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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2000-06-12CSC\2000-06-12 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 127 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 1:30 p.m. under Councillor G. Lorentz, Chair with the following members present: Councillors Jake Smola, M. Yantzi, J. Ziegler, K. Taylor- Harrison, B. Vrbanovic, C. Weylie and John Smola. Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. A. Menon and Messrs. J. Gazzola, F. Pizzuto, D. Daly, K. Baulk, B. Kuntz, G. Kett and L.W. Neil. CSD-00-032 - 17 BENTON STREET - RENOVATION OF HANS HAUS - KITCHENER-WATERLOO OKTOBERFEST INC. The Committee was in receipt of the above Community Services Department report dated June 5, 2000 from F. Pizzuto dealing with a recommendation to provide a $100,000. loan to K-W Oktoberfest Inc. to support renovation costs and development of a castle facade for the Hans Haus at 17 Benton Street. Mr. F. Pizzuto provided a brief explanation of the project including timing of it. Mr Larry Blundell, Executive Director, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Inc. appeared as a delegation along with other Oktoberfest representatives in support of his June 1, 2000 correspondence attached to the agenda detailing the project. He explained how the project has evolved and been redesigned to pare down its cost at this time. He noted that initially it was planned to start construction late this year, but that if their application for the $100,000. loan was approved it would be possible to commence construction now for completion by the third or fourth week of September in time for the annual Oktoberfest. He exhibited an artist rendering of the facade of the building, which would be flood lit. In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. Blundell advised that Oktoberfest still plans a future addition in three or four years as originally proposed and as cash flow permits. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener provide a $100,000. loan to K-W Oktoberfest Inc. for a castle facade for Hans Haus, 217 Benton Street, from the Community Assistance Loan Plan, repayable over a 4-year period commencing January 1, 2001 at $25,000. per year or 50% of the Oktoberfest surplus, whichever is greater; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a loan agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor." CSD-00-033 - KOR GALLERY & STUDIOS AND GLASS STUDIO - REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL SHORT TERM FUNDING The Committee considered the above Community Services Department report dated June 5, 2000 from F. Pizzuto responding to a request from KOR Gallery and Studio for additional short-term funding for both the Gallery and the Glass Studio. It was noted in report that the request is as a result of the rejection of an application by KOR for 'Millennium' funding from the Federal Government. Staff recommend that short-term funding be provided to KOR Gallery and Studio in order that the project remains viable and recommend that the Glass Studio project be fully evaluated before it proceeds. Mr. F Pizutto provided an explanation of the purpose of the report and asked that the Committee take note of the staff recommendations listed under the 'Financial Implications' section of the report. Ms. Deborah Rothwell appeared as a delegation on behalf of the KOR Gallery and Studio in support of her correspondence dated June 5, May 19 and May 17, 2000 attached to the agenda. She circulated photographs to the Committee and commented on the initial plan for KOR, government deadlines, availability of the studio, benefits of the studio facility to the community, planned future events, the artists commitment and the arts as being an integral part of downtown renewal. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2000 - 57 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-00-033 - KOR GALLERY & STUDIOS AND GLASS STUDIO - REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL SHORT TERM FUNDING (CONT'D) The Committee posed a number of questions to Ms. Rothwell dealing with financial issues. She noted that funding for the four months would support four artists, enough revenue would be generated through KOR to support operations after four months and applications were being prepared for non-profit designation and charitable status. Councillor B. Vrbanovic strongly recommended that the application for non-profit designation be accelerated as it was his view this could be achieved more quickly. Mr. F. Pizzuto commented on the funding request noting that of the $26,000., $21,200 would be utilized to supplement KOR operations and the balance would be utilized to hire a consultant to evaluate the proposed Glass Studio operation. He recommended that the $26,000. operations budget for the Glass Studio be restored in 2001. Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked that recognition of city support of arts projects be displayed on their signage. Mr. Pizzuto noted that staff would review this issue and report back to the Committee. Councillor C. Weylie referred to the K-W Tourism package that had been distributed to members of Council this date and requested Ms. Rothwell provide information on KOR to K-W Tourism for promotional purposes. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That year 1 operating funds approved for the Glass Studio in 2000 in the amount of $26,000. be re-allocated as outlined in Community Services staff report CSD-00-033 as follows: a total of $21,200. be used to fund KOR for a 4 month period up to $4,000. be used to complete a business case on the potential for a Glass Studio; and further, That the full 3 year operating budget for the Glass Studio remain in tact and be forwarded by one year if a decision is made to proceed with the Glass Studio." CSD-00-037 - REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION TO CEMETERIES BY-LAW - MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 210 (CEMETERIES) The Committee considered the above Community Services Department report dated May 31, 2000 from K. Baulk dealing with a request for exemption to the Cemeteries by-law. Background respecting the request was detailed in the report and staff are in support. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That the request to centre one upright memorial over Lots 13 and 14 in the Children's Section at Williamsburg Cemetery be granted and that this request be approved as an exemption to the Cemeteries By-law - Municipal Code Chapter 210." CSD-00-030 - GRANT REQUEST - NATIONAL JUNIOR BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS The Committee was in receipt of the above Community Services Department report dated June 1, 2000 from K. Baulk dealing with a $2,000. grant for the 2000 National Junior Baseball Championship to be hosted by the City of Kitchener August 23-27, 2000. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That a grant be approved in the amount of $2,000. for the 2000 National Junior Baseball Championship in accordance with City Council's July 2, 1996 resolution." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2000 - 58 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-00-038 - WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (WRDSB) - RECIPROCAL USE AGREEMENT - COMMUNICATIONS PLAN FOR CHANGES The Committee considered the above Community Services Department report dated June 6, 2000 from Peter Beaudry regarding development of a communications plan for the changes in the Reciprocal Use Agreement with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB). It was noted in the report that Council on May 23, 2000 directed staff to prepare a communications plan with respect to the WRDSB withdrawing from the Agreement and the implications such action has on the City and groups that utilize school facilities. The staff report outlines a communications strategy that would be put into place if necessary. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested staff undertake some preliminary work on the matter but that the Plan be held in abeyance and detailed work on the Plan be done only if necessary following City Councils meeting with the School Board. LEG-00-017 - FIREWORKS BY-LAW - AMENDMENTS - MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 739 (FIREWORKS AND FIRECRACKERS) The Committee was in receipt of the above Legal Department report dated June 7, 2000 prepared by Anne Menon proposing amendments to the by-law regulating fireworks. It was noted in the report that City Council at its meeting held June 21, 1999 directed the Legal Department to review the fireworks by-law as to requiring a minimum distance separation between the place of ignition and wooded areas. Further on May 23, 2000 Council passed a resolution directing that fireworks not be permitted on city property, including parks unless prior permission had been granted by Council. Accordingly, attached to the report was a proposed by-law incorporating the amendments that had been requested. Councillor Jake Smola indicated that he would like to see 'child care facilities' referred in the clause dealing with the 500-foot distance requirement. Ms. A. Menon advised that the uses were taken directly from the Fire Code. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if the by-law as worded would negatively impact the Victoria Day fireworks display held at Westheights Park adjacent to two schools. Ms. Menon acknowledged that in the proposed by-law there was no provision for exemption that was in the existing by-law and agreed to add it back in. Since the by-law was being revised, Councillor Jake Smola requested that the by-law also be changed to include 'child care facility' in the list of uses pertaining to the 500-foot distance requirement. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the draft by-law, considered by the Community Service Committee on June 12, 2000, to amend Municipal Code Chapter 739 (Fireworks and Firecrackers) be revised to provide for an exemption provision as in the existing by-law and inclusion of 'child care facility' in the list of uses pertaining to the 500 foot distance requirement; and further, That the revised draft by-law be circulated to City Council for consideration at its June 19, 2000 meeting and subject to the content being satisfactory, it be added to the Council Agenda for 3 readings." 7. CSD-00-031 - FREDERICK STREET - WEDNESDAY OUTDOOR MARKET The Committee dealt with the above Community Service Department report dated June 1, 2000 prepared by Stephanie Massel which recommends an outdoor market be established to operate Wednesdays from June through mid-October on Frederick Street. Ms. Massel advised that a meeting was held with Farmers' Market vendors in this regard and they were in support of the undertaking. In response to Councillor M. Yantzi, she noted that the mid- October date may conflict annual Oktoberfest events on Frederick Street and she would be consulting with that organization. Further in response to Councillor C. Weylie, she advised that contact has been made with Regional officials and they were supportive of a partial street closing for the market with two-way single lane traffic on Frederick Street. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2000 - 59 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-00-031 - FREDERICK STREET - WEDNESDAY OUTDOOR MARKET (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That an outdoor market be established to operate each Wednesday from June through mid-October on Frederick Street; and further, That funding to an upset limit of $23,500. be approved as an over-expenditure in the Kitchener Farmers' Market operating budget to operate and promote the Wednesday Outdoor Market for the year 2000." 8. CSD-00-040 - KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX - NEW LOGO The Committee was circulated with the above Community Services Department report dated June 8, 2000 from Rosemary Pitfield to which was attached was a new logo for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. It was noted in the report that the Aud. 50th Anniversary Committee was charged with developing a new logo that celebrates the millennium and provides a modern visual, which is relevant to the sporting community and entertainment industries. Ms. Rosemary Pitfield provided brief comment with regard to the new logo. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That the new logo for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, attached to Community Services staff report CSD-00-040, be endorsed." KFD-00-003 - 1995 FIRE STATION LOCATION STUDY- STAFFING REVIEW The Committee considered the above Kitchener Fire Department report dated May 15, 2000 prepared by N. E. Kuntz. The report deals with a review of the staffing levels resulting from the '1995 Fire Station Location Study' and was prepared in response to a Council resolution passed July 5, 1999. The report is the result of a comprehensive study of emergency response staffing, primarily for the Guelph and Lancaster Street Fire Station. Fire Chief N. E. Kuntz provided a detailed presentation of the report and related impact. He emphasized that the department has not yet seen the full impact of service response since the fire station relocation program is not complete. Accordingly staff have not be able to fully analyze the impacts and will not be able to do so until all new Fire Stations are in place. Chief Kuntz empasized that the City must enter into an 'Automatic Aid Agreement' with City of Waterloo and continue to monitor the staffing situation. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned the coverage level for the Downtown in view of the new station locations and Chief Kuntz advised that he would like additional time to study this matter. Councillor John Smola had concern with regard to the move of the Ottawa and King Fire Station to the new location at Ottawa Street North and River Road and suggested that after the relocation, problems would be encountered and that Fire Station # 2 at Lancaster and Guelph Street would be deeply affected by the move of the Ottawa Street Fire Station. Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this point. Councillor John Smola noted that the service level at Fire Station # 2 had been reduced from two units to one and one half units and stated that once the entire Fire Station Relocation Program was completed there would be a risk at Station # 2. It was his view two units are absolutely required at Station # 2. Councillor Jake Smola commented that he would like to have an opinion from the City's Risk Manager respecting this situation. Chief Kuntz noted that the matter was dealt with in the report in 1999 and it was suggested the Fire Department undertake a risk assessment. The risk assessment would cover community risk and response to risk and he noted that he could bring a preliminary report in this regard to the Committee by August 21,2000. 9. KFD-00-003 - 1995 FIRE STATION LOCATION STUDY- STAFFING REVIEW (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2000 - 60 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that Mr. J Gazzola consider whether the report referred to should be first dealt with by Council in-camera. With regard to recommendation #2 in the staff report, he asked that it be revised to require a report be made to the Committee four months after the opening of Fire Station # 3. Councillor John Smola again expressed concern that the staffing cut back at Fire Station # 2 was Council's responsibility and was a previous action that Council should reverse in order to restore previous staffing levels. Mayor C. Zehr commented that the Fire Chief and the Chief Administrative Officer are comfortable with the staffing situation at this time. The recommendation in the staff report, as well as the revision to the second part of the recommendation as proposed by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, was then considered. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the following be approved with respect to the 1995 Fire Station Location Study Staffing Review: 1) That Council endorse the level of response staff presently in place. 2) That the Fire Chief continue to monitor and review staffing levels as related to statistical experience and increased demands as a result of future development and report back to the Committee Services Committee 4 months after the opening of Fire Station #3. 3) That an Automatic Aid Agreement be negotiated with the City of Waterloo to best support protection for both municipalities. 4) That the Fire Department continue to analyze response capabilities utilizing simulated models through GIS." For the record Councillor John Smola requested to be recorded as opposed to this recommendation. 10. CSD-00-042 - SEASONAL RENTAL OF CAMBRIDGE PROPERTY FOR DOON VALLEY GOLF COURSE EXPANSION The above Community Services Department report dated June 11, 2000 from G. Kett was distributed to the Committee this date. The report deals with seasonal rental of Cambridge property owned by the City for the future expansion of the Doon Valley Golf Course. It was noted in the report that the former owners of the property had again requested an opportunity to rent the approximate 30-acre land parcel in 2000 for crop production. Staff support the request noting that it will not interfere with the development of the future golf course later this summer. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener accept the offer of Dieter Stoll for the seasonal rental of Parts 1 & 2, Plan 67R-1686, in the City of Cambridge for the purposes of growing a crop of summer wheat for the fee of $1,050. + GST; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 11. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the information items attached to the agenda. 12. ADJOURNMENT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2000 - 61 - On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m. CITY OF KITCHENER L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk