Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1999-06-14CSC\1999-06-14 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 14, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:40 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway; Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie, and Councillor J. Ziegler. Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, and Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison where in attendance for part of the meeting. Others present: Ms. R. Schmacher, Messrs. T. Clancy, R. Wyatt, P. Beaudry, K. Baulk, M. Price, J. Hancock, B. Kuntz, P, Sinnott and J. Gazzola and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DELEGATIONS - COMMUNITY ARTS PROPOSAL Mr. D. Bourgeois was in attendance to represent the proposal of J.M. Drama to lease the Registry Building for use as community arts centre. The Committee members had been provided with a written copy of Mr. Bourgeois' presentation. Mr. Bourgeois spoke of the performances, which J.M. Drama has given in the downtown. He noted that this group has been in existence for a long time and has made a commitment to the community. He advised that there is no facility in downtown Kitchener suitable for their needs. Mr. Bourgeois referred to a recent study, which showed that a community art facility in the downtown is needed. He also noted that a community arts centre is referred to in the City's Municipal Plan, CulturePlan and the Strategic Action Plan. Mr. Bourgeois noted that there had been other proposals, such as St. Jerome's. There is currently a proposal for Theatre & Co; however, there are problems with J.M. Drama using that facility. It would not necessarily be available when needed by them. Also, it would not be a community arts centre. There are other facilities which could be used but availability would be a problem and they would not allow for building an arts community identity. Mr. Bougeois put forward two proposals. J.M. Drama could lease the building and occupancy the basement. Along with that, they could equip the main floor as a community arts centre that anyone could use. The second option would be to have the St. Jerome's Centre for the Arts, a corporation still in existence, lease the whole building. Mr. Bourgeois advised that his group preferred the first option. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor John Smola entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Bougeois then advised of the necessary alterations to the building. There are two support pillars which would have to be removed in order to create the theatre and an alternate support put in place; emergency exist, new washrooms on the main floor and a loading dock. Mr. Bougeois advised that he knew the whole facade is designated, but he felt there was space at the rear for a loading dock. He advised that, in order to meet building code requirements these changes would have to be made. Mr. Bougeois advised that they need approval in principle before J.M. Drama would be prepared to spend the money on architectural and engineering designs. He stated that they needed some level of comfort. He also advised that they needed an appointment of staff on a project team. Mr. Bougeois advised that J.M. Drama would pay for the design work and they are requesting the City's support to proceed to apply for millennium funding. He noted that the grant application must be submitted in September. Their current lease is up at the end of the year. They need an architect and an engineer to work in July and early August in order to apply for a grant in September. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether Mr. Bougeois was aware that the City Solicitor has prepared a proposal to use the Registry Building as a provincial offenses court. Mr. Bougeois advised that he became aware of that proposal about a week and a half ago; however, in order for them to get millennium funding they have to proceed right away. If they have to wait, that would be the end of the possibilities for millennium funding and a community arts centre. He suggested that there are other places for a courthouse. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that this is a very exciting proposal. He stated that when the option of St. Jerome's was explored, there were other community groups involved. Mr. Bourgeois DELEGATIONS - COMMUNITY ARTS PROPOSAL - CON'D COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 147 1999 -46 - CITY OF KITCHENER responded that this proposal meets the needs of the other groups. He advised that he has had some discussion with them but nothing formal. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned whether the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee has had input into this proposal. Mr. Bougeois advised that their input was through CulturePlan, which recommends a community arts centre. He noted that he had been asked by them to go forward with such a proposal. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested getting a formal endorsement from them. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the final date for the grant application and Mr. Bourgeois advised September 1, 1999. Councillor Galloway noted that there was some possibility that the theatre portion of St. Jerome's could become available in August. Mr. Bourgeois advised that that was not a project J.M. Drama could undertake by itself. All the groups previously involved would have to come together again. The condition of the building has worsened and Theatre & Co. was needed for that proposal and they are no longer available. Mr. Bourgeois stated that J.M. Drama wants to expand and they cannot do that in their existing facility. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned the other theatre groups referred to by Mr. Bourgeois. He responded that J.M. Drama would use the basement and would equip the theatre so that it could be used by community theater groups. Councillor Haalboom then referred to the proposed structural alterations, questioning whether the first floor could be reverted back to another kind of useable space. Mr. Bourgeois responded that he did not think the pillars would be replaceable. Mayor C. Zehr questioned that chances for millennium funding and Mr. Bourgeois responded that he thought that they would have a good chance if they had Council support. Questions where raised as to the funding for the renovations. Mr. Bourgeois advised that they have the money to pay for the design studies but not the renovations. That would have to be done through fund raising. He noted that this would be a lot less expensive then the St. Jerome's proposal. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned Mr. Clancy on this matter. He responded that there are timing difficulties and the question of what is a millennium project for the City. Mr. Clancy also advised that he recently spoke to the new President of the Canadian Curling Association and does not think his proposal is a dead issue yet. The Committee must decide whether this can stand on its own merits. Mayor Zehr noted that there are suddenly a number of possibilities for this building. He suggested not making a decision today, before all possibilities are considered. He recommended a two week deferral. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that even though the Committee would not make a decision today, this proposal needs to move forward with a business and costing plan. He suggest that staff be directed to work with this group to develop a business and costing plan. Mr. Clancy noted that the original proposal for the Curling Hall of Fame has some of these identified. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was resolved: "That the proposal of J. M. Drama to release the Registry Building from the City if Kitchener for use as a Community Arts Centre be deferred and referred to the June 28, 1999, Community Services Committee meeting; and further, That staff work with J. M. Drama to develop a business and costing plan for their proposal, to be presented at the June 28th Community Services Committing meeting." Councillor Lorentz advised Mr. John Gazzola that he was not aware of Mr. Shivas' proposal and requested that information be made available. Mayor Zehr noted that the Registry Building was not the only option in Mr. Shivas' report. 2. 2001 WORLD HORSESHOE PITCHING CHAMPIONSHIP BID COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 147 1999 -47 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmer's Market, dated June 9, 1999, recommending that the City of Kitchener support the bid to bring the World Horseshoe Pitching Championship to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex in 2001. Mr. B. Baetz was in attendance and gave a brief presentation in support of the staff report. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether anyone else was going to come in with a bid and was advised by Mr. Baetz that there are some people who have expressed a little bit of interest. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports the bid to bring the World Horseshoe Pitching Championship to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex in 2001; and, That the City allocates a $10,000 grant in its 2001 grant budget for a Premier Sponsorship; and further, That the sponsorship revenue shall be used by the host organizing committing to help offset local expenses." 3. 2001-2002 CANADIAN INTERCOLLEGIATE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP BID The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated June 8, 1999, recommending that the City support the bid to bring the 2001/2002 C.I.A.U. Hockey Championships to Kitchener. Mr. W. Gowing of the C.I.A.U. was in attendance and gave a brief presentation in support of the bid. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie, it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports the bid to bring the 2001-2002 C.I.A.U. Hockey Championship to Kitchener; and further, That a $7,500.00 grant be allocated to the host committee for a Premier Sponsorship in each of the two years to help offset expenses should the C.I.A.U. award the championship to the City of Kitchener." 4. COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY - KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT Mr. J. Hancock, Fire Chief, was in attendance to present, with the assistance of Ms. R. Shoemaker, the results of the Community Opinion Survey on the Kitchener Fire Department. Mr. Hancock reviewed the background, methodology and respondents and responses to the survey. With the respect to the results of the survey, Mr. Hancock pointed out the two responding groups, being those which have had some involvement with the Fire Department in the past and those who have had no involvement. Mr. Hancock then reviewed the key findings of the survey along with the conclusions and recommendations. He noted that there was some confusion amongst the respondents as to which emergency service was run by which level of government. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz as to why the survey was conducted, Mr. Hancock responded that this public opinion survey had been conducted prior to the Department's strategic plan being prepared, in order to understand the public's expectations of this service. 5. DISPLAY AND POSTING POLICY IN SELECTED COMMUNITY FACILITIES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated June 7, 1999, recommending a policy with respect to the display and posting of information in selected City operated facilities. DISPLAY AND POSTING POLICY IN SELECTED COMMUNITY FACILITIES - CON'D Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 147 1999 - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER On Motion by C. Weylie, it was resolved: "That the policy regarding the display and posting of information in selected City operated facilities, as attached to the report of Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated June 7, 1999, be endorsed and implemented." INTERNATIONAL MILLENIUM CHILDREN'S GAME FESTIVAL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated June 8, 1999, recommending that the City register a municipal entry into the International Millennium Children's Game Festival and that the City's portion of the registration be paid from the minor sports account. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie, it was resolved: "That Council authorizes staff to register in the municipal entry into the International Millennium Children's Game Festival; and further, That the City of Kitchener portion of the registration deposit, being $250.00, be paid from the minor sports account 631234." BID TO JOINTLY HOST THE ONTARIO PARKS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN 2000 The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated June 8, 1999, recommending that the City jointly host the Ontario Parks Association Training Institute in July, 2000. The Training Institute would be jointly hosted by the Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. On motion by B. Vrbanovic, it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener join with the Cities of Waterloo and Cambridge to submit a bid to host the Ontario Parks Association Training Institute an Annual General Meeting in July 2000; and further, That $5,000.00 be budgeted to host a meal on behalf of Kitchener." POLICY RESPECTING INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR AND ACTIVITIES IN CITY OF KITCHENER PARKS ADN RECREATION FACILIIES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, dated June 9, 1999, with respect to a policy concerning inappropriate behavior and activities in City facilities. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. On motion by J. Haalboom, it was resolved: "That the proposed Behaved Management Policy Respecting Inappropriate Behavior and Activities in City of Kitchener Parks and Recreation Department Facilities, as attached to the report of Mr. T. Clancy, General Manger dated June 9, 1999 be approved for immediate implementation." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 147 1999 -49 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. P. Beaudry addressed the Committee with respect to the opening and operation of City pools this summer, advising that the Harry Class Pool had opened last weekend because staff knew it was going to be very hot. He noted that the two week strike has put behind the opening of the facilities and it is anticipated that the next pool to be open would be Idlewood and then Wilson pool. With respect to staffing pools this year, Mr. Beaudry noted that the economy is strong and that the City is having a difficult time hiring staff. This situation has also been affected by the strike. He noted that they have lost a large number of supervisory staff. He noted that in the last 8 days they have lost 7 staff to better paying jobs. He felt that the Finance and Administration Committee decision made earlier today will help. Hopefully this will bring up the number of aquatic staff. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator