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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1997-04-07PED\1997-04-07 APRIL 7, 1997 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 3:10 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Mayor R. Christy and Councillors G. Lorentz, K. Redman, T. Galloway, M. Yantzi, J. Ziegler and Jake Smola. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials present: Ms. C. Ladd, V. Gibaut, S. Frenette and Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. McCabe, B. Stanley, J. Shivas, D. Mansell, J. Witmer, K. Tribby, P. Wetherup and L.W. Neil. PD 97/31 - 227 DUKE STREET WEST - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 97/2/D/RM - O & W KAUK - CENTRE WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/31 dated March 18, 1997. The report deals with an application for demolition of a duplex located at 227 Duke Street West situated within the City Commercial Core Neighbourhood. The applicant proposes to demolish the duplex in order to create additional employee parking for Kaufman Footwear. It was noted in the report that the property is not affected by the Rental Housing Protection Act or the Ontario Heritage Act. The staff report outlined the issues which were examined resulting in the staff recommendation to approve the application. Mr. B. Stanley briefly explained the purpose of the application and identified the property in question. Mr. Bill Dahms, Sims Clement Eastman appeared as a delegation in support of the recommendation in the staff report. No other delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 97/2/D/RM (O & W Kauk) requesting approval for the demolition of a duplex located at 227 Duke Street West legally described as Part Lot 119, Registered Plan 374 be approved. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City." PD 97~30 - 118 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 97/1/V/RM - WOOD AND WOOD ALUMINUM AND RESTORATIONS INC. - VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/30 dated March 18, 1997. The report deals with an application for demolition of a derelict single family dwelling located at 118 Victoria Street South situated in the Cherry Hill Neighbourhood. The applicant proposes to demolish the dwelling to create parking and green space area for 114 Victoria Street South (Cabinet Hardware & Crafts Outlet). It was noted in the report that the property is not affected by the Rental Housing Protection Act or the Ontario Heritage Act. The issues which staff examined resulting in the staff recommendation to approve the application were itemized in the report. In particular, it was pointed out in the report that an acceptable parking layout has not been submitted by the applicant and that before a demolition permit can be issued, a proper plan should be submitted for approval. Mr. B. Stanley briefly explained the purpose of the application and identified the location of the subject property. Mr. Claude Wood appeared as a delegation on behalf of the applicant to support the staff recommendation. APRIL 7, 1997 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER PD 97~30 - 118 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 97/1/V/RM - WOOD AND WOOD ALUMINUM AND RESTORATIONS INC. - VICTORIA PARK WARD (CONT'D) In response to a question of Councillor M. Yantzi, he as advised that the applicant owns two houses in front of the large building to the rear and that a good parking plan would be developed. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 9711N/RM (Wood & Wood Aluminium and Restorations Inc.) requesting approval for the demolition of a single family dwelling located at 118 Victoria Street South legally described as Part Lot 553, Registered Plan 378 b.~e approved. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City." REPRESENTATIVES OF AUSTRALIAN CURLING TEAM AND CURLING ASSOCIATION Mayor R. Christy introduced and welcomed Mr. Hugh Millikin, Skip of the Australian National and Olympic Curling Team and Mr. Jim Ostler, President of the Australian Curling Association. Mayor Christy pointed out that while on his recent Team Canada Asian trip he had met Mr. Millikin in Bangkok and extended an invitation to visit Kitchener while the Australian Curling Team was in Canada. He then presented a certificate of greetings and best wishes to the delegation and the Australian team as well as mementos of the visit. Mr. Millikin noted that he was a representative for Canadian companies but represented Australia at the sporting level. He commented that in terms of the Team Canada trip that it was important for politicians to represent companies over seas. Mr. Millikin then expressed appreciation for the hospitality exhibited by Mayor Christy and presented an Australian T-shirt to the Mayor. FINAL REPORT - ECONOMIC TWINNING PROJECT - CITIES OF K-W AND PRINCETON-NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY - PRESENTATION BY ROBIN REENSTRA-BRYANT The Committee was in receipt of a copy of a final report on the Economic Twinning Project between Kitchener-Waterloo and Princeton-New Brunswick, New Jersey dated February 1997 prepared by Brystra Consultants for the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. It was noted in the report that in September 1996 the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo had awarded a consulting contract to Brystra to assist in the development of an Economic Twinning Agreement with the cities in the Princeton and New Brunswick area of New Jersey. It was clarified that this was seen as an Economic Twinning, designed to encourage business and trade interactions between the two regions and that traditionally twinning activities of cultural exchanges were not being considered. Ms. Robin Reenstra-Bryant appeared as a delegation to highlite and overview aspects of the final report. She pointed out that initially two counties in New Jersey were involved in the twinning initiative but that this has now expanded because of an industry led association in New Jersey that is very interested in promoting the initiative. Accordingly, there were now three counties involved which between them have many multi-national corporations within their boundaries. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this point. The delegation commented on the number of local firms that have expressed an interest in the initiative and described the types of firms and their products. At this time lists of New Jersey firms are presently being evaluated to determine suitable matches. Ms. Reenstra-Bryant reviewed the reasons for forming strategic alliances and conceded that some companies were not interested for their own specific reasons. She pointed out that four different types of responses were received to their questionnaire and illustrated and explained a table in this FINAL REPORT - ECONOMIC TWINNING PROJECT - CITIES OF K-W AND PRINCETON-NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY - PRESENTATION BY ROBIN REENSTRA-BRYANT (CONT'D) APRIL 7, 1997 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER regard that was somewhat dependent on the business stage of company development. She indicated that the results of the questionnaire indicate that there was interest in forming partnerships and that there were definitely companies in the Kitchener-Waterloo area that would benefit. She suggested that the local initiative for a twinning agreement should be an initiative undertaken by Canada's Technology Triangle and that since the CTT was not restructured an existing Economic Development Director from one of the participating cities could be appointed to represent all the cities. She suggested the next step required was to solicit the Cities of Cambridge and Guelph to join in the undertaking and commented that it was not expected the agreement would have any fiscal impact on any of the cities as there would be no extra outlays required over and above those that would normally be made. Mayor R. Christy commented that the initiative for this Economic Twinning Project had originated with Mr. John English, MP. In addition he pointed out that the Minister of International Trade was very interested in the undertaking and that it was his hope City Council might meet with Mr. English to determine if it would be possible to speed up the process. Mayor Christy indicated that he would like to see this initiative proceed and then approach the Cities of Cambridge and Guelph to bring them into it after CTT restructuring. Ms. Reenstra-Bryant noted while the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo could endorse the effort now, it would take some time to introduce the matter to and obtain the endorsement of the Cities of Cambridge and Guelph. However, she stated that in the meantime Princeton-New Brunswick, New Jersey should be informed of the interest expressed by the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. Mayor R. Christy indicated that he saw the initiative as requiring a three stage approach to bring all current and future parties into the initiative. A motion was proposed by Mayor R. Christy to support the Twinning Agreement between the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo with Cities in the Princeton and New Brunswick area of New Jersey at this time in consultation with the Federal Government, subsequently solicit the involvement of the Cities of Cambridge and Guelph and agree in principal that initiative fall under the Canada's Technology Triangle umbrella. Councillor J. Ziegler pointed out that report of Brystra Consultants recommends CTT as the body to promote the initiative and he favoured this approach. Extensive discussion took place in respect to credibility issues and perception in respect to proceeding with the agreement with the two cities and then expecting an expanded CTT to take responsibility for the agreement. Councillor J. Ziegler proposed an amendment to Mayor Christy's motion to require that an invitation be extended to the Cities of Cambridge and Guelph to participate in a proposed agreement with the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo before seeking to conclude agreement with the Cities of Princeton and New Brunswick and that it be understood that the restructured CTT would assume administration of the agreement in future. Councillor Ziegler's amendment to Mayor R. Christy's motion was put to a vote and carried. The motion of Mayor R. Christy, as amended, was put to a vote and it was resolved: "That we support the proposed Economic Twinning Agreement between the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo with Cities in the Princeton and New Brunswick area of New Jersey subject to an invitation being extended to the Cities of Cambridge and Guelph to participate in the proposed Agreement; however, failing endorsement of such participation with Kitchener and Waterloo, the Cities Kitchener and Waterloo proceed with a Twinning Agreement, and further, That it is the understanding of all participants that a restructured Canada's Technology Triangle (CTT), when in place, would assume administration of the Agreement in future, and further, FINAL REPORT - ECONOMIC TWINNING PROJECT - CITIES OF K-W AND PRINCETON-NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY - PRESENTATION BY ROBIN REENSTRA-BRYANT (CONT'D) That assistance and consultation with officials of the Federal Government and the Office of APRIL 7, 1997 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 49 - CITY OF KITCHENER the Canadian Trade Commission for New Jersey be sought in support of this proposed Agreement." RESPONSE - BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - DISCUSSION PAPER "SECURING OUR FUTURE, RE: - PROPOSAL FOR RESTRUCTURING OF CANADA'S TECHNOLOGY TRIANGLE The Committee was in receipt of a copy of a report from the Business and Industry Advisory Committee dated March 19, 1997. Mr. Carl Zehr appeared as a delegation to present the report which noted that the BIAC had received a presentation by Mr. Frank Varga of the Kitchener- Waterloo Chamber of Commerce on its proposal for restructuring Canada's Technology Triangle. The report points out that opinions of the BIAC were diverse but there was general agreement with an endorsement of the direction proposed by the Chambers. In general, members favoured changes being undertaken now even though the governance of the CTT area is still being debated. Accordingly, Mr. Zehr pointed out that it was the BIAC's view that the City should endorse the CTT restructuring and move quickly in that regard. Ms. V. Gibaut noted that in the discussion the point was made that the CTT is not being marketed as aggressively as it could be and Councillor T. Galloway stated that the focus was that the CTT was lagging in the amounts of money being spent in marketing efforts. Councillor Galloway referred to the BIAC response and questioned where this left the City in terms of the Chambers of Commerce Report. Mr. C. Zehr responded that the BIAC was not asked to make a recommendation but just to obtain information on relevant issues. Ms. V. Gibaut commented that in her view the report of the Chambers of Commerce to the BIAC was not complete and that what was needed was an outline of financial implications of the proposed changes. Mayor R. Christy commented that the Chamber of Commerce made a presentation to the CTT sub committee but did not provide pertinent details and stated that it was expected that more information would be available by the next meeting date of the CTT Advisory Committee. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that the Chamber of Commerce should be requested to provide more information and Mayor R. Christy confirmed that he has already done so. By general consent, the Committee agreed to refer the entire matter back to staff who are requested to obtain additional financial information from the Chambers of Commerce with respect to their proposal. 1996 ANNUAL REPORT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION The Committee was in receipt of the Economic Development Division's 1996 Annual Report. Ms. V. Gibaut responded to several questions in respect to the report. Councillor Jake Smola raised the matter of a Strategic Planning process for the Economic Development Division and it was agreed that it be inserted under the 1997 Objectives as one of the first priorities identified. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the 1996 Annual Report of the Economic Development Division be received, subject to inclusion of a 'Strategic Planning process' as an identified priority in the list of 1997 Objectives." PD 97/32 - DOWNTOWN LIGHTING DESIGN STUDY - CHANGES TO CONSULTANT'S SCOPE OF WORK The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/32 dated March 27, 1997 concerning the Downtown Lighting Design Study and proposed changes to the consultants scope of work to cover additional study requirements. It was noted in the report that APRIL 7, 1997 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER = the consultant was requested by the project team to prepare an add on to the present scope of work to address changes arising for several reasons as explained in the report. Mr. B. Stanley briefly commented on the report and noted that it had been reviewed and endorsed by the Safe City Committee. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That Council approve the addendum, dated February 13, 1997, from John MacDonald Architect to the Downtown Lighting Design Study outlining changes to the Consultants Scope of Work to cover additional study requirements to meet changes to Public Works Projects in the Cedar/King Street areas; with the cost of such additional scope of work not to exceed $8200 plus GST nor $1600 for added disbursements; and further, That the Mayor & Clerk be authorized to execute an amendment to the agreement for Consultant Services between the Corporation and John MacDonald Architects Inc., satisfactory to the City Solicitor, to add to the scope of services." PD 97/33 - PUBLIC MEETING DATE - PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - CONCEPTUAL DESIGN APPROVAL - DOWNTOWN LIGHTING STUDY = The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/33 dated March 27, 1997. In the report it was suggested that the Committee hold a special public meeting to receive input on and give consideration to the report of the Lighting Design Consultants dealing with the conceptual design phase of the Downtown Lighting Study. Mr. B. Stanley referred to the details in the report and indicated that it was anticipated there would be response from various groups and the general public. The Committee considered the request and was of the view that the next regular meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee could accommodate the issue. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That Kitchener Planning Committee designate the regular meeting of Monday April 21, 1997 as the date to receive public input and to consider the report of the Consultant and recommendation of the Safe City Committee concerning the Downtown Conceptual Lighting Study Design approval." PD 97~6 - APPLICATION FOR MINOR BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT - CITY OF KITCHENER AND THE TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/6 dated March 21, 1997 dealing with a proposed boundary adjustment between the City of Kitchener and the Township of Woolwich. It was noted in the report that the proposed boundary adjustment entails the transfer of a small parcel of land currently within the township to the city. It was also pointed out that the proposal has been consented to by all parties, including the city, township, region and affected property owners. Ms. C. Ladd provided a brief explanation of the purpose of the application. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. = PD 97~6 - APPLICATION FOR MINOR BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT - CITY OF KITCHENER AND THE TOWNSHIP OF WOOLCHICH (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 7, 1997 -51 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That City Council request that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing accept and process an application under the Municipal Boundary Negotiations Act in order to facilitate a minor boundary adjustment between the City of Kitchener and the Township of Woolwich, as outlined in Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/6." 10. PD 97/10 - DOWNTOWN RETAIL ACTION PLAN The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/110 dated February 25, 1997. The report deals with key recommendations in the Retail Action Plan and actions necessary and related to the city's role in assisting in the implementation of the Plan. Ms. S. Frenette noted that the report was a summary of staff's position on the Downtown Retail Action Plan and that 15 key recommendations in the Plan had been reduced to six. She then reviewed each of the six recommendations and provided comment on each. In response to Councillor C. Weylie who raised the question regarding the St. Jerome's site as being within the entertainment district, she pointed out that housing of any kind was welcome within the downtown. In response to Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. Frenette clarified that parking issues referred to in Recommendation No. 1 refers to creation of new free parking space through identified opportunities in conjunction with the design change from one way to two way street traffic flow in the downtown. Further she pointed out that the KDBA has been actively addressing concerns relating to enforcement of vehicular parking. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That with respect to the Downtown Retail Action Plan, Council direct the following actions related to the City's role in assisting in the implementation of the Plan: 1) Rectify the outstanding parking and traffic issues identified in the Retail Action Plan through the Downtown Parking Strategic Plan and continue to seek opportunities to add locations for on-street two hour, free parking. 2) Strike a special City project team to prepare a proposal call for reuse or redevelopment of the former Goudies department store with conditions of sale that ensure timely development of the site consistent with downtown revitalization objectives. Concurrently, pursue the tax sale of the former Sauders store site in order to market the lands in conjunction with both the abutting Goudies site and vacant lands purchased by the City at 42 King Street West. 3) Through the Interdepartmental Resource Group and the work of the Safe City Committee, work to standardize lighting, directional signage and street furniture to "unclutter" the downtown streetscape and reduce maintenance, repair and storage costs. 4) Recognize five retail clusters in the downtown as illustrated on Schedule A and direct the Downtown Development Team, working in conjunction with the KDBA, realtors, property owners and developers to market and lease space in the downtown consistent with the character of the retail clusters. 5) Refer recommendation 12 of the Retail Action Plan pertaining to the maintenance of architectural integrity of the downtown streetscape to the Planning and Development Department for review in conjunction with the Urban Design Guidelines, the Sign By- law, the Zoning By-law, the Facade Improvement Program, and the possibility of a downtown historic district. 10. PD 97/10 - DOWNTOWN RETAIL ACTION PLAN (CONT'D) 6) Refer recommendation 14 of the Retail Action Plan pertaining to street cleanliness to the Public Works Department for a report to Public Works Committee explaining the issues and the actions that are being taken to keep the downtown clean." APRIL 7, 1997 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 52 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. PD 97~26 - SUMMARY OF 1996 DELEGATED SUBDIVISION / CONDOMINIUM APPROVALS - RE: PLANS OF SUBDIVISION AND PLANS OF CONDOMINIUM 12. The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/26 dated March 11, 1997. The report outlines a summary of 1996 approvals granted by the General Manager of Planning and Development with respect to Plans of Subdivision and Plans of Condominium. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/26 (1996 Summary of Approvals granted through Delegation of Approval Authority by Council to the General Manager of Planning and Development for Plans of Subdivision and Plans of Condominium) be received for information." 1996 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT The Committee was provided with a copy of the 1996 Annual Report of the Department of Planning and Development at its March 17th meeting. It was noted that at that time Councillor B. Vrbanovic had requested a presentation be made on enforcement issues under the department's administration. Mr. T. McCabe provided an overview of the annual report in respect to areas of the department that report directly to him. He pointed to the change in format of the Report and made specific reference to the Community Planning and Development review and Building, Zoning and Inspections sections. Mr. B. Stanley commented on remaining areas of the department for which he was responsible and noted that 1996 was characterized by sections of the department getting into new areas and new technologies. Mr. K. Tribby distributed a summary sheet respecting enforcement services with attached reference documents and proceeded to comment on issues of concern referred to in the summary. In particular, he referred to Chapter 650 of the Municipal Code and advised that staff would prefer to see the City's By-law amended to authorize staff to make arrangements for the cutting of grass and weeds in the case of non-compliance so that it would be similar to the administration of weed complaints. The Committee was supportive of a change in this regard and it was suggested a report be prepared respecting the elimination of the separate by-law requirement in respect to the cutting of grass and that such report include background information as to experience in recent years. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the 1996 Annual Report of the Department of Planning and Development be received; and further, That staff of the Planning & Development and Legal Departments be directed to prepare a report relative to amendment of Chapter 650 (Property Maintenance - Lot Maintenance) of the Municipal Code allowing staff the authority to make arrangements for the cutting of grass and weeds in the case of non-compliance so as to replace the existing requirement for a separate by-law enacted by Council each time." 12. 1996 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (CONT'D) Mr. T. McCabe posed the question of how much information members of Council wish to receive in regards to enforcement matters and noted that staff need feedback in this regard. A brief discussion took place during which reference was made to a monthly summary of activities being prepared that Councillors could access electronically. Mr. J. Witmer noted that the new tracking system could accommodate such procedure. Mr. J. Shivas requested the opportunity for staff of the Legal Department to consider and prepare comments on confidentiality and Freedom of APRIL 7, 1997 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 53 - CITY OF KITCHENER 13. 14. Information issues in regards to any such information that might be available electronically. LETTER - 1042 WEBER STREET EAST - SUNNYSIDE SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL - REQUEST TO WAIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE SIGN BY-LAW - CHICOPEE WARD The Committee was in receipt of a copy of the letter dated March 27, 1997 addressed to Mr. T. McCabe from the principal of Sunnyside Senior Public School requesting permission to place a mobile sign for their craft sale on the front of the school lawn. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That a variance to the City's Sign By-law be approved and granted annually hereafter to the Sunnyside Senior Public School, 1042 Weber Street East, to allow placement of a temporary portable sign advertising the School Council's annual Spring Craft Sale, subject to proper setback of the sign from the street to ensure proper visibility and the obtaining of a sign permit." FINAL APPROVAL OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN 15. Mr. T. McCabe advised the Committee that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing had given final approval on April 2nd to the City's Downtown Community Improvement Plan. He noted that the approval will assist in ongoing revitalization efforts and that staff would bring the matter back to a future meeting for further direction. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk