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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1999-02-08CSC\1999-02-08 FEBRUARY 8, 1999 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:45 p.m. with all members present except Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison. Others present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. L. Gove, Ms. Gina Holstead, Ms. M. Sanderson, Ms. C. Oliver, Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, R. Arnot, D. Daly and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. KITCHENER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated February 3, 1999, containing six recommendations arriving out of the working group meetings. The report also contained those issues reviewed by the working group. Mr. Clancy was in attendance to introduce the report and explain the current situation. He advised that basically, the group is saying that the City should take back responsibility for the capital items. He noted that the Horticultural Society will continue to assist and he noted Landscape Ontario's involvement. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that it was his opinion that the Horticultural Society had been looking after the Rockway Gardens for the City of Kitchener. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned changes to those who work at the Rockway Gardens and was advised that the Horticultural Society does have a budget to pay the same staff. Councillor Haalboom stated that she was pleased to see the report and the recommendations coming forward. She questioned whether staff had any idea how the fountains would be rejuvenated and when. In response, Mr. B. MacNeil of the Kitchener Horticultural Society advised that one of the large fountains is working and three are not. He noted that the Schneider Fountain is the easiest to get operating and that the Horticultural Society would like to move the Jansen Fountain further into the centre of the Park. He advised that a consultant would be obtained and they hoped to move the fountain in the summer. Mr. MacNeil also noted donations which had been received, particularly from the K-W Garden Club with respect to the work necessary on the fountains. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether there was any money in the Capital Budget for Rockway Gardens. Ms. P. Houston noted that $60,000.00 is left over from 1997 and there are future monies in the Capital Budget, in the Year 2000 or 2001, for three or four years. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned what money would be used for the fountains and Mr. Clancy responded that it may be donations or part of the remaining $60,000.00. Councillor T. Galloway questioned matching funds and whether the Horticultural Society's reserve funds were eligible for fountain improvements. Mr. MacNeil responded that they intend to use some of the reserve funds for the fountain improvements. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the wording of Recommendation #3 to re-establish the Operating Budget at $108,000. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway, it was resolved: "That the overall master plan for Rockway Gardens be revised by the Kitchener Horticultural Society to reflect recent decisions and to match present constraints, and further, That the City review and develop a Capital Budget to: Repair the Schneider Fountain and Jansen Fountain; maintain the Cascades Rockery and repair the walkway and stairs which are a pedestrian connector through the site, and further, That the 1999 Annual Operating Grant for the Kitchener Horticultural Society be established at $108,000.00, and further, That Facilities Management staff do an energy audit of the Rockway Gardens and prepare costs for a drilled well installed on the site, and further, That Mr. D. Daly, Manager of Parks Operations, be designated as the City's liaison and Ms. M. Weiler be designated as the liaison for the Kitchener Horticultural Society." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 1999 -13- CITY OF KITCHENER OPEN EARS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & SOUND GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. L. Gove, Co-ordinator and Mr. Price, Manager, Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated January 18, 1999, recommending sponsorship funding and staff support for the 1999 Open Ears Festival of Music & Sound. Attached to the report was a copy of the grant application. At the meeting, the Committee was provided with a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated February 5, 1999, recommending specific funding. Ms. M. Leach was in attendance on behalf of the festival to represent the grant request. She played a portion of an audio tape of the CBC documentary on the 1998 Open Ears Festival. Ms. Leach advised that this is a grass roots, co-operative project. She thanked Council and staff for their support of last year's festival. She advised that they want this year's festival to be a tourist destination. Ms. Leach spoke of funding from the Canada Council and corporate sponsors. She advised that through the festival, they are raising and changing the image of Downtown. Mr. P. Hatch addressed the Committee thanking Council and staff, particularly Ms. L. Gove, for their support of last year's festival. He advised that they anticipate much more interest in this year's festival from outside the community. He spoke of the enormous amount of people involved in the preparation of this year's festival. He also spoke of partnerships with the Children's' Museum, the Symphony, Philharmonic and the two universities. Councillor J. Haalboom spoke in favour of the staff recommendation. Having experience last year's event, she stated that we were fortunate to have the event in the City of Kitchener. She thanked the organizers for their work. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward the recommendation contained in the staff reports. He directed that $2000.00 come from the Downtown Promotional Fund and the rest from the General Provision Grant Fund and Kitchener Utilities, and that staff work out the split. Mr. Gazzola advised that Kitchener Utilities did not have funds to support this event and the money would have to come from the General Provision Account. Councillor Vrbanovic included in his motion that promotional material indicates that this event has been sponsored by the City of Kitchener and Kitchener Utilities and requested that "Kitchener" be added to the name of the Festival. On a motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That we approve a cash grant for the 1999 Open Ears Festival in the amount of $15,000.00 and an in-kind grant in the amount of $2,800.00, and further, That $2,000.00 of the cash grant be paid from the Downtown Promotional Fund and the remainder be paid from the General Provision Grant account, and further, That the promotional material for the Open Ears Festival note that it has been sponsored by the City of Kitchener and Kitchener Utilities, and further, That consideration be given to adding the name "Kitchener" to the name of the Open Ears Festival, and further, That the Open Ears Festival be added to the annual operating grants list." KITCHENER-WATERLOO OPERA - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated February 3, 1999, recommending a zero percent increase in the 1999 operating grant for the Kitchener-Waterloo Opera. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 1999 -14- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. KITCHENER-WATERLOO OPERA - GRANT REQUEST - CONT'D Mr. K. Freeman, General Director, was in attendance to represent the grant request. He thanked the City for its continued support of opera in this community and advised that they were entering their fifth season. He spoke of their partnership with Hamilton and new partnerships with Oakville and London. He advised that they have now 1000 subscribers and the next season is shaping up well. After a brief discussion, Councillor C. Weylie put forward a motion to approve a $5,000.00 operating grant for the Kitchener-Waterloo Opera. Members of the Committee spoke both in favour and against Councillor Weylie's motion. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie, it was resolved: That we approve a 1999 Annual Operating Grant for Kitchener-Waterloo Opera in the amount of $5,000.00. 4. POSEIDON PROJECT - GRANT REQUEST Mr. W. Thomas was in attendance on behalf of the Poseidon Project Board to request funding for a feasibility study for the Poseidon Project. With the aid of a computer presentation, Mr. Thomas provided background information and a progress report. Mr. Thomas reminded the Committee that the vision is to develop a world class international aquatic centre including a wellness centre, athletes village and Via Rail train station, on the 8.35 acres former Epton site. Mr. Thomas listed the benefits of such a development and indicated it would be a catalyst for further development in the Downtown. Mr. Thomas gave a progress report including: surveying all local amateur sports groups, sponsoring a logo competition, preparation of a credible business plan, preparation of an architectural concept and gaining the support of local businesses and community leaders. Mr. Thomas advised that they are now at the point where they need seed money and the steering Committee is asking for $130,000.00. Mr. L. Larson spoke briefly to the Committee on the history and progress of the project. He spoke of Geon Canada who agreed to purchase the property and tear down the building. He advised that they have also completed the bulk of the environmental remediation. He advised that they have renewed their offer to donate the land provided the seed money is obtained. Mayor C. Zehr thanked Mr. Larson for extending their offer beyond the original deadline and for cleaning up the property. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned the business plan and architectural concepts and whether the Committee could see these things. Mr. Thomas advised that he would try and get the models back from the University of Toronto. Concerning the operating budget, Mr. Thomas advised that a synopsis has been prepared and he will make copies available. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then questioned the swim training project at W.L.U. Mr. Thomas advised that the designation of W.L.U. is an interim measure until the new centre is constructed. Councillor Yantzi questioned the inclusion of the Via Rail station. Mr. Thomas advised that it would increase the number of people moving through the site. He advised that Via Rail is quite enthusiastic. Upon questioning, Mr. Thomas advised that the wellness centre will be the economic engine of the project. He noted that $130,000.00 looks different if the municipality does not have any on-going responsibility for operating funds. Mayor C. Zehr stated that Council had no warning as to how much money was being requested. He stated that he was prepared to move the request, in principle. Mayor Zehr noted that Geon has cleared up the property and did not drag out the environmental cleanup. They have shown good faith and are prepared to turn the property over to the City for $1.00. He advised that he looked upon the $130,000.00 as an investment. He added that if members of Council were not comfortable with the motion, additional information could be provided before next Monday's COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 1999 -15- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. POSEIDON PROJECT - GRANT REQUEST - CONT'D Council meeting. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned who would get the money. Mayor Zehr advised that it would go to the Steering Committee and Messrs. T. Clancy and J. Gazzola are on the Steering Committee. He noted that it is a not-for-profit corporation much like Oktoberfest. Councillor Ziegler then questioned where the City's contribution would end, recalling St. Jerome's. He noted that he wanted to get this thing started but did not want them coming back. Mr. Thomas stated that the $130,000.00 is the total and they will not be coming back for more money. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned that nowhere down the road would they be asking the City for a capital contribution. He hoped that today, there were not ruling out that possibility. Mr. Thomas clarified that they will no be coming back for operating funds. This is seed money and they will not be coming back for operating money. He anticipated that they will be coming back to request a capital contribution. Councillor Vrbanovic advised that he supported Mayor Zehr's motion. He stated that it is an exciting project and it will spearhead redevelopment in that end of Downtown. Councillor Weylie questioned why information had not been provided with the agenda. Mr. Clancy advised that there have been several meetings and staff felt it was better to have the delegation make the presentation than to have a report from staff. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he wanted background material. With regard to future funds, he felt that the City will want to make a capital contribution depending on the outcome of the feasibility study. He stated that, in principle, he did not have any problem with the request, but stated that he would like to have the background material. Mr. J. Gazzola apologized for the lack of background material advising that it would be provided prior to next Monday's Council meeting. Mr. Gazzola advised that he was actively involved in this project and this group has saved the City much more than they are asking for. He noted that the building was in such bad shape; there was a large tax bill owing and the receiver was prepared to walk away. He advised that the environmental problems have been looked after by Geon. Because they did take over the property, the City does not have to deal with these problems. He stated that he wanted to impress upon Council what has happened. Mr. Gazzola stated that the project is now moving forward. They have a lot of business people on their Committee. They have a good business plan and if they go ahead, it will do well. On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was resolved: "That we approve, in principle, a cash grant, in the amount of $130,000.00 for the Poseidon Project team, to pay for a feasibility study, with the grant to be paid from the Capital Contingency Account. 5. 1999 ONTARIO GAMES FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated February 3, 1999 recommending that the City co-host the 1999 Ontario Games for the Physically Disabled, with the City of Waterloo. The Committee was also provided with an additional report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated February 8, 1999, recommending, in addition, a grant for this event in the amount of $5,930.00. Messrs. D. McCintock and T. Mussar were in attendance to represent this request. Councillor T. Galloway put forward the staff recommendations. He advised that he and Councillor Haalboom are on the Committee for this event. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 1999 -16- CITY OF KITCHENER 1999 ONTARIO GAMES FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED - CONT'D On motion by Councillor T. Galloway, it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener agrees to co-host the 1999 Ontario Games for the Physically Disabled, from July 16 - 18, 1999, in co-operation with the City of Waterloo, and further, That we approve an in-kind grant totaling $5,930.00 for the 1999 Ontario Games for the Physically Disabled, as outlined in the staff report from Ms. M. Sanderson, Supervisor of Leisure Support Services, dated February 3, 1999 and staff support, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the hosting agreement(s) satisfactory to the City Solicitor." INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE ANNUAL CONFERENCE Copies of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated February 8, 1999, recommending a $500,00 in-kind grant for the Arboriculture Annual Conference were distributed at the meeting. On a motion by Councillor J. Haalboom, it was resolved: "That we approve an in-kind grant for the International Society of Arboriculture Annual Conference, in the amount of $500.00, for their conference to take place on February 24 - 26, 1999." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee reviewed the information items attached to the agenda and a report, distributed at the meeting, concerning the market. Councillor J. Haalboom advised of her concern over the confusion of the vendors at the Farmers' Market. She stated that she hoped there would be a good information session with participation by the vendors. She suggested that staff send a letter to each vendor stating that the rates would not go up between now and June. Mr. Arnot advised that a two percent increase was implemented but the invoices were pulled back. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that we have to look at the market and decide if it is a business or a service. He stated that this is fundamental. He suggested that the Committee has to have faith in staff and we are sending staff all kinds of mixed messages. Councillor John Smola questioned if we are running a business or giving vendors a subsidy to run their businesses. Councillor Haalboom stated that a number of times we have forgiven big business people such things as taxes. It was noted that a report will be brought to the Committee in the near future. Councillor C. Weylie raised the issue of the Victoria Hills Community Garden noting that the neighbourhood association would be meeting that evening. Councillor Yantzi noted that he had received a call about the cricket pitch. Mr. Arnot advised that they are still having trouble finding a location but that they continue to look. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. D. H. GILCHRIST COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATOR