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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1999-05-10COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 107 1999 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSC\1999-05-10 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 107 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:35 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Councillor M. Yantzi, Councillor J. Ziegler. Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor John Smola and Councillor C. Weylie were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Ms. I. Chyc, Ms. P. Houston, Mr. J. Gazzola, Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. R. Wyatt, Mr. M. Price, Mr. K. Baulk, Mr. K. Nihls and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATIONS - WALTER BEAN GRAND RIVER COMMUNITY TRAIL CORPORATION The Committee had been provided with information concerning the Walter Bean Grand River Trail including: quick facts, benefits to the community and expressions of Community support. The agenda material also included a map showing the extent and location proposed for the Walter Bean Grand River Trail. Messrs. D. Sandrock and D. Letson, were in attendance on behalf of the corporation to give a presentation in this regard. Mr. D. Sandrock addressed the Committee advising that some members of Council have been aware of what has been happening with the Community Trail. He noted that there has always been some kind of trail along the Grand River. He advised that he became involved in this project because of Walter Bean and because he had always thought that the river should be part of the community. Mr. Sandrock advised that the K-W Community Foundation provided start-up funds in the amount of $25,000.00 to start the Walter Bean Community Trail Corporation. Mr. Sandrock advised that the entire trail will cost $4.5 M. An overhead of a map of the entire trail was displayed and Mr. Sandrock noted that the trail would start in Woolwich Township running through Waterloo, Kitchener and into Cambridge. Mr. Sandrock then advised that the trail will be completed in three phases and that they have tried to include each municipality in each of the phases. With respect to funding, Mr. Sandrock advised that they anticipate funding will be received from the senior levels of Government, the Region and the Community Foundation. There will also be an appeal launched next Saturday for funding and they are hoping to get people to adopt one kilometer of trail and fund raise to finance that kilometer. He also advised that a book is being sold by the Record and three dollars from each book will go to benefit this trail. Mr. Sandrock then identified each of the three phases of development of the trail. Mr. Sandrock thanked the Committee for the cooperation of staff. Mr. Sandrock stated that the trail will provide many different benefits including: family, health, recreation, areas of history to discover and it will be beneficial from an ecological point of view. With respect to tourism, Mr. Sandrock advised that it would not be a tourist destination of its own but could support and enhance tourism. Mr. Sandrock advised that they were asking this Committee to move ahead with its initial decision and requested that Council go on record as accepting responsibility to build the trail, as funds are raised, and to maintain the trail once it was built. Mayor C. Zehr clarified the request and Mr. Sandrock also advised that the same is being asked of the other Municipalities along the trail. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he had no difficulty supporting this request. He noted that this area of our community had been ignored for so many years. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he thought this was a tremendous project and that we would finally be getting a real relationship with the river. He noted that 40 of the 73 kilometers are within the City of Kitchener and we are the greatest benefactors. He noted a survey which had been conducted a few years ago, which indicated that citizens of the City felt that the highest use service within the City of Kitchener is the community trail system. Councillor Galloway also noted COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 107 1999 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER that additional monies have been put in the Ten Year Capital Forecast for trails. Councillor Galloway stated that he supported the building and maintaining of the trail. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that this is a very exciting project. She also noted that the proposal is in conjunction with the Grand River's fifth anniversary as a Canadian Heritage River. Councillor Haalboom questioned the bridge proposal and whether it would be seasonal or DELEGATIONS - WALTER BEAN GRAND RIVER COMMUNITY TRAIL CORPORATION CONT'D permanent. Mr. Sandrock explained that they were the fund-raisers and they would be looking to staff for recommendations on the type of bridge. Mr. T. Clancy offered two options for the bridge. Councillor Haalboom then questioned where the bridge would be located and Mr. Clancy advised that it has not been looked at in enough detail at this time. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener accedes to the request of the Walter Bean Grand River Community Trails Inc. to build those portions of the trail within the City of Kitchener, as funding is provided by the Walter Bean Grand River Community Inc.; and further; That the City of Kitchener undertakes to maintain, in perpetuity, that portion of the Walter Bean Grand River Trail located in the City of Kitchener." KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET - SUBSIDIZED VS. NON-SUBSIDIZED SERVICE REPORT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated May 3, 1999, attached to which was a report dated May 3, 1999, from Ms. I. Chyc, Market Supervisor, Mr. K. Baulk and Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, concerning the operation from the Kitchener Farmers' Market as a business or a service. The staff report requests direction from Council. Mr. K. Baulk introduced the report noting that it is not recommending fees but requesting direction as to whether the Committee wants to operate the Market as a business or a service. Mr. Baulk noted that the Market is successful because of its mixture of vendors and products, and it is one of the best Markets in Ontario. He felt that any review of fees and charges should not affect this. He noted that once Council had provided the direction, a positive proposal on fees and charges could be brought back to the Committee, based on Council's direction. Mr. Baulk then referred to some of the goals in the Market Strategic Plan. Council J. Ziegler questioned whether the subsidization would be less than $100,000.00 in 1999 and Mr. Baulk advised that it would; however, that didn't include Capital costs or the lease of the Market. Mr. Baulk noted that the intent is move towards a break-even point on operating costs. Councillor Ziegler questioned whether these costs were included by private markets and Mr. Baulk advised that they are. The Chair then recognized the Market vendors in the audience and gave each an opportunity to address the Committee. Ms. R. Chudasama distributed copies of a letter to the Committee members. She stated that if the City needs to come up with an additional $1/2 M between all the vendors, she would have to leave the Market. Councillor John Smola noted that the Committee is dealing with $96,000.00 and not $1/2 M. Mayor C. Zehr noted that this Council has to make a fundamental decision as to whether the Market is a service or a business. If it is a business then it should break even and if it is a business, it would include capital costs. Mr. A. Sproll was the next delegation to address the Committee, noting that in 1998 there were expenses of $200,000.00 for salaries. He noted that these are full time salaries for a market that is only open one day a week. He felt that the deficit was the cost of salaries. Mr. Sproll stated that other markets are open two days per week and charge less. He then noted the different fees charged to different vendors. Mr. Sproll stated that he has a local business, hiring local people and pays taxes here. He questioned why the Toronto baker is paying less for his space in the Market. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 107 1999 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER Ms. Chyc responded that the current fee structure is unfair and that, in the past, some vendors were enticed to the Market with lower fees. She noted that staff had been attempting to rectify this, which has caused some of the problems. Ms. Chyc noted Mr. Sproll's reference to salaries of $200,000.00, noting that the amount has been reduced, as staff are no longer required for market hall rentals. She noted that salaries have been reduced to $100,000.00. KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET - SUBSIDIZED VS. NON-SUBSIDIZED SERVICE REPORT CONT'D Councillor Yantzi questioned whether Mr. Sproll agreed in principle with a balanced budget. Mr. Sproll responded that the vendors questioned why salaries are so high. He stated that the Market is only open one day a week and felt that salaries had no relationship to the size of the market. He noted that the vendors' other concern was the difference in fees and charges between out-of-town vendors and local vendors. Councillor G. Lorentz responded to Mr. Sproll's submissions stating that some changes have to be made. He stated that it would absolutely be correct that local vendors should get a better deal and this would be looked into. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned staff salaries and Ms. I. Chyc provided a break-down. Mr. P. Mundil addressed the Committee advising that he has been a vendor for 23 years and that his rental costs are currently 30% of his income. He advised that if fees continue to go up, he couldn't survive at the Market. He stated that the business is not there. Mayor C. Zehr questioned rental costs vs. traffic volume. Mr. Mundil stated that the Market closure half a year ago lost a lot of business for the Market and those customers are not returning. Mr. L. Parent addressed the Committee advising that he has been a Market vendor for 12 years. He commented on the salary figures received from the City. Mr. Parent noted that we are all here to determine whether the Market should be operated as a business or a service. He noted that the vendors want to work with Market staff, which has not happened over the last 16 months. He noted that if the Market is operated like a business, the City would lose a lot of vendors. Mr. Parent then spoke of security and theft problems that he has experienced. Mr. Parent spoke of the vendors who have already left the Market and advised that the Market has more competition then ever before. Mr. Parent noted that there are three ways for the Market to break even: more vendors, increase vendor fees, or reduced costs. Mr. Parent noted the current confrontational situation between staff and vendors. He questioned whether there was a hidden agenda and whether there was support to keep the Market. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that there was no hidden agenda and the Market will remain open. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he supports the Market. He felt they could legitimately reduce costs. Councillor Yantzi stated that he felt the Market is neither a business nor a service but a mixture of both. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Parent advised that he loves the Market and would be willing to sit down with staff and Council to work things out. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned how to get beyond the confrontation, and Mr. Parent responded that there has to be communication back and forth. Councillor Vrbanovic noted the group of vendors in attendance today and those not in attendance. Mr. Parent felt that those not in attendance were apprehensive and concerned about what might happen. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then questioned if there was one thing Council could do to send out the right message, what would that be. Mr. Parent responded that, in the media, Council needs to support the Kitchener Farmers' Market and vendors and state that it will do what it takes to keep it there. Mr. K. Mills, and Ms. A. Martin were invited to address the Committee and each advised that their concerns have been expressed by the previous delegations. Ms. B. Holmes addressed the Committee advising that she is a craft vendor at the Market and that having a Market is important to the downtown. She noted that the City is trying to get people to move downtown and having the Market downtown is important. Ms. R. Chudasama again addressed the Committee noting that there is a new vendors association and she requested that Council get staff to recognize and respect the association. She noted that management now has an open policy to allow vendors to sell what they like. She advised that vendors used to have to sign a contract regarding what they could sell. She stated that the budget COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 107 1999 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER keeps coming up because there are expenses that are not warranted. She noted that the report before the Committee today had only been provided to the vendors on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and they had to quickly review the report and determine who would come to the Committee today. KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET - SUBSIDIZED VS. NON-SUBSIDIZED SERVICE REPORT CONT'D Mayor C. Zehr questioned whether there is currently a waiting list for vendors and Ms. Chyc advised that there is in some areas. She noted that all the spots in the garage are full, even if they are not occupied at certain times during the year. The Mayor questioned whether it would be possible to have seasonal vendors if a space was going to be empty for any length of time. Mayor C. Zehr then stated that the Market is probably both a business and a service. He suggested that Council categorically state that it wishes to have the Market continue downtown. He noted that he had received communications from other vendors who are concerned about the negative publicity. He noted there should be an intent to eventually break even. He noted that even then there would still be a substantial subsidy. He also stated that we have to build up traffic through the market. He stated that this is the direction he would like to go with the Market. Mayor Zehr then put forward a motion that Council indicate its full support for the Farmers' Market and that net expenses over revenues work toward a break even point, not including the rental or capital expenditures. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that Council should strongly indicate that it wants the Market. He requested an amendment to the motion that fees be developed in conjunction with the vendors. Councillor Yantzi stated that there was no doubt that the Market is a viable enterprise. He felt it was necessary to find a formula to make it an equitable and fair scheme. He felt that across the board increases would not be fair. He also asked that staff find additional ways to reduce operating costs. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison advised that she was in support of the Mayor's and Councillor Yantzi's motion and thinks the Market is extremely important. She suggested that the Mayor write a letter to each vendor summarizing what has happened and requesting their input. She spoke of the fees and classification committee, suggesting that it be activated. She stated that she couldn't imagine the City without the Market. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated the Market has to move forward and everyone has to work together to bring back the vitality of the Market. He noted the Committee had not addressed the request to recognize the new vendors association as being part of the official group that liaises with the staff. He requested that it be included in the resolution. Councilor J. Haalboom advised that she supported the Mayor's motion. She noted the demographic of the community and that people are moving into the downtown. She stated that it is a crucial element in our community for grocery shopping. Councillor Haalboom then referred to farm grown products stating that it is crucial to the flavor of the market. Councillor Haalboom questioned what would be done to address home grown produce vs. commercial bought produce. Mr. K. Baulk noted that there are some differences but this was a significant gray area. He noted that staff are working on a marketing action plan dealing with policy and it needs to be developed by a group. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he wants to maintain a strong market. He agreed with the suggestion that the Mayor author a letter to market vendors to talk about process and soliciting their input. He noted the options of subsidization or breaking even, noting that the City doesn't take that position with pools or the Centre in the Square, or other facilities. He noted that driving down costs might create downward revenues. He also suggested that once these matters were concluded he hoped that Council would allow staff to get on with implementing the direction and policy. Mr. L. Parent again addressed the Committee asking that the vendors' reps be chosen from the vendors association. Mr. Clancy noted that there were mixed messages about the vendors association and some vendors do not want to participate. He noted that the market has gone through a bad time and it is now time to retrench. He noted that staff will be coming back with a COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 107 1999 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER business action plan. 2. KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET - SUBSIDIZED VS. NON-SUBSIDIZED SERVICE REPORT CONT'D The Committee Administrator was then requested to review the motion, put forward, as amended. Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked that the resolution include recognition of the vendors association, which was not accepted as an amendment. Councillor G. Lorentz advised the vendors present that this resolution would be considered at the Council next Monday night and they could register as delegations for that meeting. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was resolved: "That this Council indicates its full support of the Kitchener Farmer's Market; and, That the Kitchener Farmer's Market net revenues over expenses work towards a break even point, not to include the rental of the market or capital expenditures; and, That a vendors' fees and charges proposal for the Kitchener Farmer's Market be developed, in consultation with vendors; and further, That Parks and Recreation staff investigate additional ways to reduce operating costs at the Kitchener's Farmer's Market." WALKWAY FENCING VARIATION TO POLICY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Messrs. W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect and R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, undated, recommending that the City pay up to one half the cost of a wood fence, to a maximum of $392.42, representing half the cost of the standard four foot high chain link fence, for the property at 16 Old Country Drive. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That we reimburse the owner of 16 Old Country Drive up to half the cost of a wood fence, to be located adjacent to the public walk way, demonstrated with receipts, to a maximum of $392.42, which represents at half the cost of the standard 4 foot height chain link fence." EVENT USE OF CLOCK TOWER COMMONS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. L. Gove, Supervisor, Arts, Culture & Events, dated April 1999, recommending criteria and conditions for use of the Clock Tower Commons. Mr. M. Price introduced and reviewed the report. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether there was any consultation with the residents and Mr. Price advised that they will talk with the residents on how to implements the criteria. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, it was resolved: "That Council approves the criteria for use of the Clock Tower Commons, as contained in the report of Ms. L. Gove, Supervisor, Arts, Culture & Events, dated April 19, 1999 to insure safe, well run activities and events; and further, That Arts, Cultural & Events Staff be primarily responsible for scheduling events at the Clock Tower Commons to insure that the scale, scope and frequency of group events comply with the approved criteria and adhere to regulations of permitting and licensing agencies'/departments' requirements." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 107 1999 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER RECOGNITION OF FARMERS' MARKET VENDORS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. I. Chyc, Market Supervisor and Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated May 3, 1999, recommending a program to recognize Kitchener Farmers' Market Vendors. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she had requested this report and asked if it could be deferred as she thought there would be a different way to recognize Mr. Fisher. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that the Committee can pass this policy and still find another way to recognize Mr. Fisher. He advised that the Committee could deal with Mr. Fisher separately. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned the dollar figure stipulated in the recommendation and Ms. Chyc advised that there would be a plaque placed on a wall in the Market and in addition a gift, of a value noted in the report, be purchased for the vendor with gifts being presented at a special recognition night. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener implement a Kitchener Farmer's Market Vendor Recognition Program as contained in the report of Ms. I. Chyc, Market Supervisor and Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated May 3, 1999." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator