HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2020-06-08 SSPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 8, 2020 CITY OF KITCHENER
A special electronic meeting of City Council was held in the Council Chamber at 12:20 p.m. this date,
chaired by Mayor B. Vrbanovic with all members present, except Councillor D. Chapman.
Notice of this meeting had been previously given to all members of Council by the City Clerk pursuant
to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic requested a moment of silence to reflect on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
as well as the recent murder of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the long-standing
systemic racism faced by the black community. Mayor B. Vrbanovic stated the City's commitment to
pursue a more inclusive and equitable society.
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Council considered Development Services Department report DSD -20-072 (J. Readman), dated June
3, 2020, recommending the City adopt a phased COVID-19 Recovery Plan. The report and plan outline
principles, guidelines, and procedures for the resumption of municipal programs and services,
reopening facilities, and ensuring staff can return to work in a manner that protects their health and
safety and that of the community. Mr. J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services, and Mr.
C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development, were in attendance to respond to questions
from Council.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Mr. D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer, provided opening remarks
regarding the City of Kitchener's proposed COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Mr. Readman spoke to the development of the plan and efforts to align with Provincial guidelines. He
presented the background, the phased approach to reopening, future considerations in the City's
COVID-19 Recovery Plan, and highlighted the following questions to facilitate discussion and feedback
from Council:
1. Does Council agree on the stages and the services/facilities planned to reopen within each
stage, as outlined in the Kitchener Reopens document, attached as Appendix A?
2. How will our experience through COVID-19 influence the strategic actions within the City's
Strategic Plan going forward (refer to Appendix B)? Are there emerging opportunities that should
be considered?
Council discussed feedback received from the public regarding waste management, maintenance of
parks and public spaces, access to public restrooms, and traffic calming measures. Council considered
opportunities for public consultation to inform priority areas.
Council further discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the strategic actions within the City's Strategic
Plan as well as the priorities established in the City's Recovery Plan, including: accessibility; customer
service; communications and public engagement; pedestrian -friendly transportation; the opioid crisis;
the housing crisis; homelessness; supporting local businesses; development; and, the need for training
on unconscious biases.
Councillor J. Gazzola requested the motion be considered on a recorded vote
Moved by Councillor S. Davey
Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston
"That Council endorses the City of Kitchener's phased re -opening plan, as outlined in Appendix A
of report DSD -20-072, as the City's guiding document, recognizing it will change as further
information becomes available and further direction is received from the province and public
health."
Carried Unanimously on a record vote.
DSD -20-071 — BUSINESS RECOVERY PATIO PROGRAM FOR 2020
Council considered Development Services Department report DSD -20-071 (C. Bluhm), dated June 4,
2020, recommending the City support the viability of restaurants reopening dining services, once
permitted, by launching a streamlined patio program to enable increased seating capacity. Mr. Bluhm
was in attendance to respond to questions from Council.
SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 8, 2020 -62- CITY OF KITCHENER
Moved by Councillor S. Marsh
Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston
"That the following fees, within the City's User Fee Schedule, be waived for the balance of 2020:
a) 'Outdoor Patios';
b) 'Downtown Patio Encroachment Fee/Season (occupancy of 10 or fewer)'; and,
c) 'Downtown Patio Encroachment Fee/Season (occupancy of 11 seats or more)'."
Carried.
BY-LAWS FOR THREE READINGS
Moved by Councillor S. Davey
Seconded by Councillor D. Schnider
"That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following by-law for three readings
and that the same be taken as read a first, second and third times, and finally be passed and
numbered serially by the Clerk."
a. Being a by-law Being a by-law to name private roads as Palace Street and
Huntsworth Avenue, in the City of Kitchener.
(By-law No. 2020-031)
Carried.
Moved by Councillor J. Gazzola
Seconded by Councillor B. loannidis
"That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following by-law for three readings
and that the same be taken as read a first, second and third times, and finally be passed and
numbered serially by the Clerk."
I; To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council.
(By-law No. 2020-032)
Carried.
On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m.
MAYOR CLERK
MAYOR