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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1998-11-09CSC\1998-11-09 NOVEMBER 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 2:15 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor John Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor M. Yantzi. Councillors J. Haalboom, Jake Smola, K. Taylor-Harrison and J. Ziegler entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Others present: Ms. I. Chyc, Ms. D. Arnold, Ms. P. Houston, Messrs. J. Gazzola, R. Grau, K. Baulk, P. Sinnott, D. Snow, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, J. Cooper and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATION - CRICKET CLUB The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, and J. Cooper, Supervisor of Athletics, with respect to the Committee's direction of September 14, 1998, that staff investigate on the possibility of a partnership with the Golden Yoga Centre to allow the Kitchener Cricket Club to use the facility and to investigate a City facility for the long term. The Committee was also in receipt of a subsequent memorandum from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 9, 1998, recommending that the City not enter into a short term partnership with Dr. Bedessee to allow the Cricket Club to use that facility and that staff continue to investigate for the long term. Messrs. R. Smith and D. Campbell were in attendance on behalf of the Cricket Club. Mr. J. Cooper reviewed with the Committee those things such as a portable building and the waiving of taxes, which would be required by the owner of the Golden Yoga Centre for him to allow the City to use a portion of his land for cricket pitch. A general discussion took place with respect to the owner's requests. A discussion took place concerning an alternate permanent location for the Kitchener Cricket Club and Mr. R. Arnot advised that staff have been investigating an appropriate facility for the Cricket Club but have not been successful to this time. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested the use of the flatlands at Kiwanis Park as a possibility for the cricket pitch. A further discussion took place with respect to Dr. Bedessee's request for an exemption from taxes and those other things such as portable buildings and operating costs identified by staff. Councillor J. Ziegler requested that staff get a breakdown on the taxes on this property and what portion is for the house and what portion is for the land. He suggested discussing the forgiveness of the City's portion of the taxes that applies to the field only. Councillor T. Galloway noted that Dr. Bedessee wants to severe the house from the rest of the property and he has talked to him in the past about the taxes. He suggested it may be reasonable for the City to pay a fee but debatable if the taxes are reasonable. He suggested that the City needs to move forward to make a deal on this property and it is also reasonable to expect the Cricket Club to contribute some money towards this. Mr. R. Arnot responded that staff will continue to discuss the matter with Dr. Bedessee as well as looking at school sites and will come back to this Committee no later than January 1999. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that there are 2 steps involved in this; first, staff should be looking for something to accommodate the Cricket Club next year and also be looking for something for the long term. The Committee then discussed, briefly, the possibility, as suggested by the delegation, that a soccer field could also be used for a cricket pitch, which has been tried in Waterloo. Mr. J. Cooper advised that the overlapping use of cricket and soccer doesn't work, from experience. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that staff consider new areas of the City for future development in which to locate a permanent cricket pitch. He also suggested that staff look into a portable building which could be moved somewhere else in the future. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to further investigate short term and long term solutions to locating COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 9, 1998 - 96 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DELEGATION - CRICKET CLUB (CONT'D) a facility for use by the Kitchener Cricket Club, and report to the Community Services Committee no later than January 1999." 2. PRE-NEED CEMETERY SALES Councillor G. Lorentz advised that the report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemetery/Golf Courses, dated November 3, 1998, distributed under separate cover, would be deferred and referred back to staff. 3. LIABILITY INSURANCE - OUTSIDE GROUPS The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 6, 1998, advising that, in light of the gathering of additional information, it has been decided to postpone the discussion on City of Kitchener insurance until the November 23, 1998 meeting. 4. CANADIAN TODS SIGNAGE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex/Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated November 2, 1998, advising that the agreement with Canadian TaDS for highway signage, previously approved by Council, would have to be extended to a 2 year agreement, in order to receive the approval of the Ministry. Mr. K. Baulk introduced the report and advised that, at the request of the Legal Department, the Committee's resolution include an authorization for the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement. The Committee Secretary advised that, as an agreement has previously been approved by Council on June 1st, a notwithstanding clause should be included in this Committee's recommendation to acknowledge the previous Council resolution. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward the recommendation in the staff report, as amended at the meeting and included another amendment that staff development a measurement tool to determine the effectiveness of this signage. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, notwithstanding Council's resolution of June 1, 1998 authorizing a one year agreement, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a minimum two year agreement with Canadian TaDS for highway signage (Conestoga Parkway); subject to agreeing on a suitable location for the signage, and further, That staff develop a measurement tool to determine the effectiveness of the highway signage, purchased from Canadian TADS, compared to other ways of advertising." 5. AUDITORIUM ROOF REINFORCING The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, and R. Grau, Assistant Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, dated November 3, 1998, recommending necessary repairs to ensure the structural integrity of the Auditorium as stipulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Attached to the report was the report of Totten Sims Hubicki Associates, dated October 19, 1998, with respect to their review of the Roof Snow Loading Study by RWDI, dated October 1, 1998. Mr. R. Grau addressed the Committee and gave a brief overview of the situation. He advised that staff are looking for between $75,000.00 and $100,000.00 to complete this work. Mr. K. Baulk advised the Committee that the money is in the Capital Budget pending this report. Ms. P. Houston advised that it had been suggested that these repairs be funded from the Capital Surplus and stated that it would be necessary for the Committee to state this in its recommendation. 5. AUDITORIUM ROOF REINFORCING (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 9, 1998 - 97 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a recommendation that the City proceed with the necessary repairs at a cost of up to $100,000.00 to come from the Capital Surplus. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether the numbers have changed in the last 5 years and a discussion took place and an explanation given by staff with respect to estimating snow load and rain, etc.. Councillor Jake Smola also questioned whether there was a C.R.F. fund for things like this and was advised by staff with respect to the C.R.F. fund and how the monies had been spent for 1998. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned how staff would deal with the cost of the repairs if they came in at more than $100,000.00 and Mr. J. Gazzola pointed out that this would have to go through the tendering process. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener allocate up to $100,000 from the Capital Surplus to proceed with the necessary repairs to ensure the structural integrity of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, as stipulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act." 6. CITY OF KITCHENER ENTRANCE SIGNS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, and R. Wyatt, Division Manager, dated October 6, 1998, attached to which were the Terms of Reference to implement Council's Objective 4.2 from its Strategic Plan. Mr. D. Snow, Director of Transportation, Traffic and Parking, was in attendance to represent the report and advise that a staff team has put together the Terms of Reference and are seeking the Committee's approval. The staff group is also looking for direction from Council as to whether the proposal meets Council's expectations. It was noted that 2 pages of the Terms of Reference were missing from the report. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he did not like the 401 signage that was existing and felt that it should be changed. Several of the other Councillors agreed with Councillor Vrbanovic. Other Councillors raised concerns with respect to the different Iogos and with the clutter of signs. Mr. T. Clancy advised that he is chairing a committee with respect to 401 signage and wanted some direction from the Committee if they want the sign removed, as staff are looking at improving the situation. Mr. D. Snow advised that the first step is to get Council's approval of the Terms of Reference and then go to tender for a consultant who will address the other issues raised by this Committee. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested deferring the matter to the Council meeting next Monday night so that the Committee could have the full Terms of Reference in front of it. He also suggested that no further action be taken on the 401 signage until such time as the whole matter of signage is reviewed. Mr. T. Clancy suggested referring the matter back to this Committee rather than dealing with it on Monday night at Council. He advised that there is a group looking at 4 or 5 things with respect to entrance signs and they are looking at options and do not want to do anything further until there is an agreement from this Committee on the Terms of Reference. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that the Communications Director should be involved with this group. Councillor Vrbanovic then agreed to defer this matter to a future Community Services Committee meeting. A brief discussion then followed with respect to service club signs at entrances to the city and what can be done to improve the situation. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That consideration of the Terms of Reference to implement Council's Objective 4.2, 6. CITY OF KITCHENER ENTRANCE SIGNS (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 9, 1998 - 98 - CITY OF KITCHENER dealing with entrance signage and 401 signage, be deferred to a future meeting of the Community Services Committee." 7. CiViC SQUARE ICE RINK LOGOS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, and R. Wyatt, Division Manager, dated September 21, 1998, recommending the timing and description of Iogos for the Civic Square Ice Rink over the next 2 winter seasons. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that instead of the words "Seasons Greetings" the Iogos for the 4 events which take place at Christmas time in the downtown should be placed on the ice rink between November 1998 and January 1999. Discussion took place with respect to the timing necessary to prepare the Iogos and ice surface. It was generally agreed by the Committee that further discussion take place concerning future Iogos. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the Iogos for the Christkindl Market, Festival of Trees and Lights, St. Mary's Tree of Hope and Festival of the Night be installed on the Civic Square Ice Rink in late November 1998, to be removed the first week of January 1999, and further, That staff report back to the Community Services Committee with further options for future Civic Square Ice Rink Iogos." 8. WILLOW GARDENS FINANCING PLAN The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Cemeteries/Golf Courses, dated October 28, 1998, recommending that the development of the Willow Gardens at Williamsburg Cemetery be self-financing from revenues generated from the sales of various components of the project. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the development of the Willow Gardens at Williamsburg Cemetery be self-financing from revenues generated from the sales of various components of the project." 9. TEAM JESSICA FUND GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 4, 1998, requesting the Committee's direction with respect to the grant application from the Team Jessica Fund requesting an in-kind grant for use of the Forest Heights Community Centre so that the community could hold a fundraising event for Jessica Smith, a 10 year old bone cancer patient. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that the Committee would not normally approve such a grant; however, he felt that the community should be supported in its efforts to raise funds for Jessica. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of Team Jessica Fund for a one-time, in-kind grant in the amount of $479.13, for use of the Forest Heights Community Centre on November 21, 1998." 10. INDOOR ICE SURFACES AND AMENITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 4, 1998, attached to which was a report entitled "Kitchener and Waterloo Indoor Ice 10. INDOOR ICE SURFACES AND AMENITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 9, 1998 - 99 - CITY OF KITCHENER Surfaces and Amenities Needs Assessment Final Report" dated September 1998, prepared by The JF Group. The Committee was also in receipt of a memorandum from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated November 9, 1998, in which he recommends that the Indoor Ice Surfaces and Amenities Needs Assessment report be referred to staff for further review and development and that a report be presented to the Community Services Committee for consideration and direction at a later date. Councillor T. Galloway stated that this was a helpful report and questioned whether there were any expectations on the part of the partners that these facilities are going to be built and where this money will come from. Mr. R. Arnot responded that the study is not that detailed and nowhere does it say that the needs will be met by either municipal government. He stated that the report looks at the potential sites and each partner involved has contributed $2,000.00 for this study. He commended the other 5 partners for their involvement in this project and advised that staff are tabling the report this day and request that it be turned back to staff. A brief discussion then took place with respect to the locations identified in the study. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That the report titled "Indoor Ice Surfaces and Amenities Needs Assessment", prepared by The J.F. Group, dated September 1998, be referred to staff for further review and development, with a report to be presented to a future Community Services Committee meeting for consideration and direction." 11. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. The Chair drew to the attention of the members an additional item distributed by Ms. I. Chyc, Market Supervisor, with respect to Market holiday closures. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she had some concern about the number of non-english speaking shoppers and how they will get to know about the closures. Some suggestions were discussed. The Committee then reviewed the unfinished business agenda. Councillor C. Weylie referred to item #5 being the Victoria Hills Community Garden follow-up and requested that a report come before this Committee at its November 23rd meeting. Councillor Weylie then referred to item #1 being a discussion and report on how the additional $50,000.00 recommended for additional community trail provisions will be spent. Mr. T. Clancy advised that that had been dealt with through the Capital Forecast and the final report has not been forthcoming. It was requested of Mr. Clancy that a report in this regard be brought before this Committee at its next meeting. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to item #12 concerning the Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Centre grant request and asked that the matter be deferred to an unspecified date as there is a group meeting with respect to rental rates in City Hall and this is being used as a test case. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she is a member of the Grand River Conservation Authority board and spoke of the Blockline Sportsfield being in the flood plain. She questioned whether staff had a discussion about this matter with the Grand River Conservation Authority. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he would not entertain any new business and requested that Mr. T. Clancy report to the Community Services Committee on this matter. 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary