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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2005-01-24COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 247 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 3:35 p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor G. Lorentz Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic, J. Gazzola, C. Weylie and M. Galloway. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer F. Pizzuto, General Manager of Community Services R. Browning, Interim General Manager, Strategic Services G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services S. deMoree, Assistant City Solicitor K. Baulk, Director of Enterprises K. Currier, Director of Operations R. Pitfield, Director of Communications/Marketing S. Adams, Director of Community Programs & Services M. Hildebrand, Director of Aquatics & Athletics T. Konstantinidis, Supervisor, Parking Operations J. Cooper, Coordinator of Athletics R. Willms, Administration Coordinator J. Billett, Supervisor, Council / Committee Services C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator CSD-05-012 - LEASE AGREEMENT - ONTARIO SEED COMPANY LTD., 68 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-012, dated January 10, 2005 concerning a 5 year lease agreement with Ontario Seed Company Ltd., to provide public parking at 68 Victoria Street South. Councillor J. Gazzola voiced concern that the agreement contains a 10% annual increase per year of the agreement. Mayor C. Zehr advised that a 10% annual increase is typical for a lease agreement of this nature. Mr. F. Pizzuto added that the previous lease agreement with the subject property contained a similar increase. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola- it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a lease, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Ontario Seed Company Limited for the purpose of providing public parking at 68 Victoria Street South for a term commencing January 1, 2005 to expire December 31,2009." CRPS-05-015 - REFERRAL OF SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION APPOINTMENT OF CO-CHAIR The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-015, dated January 17, 2005 concerning the appointment of a Citizen Co-Chair for the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That Mr. Dennis Schnarr be appointed Co-Chair of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee, for a term expiring November 30, 2005." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 247 2005 -7- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-05-024- DOWNTOWN EAST ASSOCIATION - 'YA GOTTA LUV IT PROJECT' (YEAR 2) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (CDIP) - REQUEST FOR FUNDING The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-024, dated January 18, 2005 and supplementary information relative to the request of the 'Downtown East: Ya Gotta Luv It Project' (Year 2) for a $25,000. Community Development Infrastructure grant (CDIG)in 2005. Ms. Sally Gunz, Downtown East Association, attended to address questions from the Committee on behalf of the Project, advising that the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) will conduct an evaluation of the Project's activities to date, which should be completed at the end of March 2005. She added that the Project's Strategic Plan should be finalized in February and activities undertaken by the Project to date were approved as a part of their initial grant application. Mayor C. Zehr referred to a letter of support from the Waterloo Regional Police Services and questioned why there is no mention of the Citizens On Patrol Program (COPS). He was advised that only a general letter of support was requested and the Waterloo Regional Police have approved the COPS program. Mayor Zehr referred to the Committee's previous request for a list of participants in the Landlord Group project and Ms. Gunz advised that at an upcoming meeting a request will be made to the group for permission to provide their information to Council. Mayor Zehr suggested that it could be provided on a confidential basis. Councillor J. Smola questioned how a letter of support was obtained from the King East Neighbourhood Association, as to his knowledge they do not have an executive in place and have not had any discussion or presentations with regard to this project. Ms. Gunz advised that a presentation was made to the Association in August 2004, and it was her understanding active members relayed endorsement of the Project through an exchange of e-mails. She stated that the Project acted with due diligence to ascertain legitimacy of the letter and it was accepted in good faith. Ms. Gunz added that representatives of the Association had participated in a visioning exercise and concerns raised at that time concerning boundary issues have since been satisfied. She gave assurance that representatives of the Association will continue to be included in the Project. In response to Councillor J. Gazzola, Ms. Gunz advised that if the funding request was not approved cutbacks would have to be made and would most likely affect staff time. Mayor C. Zehr questioned why the original application to the OTF anticipated future funding from the City even though the City's original grant was for one time only. Ms. Gunz advised that the OTF application was submitted prior to receiving a final funding decision from the City and at that time, the project had anticipated future funding. Councillor C. Weylie put forward a motion to award a grant of $15,000. subject to completion of the OTF evaluation. Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked that this matter be deferred and referred to a future Committee meeting pending completion of the Project's Strategic Plan and the OTF evaluation. Further, he asked that staff provide a recommendation to the Committee when this matter is brought forward for further consideration. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the request of the 'Downtown East: Ya Gotta Luv It' Project (Year 2) for a $25,000. Community Development Infrastructure grant in 2005, be deferred and referred to a future meeting of the Community Services Committee, pending completion of the Project's Strategic Plan and an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Program evaluation; and further, That following receipt of the requested supporting documentation, staff report to the Committee with a recommended course of action." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 247 2005 -8- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. 2005 ANNUAL OPERATING GRANTS - SUPPLEMENTARY STAFF REPORTS On December 6, 2004 the Community Services Committee considered requests for 2005 annual operating grants at which time 5 organizations were asked to provide information. Ms. Renate Willms advised that the additional information has since been received and provided to the Committee in the following Community Services Department reports, as attached to the Committee's agenda: · CSD-05-013 - K-W Performing Arts Association/Theatre & Company; · CSD-05-014 - Homer Watson House and Gallery; · CSD-05-015 - K-W Symphony Orchestra Association; · CSD-05-016 - Kitchener Horticulture Society; · CSD-05-017 - Kitchener Blues Community Inc. In response to Councillor J. Gazzola, Ms. Willms advised that the funding requests before the Committee this date have been included in the 2005 operating budget. Mr. John Spaetzel, President - Board of Directors and Mr. Stuart Scadron-Wattles, Producer Artistic Director, attended on behalf of the K-W Performing Arts Association/Theatre & Company, to answer questions. Mr. Spaetzel advised that the organization's capacity for earned income has increased and that the next 3 years will represent a critical phase in building earned income. In response to questions, Mr. J. Spaetzel advised that a $500,000. endowment fund included in the organization's budget was a gift from a donor, who has stipulated that it be used strictly for operations. He added that the intent is not to use the principle but rather to invest it to earn interest income that is used for operations. He also noted that if their funding request was not approved the organization would be placed in the position of having to increase borrowing against their line of credit and extend loan payments over a longer period of time. Councillor B. Vrbanovic raised the issue of acknowledgement to recognize the City's contribution if funding is approved and Mr. Spaetzel stated that the organization was prepared to provide whatever acknowledgement the City deemed appropriate. Mayor C. Zehr questioned what structural changes would be made to improve over last season and Mr. Scadron-Wattles advised that the organization would produce smaller cast shows to produce savings. A motion by Councillor C. Weylie to award the grant request subject to final budget approval was amended at the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic to add direction to staff to negotiate appropriate acknowledgement of the City's contribution. Councillor J. Gazzola spoke in opposition to the motion, suggesting that a lesser amount of $40,000. be approved. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the request of the K-W Performing Arts Association / Theatre & Company to increase their 2005 annual operating grant to $54,200. ($50,000. cash and $4,200. in- kind) from $6,500. ($2,500. cash and $4,000 in-kind), be deferred and referred to the January 31, 2005 Council Budget meeting; and further, That staff negotiate with the Association for provision of an appropriate method to acknowledge the City's funding contributions." Ms. Faith Hieblinger, Director Curator, Homer Watson House & Gallery (HWHG), attended to answer questions and advised that the financial forecast (2005-2008) is based on a study conducted in 2001-2002 and in terms of pay rates is n line with Ontario standards and budgets of other similar City sites. In response to questions, Ms. Hieblinger advised that inflationary increases are included in the amount of funding requested and will bring employee salaries in line by 2008. She also clarified that the Director and Curator positions are two different entities, paid separately. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 247 2005 -9- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. 2005 ANNUAL OPERATING GRANTS - SUPPLEMENTARY STAFF REPORTS (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola- it was resolved: "That the request of the Homer Watson House and Gallery to increase their 2005 annual operating grant to $132,000. from $106,212., be deferred and referred to the January 31, 2005 Council Budget meeting." Ms. R. Willms advised that staff would address the remaining requests of the K-W Symphony Orchestra Association, Kitchener Horticultural Society and Kitchener Blues Community Inc. She added that with regard to the Symphony, City staff has met with them and are aiding in the development of their Strategic Plan. Further, the Symphony will prepare an economic impact study and approach other groups for funding and will provide an update to the Committee at a future date. Councillor J. Gazzola voiced concerns regarding proposed expenditures by Kitchener Blues Community Inc. Mr. F. Pizzuto advised that the additional funding is for expansion of the Blues, Brews and BBQ's Festival and is requested for 2005 only. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the request of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra to increase their 2005 annual operating grant to $161,337. from $146,670., be deferred and referred to the January 31, 2005 Council Budget meeting." - and - "That the request of the Kitchener Horticultural Society to increase their 2005 annual operating grant to $165,493. from $158,791., be deferred and referred to the January 31, 2005 Council Budget meeting." - and - "That the request of the Kitchener Blues Community Inc. for a 2005 annual operating grant of $10,200. ($5,100. cash and $5,100. in-kind) and a one-time contribution in 2005 of $14,800. ($7,400. cash and $7,400. in-kind) to support event growth, for the Blues, Brews and BBQ's Festival, be deferred and referred to the January 31, 2005 Council Budget meeting." At the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, staff were directed to develop a protocol to require organizations receiving grant funding to provide appropriate recognition of the City's contributions and report to a future Community Services Committee meeting. CSD-05-022 - INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S GAMES - COVENTRY, ENGLAND - PARTNERSHIP AND FUNDING REQUEST - K-W SPORTS COUNCIL The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-022, dated January 14, 2005 concerning a request to partner with the K-W Sports Council to register a team to participate in the 2005 International Children's Games in Conventry, England, and that the City provide up to $4,000. to support the team. Mr. J. Cooper advised that the City is one of only 70 Cities to be invited to participate in this event. He reviewed the different types of sports involved and noted that individual sports clubs would raise the additional funds to send their athletes to England. In addition, he noted that he will be speaking at the Game's symposium. He advised that the deadline to register for the event is January 31,2005. Mr. J. Cooper responded to a number of questions raised by Mayor C. Zehr concerning the City's expectations to host these games, advising that the earliest the City could place a bid to host would be for the year 2010 or beyond. In order to bid the City must participate in 2 out of 3 years preceding the hosting year. He added that the costs to host last year's event in Ohio COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 247 2005 -10- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-05-022 - INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S GAMES - COVENTRY, ENGLAND - PARTNERSHIP AND FUNDING REQUEST - K-W SPORTS COUNCIL (CONT'D) were approximately $4 M; however, these costs were distorted by attendance of the United States President. He further noted that the majority of costs are covered through sponsorships. In regard to determining if this is the best year to attend, Mr. Cooper pointed out that it would be an embarrassment to the City not to go this year as they had received special invitation and are one of only 70 cities invited. He added that the City plans to opt out of next year's event to be held in Thailand given the costs to fly to this country will be much more significant. In response to questions, Mr. Cooper advised that the team will consist of both Kitchener and Waterloo athletes and staff anticipate that the K-W Sports Council will approach the City of Waterloo for a funding contribution. He added that the funds requested from Kitchener will cover the costs to send 2 City officials to the games, as well as other sundry expenses. Councillor B. Vrbanovic spoke in favour of approving the funding request, commenting that it is an opportunity to demonstrate a level of support for the City's athletes to attend a high caliber sporting event and should be considered separately from the issue of hosting the event. Councillor J. Gazzola stated that he would not support the request because in his opinion the City should, as it has in the past, support teams that have competed and won an opportunity to participate rather than supporting a hand-picked group. Mayor C. Zehr questioned how this request would fit within the City's policy of supporting teams outside of the minor sports grant program. Mr. F. Pizzuto advised that the City has a travel grant program that provides $100. per participant; however, he pointed out that while this is not typically the kind of request the City would support, it provides an opportunity to support recreational athletes in experiencing an International level event they would not otherwise attend and it will open the door for the City should it wish to consider hosting the event in future. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener, in partnership with the K-W Sports Council, register a team of up to 20 athletes and 5 officials to participate in the 2005 International Children's Games in Coventry, England, and that the City contribute up to $4,000. in support of the team." CSD-05-020 - SERVICE OF ALCOHOL AT THE KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX (THE AUD) - TIERED SEATING AREA The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-020, dated January 14, 2005 concerning a request to provide alcohol services in the tiered seating areas at the Auditorium Complex (The Aud). Mr. K. Baulk advised that currently alcohol is not permitted in the tiered seating and during intermissions the hallways surrounding the concessions are crowded. At the request of the Hockey Club Association and the concessionaires, City staff agreed to conduct a survey to gauge public support for the service of alcohol in the tiered seating. In response to questions, he advised that serving alcohol in the tiered seating would not generate significant revenue increases, but will enhance service to patrons. He advised that staff will present the results of the survey at a future Committee meeting. CSD-05-023 - YOUR KITCHENER MARKET - CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-023, dated January 19, 2005 concerning a number of initiatives that are currently being undertaken or planned for the Kitchener Market. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 247 2005 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-05-023 - YOUR KITCHENER MARKET CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES (CONT'D) Mr. F. Pizzuto advised that initiatives are planned to increase people traffic and business viability for the Market. He noted that the Farmers' Market component is operating at 100% capacity and has improved shopper attendance as compared to the old market. The Market Shops, which includes 20 shops, have 16 stalls signed and opened. The parking structure is operating at 15% capacity largely due to a lack of parking demand and it is anticipated to improve as the retail and residential components move forward. He added that initiatives are also underway to improve future operations of the Market, being: · the creation of a market operating leadership group, which will bring together stakeholders at a weekly meeting; · retaining a retail/hospitality expert to conduct a review of Market operations; and, · review management models and provide a range of options for consideration by the end of 2005. In response to questions, Mr. Pizzuto advised that the City will call for expressions of interest in retainment of a retail/hospitality expert and the contract is expected to be for a period of 18 months to 2 years. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned when the Market shops would be fully rented and Mr. Pizzuto advised that staff are actively working to retain vendors. Mr. K. Baulk added that the 2005 budget for the Market shops is based on current vendors. Mr. Pizzuto also responded to questions regarding the retail components owned by the Barrel Works and advised that they are at 30% occupancy. The residential component has been delayed due to a lack of market demand; however, he noted that Barrel Works must have at least 22 residential units sold by September 2005, or the City can re-negotiate the contract. Councillor Gazzola inquired as to what can be done to increase the use of the parking facilities and was advised that with The Record using most of the available parking at the Duke/Frederick Street Garage, demand for the Market facility should increase. In response to questions, Mr. Pizzuto advised that the Market review is estimated to cost approximately $15,000. to $20,000. Councillor Gazzola asked that staff provide the Committee with an income statement for the first 7 months of operation and the balance of the Market's capital account. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Market initiatives outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-023, be approved." 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator