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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS Minutes - 2022-02-07 Finance and Corporate Services Committee Minutes February 7, 2022, 2:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting Present: Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock Mayor B. Vrbanovic Councillor B. Ioannidis Councillor C. Michaud Councillor D. Schnider Councillor D. Chapman Councillor J. Gazzola Councillor M. Johnston Councillor S. Marsh Councillor S. Davey Absent: Councillor P. Singh Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy Chief Administrator V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services B. Rowland, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning B. Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services D. Kropf, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager I. Balaban, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development C. Farrell, Manager, Waterloo Region Small Business Centre N. Banton, Entrepreneurship and Technology Advisor D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk S. Goldrup, Committee Administrator 1 _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Commencement The Finance and Corporate Services Committee held an electronic meeting this date commencing at 2:30 p.m., Chaired by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock. 2. Consent Items Pursuant to Chapter 25 (Procedure) of the Municipal Code, a motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Marsh to discuss Consent item 2.1 listed on the agenda, which was voted on and was Carried. Further, a motion was brought forward by Councillor J. Gazzola to discuss Consent item 2.2 listed on the agenda, which was voted on and was Carried. 2.1 Sidewalk Infill through Street Reconstructions in 2022, DSD-2022-053 The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2022- 053, dated January 27, 2022, recommending approval of sidewalk infill in 2022 for Ann Street, Becker Street, the east side of Southdale Avenue and installation of a boulevard multi-use trail on the west side, as per the Sidewalk Infill Policy MUN-STR-2004, and received, for information purposes only, the list of pre- approved sidewalk infill locations for 2022. The Chair noted that a written submission had been received from Karen Peer. Steve McMurray of McIntyre McMurray spoke in opposition to installing a sidewalk on Ann Street due to limited pedestrian traffic, snow clearing requirements, the narrow width of the street, and the funding required. In response to questions from the Committee, S. Allen explained the estimated capital costs of the proposed sidewalk infill. Further, B. Cronkite described the use of the sidewalk, confirmed the trees would be preserved, spoke to the timing in consideration with other reconstruction projects, and explained that the proposed infill serves the accessibility of the broader neighbourhood, including future residents, development, and businesses in the area. Councillor S. Davey requested Ann Street be dealt with as a separate vote, and Councillor J. Gazzola requested a recorded vote concerning this matter. 2 On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis it was resolved: "That sidewalks be installed on both sides of Ann Street, as per the Sidewalk Infill Policy MUN-STR-2004." In Favour (2): Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock, and Councillor S. Marsh Contra (8): Mayor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor B. Ioannidis, Councillor C. Michaud, Councillor D. Schnider, Councillor D. Chapman, Councillor J. Gazzola, Councillor M. Johnston, and Councillor S. Davey LOST (2 to 8) On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis it was resolved: "That sidewalks be installed on both sides of Becker Street; and, That sidewalks be installed on the east side of Southdale Avenue and a boulevard multi-use trail be installed on the west side; and further, That Council receive, for information purposes only, other sidewalk infill locations in 2022 that are pre-approved, as per the Sidewalk Infill Policy MUN-STR-2004." In Favour (9): Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock, Mayor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor B. Ioannidis, Councillor C. Michaud, Councillor D. Schnider, Councillor D. Chapman, Councillor M. Johnston, Councillor S. Marsh, and Councillor S. Davey Contra (1): Councillor J. Gazzola Carried (9 to 1) 2.2 All-Way Stop Control Installations, DSD-2022-057 The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2022- 057, dated January 14, 2022, recommending approval of the installation of an all- way stop control at the intersection of Halifax Drive and Natchez Road; and Duke Street West and Shanley Street. In response to questions from the Committee, B. Cronkite described the study results at Halifax Drive and Natchez Road and spoke to the awkward configuration of Duke Street West and Shanley Street. B. Cronkite explained the 3 options to remove the existing stop sign or install a permanent all-way stop to increase safety in proximity to a school and in advance of future development in the area. Further, B. Cronkite explained that traffic volumes were expected to increase when the community reaches an endemic state and spoke to notice to area residents. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis it was resolved: "That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Halifax Drive and Natchez Road; and, That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Duke Street West and Shanley Street; and further, That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly." Carried 3. Discussion Items 3.1 2022 Development Charge Study Initiation, FIN-2022-066 The Committee considered Financial Services Department report FIN-2022-066, dated October 26, 2021, regarding initiation of a Development Charge Study in 2022. R. Hagey presented to the Committee regarding recent changes to the Development Charges (DC) Act that necessitated an early DC study and reviewed the DC study process. In response to questions from the Committee, R. Hagey discussed the changes to DC legislation, the impact to projects previously budgeted for through DC funds, the timing of DC studies, related work undertaken by other municipalities, community engagement, and the potential use of Community Benefits Charges. 4 On motion by Councillor S. Davey it was resolved: "That staff be directed to publish a development charges background study and hold a required statutory public meeting prior to passing a bylaw to authorize the collection of development charges as required under section 12 of the Development Charges Act." Carried 3.2 Proposed Use of 2 King Street West, DSD-2022-058 The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2022- 058, dated January 28, 2022, recommending approval of the proposed use of 2 King Street West outlined in the Report. C. Bluhm introduced the presentation, and N. Banton further spoke to how the initiative advances the Make it Kitchener 2.0 Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). N. Banton described the vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and centrally located space to support Kitchener's entrepreneurs and organizations working towards advancing the SDGs. Councillor P. Singh joined the meeting at this time. T. Charles, L. Carroll-Woolery, and members of the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) board and staff were in attendance to support the initiative. The Committee heard about the CCAWRs Lift Off program, which supports Black entrepreneurs, the SDGs furthered by their efforts, and the SDG Lab's impact in delivering the program. In response to the Committee's questions, the delegates discussed Lift Off's support to Regional and Ontario- based Black entrepreneurs, funding sources, and the opportunities presented by the SDG Lab. Alfred Lowrick, KW Oktoberfest, spoke in support of the initiative, noted KW Oktoberfest's work towards SDGs, and described the opportunities presented by the SDG Lab. In response to the Committee's questions, the delegate further spoke to the benefits presented by the SDG Lab facilities and network. In response to questions from the Committee, staff discussed funding, the impact of the past few years, the SDG Lab's impact on recovery for equity deserving entrepreneurs and social organizations, and the need for this space and initiative. Further, staff described the opportunity for future partnership and collaboration, and the future possibilities of the project. Staff confirmed additional information 5 would be documented to tack metrics regarding the project's need, impact, and success for a future report to the Committee. Mayor B. Vrbanovic requested a recorded vote concerning this matter. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis it was resolved: Street West, as outlined in report DSD-22-058, be approved; and, That $400,000 be allocated from the Economic Development Investment Fund 2.0 (EDIF 2.0) to support capital improvements to initiate the 2 King Street West, as outlined in report DSD-22-058; and, That $350,000 be allocated from the Economic Development Investment Fund 2.0 (EDIF 2.0) to support ongoing operations of the Sustainable t, including an annual allocation of $100,000 as the partnership contribution of the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, as outlined in report DSD- 22-058; and, That the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre be permitted to add one full-time and one part-time resource to support the ongoing operations of greements; and, That staff be directed to report back on the SDG Lab project and document metrics that communicate the need, impact, and success of the initiative; and, That the General Manager, Development Services, or designate be authorized to execute partnership and/or lease agreements with all major partners at 2 King St W, in accordance with report DSD-22-058, with said agreements to be satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and further, That the Executive Director, Economic Development, or designate be authorized to execute license agreements for a term of 3 years or less with SDG Lab licensees at 2 King St W, with said agreements to be satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 6 In Favour (10): Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock, Mayor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor B. Ioannidis, Councillor C. Michaud, Councillor D. Schnider, Councillor D. Chapman, Councillor M. Johnston, Councillor P. Singh, Councillor S. Marsh, and Councillor S. Davey Contra (1): Councillor J. Gazzola Carried (10 to 1) 4. Information Items 4.1 None 5. Adjournment On motion, this meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. 7