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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Action - 1993-06-24DAC\1995-04-13 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEEKITCHENER DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEE April 13, 1995April 13, 1995 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____ The Kitchener Downtown Action Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Christina Weylie, Councillor Karen Redman, Robert Braun, Nancy Brawley, Karen Simoneau, Brian Hunsberger, Ken Clark, Karen Taylor Harrison, Sheila Marie Biers, Lillian Kehl, Dave Gowland, Debra Rothwell, Brigit Heilig. Others Present:Others Present:T. Brock Stanley, Sybil Frenette, Terry Boutilier, Grant Nixon, Ken Triby, Beth Christianson, June Koppesser, David Corks, Patty Brooks, Christy, William Sovari, Jodi Murray, George Borovilos, Catherine Heal. 1.1.OPENING REMARKSOPENING REMARKS Councillor Mark Yantzi called the meeting to order explaining that today's meeting has a very full agenda and that we should at all possible keep discussions moving. 2.2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA - APRIL 13, 1995APPROVAL OF AGENDA - APRIL 13, 1995 Councillor Mark Yantzi noted that this item on the Agenda should have read Approval of Agenda - April 13, 1995 not April 4, 1995. Moved by Robert Braun Seconded by Brian Hunsberger That the Agenda be approved. CARRIEDCARRIED 3.3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 9, 1995APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 9, 1995 The following changes are to be made to the minutes of the March 9, 1995 meeting: Page, 46, 4th Paragraph under New Business should changed to read as follows: Karen Simoneau informed the Committee that a report has been prepared by the Social Planning Council of Kitchener- Waterloo in conjunction with other Community Partners (noted on the attached form) which compiles speeches from Workshops. The report is $15.00 and is available through the Social Planning -50- Council (see attached form for more information). She also informed the Committee about a Workshop being held in November in the Rotunda, as well as events for Racial Harmony Week - March 19, there will be dignitaries, speakers, community displays at various locations, opening and closing ceremonies as well as music, food and booths set up all of which the public should be made aware of. Page 44, 2nd Paragraph, 1st Sentence should be changed to read, Lillian Kehl mentioned that the Market Lane was very bleak and that this would be a nice area to have hanging baskets. Page 41, Last Paragraph should be changed to read the following: "Nancy Brawley expressed concern that she was not sure of what happens to ideas that are not picked up by Sub-Committees or by the City and inquired as to what happens to these ideas when they reach this point." Councillor Weylie added that Council will make a decision on them. Page 42, 1st Paragraph, 3rd Line should be changed from "that there will be an on call 24 hour cleaning staff available" to "that there will be someone available for cleaning the Downtown all hours of the day." Page 44, 4th Paragraph, 1st Sentence should read as follows: Nancy Brawley continued with her report stating that the last event scheduled so far would be Cruise Night scheduled for July 14th, the theme would be a Country Hoe Down - July 6-8. Moved by Karen Taylor-Harrison Seconded by Karen Simoneau That the above noted changes be made to the March 9, 1995 minutes and be adopted. CARRIEDCARRIED 4.4.NEXT MEETING DATE CHANGED FROM MAY 11/95 to MAY 4, 1995NEXT MEETING DATE CHANGED FROM MAY 11/95 to MAY 4, 1995 Councillor Mark Yantzi explained that the meeting date of May 11, 1995 needs to be moved up one week to May 4, 1995 due to the fact that the Interim report of the Task Force needs to be discussed by this Committee before the report is considered at the Council Meeting on May 8, 1995. He also inquired as to when that report might be able to be circulated to the DAC Committee. Sybil Frenette replied by saying that a copy of the report would be in Council's hands the Friday before the meeting and that it could be distributed on the 1st of May. Brock Stanley noted that we could also try to deliver it late Friday. Councillor Karen Redman indicated that Christina Weylie and herself will not be able to attend that meeting because of the Regional Finance Committee Meeting. -51- Councillor Mark Yantzi again emphasized that a copy of the Mayors Task Force Interim Report should be circulated sometime on the weekend. 5.5.FLOWER VENDOR - STREET HEART ROSES - William SovariFLOWER VENDOR - STREET HEART ROSES - William Sovari (Please see attached document for reference) Councillor Mark Yantzi explained that this was a request through the Finance and Administration Committee and was referred to us for our comments and for us to make a recommendation to Council. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked William Sovari to give the Committee a summary of his request. William Sovari explained that what he proposed to do was to sell Roses in the Downtown by having a stationary cart set up and as well by having people walking in the Downtown area selling Roses and not approaching anyone to pressure them to buy. Councillor Karen Redman inquired as to why William Sovari choose 3 people to hand out Roses as opposed to another number, inquiring as to whether he did some sort of survey or research to come to this number. William Sovari answered by saying that he did not want too many people and that what he did was break up the Downtown into zones giving each of those three people a zone to work in. Councillor Karen Redman then inquired as to what the hours of operation would be. William Sovari indicated that the hours of operation would be from 6:00 - 9:30 at night. Councillor Karen Redman then asked if this would be operating 7 days a week and William Sovari replied everyday on demand. Ken Clark then inquired as to why he did not set up and sell from a store when there are so many vacant stores downtown. Councillor Mark Yantzi then inquired if William Sovari had looked into selling these Roses from a store. William Sovari replied by saying he was only selling single Roses and not bouquets and that it would be for that type of person who is in a hurry but still wants to show someone how special they are by giving them a rose. Lillian Kehl then remarked as to whether or not the Downtown area was ready for this, and wondered if it was really fair to the vendors in the area who pay high rents. Robert Braun questioned as to whether the staff would have some type of uniform for easy identification. William Sovari noted that it would be just standard long summer dress and no uniform would be supplied. Nancy Brawley commented that she felt the two different methods of selling the Roses were two different functions and should be looked at as two separate issues. William Sovari noted that the people would just be carrying the baskets with the Roses in them and when people see them they will inquire about the flowers. Dave Gowland expressed concern because as it is, you can not walk Downtown with out being asked for -52- something, he felt people might feel threatened if asked if they wanted any of their service, many being which you do not want. This could mean people would not come downtown. He wanted assurances about the non aggressive approach of his employees. Councillor Mark Yantzi noted that there was a difference when someone says hello and is carrying them then asking if they would like to buy something. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic indicated he liked the idea of the stationary cart however, stressed he had concerns with people walking Downtown selling Roses and inquired how William Sovari would feel if this Committee recommended having only the cart set up. William Sovari indicated that he was hoping to be able to sell the Roses both ways but that just having the cart would be fine. In this instance, he would want to have two carts. Birgit Heilig inquired as to whether William Sovari had spoken to any Restaurant Owners and that maybe he could sell them there too. William Sovari indicated that people might then feel they had to buy and that he did not want to pressure people to buy the Roses. Birgit Heilig then suggested that it might be a good idea to have a flower Lady dressed in a Victorian Style dress selling the Roses, she also inquired about whether there were some peak times that you could try this on a trial basis. Councillor Mark Yantzi then added like after the movies let out. Nancy Brawley asked how old the people would be who were going to sell the Roses. William Sovari indicated they would probably be between the age of 22-27. Councillor Christina Weylie then inquired if William Sovari was from the Kitchener - Waterloo area. William Sovari replied by saying yes. Councillor Mark Yantzi then informed William Sovari that he could take a seat and the Committee would discuss this matter further. Councillor Karen Redman indicated that June Koppesser was here today and suggested that maybe we should have her give Licensing's view on the matter. June Koppesser informed the Committee that there was no provision made in the By-law at this time for a cart and that an amendment would have to be made to the By-law if this was agreed upon. Councillor Karen Redman inquired if we were even able to try this on a trial basis month by month. June Koppesser informed her that the By-laws are set up for a year at a time. Councillor Karen Redman then questioned what the fee would be and June Koppesser replied the fee would be $50.00 for a Hawkers and Pedlar's License for residents and since this category has not been added to the Street Vendors By-law, no fee has been set up. Under the Street Vendor By-law the cart must be owner operated. The operator could approach Council for a partial refund should we wish to consider a trial period. Robert Braun expressed concern for the store owners noting that was it really not a fair playing field for them to have their property costs and have someone come in and pay only $50.00, how do we plan to protect the existing merchants. Birgit Heilig noted she appreciated the concern however, pointed out that these were two different ideas and the markets were slightly different. Robert Braun again -53- stressed a need for protecting the current merchants. Nancy Brawley then pointed out that there used to be a provision for this in the Street Vendor By-law and was taken out because there did not seem to be an interest. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee if they wanted to say no at this time or make a motion. Moved by Birgit Heilig Seconded by Karen Taylor Harrison To approve the proposal for 1 year on a trial basis. Lillian Kehl expressed her concern for the current merchants noting that she did not feel it was fair to them. Nancy Brawley informed the Committee she received a response from KDBA stating that they would like to see a stationary vendor cart in a specific location but were not too impressed about people walking on the street selling Roses as down the road meeting quotas might become the main priority after a while. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic noted he could support what Nancy Brawley was saying as realistically if no one says anything while walking by someone with a basket of Roses will they really sell. However, He noted he liked the idea of a cart as it might add colour to the Downtown and draw people, noting that it would probably generate better sales on this end of King Street due to the night clubs in this area and still protect the flower shop at the other end. Brian Hunsberger then inquired as to whether the hours of operation are regulated in the By-law or if it was possible to fix the hours of operation. Councillor Mark Yantzi noted that it could be included in the By-law that the cart may be open for business during a certain time. Robert Braun then amended the motion to be that the cart would be open during regular business hours and that people would wander the streets selling Roses during evening hours from 8:30 pm on. Mark Yantzi determined that Birgit Heilig would consider this as a friendly amendment. Dave Gowland then suggested that a limitation be put on if this was approved. Councillor Mark Yantzi noted that if there were others who wanted to do this that this Committee would be looking at each specific case separately. Nancy Brawley then inquired if it was even possible to put a limitation on this depending on if it was a License or a Vendor By-law. June Koppesser noted that you can limit a Vendor By-law. Councillor Mark Yantzi then inquired if it was possible if it was located in a specific spot. June Koppesser responded by saying that under a Vendors By-law you could limit the cart location and number. Persons walking would be under the Hawkers & Pedlar's Licence and we would not be able to limit the number of walkers selling the Roses or selling other items in the future. -54- Councillor Berry Vrbanovic then suggested that we should be looking at this as two separate items. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee if they wanted staff to look at this and look at how it could be worked out. Brian Hunsberger then reminded everyone that we were only making a recommendation to a specific Committee and that they could look into the matter more specifically. Nancy Brawley then added to the motion that this should be included under a Street Vendors By-law rather than a Hawkers & Pedlars Licence. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic then added that the cart and vendors in the evening, only if it was possible that it could be done under a Street Vendors By-law rather than a Hawkers and Pedlars Licence. Councillor Karen Redman then suggested that we ask William Sovari as to whether this still met the vision of this enterprise. William Sovari commented that he did not have a problem with this and then inquired if he had to operate the cart. June Koppesser mentioned that in the By-law it states that the cart would have to be owner operated most of the time. William Sovari then noted that knowing this it did change things a little. Ken Clark then expressed his concern for other people wanting to have carts too. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee if they wanted to vote on the matter. Birgit Heilig noted she wanted to withdraw her motion from the table as the direction of the Committee did not support her original intent. Moved by Robert Braun Seconded by Councillor Berry Vrbanovic That the Downtown Action Committee support the request of Mr. William Sovari to sell Roses but only on a temporary basis for 1 year from a stationary cart to be open during regular business hours and that in the evening people could walk the street as long as both aspects could be classified under a Street Vendors By-law rather than a Hawkers and Pedlars Licence so as to ensure that we do not open up the possibility of being unable to restrict further Hawkers & Pedlars. CARRIEDCARRIED 6.6.STANDARDS FOR SIDEWALK PATIOSSTANDARDS FOR SIDEWALK PATIOS (Please see attached standards for reference) Councillor Mark Yantzi noted that the two main purposes of looking at these standards are to include a standard for the barrier noting that a good example of this being that Gaukle Street did not look particulary aesthetically pleasing and the second purpose was that maybe we should include a dress code as there was a concern with people being shirtless. -55- It was noted that under the Liquor Control Board if the patio is licensed then there is a dress code which must be followed. Councillor Mark Yantzi inquired if we can in fact require a dress code if they are an unlicensed patio. June Koppesser answered by saying that Council can pass this if they wish however the City would not enforce it. It would have to be enforced by the owner under agreement. Nancy Brawley suggested that we make a general standard for everyone rather than making it specific per patio; noting that there were different styles some were good and others were not. She also mentioned that this would help the look of the Downtown. Nancy Brawley also suggested that we include a maximum barrier height restriction as well. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic inquired as to whether the KDBA had discussed this. Nancy Brawley answered yes and noted they said the following: that it would be nice to have flower boxes and they also wondered if there was a way to dress it up a little more. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic suggested that we just say we want a specific look. Nancy Brawley added that it should be included in the guidelines. Councillor Karen Redman asked if we have mentioned this to people and had them do this on a voluntary basis noting that maybe this would create another problem. Councillor Mark Yantzi then suggested that maybe this year we should encourage voluntary compliance for one year. Councillor Karen Redman then suggested that maybe the KDBA could look after this. Grant Nixon noted City of Windsor did this and maybe we should look at what they have as guidelines. Councillor Mark Yantzi pointed out that the season is here and we need to look after this as soon as possible. Dave Gowland suggested that we maybe give an award that they can keep for a year to encourage people. Ken Clark commented that Flower Boxes sometimes do not look as good after a while. Councillor Mark Yantzi then summarized that we would like to encourage people to make their patios look aesthetically pleasing. Nancy Brawley then emphasized she would like to include a barrier height restriction. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked Nancy Brawley to make a motion. He also added that staff can bring forward other information from other cities next year. Moved by Nancy Brawley Seconded by Robert Braun That we encourage voluntary compliance from people to create a more aesthetically pleasing look, that they enforce the dress code they have inside to apply to their patio and that the maximum height for a barrier be 48" high. CARRIEDCARRIED -56- Councillor Mark Yantzi noted that the above motion will be forwarded to Finance Administration Committee. 7.7.STRATEGIC PLAN COMMITTEE REPORTSSTRATEGIC PLAN COMMITTEE REPORTS Sybil Frenette introduced this topic by stating they have had volumes of information generated and they needed someway of sorting these ideas so they turned to the Committees for the Strategic Plan for the Downtown and separated these ideas into these groups, noting that some Committees have been on going and have done a tremendous amount of work. Sybil Frenette then commented that today we have reports from these Committees and this will go to the Task Force. Nancy Brawley then expressed that it was important to understand that these Committees will be a large part of a unified plan, and that it was important to see The Community Strategic Plan and the Mayors Task Force coming together. She also noted we should keep this in mind while listening to these presentations. Karen Taylor-Harrison supported Nancy Brawley's comments. Please note a copy of all the reports given to the Committee are attached in the order they were presented. A) A)Environment/Physical Image - Terry BoutilierEnvironment/Physical Image - Terry Boutilier (Please refer to Report attached) After Terry Boutilier finished giving his report Lillian Kehl remarked that she though it was proposed that Gaukle Street be closed and that the Clock Tower was going to be there. Councillor Mark Yantzi noted that a report was done before the Transit Terminal was there noting he could not remember why it did not go through. Councillor Mark Yantzi mentioned that there were some ways the park could be made accessible and will be looked at. Karen Taylor Harrison inquired as to whether we were using the same definition for the Downtown as is being used for the Strategic Plan. Terry Boutilier noted that the boundaries were the same as the ones in the Municipal Plan, Weber to Joseph/ Victoria to Cedar. Brock Stanley mentioned that this was the centre ring as noted in the CSP. Councillor Mark Yantzi added that this includes the park. Councillor Christina Weylie commented that Council has adopted specific blocks in the Downtown area. Karen Taylor-Harrison noted that DAC has not seen the adopted Blocks. Sybil indicted she would get the map of the adopted blocks to DAC. -57- Councillor Mark Yantzi inquired as to if it was the same map, and noted that a copy of this map should be included. (See attached map). Karen Taylor Harrison expressed some confusion of how this fits in - she felt it should go into Safety Committee. Sybil Frenette explained that when the information came in they had 8 areas and tried to distribute the existing committees between these areas and noted there was some overlap; and that there was no reason why Committees could not comment on other issues. Nancy Brawley suggested you look at it as input from City Staff and this feedback is good for the Community Strategic Plan and we should look at it as assistance. Councillor Mark Yantzi added that it helps give focus. B) B)Arts/Culture/Heritage/Entertainment - Debra RothwellArts/Culture/Heritage/Entertainment - Debra Rothwell (Please refer to the Report attached) Councillor Christina Weylie emphasized the need for money being a priority. C) C)Marketing/Business Development - Beth ChMarketing/Business Development - Beth Christiansonristianson (Please refer to the Report attached) D) D)Media/Community Relations - Patty BrooksMedia/Community Relations - Patty Brooks (Please refer to the Report attached) Councillor Christina Weylie referenced the City Home Page and suggested that Downtown Information be included. Councillor Mark Yantzi reported that he was just informed that there was a fire at Zappers. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic added that the fire was out and that they think it was an accident and maybe started by the baseboard. E) E)Housing - Sybil FrenetteHousing - Sybil Frenette (Please refer to the Report attached) F) F)Neighbourhood/Community Development - Jodi MurrayNeighbourhood/Community Development - Jodi Murray -58- (Please refer to the Report attached) G) G)Social Issues - Beth ChristiansonSocial Issues - Beth Christianson (Please refer to the Report attached) H) H)Transportation/Parking - Nancy BraTransportation/Parking - Nancy Brawleywley (Please refer to the Report attached) I) I)Safety - ChristySafety - Christy (Please refer to the Report attached) 8.8.DOWNTOWN PROJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY DAC - Sybil FrenetteDOWNTOWN PROJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY DAC - Sybil Frenette (Please refer to attached memo from Sybil Frenette) Sybil Frenette explained that there were four possible ways to deal with this and noted that they are on the attached memo from Sybil. Sybil Frenette noted that the purpose of these strategies is to show that they are important areas and are supported by the Committee, adding that the fear is that the funding will disappear as there was no support behind it. Councillor Mark Yantzi suggested that maybe we should meet with them and hear from them in a special meeting as timing is important. Councillor Karen Redman expressed she felt it was important as to how it was dealt with as well. Lillian Kehl suggested the Community should get involved and that maybe we should have notices to inform people. Sybil Frenette informed the Committee that no one has asked for money yet but if the City supports these ideas it helps motivate people to do fund raising. Councillor Karen Redman noted that a good comparison would be the Clock Tower. Councillor Mark Yantzi inquired if the Committee would like to spend more time on this. Karen Taylor Harrison recommended we ask Sybil Frenette what she would suggest. Sybil Frenette noted that #1 would be the fastest and lets the groups decide where to go after they get support. Nancy Brawley emphasized that because this was a Community driven project it was very -59- important, and inquired if we supported this what it would require of us. Councillor Mark Yantzi stated that they may ask for money. Debra Rothwell commented that St. Jerome's was in the same situation. Sybil Frenette mentioned that they were not added because the Task Force supported them. Debra Rothwell noted that she had heard that that was not enough. Councillor Mark Yantzi recommended that maybe they should be added. Councillor Karen Redman suggested that maybe these groups should come directly to Council. Councillor Mark Yantzi noted it is just to enable us to help lead the way. Moved by Councillor Karen Redman Seconded by Birgit Heilig That the Downtown Action Committee endorse the Murals Program, The Children's Museum, Lighting of Gaukel Street and Victoria Park and the St. Jerome's Centre for the Performing Arts and requests that Council endorse the same on the basis that these are Community driven projects and do not entail funding from Council by this endorsement. CARRIEDCARRIED The meeting then adjourned. g:brock\dac04-13.min