Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1999-01-25CSC\1999-01-25 JANUARY 25, 1999 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:10 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor M. Yantzi. Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor K. Taylor- Harrison, Councillor B. Vrbanovic and Councillor J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Ms. L. Pasternak, Ms. D. Arnold, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. I. Chyc, Messrs. J. Hancock, J. Coish, L. Gordon, P. Sinnott, R. Wyatt, M. Price, B. MacDonald, B. Snell, R. Arnot, J. Gazzola, T. Clancy, K. Baulk and Ms. D. Gilchrist. Prior to the commencement of this meeting, Councillor G. Lorentz advised those market vendors in attendance in the gallery that the Market Report which had been distributed to members of Council was for information purposes only and would not be discussed at today's meeting. He advised that the Committee looked forward to receiving a report from Market staff in one month's time and that staff will provide all of the market vendors with a copy of the report before it comes to the Community Services Committee for consideration. 1. RESIDENTIAL ALARM MONITORING SERVICE ROLLOUT & 1999 MARKETING STRATEGY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Fire Chief J. Hancock, dated January 15, 1999, with respect to the Residential Alarm Monitoring Service Rollout & 1999 Marketing Strategy. Fire Chief J. Hancock and Mr. J. Coish were in attendance to present the report. The Fire Chief then introduced those members of staff who took part in the committee that developed the report. He then briefly reviewed the report which was attached to the agenda. The Fire Chief then advised the Committee that Option 1, included in the report, is being recommended by the committee and he reviewed that option listing the positive attributes of the option and the negative. He noted that an Option 2 had been included in the report but is not being recommended. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. The Fire Chief then reviewed the summary, as included in the report and referred the Committee to Appendix A listing the proposed 1999 Rate Structure. He noted that those existing test homes would be given a bit of a break on the price because of their participation in the test. Councillor J. Ziegler and Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. Fire Chief J. Hancock then referred to the spreadsheet attached to the agenda dealing with Alarm Monitoring Cash Flow Projections and advised that staff expected 1,000 customers online in 1999. The Fire Chief then referred to the recommendations contained in the report and asked for the Committee's approval of the 6 recommendations. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that a full presentation on the Residential Alarm Monitoring Service Rollout & 1999 Marketing Strategy would be made the next Monday night at the Council meeting. Councillor T. Galloway questioned what kind of stability there was built into these rates and if there was any kind of long-term commitments for the rates. Ms. D. Arnold responded that a one-year contract seems to be preferred and that there is private sector monitoring available, so there is some competition. A question was raised as to the flexibility of the program and whether it could accommodate future wireless technology. The Fire Chief advised that the panels can interface with the new wireless technology. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he felt it was time for the full rollout of this program and he would be happy to move the recommendations. Councillor C. Weylie questioned whether the department had strategic goals and the Fire Chief advised that they would be looking at high-risk residential properties. RESIDENTIAL ALARM MONITORING SERVICE ROLLOUT & 1999 MARKETING STRATEGY (CONT'D) Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether there was a possibility to move beyond fire monitoring COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 25, 1999 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER for such things as frozen water pipes, CO2, break and enter and whether the City should be partnering with police and utilities. The Fire Chief responded that security is available on the panel and inclusion of the utilities is still being explored. He noted that the system does offer CO2 detection and medical alert. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that staff provide an update on this service at a future meeting. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Council approve the Residential Alarm Monitoring Services as outlined in the Residential Alarm Monitoring Report prepared by Fire Chief J. Hancock, dated January 15, 1999, and further, That Council approve, in principle, Option 1 of the Fire Department's Marketing Strategy and the 1999 Interim Rate Schedule (Appendix A) as contained in the Residential Alarm Monitoring Report, dated January 15, 1999, and further, That, subject to final approval from the City Solicitor, the Residential Alarm Monitoring Agreement, substantially represented in Appendix B of the Residential Alarm Monitoring Report, dated January 15, 1999, be approved, and further, That, due to the potentially large number of contracts required to be signed, the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief be delegated the authority to sign all Residential Alarm Monitoring Agreements, and further, That the funding for the 1999 marketing and operational expenditures for the Residential Alarm Monitoring Program be provided from the Fire Department's budgets, and further, That Council approve, in principle, a Request for Proposal for City of Kitchener alarm monitoring authorized dealers for the Residential Alarm Monitoring Program." 2. PARK NAME -WALLENBERG PARK The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. P. Wetherup, Parks Planner, and R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated December 2, 1998, along with some background information concerning their recommendation to name the park space, located on Weber Street East near Cameron Street, "Wallenberg Park". Mr. H. Rotberg, of Broward Landev Corp. was in attendance and thanked the Committee for accepting his suggestion for the name of the park. He gave a brief presentation on Raoul Wallenberg and his extraordinary courage. He asked that a small plaque be placed in the park identifying who Raoul Wallenberg was and staff were directed to take this request under advisement. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That Council approve the request to name the park space, located on Weber Street East near Cameron Street, "Wallenberg Park"." 3. FENCE AND SPORTS SCOREBOARD ADVERTISING IN SELECTED OUTDOOR FACILITIES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Division Manager, dated January 7, 1999, recommending changes to the City of Kitchener Municipal Code Chapter 270 (Parks) and Chapter 680 (Signs) with respect to permitting the installation and display of permanent commercial fence and sports scoreboard advertising at specific locations in the City of Kitchener and under specific conditions. FENCE AND SPORTS SCOREBOARD ADVERTISING IN SELECTED OUTDOOR FACILITIES (CONT'D) Mr. T. Clancy advised the Committee that staff had referred to the Transit Advertising Policies as adopted by City Council with respect to no direct or indirect advertising by tobacco companies, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 25, 1999 -6- CITY OF KITCHENER etc.. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned the potential revenue and Mr. R. Wyatt responded that it was difficult to tell exactly how much revenue would be generated from this; however, he felt that initially, there would not be a great deal. Councillor J. Ziegler then questioned the amendments to the Municipal Code and Ms. L. Pasternak advised that this is limited to the listed facilities. Councillor Ziegler then questioned whether further amendments to the code would be required if private enterprise wanted to do this and Ms. Pasternak advised that that would be the case. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the Jack Couch Ball Park and Heritage Lawn Bowling Greens and Mr. R. Wyatt advised that it would be necessary for staff to work with the operators of those facilities. Councillor Jake Smola then questioned whether the Heritage Lawn Bowling Greens have a revenue potential and Mr. Wyatt advised that the potential was there. Councillor G. Lorentz requested an update report in the fall. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Chapter 270 (Parks) and Chapter 680 (Signs) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be amended to permit the installation and display of permanent commercial fence and sports scoreboard advertising at the following locations: Blockline Sportsfields, Budd Park, Centennial Stadium, Jack Couch Ball Park, Bridgeport Sportsfields, Woodside Park, Meinzinger Park, SW Optimist Sportsfields, Fisher Park and the Heritage Greens Lawn Bowling Club located at 600 Heritage Drive, and further, That the said permanent commercial fence and sports scoreboard advertising be in accordance with established Council policies concerning advertising on City property and with the following guidelines: (i) Advertising panels located on exterior fences enclosing the facility shall only be installed on the interior of the fence with the advertising facing inwards. (ii) Advertising panels located on fences constructed of wire mesh or similar material, where the backs are exposed, shall be of similar size, that being approximately 4' X 8', and their backs shall be of similar or complementary colour and texture. Signs on interior fences, such as ball diamond backstops, may vary in size and have advertising on both sides as circumstances permit. Advertising panels shall have a separation from each other of no less than three feet (3'). (iv) Advertising panels shall not be joined together or installed in such a manner as to permit larger signs or Iogos to be displayed. (v) All advertising signs and locations shall be pre-approved by the General Manager of Parks and Recreation or his designate, prior to installation." 4. APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Arts, Culture & Events, dated January 20, 1999, recommending that Mr. T. Bates be appointed to serve on the Public Art Committee. 4. APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE (CONT'D) Councillor C. Weylie questioned why this continues to happen to this committee and Councillor J. Haalboom advised that there was a misunderstanding on behalf of the members of that committee that they had to re-apply. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 25, 1999 -7- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That Mr. Tim Bates be appointed to the Public Art Committee for a term to expire November 30, 1999." 5. DELEGATION - KITCHENER DUTCHMEN JR. B HOCKEY CLUB The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated January 20, 1999, recommending that the City of Kitchener extend the repayment time, by one additional year, to allow the Kitchener Dutchmen Jr. B team to retire their outstanding debt. Mr. P. Collins, President of the Kitchener Dutchmen Jr. B Hockey Club, was in attendance to present the request and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. Collins addressed the Committee explaining the need for the extension for the repayment of the debt, as he failed to address the added interest charges. He advised that he was asking for a one year extension. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he would like to move the recommendation contained in Mr. Arnot's report. Councillor Jake Smola questioned what the interest rate was and Mr. Collins advised that it was 2% below prime. Councillor Jake Smola then thanked Mr. Collins for his dedication to the team. He asked how many players on the team were local talent and Mr. Collins advised that out of 23 team members only one lived out of town. Councillor T. Galloway noted Mr. Collins' letter and the $5,400.00 interest from 1994 to date. He questioned staff as to where the Finance Department would charge this money if the City forgave the interest. Ms. P. Houston advised that it would be a write-off and a deduction from the interest revenue. Councillor T. Galloway stated that this group has done a wonderful job repaying their debt and noted that they could have walked away from it. He also stated that they were a very creditable hockey team. He questioned the Committee as to whether it wished to waive the interest charges. Mr. J. Gazzola noted that if the Committee did reduce this interest it would end up on the taxes. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he admired Mr. Collins but he was not in favour of a further reduction. He stated that the City had already given them a break in interest rates. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he did not agree with Councillor Ziegler and he put forward a motion to waive the interest charges. It was noted that Mayor C. Zehr had put forward the motion contained in the staff report. Mayor Zehr stated that he recognized all the good things that Mr. Collins has done and he admired Mr. Collins and the team, as they did everything they said they would do. He felt, however, that the City had been generous with the interest rates. Several members of Council spoke of their admiration for Mr. Collins and all that he had done for the hockey team and all that he had done to repay the debt owing to the City. However, they felt that they could not support Councillor Jake Smola's motion to write-off the interest. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he was in support of Councillor Jake Smola's motion to forgive the interest. He felt that this was investing in young people who do constructive things. Councillor G. Lorentz also spoke in favour of Councillor Jake Smola's motion. The motion by Councillor Jake Smola to forgive the interest on the loan to the Kitchener Dutchmen Jr. B Hockey Club in the amount of $5,400.00 and that the remainder of the debt be 5. DELEGATION - KITCHENER DUTCHMEN JR. B HOCKEY CLUB (CONT'D) interest4ree was voted on and lost. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 25, 1999 -8- CITY OF KITCHENER "That Council grant an extension, to July 1, 2000, to allow the Kitchener Dutchmen Jr. B team one additional year to retire their outstanding debt." 6. DELEGATION - OPEN EARS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & SOUND Councillor G. Lorentz advised that this matter has been withdrawn from the agenda. 7. DELEGATION - HOMER WATSON HOUSE - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated January 20, 1999, with respect to the Homer Watson House and Gallery 1999 Annual Operating Grant request. Attached to Mr. Arnot's report was a letter from Ms. G. McCulloch, Curator/Administrator, Homer Watson House & Gallery, and a copy of their grant application. Mr. B. Wadsworth, President, was in attendance to represent the grant request and distributed printed material at the meeting. Mr. Wadsworth addressed the Committee and spoke of what has taken place at the Homer Watson House over the last year including the publication of a book on the Doon School of Fine Arts, which is being sold at various book stores throughout the area and a silent auction. He noted that 1998 was the first year that the Homer Watson House & Gallery had a surplus in 7 years. He spoke of other changes to the operations at the Homer Watson House. Mayor C. Zehr noted a surplus of $10,000.00 for 1998 and Mr. Wadsworth advised that $2,000.00 would be spent on equipment and $8,000.00 on the classroom. Several questions were raised by members of the Committee with respect to the financial report attached to the grant application. Councillor Jake Smola put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he could not support that recommendation and he supported the Homer Watson House's request. He noted that this is a City facility, similar to the Horticultural Society. He stated that the organization has shown a great improvement and should be rewarded. He noted that they have improved the amount and sources of revenue and that the grant should be set at the amount granted last year including the extra one-time amount. He noted that the Homer Watson House Foundation is working on the City's behalf and in the City's facility and they should be recognized for their effort. He noted that if the motion was lost that he would put forward a motion to increase their grant to $85,000.00 on a permanent basis. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he could support the additional funds on a one-time basis. He noted that, in increasing their attendance, Council was looking for increased revenues. He stated that he appreciated what the Homer Watson House has done and could approve the additional amount for one year but not on a permanent basis. He agreed with helping the Homer Watson House at this time. Councillor T. Galloway agreed to this amendment to his motion. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she could not support the staff recommendation. The Chair accepted Councillor T. Galloway's recommendation for an additional one-time grant in the amount of $8,315.00 as an amendment which was voted on and carried. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: That we approve a 1999 operating grant for the Homer Watson House, in the amount of $76,685.00, and further, 7. DELEGATION - HOMER WATSON HOUSE - GRANT REQUEST (CONT'D) That we approve a one-time grant in 1999, for the Homer Watson House, in the amount of $8,315.00." 8. WATERLOO REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL - GRANT REQUEST Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that the grant request for the Waterloo Regional Arts Council has COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 25, 1999 -9- CITY OF KITCHENER been deferred. 9. WORLD TEAM GUATEMALA - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated January 20, 1999, recommending that the Committee not approve a grant request for $1,800.00 for World Team Guatemala, as it does not meet certain provisions in the grant policy. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of World Team Guatemala for a cash grant in the amount of $1,800.00." 10. DELEGATION - CENTRAL ONTARIO CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated January 20, 1999, requesting the Committee's direction with regards to an in-kind grant for the Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Centre to cover the costs of rental of City facilities for an exhibition type of activity promoting the Chinese New Year. The Committee was also provided with an amended page 10/6 and an amended page 10/7, distributed under separate cover. Mr. J. Yan was in attendance to represent the grant request. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a motion to grant 50% of the costs involved for the facility rental for this event. He noted that the Grant Review Group is still meeting and probably, in the future, would reduce the rental rates by this amount. Councillor J. Ziegler commented on the staff report stating that the recommendation coming from staff should be "no action" because it doesn't meet the criteria. He felt that staff were putting forward a political recommendation. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Council approve an in-kind facility rental grant, in the amount of $617.87, for the Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Centre Inc., to assist with the costs of renting City Hall facilities on February 12 & 13, 1999, for their activities promoting the Chinese New Year." 11. DELEGATION - FOREST HILL UNITED CHURCH - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated January 20, 1999, recommending that the Committee not approve a grant in-kind for the rental of Forest Heights Community Centre, by the Forest Hill United Church. Ms. C. Lewis was in attendance, on behalf of the Forest Hill United Church, and gave a brief verbal presentation, explaining the church's involvement in this community and what the grant is for. Following a brief discussion, Councillor Jake Smola put forward a motion to approve a one- time grant for 50% of the rental cost. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he supported Councillor Jake Smola's recommendation and recalled a similar situation a few months ago, at the same community centre. He stated that he thought it was great to see the community coming together in this way. Councillor T. Galloway also spoke in support of the motion. 11. DELEGATION - FOREST HILL UNITED CHURCH - GRANT REQUEST (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That Council approve a one-time in-kind facility rental grant in the amount of $211.42, for the Forest Hill United Church, for use of the Forest Heights Community Centre on January 30, 1999." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 25, 1999 -10- CITY OF KITCHENER 12. DELEGATION - KITCHENER MINOR SOCCER - BUDD PARK PROPOSAL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Arnot, Assistant General Manager, dated January 20, 1999, in support of the development of additional soccer fields and a soccer proposal put forward by Kitchener Minor Soccer, at Budd Park. Mr. L. Gilmour was in attendance on behalf of Kitchener Minor Soccer and made a brief presentation to the Committee. The Committee had already been provided with a full set of images from the Power Point presentation prepared by Kitchener Minor Soccer. Mr. Gilmour advised that he would shorten his presentation to the main points and advised the Committee that Kitchener Minor Soccer wants to develop lands known as Budd lands and City owned lands to use for indoor and outdoor soccer facilities. He noted that the deadline from Budd Canada is February 9, 1999. Mr. Gilmour then explained proposed usage for Areas 1, 2 and 3 as shown on the diagrams contained in the printed material. He noted that he is requesting approval in principle and not asking the City for any money at this time. He noted that this is an opportunity for the City to enhance the image that Budd Park has received. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he felt this was a great proposal. He briefly discussed the proposed uses for Parts 1 and 2 on the plan and questioned as to whether staff's recommendation would accommodate Budd's needs and Mr. Gilmour responded that Budd Canada would be satisfied with this resolution. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned the facility and how they see the facility coming about. Mr. Gilmour advised that it would be a multi-sports usage with perhaps field hockey and perhaps track and field. He noted that it would depend on the user groups. A brief discussion took place on possible partnerships. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that a meeting had taken place last week and that he agreed in principle with what was proposed. He noted that there were some stumbling blocks and the fact that nothing is included in the Parks and Recreation Department Capital Forecast, for such a facility, over the next 10 years. Councillor T. Galloway put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. He stated that this would make a great partnership and once it is completed there should be some kind of presentation to acknowledge Budd Canada's part in this partnership. Mr. T. Clancy advised that this has been talked about for approximately 7 years. Up until now, there was no opportunity to meet the needs. He noted that in a couple of years there is money in the Capital Forecast for an arena and it may be that staff would be prepared to move that money around. Councillor J. Haalboom spoke in support of the motion. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Council approve, in principle, the development of the additional soccer fields relative to the soccer proposal at Budd Park, as considered by the Community Services Committee on January 25, 1999, subject to the following: That the 2.41 acres owned by the City of Kitchener, located at Budd Park, be included within the soccer proposal, and further, 12. DELEGATION - KITCHENER MINOR SOCCER - BUDD PARK PROPOSAL (CONT'D) That an agreement between the City and Budd, with respect to the development of the additional soccer fields at Budd Park, be negotiated and approved, subject to the satisfaction of the City's Legal Department." Councillor T. Galloway suggested some kind of recognition at the Annual General Meeting of Budd Canada to take place in February. He also asked that staff report back as to what could be done at a Council meeting to recognize Budd Canada's contribution to this partnership. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 25, 1999 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator