be $8,000.00. Councillor G. Lorentz explained the staff recommendation and Ms. Berkeley advised that she felt that age should not be a factor. Councillor C. Weylie put forward a motion to approve a grant of $1,000.00. Councillor B. Vrbanovic spoke in support of this motion stating that he hoped the publicity will help her raise the additional funds. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of Vivian Berkeley for a cash grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to assist with the travel expenses to attend the World Championship and Paralympic Lawnbowling qualifier in South Africa in August 1998." DELEGATION - ASSOCIATION FOR LIVING HISTORICAL FARMS AND AGRICULTURAL 15. MUSEUMS Mr. Tom Reitz was in attendance to represent the request of the Association for Living Historical Farms and Agricultural Museums for a grant in the amount of $2,500.00 to assist with their Annual Meeting and Conference to be held at the University of Waterloo in June of this year. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 18, 1998, in which he requested the Committee's direction regarding this grant request. Mr. Reitz addressed the Committee and explained about the organization and what is to happen at the conference and pre-conference. He explained that the funding for the conference will come from the delegates themselves, the Region and 3 local micro breweries. He also advised that they have requested a grant of $2,500.00 from the City of Waterloo. Mayor C. Zehr questioned whether the City of Waterloo has committed these funds and Mr. Reitz advised that they have not, they are waiting until April or May when their budget is finalized. Mayor Zehr advised that he was inclined to support this grant request but perhaps with the stipulation that it not be given until the City of Waterloo's budget is finalized. Councillor C. Weylie put forward a motion to approve the requested grant. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she felt this was a great opportunity to highlight our agricultural heritage. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Association for Living Historical Farms and Agricultural Museums, for a one time cash grant in the amount of $2,500.00 to assist with the Association's 27th Annual Meeting and Conference, to be held at the University of Waterloo from June 21 -25, 1998." DELEGATION - SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL Ms. S. McFarlane and Ms. A. Klassen were in attendance to support their 1998 operating grant request. Ms. McFarlane introduced the Social Planning Council's new manager and team leader, Ms. A. Klassen. Ms. McFarlane spoke of the changes taking place within the Social 15. DELEGATION - SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL (CONT'D) Planning Council and the volume of work handled by the Council. She also advised of the new work undertaken by the Council and their new ways of providing services. Ms. McFarlane then COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER extended an invitation to the City of Kitchener to have a representative on their board of directors, advising that there has not been one since Ms. K. Redman left Council. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether this organization does social planning in Waterloo. Ms. McFarlane advised that 70% of the inquiries received for this function are from the City of Kitchener and that they provide only community information services to the City of Waterloo. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned Mayor C. Zehr as to how he wished to handle the City representation requested by Ms. McFarlane and Mayor Zehr responded that he would look into their request for a member of Council to sit on their board. Councillor G. Lorentz left the meeting at this time and Councillor T. Galloway assumed the Chair. 16. DELEGATION - GOLDEN TRIANGLE ROSE AND GARDEN SOCIETY - GRANT REQUEST Ms. P. Prange was in attendance to represent the request of the Golden Triangle Rose and Garden Society for a grant in the amount of $400.00 to assist with their cost in renting space at the Breithaupt Centre for the Golden Triangle Rose and Garden Society Show. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 18, 1998, recommending that the Committee not approve this grant. Ms. P. Prange addressed the Committee and advised that they have taken over the costs and responsibility for maintaining the rose gardens at the Freeport Hospital as the hospital no longer has the funds for that. She advised that their request was for deferral of part of the rent only for their annual show. Councillor Jake Smola put forward a motion to approve the requested grant of $400.00 and suggested that the Rose Society explore other funding sources. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the Golden Triangle Rose and Garden Society for an in- kind facility rental grant in the amount of $400.00 for use of the Breithaupt Centre for their annual show, and further, That the Golden Triangle Rose and Garden Society explore other funding sources." 17. DELEGATION - A CELEBRATION OF REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP Mr. C. Fernandes was in attendance to represent the request of A Celebration of Refugee Sponsorship grant application for an in-kind facility rental grant in the of $582.00. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 18, 1998, recommending that the grant not be approved; as it does not fit in to the existing grant criteria. Mr. Fernandes advised the Committee that the purpose of this celebration is to celebrate the achievement of refugees and those Kitchener residents who have helped them. He stated that the Ethno-Cultural Committee has supported this grant request. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether this would be a one-time event and Mr. Fernandes responded that this is the 20th anniversary of refugee sponsorship in this area and the anniversary is what is being celebrated. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he recognized that this does not fall directly into the criteria but recommended a grant in the amount of $250.00. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he does support the motion provided this was for a one time grant only. 17. DELEGATION - A CELEBRATION OF REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: MARCH 23, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER 18. 19. 20. 21. "That we approve a one time grant, in the amount of $250.00, for A Celebration of Refugee Sponsorship Planning Committee, to assist with the cost of Rotunda rental on April 5, 1998." WATERLOO EDUCATION FOUNDATION - HISTORY FAIR - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 18, 1998, recommending that the Committee not approve an in-kind grant to the Waterloo Education Foundation - History Fair. The Committee was in receipt of a copy of the grant application and background information in this regard. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor J. Haalboom spoke against the motion stating that this should be a one time grant only in the amount of $250.00 and that the History Fair deals with students from grade 7 to OAC. She suggested a one time grant contingent on grants from the cities of Cambridge and Waterloo. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he could support the grant if there were no stipulations. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that the school boards get approximately 52% of the municipal tax bill and he didn't feel there was any reason to support the grant. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he agreed with Councillor Ziegler and noted that the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation specifically funds this. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a motion for no action which was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That we approve a one time grant for the Waterloo Education Foundation History Fair, for the local history category, in the amount of $250.00." HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 18, 1998, requesting the Committee's direction with respect to the grant application from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario in which they request a grant of $352.68 for Rotunda rental and services for their event which took place on January 30, 1998. Mr. Arnot noted that this grant request does not comply with the general provision grant criteria. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That we approve an in-kind grant for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, in the amount of $176.34, to assist with the rental of the Rotunda and other services for their event which took place on January 30, 1998." K-W AREA BIG SISTERS Mr. R. Arnot advised the Committee that this grant application has been withdrawn. WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD - WORK EXPERIENCE EMPLOYER APPRECIATION EVENT - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 18, 1998, recommending that the Committee not approve a request from the Waterloo 21. WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD - WORK EXPERIENCE EMPLOYER APPRECIATION EVENT - GRANT REQUEST (CONT'D) Region District School Board for a grant to assist with the rental of the Rotunda on May 22, 1998 for an event to honour employers who have provided work experience opportunities for students with developmental challenges. The Committee was in receipt of a copy of the grant application MARCH 23, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER 22. 23. 24. 25. along with some background information. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Waterloo Region District School Board for an in-kind grant in the amount of $274.25 to assist with rental of the City Hall Rotunda on May 22, 1998." CONCORDIA CLUB - 125TH YEAR CELEBRATION - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated March 18, 1998, recommending that the Committee not approve an in-kind grant for the Concordia Club in the amount of $2,820.40 for rental of the Rotunda, Duke Street Lobby, Civic Square and the Heritage Room from June 20 -21, 1998. The Committee was in receipt of a copy of the grant application and the facility rental agreement. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Concordia Club - 125 Year Celebration for a grant in the amount of $2,820.40 for rental of the Rotunda, Duke Street Lobby, Civic Square and the Heritage Room from June 20 - 21, 1998." DESIGN OF NEW FIRE HEADQUARTERS It was agreed by the Committee that this matter would be deferred to the meeting to be held on Monday, April 6, 1998. NEW BUSINESS Councillor J. Haalboom noted that there is a collection of artifacts in the Rotunda selected from the Old City Hall. She asked for suggestions from members of the Committee as to how these artifacts could be used. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary