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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2025-04-07Council Meeting Minutes April 7,2025,7:00 p.m. Council Chambers - Hybrid City of Kitchener 200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7 Present: Mayor B. Vrbanovic Councillor S. Davey Councillor D. Schnider Councillor J. Deneault Councillor C. Michaud Councillor A. Owodunni (virtually) Councillor P. Singh Councillor M. Johnston Councillor D. Chapman Councillor S. Stretch Absent: Councillor B. loannidis 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 L. MacDonald, City Solicitor J. Silcox -Childs, Director, Parks & Cemeteries J. Dueck, Director, Culture & Entertainment A. Fusco, Director Legislated Services / City Clerk A. Hallam, Manager, Arts & Creative Industries J. Shea, Manager Forestry & Natural Areas Management D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk 1 1. COMMENCEMENT The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor and the singing of "O Canada." 2. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL On motion by Councillor M. Johnston the minutes of the regular meeting held March 3, 2025, and special meetings held February 10 and 24, 2025 and; March 3 and 17, 2025 as mailed to the Mayor and Councillors, were accepted. 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF None. 4. COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO FILE - NIL 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.1 Tree Cities of the World Recognition -Award Presentation Josh Shea, Manager Forestry & Natural Areas Management, presented the Tree Cities of the World Recognition award received by the City. Jeffery Silcox -Childs, Director, Parks & Cemeteries was also in attendance. J. Shea then responded to questions from Council. 6. DELEGATIONS 6.1 Noise Exemption - Songscape Music Festival — Kitchener Auditorium, CSD - 2025 -136, listed as 12.1.a Council considered Community Services Department report CSD -2025-136, recommended approval of a noise exemption for Songscape Music Festival at the Kitchener Auditorium on June 20 and 21, 2025. J. Boon, Sunscape Music Festival was in attendance to respond to questions from Council if required. Moved by Councillor S. Stretch Seconded by Councillor J. Deneault "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to the Songscape Music Festival that will donate proceeds to Grand River Hospital and the Awesome Music Project on Friday June 20, 2025 and Saturday June 21, 2025, held at the Kitchener Auditorium in the parking lot(s) (Lot F & G) located at 400 East Ave from 5pm — 11 pm; and, E A further noise exemption will be required to allow for sound checks that will take place on June 20 and 21st, 2025 between 11:30am-4pm; and further, This exemption is subject to the following conditions, which, if not complied with, will render the noise exemption null and void: a. The event organizers will ensure that there is an on-site contact person accessible to correspond with City staff at all times during the event(s); b. The event organizers agree to respond accordingly to requests from City staff, during the event(s), in order to address community concerns that may arise with regard to the impact of noise heard within adjacent residential areas; and c. The event organizer will be responsible for the cost of a pay -duty Noise Officer, to be assigned specifically to these event(s); d. All events must end no later than 11 pm." Carried 6.2 THEMUSEUM Models for Consideration, DSD -2025-082, listed as item 12.1.e Council considered Development Services Department report DSD -2028-082 recommending an agreement with THEMUSEUM to provide additional funding support and approval for one member of Council to be appointed to the THEMUSEUM Board of Directors. J. Durden and P. Salehi, THEMUSEUM Board, presented an overview of the report and the current status of THEMUSEUM's operations. D. Maskell, CEO, THEMUSEUM, and Jeremy Dueck, Director, Culture & Entertainment and Andrea Hallam, Manager, Arts & Creative Industries were also in attendance to respond to questions from Council. The recommendation was moved by Councillor S. Davey which was seconded by seconded by Councillor P. Singh to approve the recommendation as outlined in the report, with the Councillor S. Stretch being recommended as the Council appointee for the THEMUSEUM Board of Directors. Moved by Councillor S. Davey Seconded by Councillor P. Singh "That the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute a conditional 3 -year funding agreement to provide up to $300,000 of 3 additional annual funding to THEMUSEUM, to align with THEMUSEUM's next three fiscal years commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028, including financial and operational expectations in accordance with report Development Services Department report DSD -2025-082, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and, That, subject to THEMUSEUM Board and the City executing a 3 -year funding agreement, that Councillor S. Stretch be appointed to THEMUSEUM board, and that a member of the City's Economic Development Division be appointed as a non-voting member of THEMUSEUM board with said appointment determined by the City's Executive Director of Economic Development, effective on the date of the signing of the 3 -year funding agreement, as outlined in report DSD -2025- 082; and, That the City extends the timeframe within which THEMUSEUM could renovate and expand into 2 King Street West by one year to December 31, 2031; and further, That the City's Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to permit future extensions to the timeframe for 2 King Street West, in accordance with report DSD -2025-082." In Favour (10): Mayor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor S. Davey, Councillor D. Schnider, Councillor J. Deneault, Councillor C. Michaud, Councillor A. Owodunni, Councillor P. Singh, Councillor M. Johnston, Councillor D. Chapman, and Councillor S. Stretch Carried, as amended, on a recorded vote (10 to 0) 7. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 7.1 HERITAGE KITCHENER - MARCH 4, 2025 Moved by Councillor D. Chapman Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud "That the report of Heritage Kitchener, dated March 4, 2025, listed as items 7.1.a to 7.1.c on the agenda this date, be adopted." Carried M 7.1.a Heritage Permit Application, HPA-2025-V-001, 21 St. Leger Street, Repairs and Reconstruction of Porch, DSD -2025-075 "That further to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2024-V-001 be approved, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-075." to permit porch repairs and reconstruction at the property municipally addressed as 21 St. Leger Street in accordance with the supplementary information submitted with this application and subject to the following condition: 1. That the final building permit be reviewed, and heritage clearance be provided by heritage Planning Staff prior to the issuance of the building permit." Carried 7.1.b Notice of Intention to Designate, 79-81 St George Street, DSD -2025-055 "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 79-81 St. George Street as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-055." Carried 7.1.c Notice of Intention to Designate, 1434 Trussler Road, DSD -2025-056 "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 1434 Trussler Road as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-056." Carried 7.2 FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE - MARCH 17, 2025 Moved by Councillor S. Davey Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston l "That the report of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, dated March 17, 2025, listed as items 7.2.a to 7.2.f on the agenda this date, be adopted." Carried 7.2.a Surety Bonds Regulation, FIN -2025-088 "That the housekeeping amendments required on the City's investment policy FIN -PLA -605, attached as Appendix 'A' to Financial Services Department report FIN -2025-088, be approved." Carried 7.2.b Public Art Commission for Mill -Courtland Community Centre, DSD -2025-062 "That the commission and creation of a new public artwork, "Swoop," by Agnes Niewiadomski and Michelle Purchase, to be installed at Mill Courtland Community Centre as part of its expansion renovation, be approved as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD - 2025 -062; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to implement an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the artist team, outlining the obligations of the commission." Carried 7.2.c Municipal Newcomer Strategy, Scope and Development Approach, CSD -2025- 054 "That Council endorse the scope and approach outlined in Community Services Department report CSD -2025-054 for the development of the Municipal Newcomer Strategy." Carried 7.2.d Parks -Fireworks Exemption Tecumseh Park August 23, 2025, CSD -2025-048 "That an exemption to Chapters 270 (Parks), 450 (Noise), 739 (Fireworks and Firecrackers) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to Jennifer Emrich for a fireworks display in Tecumseh Park that will form part of a wedding reception taking place in their backyard on August 23, n. 2025 between 9:30pm and 10pm, subject to the following conditions, which, if not complied with will render the exemption null and void, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD -2025-048: a. A fireworks permit will be applied for and obtained by an approved Pyrotechnician or Fireworks Supervisor through Kitchener Fire Department. b. The approved fireworks company will provide a certificate of insurance. c. Weather conditions must be safe and conducive for a fireworks display, in the event of high winds or a fire ban, a display will not be permitted. d. The event organizers will ensure there is an on-site contact person accessible to correspond with City staff at all times during the event and agree to respond accordingly. e. The residents will circulate a letter to the surrounding neighbours advising them of the backyard wedding reception and fireworks display. f. The residents will ensure Tecumseh Park and the surrounding neighborhood is inspected the following day for any fallen debris which shall be removed and disposed of appropriately." Carried 7.2.e 2026 Municipal and School Board Election Alternative Voting Methods, COR - 2025 -001 "That Council reaffirms the use of vote tabulators for the 2026 Municipal Election, as outlined in Corporate Services Department report COR -2025- 001; and, That Council authorize the alternative voting methods outlined in report COR -2025-001; and direct the Clerk to bring forward the necessary by-law to implement the proposed alternative voting methods; and further, That the election reserve contribution be increased as outlined in report COR -2025-001." Carried 7 7.2.f 2025 Dog Designation Appeal Committee Review, COR -2025-111 "That staff be directed to proceed with Option 2 as the preferred committee structure/composition as outlined in Corporate Services Department report COR -2025-111; and further, That staff be directed to prepare the necessary council policy or by-law to implement the preferred committee structure/composition, prior to June 2025 for Council's consideration." Carried 7.3 PLANNING AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE - MARCH 17, 2025 Moved by Councillor P. Singh Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman "That the report of the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee, dated March 17, 2025, listed as items 7.3.a to 7.3.b on the agenda this date, be adopted." Carried 7.3.a Demolition Control Application - DC25/001/C/AA, 153 Courtland Avenue East, DSD -2025-092 "That Demolition Control Application DC25/001/C/AA requesting permission to demolish a single detached dwelling at 153 Courtland Avenue East, BE APPROVED, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-092." Carried 7.3.b Kitchener 2051 - Evaluating Approaches to Growth, DSD -2025-084 "That the Community Parameters and Technical Evaluation Criteria as presented in Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-084 be used to inform continued community and collaborator engagement on Kitchener 2051 and approaches to growth." Carried 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NIL 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1 - MAYORAL BUSINESS AND UPDATES - MAYOR B. VRBANOVIC Mayor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Region of Waterloo is considering the draft transit master plan with final decision set to occur in May 2025. Councillor D. Schnider left the meeting at this time. 9.1.a Notice of Motion - S. Stretch - 2025 Council Schedule Moved by Councillor S. Stretch Seconded by Councillor J. Deneault "That the 2025 Council and Committee Calendar be amended to change the April 28, 2025 Council meeting to May 5, 2025." Carried 10. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ILIre M 11. BY-LAWS 11.1 1ST AND 2ND READING Councillor D. Schnider returned to the meeting at this time. Moved by Councillor P. Singh Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud "That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following by-laws, namely: 11.1.a To further amend By-law No. 2008-117, being a by-law to authorize certain on -street and off-street parking of vehicles for use by persons with a disability, and the issuing of permits in respect thereof. 11.1.b To further amend By-law No. 88-171, being a by-law to designate private roadways as fire routes and to prohibit parking thereon. 11.1.c To further amend By-law No. 2010-190, being a by-law to prohibit unauthorized parking of motor vehicles on private property. 11.1A To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for April 7, 2025. Carried 9 12. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE On motion, Council resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole to consider its agenda and was Chaired by Councillor M. Johnston 12.1 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 12.1.a Noise Exemption - Songscape Music Festival — Kitchener Auditorium, CSD -2025- 136 Carried, under Delegations 12.1.b Non -Standard Procurement - NSP25-074 Corporate Printing - Property Tax, Utility, and Miscellaneous Bills, FIN -2025-140 Moved by Councillor D. Schnider it was resolved: "That the City extend the agreement for Corporate Printing of Property Tax, Utility, and Miscellaneous Bills with KUBRA Data Transfer LTD, Mississauga, Ontario for a three (3) year period, with no options for renewal, provided a satisfactory contract is executed." Carried 12.1.c Procurement By-law Threshold Update, FIN -2025-159 Councillor P. Singh left and returned to the meeting at this time. Moved by Councillor D. Schnider it was resolved: "That Council approve amendments to Procurement By-law No. 2022- 109, as per Attachment A, to align with the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) dollar thresholds, to allow for the expanded procurement of local and Canadian goods, services and/or construction, as outlined in Financial Services Department report FIN -2025-159, as previously presented on March 17t", Chief Administrative Officers report CAO -2025-135; and further, That the proposed by-law being considered read a first and second time and be referred to the third reading on the agenda this date." Carried 10 12.1.d THEMUSEUM Models for Consideration, DSD -2025-082 Carried, under Delegations 12.2 FOR INFORMATION 12.2.a 2024 Variance Report, FIN -2025-131 12.2.b Council Remuneration 2024, FIN -2025-085 13. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE On motion, Council rose from the Committee of the Whole. Moved by Councillor M. Johnston Seconded by Councillor S. Stretch "That the proceedings and the recorded pecuniary interests and conflicts taken in the meeting of the Committee of the Whole held this date, as attached hereto and forming part of these minutes are hereby adopted and confirmed." Carried 14. BY-LAWS At the request of A. Fusco, Director, Legislative Services and City Clerk, now that the Committee of the Whole Report has been formally approved, it was agreed to formally add the Procurement By-law listed on the agenda under the heading of Late Starters to the agenda for third reading. 14.1 3RD READING Moved by Councillor P. Singh Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud "That the by-laws be given third reading, namely: 14.1.a To further amend By-law No. 2008-117, being a by-law to authorize certain on -street and off-street parking of vehicles for use by persons with a disability, and the issuing of permits in respect thereof. (By-law 2025-035) 14.1.b To further amend By-law No. 88-171, being a by-law to designate private roadways as fire routes and to prohibit parking thereon. 11 14.1.cTo further amend By-law No. 2010-190, being a by-law to prohi unauthorized parking of motor vehicles on private property. I 14.I.d Being a by-law to amend By-law No. 2022-109 regarding t Procurement of Goods and Services. I (By-law 2025-033) 14. 1.e To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for April 7, 2025. �A Mayor Cie i 91