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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1998-08-10CSC\1998-08-10 AUGUST 10, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:00 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor J. Ziegler. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Others present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. C. Oliver, Ms. L. Gove, Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, M. Price, R. Arnot, M. Mahaffey, D. Daly, D. Schmidt, R. Wyatt, R. Weber, J. Shivas, B. Stanley, G. Kett and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATION - "STILL CRAZY" The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mitch and Deb Bieth, dated July 23, 1998, requesting permission to conduct their business of face painting and selling balloon animals, at Victoria Park by the second bridge or Speaker's Corner in the area which used to be occupied by the May Pole. They advised in their letter that they understood that a licence would be required to sell the balloons. Mr. M. Bieth was in attendance to represent his request. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned whether Mr. Bieth thought that they should have exclusive rights to conduct their business in these locations and Mr. Bieth advised that he felt it should be open to anyone. Councillor T. Galloway noted that when requests of this nature had been received in the past they had been discussed with the KDBA and questioned whether this had been done in this instance. Mr. Arnot advised that it had not been done. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that probably the best place for this to go would be the Downtown Advisory Committee where the KDBA would be involved. He suggested that the matter be forwarded to them and that the licensing information be forwarded to them as well. Councillor John Smola questioned whether the business could be conducted in the meantime, on a trial basis and then the matter could be forwarded to the Downtown Advisory Committee. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that the business could be conducted for a temporary period, up to December 31, 1998, and then the matter could be forwarded to the Downtown Advisory Committee. Mr. T. Clancy noted that some of the events that take place in these locations have a small fundraiser of this nature involved in them and that there could be a conflict. He also advised that his staff would contact the KDBA prior to next Monday night's Council meeting and advise if they had any concerns. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That Mitch and Deb Bieth, carrying on business as "Still Crazy" be permitted to conduct the business of face painting and selling balloon animals in Victoria Park, by the second bridge, back by the children's playground and/or Speaker's Corner, in the area formerly occupied by the May Pole, until December 31, 1998, subject to obtaining the necessary licence(s)." 2. DELEGATION - HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, and R. Weber, Manager, Community Development Division, dated July 30, 1998, with respect to the relationship between the House of Friendship and the City of Kitchener in operating the Chandler Mowat Community Centre and their history with respect to custodial services for a community centre in that area of the city. Ms. D. Schlichter of the House of Friendship was in attendance and gave a brief review of the House of Friendship's history at the Chandler Mowat Community Centre. She advised that originally, when they were located in the townhouse, cleaning was done by volunteers; however, this community centre is larger and it is not possible for volunteers to provide that service. Further, the costs for custodial service have been paid out of the programming budget. They have determined that their budget is limited and they can no longer pay for this service. AUGUST 10, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 70 - CITY OF KITCHENER DELEGATION - HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP (CONT'D) Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether Ms. Schlichter was requesting that the House of Friendship do the cleaning or the City of Kitchener and Ms. Schlichter responded that, at this time, they are requesting the City of Kitchener to take over providing this service. Councillor Galloway then questioned whether Ms. Schlichter would rather have the House of Friendship obtain the funds and arrange for the cleaning to be done or if she would rather that the City of Kitchener provided the custodial services. Councillor Galloway noted that this is a Iow-income area and the House of Friendship could take the additional funding and supervise the cleaning and hire someone themselves. Councillor Galloway advised that he supported the request. Councillor C. Weylie stated that she agreed with Councillor Galloway's suggestion but questioned whether they have the equipment and supplies and Ms. Schlichter responded that they would have to purchase some supplies and equipment. Councillor T. Galloway questioned staff as to whether there would be a problem with the House of Friendship doing the cleaning, as they would more than likely employ some individual to do this. Mr. R. Arnot responded that he saw no problem with this and he complimented the House of Friendship for their efforts at this location. He advised that he would be prepared to sit down with the House of Friendship and work this out. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That we approve an increase in the grant to the House of Friendship, for the Chandler Mowat Community Centre, in the amount of $2,000.00, for the period September 1998 to December 1998 and $6,000.00 to be incorporated into the 1999 budget process, for custodial services at the community centre, and further, That the necessary changes be made to the agreement between the City of Kitchener and the House of Friendship so that they may hire their own custodial staff for the Chandler Mowat Community Centre." DELEGATION - GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS REVIEW The Committee was in receipt of a report from Moote von Blodeau titled "City of Kitchener Golf Course Operations Review - Rockway and Doon Valley Golf Courses", dated RFM 08/98. Mr. T. Clancy introduced the report advising that it is being tabled at this time. He stated that staff will hold an open house where they can outline the golf course policy. Staff will come back to Council in mid-September, once the open house has been conducted. Mr. D. Moote of Moote von Blodeau was in attendance to outline the report and explain what was considered when preparing the report. He stated that the golf courses are run by a government agency in the business of providing a public service. He felt that Rockway and Doon must have fair access for all citizens. He stated that the main premise of the report is whether the courses are available to all citizens on a fair and equitable basis. They also considered whether the City is getting a fair return. Mr. Moote then asked the Committee to remember that there are 24,300 golfers living in the City of Kitchener. Also, he noted that 70% of the available tee times are occupied by 800 golfers. Mr. Moote then asked the Committee members to consider whether they are a business or a service. Mr. Moote pointed out that the main recommendation in the report is to eliminate memberships at both courses. Mr. Moote then spoke of the food and beverage facilities at both courses noting that the City is 75% to 80% in the banquet business at both golf courses. He pointed out that there is an opportunity here and that there could be 2 weddings each weekend and still fully run the golf courses. Mr. Moote stated that the facilities are well run by any standard, with good staff and good facilities. They are a great source of autonomous income. Mr. Moote urged the Committee to look at his questions. He asked them to consider eliminating memberships. He stated that, at the present time, there is great subsidization for this group of AUGUST 10, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES -71 - CITY OF KITCHENER DELEGATION - GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS REVIEW (CONT'D) people. Mr. J. Gazzola addressed the Committee advising that this report has been brought to Management Committee and, after review, they were in complete agreement with the recommendation being made. Councillor T. Galloway stated that the report was excellent. He questioned, typically, what had been the phase-in for the elimination of memberships at other courses. Mr. Moote responded that this is not the typical format, cold turkey is the norm, certainly not longer than 2 years and 60% have made the decision cold turkey. Councillor T. Galloway stated that the fallback position would be Plan B members and Mr. Moote noted that the fallback is season passes. He suggested giving people a chance to change their habits. He noted that currently the prime times on weekends are taken up 70% by members who are paying $8.00 - $10.00 per round. Councillor T. Galloway then referred to the banquet service and that there may not be a deficiency in private banquet services. Mr. Moote noted that, if not located in a tourist area, then municipalities should shy away from this. He noted that 75% of the infrastructure is already at the golf courses. He also noted that the demand is there. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned how to deal with competition so as not to put someone out of business. Mr. Moote stated that you would have to be in the bottom 2/3 and that there are established formulas. Councillor Haalboom referred to the Doon facility and questioned whether Mr. Moote had a dollar figure to bring this facility up to par by the year 2000. Mr. Moote stated that Doon has the spatial opportunity to expand. This facility could be brought up to par for $750,000.00 to $1M in capital improvements to be paid back over 7 years through food and beverage sales. He noted that Doon is already being looked at for expansion and the business appears to be there, based on the number of calls being received. This would have to become a year round operation. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he liked the thrust of the report. He questioned what the impact of the transfer on seniors and those on fixed incomes would be. Mr. Moote responded that typically what is required is a re-orientation of thinking of when you play golf. What you typically find is that those who play on weekend mornings can change to a different time of week. Councillor Yantzi then noted the 2 additional staff recommended for each course. Mr. Moote noted that the City is just missing the mark for green care. Councillor Yantzi noted his concern that new revenues not be eaten up with new staff. Mr. Moote went on to explain other potential revenue generators not taking place at the golf courses now. A brief discussion then took place on further aspects of the report. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the process from here and Councillor G. Lorentz thanked Mr. Moote for his report. Mr. T. Clancy stated that if this Committee would consider the main recommendation in the report, staff would meet with Mr. Moote to discuss and review the contents of the report. Staff would also hold an open house to layout all the information. After that, staff would come back with a set of recommendations dealing with staffing, expansions, etc.. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he would not be prepared to go that far. He put forward a motion to receive the report and direct staff to hold an open house, with the Community Services Committee to deal with the recommendation at a future meeting. He stated that a decision would be made in the fall, or at least by December. Mr. Clancy stated that the open house would be held early in September, with a report to come back to this Committee in late September or early October. A discussion then took place on advertising the open house and who should be invited. A discussion also took place on making copies of this report available to the public. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 1998 - 72 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DELEGATION - GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS REVIEW (CONT'D) "That we receive the report by Moote von Bloedau titled "City of Kitchener Golf Course Operations Review- Rockway and Doon Valley Golf Courses", dated RFM 08/98, and further, That Parks and Recreation staff conduct open houses to provide information to and receive input from all members of the public with regard to the contents of the Moote von Bloedau report, and further, That the Community Services Committee deal with the recommendation in the Moote von Bloedau report after the open houses have been held." 4. EVENT USE OF THE CLOCK TOWER COMMONS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. L. Gove, Supervisor, Arts, Culture & Events, dated July 27, 1998, with respect to the approval of criteria and conditions to be used to ensure safe, well run activities and events at the Clock Tower Commons. Mr. M. Price introduced the report and Mr. T. Clancy advised the Committee that he had had a request from Mr. J. Shivas for the matter to be deferred this date for further input. After a brief discussion it was generally agreed that the matter would be referred back to Management Committee for further review. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that it was a good idea to have criteria for use of the Commons. He questioned whether the residents in the neighbourhood had been notified about this report. Mr. Clancy responded that the president of the neighbourhood association has been involved but staff could go back and discuss it with the individual neighbours. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he generally supported the principle but questioned what makes up a significant event as he was concerned that the use of the Commons not become over- regulated. Mr. Price referred Councillor Galloway to Item B under Special Events Conditions but stated that staff could review that criteria again. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison questioned, if these criteria are put in place, how staff will keep the pace. Mr. Clancy noted that Council had recently approved some increase in staffing for that division. He noted that staff wanted to make the steps easier for people to understand and they are looking to streamline this process. A brief discussion then took place on the deferral. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That consideration of the report of Ms. L. Gove, Supervisor, Arts, Culture & Events, dated July 27, 1998, with respect to event use of the Clock Tower Commons, be deferred and referred to Management Committee for further review." 5. ACCEPTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL ARTIFACT FROM ONTARIO HYDRO The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated August 4, 1998, with respect to the acceptance of the "governor" offered by Ontario Hydro for installation at the City Hall. Mr. Price introduced the report and noted that Mr. N. Rees was in attendance. Mr. Rees addressed the Committee and advised that there are 4 "governors", one having been given to Electricit~ de France, in Paris. Mr. Rees advised that there would be a small cost involved to clean and paint the artifact. He also noted that it would not take up a great deal of space. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned the cost to refurbish the artifact and Mr. Rees stated that it would be approximately $500.00 - $1,000.00. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he supported the recommendation in the staff report. He suggested that when Council gets to the capital budget he would like to suggest an amount be put in the capital budget each year for acquisitions under this program. Councillor Galloway then explained various pieces which have been acquired and stored. Councillor Galloway put forward a motion to acquire the artifact and to approve an expenditure of $500.00 - $1,000.00 to COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 1998 - 73 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. ACCEPTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL ARTIFACT FROM ONTARIO HYDRO (CONT'D) rehabilitate the artifact prior to installation. Mr. T. Clancy thanked Mr. Rees for his help and commended him for all his efforts with respect to acquiring these industrial artifacts on behalf of the City of Kitchener. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether this was apart from the public art acquisition and Mr. Price responded that this acquisition of industrial artifacts is being done through the policies contained in Culture Plan and the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. He noted that this has been successful because it has been kept separate from the public art. Councillor M. Yantzi then questioned who should get the dollars being suggested by Councillor T. Galloway and asked that staff come back with a report in this regard. Councillor J. Haalboom suggested that the whole picture should be looked at. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener accept the "governor" offered by Ontario Hydro for installation on the Rotunda second level, south of the existing steam engine, approximately 17 feet, against the stone column, and further, That $500.00 to $1,000.00 be approved to cover the cost of rehabilitating the "governor", and further, That $10,000.00 be included in the proforma budget each year for the acquisition of industrial artifacts." 6. CERAMIC REPLICA OF HOMER WATSON HOUSE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated July 31, 1998, with respect to the loan of a ceramic replica of Homer Watson House for display at City Hall. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener accept the offer of an extended, indefinite, loan of the ceramic replica of Homer Watson House for display at City Hall, as supported by the Public Art Committee." 7. BULLAS FOUNTAIN STATUARY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated August 4, 1998, providing background information and recommending the purchase of the Bullas Fountain Statuary. Mr. Price was in attendance and introduced the report. Councillor J. Haalboom put forward the motion contained in the staff report. She advised that she felt that this was very generous on the part of Superior Memorials. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned the location for the statuary and Mr. Price referred to the 2 diagrams attached to his report stating that it will likely be located on Gaukel Street at the bus terminal. Mr. T. Clancy advised that this would be part of the Gaukel Street Plan and it will come back to this Committee. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he was not in support of the recommendation. He noted that the appraisers note in their report that there is nothing to compare these statues to and their appraisal is purely suggestive. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: 7. BULLAS FOUNTAIN STATUARY (CONT'D) AUGUST 10, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 74 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That the City of Kitchener purchase the Bullas Fountain Statuary for the price of $10,000.00 and provide a charitable tax receipt, in the amount of $3,000.00, to the present owner, with the funds being taken from the Public Art Trust Fund, and further, That an agreement be developed between the present owner and the service club "Zonta" for the right for any coinage to be extracted from the water feature, at specified times in the year during routine maintenance, for donation to a charitable cause of the "Zonta" organization's choice, and further, That Superior Memorials be enlisted to retrieve and transport the 2 pieces to safe stage immediately and to commence the minor repairs to the pieces prior to permanent installation." COUNTRY HILLS COMMUNITY CENTRE - PUBLIC ART The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated August 1998, recommending that Carol Bradley be commissioned to produce a public art for installation at the new Country Hills Community Centre. Councillor T. Galloway put forward the motion contained in the staff report. He stated that he was very pleased with the quality of submissions for a very modest award. Further, he noted that this will be a unique feature that the residents are going to manufacture. He hoped that it would be installed before the end of 1998. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Carol Bradley be commissioned to produce the work submitted in the competition, as a unique piece of public art, for installation at the new Country Hills Community Centre; with the commission for the competition being $9,000.00, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement with the artist outlining the details of the commission, conditions of delivery and acceptance of the installation." SCHNEIDER CREEK COMMUNITY TRAIL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, and W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect, dated August 7, 1998, recommending that the department proceed with the construction of the Schneider Creek Community Trail from Pioneer Drive to Doon Village Road. Mr. R. Wyatt was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Councillor J. Haalboom put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. She noted that there was a resident in attendance from Old Carriage Drive and there seems to be some change in the alignment. Staff advised that the trail is a compromise. The first draft was much closer to the residences and has been moved closer to the river. It will be moved as far away from Mr. Hunter's property as possible. Mr. Hunter was in attendance and stated that the residents are concerned about safety. They are concerned about children's safety and when the trail is close to home, particularly because the homes are vacant during the day. Councillor G. Lorentz then referred to the trail in his neighbourhood. Councillor J. Haalboom commended staff for the manner in which they have addressed the residents concerns. Councillor T. Galloway noted the structure proposed over the creek and questioned whether Parks and Recreation staff have discussed the matter of flood levels in that area with the Public Works Department. He noted that behind the wedding chapel there is a restriction in the creek 9. SCHNEIDER CREEK COMMUNITY TRAIL (CONT'D) AUGUST 10, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 75 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. and questioned whether anything is being done to change this. Mr. R. Wyatt stated that there had been some discussions but he is not quite sure of the outcome. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That the Parks and Recreation Department proceed with the construction of the Schneider Creek Community Trail from Pioneer Drive to Doon Village Road." SIGN ADVERTISING WITHIN CITY FACILITIES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, and P. Wetherup, Parks Planner, dated July 30, 1998, with respect to changes to be made to the Sign By-Law to permit sign advertising within City facilities, to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Parks and Recreation. Mr. Arnot addressed the Committee outlining the report. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he had received a request from the Heritage Greens Lawnbowling Club in this regard and asked that they specifically be included in the resolution. Mr. Arnot noted that that was one of the areas that staff would like to look at. Councillor G. Lorentz noted that this is a City facility. Councillor Jake Smola put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report as amended to include the Heritage Greens Lawnbowling Club. A brief discussion then took place with respect to the type of signage the lawnbowling club would like to include on their facility. Mr. T. Clancy noted that this is a lucrative area but he would like to be very careful as he wants to look at what is happening and what is acceptable. Councillor Jake Smola requested that this group be listed and that they be advised that they must follow the staff criteria. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that he wanted the criteria and a projected revenue and some idea of how this revenue would be spent. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the Business and Planning Services Department staff be directed to amend the Sign By-Law (Municipal Code Chapter 680) to permit sign advertising within City facilities (ie. parks, golf courses, arenas) including the Heritage Greens Lawnbowling Club, to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Parks and Recreation, and further, That the criteria for approving signs within City facilities be presented to the Community Services Committee for approval." GRANT REQUEST - RECYCLING COUNCIL OF ONTARIO The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated August 4, 1998, recommending that no action be taken on the grant application of the Recycling Council of Ontario. The Committee was also in receipt of a copy of the grant application along with information on the Waste Reduction Week '98. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Recycling Council of Ontario for a grant in the amount of $500.00 - $1,000.00." 12. FORESTRY RECOMMENDATIONS COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 1998 - 76 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. T. Clancy, General Manager, M. Mahaffey, Supervisor of Forestry, and D. Daly, Division Manager, Parks Operations, dated August 5, 1998, providing background information and recommendations with respect to the Urban Forestry Program for the City of Kitchener. Messrs. M. Mahaffey, D. Daly and D. Schmidt were in attendance to give the Committee a PowerPoint presentation with respect to this report and copies of the images from the PowerPoint presentation were distributed to members of the Committee at the meeting. The report and PowerPoint presentation reviewed the benefits of the urban forest and Forestry responsibilities. Mr. D. Schmidt then reviewed the Street Tree Inventory advising that this is a new inventory method. It was noted that, in 1975, there were 20,000 street trees and by 2020 there will be in excess of 50,000 street trees. The presentation then reviewed the fact that there is room for more trees, that this is a young and growing tree population, the value of this resource, the species diversity, public safety and recent actions taken with respect to reducing the Forestry's workload. Mr. M. Mahaffey then reviewed the recommendations contained in his report. He explained how the Forestry Division has changed its operations over the last few years. With respect to Recommendation 8, Mr. Mahaffey advised that staff are further behind than ever before and they cannot get to the calls fast enough. He noted that there are too many calls out there to handle and that a number of cities have gone to this type of contracting. He estimated that the cost would be $50,000.00 per year and it would be put out to tender and Council's approval would be required. He recommended a 3-year contract. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison stated that she wished to add a recommendation that the City consider the feasibility of recovering tree planting costs through memorial funds. Mr. Daly responded that the division has a similar program but it is not well advertised and they don't generally plaque the trees. Councillor T. Galloway noted that the Environmental Committee had a presentation on tree by- laws and they are leaning towards a fairly restrictive by-law. He noted that it would be time consuming to monitor. Mr. Mahaffey noted that the by-law respecting trees to which he is referring would deal with public trees. Councillor Galloway then referred to Recommendation 7.2 with respect to hiring a student and questioned why the division was not using students before now. Mr. Mahaffey responded that the calibre of students in the 1990's is better than those in the 1980's and he would like to start doing this again. Councillor Galloway encouraged the use of students as much as possible. Councillor Galloway then referred to the block pruning contract and questioned whether it should be funded through the capital or operating budget. Mr. Mahaffey noted that it should be the operating budget and if successful it should become an operating item. Councillor Galloway questioned whether the funding would be referred to the 1999 budget. He suggested that the department should generally look and see if they can find, within the existing department budget envelope, the money for this. He stated that on a standard basis he would like to see the department make choices within their existing budget. Councillor C. Weylie questioned the Hydro pruning of trees and whether the Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro was aware that there are better cables available. Mr. Mahaffey advised that they are getting together photographs and that they will be talking to Hydro in this regard. Councillor Weylie then referred to the private tree protection and that there needs to be a by-law on the books. Mr. Mahaffey noted that they are being used on private property by the Property Standards Officers, at this time. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to Recommendation 2 and questioned whether there was an intent to also look at scenic roads. Staff advised that if they see areas where the roads are going to be protected to try and determine whether the area is suitable for tree planting, as they want to know that the trees are going to be there for a while. 12. FORESTRY RECOMMENDATIONS (CONT'D) AUGUST 10, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - 77 - CITY OF KITCHENER 13. 14. 15. Councillor Jake Smola moved the recommendations contained in the staff report. He thanked staff for bringing this report forward. He questioned whether this matter would be coming forward to the Environmental Committee stating that there is a very important message here. Councillor Jake Smola also advised that he fully supported the contracting out. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he was in support of the recommendations but that the financial matters should go forward to the 1999 budget. Councillor Jake Smola agreed to add that amendment to his motion. Mr. T. Clancy referred to several items discussed by the Committee advising that staff has a tree registry and there are quite a number of trees across the city contributed in this fashion; however, this has not been promoted very well. With respect to the use of students, Mr. Clancy advised that the matter should be treated with respect and that the Union must be considered. Concerning the pruning of trees by Hydro, the Committee was advised that each year the City receives $25,000.00 from Hydro because of their excessive pruning. Staff also advised that they would look at the dollars within the budget but that they cannot come back another year without some increases. They stated that they needed a few more resources. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the recommendations contained in the report of Mr. D. Daly, dated August 5, 1998, with respect to the Urban Forestry Program for the City of Kitchener, as considered by the Community Services Committee on August 10, 1998, be approved, and further, That those recommendations for additional staffing and the block pruning contract be referred to the 1999 budget." NEW BUSINESS The Committee was provided with copies of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, with respect to the ward winners for the Communities in Bloom competition. Committee members were also provided with pins for Kitchener in Bloom. Mr. Clancy advised of the success of the program again this year and that the judges would be in town on August 11 & 12 to tour the city. He also spoke of the new business awards programming under the Communities in Bloom. Mr. Clancy noted that Canada Post has been very supportive in working with the City to further this program. Councillor G. Lorentz noted the letter received from Mr. Keith Vanderpool concerning the boxing room and stated that he wished to see a report from staff with options. Mayor Zehr noted that staff is following through on this and they will report at a future meeting. DELEGATION - CONFIDANCE STUDIO It was noted that Mr. Tordjman was unable to attend the meeting this date and would attend a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary