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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2021-04-19 SSPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 19, 2021 CITY OF KITCHENER A special electronic meeting of City Council was held in the Council Chamber at 2:38 p.m. this date, chaired by Mayor B. Vrbanovic with all members present. 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. FIN -2021-19 — APPLICATIONS FOR CANCELLATION, REFUND, REDUCTION OF TAXES — APRIL 19"' HEARING Moved by Councillor B, loannidis Seconded by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock "That the applications to City Council for write-off, cancellation, reduction, or refund of taxes totalling $216,910.04 as attached to Financial Services Department report FIN -2021-19, be approved, pursuant to Sections 354 and 357 of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, c. 25 ("the Act")." Carried. 2_ DSD -2021-43 — KITCHENER'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY FRAMEWORK Councillor M. Johnston declared a pecuniary interest with respect to Clause "D" of Development Services Department report DSD -2021-43 — Kitchener's Economic Recovery Framework, as she is 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 that matter. Councillor J. Gazzola requested that Clauses "A" and "C", and "B" and "D" and be voted on together and Clause "E" separately on a Recorded Vote. Moved by Councillor S. Davey Seconded by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock "That Kitchener's Economic Recovery Framework, as attached to report DSD -21-043 as Appendix A, be approved; and, 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, SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 19, 2021 2 CITY OF KITCHENER 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. Clauses "A" and "C" — Carried on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic, and Councillors S. Davey, P. Singh, M. Johnston, S. Marsh, K. Galloway -Sea lock, C. Michaud, B. loannidis, D. Schnider and D. Chapman. Contra: Councillor J. Gazzola Clauses "B" and "D" — Carried Unanimously on a recorded vote. Clause "E" — Pecuniary Interest and Abstention Carried on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic, and Councillors S. Davey, P. Singh, S. Marsh, K. Galloway- Sealock, C. Michaud, B. loannidis, D. Schnider and D. Chapman. Contra: Councillor J. Gazzola Pecuniary Interest and Abstention Councillor M. Johnston because of ,er employment relations with Communitech. Mayor B. Vrbanovic introduced the following motion regarding advocacy for paid sick leave was at the Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting this date. Moved by Councillor S. Davey Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston "WHEREAS the 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, WHEREAS there 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, WHEREAS many 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, 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, WHEREAS Mayors 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. SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 19, 2021 • 3 • CITY OF KITCHENER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 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: Hon. Minister Chrystia Freeland, MP Hon. Minister, Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP • Hon. Minister Victor Fedeli, MPP Raj Saini (Kitchener Centre), MP Tim Louis (Kitchener Conestoga), MP Bardish Chagger (Waterloo), MP Marwan Tabbara (Kitchener South- Hespeler), MP Mike Harris (Kitchener Conestoga), MPP Amy Fee (Kitchener South- Hespeler), MPP Laura Mae Lindo (Kitchener Centre), MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo), MPP 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) Explore Waterloo Region (Tourism)" Carried. Councillor S. Marsh introduced a motion regarding advocacy for financial supports for small businesses during COVID-19. Moved by Councillor S. Marsh Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston "WHEREAS the pandemic has had a devastating effect on many small businesses within specific sectors; and, WHEREAS many small business owners have taken enormous risk, and endured personal financial losses to keep their businesses afloat during this prolonged period of pandemic response; and, WHEREAS the most recent Provincial Stay At Home Order, necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19; will have further impacts to small business owners; and further, WHEREAS the provincial and federal governments have provided necessary and valued financial supports to impacted small businesses to date. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Kitchener strongly urge the federal and provincial governments to continue with providing these necessary supports, and to do more to assist those business owners most heavily impacted with post -pandemic economic recovery efforts, such as: Offer loan forgiveness for government programs such as the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA); and, Provide additional and more substantial programs to support small businesses with direct sales and marketing, such as more advanced and one-to-one services through the Digital Main Street Program; and, Ensure that any funding provided through the Ontario Small Business Support Grant does not impact the eligibility of a small business to access any wage and rent subsidy program; and further, SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 19, 2021 4- CITY OF KITCHENER That the City Clerk be directed to send a copy of the letter and resolution, once approved, to: Hon. Minister Chrystia Freeland, MP Hon. Minister, Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Hon. Minister Victor Fedeli, MPP Raj Saini (Kitchener Centre), MP Tim Louis (Kitchener Conestoga), MP Bardish Chagger (Waterloo), MP Marwan Tabbara (Kitchener South-Hespeler), MP Mike Harris (Kitchener Conestoga), MPP Amy Fee (Kitchener South- Hespeler), MPP Laura Mae Lindo (Kitchener Centre), MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo), MPP 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) Explore Waterloo Region (Tourism)" Advocacy for additional business support during COVID-19 — Carried Unanimously on a recorded vote. Councillor M. Johnston introduced a motion regarding advocacy for additional business support during COVID-19. Councillor Gazzola left the meeting at this time. Moved by Councillor M. Johnston Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud WHEREAS the pandemic has had a devastating effect on many small businesses within specific sectors; and, WHEREAS many small business owners have taken enormous risk, and endured personal financial losses to keep their businesses afloat during this prolonged period of pandemic response; and, WHEREAS the most recent Provincial Stay At Home Order, necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19; will have further impacts to small business owners; and, WHEREAS the provincial and federal governments have provided necessary and valued financial supports to impacted small businesses to date; and further, WHEREAS certain small businesses, such as dry cleaners, health services, etc., do not qualify for the Province of Ontario's Small Business Support Grant. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Kitchener strongly urge the federal and provincial governments to do more to assist those business owners most heavily impacted with post - pandemic economic recovery efforts, such as: Expanding the eligibility criteria for the Province of Ontario's Small Business Support Grant to ensure all small businesses who have been negatively impacted have can qualify; The Federal Government extend the cash flow support programs for businesse through the Fall to allow them to ramp up operations as vaccinations expand and the economy can safely re -open fully; SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 19, 2021 - 6 - CITY OF KITCHENER All levels of government use an all hands on deck approach to expanding and accelerating vaccination programs - including engaging with the business community for support where possible; and Encourage the provincial and federal governments to fund and support expansion of the Greater KW Chamber and Cambridge Chamber of Commerce pilot program that is getting rapid screening kits and medical grade level 3 masks into the hands of small business free of charge. That the City Clerk be directed to send a copy of the letter and resolution, once approved, to: w Hon. Minister Chrystia Freeland, MP • Hon. Minister, Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP • Hon. Minister Victor Fedeli, MPP Raj Saini (Kitchener Centre), MP Tim Louis (Kitchener Conestoga), MP • Bardish Chagger (Waterloo), MP Marwan Tabbara (Kitchener South -Hespeler), MP • Mike Harris (Kitchener Conestoga), MPP • Amy Fee (Kitchener South-Hespeler), MPP • Laura Mae Lindo (Kitchener Centre), MPP • Catherine Fife (Waterloo), MPP • Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) • Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) • Ontario Big City Mayo's Caucus (OBCM) • Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO) • Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) F 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) • Explore Waterloo Region (Tourism)" Additional business support during COVID-19— Carried on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic, and Councillors S. Davey, P. Singh, M. Johnston, S. Marsh, K. Galloway-Sealock, C. Michaud, B. loannidis, D. Schnider and D. Chapman. Absent: Councillor J. Gazzola Councillor Gazzola joined the meeting at this time. Councillor P. Singh provided notice that he would be bringing forward a motion at the April 26, 2021 Council meeting regarding advocacy for additional federal or provincial funding for businesses during COVID-19. Councillor D. Schnider introduced a motion regarding advocacy for indoor dining capacity during COVID- 19. Moved by Councillor D. Schnider Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston Whereas the Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated the need for strict physical distancing requirements to limit the spread of the coronavirus; and, Whereas many Ontario restaurant operators and their employees have been disproportionately impacted by physical distancing measures needed to slow the spread of Covid-19, in particular those restaurants that rely on indoor dining; and, SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 19, 2021 • 6 • CITY OF KITCHENER Whereas the most recent Provincial Stay At Home Order, necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19; will have further impacts to small business owners; and, Whereas the Province of Ontario has provided strong leadership to date in assisting impacted restaurants; and, Whereas the Red level of Province of Ontario's Covid-19 Response Framework limits the indoor capacity of restaurants to 50%, to a maximum of 50 persons; and further, Whereas the Regional Municipality of Waterloo is the public health authority governing the City of Kitchener. Therefore be it resolved that City of Kitchener Council call on the provincial governments to provide greater autonomy to local health authorities to permit restaurant operators with large indoor seating capacities to exceed the maximum 50 person limit during red zones, provided the local health authority is satisfied that all necessary physical distancing and public health requirements can be met to reduce the spread of Covid-19; and further, That the City Clerk be directed to send a copy of the letter and resolution, once approved, to: Hon. Minister Chrystia Freeland, MP * Hon. Minister, Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP • Hon. Minister Victor Fedeli, MPP * Raj Saini (Kitchener Centre), MP • Tim Louis (Kitchener Conestoga), MP * Bardish Chagger (Waterloo), MP • Marwan Tabbara (Kitchener South-Hespeler), MP • Mike Harris (Kitchener Conestoga), MPP • Amy Fee (Kitchener South- Hes peler), MPP • Laura Mae Lindo (Kitchener Centre), MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo), MPP 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) Explore Waterloo Region (Tourism)" Advocacy for indoor dining capacity during COVID- 19 — Carried on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic, and Councillors S. Davey, P. Singh, M. Johnston, S. Marsh, K. Galloway-Sealock, C. Michaud, B. loannidis, D. Schnider and D. Chapman. Absent: Councillor J. Gazzola Councillor S. Marsh provided notice that she would be bringing forward a motion at the April 26, 2021 Council meeting regarding additional city financial support for small businesses. IN -CAMERA MEETING AUTHORIZATION Moved by Councillor S. Davey Seconded by Councillor P. Singh SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 19, 2021 - 7 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That an in -camera meeting of City Council be held immediately following this special council meeting to consider a matter regarding land acquisition/disposition, a matter involving information explicitly supplied in confidence by another level of government, a labour relations item, and a litigation or potential litigation matter as authorized by Sections 239 (2) (c), (h), (d) and (e) of the Municipal Act, 2001, respectively." Carried. The meeting recessed at 3:08 p.m. and reconvened electronically at 3:59 p.m. chaired by Mayor B. Vrbanovic with all members present. 4. COR -2021-16 — MEMORANDUM OF SETTLEMENT — KITCHENER PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION Council considered a matter arising from an electronic in -camera meeting held earlier this date. Moved by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock Seconded by Councillor D. Schnider "That Council approve the terms and conditions contained in the Memorandum of Settlement dated March 17, 2021 to establish the 2021-2022 Collective Agreement with KPFFA: And further, that the Mayor and the Clerk be authorized to execute documentation arising there from." Carried. BY-LAWs FOR THREE READINGS Moved by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud "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. To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council. (By-law No. 2021-041) Carried. On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:16 p.m. r, AYDR LERK j`