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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe City - 1999-10-04SAFECITY~1999-10-04 SAFE CITY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 4, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe City Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m.under Mr. Sandro Bassanese, Co- Chair with the following members present: Ms. Trudy Beaulne and Mr. D. Schnarr. Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting after its commencement. Others present: Ms. L. Korabo and Messrs. P. Verleyen, B. Stanley, R. Wyatt and L. Neil. 1. AGENDA (October 4, 1999) On motion by T. Beaulne- It was resolved: "That the agenda for the October 4, 1999 meeting, be approved." 2. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY Mr. G. Sosnoski, Deputy City Clerk, appeared before the Committee to make a presentation relative to Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation as it relates to the operations of the City's neighbourhood associations and other at-arms-length bodies Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting at this point. 3. SAFE CITY CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT - September 1999 The Committee reviewed the issues listed in the September 1999 Safe City Coordinator's report attached to the agenda. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned the graffiti issue. Mr. B. Stanley advised that a report would be prepared for consideration by the Finance and Administration Committee as to actions that could be taken to address the graffiti issue. He indicated that there was no concrete understanding of the graffiti problem and its extent; and consequently, it would be suggested that the City build a record of occurrences and classify individuals responsible so as to utilize that base of information to develop recommendations. 4. SAFETY EMERGENCY LIGHTING Mr. D. Schnarr provided a brief verbal report noting that meetings were held with Community Safety Officers four times per year. He distributed information on an outdoor lighting product had come to his attention that functions as an emergency beacon. He explained that it was a light bulb that could be installed on the porches of dwellings that would either operate normally or flash if the occupant was to flick the switch several times to engage the emergency flashing mode. Mr. Schnarr indicated that he would obtain further information on this product that he would provide at a future meeting. 5. 911 GOLF TOURNAMENT AND GRANT/AWARD PROGRAM Mr. Paul Verleyen attended the meeting as Chair of the 911 Annual Youth Charity Golf Tournament and Grants/Awards Committee, which was a sub-committee of the City -Wide Youth Issues Committee. He advised that the sub-committee was holdings its first meeting in October and would be looking into the matter of an awards/grants program and establishing criteria in that regard. He gave a brief verbal report outlining details on the following: award amount, budget, funding source and request for nominations which should be sent to either himself or Linda Thompson. 6. DOWNTOWN LIGHTING DESIGN STUDY RE EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. B. Stanley distributed a submission dated October 1, 1999 prepared by John MacDonald, Architect. It was noted in the submission that the consultant team has reviewed the various pilot lighting installations in the downtown and that Members of Council and staff had taken an evening tour which provided an opportunity to evaluate the pilots and discuss lighting installations and their effect on the streetscape. The report provides a summary of the pilot OCTOBER 4, 1999 SAFE CITY COMMITTEE -2- CITY OF KITCHENER 6. DOWNTOWN LIGHTING DESIGN STUDY RE EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS (Cont'd) installations, lighting criteria, implementation, feedback received and advances conclusions and recommendations. Mr. B. Stanley capsulized the history of the lighting pilot projects and referred to the Special Meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee held on September 21, 1999 in this regard. He referred to the short report that has been prepared by Mr. MacDonald and advised it was staff's intent to now place this matter before the Planning and Economic Development Committee for its consideration in October. Mr. Stanley then addressed the issue of lighting criteria and noted that in particular attention was paid to matters of brightness and glare. He advised that all installations with the exception of those at Cedar and Francis Street had met the criteria and that there was a major problem with the Zed fixtures. He then discussed problems in implementation as to procedures and coordination to install fixtures. He also touched on higher costs that had been incurred on initial installations but as a result of this experience it was expected that savings could be achieved on future installations. He then commented on the points raised in Mr. MacDonald's submission on the matter of feedback and on the series of recommendations provided. Mr. Stanley indicated that a previous study had indicated it would cost approximately $2M to upgrade lighting within the Ring Road over a ten year period and that, in his view, as a result of the experience of the pilots, the cost is realistic. Mr. D. Schnarr advised that he had participated in the Planning and Economic Development Committee's September 21st walking tour. He expressed concern on the issue of how business operators could be encouraged to light up their front windows. Mr. B. Stanley advised that it was proposed to develop a program to encourage storefront lighting through activities of the Downtown Development Team. Mr. Schnarr also questioned the pilot project as to the aesthetics of the aluminum arm detracting from the appearance of the black pole on which is was mounted. Mr. S. Bassanese also commented regarding poor lighting and Mr. Stanley advised that the Downtown Development Team would coordinate a joint effort to address this matter and further noted that the new Sign By-law would set new standards in respect to glare and lighting intensity. Ms. T. Beaulne commented that perception and effectiveness as to lighting improvements should be looked at from a cost/benefit point of view. Accordingly, she suggested that a Safety Audit Group undertake to verify lighting improvements and whether or not they were having a positive impact. Mr. Stanley suggested the Committee may want to undertake continuing re- evaluation of lighting issues by means of safety audits. Further, he suggested that porch lighting was a desirable community initiative that would enhance the nighttime environment. Ms. Beaulne suggested that given the long hours of darkness in the middle of winter, it would be desirable to encourage private property owners to extend their Christmas lighting to well after Christmas until such time a there were longer hours of daylight. COMMUNITY SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL BROCHURE: SAFE & SOUND Ms. T. Beaulne distributed a copy of the above brochure and asked that it be attached to the Committee's minutes. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk - 64 - MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MINUTESJune 1, 1993 of the City's core is important as an investment in the community. It questioned, however, as to whether the City introducing this Program offered the best method for sustaining the neighbourhood. The possibility of local 2.Kitchener Revitalization Loan Program - Cont'd financial institutions providing mortgages with the City guaranteeing a certain percentage was raised. This would expand the number of homes which could be assisted. J. Wallace expressed some concern as to the legalities associated with this option. D. Donaldson entered the meeting. Action J. Witmer and M. O'Brien together with representative from the Finance Department to approach Canada Trust to determine whether it, as a financial institution, would be interested in offering such a Program. It being understood that if the City should proceed it would be subject to legislation and receipt of expressions of interest from all financial institutions. J. Witmer and M. O'Brien left the meeting. 3.Highway #7/Shirley Avenue Access - Property Implications D. Snow posted and reviewed the original proposal received from the Ministry of Transportation outlining specific access and property implications which have been raised by industries located on the north and south sides of Highway #7. L. Ryan entered the meeting. Mr. Snow then summarized the revised option which has been prepared by M.T.O. in an attempt to address concerns raised. This option has a minimum affect on the existing property or any future expansion plans of Kaufman Footwear while providing access for all industries in the area. B. Kuntz advised that it also offers better emergency access to this area. Management Committee gave its support to the revised option. - 65 - MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MINUTESJune 1, 1993 D. Snow and B. Stanley left the meeting. 4.Economic Control Plan (ECP)/Social Contract Using the projection equipment and with the assistance of L. Ryan and K. Bowman, J. Gazzola presented an explanation 4.Economic Control Plan (ECP)/Social Contract - Cont'd of the Province's deficit problem; how the Province has decided to address its problem; and Kitchener's suggested approach to the Province's decision. This presentation was made to the City's Union Presidents at a meeting held yesterday. It will form the Agenda for a special meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee to be held Monday, June 7th. Mr. Gazzola pointed out that unlike municipal governments, senior governments do not have to provide a balanced budget each year. This has resulted in a projected deficit for Ontario of $78.6 Billion by the end of March 1994; the largest Provincial deficit in Canada. The Province's answer to controlling this deficit is through cuts to costs and transfers to municipalities. Several viable alternatives were presented which can be used by the City to address the impact of the ECP as well as the Social Contract. It was noted that as Social Contract discussions are ongoing, only the ECP is being addressed at this time. Using a combination of alternatives, J. Gazzola outlined the financial impact on each Department. Departments have been asked to provide the Finance Department with a list of areas where these budget cutbacks will occur. It was pointed out that these reductions cannot be one time, but must be sustainable. D. Donaldson left the meeting. It was noted that there are also corporate issues which will have to be addressed including, but not limited to, awards, conferences and training. The C.A.O. stressed the importance of documentation and consideration of any employee suggestions that might increase revenues or reduce expenditures. In this regard, J. Gazzola pointed out that the revised - 66 - MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MINUTESJune 1, 1993 KAPS Program is an excellent avenue for such suggestions. Consideration will be given to amending the Program to permit appeal to the City Suggestion Committee of any suggestions which may have corporate ramifications which have been turned down by the Department Suggestion Committee. Presently there is no method for appeal. 5.City Tour S. Klapman advised that Tuesday, June 22nd, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is the proposed date for the City Tour. Additional information together with an itinerary will be forthcoming. Meeting adjourned 12:55 a.m. SAFECITY\1999-10-04 SAFE CITY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 4, 1999CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe City Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m.under Mr. Sandro Bassanese, Co- Chair with the following members present: Ms. Trudy Beaulne and Mr. D. Schnarr. Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting after its commencement. Others present: Ms. L. Korabo and Messrs. P. Verleyen, B. Stanley, R. Wyatt and L. Neil. 1. AGENDA(October 4, 1999) On motion by T. Beaulne – It was resolved: “That the agenda for the October 4, 1999 meeting, be approved.” 2. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY Mr. G. Sosnoski, Deputy City Clerk, appeared before the Committee to make a presentation relative to Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation as it relates to the operations of the City’s neighbourhood associations and other at-arms-length bodies Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting at this point. 3. SAFE CITY CO-ORDINATOR’S REPORT – September 1999 The Committee reviewed the issues listed in the September 1999 Safe City Coordinator’s report attached to the agenda. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned the graffiti issue. Mr. B. Stanley advised that a report would be prepared for consideration by the Finance and Administration Committee as to actions that could be taken to address the graffiti issue. He indicated that there was no concrete understanding of the graffiti problem and its extent; and consequently, it would be suggested that the City build a record of occurrences and classify individuals responsible so as to utilize that base of information to develop recommendations. 4. SAFETY EMERGENCY LIGHTING Mr. D. Schnarr provided a brief verbal report noting that meetings were held with Community Safety Officers four times per year. He distributed information on an outdoor lighting product had come to his attention that functions as an emergency beacon. He explained that it was a light bulb that could be installed on the porches of dwellings that would either operate normally or flash if the occupant was to flick the switch several times to engage the emergency flashing mode. Mr. Schnarr indicated that he would obtain further information on this product that he would provide at a future meeting. 5. 911 GOLF TOURNAMENT AND GRANT/AWARD PROGRAM Mr. Paul Verleyen attended the meeting as Chair of the 911 Annual Youth Charity Golf Tournament and Grants/Awards Committee, which was a sub-committee of the City –Wide Youth Issues Committee. He advised that the sub-committee was holdings its first meeting in October and would be looking into the matter of an awards/grants program and establishing criteria in that regard. He gave a brief verbal report outlining details on the following: award amount, budget, funding source and request for nominations which should be sent to either himself or Linda Thompson. 6. DOWNTOWN LIGHTING DESIGN STUDY RE EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. B. Stanley distributed a submission dated October 1, 1999 prepared by John MacDonald, Architect. It was noted in the submission that the consultant team has reviewed the various pilot lighting installations in the downtown and that Members of Council and staff had taken an evening tour which provided an opportunity to evaluate the pilots and discuss lighting installations and their effect on the streetscape. The report provides a summary of the pilot SAFE CITY COMMITTEE OCTOBER 4, 1999- 2 -CITY OF KITCHENER 6.DOWNTOWN LIGHTING DESIGN STUDY RE EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS (Cont’d) installations, lighting criteria, implementation, feedback received and advances conclusions and recommendations. Mr. B. Stanley capsulized the history of the lighting pilot projects and referred to the Special Meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee held on September 21, 1999 in this regard. He referred to the short report that has been prepared by Mr. MacDonald and advised it was staff’s intent to now place this matter before the Planning and Economic Development Committee for its consideration in October. Mr. Stanley then addressed the issue of lighting criteria and noted that in particular attention was paid to matters of brightness and glare. He advised that all installations with the exception of those at Cedar and Francis Street had met the criteria and that there was a major problem with the Zed fixtures. He then discussed problems in implementation as to procedures and coordination to install fixtures. He also touched on higher costs that had been incurred on initial installations but as a result of this experience it was expected that savings could be achieved on future installations. He then commented on the points raised in Mr. MacDonald’s submission on the matter of feedback and on the series of recommendations provided. Mr. Stanley indicated that a previous study had indicated it would cost approximately $2M to upgrade lighting within the Ring Road over a ten year period and that, in his view, as a result of the experience of the pilots, the cost is realistic. Mr. D. Schnarr advised that he had participated in the Planning and Economic Development st Committee’s September 21 walking tour. He expressed concern on the issue of how business operators could be encouraged to light up their front windows. Mr. B. Stanley advised that it was proposed to develop a program to encourage storefront lighting through activities of the Downtown Development Team. Mr. Schnarr also questioned the pilot project as to the aesthetics of the aluminum arm detracting from the appearance of the black pole on which is was mounted. Mr. S. Bassanese also commented regarding poor lighting and Mr. Stanley advised that the Downtown Development Team would coordinate a joint effort to address this matter and further noted that the new Sign By-law would set new standards in respect to glare and lighting intensity. Ms. T. Beaulne commented that perception and effectiveness as to lighting improvements should be looked at from a cost/benefit point of view. Accordingly, she suggested that a Safety Audit Group undertake to verify lighting improvements and whether or not they were having a positive impact. Mr. Stanley suggested the Committee may want to undertake continuing re- evaluation of lighting issues by means of safety audits. Further, he suggested that porch lighting was a desirable community initiative that would enhance the nighttime environment. Ms. Beaulne suggested that given the long hours of darkness in the middle of winter, it would be desirable to encourage private property owners to extend their Christmas lighting to well after Christmas until such time a there were longer hours of daylight. 7. COMMUNITY SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL BROCHURE: SAFE & SOUND Ms. T. Beaulne distributed a copy of the above brochure and asked that it be attached to the Committee’s minutes. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk