HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 2001-06-25FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER
The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Ziegler, commencing
at 10:18 a.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, and Councillors M. Galloway, G.
Lorentz, J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic and C. Weylie.
Others Present:Ms. J. Koppeser, Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. G. Luciantonio, Ms. L.
Marshall, Ms. C. Heal, Ms. A. Menon and Ms D. Gilchrist and Messrs. G. Sosnoski, G.
Melanson, D. Paterson, D. Corks, D. MacDonald and M. Hausser.
1.
LEG-01-061 – NEW SIDEWALK PATIO – ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT – MOSTLY
ORGANIC JUICE BAR CAFÉ, 119 KING STREET WEST
The Committee was in receipt of Legal Services report LEG-01-061, dated June 20, 2001,
recommending that, subject to certain conditions, the City enter into an Encroachment Agreement
with Mostly Organic Juice Bar Café, located at 119 King Street West, for the operation of a
sidewalk patio. Ms. Cathy Frey appeared to represent the request and in support of the staff
recommendation.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic –
it was resolved:
“That subject to obtaining all necessary approvals and the payment of all required
licence fees, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Encroachment
Agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the owners of Mostly Organic Juice
Bar Café located at 119 King Street West, for the operation of a sidewalk patio for the
period commencing the date the Agreement is signed by all parties to October 31,
2001.”
2.
CRPS-01-098 – REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION – MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) –
CENTRECORP, 1005,1020, 1405 OTTAWA STREET NORTH
The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-01-098, dated June
20, 2001, advising of the request received from CentreCorp for an exemption to Municipal Code
Chapter 450 (Noise) with respect to the properties municipally known as 1005, 1020 and 1405
Ottawa Street North. Attached to the report was correspondence from Mr. John Tellian, Property
Manager, CentreCorp, and Mr. Eric Keller, Green Edge. Also attached was comment from Mr. J.
McBride indicating staff’s opposition to the exemption and referencing a number of complaints
received in the past regarding this maintenance operation.
Mr. Eric Keller appeared to represent the request of CentreCorp, noting that his company will
undertake the maintenance work. He advised that the work will be conducted on days when the
malls are least busy; however, they do need an extension to the permitted times in order that the
work be done safely. They will attempt to disrupt the surrounding residences as little as possible.
Upon questioning, Mr. Keller advised that the work will be undertaken between the hours of 6:00
a.m. and midnight.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic spoke against the requested exemption, noting that there have been
several complaints from the neighbours with respect to this cleaning operation, as well as some of
the retail operations. He questioned why the cleaning operation could not be done during the
permitted hours by sectioning portions of the parking lot. Mr. Keller advised of safety concerns for
the workers as mall patrons do not always comply with the parking restrictions.
Mayor Zehr questioned whether Mr. Keller’s company does this same type of work for other plazas
in the City and was advised that they do. Mr. Keller also advised that the noise created by this
work is a typical diesel truck noise, and most of the noise is created when power sweeping the
parking lot, which can be completed in approximately two hours.
When questioned by the Committee as to by-law restrictions on this type of noise, Ms. L. Marshall
advised that the by-law prohibits construction noise between the hours of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Councillor Vrbanovic stated that he is not prepared to support this request, noting that there is a
long history of complaints with respect to night cleaning at these properties, along with complaints
regarding 1020 Ottawa Street North concerning some of the vendors and complaints
2.
CRPS-01-098 – REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION – MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) –
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2001- 77-CITY OF KITCHENER
CENTRECORP, 1005,1020, 1405 OTTAWA STREET NORTH (CONT’D)
with respect to the MTO Operations at 1405 Ottawa Street North. Councillor Vrbanovic put forward
a motion to deny this request and to caution CentreCorp that all power washing must
take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic –
it was resolved:
“That the request of CentreCorp for an exemption from Municipal Code Chapter 450
(Noise) to allow pressure washing of sidewalks, cleaning and line-striping of parking
lots at 1005, 1020 and 1405 Ottawa Street North be denied; and further,
That CentreCorp be notified that all power washing must take place between the hours
of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., in compliance with Municipal Code Chapter 450 (Noise).”
3.
BPS-01-082 – APPLICATION FOR LIQUOR LICENCE – THE SALOON, 323 KING STREET
EAST – OUTDOOR PATIO
The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services report BPS-01-082, dated June
19, 2001, recommending that Council oppose the application for a liquor licence submitted by The
Saloon, 323 King Street East, for an outdoor patio area.
Councillor C. Weylie introduced this matter by providing the members of the Committee with
copies of a plan showing the location of The Saloon, 323 King Street West, along with the patio
location and the location of the abutting residential properties on Cedar Street. She noted that due
to the protected area of the patio, it would be impossible to monitor activity there. She also advised
that a sub-committee of the Downtown Advisory Committee met the previous Friday and endorsed
the staff recommendation that Council oppose the liquor licence application.
Ms. Marina Bickford was in attendance to support her application for a liquor licence for the patio
at The Saloon. She advised that the purpose of the patio is to provide her patrons with a
comfortable area to smoke. She advised of her concerns relative to the patio should a liquor
licence not be approved, as patrons may take drinks out onto the patio. Ms. Bickford advised that
currently her establishment is licensed for 126 people and if able to obtain a licence for the patio,
the licence would reduce the number of inside patrons to 90 and the patio would be licensed for 36
people; the overall number of patrons would not change. She stated that if there is a safety
concern she would install a video camera to view the patio and will have more staff. With respect
to the residents, Ms. Bickford advised that she has spoken with Mayor Zehr about erecting a 6 foot
high privacy fence adjacent to the rear lot lines of the Cedar Street residential properties. She
noted that the purpose of the patio is to comply with the Smoking By-law, at the same time meeting
the needs of her customers. Ms. Bickford noted that the problems with prostitutes and drugs in this
area of the City, advising that when her female patrons smoke out on the King Street sidewalk they
are harassed and solicited.
Mr. Gord Bickford then addressed the Committee advising that 75% of their business takes place
between 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. with the bar being substantially empty by 9:00 p.m. The only
days the bar is open after 1:00 a.m. are Fridays and Saturdays. He advised that they want to be
part of the new downtown and will do whatever they can to work with the City, the KDBA and the
neighbours. He noted that as long as there are people on the streets, it is a problem for them as
bar owners, as much as it is the City’s problem. He advised that they have not had a problem with
patron behaviour, as they are strict about behaviour and drugs. He concluded by stating that they
have turned this bar into a viable business and are prepared to do whatever they can to work with
the neighbours.
Councillor C. Weylie questioned whether The Saloon could retain its capacity of 126 patrons
inside the bar if they are not able to obtain a liquor licence for the patio. Mr. G. Melanson advised
that as long as the patio exists, whether licensed or not, the Building Code requirements would
limit their inside capacity to 90 patrons. The capacity of the patio is 36 patrons and whether they
drink alcoholic beverages or not is irrelevant to the Building Code requirements for such things as
the provision of washrooms.
3.
BPS-01-082 – APPLICATION FOR LIQUOR LICENCE – THE SALOON, 323 KING STREET
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2001- 78-CITY OF KITCHENER
EAST – OUTDOOR PATIO (CONT’D)
Mayor Zehr then commented on Mr. Bickford’s statement that they had had no problems/violations
and pointed out that this business has had a 10 day and a 3 day liquor suspension. Mr. Bickford
explained this situation and stated that considering the area they are located in and the people in
the area, they are doing the best job they can. He noted the problems they have encountered over
the last year as the result of the closure of other bars in the area, and the problems encountered in
dealing with their patrons.
Councillor Weylie questioned why the patio could not be located at the front of the business, on
King Street. Mr. Bickford advised that female patrons are abused by people driving by, due to the
location of prostitutes in this area. Councillor Weylie questioned who the owner of this property is
and was advised that the property is owned by Mr. DiBatista.
Mr. Alan Rudow was in attendance to represent the residents of the Cedar Hills Neighbourhood.
He spoke of the history of problems and difficulties for the Cedar Hills Neighbourhood, including
prostitutes and the sale of drugs, and their fight to regain control of their community has had a
substantial cost. He noted specific members of the community who have or are moving out of the
neighbourhood.
He advised that the worst relationship that the neighbourhood has ever had with a business has
been with the owners of the sports bar at 323 King Street West. He noted that they received
approval from the City for the development of the sports bar and six months later they are still
waiting for the required site plan work to be completed. Noise from The Saloon travels as far as
Church Street at times. There are problems with customers’ behaviour including drug deals
outside the back door, and the neighbours have had to call the police on many occasions. He
noted that the owners have stated they wish to provide a convenient place for their patrons to
smoke; however, this will create an ongoing problem for the neighbours.
Mr. Rudow advised that the neighbourhood has made statements to staff and to the police as to
how difficult it is to live in this neighbourhood. He noted that the neighbours presented possible
solutions to these problems to the City, and they had some hope for long-term solutions until
Council voted against them. He stated that the City of Kitchener must be much more supportive of
this neighbourhood and asked that Council support the staff recommendation.
Mayor Zehr advised that he will again review the solutions proposed in the neighbours’ impact
statement. He then advised that the City does not have control over the approval of this liquor
licence application. The City can oppose the application but there is no knowing how the Alcohol
and Gaming Commission will deal with it. Even if the City formally opposes the application, it may
be approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. He suggested that the City have a list of
conditions which they request be imposed should the application be approved. In this regard,
Mayor Zehr referred to page 5 of the staff report, where a number of proposed conditions have
been listed. Following discussion, it was generally agreed that by separate resolution it be
recommended to Council that staff be directed to prepare a list of conditions following consultation
with the surrounding neighbours, to submit to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission and request
they be imposed should the Commission decide to approve this application. Further, it was agreed
to amend the staff recommendation to request that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission hold their
hearing on this application in the City of Kitchener, so that as many people as want, may attend.
Mr. G. Melanson was then directed to report to the Finance and Administration Committee prior to
attending the Alcohol and Gaming Commission Hearing in this regard, for instructions.
On motion by Councillor C. Weylie –
it was resolved:
“That the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener opposes the application for
a liquor licence by The Saloon, 323 King Street East, Kitchener, for an outdoor patio
area; and further,
3.
BPS-01-082 – APPLICATION FOR LIQUOR LICENCE – THE SALOON, 323 KING STREET
EAST – OUTDOOR PATIO (CONT’D)
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2001- 79-CITY OF KITCHENER
That the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario be requested to hold their
Hearing on this application in the City of Kitchener.”
On motion by Councillor C. Weylie –
it was resolved:
“That prior to the Hearing of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission and following
consultation with the neighbourhood surrounding The Saloon, 323 King Street East,
Kitchener, staff present a report to the Finance and Administration Committee outlining
those conditions which the City would request be imposed should the Alcohol and
Gaming Commission approve the application of The Saloon for a liquor licence for an
outdoor patio; such conditions to include any outstanding matters relative to completion
of site development as required through the approved site plan.”
4.
CRPS-01-092 – REFRESHMENT STAND LICENCE – KITCHENER MINOR BOYS SOFTBALL –
WILSON PARK
The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-01-092, dated
June 19, 2001, recommending that the request of Kitchener Minor Boys Softball to operate a
refreshment stand at Wilson Park be approved provided the necessary licence is obtained.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic –
it was resolved:
“That subject to obtaining the necessary licence, including Fire and Health approvals,
the request of Kitchener Minor Boys Softball to operate a refreshment stand at Wilson
Park on June 15, 16 & 17, 2001, be approved.”
5.
CRPS-01-093 – REFRESHMENT STAND LICENCE – OPTIMIST CLUB OF SOUTHWEST
KITCHENER – SOUTHWEST OPTIMIST SPORTSFIELD
The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-01-093, dated
June 19, 2001, recommending approval of the request of the Optimist Club of Southwest
Kitchener, to operate a refreshment stand at their events at Southwest Optimist Sportsfield
during 2001.
On motion by Councillor M. Galloway –
it was resolved:
“That subject to obtaining the necessary licence, including Fire and Health approvals,
the request of the Optimist Club of Southwest Kitchener to operate a refreshment stand
at their events at Southwest Optimist Sportsfield during 2001, be approved.”
6.
CRPS-01-094 – PROPOSED BY-LAW TO LICENCE BUSKERS IN DOWNTOWN
KITCHENER
The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-01-094, dated
June 19, 2001, recommending approval of a by-law to licence Buskers in the City of Kitchener
along with a by-law to amend Municipal Code Chapter 549 (Itinerant Vendors). The
recommendation in the report also suggests a review of both by-laws one year from the date
of their enactment. It was noted that this is a pilot project, for a one year period and Ms.
Koppeser advised that the by-law is being presented at the request of the Kitchener
Downtown Business Association and the Downtown Advisory Committee.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic –
it was resolved:
6.
CRPS-01-094 – PROPOSED BY-LAW TO LICENCE BUSKERS IN DOWNTOWN
KITCHENER (CONT’D)
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2001- 80-CITY OF KITCHENER
“That a by-law to licence Buskers and a by-law to amend Municipal Code Chapter 549
(Itinerant Vendors) in the form as attached to Corporate Services Department report
CRPS-01-094, be approved; and further,
That both by-laws be reviewed by staff one year from the date of enactment, with a
subsequent report being presented to the Finance and Administration Committee.”
7.
CRPS-01-095 – PROPOSED BY-LAW TO LICENSE COMPLIMENTARY HEALTH
MODALITY CENTRES
The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services report CRPS-01-095, dated June 19,
2001, with respect to a proposed by-law to licence Complimentary Health Modalities Centres
in the City of Kitchener, and receipt and consideration of public comment in this regard at the
August 13, 2001 Finance and Administration Committee meeting. The report notes that in
1997, the Council of the day deferred discussion about licensing of non-erotic massage
parlours until such time as the City of Toronto had dealt with this issue. In 1999, staff were
advised that the City of Toronto had decided to license all types of alternative health
providers.
Mayor Zehr commented on wording in the staff recommendation which states “Council’s
intention to enact” and requested a change in wording, as Council has not indicated it intends
to enact the by-law but will consider enacting the by-law.
Councillor Ziegler questioned whether staff have a list of people concerned with the possibility
of licensing alternative health providers and Ms. Koppeser advised that those of whom staff
are aware will be invited to participate in discussions with staff on the proposed by-law and on
the name “Complimentary Health Modalities Centres”.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic –
it was resolved:
“That staff publish a notice in The Record advising that Council will consider enacting a
by-law to licence Complimentary Health Modalities Centres in the City of Kitchener, in
the form as attached to Corporate Services Department report CRPS-01-095; and
further,
That any public comment in this regard be considered at the August 13, 2001 Finance
and Administration Committee meeting.”
8.
BPS-01-086 – PROPOSED CHANGES TO LIQUOR LICENCE ACT – DISCUSSION PAPER
OF MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONS “BUILDING SAFER
COMMUNITIES – SAFER COMMUNITIES THROUGH CO-OPERATIVE ENFORCEMENT”
The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services report BPS-01-086, dated
June 15, 2001, with respect to the discussion paper titled “Building Safer Communities – Safer
Communities Through Co-operative Enforcement” produced by the Ministry of Consumer and
Commercial Relations released on October 28, 2000. The staff recommendation suggests that
Council endorse the recommendations in the discussion paper and express its interest to the
Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations to participate in future discussions on the
recommendations.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr –
it was resolved:
“That the recommendations in the discussion paper ‘Building Safer Communities –
Safer Communities Through Co-operative Enforcement’ dated October 19, 2000 of the
Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, be endorsed; and,
8.
BPS-01-086 – PROPOSED CHANGES TO LIQUOR LICENCE ACT – DISCUSSION PAPER
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2001- 81-CITY OF KITCHENER
OF MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONS “BUILDING SAFER
COMMUNITIES – SAFER COMMUNITIES THROUGH CO-OPERATIVE
ENFORCEMENT”(CONT’D)
That the Ministry be advised of the City of Kitchener’s interest in participating in future
discussions of the recommendations in the discussion paper; and further,
That a copy of this resolution be sent to local area MPPs, the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario, the City of Windsor and the Association of Municipal
Managers, Clerks & Treasurers of Ontario.”
9.
LEG-01-062 – SIDEWALK PATIOS – ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT – REGGIES AND
THE PUB, 1 KING STREET WEST
The Committee was in receipt of Legal Services report LEG-01-062, dated June 20, 2001,
recommending that subject to certain conditions, the City enter into an Encroachment
Agreement with Reggies and The Pub, located at 1 King Street West for the operation of
sidewalk patios. Ms. L. MacDonald was in attendance to represent the report advising that the
request has now changed to a sidewalk patio for Reggies only and not to include a sidewalk
patio for The Pub. Ms. MacDonald distributed copies of a plan showing the layout for the
proposed patio. She noted that staff can support the request as long as the patio is 8 feet
away from the intersection and 6 feet wide only. Ms. MacDonald also advised that she had
spoken, this morning, with Ms. Denise Strong, Manager of the Walper Terrace Hotel, and
advised that Ms. Strong is not in support of the requested sidewalk patio for Reggies. When
questioned by the Committee, Ms. MacDonald advised that Council has never instructed staff
to solicit comments from the property owners, when businesses request encroachments for
sidewalk patios.
Following a presentation by Don and Sabrina Teriault, owners of Reggies, the Committee
generally agreed that consideration of the request be deferred to next week’s Council meeting
in order to allow the business owners and manager of the Walper Terrace Hotel to discuss the
sidewalk patio and to receive comment from Ms. Strong in this regard, either in writing or by
attending the Council meeting on July 3, 2001.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr –
it was resolved:
“That consideration of the request of Reggies, 1 King Street West, Kitchener, for an
Encroachment Agreement to allow them to operate a sidewalk patio in front of their
premises , pending
be deferred and referred to the Council meeting of July 3, 2001
receipt of comment from Ms. Denise Strong, Manager of the Walper Terrace Hotel.”
10.
LETTER – REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION – MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 530 (DOGS) – PIT
BULL PROVISIONS – INSTANT REPLAY FLYBALL
The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. John Cocking, on behalf of the
Instant Replay Flyball teams requesting an exemption from the Pit Bull provisions of Municipal
Code Chapter 530 (Dogs) with respect to the Instant Replay Flyball Tournament to take place
at the Berkley Ballroom in Bingeman Park on July 21 & 22, 2001. Attached to the
correspondence was a copy of Council’s Resolution of July 4, 2000 relative to the same
request received in 2000.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz –
it was resolved:
“That the request of John Cocking, Instant Replay Flyball Team, for an exemption from
the Pit Bull provisions of Municipal Code Chapter 530 (Dogs) to allow Pit Bulls to
compete in the Flyball Tournament at the Berkley Ballroom, Bingeman Park, on July 21
& 22, 2001, be approved, subject to the following conditions:
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2001- 82-CITY OF KITCHENER
10.
LETTER – REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION – MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 530 (DOGS) – PIT
BULL PROVISIONS – INSTANT REPLAY FLYBALL(CONT’D)
a) the operators of the tournament shall provide the Kitchener-Waterloo and North
Waterloo Humane Society, in advance, with a list of those individuals bringing
and handling Pit Bulls; and,
b) all Pit Bulls shall be muzzled and kept on a short leash while outside the Berkley
Ballroom premises at Bingeman Park.”
11.
2002 PROFORMA BUDGET
With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation Ms. P. Houston and Ms. G. Luciantonio presented
the 2002 Proforma Budget. Noting that 2001 is not an election year, Ms. Houston advised of
the schedules for consideration of the Capital and Operating Budgets resulting in final
consideration of the 2002 Budget by Council on January 18, 2002. Ms. Houston also advised
that there will be a meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee on November 19,
2001 to consider fees and changes for 2002.
Ms. Houston then reviewed the factors affecting the 2002 Tax Rates, noting the value of 1% is
$581,000. which will have an impact of $7.14 on a typical household with a market value of
$148,000. She stated that the increase in the C.P.I. is projected at 2.1%, and assessment
growth is projected to be 1%.
Ms. Houston then reviewed new /other factors: insurance savings of $35,000.; the inclusion of
Fire vehicle maintenance, advising that the budget has failed to keep pace with these costs;
increased costs due to new regulations by the Province with respect to traffic control, and the
inclusion of funding for specific events, which until now has been funded through the General
Provision Grant Account, but have become ongoing City expenditures, for example the
Christkindl Market.
With respect to expenditure changes, Ms. Houston advised that an estimate of 4.43% has
been included in the budget for salary increases, based on some settlements which have
taken place and negotiations currently taking place. Capital expenditures have been changed
by a 2% inflation increase and a 1% assessment increase. An assumption has been made
that inflation will be 3% in 2002; consequently, all other expenditures have been increased by
that figure.
In reviewing revenues Ms. Houston advised that revenues will be increased by 3% including
transfers from enterprises; however, sundry income has been reduced by 4.78% due to
reduced interest rates.
In presenting potential impacts, Ms. Houston advised that there are many unknown quantities
at this time, related to maintenance of City facilities, the Fire Department study and the
proposed Community Services Department Call Centre. Gapping is anticipated to be
$200,000. This budget assumes savings due to efficiencies of 0.5% resulting in a savings of
$291,000., and an on-going efficiency of 0.5% per year is assumed. The overall result of what
is proposed will mean a net levy increase of 5.97%.
Councillor Ziegler suggested a chart showing tax ratio shifts advising that he wishes to have
tax ratio shifts discussed during budget deliberations. Ms. Houston agreed to produce charts
showing tax ratio shifts starting with 2001.
12.
FIN-01-009 – PROPOSAL FOR PERMANENT GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
(GIS) SECTION
The Committee was in receipt of staff report FIN-01-009, dated June 20, 2001, recommending
that a permanent Geographic Information System (GIS) Section be created within the
Information Services Division. The report also recommends that the existing contract positions
be made permanent full-time positions effective August 1, 2001, and addresses future staffing
requirements.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2001- 83-CITY OF KITCHENER
12.
FIN-01-009 – PROPOSAL FOR PERMANENT GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
(GIS) SECTION (CONT’D)
Mr. Brock Stanley, Chair of the GIS Steering Committee was in attendance to present the
report, noting that the recommendations presented have the full support of Management
Committee. Three needs have been identified: the first is to create a permanent GIS Section
in the Information Services Division. He noted that this project is currently funded through the
Capital Budget and the current funding ends in 2003. Mr. Stanley suggested that this
recommendation is appropriate given the newly approved organizational structure. Once a
permanent GIS Section is approved, the next step would be to turn the current contract
positions into permanent full-time positions, effective August 1, 2001. This is an important step
for the City, recognizing that more Municipalities are developing GIS and the City may lose its
contract employees to the other Municipalities. The third step would be to increase staffing
levels for GIS. Mr. Stanley advised that with current staffing levels, the status quo can be
maintained; however, a higher staffing level is required to move forward with this system. If it
is the City’s intention to move into new areas with respect to Corporate Data, additional staff
will be required. It is proposed the staffing increase be phased in over a 3-4 year period,
resulting in staffing levels of 10.5 full-time employees.
Mr. Stanley then distributed copies of a report titled “GIS Information Resource Summary”,
dated Friday, June 22, 2001, providing statistics with respect to the number of full-time
equivalents to collect and input various types of Corporate Data, to provide for a more
advanced system. He advised that there will be no budget impact with respect to this proposal
until 2003. He also advised that, at this time, it is impractical to move other staff into these
positions, although it may be practical in the future. Mr. Stanley concluded by stating the City
of Kitchener continues to be one of the leading edge municipalities in GIS. On behalf of the
GIS Steering Committee, Mr. Stanley thanked Ms. Dianne Adams and Mr. Mike Hausser for
their extensive work and dedication to the GIS Project.
Mr. Stanley then spoke to the Corporation’s recent reorganization which has been based on
the philosophy of enhancing Customer Service. He stated that in order for the new
organizational structure to be successful, staff will be heavily reliant on cross-departmental
communications, and this is possible because of the GIS and AMANDA systems, which
guarantee consistent information because all the information contained in these systems has
been developed on the same map base. He pointed out that GIS is a successful
communications tool that goes across the organization.
Mayor Zehr questioned the extent of integration with other GIS partners across the Region,
specifically the Region of Waterloo and Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro. Mr. Hausser advised that the
Region and the City of Waterloo are on the same platform as the City of Kitchener. With
respect to the Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro, Mr. Hausser advised that the City of Kitchener has
provided them with Ortho Imagery, and although they have a different platform, the
information is compatible.
Councillor Vrbanovic stated that the intention of developing a GIS was to locate information in
one place. He stated that the existence of a GIS should have resulted in staff savings and
savings in other areas. Mr. Stanley noted, for example, that in 1996, there were six full-time
mapping technicians in the Planning Department and currently there are two. Of the four
positions, one is vacant, while the other three positions have been taken up in other areas.
Benchmarking was questioned and Mr. Hausser advised that the City is ahead in the area of
information delivery to the desktop but is behind in data collection.
Councillor Vrbanovic raised a concern with respect to duplication of services between the City
and Region, and concerns with respect to the Region providing other municipalities with
information obtained free of charge from the City of Kitchener. Mr. Hausser responded that
information is shared freely between the Region and the City of Kitchener, and there is no
duplication of services.
The Committee generally agreed that it was not prepared to consider the recommendations in
the staff report at this time, and directed staff to provide the following additional information:
identification of savings achieved and potential future savings; duplication of services
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2001- 84-CITY OF KITCHENER
between
12.
FIN-01-009 – PROPOSAL FOR PERMANENT GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
(GIS) SECTION (CONT’D)
the City and the Region; whether other municipalities are paying the Region for information
which is being provided to the Region by the City free of charge; the benefits of GIS in relation
to the Capital Budget and Capital Forecast.
It was generally agreed that this matter come before the Finance and Administration
Committee at its August meeting. Mr. Stanley was questioned as to whether there are any
particular staffing concerns relative to contract employees and Mr. Stanley advised that
staffing is an issue; however, he thought that a deferral to the August meeting would not
detrimentally affect the staffing situation.
On motion by Councillor C. Weylie–
it was resolved:
“That consideration of Finance Department report FIN-01-009 [Proposal – Permanent
Geographic Information System (GIS) Section]
be deferred and referred to the
pending
Finance and Administration Committee meeting of August 13, 2001,
further information from staff, as follows:
a) identification of any duplication of services between the City and the Region of
Waterloo;
b) benefits of the Geographic Information System relative to Capital forecasting;
c) all savings to date, and anticipated, including reductions in full-time equivalents,
resulting from the implementation of the Geographic Information System; and,
d) a determination as to whether other municipalities in the area are obtaining, free
of charge from the Region of Waterloo, geographic information which has been
produced, at a cost, by the City of Kitchener.”
13.
PROBLEMS WITH SKUNKS
Councillor C. Weylie raised the issue of problems with skunks in the City, noting she has had
calls from several people about this problem. Councillor Ziegler noted that traps can be
obtained from the Humane Society and they can provide a list of companies who will remove
the trapped skunks from the City.
14.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 12:42 p. m.
Dianne H. Gilchrist
Committee Administrator