Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2005-02-07COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 77 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, C. Weylie, M. Galloway and B. Vrbanovic. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer G. Sosnoski, General Manager of Corporate Services and City Clerk F. Pizzuto, General Manager of Community Services R. Browning, Interim General Manager, Strategic Services G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services R. Gosse, Director of Legislated Services L. MacDonald, Director of Legal Services and City Solicitor S. deMoree, Assistant City Solicitor K. Baulk, Director of Enterprises S. Adams, Director of Community and Corporate Planning L. Proulx, Director of Facilities Management R. Upfold, Director of Accounting C. Sadeler, Acting Director of Community Programs & Services W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect E. Harris, Arts & Culture Co-ordinator R. Willms, Administration Co-ordinator J. Billett, Supervisor, Council / Committee Services C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator Ms. Christiane Sadeler was introduced to the Committee as the new Acting Director of Community Programs & Services. Ms. Sadeler will be replacing Ms. Shelley Adams for a period of one year. DTS-05-017 PROPOSED ADDITION OF BRENTWOOD AVENUE TO 2005 CAPITAL FORECAST The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 05-017, dated February 7, 2005 regarding the design and reconstruction of Brentwood Avenue to address issues related to storm sewer capacity. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the Development and Technical Services Department, Engineering Division, be authorized to proceed with the design and reconstruction of Brentwood Avenue from Sheldon Avenue North to the Montgomery Creek Outlet, to be funded from savings of favourable tenders completed in the 2004 Infrastructure Program, as outlined in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-017." CSD-05-030 - APPOINTMENTS TO GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (2005) The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-030, dated January 31, 2005 regarding appointments to the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC). On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Chris Douglas, Frank Groenestege, lan Ardill and Tara O'Brien be appointed to the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) for a 3 year term ending November 30, 2008." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 77 2005 3. FIN-05-005 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER EFFECTIVE DATE OF EMPLOYEE COMPUTER PURCHASE PLAN POLICY The Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-05-005, dated February 2, 2005 concerning the effective date of Council Policy 11-117 (Employee Computer Purchase Plan). On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Council Policy 11-117 (Employee Computer Purchase Plan), as adopted on January 31,2005, become effective April 1,2005." CSD-05-026 - ARTAUCTION AGREEMENT EDISSI FINE ARTS CANADA INC The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-026, dated January 17, 2005 concerning an agreement to hold a fundraising art auction to benefit Inclusion Services and the Adults 50+ Division. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with Edissi Fine Arts Canada Inc. to hold an art auction in October 2005 to raise revenues for Inclusion Services and the Adults 50+ Division." PRESENTATION- REGION OF WATERLOO CORRESPONDENCE AND WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS TOWNSHIPS OF WELLESLEY AND NORTH DUMFRIES The Committee was in receipt of correspondence dated January 27, 2005 from the Region of Waterloo Transportation and Environmental Services Department regarding a Regional By-law (No. 05-004) to transfer authority from the Townships of Wellesley and North Dumfries to the Region of Waterloo regarding water distribution and wastewater collection systems. The Committee also received background information attached to the Region's letter including letters from the Mayors of the two Townships, a copy of By-law No. 05-004, and Regional report E-05- 015 / CR-RS-05-005, dated January 18, 2005. Mr. Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services, Region of Waterloo, advised that the Townships of Wellesley and North Dumfries requested that the Region assume authority over their water distribution and wastewater collection systems as they have experienced difficulty in meeting Ministry of the Environment regulations. He noted that the Region has been operating the water distribution system in Wellesley for the past 3 years and has been responsible for all aspects of the service except ownership. Further, the Region has been 'Operator-in-Charge' of North Dumfries' water distribution system in Branchton, Roseville and Lloyd Brown subdivisions since July 5, 2004. He added that Regional By-law No. 05-004 has received first and second readings and in accordance with Section 189 (2) of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, the subject by-law will not come into force unless a majority of the Councils of all lower-tier municipalities within the Region pass a resolution consenting to it. He added that the total number of electors in the consenting lower municipalities must also form a majority of all electors in the Region, known as a 'triple majority' provision. Mr. Schmidt advised that this by- law will have no effect on the Region's wholesale rate and no impact on ratepayers in Kitchener. He noted that it is intended that this by-law will receive final reading on March 23, 2005 and come into effect on March 31,2005. In response to questions, Mr. T. Schmidt reiterated that the subject by-law will have no impact on ratepayers in Kitchener and that the retail rates for the Townships of Wellesley and North Dumfries will be calculated separately from the rest of the Region. He added that COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 77 2005 5. PRESENTATION - -18- CITY OF KITCHENER REGION OF WATERLOO CORRESPONDENCE REQUEST TO TRANSFER AUTHORITY FOR WATER DISTRIBUTION AND WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS TOWNSHIPS OF WELLESLEY AND NORTH DUMFRIES (CONT'D) both of the subject municipalities lack the expertise necessary to maintain the systems and will benefit from the Region's expertise. Councillor G. Lorentz asked why the 'triple majority' provision was required in this instance and was advised that in recent years the Province has increased the regulatory measures for the delivery of safe potable drinking water. Mayor C. Zehr asked that staff investigate any other services under the Municipal Act that requires the 'triple majority' provision. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener consents to adoption of Regional Municipality of Waterloo By-law 05-004, for the purpose of transferring authority from the Corporation of the Township of Wellesley and the Corporation of the Township of North Dumfries regarding water distribution and wastewater collection systems to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo." Councillor B. Vrbanovic left the meeting at this time. PRESENTATION - CONTEMPORARY ART FORUM, KITCHENER AREA (CAFKA) 2004 PEACE OF MIND FORUM The Committee was in receipt of an undated report from Contemporary Art Forum, Kitchener and Area (CAFKA), outlining the successes of the group's 2004 'Peace of Mind' Forum and appreciation for the City's continued support. Mr. Ernest Daetwyler, Artistic Coordinator and Ms. Virginia Eichhorn, Board Member, CAFKA, presented an overview of the 2004 'Peace of Mind' Forum. Mr. Daetwyler advised that 30 artists, from a wide range of backgrounds, contributed 22 projects to the Forum and attracted over 8,000 visitors. Mr. Daetwyler advised that the theme for the 2005 forum is "x industrial", in reference to the first trade fair and the visionary entrepreneurs of this Region. Ms. Eichhorn advised of organizational changes that have occurred at CAFKA which now has 4 formal executive committees in place and has been formally incorporated. Mayor C. Zehr questioned the amount set aside in the City's 2005 grant budget for CAFKA and was advised that CAFKA will receive a grant of $18,000. Mr. E. Daetwyler advised that the group had requested a grant of $22,000. for the 2005 Forum, with $10,000. in cash and $12,000. in-kind. Ms. R. Willms advised that CAFKA was notified that it would be receiving a grant of $18,000. and did not appeal their grant request. Mayor Zehr directed staff to work with CAFKA to find a solution to their funding needs. FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL - UPDATE The Committee was in receipt this date of an update to Community Services Department report CSD-04-167, dated February 7, 2005, concerning construction of a memorial to recognize fallen Kitchener firefighters and installation of a fire-themed playground structure in Civic Centre Park (Queen Street North). Mr. Randy Kalan, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, advised that a local artist is currently creating a large bronze sculpture for the memorial and displayed drawings of the memorial and proposed playground structure that will be developed as an educational tool. He added that plans have been made to meet with area residents and Neighbourhood Associations to seek their support, following which a report concerning site plan approval will be presented to Council. In addition, he advised that Mr. Peter Benninger, Peter Benninger Realty Ltd., will be sponsoring / hosting a major fundraising event on February 15, 2005 to garner support of local businesses and corporations. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 77 2005 -19- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL - UPDATE (CONT'D) Mayor C. Zehr questioned the cost of the playground component and was advised that the entire project is estimated at $225,000. to be raised by the Fire Fighter Memorial Committee (FFMC). Mayor Zehr also inquired as to what discussions, if any, have taken place with City staff regarding the location of the memorial and how it will fit into the Parks development plan. Mr. W. Sleeth advised that he had not yet seen the playground plans but will work with the FFMC on plan development. Mayor Zehr stated that the project should be dealt with in the context of park development and undergo a 'safety audit' relative to its design. He proposed that prior to this matter coming back, public consultation be conducted regarding the placement of the sculpture and playground components. Mr. Kalan advised that contact will be made with Neighbourhood Associations and area residents regarding this project. Mr. F. Pizzuto added that once staff has reviewed the proposal and public consultation is completed, this matter will be brought forward to the Committee with a recommendation. Councillor J. Smola asked that input from neighbourhood associations be included in the staff report. 8. CRPS-05-021 - ELEVATOR REPLACEMENT AT MAYFAIR HOTEL The Committee was in receipt this date of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-021, dated February 2, 2005 concerning an expenditure of $312,000. from the Economic Development Investment (EDI) Fund to replace the existing elevator at the Mayfair Hotel. Mr. L. Proulx advised that the elevator at the Mayfair Hotel is over 50 years old and is in need of replacement. He stated that staff are proposing two options for replacement, being: · Option 1 - installing a new cab of identical size to the existing and a new elevator system within the existing shaft at a cost of $209,000.; and, · Option 2 (preferred) - utilize an existing exterior elevator shaft, not in use at the adjacent City-owned property of 158 King Street West at a cost of $312,000. In response to questions, Mr. L. Proulx advised that the City uses KJA Consultants for its elevator maintenance and would have to consult them to determine the exact maintenance costs this building incurs. Mr. Proulx added that the existing cab and shaft have a limited use due to their size and do not provide barrier-free access nor allow for the movement of furniture or appliances between floors. Mr. Proulx noted that if in future, 158 King Street West should require an elevator, staff would recommend the installation of a new shaft as opposed to a joint use with the one at the Mayfair Hotel due to stringent Building Code requirements. In response to further questions, Ms. Ladd advised that the subject property is part of the 'Centre Block' and it is intended that any future re-use projects for the 'Centre Block' be funded from the Economic Development Investment (EDI) Fund; and as such, the City's Treasurer has recommended that this project be funded from the EDI Fund. Councillor M. Galloway expressed concerns with regard to use of the EDI Fund and the maintenance costs related to this building, as well as potential future re-use. He suggested that staff should provide more information to justify the proposed expenditure. Mr. L. Proulx advised that the City currently spends about $255. a month on maintenance costs, whereas a new elevator would be covered by warranty. Councillor Galloway stated that he was not in favour of spending over $300,000. to replace the elevator in comparison to annual maintenance costs of $5,000. Mr. G. Sosnoski added that maintenance costs have risen dramatically over the past 5 years due to aging and scarcity of parts, and service providers have declared the elevator unsafe. He pointed out that Iow income tenants residing in the building, many of whom have mobility issues, would have to be relocated if the elevator was shut down for safety reasons, and the City would incur loss of rental income. Mayor C. Zehr agreed that additional information should be provided and suggested the matter be deferred to address concerns related to financing and safety issues. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 77 2005 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. CRPS-05-021 - ELEVATOR REPLACEMENT AT MAYFAIR HOTEL (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That an expenditure of $312,000. from the Economic Development Investment Fund to replace the existing elevator at the Mayfair Hotel with a new elevator utilizing the existing exterior shaft at 158 King Street West, be deferred and referred to the February 14, 2005 Council meeting, to allow additional information to be provided concerning financing options; future use of the building; analysis of operating / maintenance costs and revenue generation; and issues related to safety." Councillor G. Lorentz advised that this recommendation would be considered at the February 7, 2005 Special Council meeting to be held later this date. CSD-05-028 - PUBLIC ART COMMISSION DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE AGREEMENT- NICHOLAS REES The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-028, dated January 28, 2005 regarding a request for endorsement of a public art commission for the Downtown Community Resource Centre. On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That the public art commission, "Footsteps", created by local artist Nicholas Rees for the Downtown Community Resource Centre, as selected by a public jury in accordance with Council Policies 1-650 (% for Art) and 1-485 (Public Art), be endorsed; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with Nicholas Rees regarding the public art commission, conditions of delivery and acceptance of his commission proposal, as set out in Community Services Department report CSD-05-028." 10. CSD-05-029 - INTERIM USE STRATEGY - QUEENSMOUNT ARENA The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-029, dated January 31,2005 regarding interim public use of Queensmount Arena for recreational purposes. Mr. K. Baulk advised that staff will provide further information to the Committee regarding Queensmount Arena by the end of March or the beginning of April 2005. Mayor C. Zehr directed staff to distribute the staff report to current arena users to provide them with an update as to the status of this facility. Councillor C. Weylie pointed out that Queensmount Arena was a designated emergency evacuation centre and questioned if another location to replace Queensmount has been determined. Mr. Baulk advised that staff would have to consult with Facilities Management staff and would provide this information when the matter comes back to the Committee for consideration. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That the Queensmount Arena Interim Use Strategy, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-029, be approved." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 77 2005 - 21 - 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. CITY OF KITCHENER Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator