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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 2001-02-19FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Ziegler, commencing at 10:46 a.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M. Galloway, G. Lorentz, J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic and C. Weylie. Others Present:Ms. J. Koppeser, Ms. D. Gilchrist and Messrs. J. Gazzola, J. Shivas, G. Melanson and G. Sosnoski. 1. CRPS-01-021 – REQUEST TO SELL BINGO CARDS – LIONS TV BINGO The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department staff report CRPS-01-021, dated February 12, 2001, with respect to the request of the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club to continue to sell Lions TV Bingo cards in the City of Kitchener. At the meeting Ms. J. Koppeser provided the Committee members with a revised report, Corporate Services Department report CRPS-01-026, dated February 19, 2001. Councillor B. Vrbanovic declared a pecuniary interest in this matter as he is affiliated with an organization that derives revenues from bingos and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. Mr. Boris Sniatenchuk of the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club appeared as a delegation to represent the Club’s request for permission to continue selling Lions TV Bingo cards in the City of Kitchener. Mr. Sniatenchuk was provided with a copy of the revised staff report and given an opportunity to read it. At the request of the Committee, Ms. Koppeser explained the revised report, noting that the Guelph Lions is actual the licensee, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission requires approval from Kitchener Council in order for the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club to sell Lions TV Bingo cards in the City of Kitchener. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission also advises that the Kitchener Pioneer Lions should be providing the City of Kitchener with supporting documentation and verification that the money from the TV Bingos is administered properly and used for charitable purposes. The Lions should also be providing Council with a list of those they anticipate donating to in the coming year. Ms. Koppeser advised that the Kitchener Pioneer Lions has not provided sufficient financial information to satisfy the conditions of Council’s last approval. Ms. Koppeser then brought to the attention of the Committee the letter received from Concourse Charities Bingo Association requesting that the prize board structure for the Lions TV Bingo remain the same. She advised that the Guelph Lions have not asked to increase the prize board. Ms. Koppeser reviewed the recommendation in the staff report including the 3 conditions. Mr. Sniatenchuk was then given an opportunity to respond to the recommendation. Mr. Sniatenchuk responded to Condition #1 by advising that the Guelph Lions do collect all receipts and pay all the major expenses. Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club has some minor expenses and he also advised that the proceeds are distributed by cheque. Mr. Sniatenchuk advised that, with respect to Condition #2, the Guelph Lions provide this information to the City of Guelph; however, he did not see any difficulty in providing this information to the City of Kitchener. There followed a brief discussion concerning regulations of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission and Mr. Sniatenchuk advised that he was not familiar with these regulations. He advised that the Lions mandate requires them to make donations within the Region of Waterloo, and they get requests from charities and individuals. He stated that they do not mind supplying information about where they distribute the proceeds from the bingos; however, he felt that there is a tone that their donations have to be approved by someone. With respect to condition #3, Mr. Sniatenchuk advised that they do not usually plan their donations in advance but make donations based on requests. In some instances they do support the same charity over more than one year. Mayor Zehr asked for some clarification of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission regulations, and Ms. Koppeser advised that, with respect to Condition #3, the list required is those whom the 1. CRPS-01-021 – REQUEST TO SELL BINGO CARDS – LIONS TV BINGO (CONT’D) FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2001- 39-CITY OF KITCHENER Lions anticipate supporting over the next year. Condition #2 is requesting the list of those whom the Lions actually supported with bingo revenues in the preceding year. This should not cause a problem, staff merely need to see the detailed information. Ms. Koppeser noted that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission regulations require that donations must meet the mandate of the organization. With respect to Condition #1, Ms. Koppeser advised that according to the regulations, the only expenses which can be incurred by the Kitchener Pioneer Lions in relation to the Lions TV Bingo are the expenses related to maintaining their trust account. All other expenses belong to the Guelph Lions Club. Mayor Zehr requested that Ms. Koppeser provide Mr. Sniatenchuk with a copy of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission regulations. Councillor Ziegler questioned whether Mr. Sniatenchuk is prepared to follow the staff recommended conditions, and Mr. Sniatenchuk responded that the conditions will be followed to the best of their ability, as long as they are not told who they can help with their funds. On motion by Councillor J. Smola – : it was resolved That Council approve the request of the Guelph Lions Club, in conjunction with the “ Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club, to sell media Bingo cards in the City of Kitchener, during the period March 1, 2001 to February 28, 2002, subject to the following conditions: a) that the Guelph Lions Club collects all receipts and pays all expenses, prizes and disburses the proceeds by cheque to the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club from their Lottery Trust Account; and b) that the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club provide the Licensing Section with ledgers, bank statements, cancelled cheques and other documentation to substantiate the charitable status of recipients, for their 1999/2000 charitable donations, prior to the Council meeting of February 26, 2001; and further, c)that the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club provide a list of the organizations they anticipate donating to in the coming year.” 2. CRPS-01-023 – REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EVENT LICENCE – PRIDE DAY CELEBRATION 2001 The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-01-023, dated February 12, 2001, in response to a request received from the Regional Pride Committee of Waterloo-Wellington Region to be permitted to locate a beer tent in Victoria Park for the Pride Day Celebration on June 9, 2001, to be permitted to invite food and craft vendors to sell in Victoria Park during that celebration, and to have this celebration declared an event of municipal significance. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic – it was resolved: “That the request of the Regional Pride Committee of Waterloo-Wellington Region to locate a beer tent in Victoria Park for the Pride Day Celebration of June 9, 2001 be approved; and, That the Regional Pride Committee of Waterloo-Wellington Region be permitted to invite a maximum of 12 food and craft vendors to sell in Victoria Park during the Pride Day Celebrations on June 9, 2001, provided that the necessary license is obtained and that a reduced licence fee of $10.00 be applicable; and further, That since this event is a celebration of community harmony and diversity, it be designated as an event of ‘municipal significance’ for the purpose of applying for a liquor licence.” 3. CRPS-01-024 – COUNCIL POLICY – LOTTERY TRUST ACCOUNTS FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2001- 40-CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-01-024, dated February 14, 2001, with respect to establishing a Council policy regarding Lottery Trust Accounts. Ms. J. Koppeser reviewed the contents of the report noting that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission has advised that such a policy is permitted if the municipality is having problems with cross-border lotteries. Councillor B. Vrbanovic declared a pecuniary interest in this matter as he is associated with an organization that derives some of its revenues from bingos, and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr – it was resolved: “That the draft Lottery Trust Account Policy appended to Corporate Services Department report CRPS-01-024 be adopted.” 4. BPS-01-023 – 36 KING STREET WEST – THEATRE & COMPANY – DOWNTOWN FINANCIAL INCENTIVES The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services report BPS-01-023, dated February 8, 2001, recommending the approval of a grant-in-lieu of building permit fee in the amount of $16,064.80, under the Downtown Financial Incentive program, for Theatre & Company’s property at 36 King Street West. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie – it was resolved: “That the application from Theatre & Company for a “Grant-in-lieu of Building Permit Fee”, in the amount of $16,064.80 under the Downtown Financial Incentive Program for construction of a new theatre at 36 King Street West be approved.” 5. LAND SURPLUS TO THE CITY’S NEEDS The Committee was in receipt of 4 Legal Department reports recommending that four specific parcels of land, owned by the City of Kitchener, be declared surplus to the City’s needs. Councillor G. Lorentz put forward the four recommendations contained in the staff reports. Councillor C. Weylie advised of her concerns with the sale of the land described in Legal Department report LEG-01-03, (Land between 98 and 106 Strange Street), noting that she did not recall selling parkland before, and her concerns that abutting property owners have not been advised of the City’s intention to declare this land surplus and the intended uses for the property. She asked that this recommendation be deferred until she has had an opportunity to discuss the recommendation with the abutting neighbours. Coucillor Lorentz agreed to amend his motion accordingly. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented on the property at 520 Franklin Street North, identified in Legal Department report LEG-01-06, being a former Hydro Sub-station. He advised that this is a residential area and of his concern that a real estate office would not be compatible with the area. He advised that an acceptable use for this property would be to have it converted to residential use by Habitat for Humanity. He asked that Councillor Lorentz’ motion be amended to include direction to staff to discuss the acquisition of this property with Habitat for Humanity, and Councillor Lorentz agree to the amendment. Councillor Lorentz raised the issue of the use of Hydro Sub-stations and noted that there are two in his ward: one at McGarry Drive and Fischer-Hallman Road and one at Westmount Road and Greenbrook Drive, both properties are in poor shape. Following further discussion, Mayor Zehr advised that to his knowledge there are no other surplus Hydro Sub-stations in Kitchener. 5. LAND SURPLUS TO THE CITY’S NEEDS (CONT’D) Mayor Zehr then questioned staff as to whether they are looking at all surplus sites and was FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 2001- 41-CITY OF KITCHENER advised that these are the last sites on the list from the Surplus Land Committee. Staff was directed to investigate the status of the two former Hydro Sub-stations in Councillor Lorentz’ ward. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz – : it was resolved “That consideration of Legal Department report LEG-01-03 (Vacant City Land Located between 98 and 106 Strange Street Surplus to the City’s Needs) be deferred and in order to referredto a future Finance and Administration Committee meeting provide the Ward Councillor an opportunity to discuss the proposed use of the land with adjacent owners on Strange Street.” On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz – it was resolved: “That the property known as 11 Mitchell Street, Kitchener, described as Part of Lot 8, Plan 113, designated as Part 1, Reference Plan 58R-3879 and consisting of approximately 3,868 square feet, be declared surplus to the City’s needs.” On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz – it was resolved: “That the former Hydro-Electric Commission of Kitchener-Wilmot Sub-station #17 located at 520 Franklin Street North consisting of approximately 6,924 square feet, legally described as Lot 1, Plan 1152 save and except Part 5, Reference Plan 58R- 3942, and subject to a combined easement in favour of The Bell Telephone Company of Canada and The Public Utilities Commission of the City of Kitchener, be declared surplus to the City’s needs; and further, That staff consult with Habitat for Humanity to determine whether this property is suitable for their use.” On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz – it was resolved: “That Part of the Lot marked “Mount-Hope Cemetery” as shown on registered Plan 385, Part of Park Street closed by by-law 2669 registered as Instrument Number A-7639 and Part of Lot 285 of Registered Plan 385 both to be described in a reference plan, be declared surplus to the City’s needs and conveyed to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for $1.00 for the purpose of two daylighting triangles; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute documents as required and approved by the City Solicitor.” 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 a. m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator