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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2005-08-22 COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 3:05 p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor G. Lorentz Councillors J. Smola, M. Galloway, J. Gazzola and C. Weylie. Staff: G. Sosnoski, Acting Chief Administrative Officer 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 R. Browning, Fire Chief K. Currier, Director of Operations R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development G. Hummel, Manager Park Planning, Development and Operations L. Palubeski, Supervisor of Program & Resource Services J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor B. Cheyne, Program Coordinator C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-05-097 - REQUEST FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD AFFILIATION - DOWNTOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD ALLIANCE (DNA) The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-097, dated July 7, 2005 regarding a request for Neighbourhood Affiliation from the Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance. Mr. K. Currier advised that all the Neighbourhood Associations within the Downtown Alliance will retain their independent status and the purpose of this proposal is to provide a co-operative approach towards the facilitation of the new Downtown Community Centre. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the request from the Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance to become an affiliated Neighbourhood Association with the City of Kitchener, be approved." 2. CSD-05-096 - EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) - KITCHENER YOUTH ACTION COUNCIL (KY AC) - 3RD ANNUAL UNITY JAM CONCERT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-096, dated August 9,2005 regarding an exemption request by the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the Municipal Code for their 3rd Annual Unity Jam. Ms. L. Palubeski advised that to the best of her knowledge no complaints have been received concerning this event in the past. She added that the skateboarding events outlined in the staff report will take place on King Street and not in the Civic Square. It was noted in the agenda that any recommendation from this Committee will be considered at the special Council meeting to be held later this date. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) be granted an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the Municipal Code on Friday, August 26, 2005 between the hours of 6 P.M. and 11 :30 P.M. for their 3rd Annual Unity Jam to be held in the Civic Square." 3. CSD-05-099 - SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE BRICK BREWERY The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-099, dated August 12, 2005 regarding a sponsorship agreement with the Brick Brewery to provide products COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 2005 - 67- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-05-099 - SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE BRICK BREWERY (CONT'D) to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium and golf courses. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a sponsorship agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Brick Brewery for $3,750., for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and golf courses, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-099." 4. CSD-05-101 - CONTRACT WITH AIRBOUNCE AMUSEMENTS - KIDSPARK FESTIY AL Councillor G. Lorentz advised that Community Services staff requested that this item be withdrawn and accordingly, this matter was not considered. 5. CSD-05-093 - OAKDALE COURT COMMUNITY GARDEN The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-093, dated August 8, 2005 regarding a one time contribution of $970. to cover the start-up costs of the Oakdale Court Community Garden. Mr. K. Currier advised that the future maintenance of these types of community gardens are the responsibility of the residents in those areas. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Council Policy 1-400 (Community Gardens), a one-time contribution of $970. be approved to the Oakdale Garden Group for the start-up of the Oakdale Court Community Garden, as follows: a) Services in kind: transport topsoil, woodchips & sod stripping $470. b) Cash grant: $500.; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any and all necessary agreements with the Oakdale Garden Group, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, to allow the Oakdale Court Community Garden to be located on the public lands known as the Oakdale Court Cul-de-sac bulb." 6. CSD-05-094 - TIMBER RIDGE COURT COMMUNITY GARDEN The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-094, dated August 9, 2005 regarding a one time contribution of $1,000. to cover the start-up costs for the Timber Ridge Court Community Garden. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Council Policy 1-400 (Community Gardens), a one-time contribution of $1000. be approved to the Timber Ridge Garden for the start-up of the Timber Ridge Court Community Garden, as follows: a) Services in kind: transport topsoil & sod stripping b) Cash grant: $500. $500.; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any and all necessary agreements with the Timber Ridge Garden Group, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, to allow the Timber Ridge Court Community Garden to be located on the public lands known as the Timber Ridge Court Cul-de-sac bulb." COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 2005 - 68- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-05-095 - EYERY KID COUNTS FUNDING REQUEST - NEED FOR 2 ADDITIONAL SEASONAL SUMMER STAFF FOR 2006 - 2005 UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-095, dated August 9, 2005 regarding a request to increase funding for the 2006 Every Kid Counts Program. Ms. L. Palubeski advised that the purpose of this report is to give Council notice of this future funding request. She explained that the same request is being asked of Waterloo City Council who will be making their budget determination today. Councillor J. Gazzola requested that the recommendation in the staff report be revised to clarify that this matter is being deferred to Council's 2006 budget deliberation process. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That consideration of an increase of $6,700. to the Every Kid Counts budget, be deferred and referred to Council's 2006 budget deliberation process, representing Kitchener's contribution towards the costs of hiring two additional seasonal summer staff for the Every Kid Counts 2006 program." 8. CSD-05-100 - SPECIAL OL YMPICS NATIONAL SUMMER GAMES - BID TO HOST 2010 GAMES The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-100, dated August 15, 2005 regarding a bid by the K-W Special Olympics to host the 2010 Special Olympics National Summer Games. Ms. Ann Bilodeau, K-W Special Olympics, requested the Committee's support of her group's bid to host the 2010 Special Olympics National Summer Games. She advised that the games were originally scheduled to be held in Atlantic Canada; however, due to an over concentration of major games in that region during this timeframe, Special Olympics Canada decided to relocate the 2010 National Summer Games. Ms. Bilodeau stated that hosting the games is estimated to cost $1.8 M. This figure is based on the City of Brandon's approximation; who are hosting the 2006 National Summer Games. In response to questions, Mr. B. Cheyne advised that the $200,000. local government contribution will be a combined contribution, noting that a similar funding request is being presented to the City of Waterloo's Council this date. Ms. A. Bilodeau added that in 1995 the Special Olympic Provincial Summer Games were hosted in this area and experienced no difficulty in raising $250,000. by their target dates. She noted that a majority of sponsors of the 1995 games are still present in the area and in the history of these games there has never been a deficit. Mr. John Fearnall, K-W Special Olympics, advised that last September his group approached the Canadian Special Olympics Governing Body to request the opportunity to host the games in light of the withdrawal from Atlantic Canada. The governing body did not respond until the end of June 2005 and has given them until August 31, 2005 to have their bids submitted. He noted that the City of London is also bidding to host the games. Ms. P. Houston advised that given the amount being requested she does not foresee a problem supporting this group's bid. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned if the bid could be supported given that the Municipal Act states that one Council shall not bind a future Council and requested that staff provide an interpretation of the Municipal Act regarding this matter at the August 29,2005 Council meeting. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway- it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 2005 - 69- CITY OF KITCHENER 8. CSD-05-100 - SPECIAL OL YMPICS NATIONAL SUMMER GAMES - BID TO HOST 2010 GAMES (CONT'Dl "That the City of Kitchener support the K-W Special Olympics' bid to host the 2010 Special Olympics National Summer Games; and, That $10,000. per year, over a four year period from 2006 to 2009, be allocated from the existing sport tourism account, to be used as a cash grant for the 2010 National Summer Games; and, That an in-kind grant of up to $30,000. be approved in 2010 for City services, to be funded from the general provision grant account; and further, That these grants only be allocated if K-W Special Olympics is awarded the 2010 Special Olympics National Summer Games." 9. CSD-05-092 - WALTER BEAN GRAND RIYER TRAIL - PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CROSSING OF THE GRAND RIYER The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-092, dated August 11, 2005 regarding a proposed Environmental Assessment to study the possibility of constructing a pedestrian bridge crossing of the Grand River at the old Huron Road ford site near the intersection of Huron Road and Mill Park Drive. Mr. G. Hummel advised that at the July 4, 2005 Council meeting, staff were directed to consult further with the neighbourhood residents of the Doon/Pioneer Park area. A public meeting was held on August 3, 2005 at the Doon Valley Golf Club, with 40 area residents in attendance. At the public meeting discussions were held around the terms "community connection" and "continuous link" in reference to the Walter Bean Grand River Trail. It was determined that it will not be possible to answer all of the questions that Council requested staff to address without undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA) of location #5 (Huron Road). Mr. K. Baulk noted that the staff recommendation should be amended to retract the Committee's previous recommendation contained in Community Services Department report CSD-05-070 (Walter Bean Grand River Trail Pedestrian Bridge Crossing of the Grand River), dated June 3, 2005, passed at the Committee's June 27, 2005 meeting. Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that the reasoning for this is that Council cannot consider two conflicting motions on the same topic. In response to questions, Mr. G. Hummel advised that the initial EA cost approximately $70,000. and took a year and a half to complete. He estimated that the proposed EA will take approximately one year to complete and cost approximately between $40,000. and $50,000. He displayed a map of the subject area and outlined for the Committee the location of the various trails and potential sites for the proposed pedestrian bridge over the Grand River. He advised that the initial study area solely examined a means of linking the trails at the Pioneer Tower to those leading to the pedestrian bridge crossing of Highway 401. Mr. Ken McLaughlin, Walter Bean Grand River Trail Foundation, advised that the proposed pedestrian bridge is an important link in the Walter Bean Grand River Trail. Planning for the trail identified the need for a crossing of the Grand River between Pioneer Tower and Highway 401 as part of the Trail Master Plan of 1999. The vision of a "continuous link", or a trail along the Grand River through the Region of Waterloo was the inspiration for endorsement by the Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge and the inspiration for the donation of over $5 M by citizens of this Region. He stated that the lack of trail building by the City since that time represents the potential for the Trail Foundation to be in non-compliance with various Acts that relate to charitable foundations. He noted that the Income Tax Act obligates a charitable foundation to spend a percentage of their donations annually and without the construction of trails it is possible they may be in contravention of that Act. Due to inaction some donors may request their money back, which could delay this project indefinitely. Mr. Doug Robertson, Walter Bean Grand River Trail Foundation, advised that in 2001 $1.2 M COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 2005 -70 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. CSD-05-092 - WALTER BEAN GRAND RIYER TRAIL - PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CROSSING OF THE GRAND RIYER - lCONT'Dl was donated to the Trail Foundation for the construction of the proposed pedestrian bridge. He expressed concern that monies donated will be lost due to the continual delays surrounding this project. He stated that in accordance with the requirements of an EA and City procedures, a review of the subject area was undertaken and it was determined that location #2 is the preferred site meeting the needs and requirements of the City, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Walter Bean Grand River Trail Foundation. At the request of the public, the EA report was re-opened and reviewed with additional information and public input, leading to the addendum report. He stated on May 12, 2005 the Minister of the Environment endorsed the findings and the content of the EA and described it as meeting the needs of the City and the Ministry in both process and substance. Mr. Robertson commented that the Walter Bean Grand River Trail Foundation sees no benefit in undertaking an additional review given that a suitable location has been selected and the possible financial loss that the Foundation may incur. He requested that the Committee reject the recommendation contained in the staff report and instead direct staff to immediately begin the detailed design of the proposed pedestrian bridge at location #2 and its subsequent trail connections. In response to questions, Mr. D. Robertson advised that the trail from Pioneer Tower to location #2 has yet to be constructed, adding that he is not aware of the specific route the trail will take. Mr. Jim Law, Vice President, Lower Doon Neighbourhood Association, advised that the Association feels it is important to be able to contribute input into projects like these, adding that their role has been more reactive than participant. He commented that his group is supportive of having this proposed trail and pedestrian bridge, and that their issue is with the proposed location. He advised that location #5 would be an excellent alternative for the "community connection" and is recommended in the Kitchener Bikeway Study, 1998. He added that use of the 1998 Bikeway Study should shorten the amount of time needed to complete the requested EA. Further, this location also has the potential benefit of being used 12 months per year; where as location #2 would only be able to be open for 7 112 months per year (April 1 to November 15) as a result of the winter closure requirements due to the wintering Bald Eagle habitat. He added that location #2 is located on a floodplain, which has the potential to increase maintenance costs for the City. In addition, location #2 would place the bridge in the sight line of the historic vista of Pioneer Tower, adding that the original settlers had a bridge crossing at location #5. Mr. Law expressed concerns that a company is proposing to use golf carts to lead tours along the trails and bridge crossing at location #2 and the potential for additional motorized vehicles use in this area. Mr. Law requested that the Committee approve the recommendation in the staff report, advising that taking another year to ensure that the most appropriate site is selected is not a great delay given the potential life span of the bridge. Mr. Bob Cole, area resident, stated that at the August 3, 2005 public meeting City staff acknowledged that the river is wider and steeper at location #2 than at location #5; contravening information presented in the original EA. At the same meeting City staff acknowledged that the consultants were mistaken when they stated that no large trees will be cut down. He added that location #5 would provide for a greater linking of neighbourhoods and would serve as a "community link". In response to questions, Mr. B. Cole advised that the original study area was the area of Pioneer Tower to Highway 401, which does not include location #5. Mr. G. Hummel advised that the Steering Committee members for this project were comprised of City staff, the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Walter Bean Grand River Trail Foundation, noting that there were no members from the community at large. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed concern that the Ward Councillor was not involved in this planning process. Mr. K. Baulk advised that staff currently working on this project are different from those who originated it 2 years ago. Accordingly, he agreed to investigate and report back to the Committee regarding the involvement of the Ward Councillor. COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 2005 - 71 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. CSD-05-092 - WALTER BEAN GRAND RIYER TRAIL - PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CROSSING OF THE GRAND RIYER - lCONT'D) Councillor G. Lorentz commented that a trail linking the Trans Canada Trail and Pioneer Tower is important and building the bridge at location #5 would mean that people would have to back track to get to Pioneer Tower. Mr. B. Cole stated that the crossing at location #5 would only be approximately 1 km from the Pioneer Tower and from that southern elevation people would be able to view the historic area at that crossing and it might peak their interest to back track. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola, the staff recommendation contained in Community Services Department report CSD-050-092 was brought forward for consideration, dealing with a proposal to proceed with an Environmental Assessment for a possible pedestrian bridge crossing of the Grand River at the old Huron Road site as requested by residents of the Doon/Pioneer Park neighbourhood. Councillor Gazzola advised that this bridge will be in existence for a considerable amount of time and that it is important that all potential locations are thoroughly examined. He noted that when the proposed EA is completed it might be determined that location #2 is the preferable location; however, it is important that the requests of the area residents are met and that location #5 is at least considered. He expressed concerns that the City may not possess all of the land needed to pursue location #2 and potential income tax implications exist that may be suffered by the donors to this project. Councillor C. Wylie advised that initially she was not in favour of the staff recommendation; however, given the problems presented with location #2 she was prepared to support further study of the proposed alternative location for the pedestrian bridge. Councillor J. Smola expressed concern with rehiring the consulting firm of Totten Simms Hubicki to do the EA for location #5 if flaws were found in the EA they did for location #2. Councillor Lorentz requested that when this matter is brought back before Council staff provide a written report addressing the following concerns: rationale for hiring the same consultants to author an additional EA if the original EA contains flaws; the possible financial implications that may be faced by the Walter Bean Grand River Trail Foundation if their donations are not spent within a specified timeframe; the proposed use of motorized vehicles and their impact on the trails; if the City has all the land required to move forward with location #2; the maintenance cost of the trail and the impact of seasonal washouts; the reasons behind only having the trail open for 71/2 months a year and its impact on location #2 as a viable option; a detailed trail map of the subject area; and, the implications from the Ministry of the Environment if a new location is put forward by the City considering they have already given their support to location #2. Councillor M. Galloway advised that he has had experience dealing with the various charitable acts mentioned and supported the delegations position that there may be possible repercussions faced by a Foundation if donations are not spent within a certain timeframe. He suggested that given the need for additional information, Councillor Gazzola's motion be deferred and referred to the August 29,2005 Council meeting. Mr. K. Currier advised that staff may not be able to assemble all of the requested information by August 29 and suggested that additional time be provided. It was agreed that the matter would be deferred to the September 19, 2005 Council meeting. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That consideration of the following recommendation be deferred and referred to the September 19, 2005 Council meeting to allow staff to provide a written report to address concerns raised by the Community Services Committee: COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 2005 -72 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. CSD-05-092 - WALTER BEAN GRAND RIYER TRAIL - PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CROSSING OF THE GRAND RIYER - (CONT'D) That no action be taken at this time on the staff recommendation contained in Community Services Department report CSD-05-070 (Walter Bean Grand River Trail Pedestrian Bridge Crossing of the Grand River), dated June 3, 2005, pending completion of an Environmental Assessment for a possible alternate pedestrian bridge crossing of the Grand River at the old Huron Road site as requested by residents of the Doon/Pioneer Park neighbourhood; and, That $50,000. be allocated from Capital Contingency to fund the Environmental Assessment; and further, That the Purchasing By-law for consulting projects be waived to allow the Community Services Department to award this project to the consulting firm of Totten Simms Hubicki at a maximum upset limit for consulting fees of $50,000." 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator