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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1999-03-22CSC\1999-03-22 MARCH 22, 1999 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:25 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor M. Yantzi and Councillor J. Ziegler. Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Other present: Ms. A. Duffy, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. P. Cressman, Messrs. R. Wyatt, G. Kett, N. Kuntz, J. Hancock, R. Kalan, R. Pedersen, R. Nuhn, M. Price and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. CEMETERY SALES ASSOCATIES Mr. D. Kett introduced the new Cemetery Sales Associate, Mr. Mclnnes, giving his background both professional and personal. Mr. Kett advised that the contract would be ready in the next couple of weeks. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Kett advised that Mr. Mclnnes would probably be located at Woodland Cemetery. Mr. Mclnnes spoke to the Committee advising that he was looking forward to his position with the City. 2. KOR ARTS CENTER Ms. D. Rothwell and Mr. R. Dyck were in attendance to represent the request of the Kor Arts Centre to build an addition onto the Korova Cafe to house the Kor Arts Centre. The request included a request for funding for the addition of approximately $80,000.00. The Committee was in receipt of background information from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated March 18, 1999. The Committee had also been provided with a package of information, from Ms. Rothwell which included a floor plan, background information and business plans. In addition, the Committee was provided with copies of a memo from Mr. L. Bensason, Heritage Planner, to Mr. M. Price, dated March 10, 1999, advising that the Korova Cafe is located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District and a proposed addition should be the subject of a Designated Heritage Property Alteration Application, to be considered by Heritage Kitchener. Councillor G. Lorentz thanked Ms. Rothwell for the detailed information she had provided. Ms. Rothwell distributed copies of an updated floor plan for the addition. She then advised the Committee that the project has received an increase in the third phase of their grant from the Federal government. Ms. Rothwell reviewed the information contained in the members package noting the three business plans. She stated that this is a leadership project. Ms. Rothwell advised that Mr. R. Nuhn, of Facilities Management, has recommended the addition. The $80,000.00 being requested today is not a grant but an investment by the City in its own facility. She noted that they are also looking for other financial support. Ms. Rothwell then introduced Mr. Dyck, Architect, who has volunteered his time for this project. Mr. Dyck addressed the Committee displaying a preliminary concept drawing for the outside of the addition, noting that the concept takes into consideration the architecture of the Clock Tower. He then explained the floor lay-out for the whole building including the addition. He noted that this building is an important entrance feature for Victoria Park and it is important to have an entrance which compliments the Clock Tower. He noted that it is proposed that a sculpture garden be located at the rear of building. Councillor T. Galloway noted the change in design and increased square footage. Mr. Dyck advised that he thought the larger addition could still be built for $80,000.00. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that over the past few years he has sensed the passion of these young artists. He noted that the proponents have discussed the proposal with staff and questioned whether there was a pending staff report. Mr. Nuhn advised that the original concept would cost $80.00 per square foot and thought the City could provide the building required. He suggested an up-set limit of $80,000.00. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested approval in principle be given today. Mr. Nuhn agreed that approval in principle would be appropriate and there was more work to be done. 2. KOR ARTS CENTER - CONT'D COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor B. Vrbanovic pointed out the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act. Ms. Rothwell stated that she had assumed that they would work with the Heritage Committee. Councillor Haalboom questioned Mr. Dyck as to whether he was aware that the building was located in a Heritage Conservation District. Mr. Dyck responded that he was aware and he wanted to assure the Committee that the current design is a concept only. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that she thought Goldies Auto Body was to be looked at for the future. Ms. Rothwell advised that it would be looked at for use by glass blowers and metal sculpture. She suggested that, in the summer, the doors could be opened so the artists could work in full view of the public. The artists could work and sell from that location. She suggested that their vision would encompass many things. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned the sustainability of the Kor Art Centre. Ms. Rothwell pointed out the three business plans, noting all that programs are being developed. Mayor C. Zehr commended Ms. Rothwell for this very ambitious project. He noted that the project would require substantial funding at the beginning and questioned the long term viability. Ms. Rothwell advised that they have taken a look at the Waterloo Community Arts Centre, noting that they currently operate the centre with the City. She explained their origin and success, advising that the City had agreed to pay their utility bills for the first three years. Ms. Rothwell explained that the current proposal is like an apprenticeship program for artists to eventually run their own businesses. She noted that the final model is to be self-sustaining Ms. Rothwell stated that they already had the equipment and the artists. Their funding is coming at the beginning of May and they want to start at the beginning of June. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that this is a very exciting place and it has already been very successful. He noted that the temporary solution was the portable building and the question is, do we want to put down some roots. Councillor Yantzi suggested approval in principal for $80,000.00 to be off-set by other contributions, with staff to come back with an overall plan. Councillor T. Galloway questioned covering the utility costs for the first 1-1/2 to 2 years and questioned what these costs would be. Councilor Galloway also questioned Ms. P. Houston as to where the $80,000.00 would come from. Ms. Houston advised that the money would come from the Capital Contingency and also noted over half of the Capital Contingency has been spent this year and it is only March. Councillor Galloway asked staff to provide the utility costs for the first 1- 1/2 to 2 years. On motion by Councilor M. Yantzi; it was resolved "That we approve, in principal, funding of up to $80,000.00 to build an addition onto 79 Joseph Street, for the Kor Art Centres with this funding to be off-set by any donations received from other sources, and further That staff can prepare an overall plan, including a financial plan, for the expansion of the Kor Art Centre." Mr. R. Wyatt referred to the one page report submitted by the Department, stating the relationship between the project and the Department has changed. He advised that Ms. J. Murray would no longer be involved in the project, although she will be available to mentor. He advised that the City has no paid staff involved this project and Ms. Rothwell will deal directly with which ever department is directly involved. 3. GRANT REQUEST - GOLDEN TRIANGLE & ROSE GAREN SOCIETY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated March 16, 1999, recommending that the Committee not approve the grant request of the Golden Triangle Rose & Garden Society, as it does not meet Council's grant criteria. 3. GRANT REQUEST - GOLDEN TRIANGLE & ROSE GAREN SOCIETY - CONT'D COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mrs. P. Prange was in attendance to represent the grant request for $400.00 to assist with the cost of renting the Breithaupt Centre on June 25 & 26, 1999 for the rose & garden show. Mrs. Prange advised that the money raised from this show would go to maintain the rose gardens at the Freeport Hospital. She noted that the money is spent on fertilizer and spray and the members of the Society volunteer their time to maintain these gardens. Councillor John Smola advised that he was in support of the grant request. He noted that there is an educational component to the show and he noted the number of volunteer hours given by the Society to maintain the rose beds at the Freeport Hospital. When questioned by Councilor Smola, Mrs. Prange advised that the rental cost for this event is $900.00. Councillor John Smola put forward a recommendation to approve the grant request. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he was in support of the motion. He noted that the fees for City Hall rentals are being reviewed and a report would be coming shortly and commented that perhaps a fee review of other City facilities should take place. He questioned how the rental could be $900.00. Mrs. Prange advised that they are renting the gym and two additional rooms. Mr. R. Wyatt responded that these fees and charges are those approved by Council. Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked staff to provide a breakdown of the fees for this event. Councillor Jake Smola questioned how many people attend this event and Mrs. Prange advised that, on the Saturday, between 400-500 people from the public attend the event. Councillor Jake Smola noted that the City is trying to encourage these types of events in the downtown and questioned whether the Society would look at relocating to the downtown next year. Mrs. Prange advised that people are used to coming to the Breithaupt Centre for this event and also they receive free parking, which would not be the case in the downtown. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he is in support of the motion. He advised staff that he appreciated them going through the analysis of the grant criteria that they did in this report, and even though the Committee may choose to go against the policy, he still wanted this analysis in the staff report. On motion by Councilor Jake Smola; it was resolved "That we approve the request of the Golden Triangle Rose & Garden Society for an in-kind facility rental grant, in the amount of $400.00 towards the cost of their use of the Breithaupt Centre on June 25 & 26, 1999, for their Rose Show." GRANT REQUEST - WATERLOO-WELLINGTON CANOE CLUB It was noted in the agenda that Mr. D. Peachey would attend this meeting on behalf of the Waterloo-Wellington Canoe Club, but he was not in attendance. Councilor J. Ziegler put forward the motion contained in the staff report. Councillor Yantzi advised that he was interested in giving a partial grant, perhaps $250.00, to this organization. He noted that they are providing funds to another organization; which may save the City money in the long run if they are not approached by the organization for its own funding. A brief discussion then took place about fund raising groups who financially support other groups. Councilor J. Ziegler advised that he would withdraw his motion. On motion by Councilor M. Yantzi; it was resolved "That we approve an in-kind facility rental grant for the Waterloo-Wellington Canoe Club, in the amount of $250.00 towards the cost of the rental of the City Hall Rotunda on April 7, 1999, for a fund raising event." PRESENTATIONS - WATERLOO REGION ARSON PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN & FIRE EDUCATION CENTRE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Pedersen, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, dated March 16, 1999, outlining the seriousness of juvenile fire setting and the steps taken by the fire community and mental health community to develop a model for Waterloo Region, to address this problem. Mr. Pedersen, in his report, lists the goals of the Waterloo Region Arson Prevention Program For Children. He noted that the program provides a community approach to the problem of juvenile fire setting. Through formed partnerships, community collaboration and cooperation, this program reduces the drastic effects of juvenile fire setting in Waterloo Region. Ms. P. Cressman was in attendance to advise the Committee of the success of this program. To that end, Ms. Cressman showed a short video about the creation and operation of the Waterloo Region Arson Prevention Program For Children. Ms. Cressman advised that children enter the program in different ways and she briefly explained the process. She noted that the program is free. Ms. Cressman spoke of the part played by mental health councillors. She advised that when the program started in 1994 there were 18 known juvenile fire setters and now there are 262 in the Region. Councilor K. Taylor-Harrison congratulated Ms. Cressman for her involvement in this program and on the success of the program itself. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether Kitchener provides this service for the whole Region and was advised that all municipalities are involved in this program. Mr. R. Kalan advised the Committee that we have taken a leadership role in the Region, Province and Canada for this type of program. He advised that staff are here today to make the Committee aware of the successes. Mr. R. Kalan then presented the Committee with information on the Fire Education Centre at the Children's Safety Village. The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Pedersen, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, dated March 16, 1999, in which he noted that, encouraged by City Council to deliver new fire prevention initiatives and expand existing programs, the Kitchener Fire Department diligently assisted in the completion of Canada's first Fire Education Center. The Fire Education Centre consists of two 1800 square foot classrooms added to the existing Children's Safety Village. Mr. Pedersen then outlined the program which takes place at the Fire Education Centre. In his report, he noted the donations from individuals, corporations and fund raising which covered the cost of the construction of the Fire Education Centre, which was not paid for out of tax dollars. Mr. R. Kalan showed a video on the Fire Education Centre and the programs run there to educate children in fire safety. Mr. Kalan advised that the Kitchener Fire Department took a leadership role in this project, which was supported by three Fire Departments. Mr. Kalan noted that this was the brain child of Mr. Ed Davies and the Civitian Club. He also spoke of those other companies and individuals who support the project, either financially or with their time. Mr. Kalan advised that he wanted the Committee to be aware of the success of this program. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that the Fire Department present an abbreviated version of these reports to Council on April 19. FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS PUBLIC ART COMPETITION - JURY DECISION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated March 12, 1999, advising the Committee of the Competition Jury's decision and the Public Art Committee's decision with respect to installing the winning entry from the Fire Hall Headquarters Public Art Competition. A model of the chosen art was available for viewing at the meeting. Councilor T. Galloway noted that it was part of the Jury's consideration that this is very large building and this piece of art fits in very well. He noted that a decision as to the exact location in the building for this piece of art is still to be determined. FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS PUBLIC ART COMPETITION JURY DECISION - CONT'D COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she was very delighted with the decision; however, one of the concerns is the etched glass. She noted that one of the pieces of glass at City Hall was smashed and a decision on how to handle this has to be made, so we do not have the same difficulty. Mr. M. Price responded that the City can have input into the quality of the tempered glass. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned Mr. J. Hancock as to the amount of dollars out of the project budget which has been allocated for art and Mr. Hancock responded that the total cost of the building was $4.3M and $15,000.00 or 0.3%, was allocated to the art work. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway; it was resolved "That we endorsed the recommendation of the competition jury and the Public Art Committee to install the winning entry from the Fire Hall Head Quarters Public Art Competition titled "The Floating Window" by local artists Andrew Wright and Lois Scott, and further That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement with Andrew Wright and Lois Scott, creators of "The Floating Window", satisfactory to the City Solicitor and the Parks and Recreation Department, outlining the details of the commission, conditions of delivery and acceptance of installation." 7. VICTORIA HILLS COMMUNITY GARDEN The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services Department staff report BPS #99/46, dated March 16, 1999, recommending that a portion of Filsinger Park be set aside to serve the Victoria Hills Community as a community garden. Councillor C. Weylie noted the Neighbourhood Association's concerns about the homes on Vicmount and questioned whether these residences have been notified. Mr. B. Stanley advised that staff have not had a chance to do that yet and Councilor Weylie requested that it be done before the Council meeting next Monday. Councilor C. Weylie then questioned the issue of the supply of water and Mr. Stanley advised that has still to be look after. On motion by Councilor C. Weylie; it was resolved "That the portion of Filsinger Park abutting Victoria Street at Hazelglen Drive, between the Henry Sturm Greenway and the rear of the dwellings fronting onto Vicmount Drive be considered for a Community Garden to serve the Victoria Hills Community." 8. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT SIGNING AUTHORITY ON GRANT APPLICATIONS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated March 16, 1999, providing background information and requesting that Council delegate the signing authority for documents relating to local, regional, provincial and federal grant applications to the General Manager of Parks and Recreation and the Assistant General Manager of Parks and Recreation. On motion by Council B. Vrbanovic; it was resolved "That Council delegate to the General Manager of Parks & Recreation and the Assistant General Manager of Parks & Recreation the authority to sign documentation relating to local, regional, provincial and federal grant applications made from time to time for funding of Parks & Recreation programs and special projects." GRANT REQUESTS - VOLUNTEER ACTION CENTRE OF K-W AND AREA The Committee was receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated March 16, 1999, recommending that the Committee not approve an in-kind grant for the COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 22, 1999 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER Volunteer Action Centre of K-W and Area as this organization already receives an annual operating grant from the City; and the City's grant policy states that organizations receiving annual grants will not be eligible to apply for a General Provision Grant. On motion by Councilor C. Weylie; it was resolved "That no action be taken on the request of the Volunteer Action Centre of K-W and Area for a facility rental grant, in the amount of $409.00 for rental of the City Hall Rotunda on April 18, 1999." 10. CRICKET CLUB The Committee was in receipt of an information report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated March 15, 1999 providing an update on the search for a cricket pitch for the Kitchener Cricket Club. In the report, Mr. Wyatt noted that the Club has made arrangements to play their home games at cricket pitches in Waterloo for this year. He also advised that staff have met representatives of the Cricket Club and have discussed several options for the Cricket pitch but none are suitable to meet the needs of cricket. Councillor M. Yantzi requested that staff come back in three or four months with a report advising what they have been able to do for the Cricket Club in locating a suitable facility. Mr. R. Wyatt responded that the Club understands the report before the committee today. He advised that he has some concerns about this but staff will continue to look into the matter. A brief discussion then took place as to whether the Kitchener Cricket Club could permanently use facilities in Waterloo. 11. INFORMATION ITEMS Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted the information report on the Kitchener Farmer's Market vendor number and questioned when a report would be coming before this Committee with respect to Farmer's Market fees and rental. Mr. R. Wyatt advised that they did not have a firm date for this report and Councillor G. Lorentz asked that it be presented to the committee with in the next two or three meetings. 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion adjourned at 3:55 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator