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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1998-10-26CSC-1998-10-26 OCTOBER 26, 1998 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, under the chairmanship of Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:55 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor John Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor M. Yantzi. Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison and Councillor J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Ms. I. Chyc, Ms. D. Gutoskie, Ms. K. Schropp, Ms. L. Weaver, Ms. P. Houston, Messrs. J. Gazzola, G. Richardson, M. Martz, M. Price, R. Arnot, D. Snow, T. Clancy, W. Sleeth, J. Cooper, R. LeBrun, T. McCabe and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL PLAYGROUND GRANT REQUEST Mr. D. Kraemer was in attendance to represent the request of the St. Francis Catholic School Council for a grant in the amount of $750.00 to assist with the construction of a new creative playground facility for the school. He spoke in support of the grant request. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. O'Brien, Landscape Architect, dated October 19, 1998, supporting the grant request. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That we approve a grant, in the amount of $750.00, to the St. Francis Catholic School Council, in 1998, to assist with the cost of constructing a new creative playground, in accordance with Council's policy." 2. K-W SPORTS COUNCIL Mr. B. Tracy was in attendance on behalf of the steering committee for the Kitchener-Waterloo Sports Council to request Council's support of the establishment of the Sports Council and staff and monetary support for the first 2 years in order to facilitate the development and management of the Sports Council. Mr. Tracy referred to the report attached to the agenda and elaborated on the roles of the Sports Council. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Mr. J. Cooper briefly advised the Committee of his role with the steering committee and the amount of time involved. He also advised that the City of Waterloo will be considering this same report. Councillor C. Weylie put forward the recommendation contained in the report. Councillor T. Galloway stated he felt this was a good idea and questioned what success these kind of sports councils have had in other municipalities. Mr. J. Cooper spoke of the success of the sports council in Mississauga stating that it is the most success sports council in the province, and he also advised of others. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned Mr. Cooper with respect to the amount of hours of staff time involved, and was advised that it shouldn't be any more than has been spent with the steering committee. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener support the creation of a Sports Council in Kitchener-Waterloo, and further, That the Parks and Recreation Department allocate staff time, up to 20 hours per month and up to $2,000.00 for administrative resources for 2 years, to facilitate the development and management of the Sports Council." Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCOTBER 26, 1998 - 88 - CITY OF KITCHENER K-W BARRIER FREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 14, 1998, requesting the Committee's direction regarding the grant application submitted by the K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee requesting funding in the amount of $500.00 to cover the cost of interpreters for their meetings from September 1998 to June 1999. Representatives of the K-W Barrier Free Committee were in attendance to represent the request. One of the members required a sign-language interpreter and interpretation was given. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That we approve the request of the K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee for a cash grant in the amount of $500.00 to assist with the cost of interpreters for their meetings, from September 1998 to June 1999." KITCHENER FIREFIGHTERS COMBAT CHALLENGE GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 14, 1998, in which he recommended that the Committee not approve the grant to the Kitchener Firefighters Combat Challenge Team. He noted that the application does not meet certain grant criteria. Mr. R. Kalan was in attendance on behalf of the Kitchener Firefighters Combat Challenge Team to represent the request. He stated that the request is for $1,500.00 or what the Committee thought would be appropriate. A brief discussion took place as to how the team members are selected. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that this was no different than the Bus Rodeo or the Truck Rodeo and questioned Mr. Gazzola as to whether the cost for those events are borne by the department and Mr. Gazzola advised that they are. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a motion to have the $1,500.00 come out of the Fire Department budget rather than the grant account and that, for 1998, the department be permitted an over-expenditure if necessary. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that there may be a liability problem and this question has been raised in the past and he requested that the Fire Chief report back to Council in this regard on Monday night. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That a $1,500.00 contribution be made to the Kitchener Firefighter Combat Challenge Team, from the Fire Department budget, each year commencing in 1998, and further, That an over-expenditure of $1,500.00, in the Fire Department budget, be permitted in 1998, if necessary, to cover the $1,500.00 contribution to the Kitchener Firefighter Combat Challenge Team." Councillor G. Lorentz requested that the Fire Chief discuss the matter of liability with the Legal Department prior to Monday night's Council meeting. CONSORT CARITATIS GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 21, 1998, requesting the Committee's direction regarding an in-kind grant to cover the cost of the rental of City facilities and the waiving of services charges for their November 1, 1998, concert performance at the Centre in the Square, to raise funds for victims of land mines. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCOTBER 26, 1998 - 89 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. CONSORT CARITATIS GRANT REQUEST (CONT'D) It was noted in Mr. Arnot's report that the request was in the amount of $7,900.00. Messrs. K. Murray and H. Dyck were in attendance to represent the request and to explain the purpose of the concert. Questions were also raised as to whether other municipalities were being asked for grants. Mayor C. Zehr advised that there has been some discussion at the Centre in the Square about this request. He stated that he would be prepared to look at a partial grant. The Mayor suggested a grant in the amount of $2,200.00 which would cover costs for one day of the concert. He also advised that he would continue to work with the Centre in the Square. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that the Kinette Club had their grant refused and that this is the same situation. He stated that just because the City has the venue, people want money from the City. He felt that Council should not be using taxpayers dollars for this type of event. Councillor M. Yantzi advised that he was in support of the Mayor's recommendation and felt this would be a partnership. He also noted that this was a one-time grant and he felt the compromise proposed was appropriate. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he had a real problem with participating in this manner. He stated that the Centre in the Square is operated at arm's length from the City by its own board. He also stated that he was concerned about the precedent this would set. Councillor Galloway stated that, as good as this event is, it should not be supported in the context of a rental reduction. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that perhaps the City should make a contribution and not a grant to offset expenses at the Centre in the Square. He stated that he was concerned about the grant policy and the precedent this may set. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he agreed with Councillor Ziegler. He suggested maybe a grant should come from Kitchener Utilities. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That Kitchener Utilities sponsor Consort Caritatis, a concert in aid of victims of land mines, in the amount of $2,200.00." 6. 216 AND 220 OXFORD STREET - UNION LANE/BREITHAUPT COMMUNITY TRAIL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 7, 1998, with respect to the appearance of the owners of 216 and 220 Oxford Street before City Council on Monday, October 5, 1998 and their request. Councillor John Smola introduced this matter and Ms. L. Schaefer, one of the property owners was in attendance. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned whether Ms. Schaefer was aware of the recommendations and she advised that she was and was opposed to them. On further questioning by Councillor G. Lorentz it was noted that Ms. Schaefer was in support of the trail maintenance and trash cans and the shrub and tree replacement. Councillor John Smola advised that he wished to amend recommendation #1 to provide 100% of the funding for a privacy fence. To recommendation #2 he also wished to add that 2 lighting standards be installed. It was noted that Mr. W. Sleeth recommended that 2 lighting standards not be installed. Ms. Schaefer responded that she would like the lighting but if it is not installed she asked that the signs for the community trail be removed. She noted that the signs invite people to use the trail, even in the dark. Some photographs were distributed to the members of the Committee and, referring to these photographs, Councillor J. Ziegler clarified the location of the trail, abutting the driveway at 220 6. 216 AND 220 OXFORD STREET - UNION LANE/BREITHAUPT COMMUNITY TRAIL (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCOTBER 26, 1998 - 90 - CITY OF KITCHENER Oxford Street. He stated that he felt there would be a problem with safety if the privacy fence rather than a chain link fence was installed, as he felt it would provide an entrapment area. Councillor Ziegler felt that the issue was safety and not privacy. Councillor John Smola then spoke of the removal of shrubs and trees and Mr. W. Sleeth stated that some of the shrubs were removed in order to allow vehicle access. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he was in support of 100% of the payment of the chain link fence. He also stated that he was concerned about lighting and questioned whether 2 would be needed. Mr. Sleeth responded that more than 2 lights would be needed to properly light the area because it is wooded. Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison both spoke of a recent crime prevention workshop which they attended, at which it was noted that trails should not be lit at all. Councillor John Smola put forward a recommendation that the City of Kitchener pay 100% of a privacy fence and that 2 light standards be installed which was voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Parks and Recreation Department pay 100% of the cost of the chain link fence, of the size permitted in the Walkway Fencing Policy, as it pertains to 220 Oxford Street and the Union Lane/Breithaupt Community Trail, and further, That the request for trash receptacles and trail maintenance on the Union Lane/Breithaupt Community Trail be implemented by the Parks Division, and further, That no action be taken regarding the request for a 6-foot privacy fence, fencing the rear property lines of 216 & 220 Oxford Street and the request for lighting the Union Lane/Breithaupt Community Trail, and further, That the Parks and Recreation Department provide tree and shrub planting immediately adjacent to the Union Lane/Breithaupt Community Trail, at the rear of 220 Oxford Street, to provide a privacy screen as previously requested by the property owner." 7. KINETTE CLUB OF KITCHENER-WATERLOO GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 14, 1998, recommending that the Committee not approve an in-kind grant to cover the cost of rental of the Victoria Park Pavilion, on November 21, 1998, for the Kinette Club of Kitchener-Waterloo. Ms. J. Maslen was in attendance to represent the request and advised that she hoped that the Committee would support their request. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Kinette Club of Kitchener-Waterloo for an in- kind grant in the amount of $292.00 to cover the cost of renting the Victoria Park Pavilion on November 21, 1998." 8. KITCHENER GOLF REPORT The Committee was in receipt of a report, provided under separate cover, from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated October 21, 1998, listing 6 recommendations concerning the operation of and memberships at Rockway Golf Course and Doon Valley Golf Course. Mr. Clancy 8. KITCHENER GOLF REPORT (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCOTBER 26, 1998 -91 - CITY OF KITCHENER introduced the report, advising that a lot of time has been spent on this issue, including the review of documents submitted and many discussions. Mr. Clancy pointed out that staff are proposing Monday to Thursday memberships. He also noted that the Moote report recommends eliminating memberships and Management Committee supports that report. Mr. Clancy then reviewed the recommendations stating that recommendation #1 is for 1999 and recommendations #2 - #6 should include the words "as of January 1, 2000". Several members of the Committee then questioned specific aspects of the various recommendations. Mr. Clancy advised that, depending on the Committee's decision today, staff will come back to this Committee with a revised business plan for the golf courses. The Committee then questioned staff regarding revenues over expenses, the percentage of non- resident members and the expansion of food services. Mr. Clancy stated that staff will come back with a full business plan; however, if the Committee doesn't approve these recommendations today, staff will have to start all over. Councillor T. Galloway questioned to what extent staff considered phasing in the changes over a longer time. Mr. Clancy responded that it was considered by staff; however, staff doesn't see this as a large increase. Mr. Clancy stated that 1998/99 is a phase in but it shouldn't go beyond that. He felt that the changes are not that significant. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested a 2 part phase in; one for non-residents and another for residents. Mr. Clancy pointed out the recommended surcharge for non-residents. Councillor G. Lorentz then thanked staff for all their work in this regard and the members who contributed time and effort. He then opened the floor to 2 golf course members in attendance who wished to speak to the report. Mr. C. Schnarr was in attendance and advised that his question had pretty well been answered by Mr. Clancy. Mr. M. Stephenson, a member at the Doon Valley Golf Course, was in attendance to make a presentation to the Committee. Mr. Stephenson questioned several aspects of the Moote von Bloedau report, including the lack of access, increasing fees to a fair rate, junior memberships and some of the statistics contained in the report. He requested that, if memberships are to be discontinued, that the existing memberships be grandfathered. Mr. Stephenson then spoke of the loyalty of members which should be considered. He asked for a phase in period of 5 years. A discussion then took place over the chart in section #7 of the Moote report, with Committee members requesting that clarification be obtained. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that recommendation #1, dealing with the 1999 season, could be considered today but the other 5 recommendations should be deferred. Mr. Clancy stated that he assumed that the Committee would approve these recommendations today, at least in principle, or not approve them at all. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he was concerned about the Committee setting golf course fees each year. He requested that staff look at the 5 closest competitors and base a philosophy for setting fees on them. He felt that the golf courses are subsidized, and if the City is going to subsidize memberships it should not subsidize members who live outside of Kitchener. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he wants to see an option for limited memberships for 3 rounds on weekdays or 2 rounds on weekdays and 2 rounds on weekends, with a limit of 1 round per day. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he supported the deferral and that he doesn't think the solution is far away. He stated that the Committee wanted to create greater access and wanted to get a greater revenue per round. He stated that staff have done what they were asked to do. Councillor Galloway then stated that he had grave concerns about moving too quickly and he suggested a greater phase in time. He also stated that the access issue and fair revenue per round are more fundamental issues and that it is important to be more pro active in resolving this issue. Mr. T. Clancy stated that Councillor Galloway's final comment is important to staff. He noted that 8. KITCHENER GOLF REPORT (CONT'D) the members have more alternatives. He questioned where the City is going on this issue and requested direction from the Committee, as this involves a tremendous amount of work. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCOTBER 26, 1998 - 92 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor T. Galloway recommended that the Committee give staff a little more direction. He suggested establishing a task force consisting of 3 members of Council, 3 staff and 3 golf members, who will meet and come back to this Committee in late November. Mayor C. Zehr stated that it has been the general feeling that change is needed and staff have been moving in that direction. He stated that he agreed with Councillor Galloway's suggestion. Councillors Jake Smola and B. Vrbanovic again raised the issue of non-resident members. A brief discussion took place with respect to the timing for reporting back to this Committee and it was agreed that the report should come back for the December Community Services Committee meeting. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the "status quo" continue at Rockway Golf Course and Doon Valley Golf Course for the 1999 golf season, with the exception of a 5% increase to rates, and further, That if a decision is not made on changes to the operation of and memberships at the City's golf courses prior to the opening of the 1999 season, the "status quo" continue for another year, and further, That recommendations 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 of the report of Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated October 21, 1998, as considered by the Community Services Committee on October 26, 1998, be deferred for further clarification and information from Moote von Bloedau and staff, and further, That a task force consisting of 3 members of Council, 3 members of staff and 3 golf representatives review and recommend on the future of the golf courses and report to the Community Services Committee on December 7, 1998." 9. KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET VENDOR FEES AND POLICY CHANGE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. I. Chyc, Market Supervisor, Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium and Kitchener Farmers' Market and Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 20, 1998, outlining staff's proposal that vendor fees for 1999 be increased, as outlined in the report. The recommendation also included the requirement that the staff attend a vendor's meeting to present the fees and a final report be brought back to the Community Services Committee. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned whether the vendors will be involved and Mr. Baulk responded that it was staff's intention to table the recommendation today and bring back a report to the Community Services Committee after a meeting with the vendors. Ms. I. Chyc then gave the Committee a PowerPoint presentation with respect to background information and comparisons with the Waterloo Market and the St. Jacobs Market with respect to the proposed fee structure. The Committee questioned staff with respect to the statistics and information contained in the PowerPoint presentation. The Committee also had several questions with respect to how the garage construction has affected revenues for the vendors and whether there has been a reduction in the vendors due to that construction. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he would be in support of changing the recommendation to authorize staff to attend a vendors meeting to present the proposed 1999 fee increases. 9. KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET VENDOR FEES AND POLICY CHANGE (CONT'D) Councillor J. Haalboom supported this recommendation stating that she would have a lot more comfort with dealing with fees if staff would go to the vendors and discuss the matter with them. It COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCOTBER 26, 1998 - 93 - CITY OF KITCHENER was her opinion that they have gone through a very difficult year. Councillor B. Vrbanovic agreed stating that he had a problem with the recommendation as these are substantial increases. When questioned by the Committee, Ms. Chyc advised that the meeting with the market vendors would take place on Tuesday, November 3, 1998, at 7:00 p.m., in the lower level of the mall. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison questioned the comparison of profits between the St. Jacobs Market, the Waterloo Market and the Kitchener Market. Ms. Chyc explained the difference between the types of patrons to these markets and that the tour bus people don't buy meats and cheeses but buy crafts and food consumed on site. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Parks and Recreation staff be authorized to put forward, to a meeting of Farmers' Market vendors, the 1999 vendor rates proposed in the report of Ms. I. Chyc, Mr. K. Baulk and Mr. R. Arnot, dated October 20, 1998, and considered by the Community Services Committee on October 26, 1998." 10. CENTRAL ONTARIO CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated October 14, 1998, requesting the Committee's direction with respect to an in-kind grant requested by the Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Centre for use of City facilities on February 12 & 13, 1999, in the amount of $2,885.90 for an event to promote the Chinese New Year. Councillor B. Vrbanovic spoke of the loss of the Greek Food Festival from the downtown, as our fees prompted them to move elsewhere. He felt it was important to look at supporting these types of initiatives. Councillor Vrbanovic put forward a motion that a grant in the amount of $1,000.00 be awarded towards the costs for this event. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that this matter be deferred to the Committee's next meeting to allow more time for consideration. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That consideration of the request of the Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Centre Inc. for an in-kind grant in the amount of $2,885.90, for rental of City facilities on February 12 & 13, 1999, be deferred to the Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for November 9, 1998." 11. DEFERRALS Councillor G. Lorentz advised that the Civic Square Ice Rink Logos item and the City of Kitchener Entrance Signs item on the agenda be deferred to the Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, November 9, 1998. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCOTBER 26, 1998 - 94 - CITY OF KITCHENER Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary