The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutDowntown Advisory - 1997-07-10 1 DAC\1997-07-10 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 10, 1997 The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Karen Taylor-Harrison, Dave Mota, Nancy Brawley, Deb Schlicter, Denise Strong, Michelle Morissetti, Lillian Kehl, Rita Westbrook, Marianne Wasilka, Regis Coladipietro, Edee Schmitt and Debbie King. Others Present: Brock Stanley, Sybil Frenette and Avril Tanner (Minutes). Regrets: Mayor Richard Christy, Robert Braun, Marleene Guttensohn, Peggy Walshe, Deborah Budd, Martin de Groot, Janice Williams, Birgit Helig, Myrta Sahas, Trudy Beaulne, Chris Winters and Neil Carver. Councillor Mark Yantzi introduced Councillor Karen Taylor-Harrison and indicated that she would be filling Councillor Karen Redman's position on Council and on this Committee. Everyone congratulated Karen on her new appointment. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - JULY 10, 1997 It was moved that the Agenda for July 10, 1997 meeting be approved. Moved by: Councillor Berry Vrbanovic Seconded by: Rita Westbrook CARRIED 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JUNE 12, 1997 It was moved that the Minutes of June 12, 1997 be approved. Moved by: Denise Strong Seconded by: Dave Mota CARRIED 3. NEW INITIATIVES FOR STRATEGIC PLAN Brock Stanley reminded everyone that at last months meeting he had requested that everyone review the initiatives and bring any new initiatives that they would like to see included on the Strategic Plan to today's meeting. It was also pointed out that at the last meeting the committee was also asked to indicate any specific timeframes for initiatives they felt were important. The following Discussion arose from the above noted request: We would like to include an initiative pertaining to Property Standards for both the Retail and the Inner City Neighbourhoods. Would like this initiative to assist people in keeping their properties up to standards and would include helping those who can not afford to update their structures and deal with others who refuse to make the necessary repairs. It was suggested that item #13 on Page 13 could be reworded to include this suggestion. It was also mentioned that we should look at including upkeep of sidewalks and curbs as well. It was suggested that this priority could be referred to Housing for their review. Item # 3 under Housing on Page 1 - could this initiative include a census of housing in the Downtown Core (for example who is living in the downtown and where are they living, what is the match between them and the size of their house). It was suggested that this should also be a high priority initiative. After some discussion it was decided to change Item # 18 on Page 12 to include the above noted initiative and explain what type of demographic study would occur. After this initiative has been reworded it should be moved to the Housing Section. It was suggested that this initiative should also include looking at some of the supported affordable housing needs that may be required in the future. Also it should include accessibility issues in the census (i.e. Look at including a few bungalow styles to enhance the buildings and allow accessibility). It was suggested that we include an initiative to develop a program for marketing Downtown Living (for example Radio Marketing). It was suggested that we develop schemes to illustrate and promote housing on the Downtown Parking Lots. Page 4 Item #4 should include looking at assessment values as well. It was suggested that we refer those items first that were to be sent to other committees and find out if these initiatives will be picked up by them before we actually look at setting timeframes for these initiatives. Brock added that if any other items were brought forward they could be added at a later date. 4. PANHANDLING DISCUSSION (see attached pamphlet) Nancy Brawley explained that 2 years ago after a series of meetings this pamphlet was developed (see attached). The pamphlet was never actually circulated, as a consensus was never reached by the committee members involved. Nancy indicated she felt the best way to deal with this item would be to start an education program to meet the needs of people rather than giving them money on the street. During the discussion the following points were mentioned: A discussion on the pros and cons of having a coupon program. Concern with coupons are who will pay for the coupon, some businesses do not want the panhandlers inside their buildings as they may loose customers. It was mentioned that the best way would be to provide panhandlers information on where they can get food and clothing etc.. A discussion on prohibiting panhandling between certain hours and only in a specific area. Keep in mind that panhandling is not an illegal offence however restrictions can be placed on panhandling. Have a student complete a survey on why the people give money to panhandlers, actually have a student witness the act of giving and then interview the person giving the money. Have a card with information on it that we can give to panhandlers when they ask for money. This card would include information on where to get emergency food, clothing etc. If it is decided to go with this pamphlet a suggestion was made that we make the title How Can You Help? Larger so that it stands out more. Educate people to donate to the Soup Kitchen etc. instead of giving directly to the panhandlers. That we talk to the panhandlers and tell them we do not like what they are doing and if they do not stop we should look at developing a by-law to discourage it at specific times and locations. It was decided that Debbie King, Deb Schlicter and Michelle Morissetti would help Nancy develop this pamphlet further. It was suggested that they talk to Waterloo to see if they would like to help develop the Pamphlet. Brock also suggested that Planning & Development could be involved in fixing up the Visual Effects of the Pamphlet. 5. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TEAM Sybil Frenette reviewed her report verbally with the Committee (see report attached). 6. K.D.B.A. REPORT Nancy Brawley's Update included the following information: Cruise Night is tomorrow, there are already 145 Car's registered, there will be a disc jockey playing 50's music. There will be clowns, facepainting, magicians and jugglers providing additional entertainment. Tuesday night on the town is going well, there will be 3 more held. Countdown to Canada Day had a good turnout and good entertainment. There was a good response from people who were interviewed during the event. People still have concerns with large groups of youth hanging out in the Downtown. The following suggestion was made by a committee member. Another business had a similar sintuation and they placed speakers outside of their building and loudly piped classical music through them. Staffing for the KDBA is now finalized, they have a new Marketing Manager who will be attending the next Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting. 7. NEW BUSINESS Rita Westbrook indicated that she was involved in a steering committee for developing a John School to Educate people. She mentioned that they are looking for an organization that would take the lead on this project. They would like to go ahead with a pilot project in October of November to help educate those who have been arrested. It was decided that at this time there will not be a host agency involved. It was suggested that if any other committee's wished to be involved with this project they could contact Rita, Councillor Karen Taylor- Harrison or Councillor Mark Yantzi for further information. The Committee reviewed the Future Agenda item of Policing Standards that was originally placed on the Agenda following some newspaper articles about evening Police actions. After some discussion it was decided that the actual item was a Community Gardens Issue and that this change should be made and that this item should be dealt with at our September Meeting. Everyone in attendance was reminded that there would not be an August meeting and that the next meeting would be September 11, 1997. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 am. Avril Tanner, Committee Secretary LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Panhandling Pamphlet. Downtown Development Team Update.