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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2001-03-05COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 5, 2001 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:35 p.m., with the following members present: Councillors M. Galloway, J. Smola and C. Weylie. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor B. Vrbanovic were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. R. Willms, Ms. L. Marshall, Ms. S. Adams, Ms. J. Hutchison, Ms. D. Gilchrist and Messrs. R. Pritchard, D. Daly, F. Pizzuto, D. Trask, D. Chapman, K. Baulk and S. Sehl. 1. KFD-01-001 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING PRE-SERVICE TRAINING TO PROSPECTIVE FIREFIGHTERS Mr. D. Trask was in attendance to present Kitchener Fire Department Report KFD-01-001 recommending a memorandum of understanding between the City of Kitchener, the Ontario Fire Marshal, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology for the purpose of delivering joint pre-service training to prospective firefighters. Mr. Trask advised that the purpose of the memorandum of understanding is to allow Conestoga College to apply to the Ministry of Education for program funding in order to start this training this fall. He noted that firefighters will get pre-job training, and suggested that it is time that firefighters become responsible for being trained for their occupation prior to employment, in the same way as other occupations. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a memorandum of understanding, dated March 5, 2001, between the Corporation of the City of Kitchener (CITY), the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM), the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology (COLLEGE) for the purpose of delivering joint pre-service training to prospective fire-fighters." CSD-01-034 - GRANT REQUEST - COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND - SMITHSON PUBLIC SCHOOL The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-034, dated March 5, 2001, recommending a one-time community playground grant of $750. for Smithson Public School to assist with the cost of constructing a new creative playground within the school campus. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Simthson Public School be awarded a one-time community playground grant of $750. toward the cost of constructing a new creative playground within the school campus." CSD-01-035 - GRANT REQUEST - COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND - SUDDABY PUBLIC SCHOOL The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-035, dated March 5, 2001, recommending a one-time community playground grant of $750. for Suddaby Public School to assist with the cost of constructing a new creative playground within the school campus. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That Suddaby Public School be awarded a one-time community playground grant of $750. toward the cost of constructing a new creative playground within the school campus." CSD-01-035 - GRANT REQUEST - COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND - SUDDABY PUBLIC SCHOOL (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 5, 2001 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER This meeting of the Community Services Committee recessed at 1:38 p.m. and reconvened at 2:00 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors G. Lorentz, B. Vrbanovic, J. Smola, M. Galloway and C. Weylie. CSD-01-032 - GRANT REQUEST - 2nn'~ WATFRI OO-WFI I INGTON ONTARIO SFNIOR GAMF$ The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-032, dated February 21, 2001, recommending a one-time grant of $500. for the 2001 Waterloo-Wellington Ontario Senior Games. Mr. S. Head, Chair, Fundraising Committee was in attendance to represent the grant request and in support of the staff recommendation. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That a one-time grant of $500. be approved for District #26, Waterloo-Wellington Ontario Senior Games to be held in Cambridge on June 4-7, 2001 ." CSD-01-036 - GRANT REQUEST - AERIAL 2000 - SKYSHOW EVENT AT KIWANIS PARK The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-036, dated February 27, 2001, recommending against the request of Aerial 2000 for a grant in the amount of $2,600. to assist with purchasing prizes and equipment necessary to operate the sky show at Kiwanis Park on June 30, 2001, as the request does not meet certain of the general provision grant criteria. Mr. L. Misch, Event Planner was in attendance to represent his request for this grant, and explained the background involved in the event which commenced as a Millennium Event in the year 2000 and explaining why this project has no board of directors or charitable status at this time. Mayor Zehr noted that in Mr. Misch's letter there was a reference to liability insurance and Mr. Misch responded that the Kiwanis Club will be approaching the City of Kitchener to cover these types of events under the City's liability insurance. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of Ariel 2000 for a grant in the amount of $2,600. to assist with purchasing prizes and equipment necessary to operate the sky show at Kiwanis Park on June 30, 2001 ." CSD-01-033 - KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX - UPGRADE PLAN The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-033, dated February 28, 2001, with respect to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex upgrade plan. The Committee was also in receipt of a report titled Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex proposed expansion/upgrades project report, dated February 16, 2001, prepared by Brisbin, Brook & Beynon Architects. Mr. K. Baulk provided background to the staff report and the study, noting that Council's direction of July 4, 2000, provided the original scope for the study which was to design and cost the following: 1. corporate suites/hospitality boxes; 2. an Event based restaurant style bar and grill; 3. a main concourse lounge and enhanced catering; and, 4. improved site aesthetics, parking lot upgrades and lighting. CSD-01-033 - KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX - UPGRADE PLAN (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 5, 2001 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Baulk advised that part of the mandate of the architects was to put forth expansions/upgrades that might contribute to the future success of the facility. Consequently, the Architects put together the following additional scope items: 1. development of sports loges (mini-suites) over the north end seating; 2. new concession facility at the south concourse (existing entry); 3. new concession facilities at the east concourse; 4. new media facilities to replace the existing gondola, which is to be removed; and, 5. new dressing room facilities at the event level (two new rooms). Mr. Baulk then introduced Messrs. Murray Beynon and Chris O'Reilly, Architects, who, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, reviewed the contents of their report. Beginning with the site plan contained in the report, the delegation reviewed the site upgrades proposed: 1. removing the house at the main entrance (Ottawa Street) and widening the entry; 2. paving the gravel parking lots and streamlining the internal traffic flow; 3. a new program for site lighting. Referring to the 'Event Level Plan' the architects propose two new dressing rooms in the area of the Blue Line Room. The following upgrades are proposed for the 'concourse level'; a new lounge over the Blue Line Room and concession space. Mr. Beynon stated that the south lobby is currently under utilized, and recommended opening up the lobby, extending the concourse and installing a new concession. He also suggested working with the Kitchener Rangers to use the second floor space of their concession. Mr. Beynon then referred to the 'Suites Level Plan' pointing out the following upgrades; 1. private suites, 2. sports loges, 3. a restaurant and, 4. group sales areas at either end of the private suites. He also pointed out the new media platform on the east side which would have data and power capabilities. He noted that the sport loges will be mini-suites that will be attractive to smaller corporations. The additional concessions in the east, west and south concourses will alleviate the current traffic congestion and will allow patrons to be served in a more timely fashion. Mr. Beynon advised that the upgrades proposed in the report will require an overall capital expenditure of $6.8M. With respect to revenues, Mr. Beynon advised that the suites will lease for $17,000. per year per suite and the loges will lease for $8,000. per year per Ioge, and there will be the revenues from ticket sales. He recommended multi-year leases for the suites and loges. Mr. Beynon then noted that 60 viewing seats are being introduced in the restaurant at a revenue of $10.00 per seat. He anticipated that concession revenues would be $3.00 per person. Based on these anticipated revenues, Mr. Beynon suggested that the debenture can be repaid in 10 years. Mayor Zehr questioned the reasonableness of the payback period proposed in the report, particularly the likelihood of leasing all the suites and loges. Mr. Beynon spoke of leasing suites at other similar size sports facilities he has been involved with, stating there is a tremendous potential in Kitchener for leasing the suites. Mr. Beynon further advised that 80% - 90% of those people who occupy the loges and suites are different then those people who would normally occupy the seats. Ms. P. Houston advised that staff have not undertaken an independent review of the payback calculations, as they were relying on the consultant's expertise. She advised that staff could talk to other municipalities where these consultants have worked to determine what their experience has been. Mr. Baulk noted that staff have already received 12 expressions of interests for suites, which is 6SD-01-033 - KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX - UPGRADE PLAN (CONT'D) more than half the suites, and he is confident that they will all be leased. He pointed out that staff COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 5, 2001 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER are attempting to have the revenue producing features pay for the community features. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned Mr. Beynon's recommended lease period for the suites, and he recommending staggering the leases at 3, 5, and 7 years with a higher charge for the shorter periods. Councillor Vrbanovic then questioned whether funding for the site improvements would have to come from the tax base if the business upgrades were not undertaken. Mr. Baulk responded that the site improvements would have to be paid form the tax base if the business upgrades where not undertaken. He pointed out the extensive public involvement in this process and through this public involved many of the site improvements were identified and requested. Councillor Galloway questioned the number of events per year the financial calculations were based on and was advised 35 Kitchener Ranger games and 10 major events. Mr. Baulk advised that more than 10 major events are held annually at the Auditorium in addition to smaller shows. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. He then questioned staff with respect to community input to the study. Mr. Baulk responded that the neighbourhood input into the process of developing the study was very positive, noting that their main concern was with the site and parking. One other concern, with respect to the interior upgrades, was the loss of standing room; however, there is still a significant amount of standing room proposed through the upgrades. Mayor Zehr stated that he is in support of the motion and requested amendments to it, as follows: 1. that Finance staff review the financial information in the report particularly with respect to percentages of sales; 2. that the project costs not negatively impact the levy; and, 3. that staff prepare an advertising package and commence pre-leasing the suites and loges with a report on the success of pre-leasing to be presented at the April 30th Community Services Committee Meeting. Councillor B. Vrbanovic accepted Mayor Zehr's amendments as friendly amendments. Several members of the Committee spoke in support of the recommendation and the proposed upgrades to the complex and thanked the consultants and staff for all their work. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex upgrade plan as developed by Brisbin, Brook & Beynon Architects and the financial plan as presented in Community Services Department report CSD-01-033, be approved; and, That staff be directed to commence the construction tender process with the Architect; and, That $6.3M of debenture financing be approved for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex upgrade plan in 2001, with a term not to exceed 10 years; and, That the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex upgrade project be considered a revenue generating project, outside of the City of Kitchener capital policy for debenture financing; and, That Finance Department staff review the financial information contained in the Brisbin, Brook & Beynon Architects report, dated February 16, 2001, particularly with respect to the percentage of sales; and, 6SD-01-033 - KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX - UPGRADE PLAN (CONT'D) That the cost of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex upgrades not result in a negative impact on the tax levy; and further, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 5, 2001 -20 - CITY OF KITCHENER That staff immediately prepare an advertising package for and commence pre-leasing of the suites and loges, with a report on the status of the pre-leasing to be presented at the April 30, 2001, Community Services Committee meeting." ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator