Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1999-09-27CSC\1999-09-27 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 277 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 Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor J. Ziegler. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Others present: Ms. L. Gove, Ms. L. Ferguson, Ms. L. MacDonald, Messrs T. Clancy, B. Scott, M. Price, D. Daly, D. Paterson, R. Wyatt, J. Cooper, K. Baulk, L. Gordon and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. GRANT APPLICATION - JUST BE'I'VVEEN US The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated September 22, 1999, recommending that the grant application for Just Between Us not be approved, as it does not meet certain grant criteria. Ms. L. Wall of Just Between Us was in attendance to represent her request for a grant to cover the cost of rental of the City Hall Rotunda and an attendant for their charity fashion show to take place on September 29, 1999. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether any of the proceeds from the fashion show would go to the store and Ms. Wall advised that none of the proceeds would go to the store. Mr. R. Wyatt stated that the information in the staff report is based on the information contained in the grant application. Ms. Wall advised that the purpose of the charity fashion show is to create a fund, on an ongoing basis, for unemployed and under-employed women to obtain clothing to dress for job interviews. She advised that the funds would be raised on an ongoing basis and the working centre has agreed to direct women to her store for this clothing, which would be sold at a discount. Ms. Wall again advised that none of the proceeds from the charity fashion show would be going to the store. A brief discussion took place with respect to the proceeds from the 1996 fashion show. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That Council approve the request of Just Between Us for an in-kind grant in the amount of $332.73 to cover the cost of Rotunda rental and an attendant for their charity fashion show to take place on September 29, 1999." 2. GRANT APPLICATION - ART WORKS! VISUAL ART FESTIVAL The Committee was in receipt of a report, under separate cover, from Ms. L. Gove, Supervisor, Arts, Culture, Special Events, undated, recommending that the City continue to provide Art Works! with funding and staff support and that Council support an increased grant of $8,000.00 for 1999. Ms. L. Kochut was in attendance to represent Art Works'! grant request and in support of the staff report. A promotional video for Art Works! was shown through Ms. Kochut's presentation. Ms. Kochut advised that she has been involved with Art Works! since its beginning and provided background information on this Visual Art Festival. She noted that Art Works! will have to change next year and they will be incorporated. This will allow them to enter into partnerships and to be eligible for other grants. She noted that they are looking to the City for ongoing support and for a total grant of $8,000.00. Councillor M. Yantzi noted that the original plan was that the grant be reduced, also noting that it was necessary to go back on this due to certain sponsorships and grants that have not come through. He questioned whether this incorporation would make them eligible next year. Ms. Kochut advised that they would be in a position to apply for certain grants; however, they would still like a commitment from the City of Kitchener. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward the motion contained in the staff report. He noted that this has been an extremely excellent venture. He also pointed out that the City has tried developing GRANT APPLICATION - ART WORKS! VISUAL ART FESTIVAL (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 277 1999 - 67 - CITY OF KITCHENER its own festivals and hasn't had the kind of success that this festival has had. He felt that it was necessary for festivals to come from the community to be successful. Mr. T. Clancy addressed the Committee advising that he has some concerns with Art Works! and the Christkindl Market, noting that these have been quite successful. He stated that Council was clear from the beginning that it would reduce its funding. Mr. Clancy stated that some of the vendors at these festivals do extremely well at a public facility and he was not convinced that the festivals could not be self-supporting. Even without financial support, the City could still support these festivals with staff. Mr. Clancy was of the opinion that a lot of money changes hands at these festivals and some of this money should come back to the organizers. Ms. L. MacDonald noted that it is intended that there be a display with combustibles and advised that it should be cleared with the Fire Department and Facilities Management and Ms. L. Gove advised that this was being taken care of. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he had difficulty with the dollar figures in the financial information provided with the report and Mr. M. Price provided an explanation. Mayor Zehr requested a friendly amendment to Councillor B. Vrbanovic's motion that the grant be to a maximum of $8,000.00 which Councillor Vrbanovic agreed to. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he agreed with Mr. T. Clancy to a point. He noted that both of these festivals are in the growth phases and they are good for the downtown. He believed that they would be self-sustaining eventually. He stated that the City should support these festivals and has a role to play which he felt should be an active role. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener continue to provide Art Works! Visual Festival planning committee with funding and staff support; and further, That Council approve an increase in the 1999 grant to Art Works! to a maximum of $8,000.00." REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL AND STAFF SUPPORT - CHRISTKINDL MARKET The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. L. Gove, Supervisor, Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated September 22, 1999, recommending that the City of Kitchener continue to provide the Christkindl Market Committee with financial sponsorship and assistance from staff. Mr. T. Bergmeier was in attendance to represent the request of the Christkindl Market Committee for financial and staff support for the 1999 Christkindl Market. He reviewed last year's Market, noting the number of out of town visitors, the volunteer support, and stated that it was a true community event which generated an enormous amount of good will. Mr. Bergmeier advised that the Christkindl Market was the winner of the 1998 Festival and Events Ontario Award for the "Best New Festival in Ontario". Mr. Bergmeier then compared the current request for financial support with the $300,000.00 the Toronto Street Festival received. Mr. Bergmeier then explained that the City needs to become a winter tourism destination. He advised of partnerships being developed and the expansion of the event this year. A promotional video for the Christkindl Market was then shown to the Committee. Councillor C. Weylie moved the recommendation contained in the staff report. She noted the tremendous amount of hard work that went into making this event a success. Councillor J. Haalboom commented on the parking problems at last year's event, suggesting better signage. Councillor B. Vrbanovic spoke in favour of the motion, stating that the Christkindl Market is a REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL AND STAFF SUPPORT - CHRISTKINDL MARKET (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 277 1999 - 68 - CITY OF KITCHENER credit to Mr. Bergmeier, his committee and the volunteers. He noted the controlled and measured growth of the festival and stated that it was a tremendous festival. Councillor Haalboom requested adding to the motion that Public Works be directed to put up signs for parking and Councillor G. Lorentz advised that staff will take this under advisement. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener continue to provide the Christkindl Market committee with sponsorship of $10,000.00 and staff support from the Arts, Culture and Events Division." REPORT OF MILLENNIUM STEERING COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of a report, distributed under separate cover, from Ms. L. Ferguson, Millennium Projects Co-Ordinator, undated, providing the recommendations of the Millennium Selection and Steering Committee for Main Street Ontario Millennium Funding. Ms. L. Ferguson introduced the report, reviewed the process, advising that it was a very successful process. Councillor B. Vrbanovic addressed the Committee advising that the Millennium Selection and Steering Committee received a total of 11 applications and 5 are being recommended today. The 5 being recommended were: Wave of the Future, Courtyard Millennium Garden, The Registry Theatre, The Millennium Thumbprints and Millennium Mondays. Ms. L. Ferguson noted that the Ontario government has set aside $91,100.00 as Kitchener's share of the Main Street Ontario Millennium Funding. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he wished to publicly acknowledge the contribution of the members of the Millennium Selection and Steering Committee who gave a lot of time to this project. He then moved the 3 recommendations contained in Ms. Ferguson's report. Councillor Vrbanovic noted that the third recommendation refers to money which was set aside by Council at the beginning of this year. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that he appreciated the amount of work done by this committee. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Council approve, in principle, the Millennium Selection and Steering Committee's recommendations for projects totalling $91,100.00, to be included in an application to the Province's Main Street Ontario Millennium Funding Program; and, That letters of endorsement for the chosen projects be prepared by staff and signed by the Mayor, on behalf of Council, as required for inclusion in the application; and further, That Council approve, in principle, approximately $30,000.00 of the money currently in the Capital Budget for millennium funding, to be used as matching funds for the chosen projects, where deemed appropriate and at the discretion of the Millennium Selection and Steering Committee." EXTENSION OF CONCESSION CONTRACT AT KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated September 20, 1999, recommending that the current agreement with Brown's Fine Foods to provide food and beverage services at the Complex be extended. Mr. K. Baulk introduced the report and advised that Mr. R. Eldridge of Brown's Fine Foods was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in EXTENSION OF CONCESSION CONTRACT AT KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 277 1999 - 69 - CITY OF KITCHENER this regard. Councillor John Smola moved the recommendation contained in the staff report. A brief discussion took place on how frequently the City goes to tender for these kind of services. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener extend its current agreement with Brown's Fine Foods to provide food and beverage services for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex for the one- year period May 2000 - May 2001; and, That the City maintain an option of extending the agreement for 2 additional one-year periods, May 2001 - May 2002 and May 2002 - May 2003; and, That the minimum annual guarantee be increased to $205,000.00; and, That Brown's Fine Foods undertake a minimum of $50,000.00 in capital upgrades, prior to May 1,2000, for kitchen improvements and equipment upgrades; and, That the capital upgrades be amortised over 3 years with the City reimbursing Brown's Fine Foods any balance remaining should an extension not be granted to the second or third year; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an amending agreement with Brown's Fine Foods provided such agreement is satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 6. EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS FOR ENTERTAINERS AT FESTIVAL OF THE NIGHT 2000 The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. G. Holstead, Co-Ordinator of Programs, dated September 22, 1999, recommending the execution of contracts for specific entertainers for the Festival of the Night event to be held on December 31, 1999. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That the City's Manager of Purchasing be allowed to execute, on behalf of the City, a contract with the Downchild Blues Band in the amount of $9,630.00, and with Looking Glass Productions in the amount of $27,500.00, to secure services at the Festival of the Night event to be held on December 31, 1999, with such contracts being satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 7. WALTER BEAN GRAND RIVER TRAIL The Committee was in receipt of a copy of a letter from Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager, to Mr. H. Seegmiller, dated September 24, 1999, outlining his understanding with respect to the dedication of certain lands to the City of Kitchener for the Walter Bean Grand River Trail. Mr. T. Clancy addressed the Committee advising that this situation came together rather quickly. He noted that he had discussed it with Mr. J. Shivas, City Solicitor, who felt that the Committee's approval should be sought. With the aid of the overhead projector, Mr. T. Clancy showed maps of the area where the land is located. He noted that Bingeman Park, the abutting property, is prepared to have the trail go through their property on existing roads and trails. He also advised that Bingeman Park wants to extend their camping area into the flood plain and the trail will loop in that area. Mr. Clancy then went on to explain the fundraising event to take place on Saturday, October 2nd. A discussion took place concerning Bingeman Park and the issue of their desire for camping in WALTER BEAN GRAND RIVER TRAIL (CONT'D) the flood plain area. It was suggested that the Committee deal solely with the contents of Mr. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 277 1999 - 70 - CITY OF KITCHENER Clancy's letter today, and Councillor T. Galloway put forward the recommendations contained in the letter from Mr. T. Clancy to Mr. H. Seegmiller along with an amendment that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the agreement. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he wished to discuss Bingeman's commitment. He also wished to discuss some other issues with respect to a land acquisition matter and asked that the Committee meet in-camera. Following a brief debate on this matter, On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That an in-camera meeting be held immediately to consider a land acquisition matter." The Committee recessed at 3:27 p.m. and reconvened at 3:37 p.m. following an in-camera meeting. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener enter into an agreement, to be prepared by the City Solicitor, with Rockway Holdings Inc.; acknowledging the future conveyance of a portion of Part Lot 123, German Company Tract, extending from the top of the embankment, including the trees, to the edge of the Grand River, to the City for purposes of the Walter Bean Grand River Trail Project; and, That the agreement further acknowledge that the City shall immediately construct a temporary path over the portion Rockway Holdings lands, intended to be conveyed to the City in the future, for use by the Walter Bean Trail Committee in respect to a fundraising event on October 2, 1999, provided that the liability for this event is assumed by the City, in said agreement, and by the Walter Bean Trail Committee, for the activities each are performing; and, That the agreement include provisions that the City, at its cost, obtain a market value appraisal of the subject lands and to issue a tax receipt in this regard to Rockway Holdings Inc., and that the formal trail be constructed by Seegmiller Construction, in consultation with the City's Parks and Recreation Department, in the fall of 1999; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement and any other documentation required by the City Solicitor." 8. GRANT APPLICATION - REGIONAL PRIDE COMMITTEE OF WATERLOO WELLINGTON The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Wyatt, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated September 20, 1999, recommending that the Committee not approve the grant application of Regional Pride Committee of Waterloo Wellington. It was noted that Ms. A. Charbonneau had registered as a delegation for this meeting but was not in attendance. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of the Regional Pride Committee of Waterloo Wellington for an in-kind grant in the amount of $200.00 to cover the cost of barriers, park tables and benches, and Park staff for their annual Pride Day Celebration which took place on June 19, 1999." 9. COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM Mr. T. Clancy advised that because of a technical difficulty, the PowerPoint presentation he had planned would not be shown. Mr. Clancy provided some suggestions for next year's Communities COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 277 1999 -71 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. in Bloom as follows: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) the need for a logo and slogan; the need for a major project such as a floral display feature; the need for a few more floral displays; the need for a better presentation from Planning; the Community Garden Manual and Community Loans Program; community visioning. It was noted that this would be Mr. Clancy's last attendance, as the General Manager of Parks and Recreation, at the Community Services Committee and Councillor G. Lorentz, on behalf of Council, wished him well. Councillor Lorentz thanked Mr. Clancy for his many, many years of service to his community and wished him all the best. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator