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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2005-06-13 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 13, 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 4:20 p.m. Present: Staff: Chair - Councillor G. Lorentz Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, J. Smola, J. Gazzola and M. Galloway. Councillor C. Weylie was in attendance for part of this meeting. C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer G. Sosnoski, General Manager of Corporate Services & City Clerk P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services K. Baulk, Interim General Manager of Community Services S. Turner, Director of Enforcement R. Pitfield, Director of Communications & Marketing M. Hildebrand, Director of Aquatics & Athletics S. Adams, Director of Community & Corporate Planning C. Sadeler, Acting Director of Community Programs & Services J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor D. Schmitt, Urban Forest Technologist W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect R. Thompson, Youth Services Coordinator R. Cyr, Athletics Coordinator C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-05-066 - ICE DEMAND STUDY - REFERRAL TO TWIN PAD STEERING COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-066, dated May 19, 2005 concerning the Ice Demand Study's referral to the Twin Pad Steering Committee for the development of a business case to be presented to Council prior to the 2006 budget process. Appended to the staff report is the Ice Demand Study prepared by F.J. Galloway Associates Inc., dated April 2005. Mr. Fred Galloway, F.J. Galloway Associates Inc., presented findings and recommendations of the Ice Demand Study, advising that overall the study concludes ice time demand exceeds supply and Kitchener is under-serviced in terms of ice pad inventory. He noted that input from over 50 interest groups was received and it was determined that the City will need to add 4 new ice pads by 2013 to sustain the current levels of service. However, participant rates are expected to increase over that time. The report recommends the construction of a new twin pad facility by 2007, to be located in southwest Kitchener and a second twin pad facility to be added between 2011 to 2013; with McLaren Arena staying open until 2010. In response to questions, Mr. F. Galloway advised that comparative data for the Region's municipalities shows that Kitchener's servicing level profile is significantly higher than any of the other communities in the Region. Relative to public ice pads, Kitchener provides ice services at a rate of 1 :28,700 residents. If one incorporates the 3 private facilities into that, the ratio changes to 1 :20,100 residents; as compared to the Regional average of 1: 13, 170 residents. Mr. Galloway suggested that the ideal ratio that the City should meet in the future is 1 :20,000 residents. Mr. Galloway advised that this analysis did not include sports tour usage and if the City were to pursue more tournaments, the numbers would need to be adjusted accordingly. Mr. K. Baulk advised that no definitive dates have been set for the commencement of a new twin pad construction and the proposed business case will outline items such as, the project's budget, potential partnerships, and timeframe. Councillor B. Vrbanovic inquired as to whether staff will be able to present the business case by the November 28, 2005 Strategic Planning Session to allow for its early inclusion into the Capital Budget discussions and was advised that staff would be able to meet that timeframe. Mr. G. Sosnoski estimated that the consultation and design phase of this project would take approximately 10 months and the construction process would take approximately 18 months with an expected occupancy date between June and September 2008. He noted that dependent upon how complex this project is that timeline could be shortened. He added that if Council COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 13, 2005 1. CSD-05-066 - ICE DEMAND STUDY - REFERRAL TO TWIN PAD STEERING COMMITTEE (CONT'Dl - 53 - CITY OF KITCHENER were to give pre-budget approval for this project, that could lessen the consultation and design phase timeframe by 4 months; however, the construction phase could not be completed in less than 12 months. Mayor C. Zehr expressed concerns with shortening the proposed timeframe in that the ideal time to start using this facility would be in September and if the project is completed in the spring or sooner, then there is the possibility of the building not being used for several months. He stated that the discussion of this business case should take place prior to the Capital Budget discussions. Councillor J. Gazzola requested information regarding the cost to refurbish existing City arenas that are planned to be closed. Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that the Twin Pad Steering Committee is made up of staff members from various departments throughout the City. He added that while they have not determined a site location as of yet, a short list of public sites has been developed. Mr. K. Baulk suggested holding public consultations as a means of determining possible sites. Mr. Sosnoski advised it might be possible to present aspects of the business case, such as proposed site locations, prior to the November 28, 2005 Strategic Planning Session. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a motion that the Ice Demand Study be referred to the Twin Pad Steering Committee and the business case and implementation plan be presented to Council no later than the November 28, 2005 Strategic Planning Session. Further, that the implementation plan examine the possibility of having the facility ready for the 2007 - 2008 hockey season. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he was in support of the motion and inquired as to the scheduling of the Capital Budget discussions. He was advised that the Capital Budget discussions are currently scheduled for December 12, 2005 with grant examinations being scheduled for November 28, 2005. Ms. P. Houston suggested that those 2 items switch dates, so that the Capital Budget discussions can take place on the same day that the business case is presented. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed concerns with waiting to decide the site location until November 28, 2005 and the necessity of including public input into the site location process. Ms. C. Ladd put forward that staff will develop a schedule for this project and present it to Council at its June 20, 2005 meeting. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the Ice Demand Study as prepared by consultant F.J. Galloway Associates Inc. be referred to the Twin Pad Steering Committee for development of a business case; and, That the final Twin Pad Business Case and Implementation Plan be completed and presented for Council consideration no later than the November 28th Strategy Session and in advance of the 2006 budget process; and further, That the Implementation Plan include an examination of possibilities to construct this facility in time for the 2007-08 hockey season." 2. CSD-05-070 - WALTER BEAN GRAND RIVER TRAIL - PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CROSSING OF THE GRAND RIVER The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-070, dated June 3,2005 regarding the commencement of the detailed design of the Walter Bean Grand River Trail pedestrian bridge crossing the at Grand River and subsequent trail connections. Councillor J. Gazzola requested that this item be deferred and referred to the June 27, 2005 Community Services Committee meeting to allow for greater public input. 2. CSD-05-070 - WALTER BEAN GRAND RIVER TRAIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 13, 2005 - 54- CITY OF KITCHENER - PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CROSSING OF THE GRAND RIVER (CONT'Dl On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola- it was resolved: "That the following motion be deferred and referred to the June 27, 2005 Community Services Committee meeting to allow for greater public input: 'That staff be directed to proceed with the detailed design of the Walter Bean Grand River Trail pedestrian bridge over the Grand River at the location confirmed through the recently completed Environmental Assessment for this project; and, That staff be directed to proceed with the detailed design of the proposed trail which connects the proposed pedestrian bridge to the existing Walter Bean Grand River Trail including a Trail Management Plan as required by the Environmental Assessment; and further, That the proposed bridge and trail design be presented to the Community Services Committee at a future meeting for review and consideration.'" Councillor C. Wylie entered the meeting at this time. 3. CSD-05-079 - COMMUNITY ACCESS (24/7l TO PUBLIC WASHROOM FACILITIES The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-079, dated June 8, 2005 regarding a proposal to investigate the feasibility of offering 24 I 7 community access to public washroom facilities. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from Marty Schreiter, Executive Director and Chair of the Kitchener Downtown Community Collaborative, dated June 13, 2005 expressing support for the staff recommendation. Ms. C. Sadeler advised that this issue has been brought forward by several members of the community and does not just affect the homeless, but also families with small children and visitors to the City. She stated that after consulting with staff from Security, Facilities Management and Enforcement it was determined that this matter should be investigated, with a report to come back to this Committee later this year. She stated that the investigation will include an examination of similarly sized municipalities to see how they have dealt with this issue. Mr. Doug Rankin, Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre, expressed support for the recommendation on behalf of the Homelessness Advisory Group. Mr. Steve Bernie, Homelessness Advisory Group, stated that there is an identified need to have 24 I 7 access to public washrooms. He advised that this access is necessitated based on both public health issues and the need for people to maintain personal hygiene and dignity. He added that most businesses restrict access to their washroom facilities to patrons, which forces non-patrons to go outside; thus posing a health risk to the community. He stated that when City Hall first opened, it had 24 I 7 access to its washroom facilities and he appreciates the City examining this issue to hopefully reinstate that practice. Mr. Joe Marcini, The Working Centre, advised that for the past 20 years, The Working Centre on Queen Street has been providing public washroom services during regular business hours and noted the lack of other downtown facilities that people can use. He stated that the new Centre at 90 Victoria Street is being developed with large washrooms, showers and laundry services. He noted that 24 I 7 access to public washrooms used to be available in the downtown but over the last 25 years this service was slowly taken away. In response to questions, Mr. J. Marcini advised that his facility's hours of operation are only until the early evening and that they are not designed to operate on a 24 I 7 basis. He noted that to COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 13, 2005 3. CSD-05-079 - COMMUNITY ACCESS (24 1 7) TO PUBLIC WASHROOM FACILITIES (CONT'Dl - 55 - CITY OF KITCHENER transition the facility to accommodate 24/7 access would require a significant increase in staffing and resources. Ms. C. Sadeler advised that staff anticipate updating the Committee as to the progress of their investigation in the fall of this year. Mayor C. Zehr requested that when staff is investigating other municipalities that they include a review of their operations regarding this matter. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the absence of 24 1 7 access to public washroom facilities be investigated to determine the degree of public health and discomfort issues it has caused, and how this situation compares to those of other municipalities of a similar size, to determine how it might be addressed in the future from a community, operational, and security perspective. " 4. CSD-05-072 - IDENTIFICATION OF NEW THREATS TO KITCHENER'S URBAN FOREST - PROPOSED TREE PEST BY-LAW The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-072, dated June 1, 2005 regarding the adoption of a proposed Tree Pest By-law and an update of the threats to Kitchener's urban forests from injurious tree pests. Mr. D. Schmitt stated that authority to regulate tree pests comes from the Federal Plant Protection Act and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which has identified 16 types of tree pests. He added that tree pests are a significant threat to Kitchener's urban forests and the benefits it provides. Mr. Schmitt reviewed incidents and outcomes of tree pest infestation across Canada and the United States. He put forward that Kitchener needs a Tree Pest By-law because 75% of Kitchener's urban forest is on private lands. He noted that the most likely entry of tree pests into Kitchener at this time will occur through the movement of firewood, horticultural plants and imported industrial products, which are activities that largely occur on private lands. He added that similar by-laws already exist in other municipalities, such as Toronto and Mississauga, and that this by-law was based on those. Mr. Schmitt advised that the purpose of the proposed by-law is to be proactive and shorten the time between detection and notification of infestation to the federal investigators. He noted that this by-law would permit authorized City staff to enter private property to inspect for regulated tree pests, which would allow for earlier detection. He added that the by- law would require owners to keep their property free of regulated tree pests, but does not prescribe the authority to City staff to remove trees. Mr. J. Thompson, Thompson Environmental, expressed concerns with the wording of the proposed by-law, noting that the definition of 'pest' is very broad in scope. He stated that the by-law prescribes a fine of $5,000 to anyone who is found to be keeping tree pests. He stated that this would deter people from notifying the City. Further, the by-law states that City staff will be allowed to enter a person's property at any reasonable time without giving a public notice. Mr. Thompson stated that the City should engage the public and members of the tree professional community before it takes these regulatory measures. He added that this would encourage the public to notify the City because they would be educated about this potential problem. In response to questions, Mr. J. Thompson advised that these pests are not fully understood and once detected the best measure that can be taken is to cut down the infected trees. He added that to his knowledge there has not been a dialogue between City staff and industry officials regarding this by-law. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed concerns that there has not been public consultation regarding this issue, stating that increased public awareness for this topic would increase the chances that people would notify the City of a problem. He added that he does not believe that the intent of COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 13, 2005 4. CSD-05-072 - IDENTIFICATION OF NEW THREATS TO KITCHENER'S URBAN FOREST - PROPOSED TREE PEST BY-LAW (CONT'Dl - 56 - CITY OF KITCHENER this by-law is to arbitrarily fine people and it would appear that the City's role is to act as an early warning system for the federal investigators. Mayor C. Zehr agreed with Councillor Lorentz's statements and inquired as to what type of education the City will provide to the public regarding this issue. Ms. J. Sheryer advised that the fine aspect of the by-law is only a minor component that will be used in circumstances where there is a suspected infestation and an uncooperative property owner. Mr. S. Turner added that this will be a collaborative process, with staff consulting with the property owners first to make them aware of the possible problem. He noted that it is essential that staff has the authority to deal with uncooperative property owners to prevent the spread of an infestation. Mr. D. Schmitt advised that the by-law is only concerned with the 16 pests outlined in the Federal Act and that typically it would be the property owner that would make first contact with the City regarding a potential problem. Staff would then investigate to see if there is an infestation and would notify the federal investigators of the existence of a tree pest. He added that this is an extensive process that could take between 3 to 6 months to resolve. He noted that a fine would not be applied quickly or arbitrarily and there would be public notification of the infestation. Mayor C. Zehr reiterated his concerns over the need to educate the public about this by-law and suggested the development of a public information package. Councillor B. Vrbanovic put forward a motion that the Committee support the by-law in principle and that staff be directed to undertake public consultations and develop a communication package to present to City Council at its July 4, 2005 meeting. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the proposed Tree Pest By-law which will permit authorized City Staff to enter private property to inspect for injurious tree pests, be approved, in principle, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-072; and, That staff report back to the Corporate Management Team and Council on an annual basis regarding this issue, or sooner should a threat to Kitchener's urban forest from an injurious tree pest be identified; and further, That staff be directed to undertake a public consultation process and develop a communications package to be presented to City Council at its July 4,2005 meeting." 5. CSD-05-071 - AGREEMENT - REACHING OUR OUTDOOR FRIENDS (R.O.O.F.) - 'STRAIGHT UP' YOUTH ACTION PROJECT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-071, dated June 2, 2005 concerning an agreement between the City and the Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (RO.O.F.) to facilitate the 'Straight Up' Youth Action Project. In response to questions, Mr. R Thompson advised that the purpose of this project is to engage hard to reach youth. He stated that the requested funding will be used to pay staff salaries and provide services. On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (RO.O.F.) for the purposes of facilitating the "Straight Up" Youth Action project, as outlined in Community Service Department report CSD-05-071." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 13, 2005 6. CSD-05-077 - AGREEMENT - KITCHENER - WATERLOO YOUTH BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (KWYBA) - TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COMMUNITY BASKETBALL CAMP - 57 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-077, dated June 6, 2005 concerning an agreement to transfer responsibility for the Community Basketball Camp to the Kitchener-Waterloo Youth Basketball Association (KWYBA). On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Kitchener-Waterloo Youth Basketball Association (KWYBA) regarding the transfer of responsibility for the summer Community Basketball Camp." 7. CSD-05-074 - LETTER OF AGREEMENT - CANADIAN RED CROSS - AUTHORIZED PROVIDER OF RED CROSS FIRST AID AND WATER SAFETY SERVICES PROGRAMS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-074, dated June 1, 2005 regarding a letter of agreement with the Canadian Red Cross for the City to become an authorized provider of Red Cross First Aid and Water Safety Services Programs. On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Letter of Agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Canadian Red Cross, to permit the City to be an authorized provider of the Red Cross First Aid and Water Safety Services programs." 8. CSD-05-068 - DRAFT POLICY - ANIMALS IN CITY FACILITIES The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-068, dated May 10, 2005 concerning the adoption of the draft policy, 'Animals in City Facilities'. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a revised version of the draft policy, 'Animals in City Facilities'. Ms. C. Sadeler advised that she was notified by staff from the Fire Department that the draft policy would need to be revised from the version attached to the staff report because the original draft does not permit them to have their service dogs in the fire halls. In response to questions, Ms. C. Sadeler advised that the purpose of this policy is to codify an existing staff practice and ensure uniformity in how these issues are dealt with across the City. Ms. J. Sheryer advised that section 4 of the policy states that people will need to be in compliance with existing legislation, which provides for matters such as regulations regarding trained guide dogs. On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That the draft policy, "Animals in City Facilities", as circulated at the June 13, 2005 Community Services Committee meeting, be adopted, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-068." 9. CSD-05-073 - 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER ATHLETIC AWARDS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-073, dated May 30, 2005 regarding the 37th Annual Athletic Awards, which were handed out on March 8, 2005. 9. CSD-05-073 - 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER ATHLETIC AWARDS (CONT'Dl COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 13, 2005 - 58 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. R. Cyr presented the Committee members with honorary athletic awards in acknowledgement of their continuing support. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator