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Home My WebLink AboutFCS Minutes - 2021-04-19FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEEMINUTES APRIL 19, 2021CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate ServicesCommittee held an electronic meetingthis date, commencing at 10:34a.m. Present:CouncillorS. Davey -Chair Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors D. Chapman, K. Galloway-Sealock,J. Gazzola, B. Ioannidis, M. Johnston, S. Marsh, C. Michaud, D. Schnider and P. Singh. Staff:D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, Deputy CAO & General Manager, Community Services V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning C. Zinn, Director, Innovation Lab J. Winter, Director, Asset Management & Business Solution B. Bennett, Manager,Business Development C. Farrell, Manager, Waterloo Region Small Business Centre D. Becks, Manager, Downtown Development and Innovation E. Robson, Manager, Arts & Creative Industries J. Young, Manager, Special Events K. Cooper, Manager, Strategic & Business Plan J. Bunn, Manager, Council & Committee Services/Deputy City Clerk S. Goldrup, Committee Administrator 1.DSD-2021-43-KITCHENER’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY FRAMEWORK The Committee considered DevelopmentServices Department report DSD-2021-43, dated April 8, 2021 recommending approval of Kitchener’s Economic Recovery Framework. Councillor M. Johnstondeclared a pecuniary interest with respect to part “D” of the proposed recommendation for the Kitchener Economic Recovery Framework, as sheis employed by the University of Waterloo and works closely with Communitech as part of her employment; and accordingly, did not participate in any discussion or voting regarding thismatter. It was noted any recommendation arising from this matter would be considered at a special Council meeting later this date. Cory Bluhm, Executive Director of Economic Development,presented the Reportand a presentation relating to the proposed Economic Recovery Framework for the City of Kitchener. C. Bluhm explained the two overarching challenges facing the City are: impact to the in-person service economy; and, the unknown future of office space. It was noted the City can help by minimizing barriers to re-opening; continuing to support pivoting and adaptation; helping businesses re-attract customers; and, supporting landlords to attract new businesses. C. Bluhm explained staff recommend launching a “Love My Business” campaign ($225,000); allow for property tax deferrals ($375,000 in lost revenue); develop a Tourism Adaptation & Recovery Program ($125,000); invest in grant funding for Arts & Culture ($75,000) and, partnership with Communitech ($500,000/year for 3 years). Ian McLean, Greater KW Chamber of Commerce,was in attendance to speak in support of the proposed Economic Recovery Framework. I. McLean explained there are700 business that have received for over 60,000 rapid testing kits from the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce. In response to questions, I. McLean explained the most important thing the City can do is message confidence to citizens, when it’s safe to do so, that businesses and restaurants are safe and should be visited. Iain Klugman, Communitech, was in attendance to speak in support of the proposed Economic RecoveryFramework.I. Klugman identifiedfive areas of focus to help our client ecosystem and region return to growth: respondto a new wave of startup activity; help early-scale firms restart their growth trajectory; prepare clients for a new talent landscape; focus on diversity, equity and inclusion; and, provide support and leadership in economic recovery through the Digital Kitchener Innovation Lab. FINANCE &CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEEMINUTES APRIL 19, 2021-8-CITY OF KITCHENER 1.DSD-2021-43-KITCHENER’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY FRAMEWORK (CONT’D) Atefeh Zarabadi, AIM Sense, was in attendance to share with the Committee, the workand researchAIM Sense is conducting as a start up company associated with Communitech. Minto Schneider, Explore Waterloo Region, was in attendance to speak in support of the proposed Economic Recovery Framework. M. Schneider highlighted the significant negative impact (52% reduction) on the tourism and hospitality industry in Kitchener and Waterloo Region. It was noted that Explore Waterloo Region received $240,000, from the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, which helpedfund fifty-sevenlocal applications for support. Linda Jutzi, Downtown Kitchener BIA, was in attendance to speak in support of the proposed Economic Recovery Framework. L. Jutzi highlighted programs in 2020 that supported local businesses including a Business Sustainability Grant; PPE distribution; DTK Art Walk and Field Guide; Marketing Campaign; Live Entertainment; Beautification; Patio Program; Investments (Queen Street Placemaking Project). Lynne Short, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF), was in attendance to speak in support ofthe proposed Economic Recovery Framework, including working in partnership with the City to support the arts community. L. Short also provided a high-level overview of support provided in 2020 through KWCF’s COVID-19 Arts Sustainability and Recovery Fundandplans for 2021 support to the arts community. A motion to defer the recommendation, save and except Clause “B”, was movedby Councillor J. Gazzola. The motion to defer was then voted on and LOSTon a recorded vote, with CouncillorsD. Chapman, J. Gazzola voting in favour; and,Mayor B. Vrbanovic, andCouncillorsM. Johnston, B. Ioannidis, P. Singh, K. Galloway-Sealock, C. Michaud, D. Schnider, S Davey voting in opposition. A motion as movedby Councillor P. Singh to approve the recommendation as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2021-43, dated April 8, 2021 recommending approval of Kitchener’s Economic Recovery Framework. Councillor Gazzola requested each Clause be voted on by a recorded vote. Clause “A” of the following motion was voted on and Carried on a recorded vote, with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, D. Schnider,S. MarshC. Michaud, K. Galloway- Sealock, P. Singh, B. Ioannidis, M. Johnston and D. Chapman voting in favour; and, Councillor J. Gazzolavoting in opposition. Clause “B” of the following motion was voted on and Carried Unanimously on a recorded vote. Clause “C” of the following motion was voted on and Carried on a recorded vote, with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, D. Schnider,S. MarshC. Michaud, K. Galloway- Sealock, P. Singh, B. Ioannidis, M. Johnston and D. Chapman voting in favour; and, Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition. Clause “D” of the following motion was voted on and Carried Unanimously on a recorded vote. Clause “E” of the following motion was voted on and Carried on a recorded vote, with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, D. Schnider,S. MarshC. Michaud, K. Galloway- Sealock, P. Singh, B. Ioannidisand D. Chapman voting in favour; and, Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition.Councillor M. Johnston did not participate in voting due to heredeclaration. On motion by Councillor P. Singh- it was resolved: “That Kitchener’s Economic Recovery Framework, as attached to report DSD-21-043 as Appendix A, be approved; and, FINANCE &CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEEMINUTES APRIL 19, 2021-9-CITY OF KITCHENER 1.DSD-2021-43-KITCHENER’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY FRAMEWORK(CONT’D) That the following support measures of Kitchener’s Economic Recovery Framework be approved, providing additional relief and support to businesses, as outlined in report DSD- 21-043: a)Launch a ‘Love My Business’ Campaign where staff will work directly with suburban business areas to support customer development, including the provision of $100,000 to provide up to $10,000 in grant funding per business area, to engage in collaborative marketing efforts; b)Develop an application-based property tax installment deferral program to extend 2021 property tax installment due dates by 60 days for residents and businesses; c)In partnership with the Waterloo Region Tourism & Marketing Corporation, provide $125,000 to be used towards the provision of additional grant funding to the Tourism Adaptation & Recovery Program, specifically for Kitchener-based businesses; d)In partnership with organizations, such as the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, that the City of Kitchener provide a total of $75,000 to be used towards the provision of grant funding to support future grant programs for arts and culture professionals in Kitchener; and, e)That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a partnership agreement with Communitech to deliver business recovery supports over a 3-year period, including extension of the City’s use of its Innovation Lab, at a cost of $500,000 per year, for a total contribution of $1,500,000; and further, That staff be directed to return to Council with additional support measures and business cases in alignment with Kitchener’s Economic Recovery Framework, as outlined in report DSD-21-043.” The followingmotion was brought forward byMayor B. Vrbanovic regarding advocating to both the federal and provincial governments for a paid sick leave program for the remaining duration of the COVID-19 pandemic: “WHEREASthe Province of Ontario is presently dealing with a third wave of infection in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, one where the numbers of cases, especially those from variants and its impact on local health care systems in Kitchener and throughout the province is significant;and, WHEREASthere is irrefutable evidence through the examination of disaggregated data that those who are economically disadvantaged and those who are members of our Black, Indigenous and Persons of Colour communities are disproportionately impacted by incidents of COVID-19; and, WHEREASmany of these individuals are working multiple jobs, and/or in environments such as manufacturing where people are working in close congregate settings and incidents of Covid-19 are high and paid sick leave programs are not in place or easily accessed;and, WHEREASMayors both individually and through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities -Big City Mayors’ Caucus and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario -Ontario Big City Mayors’Caucus have been calling for the provincial and federal orders of government to implement a paid sick leave program during the Covid-19 pandemic. BE IT RESOLVED THATthe City of Kitchener Council join these joint calls in strongly urging both the federal and provincial governments in immediately implementing a paid sick leave program for the remaining duration of the Covid-19 pandemic emergency and that this resolution be shared with: FINANCE &CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEEMINUTES APRIL 19, 2021-10-CITY OF KITCHENER 1.DSD-2021-43-KITCHENER’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY FRAMEWORK(CONT’D) •Hon. Minister Chrystia Freeland, MP •Hon. Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP •Hon. Minister Victor Fedeli, MPP •Local members of Federal and Provincial governments •Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) •Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) •Ontario Big City Mayor’s Caucus (OBCM) •Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO) •Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) •All Municipal Councils within Waterloo Region •Greater KW Chamber of Commerce •Waterloo Region Economic Development •Ontario Business Improvement Areas Association •Downtown Kitchener BIA •Belmont Village Kitchener BIA •Business and Economic Support Team Waterloo Region (BESTWR)” It was suggested and agreed to add the following clause to the motion: “WHEREAS Kitchener City Council at its meeting on February 8, 2021 previously passed a motion calling on the federal and provincial governments to put in place a paid sick-leave program as a result of Covid-19; and further,” Mayor B. Vrbanovic’s motion was then voted on and Carried. 2.FIN-2021-20-INVESTMENT POLICY UPDATE The Committee considered Financial Services Department report FIN-2021-20, dated March 30, 2021 recommending approval of an amendment to investment policy FIN-PLA-605-Investment. J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services, was in attendance and responded to questions from the Committee. On motion by Councillor P. Singh- it was resolved: “That the City investment policyFIN-PLA-605, attached as Appendix A to staff report FCS-17-095, be approved as amended.” 3.ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 2:37p.m. J. Bunn Manager, Council/Committee Services & Deputy City Clerk