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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2001-05-14COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 14, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:25 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M. Galloway and J. Ziegler. Councillor B. Vrbanovic was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present:Ms. P. Houston, Ms. S. Adams, Ms. R. Pitfield, Ms. N. Voll, Ms. L.Zitzelberger, Ms. D. Gilchrist and Messrs. R. Pritchard, F. Pizzuto, D. Daly, K. Baulk, G. Melanson, S. Saleh, P. Beaudry, D. Chapman and B. Trushinski. 1. CSD-01-070- PEREGRINE FALCONS - PROJECT RELEASE - KITCHENER-WATERLOO The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-070, dated May 8, 2001, recommending that the City participate in "Peregrine Falcons - Project Release - Kitchener-Waterloo" this year, with a cash contribution, assistance with public relations and promotion, and by allowing the Canadian Peregrine Foundation to locate a peregrine hackbox on the roof of City Hall. Mr. D. Daly introduced the report advising that the Canadian Peregrine Foundation was established in 1996, and has established hackbox programs across Canada. He noted that the population of peregrine falcons in southern Ontario is very low, and that these birds appear have adapted well to high buildings in urban areas. Mr. Daly advised that the Canadian Peregrine Foundation is requesting involvement by the City of Kitchener in a release program; the involvement to extend to a grant and permission to locate a peregrine hackbox on the roof of City Hall. He then acknowledged the substantial contributions made by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation in this hackbox program. Mr. Daly advised that staff wish to amend the recommendation in the staff report to allow for the option of an annual renewal of the proposed agreement and that the length of time the hackbox may be located on the roof of City Hall be extended to October 1, 2001. Mr. Daly then introduced Mr. William Green, a Director of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, who in turn introduced Ms. Brenda Graham of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, seated in the audience, and Mr. Mark Nash, who works directly with the peregrine falcons. Mr. Nash provided history to the extinction of peregrine falcons in North America; advising that the cause of the extinction is directly related to the use of DDT on agricultural land in the 1940's - 1960's, which contaminated the food chain, noting that peregrine falcons only eat other birds. By the 1970's peregrine falcons had all but disappeared in this area. The United States and Canada became involved in the reintroduction of peregrine falcons by undertaking the following: banning the use of DDT; establishing breeding programs; and protecting peregrine falcons through endangered species legislation. Mr. Nash then advised of the partnerships established by the Canadian Peregrine Foundation for this project, including the City and the TD Friends of the Environment. This project involves use of the City Hall roof for several months, to locate a hackbox which will contain 3 young peregrine falcons. The request includes a cash contribution and in-kind services. Mr. Nash stated that this is an incredible learning opportunity, and is history in the making. Mr. Nash then displayed a one-year old peregrine falcon named "Penny", one of the birds on the endangered species list in Canada and the United States. He advised that the peregrine falcon is billed as the fastest animal on earth, whose history goes back as far as Egyptian times. He noted that these birds are still used today in falconry and hawking. Councillor J. Ziegler noted in the report it states that the cost of a peregrine falcon is $3,000. Mr. Nash responded that when the federal breeding program was closed, most of the birds were sold to private industry, from whom they are purchased today. He stated that prices for these birds have risen as high as $5,000., depending on the market. He advised that they have been fortunate in locating birds from the federal breeding program, who are of the same bloodline as those birds indigenous to this area. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned whether these birds are territorial and Mr. Nash responded that they become territorial when they reach nesting age, at approximately 2 years old. He advised that there are nest sites in Ottawa, noting that these birds co-habitate well with people. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 14, 2001- 36 -CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-01-070- PEREGRINE FALCONS - PROJECT RELEASE - KITCHENER-WATERLOO (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener participate in "Peregrine Falcons - Project Release - Kitchener- Waterloo" in 2001; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, including an option to renew annually, with the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, authorizing them to place a peregrine hackbox on the roof of Kitchener City Hall during the period May 23 - October 1, 2001; and, That funding of $2,000., $1,000. each from the budgets of the Departments of Community Services and Business and Planning Services, be approved for this project; and further, That assistance with public relations and promotion for this project be provided by staff." 2. CSD-01-072- HOST BID AND GRANT REQUEST - 2003 SCOTT TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS (CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP) The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-072, dated May 7, 2001, recommending support for the bid to host the 2003 Scott Tournament of Hearts Women's Curling Championship, to be held February 15 - 23, 2003, and should the championship be awarded to the City of Kitchener, to provide a grant and in-kind services in return for a Platinum Level Sponsorship. Mr. K. Baulk introduced Mr. J. Finnen, who appeared as a delegation to represent the bid committee and in support of the staff report. Mr. Finnen provided a brief background in this regard, noting that Council, in November 1999, supported pursuit of this bid. He advised that the Canadian Curling Federation looks at this event as a 3-part partnership, and asks the host community to support the event in a financial way. Mr. Finnen advised that the 2003 Scott Tournament of Hearts is expected to attract 7,500 spectators, draw national TV coverage and generate $5M - $6M in economic spinoffs. He stated that the contract is waiting to be signed, awaiting confirmation of the City's support. When questioned by Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. Finnen advised an announcement will be made at the end of June. On behalf of himself and Council, Councillor G. Lorentz thanked Mr. Finnen and his committee for all the work put into this bid. He stated that all of Council appreciates the time and effort Mr. Finnen has spent in this endeavour. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener support the bid to host the 2003 Scott Tournament of Hearts Women's Canadian Curling Championship, to be held February 15 - 23, 2003; and further, That should the Championship be awarded to the City of Kitchener, a grant of $32,500. and in-kind services of $40,500. be approved in return for a Platinum Level Sponsorship for this event." 3. CSD-01-074- COMMUNITY LOAN PROGRAM COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 14, 2001- 37 -CITY OF KITCHENER - LOAN TO COUNTRY HILLS PLAYGROUND PARTNERSHIP The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-074, dated May 9, 2001, recommending a loan of $20,000., under the Community Loan Program, for the Country Hills Playground Partnership to assist with installation costs for a universally accessible playground at Country Hills Community Centre. Ms. N. Voll was in attendance to represent the report, providing an overview of the members of the partnership, the process undertaken to design the playground, and the financial commitments and contributions to the project made to date. Ms. Voll noted that the Kitchener Lions Club has committed $25,000. to this project to be paid over a 5 year period. Councillor M. Galloway stated that this is a unique project and the community, including his father, has worked very hard to make this project a success. He stated that the Country Hills Community Playground Partnership will provide an incentive for other community groups. He applauded the community for its hard work. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That a loan of $20,000. under the Community Loan Program be approved for the Country Hills Playground Partnership, to assist with the installation cost of a universally accessible play space at the Country Hills Community Centre; and further, That the loan be repaid in annual instalments of $5,000. each January from 2002 - 2005 inclusive." Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. 4. LOAN REQUEST - KOR GALLERY & STUDIOS The Committee was in receipt of a written submission from Ms. D. Rothwell on behalf of KOR Gallery & Studios, dated May 9, 2001, explaining that they have applied to Human Resources Development Canada for a grant to hire 2 summer students. The grant funding comes in 2 parts: one at the beginning of the project and the other at the end. The loan requested from the City of Kitchener would cover half the cost of hiring the 2 students and would be repaid when the second half of their funding is received. The Committee was also in receipt of staff report CSD-01-079, dated May 14, 2001, distributed at the meeting, providing staff comments with respect to Ms. Rothwell's request. Ms. Rothwell appeared as a delegation to represent her written request, noting that KOR Gallery & Studios just had their first anniversary. She noted that Council members will be provided with a statistical report in the near future on their first year of operation. She then reviewed some of the highlights from their first year; following which she explained the need for the loan. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether HRDC would give the cheque directly to the City of Kitchener and Ms. Rothwell responded that the cheque will be paid to KOR and KOR will pay the City of Kitchener. She advised that HRDC will not award the grant if KOR cannot provide this bridge financing. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned whether someone from KOR could provide a promissory note and Ms. Rothwell advised that a promissory note could be provided. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the request of KOR Gallery for a short term loan, to a maximum of $3,300., be approved, to cover half the cost of 2 student summer placements, to be funded by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) until receipt of the second half of their funding; subject to HRDC actually providing the grant." 5. CSD-01-069- SUPPORT OF CITY OF MONTREAL'S BRIEF "SPORTS FOR ALL: FOR JOINT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 14, 2001- 38 -CITY OF KITCHENER ACTION AND IMPROVED ACCESS TO RESOURCES" TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-069, dated April 26, 2001, recommending Council's endorsement of a brief prepared by the City of Montreal, which requests greater involvement and financial contributions by the Federal Government towards sports infrastructure, programming and services. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener endorse the City of Montreal's brief, "Sports for All: For Joint Action and Improved Access to Resources" which requests greater involvement and financial contributions toward sports infrastructure, programming and services by the Federal Government; and further, That the City of Kitchener voice its support for the brief in written correspondence to the Honourable Denis Coderre, Secretary of State for Amateur Sport and M.P.s in the Kitchener area." 6. CSD-01-076- AGREEMENT WITH ONTARIO AGRI-FOOD EDUCATION INC. - DEMONSTRATIONS FOR KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET KIDS CLUB The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-076, dated May 8, 2001, recommending that the City enter into an agreement with Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. to provide a series of demonstrations for the Kitchener Farmers' Market Kids Club. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. (OAFI) to provide a series of demonstrations for the Kitchener Farmers' Market Kids Club. 7. CSD-01-077- PRACTICE TIME CHARGES - MINOR BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL GROUPS The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-077, dated May 9, 2001, recommending that minor baseball and softball groups be charged a fee of $9.50 per hour for practice time at City ball diamonds. Mr. P. Beaudry introduced the report advising that staff had intended to deal with practice time charges as part of an overall review of sports grants; however, the comprehensive review is not yet complete and, as the ball season is imminent, staff thought it appropriate to recommend a charge for practice use of ball diamonds at this time. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Beaudry advised that staff have discussed this charge with Kitchener Minor Baseball and they are in support of the staff recommendation. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That minor baseball and softball groups be charged a rental fee of $9.50 for practice time at City ball diamonds." 8. WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM EVALUATION CAMPS COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 14, 2001- 39 -CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. P. Beaudry provided Committee members with an extract from Softball Canada's newsletter titled Around the Horn, April 2001, which advised that the Women's National Team will be holding a walk-on evaluation camp in the City of Kitchener on May 24 & 25. This camp is open to any female athlete who is 18 years of age as of January 1, 2001. Mr. Beaudry noted that this camp is an excellent opportunity for local athletes. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Beaudry advised that Kitchener Fastball Promotions is undertaking a communications program for this event. 9. CSD-01-073- UPDATE RE: GROUP SERVICES TEAM - COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DIVISION The Chair advised that consideration of Community Services Department report CSD-01-073 - Group Services Update, is deferred and referred to a future Community Services Committee meeting. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator