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Home My WebLink AboutDowntown Action - 1995-06-08DAC\1995-06-08 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEE June 8, 1995 The Kitchener Downtown Action Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Mayor Richard D. Christy, Councillor Jake Smola, Robert Braun, Nancy Brawley, Karen Simoneau, Brian Hunsberger, Karen Taylor~ Harrison, Sheila Marie Biers, Lillian Kehl, Birgit Heilig, Michelle Morissetti. Others Present: T. Brock Stanley, Sybil Frenette, Valerie Gibaut, Terry Boutilier, Grant NLxon, George Borovilos, Rita Westbrook. 1. OPENING REMARKS Councillor Mark Yantzi welcomed everyone, advised that Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Christina Weylie and Councillor Karen Redman are unable to attend today's meeting due to a Finance Committee meeting occurring at the same time. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ~ June 8, 1995 Moved by Karen Taylor~Harrison Seconded by Brian Hunsberger That the Agenda of June 8, 1995 be accepted. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ~ May 4, 1995 Moved by Rita Westbrook Seconded by Nancy Brawley That the Minutes of the meeting of May 4, 1995 be accepted. CARRIED CARRIED 4. TABLE FOR INFORMATION ~ CONFERENCES Mr. T. Brock Stanley advised that the following conferences are indicative of conferences that are incurring. (1) (2) Cities 2000: Building Communities That Work Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ~ June 8 to 11, 1995 Sustainable Downtown ~ International Downtown Association 41 st Annual Conference ~ Winnipeg, Manitoba ~ September 16 to 19, 1995 Mr. Stanley remarked that the first conference was now taking place. Conference No. 2, Sustainable Downtowns, will be attended by himself and anyone interested is welcome to attend. on S. MAYOR'S TASK FORCE UPDATE Ms. Sybil Frenette stated that the Mayor's Task Force is presently getting their thoughts together for a report which will be tabled at the Council meeting of June 19, 1995. The Report will then be available for distribution to the public and other committees. The Report will then come to the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee. The Report is being done in three components: (1) Background reports done earlier, the Strategic Plan survey and results of the survey, (2) Management structure for the Downtown, and (3) A series of tables and charts describing actions which were identified by various committees. Commenting on the story printed by the Record on June 7, 1995 re the Downtown, Ms. Frenette stressed that the resources needed are not necessarily financial but a shifting of attitudes and priorities at City Hall. Councillor Mark Yantzi commented that many things going on in the Downtown were planned prior to the initiatives suggested by the Mayor's Task Force. Ms. Frenette added that the Mayor's Task Force can't take credit for the cleaning happening Downtown. This was planned months before. Ms. Nancy Brawley added that the perception that a lot of money is being spent on the Downtown has to be changed. A lot of the changes happening were preplanned and did not occur as a result of the Task Force. Ms. Brawley suggested that we be proactive in explaining to the public what's happening Downtown. Mayor Richard Christy commented that this was part of an ongoing educational process. The suburban areas are finding it helps the City image to have a clean Downtown. Mr. Brian Hunsberger suggested that the taxpayer would welcome an explanation of where our City Budget is going for next year. Mayor Christy stated that this was a good point. Mr. Hunsberger commented that he understands that the City isn't running at a loss, and that this would be a good promotional exercise showing how the City's Finances work. - 161 - Mayor Richard Christy reported that a reporter has asked for articles on how the City runs. This underscores the need for a communications officer. For example; how many people know our per capita debt has dropped7 Suggestions for other stories would be welcomed. Mr. Brock Stanley added that there is a need to appreciate that the majority of capital dollars continue to be spent in the suburban areas such as the infrastructural program and work on Schneider Creek Sanitary Sewer. Ms. Frenette suggested that an indepth article would be necessary. The Mayor's Task Force looked at the Downtown assessment. The Downtown has for many years helped to support growth for the rest of the City. Ms. Nancy Brawley stated that in the Fall the Fairway Group is bringing out a community newspaper comparable to the Chronicle. It will be free of charge. Mr. Brian Hunsberger mentioned that the City of Waterloo has a good directory of vital services maybe the City of Kitchener could do the same. Mr. Brock Stanley stated that the City of Kitchener also has a directory. Ms. Karen Taylor-Harrison remarked that the Mayor's office used to put out an excellent ten page directory. Ms. Lillian Kehl added that there is one for seniors as well. 6. DOWNTOWN TRANSPORTATION STUDY Mr. Terry Boutilier advised that the Steering Committee had met yesterday and the firm of IMC Consultants was selected over nine other firms to do the Transportation Study. IMC Consultants headed by Don Dracldey have the best team and will examine and look at all data. The work program was approved yesterday and the cost of the Study will be $100,000. There will be Focus Groups involving 30 to 40 people. Open Houses will be held. Mr. Boutilier indicated that they were looking to this Committee for 3 or 4 members to help on the Focus Groups. Numbers for the Capital Budget will be prepared for the City and the Region by mid-November. The Study will be completed in December, 1995 and presented to Council for their recommendations in 1996. Mr. Stanley asked if the Committee indicated the direction for members of the Focus Groups. Mr. Boutilier replied "No", they are looking for representation from Downtown groups. - 162 - Councillor Mark Yantzi asked if they were looking for diverse groups and would businesses be represented7 Ms. Nancy Brawley advised that they will be looking for representatives from the suburban areas and from the Downtown businesses. Mr. Robert Braun will be a business representative. Mr. Lillian Kehl stated that she would contact Lee Hare for senior representation. Ms. Brawley stated that the consultant will be contacting Special Interest Groups as well. Mrs. Michelle Morissetti stated that she will be on the Committee and will give the cyclist perspective. Ms. Brawley stated that the first meeting will be on Monday, June 26, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mr. T. Boufilier added that there will be three focus group meetings. Ms. Rita Westbrook volunteered to get someone from police services and asked where the meetings will be held. Mr. Boufilier replied that the meetings will be held at Kitchener City Hall. Further information can be obtained from Mr. Don Drackley at IMC - (519) 622-0681. 7. DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEE REVIEW PROCESS ~ DISCUSSION ON COMMITTEE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES AND FUTURE ROLES Councillor Mark Yantzi stated that the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee began 6 years ago and has grown by numbers and issues being considered. It was felt this was a good time to review the Committee's strengths and weaknesses. Ms. S. Frenette concurred that this is the time to discuss how we have managed the Downtown Action Committee and look at the Committee's strengths and weaknesses. She asked the Committee how it felt about DAC and about what the Committee has accomplished. The Committee entered into a lengthy discussion looking at the strengths and weaknesses. The following points were made: STRENGTHS Members have diverse backgrounds and are learning to live and work together Members really enjoy participating and being involved in what is happening Downtown Open forum - able to express diversity of interests and get matters on the table - 163 - Good communication - everyone freely expresses their concerns and shares information Committee members have a link to other organizations Great diversity in the group, including members of Council, City and non-City people. There is a shared vision for the Downtown Good to see Council's concern It is a good forum to get matters on the table WEAKNESSES No budget Can influence but there is no power to follow through on ideas No formal process for new members to fill them in on what has happened and what is to happen in the future - suggestion was made to have name tags for members showing their name and where they are from Concern about the structure of the group - too many members - it takes time to hear all opinions Lack of process on how to get through administration and to Council Chair and Vice-Chair required to be Councillors Word "Action" creates an expectation the Committee's present structure can not meet The future role of the Committee was then discussed and the following points were made: There should be simplicity in organization Name tags, including the association represented, should be available Not to limit members - we need people to address all concerns Chair and Vice-Chair don't necessarily have to be from Council Committee shouldn't change just for the sake of change Time to look at the structure of the Group. The Committee's name "Downtown Action Committee" may have to be looked at. The Committee is an Advisory Committee and the name itself gives a different connotation. The differences between Action Committees and Advisory Committees came out strongly with the Strategic Plan exercise. This exercise stretched the Committee beyond what was meant. One could see the problems and weaknesses encountered in getting things done in trying to turn an Advisory Group into an Action Group. Rename Committee perhaps to the "Downtown Advisory Committee"? Shall Committee's role be to gently push ideas where they are to go? Mandate? Committee doesn't have a mandate but is there to advise groups that do have a mandate. Have political involvement? Is it important to have Council and Mayor sitting on the Committee. Members felt it was important to have Council on the Committee but that the Committee isn't led by Council i.e. it is a Community Committee not. a Council Committee. Council then gets a chance to hear what the average person is saying. Dialogue taking place with Council is in an informal setting which is most helpful and beneficial. Council members can then communicate with other Council members not present at the meetings. This being an advisory Committee, Council has the ability to influence political structure as - 164 - well. Good to know that ideas formed by the Committee will end up with decision makers. Structure should be in place once the Mayor's Task Force is gone Ensure process, that advice of Committee gets to Council, Administration or Action Body. Process need not be complicated. Not all recommendations need to go to Council. There is a need to know where to go for direction - not necessarily just City Hall but to other businesses as well. Committee to set philosophy and reasons behind recommendations and then let other groups act on recommendations Increase access and input to and from private Environment/Sector (Role of Business and Industry Advisory Committee) Have a formal induction for new members to familiarize them with the City structure and the channels to be followed at City Hall. A workshop was suggested to take place after a DAC meeting. Ms. Karen Taylor-Harrison asked how City staff feels about working with the Committee? Ms. Valerie Gibaut asked if the Committee is frustrated because they can't get action for ideas brought forth. Mr. T. Brock Stanley gave the members background information on the formation of this Committee. Originally the Committee was named the Downtown Revitalization Committee and had a specific focus to implement the Woods Gordon Report. The Committee changed its name to the Downtown Action Committee at the time the CAIP and PRIDE programs were looked at. The Committee's functional relationship with staff dwindled over the years. The link to the political process was lacking. Perhaps through the Mayor's Task force an action committee will be formed. Ms. Taylor-Harrison asked who would sit on this action committee. Hopefully there won't be a lack of residential input. Councillor Mark Yantzi commented that the action committee would be a Management Group and would take advise from an advisory committee (DAC). Mr. Terry Boutilier added that DAC is a very dedicated group that is coming up against difficult economic problems and the global program. He felt the public environment is not the problem and suggested that there should be direct involvement by the private sector. Ms. Valerie Gibaut added that some of these issued are already being addressed by the Business and Industry Advisory Committee. Ms. Sybil Frenette asked how the Committee would feel if the power brokers sit in on this Committee and have this Committee linked to the Business and Industry Advisory Committee. Ms. N. Brawley felt the tone of the meetings could change and there would be a loss of ~ 165 ~ communication. We should feed information to them. Mr. Brian Hunsberger stated that DAC needs to know what Committees exist and these Committees should be made aware of the Downtown Action Committee. We need to filter our ideas to the proper channels. Ms. B. Heilig asked if after next meeting of July 13, 1995 there could be a presentation of the overview of the City Structure. Mr. Brock Stanley replied this could be done from 10:30 a.m. until noon on July 13, 1995. Ms. Valerie Gibaut handed out two brochures developed and available from the Economic Development Department entitled "Kitchener Downtown" and "Kitchener Facts and Figures". Ms. Gibaut stated that the Economic Development Department welcomed any comments on these two brochures and changes could be incorporated with the next printing of these brochures. 8. K.D.B.A. REPORT Ms. Nancy Brawley informed the Committee of three upcoming events being: 1. June 30 2. July 6, 7, 8 ~ Count Down to Canada Day from 6:00 p.m. to midnight including children's activities and musical presentations which may include Murray McLaughlin. ~ Sidewalk Sale with a Country theme. There will be a country hoedown, line dancing, square dancing, fiddlers on corners and kiddy rides. Cruise Night Arts Fest just took place. Unfortunately it rained and was not as successful as in other years. The KDBA organized this event in the past. This year the organizational work was turned over to a committee including local art groups and individuals. Ms. Lillian Kehl thanked City Hall staff for all their help. They had a table and there was much interest. Staff couldn't have been more helpful. Ms. Brawley advised letters for request of interest to put together a Business Action Plan have been sent out. The deadline is June 12, 1995 for the letters of interest. The lC, DBA will then either hire or appoint a person to implement the Business Action Plan. July 1, 1995 is the deadline for putting the Plan together. Mr. Grant NLxon commented that the major construction in the Downtown should be over by July 1, 1995. - 166- 8. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Nancy Brawley commented that the meeting dates for the Downtown Kitchener Action Committee were changed to the second Thursday of each month to accommodate the Mayor's teaching schedule. Ms. Marlene Guttensohn has other commitments on the second Thursday of each month. Is there some flexibility with the meeting dates? Ms. Rita Westbrook would also prefer the meeting dates to be the first Thursday of the month. After some discussion Councillor Mark Yantzi proposed that the next meeting date remain Thursday, July 13, 1995 and we will discuss this issue at a future meeting. Ms. Lillian Kehl brought to the Committee's attention that a three day Community Christmas Bazaar will be held in conjunction with the KDBA. They are planning to bring people in from out- of 4own. Ms. Kehl asked if it would be possible to have a reduced rental rate for the Market building and not charge G.S.T. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested Ms. Kehl check with the Licensing Section and Ms. Brawley suggested requesting the Community Services Committee to see about the reduction in rental fee. 10. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee will be on Thursday, July, 13, 1995. 1 1. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m. Sonja S. Tobin Committee Secretary G:b ~)cks\dacO6-OS.min ~ 167~