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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2000-09-11CSC\2000-09-11 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:00 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, and Councillors T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, John Smola, K. Taylor-Harrison, B Vrbanovic, C. Weylie, M. Yantzi and J. Ziegler. Others Present: Ms. S. Adams, Ms. C. Heal, Ms. L. EckeI-Braun, Ms. L. Bulgin, Ms. M. Sanderson and Messrs. J. Gazzola, F. Pizzuto, D. Corks, D. Daly, P. Beaudry, K. Baulk, R. Weber, J. Cooper, B. Stanley, L. Masseo, and J. Nelson and Ms. D. Gilchrist. RECOGNITION OF JOHN WEBER - CANADIAN NATIONAL JUNIOR BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS On behalf of Council, Mayor C. Zehr presented a Peter Etril Snyder framed print to Mr. & Mrs. John Weber for their extensive volunteer efforts in connection with the Canadian National Junior Baseball Championships from 1995 - 2000. Mayor Zehr stated that Mr. & Mrs. Weber have volunteered with many organizations and events at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Ball Park, and they exemplify the essence of this community. Mr. Weber thanked the City for this recognition and for being an excellent partner in this event. He advised that Baseball Canada thinks that this community is a model for the rest of Canada. 2. CSD-00-073 - SANDHILLS PUBLIC SCHOOL - PLACEMENT OF BALL DIAMOND The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-00-073, dated September 6, 2000, with respect to the placement of the baseball diamond at Sandhills Public School. Also included in the agenda was the written submission from Messrs. K. Noonan and M. Renchko, neighbourhood residents of Sandhills Public School. Messrs. Noonan and Renchko appeared as delegations with respect to their concerns with the location of the ball diamond at Sandhill Public School. Mr. Renchko addressed the Committee advising that the original location chosen for the ball diamond would have affected two residents and the current location affect 8 residents. He advised that the neighbours had a meeting with board staff who advised that they had no objection to moving the ball diamond but had no money to do so. He continued to explain the process of the neighbours involvement and lack of public consultation in the final choice for the location of the ball diamond. With the aid of an overhead projector Mr. Renchko showed photographs of the 8 residences in the vacinity of the ball diamond, indicating the noise and visual impact on these residences. Mr. Renchko also advised of his concerns about excessive traffic and parking on Greengable Court, noting that it is closer to the ball diamond than the school parking lot and people will naturally gravitate to the street for parking. Mr. Renchko stated that the neighbours want the ball diamond moved adjacent to the wooded area and the school building where it would not impact any of the neighbours. Mr. C. Smith of the Waterloo Region District School Board appeared as a delegation and advised the Committee that the site plan approval process requires no public consultation; although, last September the Board did hold a public meeting for four schools to be affected by changes. Mr. Smith noted on the site plan that the Board had given up 3 acres of this school site to preserve a wood lot. He then explained the site plan and noted how the design had changed over time. The only option was to locate the ball diamond in its current location; noting that the Principal has concerns about the neighbours' proposed location. The Committee then discussed programming of the ball diamond. Mr. Smith advised of the school's use of the diamond, noting that there is no easy way to control non-scheduled use. When questioned about moving the diamond Mr. Smith advised that rather than move it, they would go with a scrub diamond for the school's use, which would not be programmable. Mr. Smith advised that relocating the diamond compromises the school's use of the facility and the Principal would prefer a scrub diamond if the current ball diamond has to be removed. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned the cost of moving the ball diamond and was advised $10, 000. more or less, Mr. Smith noting that services would have to be rerouted. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2000 - 74 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor C. Weylie questioned programming proposed for the ball diamond and Mr. J. Cooper CSD-00-073 - SANDHILLS PUBLIC SCHOOL - PLACEMENT OF BALL DIAMOND (CONT'D) advised that it would be programmed most evenings and Saturdays through May and June, for use by minors; however, staff have no control for unscheduled adult use. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that the problems identified are only a speculation and that the diamond should only be moved if these problems arise. Councillor T. Galloway questioned Mr. L. Masseo with respect to the City's involvement, if any, in the relocation of the ball diamond. Mr. Masseo advised that staff, through the site plan approval process are responsible to see that all aspects work on the site. Staff had serious concerns with tree preservation and another aspect is servicing for the site. Councillor J. Haalboom discussed with staff their suggestions for alleviating the neighbours' concerns particularly plantings to screen the backyards. Mr. Pizzuto advised that these plantings would cost approximately $2,000. to $3,000. Councillor Weylie advised that she wants staff to work towards moving the ball diamond and put forward a motion that staff meet with the School Board and neighbours to determine a new location, costs to relocate and what programming could take place. Councillor Ziegler spoke against the motion, noting similar situations in his ward. He suggested that most of the concerns could be addressed through programming. The Committee then briefly discussed leaving the diamond where it is for a one year period to determine if the location causes problems. Councillor C. Weylie's motion was then voted on and lost. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That staff investigate options for visual screening of the baseball diamond at Sandhills Public School from adjacent residences; and, That the baseball diamond be designated for use by minors only; and further, That staff program the ball diamond at Sandhills Public School for a one year period and report to the Community Services Committee at the end of that period on the effects, if any, that the use of the ball diamond has had on the adjacent residences." 3. CSD-00-074 - GZOWSKI PARK - TETHERED HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-00-074, dated September 5, 2000, recommending approval of the request of The Dwelling Place for 'tethered' hot air balloon rides at Gzowski Park on October 14, 2000. Mr. K. J. Weinberger appeared as a delegation in support of the staff report. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener approve the request of The Dwelling Place for 'tethered' hot air balloon rides at Gzowski Park on October 14, 2000." 4. CSD-00-070 & BPS-00-117 - UP-DATE ON CiViC SQUARE CHESS PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-00-070 and BPS-00-117, dated September 5, 2000, providing the Committee with an up-date on the Civic Square Chess Program. Mr. R. Riedsta of the K-W Chess Club appeared as a delegation to give a verbal presentation along with Ms. C. Heal. Ms. C. Heal reviewed the staff report and thanked all staff involved in initiating this project. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2000 - 75 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-00-070 & BPS-00-117 - UP-DATE ON CIVIC SQUARE CHESS PROGRAM (CONT'D) Mr. R. Reidstra of the K-W Chess Club gave a presentation on the success of this program. Several members of the Committee thanked Mr. Reidstra for the Chess Club's involvement with this program. Councillor Haalboom suggest putting a large chess board on Civic Square in a fashion she had seen in some European cities. CSD-00-069 - COUNTRY HILLS COMMUNITY CENTRE PLAYGROUND - RECOGNITION OF AND SUPPORT FOR PARTNERSHIP The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-00-069, dated September 5, 2000, recommending that the Country Hills Playground Partnership be recognized for their continued efforts in developing a new play space at the Country Hills Community Centre and that their fundraising plan be recognized and supported. Ms. N. MacAIpine of the Country Hills Recreation Association appeared as a delegation along with Mr. S. Herzog of the K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee. Ms. MacAIpine advised of the success to date of the partnership which had been established to install the play space at the Country Hills Community Centre. She advised of the process taking place to determine the design for this space, noting that it is their intention to create a space for all ages and all abilities. Mr. S. Herzog of the K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee noted that they have been involved in the project from the beginning. He noted a difficulty in that manufactures of playground equipment do not design equipment for people with physical disability. Several members of the Committee commended the volunteers for their efforts. Councillor T. Galloway put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. that the project is very large in scope and spoke of the depth of the design elements. Galloway advised that the ground breaking will take place at 1:00 p.m. on October 12th. He noted Councillor On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the County Hills Playground Partnership be recognized for their continued efforts in developing a new play space at the Country Hills Community Centre and that Council recognize and support their fundraising plan." CSD-00-067 - REQUEST TO RENAME BRIDGEPORT BALL DIAMOND The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-00-067, dated August 29, 2000, with respect to a request received to rename the K-W Civitan Softball diamond at Bridgeport Park. Councillor John Smola requested that this matter be deferred to next Monday night's Council meeting in order for him to investigate this request with staff. CSD-00-066 - K-W IN-LINE HOCKEY LEAGUE INCORPORATED - REO. HEST FOR APPROVAL AS AFFILIATED MINOR SPORTS GROHP The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-00-066, dated August 29, 2000, requesting Council's approval of the addition of K-W In-Line Hockey League Incorporated as an insured group in the City's minor sports third party liability insurance program and in accordance with the City's Minor Sports affiliation policy. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That Council approve the addition of K-W In-Line Hockey League Incorporated as an insured group in the City of Kitchener's Minor Sports third party liability insurance program; and further, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2000 - 76 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-00-066 - K-W IN-LINE HOCKEY LEAGUE INCORPORATED - RF~UFST FOR APPROVAl AS AFFII IATFr~ MINOR SPORTS GROUP That Council approve the League as an affiliated minor sport group with the City of Kitchener in accordance with the City's Minor Sport Affiliation Policy." CSD-00-077 - METHOD OF REPORDUCTION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON UPRIGHT MEMORIALS The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-00-077, dated September 6, 2000, recommending that the City not amend Chapter 210 (Cemeteries-Municipal) of the Municipal Code with respect to allowing photo attachments of non-breakable poly materials on upright memorials. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener take no action to amend Chapter 210 (Cemeteries- Municipal), Article 11, Subsection 13, of the Municipal Code to allow photo attachments of non-breakable poly materials on upright memorials." CSD-00-075 - COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT - CALL CENTRE CONSULTANT 10. The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-00-075, dated September 6, 2000, with respect to the retention of a consulting firm to design and develop a call centre proposal for the Community Services Department. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Mayor Zehr requested that the consultant find a way of integrating the call centre with the current operation, suggesting that if it becomes too expensive it may have to be rejected. Mr. F. Pizzuto noted that they are strictly investigating at this point in time. Councillor Vrbanovic noted his desire that whatever is developed at this point in time be able to grow into a City wide call centre. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener approve, in principle, the retention of a consulting firm to "design and develop a call centre proposal for the Community Services Department. CSD-00-071 - K-W SPORTS COUNCIL - REQUEST FOR FUNDING INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S GAME FESTIVAL 11. The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-00-071, dated August 31, 2000, recommending Council support for the requested funding by the K-W Sports Council to off-set costs of $1,211.53 associated with the Municipal team entry in the International Children's Game Millennium Festival. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Council approve the request for funding by the K-W Sports Council to offset costs of $1,211.53 associated with the municipal team entry in the International Children's Game Millennium Festival." INFORMATION ITEMS Councillor C. Weylie referred to staff report CSD-00-072 with respect to a plaque presentation by the Luft Family. She noted that it was a positive event and she thanked staff for their contribution to the event. 12. ADJOURNMENT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2000 - 77 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:37 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator