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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1996-12-12 1 BIAC\1996012-12 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 1996 The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Councillor Karen Redman, Robert Braun, Brian Hunsberger, Michelle Morissetti, Rita Westbrook, Regis Coladipietro, Edee Schmitt, Chris Winters and Trudy Beaulne. Staff Present: Brock Stanley, Sybil Frenette, Grant Nixon and Avril Tanner (Minutes). Regrets: Mayor Richard Christy, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Doug Marshman, Nancy Brawley, Marleen Guttonsohn, Denise Strong, Peggy Walshe, Karen Taylor-Harrison, Lillian Kehl, Deborah Budd, Martin de Groot, Janice Williams, Ernie Ginsler, Myrta Sahas and Neil Carver. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - December 12, 1996 Councillor Mark Yantzi suggested waiting until later in the meeting to do the Election of Chair and Vice-Chair in hopes that more members would be present, It was moved to approve the Agenda for December 12, 1996 with the above noted change, Moved by: Robert Braun Seconded by: Brian Hunsberger CARRIED 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 14, 1996 It was agreed upon that the minutes of November 14, 1996 were an accurate reflection of what took place at the meeting. Moved by: Councillor Karen Redman Seconded by: Rita Westbrook CARRIED 3. REVIEW OF MEETING TIMES It was decided to move the March 13th meeting to March 20th. 4. PARKING STUDY STRATEGIC PLAN Sybil explained that both the Parking Study and the Farmer's Market Strategic Plans are being prepared in the same way. They have hired Wayne Hussey to help in determining their goals and the Strategic Plan will be laid out on one sheet of paper. Sybil noted that unfortunately the Parking Study Strategic Plan has not yet been completed. 5. KITCHENER FARMER's MARKET STRATEGIC PLAN Sybil noted that this item is being deferred until the next meeting for presentation by Parks and Recreation Staff. 6. STRATEGIC PLAN "ROAD SHOW" Brock explained that Sybil's presentation will be taken to Management for their approval and we can probably start in the new year. He indicated one of the main points is to get public input. The purpose of today's discussion is to get an idea of how we should go about implementing this type of presentation. The following comments were made. A suggestion was made that maybe we should change the title "Strategic Plan" to something else for the presentation. Maybe partner it with another event. Meeting with Neighbourhood Association Representatives to discuss where to hold the presentations. A suggestion was made to include other interest groups. The meeting may be perceived to be of higher profile if a Councillor holds the meeting. Samples of other focus groups: Real Estate Board, Senior Citizen's Group, High School Students, Parent Committees. Mayor's Advisory Youth Council. Sybil explained that no time frame has been decided on yet but she would like to have it completed by June. She indicated she would like help for the Road Show from the Committee Members. Sybil summarized the following items that need to be dealt with: A Time Schedule needs to be developed. What we would like to achieve. Human Resources required for doing this. Brock pointed out that we will have access to a lap top and portable digital projector for any computer presentations. 7. IDENTIFICATION OF FOCUS GROUPS The following is a list of Focus Groups that were identified: Real Estate Board Churches Arts & Culture Commerce - KDBA L.A.C.A.C. - Heritage Seniors Parent Groups in Schools Suburban vs Inner City Schools People Downtown City Staff who work with people in the Downtown (ie. Transit) Media Tourists Guelph/Cambridge/VVaterloo Youth 8. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN ACTION TEAM Sybil Frenette noted her update was attached to the Agenda and summarized the highlights. Rita Westbrook inquired what the process was to determine who could purchase St. Jerome's. It was mentioned that the Congregation would be deciding and that the City's role was only to help out. Another question arose concerning someone purchasing the property and not developing the property right away. Sybil noted we could express this concern to the Congregation and suggest they make it a condition of the purchase. Concern was expressed about a Charitable Casino being placed in the City. Councillor Karen Redman and Mark Yantzi explained that Council will be discussing this on Monday. Council at this time has decided to say they do not wish to have a Casino in Kitchener, however, if one is to be placed here there are some conditions they would like to be followed. After some discussion a motion was made as follows: That the Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee is strongly opposed to the concept of having a Charitable Casino in the City of Kitchener. Moved by: Robert Braun Seconded by: Chris Winters CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Concerning the Facade Improvement Program it was suggested that a request be made to change the by-law so that a tenant can apply for the loan himself instead of the owner having to apply. Brock indicated that a request will be made to change Section 28 of the Planning Act to allow tenants to apply. Some discussion occurred concerning the type of housing that is being solicited for the St. Jerome's Building. It was mentioned that a demographics study will be done to help determine the best way to market an area for a specific type of demographic. 9. INTRODUCTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS Everyone introduced themselves, indicated their relationship to the Committee and described what they like about the Committee. During this discussion it was noted by Trudy Beaulne that Mount Hope - Breithaupt Park is the official name of the neighbourhood association she is representing. Some discussion occurred on the Epton Building and it was noted that they are currently cleaning the contaminants and then the building will be sold. 10. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR Councillor Karen Redman nominated Councillor Mark Yantzi for Chair. Moved by: Robert Braun Seconded by: Brian Hunsberger CARRIED Trudy Beaulne nominated Robert Braun for Vice-Chair and he declined nomination. Robert Braun nominated Councillor Karen Redman for Vice-Chair. Moved by: Brian Hunsberger Seconded by: Trudy Beaulne CARRIED The meeting adjourned at 10:10 am. Avril Tanner, Committee Secretary List of Attachments Schedule of Meeting Dates.