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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1994-06-10LACAC\1994-06-10 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 10, 1994 CITY OF KITCHENER The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor M. Wagner, commencing at 12:05 p.m., with all members present except Ms. S. Burke and Mr. V. Tarbutt. Others present: Messrs. L. Bensason, T. Boutilier, Mr. G. Sosnoski and Mrs. D.H. Gilchrist. 1. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS Councillor M. Wagner advised the Committee that Council has not yet made a final decision on the use of the Registry Building. A decision is expected at the Council meeting to take place on Monday June 13, 1994. Councillor Wagner advised that a tour of the Governor's House and Gaol, which was to take place after this meeting, has been postponed. It will be rescheduled for the July or August meeting and members will be advised accordingly. 2. MINUTES Mrs. G. Stoner noted the reference in the April minutes that attributed the idea of using the Gaol as a restaurant to her. She advised that it was not her idea, but had been suggested some years ago by someone else. On motion by Mrs. G. Stoner it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meetings of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, of April 8, 1994, as amended, and May 13, 1994, as mailed to the members, be approved." 3. RELOCATION - CULTURAL PROGRAMS BRANCH - MINISTRY OF CULTURE, TOURISM & RECREATION The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from 9 L.A.C.A.C.'s requesting support for their opposition to the relocation of the Cultural Programs Branch of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Recreation to Niagara Falls. The memorandum asks each L.A.C.A.C. to contact their M.P.P., Minister Swarbrick and Premier Rae to express their concerns about this relocation. On motion by Mrs. P. Wagner it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee is opposed to the relocation of the Cultural Programs Branch of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Recreation to Niagara Falls, Ontario, as it is expensive and ill conceived." The DESIGNATED PROPERTY GRANT Committee was provided with copies of a report from Mr. G. Sosnoski, Manager of Corporate Records/Assistant City Clerk, dated June 7, 1994, concerning the 1993/1994 designated property grant surplus. Mr. Sosnoski was in attendance and addressed the Committee advising that within the last two days, the City had received an announcement from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Recreation advising that the program will be extended into the next fiscal year in a similar manner to the 1993/94 grant, with each municipality guaranteed an allocation equivalent to one full D.P.G. grant with additional funding being dependent on the final demand and availability of funds. It was also noted, in the announcement, that the Ministry has decided to limit each municipality's funding request to a maximum of 5 projects. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES JUNE 10, 1994 CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DESIGNATED PROPERTY GRANT - cont'd The Committee then considered Mr. Sosnoski's recommendation. He advised the Committee that, once the grant money from the 1993/94 program has been paid out, the account will still have a balance of approximately $4,000.00. He advised that he had spoken with the Ministry and they have advised that they will not be asking for the money to be returned, but it must be spent on the program and within the rules and regulations of the program. Mr. Sosnoski suggested that the surplus could be used to top up the 1993/94 grant to the maximum 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $3,000.00, after which there would still be money remaining. Mr. Sosnoski also questioned how the Committee wished staff to proceed in soliciting applications for the 1994/95 D.P.G. grant, as it seemed unfair to solicit applications under the circumstances, only to have to turn them down if the Ministry decides not to allocate more than one grant to the City of Kitchener in the 1994/95 fiscal year. It was suggested that some staff and members were aware of some owners with designated properties who had already made inquiries about applying for these grants that they would be approached and given an opportunity to apply. It was noted, in the announcement, that there will be only one opportunity to request funding, with municipalities to submit their list of projects no later than July 16, 1994. It was also generally agreed that any surplus in the account, after the 1993/94 grants had been paid out, would be used to augment the 1994/95 grant. On motion by Mr. P. Bufe it was resolved: "That, after the June 17, 1994 submission deadline, any unexpended amount of the City's 1993/94 designated property grant allocation be apportioned on a pro-rated basis and paid out to the property owners who were previously awarded 1993/94 grants and completed work in accordance with the direction of Council; and further, That any surplus money in the designated property grant account (S) be used to top-up the approved 1993/94 grant, within the guidelines of the program, to a maximum of 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $3,000.00; and further, That the completion date for the 1994/95 designated property grant be set at the end of April 1995, with a waiting list of projects, which could be quickly approved after that date, being established in the event there is a surplus; and further, That all 1994/95 designated property grant applicants be required to indicate, in writing, no later than the end of March, 1995, whether they intend to claim the grant awarded." Mr. Sosnoski then advised the Committee of another grant program being offered by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Recreation called the "Cultural Project Grant Program" which has just been announced. This grant program offers 3 broad funding areas: training and leadership development, organizational development and outreach and participation. A description of the program was distributed to the members. It was noted that application deadlines are June 30, 1994 and October 31, 1994. It was generally agreed that Ms. E. Esenbergs look at the program and meet with the Education Sub- committee to determine an appropriate use for the grant. 5. DOON SOUTH-BRIGADOON TRANSPORTATION NETWORK STUDY Mr. T. Boutilier, Manager of Heritage, Design and Environment was in attendance to update the Committee as to what has been happening with the Transportation Study since April, when Council refused Alternative B. Mr. Boutilier displayed a map of the area showing the Alternative E which was favourable to the study team, which includes Mr. V. Tarbutt, the 5. DOON SOUTH-BRIGADOON TRANSPORTATION NETWORK STUDY - cont'd L.A.C.A.C. representative on the study team. Mr. Boutilier explained the alternative being recommended. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES JUNE10, 1994 - E4 - CITY OF KITCI:IENER Copies of a memorandum from Mr. V. Tarbutt, dated June 10, 1994, were distributed to the Committee members and Mr. Boutilier explained that he was in attendance today in place of Mr. Tarbutt, who is on vacation. The Committee considered Mr. Tarbutt's memorandum, which recommends that this Committee endorse Alternative E and the accompanying recommendations prepared by Planning staff. A lengthy discussion took place on this proposal. Mrs. P. Wagner questioned what advice Mr. Boutilier could suggest to protect heritage homes from detrimental treatment caused by the realignment of these roads. Mr. Boutilier advised that nothing in the plan would jeopardize these heritage homes. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he is pleased with the outcome and that the Caryndale Community will be minimally impacted. Also, the future of scenic roads will be greatly enhanced. He suggested that the Committee not be concerned with the Reidel Drive issue, as he does not agree with the Ministry of Natural Resources concerns, and the Grand River Conservation Authority is very much in favour of this alternative. The right-of-way for that collector is a concern but the report states that it will be a two lane facility with appropriate bus bays and bike lanes. It will be well-used and that is why there is a need for bus bays and bicycle paths. He offered his thanks for the work of Mr. V. Tarbutt for attending the meeting and the detailed report. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway it was resolved: "That the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee endorses Alternative E of the Doon South-Brigadoon Transportation Network Study, as shown on the plan prepared by McCormick-Rankin and the accompanying recommendations prepared by the Department of Planning & Development." 6. STRATEGIC PLAN Copies of the revised Strategic Plan were distributed to the Committee members. Mr. L. Bensason reviewed the changes made and requested that the Committee approve the Strategic Plan as submitted this date. The Strategic Plan was contained on pages 1-5 of the document circulated this date, with pages 7-8 and the accompanying chart containing "Strategic Priorities by Key Activity Areas (1994 - 1998)". Mr. Bensason asked that the L.A.C.A.C. sub-committees review these priorities before the next meeting, at which time he would request that they be approved by the Committee. If any of the members feel that changes to the priorities need to be made, they are requested to contact Mr. Bensason prior to the July meeting. The question was raised as to whether this Committee's recommendations should go before Planning & Economic Development Committee or directly to City Council. It was suggested that members of the Committee make a presentation to either, depending on what decision this Committee makes as to which body to report to. It was suggested by Councillor Wagner that this Committee report directly to Council. On motion by Mrs. P. Wagner it was resolved: "That we approve, in principle, the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee's Strategic Plan, subject to final approval of the "Strategic Priorities by Key Activity Areas" at the meeting scheduled for July 8, 1994." It was agreed that a final decision on the body to which this recommendation is to be presented will be made at the July meeting. 7. EVALUATION SUB-COMMITTEE Mr. L. Bensason addressed the Committee asking for their approval of the methodology, criteria and forms developed by the Evaluation Sub-committee. He distributed several different forms as follows: 1. Guide for the Site Survey Team, 2. Report on the Inventory Collection Policy Plan 3. Criteria for Listing Your Property 4. Methodology for Listing Your Property 5. Dating Evaluation Form 6. Street Description Form. Mr. Bensason advised that the 9 proposed Heritage LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES JUNE10, 1994 - E5- CITY OF KITCHENER Conservation District Plan areas will be the next areas to be recorded, as they have already been determined to be significant. Mrs. P. Wagner stated that she is opposed to having non-L.A.C.A.C, members on this sub-committee. It is her opinion that the experts should come before the full committee for so all can learn. Mr. P. Bufe agreed with Mrs. Wagner in this regard. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he has no objection to having experts coming before the sub- committee; however they should not be permanent members of the sub-committee. They should be rotated and brought in as needed. Councillor T. Galloway was of the opinion that the experts should be made ex-officio members of the sub- committee. Mr. L. Bensason suggested that only L.A.C.A.C. members be permitted voting rights on the sub-committee. Mr. D. Parrish advised that he, Ms. S. Burke and Mr. V. Tarbutt feel that the experts should be full members of the sub-committee. A further discussion took place on this matter. On motion by Ms. E. Esenbergs it was resolved: "That the L.A.C.A.C. Evaluation Sub-Committee be composed of four members of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, two of whom are members of the Strategic Plan Sub-Committee, the heritage planner as an ex- officio member and advisors, in an ex-officio capacity, as required." On motion by Mr. D. Parrish it was resolved: "That the Inventory Collection Policy Plan, dated June 10, 1994, as prepared by the Strategic Plan Sub-Committee, save and except the Evaluation Sub-Committee Make-up, be approved." Mr. Bensason then advised that at every L.A.C.A.C. meeting he would review the next area to be recorded. The next area to be recorded will be the area north of Victoria Park. He distributed packages to the Site Survey Team and explained what was in these packages. Mrs. P. Wagner asked that Mr. P. Bufe provide the Committee members with a print-out of this computer program on buildings erected in Kitchener prior to 1916. Councillor M. Wagner congratulated the Strategic Plan Sub-committee on a fantastic piece of work. 8. 30 FRANCIS STREET SOUTH Mr. L. Bensason advised the Committee that he has been in contact with the owner of the property. The building has been vacant for some time and has been vandalized. The current owners want to demolish the property and use it for a parking lot. Mr. Bensason advised them of the current zoning and bonusing and they have allowed him to investigate possibilities for the property. 9.INTENT TO DEMOLISH - 19 DURHAM STREET The Committee was advised that the proposed purchaser of this property intends to demolish the building, which is on the Heritage Inventory. The Committee was in receipt of a property report for this property and a report to Mr. L. Bensason from Mr. W. Pearce, Programs Inspector, was distributed at the meeting. The Committee members were also provided with copies of a letter from Mrs. J. Haalboom on behalf of the Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon, advising of their concerns over the request to demolish. Mr. Bensason advised that there are several choices to consider including, demolition, designation, LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES JUNE10, 1994 - ~6- CITY OF KITCHENER moving the building, preserving the building; however the Building Inspector thinks that the building is not sound and should be demolished. He advised that the proposed purchaser wants to know L.A.C.A.C.'s position before buying the property. Mr. W. Ristau advised that he can confirm what Mr. Pearce advises, except that he thinks the building is salvageable. Mr. D. Parrish stated that this is strictly a tear-down proposition based on the lot. The building could last 500 years the way it is but it is not possible to work with the building as the walls are very twisted. The structure is not moveable and the lot is very tight to work with. Mr. P. Bufe suggested that this Committee should be determining whether the building is worthy of designation. Mr. Bensason should be requested to investigate whether the site can be developed the way the owner wants. On motion by Mrs. G. Stoner it was resolved: "That Mr. L. Bensason investigate the options involved in developing the property at 19 Durham Street and report to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee at their July meeting." 10. 314 OLD CHICOPEE ROAD Mr. Bensason advised the Committee that a delegation had indicated that they wished to appear before this Committee this date, concerning the Millar House, 314 Old Chicopee Road; however no one has appeared at the meeting. Copies of the property report prepared in 1992 by Mr. E. Bow and Mrs. P. Wagner were distributed for the Committee's information. It was agreed to defer consideration of this matter to the July meeting. 11 .SCENIC ROADS - EDUCATION WORKSHOP Ms. K. Hammond of the University of Waterloo was in attendance to give a workshop on work done by herself and students on defining scenic roads, views and vistas. Mr. L. Bensason explained that it would be desirable to take advantage of the expertise and work already done. He suggested the students be hired by L.A.C.A.C. to map out viewsheds and scenic roads in the municipal plan. On motion by Ms. E. Esenbergs it was resolved: "That Councillor M. Wagner and Mr. L. Bensason be permitted to develop a project on the mapping and identifying of viewsheds for the scenic roads identified in the City of Kitchener municipal plan; and further, That the students be required to make a formal report and presentation to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee when the process has been completed." 12.HARRY CLASS POOL DESIGNATION CEREMONY The Committee members were provided with copies of a proposed concept and activity ideas for the Heritage Designation Ceremony for the Harry Class Pool. It has been agreed that the ceremony will take place on July 16, 1994. Mr. Ristau advised that Parks & Recreation staff are willing to do most of the organization with respect to the day's event; however, he required some assistance with dealing with the media. It was suggested that Mr. Ristau contact Ms. L. Fryfogel in the Mayor's Office and Ms. C. Oliver in the Parks & Recreation Department for assistance in this regard. Ms. M. Welsh agreed to assist Mr. Ristau with other aspects of the event. It was also suggested that some members of L.A.C.A.C. wear old-fashioned bathing suits for the event and the Committee generally LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES JUNE10, 1994 - E7- CITY OF KITCHENER agreed to an expenditure of approximately $100.00 for the bathing costumes. 13. FIRST MENNONITE CHURCH AND CEMETERY Ms. J. Kramer reported on the First Mennonite Church and Cemetery which had been discussed at the Committee's last meeting. She advised that they are not included in the heritage inventory. On motion by Ms. J. Kramer it was resolved: "That the First Mennonite Church and Cemetery be added to the heritage inventory." 14. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee will take place on Friday, July 8, 1994, at 12:00 noon, in the Conestoga Room, Main Floor, Kitchener City Hall. 15.ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary