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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Action - 1993-04-29DAC\1993-04-29 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEE April ~9, 1993 The Kitchener Downtown Action Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman Bryan Stortz with the following members present; Gerry Graham, Karen Simonean, Karen Taylor- Harrison, Lorna Ferguson, Alderman Mark Yantzi, Brian Hunsberger, James Richard, Nancy Brawley, Robert Braun, Michelle MorissettZ Others Present: Tom McKay, Marion O'Brien, Wayne Pearce, Reg Weber, Valerie Gibaut~ Paula Saunders 1. New Member Alderman Stortz inh'oduced a new member, M~ Rhonda Russell and asked M~ Russell to give the Committee members a little of her background. M~ Russell advised she is an Account Manager, in the Corporate Banking Centre of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. She is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, on the Regional Municipal Affah$ Sub-Committee. Opening Remarks Alderman Stortz reported the North American Bank will be opening theh' offices in the Walper House on May 1. The hnmigration Office plan to open the following week in the same building. He advised of some other business moves within the core and reported on some new opening~ Alderman Stortz reminded those present of "Clean Up Day in Downtown Kitchener" which is Saturday, May L 1993 from 10:00 a~m~ to 9:00 p.m~ Approval of Agenda On motion by Karen Taylor-Harrison Seconded by Karen Simoneau it was resolvetk That the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee Agenda of April 99, 1993, be accepted. Kitchener Downtown Action Committee 94- Approval of Minutes On motion by James Richard Seconded by Lorna Ferguson it was resolved: That the minutes of the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee of Ap~41 L 1993, be accepted. Facade and Interior Loan Program Marion O'Brien, Housing PI'ograms Administrator, stated the purpose of her visit to the Committee today was to request support for additional funding for the Facade Loan PI'ogram/Interior Loan PI'ogram. She advised the Facade Loan Program was introduced in 1988 to financially assist Kitchener merchants Council approved a budget of $100,000 at that time for this purpose. A $7,500. loan is offered to those wishing to revitalize theh' property with a 30% forgivable portion, if the work is completed within a set time frame. In 1992 the Interior Loan PI'ogram was created as a compliment to the F~xterior PI'ogram. The loan amount and forgivable portion remained the same as the Facade PI'ogra~ When the Interior portion was added to the PI'ogram additional funding was not requested because the F~xterior PI'ogram had not reached the potential number of applicants expected. A recent show of interest in the program has resulted in a review of the process to determine how best to speed the process up. Additional components were added such aK tenants can now sign a PI'omissory Note as security for the loan, were originally the owner could refuse to have a lien placed on Title on behalf of his tenanL or if the owner applied and did not want a lien on Title, then usually he opted ouL now he too can sign a PI'omissory Note. a second loan request is made possible if the previous loan was fully paid up. IV[tx O'Brien stated she has presented the program to various interested groups and can report an enthusiastic response. She emphasized new funds must be made available at the earliest possible time. The Market Village is a good example of an area in serious need of revitalizatiom She thanked those present from the Market Village and noted she is encouraged by theh' suppork In response to a question from the Committee, IV[t~ O'Brien stated she has 12 apphcations in motion for $7,500. and thi'ee have expressed interest today at this meeting. Marion O'Brien then introduced Wayne Pearce, Building Inspector, who is also involved in Kitchener Downtown Action Committee - 95- the Loansl:q'ogram~ ~V[r. Pearce reported when conside~qng guidelines he references the "King and Queen Street Facade Study" which outlines specific recommendations for the core. He noted that eligible improvements considered under the Interior PI'ogram are: -upgrading hydi'o and fh'e alarms -emergency lighting -ensu~qng energy efficient fLxtures are used -fh'e extinguishers, sprinklers, fh'e separations -exit stairwells (tenants) -storage provision of flammable materials - accessibility -interior finishes for floors, walls, ceilings which includes painting and decoration Under the Facade PI'ogram eligible improvements are: -signs in accordance with City of Kitchener By-law -brick work restoration, wood, masonry, metal cladding, eaves, parapets or other details- windows, doors, etc. -painting, cleaning of exterior which does not include sandblasting -exterior lighting, repah'/replacement awnings, canopies -original facade elements at initial constn~ction - accessibility architectural Nh'. Pearce stated that any outstanding PI'operty Standards or Fh'e Code violations must be rectified in the work complete& He noted a very favourable interest rate is available on loans with a maximum amortization of 10 years~ Repayment is done on a monthly basis usually with one years cheques in advance, postdate& The fh~t payment would be due the fh~t day of the month following completion of the worl~ The Committee then entered into a question and answer periock The Committee were advised that this particular program is intended for a specific area. namely the downtown area~ Mr. McKay noted that the Interior l:q'ogram is unique and supports the City's assessment base to have properties freshened up to attract new tenant~ He went on to say the City funds this PI'ogram and payback is realized thi'ough repayment of the loan and taxe~ There was some discussion on why residential properties are not included in this program~ It was pointed out that this is a separate matter not considered by Council but a report has been prepared, and is being reviewed by the City's Legal Department~ It is hoped this report will proceed to the Finance and Administration Committee for consideration at theh' next meeting which is May 17, 1993. Jim Witmer stated the proposed Residential PI'ogram will be available to homeowners and potential homeowners, tenants will not quahty. Kitchener Downtown Action Committee - 96- Moved by Robert Braun Seconded by Gerry Graham That on the basis of the Report dated Apx4l 98, 1993 from Marion O'Brien on the Facade Loan Program, the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee recommends to Council the provision of an additional $~50,000. to the Facade Program Reserve Fund from existing City Reserve Fund sources, and that the Finance Commissioner advise Council on the source of this additional provisio~ Carried ~V[r. McKay suggested that Marion O'Brien proceed by addi'essing her report to Council for consideration at its meeting of May 10, 1993, with adjustments as outlined at today's meeting. Artsfest "93" Nancy Brawley introduced John Slavik and Lynda Hemqkson the co-ordinators of Artsfest 93. John is organizing the visual arts portion and Lynda will concentrate on the performing art~ John provided the Committee with the figure eight layout which will cover the area of King and Frederick to King and Water Streets This year the program is extended into the Market Village. King Street will be closed for the period of June 17th to June 19th with entertainment planned that will appeal to aH age groups A program will be available to guide people thi'ough the area in order to enjoy all the arts and the festival will go rain or shine. Lynda advised as a result of advertising, they have received 30 apphcations for the music portion and IQ dance groups have indicated interest~ The application deadline is May 14th at which time a visual and performing arts jury will select the talent~ She extended an invitation to members of Council Management and City Staff to participate. Nancy Brawley provided inlbrmation on how the event is advertised and how the community can get involved. They have included provision for sponsorship by downtown businesses of the artists and the tents that will be erected. Alderman Stortz thanked John and Lynda for the presentation and theh' efforts in co- ordinating the 1993 Artsfest~ lCD. B.A. Update Nancy Brawley dist~qbuted a copy of the "Downtown Kitchener Street Guide" and advised the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee - 97- Committee on how the inlbrmation contained in the brochure will be update& She reported on downtown activities up to the end of the year such az -Cnfising on King Street in July. This year they have arranged to have a petting zoo for the childi'e~ This will be located in the area of King, Water and College Street~ -The Blues Picnic - Victoria Park the end of July -Downtown Employees Picnic - 3rd week of August -City Hall Opening- September -Oktoberfest- October The Chiqstmas promotion will begin after October and they are ah'early working on ideas for thi~ The Committee was advised that a Lions Club Convention will be held in Kitchener commencing May 15tl~ It is estimated that thi'ee to four thousand members will be attending the conventiom A parade starting at 1:00 p.n~ in Waterloo and finishing in Kitchener at 3:00 p.n~ is planned and from all reports, will be bigger than the Oktobeffest Parade. The Lions Club is handling all advertising of theh' convention, which will include notice of the parade. A general discussion took place on the events that Nancy spoke about and it was noted that the KDBA is creating a sense of community downtow~ Karen Taylor-Harrison commended Nancy on the partnership she has fostered between the KDBA and Community Group~ It was suggested that the KDBA might consider working with the University of Waterloo, WillYed Laurier University and Conestoga College in a joint venture of a co-op store downtown to promote and sell University and College signa~ Healthy Communities Karen Simoneau distaqbuted a copy of an Information Bulletin from the Healthy Communities Network for the Committees inlbrmatio~ Karen Simoneau advised the Social Services Council can get some support from PI'ovincial Agencies for work towards a Healthy Community. Alderman Stortz recommended a one day conference be held November 5, 1993 sponsored by the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee. The conference will emphasize "Building on Success". He would like to see a maximum participation of ~00 with discussion on building something with integrity keeping in mind concerns of all the players, Lc., KDBA, Multi Cultural Group, Community Groups, commercial, retail etc. He noted that at the last Vision Conference, commercial and retail initiatives were considered and he would like to have a Kitchener Downtown Action Committee 98- broader focus for this conference. Alderman Stortz suggested, thi'ough Karen Simoneau, a meeting be organized with Theresa Schumilas, himself, Alderman Yantzi along with any interested parties be set up in one weeks time. He suggested the meeting could be held in the Alderman's Lounge. After some discussion on a date, May 15th was agreed upon with the time tentatively scheduled for 10:00 Vision Task Force With regard to the Vision Task Force attachment to the agenda for this meeting, Alderman Stortz passed along a comment from David Ryan on the content of the report~ ~V[r. Ryan k concerned about no mention of Community Groups being included in the proces~ Alderman Stortz stated the reason for the stages proposed by Alderman Wagner, Chairman of the Task Force, was because of the tight frameworl~ Ontario Downtowns' Annual Conference The committee was circulated intbrmation on the above conference to be held at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, May 9 to 5t]~ Nancy Brawley advised she will be attending this conference and will provide a report at the next meeting. 10. 11. Next Meetin~ The next meeting of the Downtown Action Committee will be held May 97, 1993 in CR4. Adjournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m~ Gayle Redgwell, Secretary gitchener Downtown Action Committee