HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS Minutes - 2024-11-25 - Public Budget
Finance and Corporate Services
Committee Minutes
November 25, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers - Hybrid
City of Kitchener
200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Present: Councillor S. Davey
Councillor D. Schnider
Councillor J. Deneault
Councillor C. Michaud
Councillor A. Owodunni
Councillor P. Singh
Councillor B. Ioannidis
Councillor M. Johnston
Councillor D. Chapman
Councillor S. Stretch
Absent: Mayor B. Vrbanovic
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
C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development
L. Palubeski, Manager, Neighbourhood Programs and Services
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
M. Blake, Committee Coordinator
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1. Commencement
The Finance and Corporate Services Committee held a meeting this date
commencing at 7:00 p.m.
2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
None.
3. 2025 Budget - Public Consultation
R. Hagey provided opening remarks related to the 2025 Budget, including an
overview on the tax levy and the proposed budget schedule, noting the purpose
of this meeting was to receive feedback from residents on the proposed budget.
R. Hagey further advised the Mayor would be formally proposing the budget on
December 2, 2024, with Final Budget Day being December 12, 2024.
3.1 Delegations
Council was in receipt of a written submission from Geraldine Stafford, Caribana
Ignite Festival, related to the proposed funding including in the 2025 budget in
support of community events.
Linda Jutzi, Kitchener Downtown, Business Improvement Area (BIA), Board of
Directors, addressed Committee in support of the continuation and expansion of
the Downtown Ambassador program operated by the City's By-law Enforcement
Division, included within the 2025 Budget. In response to questions, L. Jutzi
noted the BIA has previously helped to fund the program in the amount of
$285,000. L. Jutzi indicated if the BIA was to assist in provide funding support to
maintain the program, it would need to be considered and voted on by the Board.
L. Jutzi noted the board's 2025 budget has been considered and approved as of
this date. L. Jutzi acknowledged the comment and noted the funding request
could be raised at their next available Board meeting. In response to further
questions, L. Jutzi stated the board pay the City annually $185,000. for the
following special events, horticultural and the Christkindl Market. L. Jutzi stated
the Downtown BIA has a annual budget of $1.8M.
Cathy Lapar, Kitchener Minor Baseball, addressed Committee in support of the
construction of an accessible baseball diamond for Kitchener Challenger
Baseball at Upper Canada Park as proposed in the City's 2025 Budget. C. Lapar
provided an overview of the Challenger Baseball program, stating the
improvements proposed for Upper Canada Park will allow children and youth
with cognitive and physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in a sport
tailored to their unique needs. C. Lapar stated a fully integrated accessible
baseball diamond will make the City a leader in inclusive sports.
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Geraldine Stafford, Caribana Ignite Festival, addressed Committee in support for
the proposed 2025 Budget, particularly the strategic focus on "creating an
recommendation to allocate an additional $200,000 in funding towards
supporting community events. G. Stafford noted in 2024 Caribana Ignite in
partnership with the City of Kitchener, was able to achieve the first ever Caribana
event outside of the city of Toronto. G. Stafford expressed appreciation to the
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helped to make the event a success. G. Stafford then responded to questions
from Committee.
4. Adjournment
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
Dianna Saunderson
Manager of Council/Committee Services & Deputy Clerk
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