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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBusiness & Ind - 1995-08-10BIAC\1995-08-10 PRESENT: BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 1995 Mike Itiscott (Chair), Carl Zehi; Councillor Tom Galloway, Martha George, L inda Kieswetter, John Bingeman, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Atso Saarkoppel, Dan Beach, Richard Lewchuk and Bob Crnickshank ALSO PRESENT: Valerie Gibaut~ and Larry Masseo RECORDER: Sandy Curzon Minutes of July 13, 1995 Minutes of July 13th were approved and adopted. Huron Environmental Area 5/like Hiscott inh'oduced Larry Masseo, Department of Planning & Developmenl~ who was representing Brock Stanley. Larry responded to questions with respect to the recommendations dealing with the interim control by-law. The issue of shqcter conh'ols with respect to landscaping plans and the types of plants which can be used was discussed. The staff report recommends that a list of invasive landscape plants which should not be used be issued to property owners and consultant~ Landscape Plans as part of Site Plan Approval would then exclude such landscape plant~ Concern was expressed that City staff should not appear to dictate which plants should be used as personal preferences of particnlar plant material should be allowed. With respect to the list of prohibited uses, it was pointed out that while metal stamping and punch pressing operations were originally included, they have since been exempted. Due to more sophisticated building techniques and ah' conditioned plants, most stamping operations no longer have vibrations or noise concerns which would affect adjacent property owners~ After discussion it was suggested that staff investigate the possibility of introducing some type of performance standards in conjunction with metal stamping operations, due to the fact that they cannot guarantee that the mitigative measures will be effective. It was pointed out that there k no requirement thi'ough the Building Pm~nit process for businesses to include such mitigative measures within their building. While Larry advised no guarantees could be made that this can be done, he will discuss the matter with Brock Stanley and report back to Committee. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES Moved by Carl Zehi' Seconded by Atso Saarkoppel That the Business and Industry Advisory Committee support the recommendations in the Huron Environmental Report with changes to noise and vibration concerns Carried 3. Declaration o A review of the revised declaration prepared by Elliott Currie took place. There was some concern with the tone of the declaration, and it was felt that it should be less confrontational Carl Zehi' was asked to make further revisions based on the comments It was also suggested that when the declaration is completed and forwarded to the respective institutions, a copy of the Committees' mandate be attache& Several members felt that non-political representation to School Boards and Government agencies would be welcomed by them~ Assessment Report It was noted that residential assessments increased and commercial assessments decreased du~qng 1993-1994. It was pointed out that when indust~qal buildings are vacated, the tax rate reverts to the lower residential rate. o o Waterloo Region Waste Water Review After a b~qef discussion of the report~ it was agreed that this item will be deferred to the September 7th meeting for a more in-depth review. CTT Update V. Gibaut provided an explanation of the current status of ClX. Although it was recommended by area and Regional CAO's that a junior economist be hh'ed and housed at the Region as a resource to C1W staff, no action was takem C1W staff felt that it was premature to take such a step without the development of a strategicAvork plato To that end, meetings have been held to develop such a plan which will clearly provide dh'ection for future activities and staffing levels V. Gibaut will continue to keep the Committee up to date with progress and they will have an opportunity to provide input Economic Development Division August 10, 1995. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES o Economic Development Activities A potential 10 acre, 300,000 sq. ft manufactu~qng company from Toronto which had selected Kitchener for relocation, has just advised that due to internal problems they will be moving to the U.S. They have assured us however, that within 9 months of theh' move, they will be opening another Canadian operation with 90 employees and Kitchener is theh' fhst choice. A company headquartered in Germany is presently negotiating the purchase of a building on McBrine D~qve and will option the adjacent 1.5 acre vacant parcel The company manufactures cables for robotic equipment 50 employees will be hh'e& V. Gibaut advised that the situation with respect to the availability of City-owned indust~qal land could become c~qtical if much more interest is expressed in sites larger than 5 acres It was agreed that this matter would be discussed once the committee was provided with an inventory of all vacant land, both City and privately-owne& George Borovilos has been seconded to the Downtown Action Team as a result of the recommendations included in the final report of the Mayor's Task Force. An Economic Development Assistant has been requested as a partial replacement for George, but it is unknown at this time whether or not this will be approve& V. Gibaut introduced the subject of a new initiative - Kitchener Call Centre. A local entrepreneur, Peter Berczi, has been working with staff to discuss the concept which could help fill some of the Downtown vacant office space. The Chairman advised that he has met with Peter Berczi and supports the concept It was agreed that Nh'. Berczi will make a presentation at the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 12:55pn~ Next Meeting: Thursday, September 7, 1995 11:00 mm. - 1:00 p.m. Council Lounge, ~nd Floor Kitchener City Hall Please note change of date for next meeting Economic Development Division August 10, 1995. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES Economic Development Division August 10, 1995.