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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2004-08-16COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 16~ 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 4:20 p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor G. Lorentz Councillors J. Smola, M. Galloway and C. Weylie. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor J. Gazzola - in attendance for part of the meeting. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer R. Browning, Fire Chief F. Pizzuto, General Manager of Community Services P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services G. Sosnoski, General Manager of Corporate Services & City Clerk J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor K. Baulk, Director of Enterprises S. Adams, Director of Community Programs & Services K. Currier, Director of Operations L. EckeI-Braun, Manager of Cemeteries D. Chapman, Supervisor of Special Events J. Billett, Committee Administrator CSD-04-128 - DELEGATION OF SIGNING AUTHORITY - AGREEMENT WITH SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL (CANADA LTD.) & WESTMOUNT FUNERAL HOME The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-128, dated July 21, 2004 concerning an agreement to provide continuation of crematorium services to Westmount Funeral Home and Chapel. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Manager of Cemeteries be authorized to sign an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor with Westmount Funeral Home and/or Service Corporation International (Canada Ltd.) with respect to the City's provision of cremation services for the Funeral Home and its clientele." CSD-04-140 - PETER HALLMAN BALL YARD - IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES - ESTABLISHMENT OF CAPITAL RESERVE ACCOUNT AND STEERING COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-140, dated August 9, 2004 concerning establishment of a Steering Committee and an interest bearing capital holding account to deal with improvement initiatives and acceptance of donations regarding upgrades to the Peter Hallman Ball Yard. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the formation of a Steering Committee to identify Peter Hallman Ball Yard improvement initiatives be approved; and, That an interest bearing capital holding account for upgrades at Peter Hallman Ball Yard be approved; and, That the City of Kitchener accept donations towards capital upgrading of Peter Hallman Ball Yard; and further, That the Steering Committee be authorized to prioritize and allocate the donated funds for Peter Hallman Ball Yard upgrades." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 16~ 2004 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER CRPS-04-143 - REFERRAL OF SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION - PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-04-143, dated July 23, 2004 concerning an agreement between the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee (SHCAC) and the Festival of Neighbourhoods to outline the sponsorship role of the SHCAC. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Safe and Health Community Advisory Committee (SHCAC) enter into a 'Partnership Agreement' with the Festival of Neighbourhoods, outlining the sponsorship role of the SHCAC; and further, That the SHCAC provide a letter of support to the Festival of Neighbourhoods." Councillor J. Gazzola entered the meeting at this time. CRPS-04-141 - ICE SURFACE REMOVAL - QUEENSMOUNT ARENA/NEW TWIN PAD ARENA The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-04-141, dated August 3, 2004 concerning removal of ice at the Queensmount Arena for the 2004 - 2005 season to coincide with the opening of the new Sportsworld Ice Pad and consideration of future de-commissioning of certain arenas to coincide with construction of a new Twin Pad arena in 2006 - 2007. Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that a Steering Committee was struck to consider a process for removal of ice surfaces and de-commissioning of community arenas relative to the new Sportsworld Ice Pad and a future Twin Pad arena. At this time the Steering Committee is recommending removal of ice at the Queensmount Arena, with non-ice use to continue (ie. recreational activities and Oktoberfest Festivities). Mr. Sosnoski noted that a recent trades strike may delay the opening of the Sportsworld facility. In the event of a delay, provision of a temporary ice surface in the Queensmount Arena may be required to cover fall programming at a cost of approximately $5,000. These costs are expected to be off-set by programming revenues. Mr. Sosnoski also advised that a subsequent report regarding the final disposition of the Queensmount, McLaren and Doherty Arenas, will be considered at a later date in conjunction with plans for a new Twin Ice pad in 2006 -2007. Mr. K. Baulk responded to questions, advising that staff are working with the groups impacted by removal of the Queensmount ice surface and a full communications plan is being developed. It was noted that the Waterloo Region District School Board has expressed interest in using the Queensmount Arena as a non-ice facility for programming and similar discussions will be undertaken with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Mr. Baulk also reviewed projected costs for the remainder of 2004, noting that a deficit will be realized as revenues will drop with removal of the ice surface while operating expenses will continue for non-ice recreational use of the facility. Mr. Baulk gave assurances that staff will endeavour to reduce and / or eliminate the deficit. Staff also advised that when the de-commissioning process is concluded the City will be in a better position, having increased its ice facilities by one. At the request of Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. G. Sosnoski agreed to have an interim press release issued immediately based on the report discussed this date, pending release of a full communications plan to all interested parties by the end of August. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That pursuant to the recommendations of F. Galloway (City of Kitchener Leisure Facilities Master Plan - Arena Facilities Component) received by Council on June 29, 2004, staff be directed to remove the ice from Queensmount Arena for the 2004/2005 season with a decision on the future provision of ice at this facility as well as McLaren COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 16~ 2004 4. - 51 - CITY OF KITCHENER CRPS-04-141 - ICE SURFACE REMOVAL - QUEENSMOUNT ARENA/NEW TWIN PAD ARENA (CONT'D) and Doherty arenas to be made in conjunction with planning and related de- commissioning for the new Twin Pad arena scheduled for 2006/2007." CSD-04-142 - LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN - COMMUNITY CENTRE COMPONENT - OPTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-142, dated August 10, 2004 requesting approval to move forward in advance of the final draft of the Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP), with retainment of a consultant of the Chandler-Mowat Community Centre project and purchase of a portable structure for the MilI-Courtland Community Centre. Councillor C. Weylie referred to an earlier request for information concerning Community Centre usage rates. Councillor J. Gazzola expressed concern with proceeding as recommended given identified needs of other Community Centres and asked that comparisons be provided for all facilities regarding square footages and space availability. Councillor M. Galloway suggested that any comparison should also include programming, community involvement and rental statistics. Mr. F. Pizzuto advised that it is intended to include all such information in the final draft of the LFMP and asked that the information be provided in conjunction with consideration of the final report. Councillor J. Gazzola stated that he would support the recommendation, however, he expressed concern with the peacemeal approach being taken in advance of receiving the final LFMP report. Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting during discussion. The following motion was carried on a recorded vote with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, G. Lorentz, J. Gazzola, M. Galloway and C. Weylie voting in favour. Councillor B. Vrbanovic was absent this date and accordingly, did not vote. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to move forward with a process to secure a consultant for implementation of the Chandler-Mowat Community Centre project; and, That a portable structure be purchased and placed at the MilI-Courtland Community Centre site until such time as the need for a permanent addition is confirmed and constructed; and, That $49,000 be allocated from capital surplus to fund the MilI-Courtland Community Centre portable; and further, That staff be directed to bring forward recommendations regarding the scope and timing of all other community resource centre capital projects based upon review and analysis of the Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) final draft due from the consultants in the Fall of 2004." CSD-04-141 - WILLIAMSBURG CEMETERY - MEMORIAL GAZEBO AND BOARDWALK The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-04-141, dated August 4, 2004 regarding a proposal to construct a boardwalk and gazebo at Williamsburg Cemetery. Ms. L. EckeI-Braun advised that the proposal is a modified version of a similar proposal made following the tragic events of September 11, 2001 in the United States. She advised that the Kitchener Professional Firefighters Association (KPFFA) expressed an interest in partnering with Cemeteries to undertake fundraising and sponsorships to allow the project to proceed, with the intent to create a memorial for children who have died tragically. She pointed out that the COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 16~ 2004 - 52 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-04-141 - WILLIAMSBURG CEMETERY - MEMORIAL GAZEBO AND BOARDWALK (CONT'D) project will not proceed until 80% of the required funding is raised. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Ms. Eckel-Braun advised that costs to complete phase 2 of the project have not yet been determined. Mayor Zehr inquired as to how the remaining 20% is proposed to be funded and Ms. Eckel-Braun advised that it is intended to borrow funding from the Cemetery budget to be paid back through revenues generated by the memorial program. Mayor Zehr asked that clarification be provided in an addendum report to the August 30, 2004 Council meeting identifying how the remaining 20% of the project will be funded outside the tax base. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That subject to clarification as to how the remaining 20% of the project funding will be covered, approval be granted to proceed with construction of a boardwalk (phase 1) and gazebo at Williamsburg Cemetery once 80% of the funding for the project is committed, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-04-141 ." CSD-04-139 - 2004 ANNUAL OPERATING GRANT AND ONE-TIME GENERAL PROVISION GRANT - FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS The Committee was in receipt this date of Community Services Department report CSD-04-139, dated August 3, 2004 concerning a grant request by the Festival of Neighbourhoods. Mr. F. Pizzuto advised that Council's resolution of January 26, 2004 approving a grant request by the Festival of Neighbourhoods subject to final approval as part of the 2004 Operating Budget process, inadvertently did not come forward for consideration during the budget review. Staff are asking that final consideration be given at this time. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned the need for additional funding and the effect it will have on future grant requests from this organization. Mr. F. Pizzuto advised that he was not familiar with the details of the grant request, however, he pointed out that a presentation was made to the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee who had supported the request. He added that the additional funding is on the basis of a one time grant and he was of the understanding the group is seeking long term funding from other organizations. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that this matter be deferred to the August 30, 2004 Council meeting to allow staff to provide further information with respect to the use of the additional funding and to invite a representative from the group to attend. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the following recommendation, as contained in Community Services Department report CSD-04-139, be deferred and referred to the August 30, 2004 Council meetinq to allow additional information to be provided with respect to the need for the additional grant funding and arrangements to be made to have a representative of the Festival of Neighbourhoods in attendance: 'That a 2004 annual operating grant in the amount of $4,823 and a one-time general provision grant in the amount of $11,177 (total $16,000) be approved to the Festival of Neighbourhoods.'" CSD-04-143 - GUELPH STREET PARK UPDATE The Committee was in receipt this date of Community Services Department report CSD-04-143, dated August 11, 2004 outlining actions taken to date in response to the discovery of discoloured soils and debris below the playground surface at the Guelph Street Park. The discovery resulted in the park being closed for precautionary and safety reasons. Mr. F. Pizzuto commended City maintenance staff for their due diligence throughout this investigation. He advised that testing to date indicates there is no evidence that anyone was exposed to fill materials prior to closure of the park; however, the park will remain closed until full testing and analysis is completed. Area residents will continue to be consulted in preparation of the park re-opening. At the request of COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 16~ 2004 - 53 - 8. CSD-04-143 - GUELPH STREET PARK UPDATE (CONT'D) CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor J. Gazzola, Mr. Pizzuto agreed to provide a detailed cost analysis of the investigation. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator