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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2001-06-04COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 4, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 2:20 p.m., with the following members present: Councillors M. Galloway, J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic, C. Weylie and J. Ziegler. Mayor C. Zehr was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present:Ms. S. Adams, Ms. S. Massel, Ms. R. Willms, Ms. D. Gilchrist and Messrs. S. Saleh, P. Beaudry, D. Daly, F. Pizzuto, J. Cooper, K. Baulk and R.W. Pritchard. 1. CSD-01-071- GRANT REQUEST - K-W SILVER STARS The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-071, dated May 10, 2001, recommending that the grant application of the K-W Silver Stars for a grant of $700.00 to cover a potential deficit from their stage production, to take place at the Registry Theatre in October, not be approved. Messrs. Herbert Johnson and William Harris, representing the K-W Silver Stars, were in attendance to support their grant request. Mr. Johnson advised that they are in receipt of the staff recommendation not to approve their grant request and would like to clarify participation in their organization; noting that they draw performers, production and administrative people from around the Region, suggesting this makes for a more interesting organization. With respect to applying to other municipalities for a grant, Mr. Johnson advised that they initially thought that it seemed redundant to apply to more than one municipality for the same grant, and requested some direction in this regard. With respect to staff's comments concerning their bank balance, Mr. Johnson advised that theatrical productions have uncertain revenues and they did not want to draw on their current funds, as those funds may be required should one of their productions be unsuccessful. Mr. Johnson also noted that they are establishing a committee to develop a business plan. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he is sympathetic to the needs of the K-W Silver Stars and understands their value to the community, but at the same time he is also sympathetic to staff's concerns. Councillor Ziegler also pointed out that the City of Kitchener has already significantly contributed to the Registry Theatre. He advised that he would reluctantly move staff's recommendation. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he would like to provide some amount of grant funding to the K-W Silver Stars and should Councillor Ziegler's motion be lost he would put forward a motion to provide a grant in the amount of $250.00. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the application of K-W Silver Stars for a grant in the amount of $700.00, to cover their anticipated deficit for a stage production to take place at the Registry Theatre in October, 2001, be denied." Councillor G. Lorentz advised the delegation that if their group is perceived to be more regional in nature, they could apply to the Region of Waterloo for a grant. 2. CSD-01-078- GRANT REQUEST - BLESSED SACRAMENT YOUTH IN ACTION The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-078, dated May 11, 2001, advising that staff do not recommend approval of the grant application of Blessed Sacrament Youth in Action for a travel and building expenses grant in the amount of $1,000., to assist with their travel to Utah this summer. Ms. Debbie Frey was in attendance to represent the grant application and explained the project for which the grant is required. She noted that although it may not appear that the benefits of the grant would be attributed to the community, this will be a life-altering encounter for the youth who participate, and provide them with a greater sense of leadership and community service which can be a benefit to the City of Kitchener. She noted that this youth group has participated as volunteers in many organizations in the City of Kitchener. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 4, 2001- 41 -CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CSD-01-078- GRANT REQUEST - BLESSED SACRAMENT YOUTH IN ACTION (CONT'D) Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he has reviewed the grant criteria not meet by this organization as outlined in the staff report. He stated that he recognized the youth involved in this program live in our community; however, the proposed use of the grant money does not comply with the grant criteria. He reluctantly moved the recommendation contained in the staff report. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the application of K-W Silver Stars for a grant in the amount of $700.00, to cover their anticipated deficit for a stage production to take place at the Registry Theatre in October, 2001, be denied." Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this time. 3. CSD-0-084- GRANT REQUEST - GLOBAL AWARENESS CAMP The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-084, dated May 23, 2001, recommending a grant in the amount of $2,000. toward the operation of the Global Awareness Camp. It is noted in the staff report that the Global Awareness Camp outreach program compliments the City of Kitchener's current youth programming initiatives. The camp is a collaboration of efforts between the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, Paradox Theatre Company, The Working Centre and the Waterloo Public Interest Research Group. The grant will be used to help cover staffing costs. Ms. Krista Lord and Mr. Joe Regehr were in attendance on behalf of the Global Awareness Camp in support of the grant request and explained the purpose of the camp. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the application of the Global Awareness Camp for a grant in the amount of $2,000., to assist with the wages for the camp co-ordinators, be approved." 4. CSD-01-083- GRANT REQUEST - EPILEPSY WATERLOO WELLINGTON The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-083, dated May 22, 2001, recommending that the application of Epilepsy Waterloo Wellington for a grant in the amount of $631.90 to cover the rental costs of the Country Hills Community Centre on September 7, 2001 for their annual fundraising event, not be approved. It was noted that Ms. Jennifer Watson of Epilepsy Waterloo Wellington had registered as a delegation but was not in attendance. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the application of Epilepsy Waterloo Wellington for a grant in the amount of $631.90, to cover rental costs of the Country Hills Community Centre on September 7, 2001 for their annual fundraising event, be denied." 5. CSD-01-086- CHANGES IN THE AQUATICS REGISTRATION PROCESS The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-086, dated May 28, 2001, outlining the changes which have taken place to the aquatics registration process, and further changes to take place with respect to automation of the process. Mr. P. Beaudry was in attendance and advised that this is the first major change to the aquatics registration process in well over a decade, which positions the process for upcoming automation. The new registration process 5. CSD-01-086- CHANGES IN THE AQUATICS REGISTRATION PROCESS (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 4, 2001- 42 -CITY OF KITCHENER was implemented May 26th, and seems to be working very well; noting that the majority of comments received have been positive and supportive. 6. CSD-01-082- REQUEST TO HOST 2002 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ONTARIO BRANCH OF LIFESAVING SOCIETY - WAIVER OF FACILITY COSTS FOR EVENT The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-082, dated May 28, 2001, recommending that the City of Kitchener host the 2002 Lifesaving Society's Ontario Branch Annual General Meeting on March 1, 2002 at City Hall, and that the related facility costs for the event be waived. The report notes the importance of the Lifesaving Society and that all of the City of Kitchener pools and staff are affiliated with the Society. The report also notes that the general meeting in addition to conducting the business of the organization will recognize the special efforts of affiliated municipalities, organizations and members. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener host the 2002 Lifesaving Society's (Ontario Branch) Annual General Meeting on March 1, 2002 at City Hall, with the related facility costs for this event being waived." 7. CSD-01-088- NEW KITCHENER MARKET - PHASE 3 OF WORK PLAN - FORMATION OF NEW MARKET RESOURCE GROUP The Committee was in receipt of staff report CSD-01-088, dated May 29, 2001, recommending that staff proceed to Phase 3 of the New Market Work Plan and that a New Market Resource Group be established to ensure that community input in the Work Plan continues through Phase 3. Ms. S. Massel was in attendance to present the report and provided an overview, noting that Phase 2 of the Work Plan for the New Kitchener Market has just been completed with the presentation of the findings of the public consultation process. The public consultation process reinforced the need for a New Kitchener Market, and as a result it is now time to move the project into Phase 3. Ms. Massel noted that staff anticipate reporting back to the Community Services Committee on Phase 3 in September. Councillor J. Smola put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Mayor C. Zehr questioned whether the City is on schedule in terms of the established Work Plan and Mr. F. Pizzuto advised that the City is still within the time frames as established in the Work Plan, and that a building can be constructed and operating by the spring of 2003. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned how the 3 community members will be chosen for the resource group and Ms. Massel advised that staff asked for volunteers at the last Town Hall meeting. Mr. Pizzuto advised that staff will bring forward to Council names of volunteers for this resource group. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That staff proceed to Phase 3 of the New Kitchener Market Work Plan, as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-01-088, and present a summary report to Council outlining several preliminary design and operational alternatives for the New Market, no later the October 2001; and further, That a New Market Resource Group consisting of: 3 market vendors, 3 members of the community at large and 2 representatives of the business/professional community, be established to ensure that community input and the Work Plan continues through Phase 3." 8. CSD-01-089- NOMINATIONS FOR SYL APPS AWARDS The Committee had been provided, under separate cover, with copies of staff report CSD-01-089, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 4, 2001- 43 -CITY OF KITCHENER dated June 1, 2001, recommending that Tara Shephard and Graham Duench be nominated for the Syl Apps Awards of Excellence. Mr. J. Cooper was in attendance to present the report providing a brief overview of the process undertaken to arrive at these nominations. Mayor C. Zehr put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. He questioned whether this would be an annual event to which Mr. Cooper responded that he believed it would be. Mayor Zehr suggested that the City ought to be better prepared for next year. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener Council endorses the nominations of Tara Shephard and Graham Duench for the 2001 Syl Apps Awards of Excellence." 9. CSD-01-073- UPDATE ON GROUP SERVICES TEAM, COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DIVISION It was generally agreed that consideration of this staff report be deferred to the next Community Services Committee meeting. 10. INFORMATION ITEMS Councillor M. Galloway questioned when the expansion and improvement project for the Peter Hallman Ballyard would be completed; noting that a national softball tournament is to take place at the ballyard August 9 - 17, 2002. Staff advised that the improvements and expansion will be completed by the fall of 2001. Councillor G. Lorentz complimented Mr. F. Pizzuto on his department's annual report. He stated that it has been an exciting year, and complimented Mr. Pizzuto and his staff on how well the department restructuring has been handled. Councillor Lorentz questioned Mr. D. Daly concerning the problems his staff may be facing with respect to grass cutting, due to the recent constant rains. Members of the Committee questioned the need for additional staff for this purpose. Mr. Daly responded that the best approach would be to initiate Saturday cutting and 12-hour days. He advised that he will review the necessity for part- time or contract workers. Several Committee members noted their concerns with respect to the lack of maintenance on Hydro One rights-of-way and Ministry of Transportation rights-of-way. Mr. Pizzuto was directed to contact both authorities and report back to this Committee with solutions for these maintenance problems. The Committee questioned Mr. K. Baulk with respect to the sale of private boxes at the KMA Complex. Mr. Baulk responded that those who have already expressed an interest in their purchase have until 4 p.m. today to submit their forms; following which the process will be open to the larger business community. He noted that sales of the private boxes are going well. Councillor C. Weylie questioned the timing for the upgrades at the Forest Heights Pool; noting that in the Leisure Magazine there is no indication that the pool will be closed for a period of time this summer. Mr. P. Beaudry advised that until the tender is awarded, staff will not know the work schedule of the contractor. As soon as the contractor is chosen, staff will be able to advise patrons of the exact period of time the pool will be closed. Mr. Beaudry advised that Kiwanis Park will open this weekend; a new manager has been hired, and the City maintains a good relationship with the Kiwanis Club. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned the possibility of pursuing conservation signage on the highway for Kiwanis Park. Mr. Beaudry indicated that there is an issue with signage for the trail system, and consistent signage would be beneficial for the entire trail. He advised that staff are currently investigating much larger signage on Kiwanis Park Drive and the township roads. 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:07 p.m. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 4, 2001- 44 -CITY OF KITCHENER Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator