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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1997-06-12 1 DAC\1997-06-12 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 1997 The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Dave Mota, Nancy Brawley, Deb Schlicter, Denise Strong, Peggy Walshe, Michelle Morissetti, Karen Taylor-Harrison, Lillian Kehl, Deborah Budd, Martin de Groot, Marianne Wasilka, Regis Coladipietro, Chris Winters and Neil Carver. Others Present: Brock Stanley, Sybil Frenette, Mike Price, Grant Nixon, Peter Wallberg and Avril Tanner (Minutes). Regrets: Mayor Richard Christy, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Robert Braun, Deb Schlicter, Marleen Guttensohn, Rita Westbrook, Janice Williams, Edee Schmitt, Birgit Helig, Myrta Sahas, Trudy Beaulne and Debbie King. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA- JUNE 13, 1997 It was moved that the Agenda for June 12, 1997 be approved. Moved by: Chris Winters Seconded by: Karen Taylor-Harrison CARRIED 2. NEW DRAFT OF PRIORITIES Brock indicated that all of the changes have been incorporated to the attached report and any priorities that were noted as being not viable at this time have been removed from the list. The next step would be to approach the committees noted in the referred to column of the chart to find out if they will be able to include this specific initiative in their Strategic Plan's. If it is noted that a specific initiative will not be able to be completed by the recommended committee the initiative will be brought back to the Downtown Advisory Committee for further review. Any initiatives that require capital funds will also be noted by the recommended committee and all initiatives will be reviewed by the Interdepartmental Resource Group and their role, if any, will be noted. Brock mentioned that we would keep the committee updated with the process and any revised copies of the initiatives will be forwarded to the committee members when completed. Brock asked that everyone review the initiatives to make sure that all changes were reflected and that they note some sort of time frame on all the initiatives (for example immediate, Iongterm and short term). A suggestion was made that the timeframe assigned should include a start and a finish date. It was also suggested that the groups that the initiatives were referred to should also indicate a timeframe on their initiatives. 3. FESTIVALS - Jennifer Lynn Jennifer was unable to attend this morning's meeting, however, did forward us a handout (see attached) which was circulated. It was indicated that if there were any questions for Jennifer she could be reached at 741-2900. 4. BULLAS WATER FOUNTAIN - Mike Price Councillor Mark Yantzi introduced Mike Price and he indicated that he had circulated some information (see attached) with the Agenda for today's meeting. Mike explained that the 2 pieces are available and that we could acquire them quite inexpensively if the owner was informed of what we would like to do with them. Mike handed around some photos of the sculptures and it was mentioned that they are in somewhat good shape, however, would require a little repairing. It was indicated that at this point the proposed site is the Bus Station at Charles & Gaulkle streets, however, it was indicated that suggestions are still being taken. The following suggestions were made: Place the Sculptures in the Water Fountain at City Hall, have one on each corner and have the water flow from them into the pond. It was also pointed out that this may also lower the cost of installation as the pond is already there. It was also suggested that we look at obtaining sponsorships for covering the cost of implementing the sculptures. It was moved that this committee agreed in principle with the idea of the restoration of the statues of the Bullas Fountain. Moved by: Regis Coladipietro Seconded by: Chris Winters CARRIED 5. PANHANDLING - Peter Wallberq Peter Wallberg was introduced to the committee and he indicated he was approached by Nancy to look at the Panhandling activity in the Downtown area and that he had developed a report from the information gathered. Please find Peter's notes from his presentation attached. Peter also indicated that he would forward one copy of this report for the committee's use and it was mentioned by Avril that this report would be fisched for future reference. The following is a list of discussions that took place after Peter's presentation: Most of the Statistics were collected in the 1980's and early 1990's. Did research show what happens if people do not give anything at all, do they move somewhere else? It was noted that 20% of people feel good when they give money. It was indicated that typically there is really a small amount of people who actually panhandle, we could talk to them and find out what would encourage them to stop. It was pointed out that an education program should also be involved with any other programs that are started. 6. DISCUSSION ON AUGUST MEETING After some discussion is was decided to have the July meeting and cancel the August meeting. It was decided that we would discuss the panhandling issue as well as any new items for the Strategic Plan and the Policing Standards at the July meeting. Nancy Brawley mentioned that the KDBA had developed a pamphlet on panhandling and that she would forward it to Avril to include with the Agenda. 7. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TEAM Sybil handed out a copy of her report (see attached) and reviewed it with the Committee. KDBA REPORT Nancy indicated that they are in need of volunteers for a couple of tasks on Tuesday nights around the downtown for face painting for Cruise Night (Friday, July 11th). She also reviewed the Events happening throughout the summer. Nancy also mentioned that the KDBA has gone through staffing changes, there are 4 brand new people. The complete sponsor packing is put together for the Mural Program, if you have anyone who is interested in contributing ask them to call Nancy at the KDBA and she will forward a package to them. Nancy stressed that this needs to get started this summer and indicated that there are all kinds of ranges of funds that they are soliciting. New Businesses that will be started shortly are: Surf Paradise, surfing clothing, skateboarding equipment etc. should be opening on Saturday. New store where Kettle Creek used to be called Under the Sun. A restaurant has purchased the old 3-Minute Deli Building and is renovating. NEW BUSINESS Marianne Wasilka indicated that she had targeted the neighbourhood representatives and that she is going to OMB hearing concerning removal of duplexing in residential sites (R1 & R2 Zones). She indicated that she would like to see them stay in the bylaw and that she could use some support from the neighbourhood associations in the form of verbal or written comments and any donations for photocopying. It was inquired if anything was happening at Montana Taps and it was mentioned that they had not been co-operating with building permits etc., however, they will be opening this month and are applying for a patio permit. Cocktails is just about ready to open and the old Barbarino's looks like it will be reopened this month as well. The meeting adjourned at 10:35 am. Avril Tanner, Committee Secretary LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Revised Draft Initiatives. Memo from Jennifer Lynn - Festivals, Bullas Fountain Statue Information, Panhandling Presentation Notes, Downtown Development Team Update.