Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2001-01-08CSC\2001-01-08 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 87 2001 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: Councillors M. Galloway, J. Smola, C. Weyle and J. Ziegler. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor B. Vrbanovic were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. G. Luciantonio, Ms. S. Adams, Ms. R. Willms, Ms. S. Tranter, Ms. M. Morrison, Ms. D. Gilchrist and Messrs. J. Gazzola, F. Pizzuto, B. Stanley, G. Borovilos, G. Melanson, K. Baulk, D. Paterson and P. Beaudry. CSD-01-001 - 2001 NATIONAL JUNIOR FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIP - GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-001, dated January 3, 2001, recommending that the City support the 2001 Bank of Montreal Skate Canada Junior Nationals and that the City provide a grant of $1,000. to purchase a bronze sponsorship to host the Volunteers Recognition reception. Ms. D. Flynn appeared as a delegation to support the staff recommendation advising that the competition starts this Wednesday and the reception would be held the evening of January 8, 2001. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports the 2001 Bank of Montreal Skate Canada Junior Nationals at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium from January 10 - 14, 2001; and further, That Council provide a grant to purchase a $1,000. bronze sponsorship to host the Volunteer Recognition Reception." 2. CSD-01-002 - 2001 ANNUAL OPERATING GRANTS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-002, dated December 28, 2000, recommending annual operating grants for the year 2001 for various community groups and agencies, in the amount of $834,454. Mr. F. Pizzuto introduced the report advising that all requests for funding were reviewed and staff determined whether or not the groups met grant criteria. He noted that attached to the written report were charts, Chart A identifying all groups which received grants in the year 2000, along with the staff recommendation for 2001, Chart B outlining new groups which had applied for operating grants, and Chart C identifying in-kind facility grant requests. Mr. Pizzuto then advised that there were two groups registered as delegations that wished to appeal the staff recommended grant: K-W Opera and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Ms. L. Paquette, Corporate Campaign Manager for K-W Opera appeared as the delegation and a written proposal from K-W Opera was distributed to members of the committee. Ms. Paquette advised of a new program, which commenced in 2000, to bring opera to the schools, advising that the program had initially been funded by a Board member. She had advised that they are requesting additional funding from the City of Kitchener of $2,400., this year to continue this program. Ms. Paquette advised of the contents of the program and its benefits to the school children. In addition, upon questioning, Ms. Paquette advised of partnerships with other community groups and funding from other sources. Mr. P. Katona of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region appeared as the delegation to appeal the recommendation of a zero grant in 2001 for the Food Bank. It was noted by staff and committee members that the purpose of the grant prior to 2001 was to offset the City's portion of property taxes for the property they occupied, and it was noted by Mayor Zehr that the property they currently occupy is tax-exempt; therefore the need for the grant has been eliminated. Mr. Katona advised the committee that he wished to maintain the grant of previous years in order to maintain a partnership with the City of Kitchener with the Food Bank. Mayor Zehr noted various other ways in which the City of Kitchener partners with the Food Bank. It was noted that the Region of Waterloo financially supports the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he felt this community's contribution to the Food Bank was being directed through the Region of Waterloo. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CSD-01-002 - 2001 ANNUAL OPERATING GRANTS, CONT'D The Committee members voted on the two appeals individually and the remainder of the annual operating grants resulting in the following motion. On motion by B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That, subject to final 2001 budget approval, Council approve the 2001 annual operating grants as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-01-002, dated December 28, 2000, totalling $834,454." 3. CSD-01-005 - 2001 ANNUAL MINOR SPORTS GRANTS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-005, dated December 29, 2000, recommending the 2001 Annual Minor Sports Grants in amount of $465,491. Attached to the staff report was the following charts: Chart A, showing sports groups that received grants in the year 2000 and the staff-recommended grant for the year 2001; and Chart B showing sports groups that did not receive grants in the year 2000 and the staff-recommended grant for the year 2001. Several delegations had registered from various minor sports groups to appeal the grant recommended for their group. Mr. P. Beaudry introduced the report explaining the contents of the charts. He noted that after reviewing the grant applications there were two specific reasons why various of the minor sports groups had requested substantial increases over their year 2000 grants, being: the charges now levied by the Waterloo Region District School Board for the use of school facilities and diminished bingo revenues. Mr. Beaudry then advised that, in Chart A, the recommended grant and recommended increase in the grant for the K-W Youth Synchronized Swimming was in error and should be revised to read $8,000 recommended in 2001 being a 2% increase over their year 2000 grant. Councillor C. Weylie questioned the total amount of grant dollars being given to the School Board by the City through these minor sports groups for the charges the Board has levied for use of schools. Mr. Beaudry advised that he didn't have the exact figures. The Committee then heard presentations from each of the registered delegations and considered each appeal. Ms. K. Hogan, K-W Youth Synchronized Swimming, appeared as a delegation to appeal the staff recommendation for their 2001 operating grant. She advised that the group brings all aspects of sychronized swimming to the city, including leadership and athletics. She noted that their participants are females from 10 - 17 years of age. They would use the increased funding to accommodate an increase in participation. Upon questioning, Ms. Hogan advised that they have 100 participants and of the various ways they try to assist participants who cannot afford the fees. Ms. L. Chapeskie, President, Excelsior Fencing Club, appeared as the delegation to appeal the staff recommendation for their 2001 grant. She advised that they meet at the Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate for three hours/week and it is because of the new charges by the School Board that the additional funds are required. She noted that competitions are necessary in order to maintain the sport; these are major events which require a lot of volunteer effort. Ms. Chapeskie answered questions from the Committee, advising there are 40 - 50 participants in the club and that she is loathed to increase fees until the club can reorganize, noting that parents pay substantial costs for equipment, competitions and transportation. Mr. P. Pottier, K-W Waterpolo Club, appeared as the delegation advising that their bingo revenues are substantially lower this past year. He advised that the club has doubled its fees and eliminated subsidies for tournaments, and their grant money pays rent to the City of Kitchener for pool time. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Pottier advised that the City of COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-01-005 - 2001 ANNUAL MINOR SPORTS GRANTS CONT'D Waterloo gives a grant in-kind for 40% of their use of the Swimplex. Ms. T. Judges, Region of Waterloo Swim Club, appeared as the delegation to request grant funding in excess of that recommended by staff. She noted that they are not longer running bingos due to their loss in 2000. She also advised of their fee increases over the last three years. Ms. B. Hughes, Twin City Minor Tackle Football, appeared as the delegation to request grant funding in excess of that recommended by staff. She noted that they have lost funding through bingo revenues because the hall has closed. She noted that they have experienced an 8 - 10% increase in player participation, they now have to pay for equipment storage, and they are trying to keep up with increased costs. Councillor Ziegler questioned their grant from the City of Waterloo and was advised that they receive an in-kind facility grant from them. Mr. K. Vanderpool, appeared as the delegation to represent the grant appeal for the Waterloo Regional Boxing Academy. He advised that they have run into difficulties because of reduced bingo revenues and increased facility costs. He noted that 35 - 40 children participate at the Academy, many of whom are at risk. He advised that they are changing their focus towards recreational boxing to increase the participation of those over 18, which will increase fees. Councillor Weylie questioned why the City is supporting a facility for people over 18 and was advised by staff that the grant funding is strictly for participants under 18. Mr. B. Thompson, President, Kitchener Minor Baseball, appeared as the delegation to appeal their grant as recommended by staff. He noted that their bingo revenues are down by 50%. He advised that their grant request is up in proportion to the City's increased rental costs, which he estimated at 9%. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Thompson advised that in 2000 the City started charging them for practice time which was never charged before. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Beaudry advised that rental fees have only been increased by 2% as approved by Council, there are maintenance costs involved for use of the diamonds for practices and they require exclusive use. Mr. Pizzuto advised that staff will be reviewing this situation, noting that the minor sports grants have a history and are not necessarily based on any criteria. Staff will be reporting to the Committee in this regard. Members of the Committee advised that they do not want Minor Baseball to have to pay for practice time, and they included boys and girls softball in this direction to staff. Councillor G. Lorentz requested a report by April. Mr. Thompson commented that he thought there was an agreement stating that Minor Baseball would not be charged for practice time. Mr. R. Dunkel, K-W Inline Hockey, appeared as the delegation to appeal staff's recommendation for their annual operating grant. He noted that this was a City-run program until last August. They have 460 participants currently and anticipate 600 this year, 450 of whom will be from the City of Kitchener. He suggested that they are equivalent to lacrosse who receives $32.00 per participant. They are asking for $23.00 per participant. The Committee noted that the grant application and related material for this group had not been provided. It was agreed that consideration of this application be deferred to the Community Services Committee meeting of January 22, 2001 pending receipt of additional information from staff. Mr. D. Matheson, Kitchener Minor Boys Baseball, appeared as the delegation to appeal staff's recommendation for their 2001 operating grant. He advised that they have 450 participants between the ages of 7 and 19. He advised that their bingo revenues are down by approximately 50% and at the same time their facility fees have increased. He advised that they have made $30,000. to $35,000 worth of improvements to the Wilson diamond and are now being charged increased fees to use it. He also advised of charges levied by the City for practice time. Councillor J. Smola suggested that this group be included in the discussions with staff concerning charges for practice time. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-01-005 - 2001 ANNUAL MINOR SPORTS GRANTS CONT'D Mr. S. Smith appeared as the delegation, representing the appeal of Kitchener Minor Girls Softball to staff's recommended operating grant. Mr. Smith provided information regarding loss of bingo revenues, services provided, number of participants and increased fees. He advised that they also pay for practice time. The Committee directed staff to include this group in the discussions concerning charges for use of City facilities for practices. It was noted that Mr. L. Widdifield of Tsuruoka Kia Karate had registered as delegation but was not in attendance. Mr. P. Hignell, K-W Olympic Hockey, appeared as a delegation to appeal their 2001 operating grant as recommended by staff. He advised that they have approximately 55 participants, both boys and girls, between the ages of 6 - 17, 55 - 60% of whom are residents of the City of Kitchener. He advised that the money would be spent on upgrading the Lion's field and to purchase poles which meet regulation standards. They also would like to purchase a pair of goaltender's pads which are costly. Having considered each appeal the Committee passed the following resolution: On motion by Councillor J. Smola: it was resolved: "That, subject to final 2001 budget approval, the 2001 Annual Minor Sports Grants recommended in Community Services Department report CSD-01-005 be approved, as amended, to increase the grant for the K-W Youth Synchronized Swimming Club to $8,000., and to increase the grant to the Region of Waterloo Swim Club by 2% over their year 2000 grant; and further, That consideration of the grant request of K-W Inline Hockey be deferred and referred to the Community Services Committee meeting of January 22, 2001, pending further information from staff." 4. CAO-00-005 - OPPPORTUNITIES 2000 RESPONSE The Committee members had previously been provided with an extensive report titled "City of Kitchener Opportunities 2000 Response - Strategies for a Caring Community: The Local Government Role", dated December 15, 2000, prepared in response to Council's resolution of July 4, 2000 addressing a request from Mr. Paul Born on behalf of Opportunities 2000. Ms. M. Morrison, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, presented the contents of the report which had been prepared by the City of Kitchener's Response Team, addressing strategies for a caring committee to reduce poverty. She requested the Committee adopt the recommendation contained in Chief Administrative Officer Department report CAO-00-005, attached to the agenda. Mr. Paul Born of Opportunities 2000 addressed the Committee congratulating the City on its response, stating that it is the best report from a city. He requested permission to put the response on the Internet and stated that what is proposed by the City in this report is ground- breaking. He advised that Opportunities 2000 is moving into Phase 2 and noted that Mr. F. Pizzuto is on the leadership round table. Mayor Zehr questioned the cost of hosting the opening ceremony for the "Habitat for Humanity" project and Ms. Tranter advised the cost would be approximately $2,000. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Council approve in principle the recommendations in Chief Administrative Officer Department staff report CAO-00-005 "Opportunities 2000 Response", dated December 15, 2000; with the report to be provided to the Compass Kitchener Committee to determine how poverty issues can be integrated with Compass Kitchener; and, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CAO-00-005 - OPPPORTUNITIES 2000 RESPONSE CONT'D "That staff be directed to proceed with all initiatives currently underway and/or identified in the "Opportunities 2000 Response" report and provide a progress report to Council in one year, as part of the Compass Kitchener annual reporting process; and, That interested community groups and individuals be invited to provide their input, through ongoing Compass Kitchener processes, on how successful the City has been in meeting its objectives, and what else the City of Kitchener can do in regard to poverty; and That copies of the "Opportunities 2000 Response" report be provided to the Region of Waterloo and area municipalities; and, That the City of Kitchener participate in a meeting of all area municipalities and the Region of Waterloo to collectively explore how these municipalities can work together to reduce poverty, with the Mayor to take a request for such meeting to the Waterloo Region Poverty Consortium; and That the employees of the City of Kitchener be encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise to build a "Habitat for Humanity" home in the Spring of 2001; and further, That the City host the opening ceremony for this 'build' project.' CSD-01-004 - ONTARIO SUPERBUILD; SPORTS, CULTURAL AND TOURISM PARTNERSHIPS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-004, dated December 28, 2000, advising of the province's Superbuild: Sports, Cultural and Tourism Partnership, the purpose of which is to renew, enhance, and improve municipally-owned or endorsed local sports, recreation, culture and tourism facilities. The staff report advises of the requirements which must be met before an application to the fund can be made. Mr. F. Pizzuto reviewed the contents of the report. He advised that staff would provide Council at its January 29, 2001 meeting with a list of projects to chose from, noting that an application to the fund may be made for only one of these projects. The Committee directed Mr. Pizzuto to provide the list of projects at the January 22, 2001 Community Services Committee meeting. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved that: "That Council confirm that the City of Kitchener does not have any outstanding public health and safety issues or projects affecting its existing sport, recreational, cultural and tourism facilities; and, That Council confirm that the City of Kitchener is compliant or in the process of gaining compliance with the new Ministry of Environment Drinking Water Protection Registration, Ontario Regulation 459/00, made August 9, 2000; and further, That this resolution be forwarded to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for endorsement." ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:18 pm. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator