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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2005-09-26 COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 4:02 p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor G. Lorentz Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic, J. Gazzola, M. Galloway and C. Weylie. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services A. Pappert, General Manager of Community Services L. MacDonald, Director of Legal Services & City Solicitor R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development K. Currier, Director of Operations K. Baulk, Director of Enterprise M. Hildebrand, Director of Aquatics & Athletics C. Sadeler, Interim Director of Community Programs & Services R. Willms, Supervisor of Administration S. DeSchiffart, Senior Day Program Supervisor C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-05-108 - ADYERTISING AGREEMENT - COMMUNITY ARENAS - DELEGATION OF SIGNING AUTHORITY - BRIDEAU MANAGEMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-108, dated September 21, 2005 regarding an agreement with Brideau Management to sell rink board advertising at Community Arenas. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Director of Enterprise, Community Services or the Manager of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (The Aud) be authorized to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-05-108, with Timothy Brideau, Brideau Management, to sell rink board advertising within Community Arenas." 2. CSD-05-114 - LEASE AGREEMENT FOR SALE OF NEYADA TICKETS AT KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX (THE AUD) - DELEGATION OF SIGNING AUTHORITY - KITCHENER MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (KMHA) The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-114, dated September 21, 2005 regarding an agreement to lease space to the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association (KMHA) to sell Nevada Tickets at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (The Aud). On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Director of Enterprise, Community Services or the Manager of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (The Aud) be authorized to execute a pre-approved agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-05-114, with the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association (KMHA) to lease space for the sale of Nevada Tickets at The Aud." COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 -79 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-05-109 - GRANT REQUEST - 5TH ANNUAL CULTURAL NITE - TAMIL CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF WATERLOO REGION The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-109, dated September 20, 2005 regarding a grant request from the Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region for expenses related to their 5th Annual Cultural Nite. Mr. Suresh Abraham, President, Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region presented activities for the event and advised that the Association is a non-profit organization whose focus is on celebrating diversity, and promoting arts and culture within the Region of Waterloo. He noted that 680 people attended the 4th Annual Cultural Nite. He added that the 5th Annual Cultural Nite will be held on November 19, 2005 at the University of Waterloo and stated that this event is in accordance with the tenants and values put forth by the City in CulturePlan II. Mr. Abraham requested that the Committee disregard the recommendation in the staff report and support the recommendation made by the City's Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee to approve a grant of $4,000. He stated that the Association realizes that they made an error in applying for a general provision grant rather than an annual grant and ensured that this will not occur in the future. Mr. Abraham commented that approving a grant of $4,000. for this year's event will enable them to offer the Cultural Festival free of charge and also assist local artists. Councillor J. Gazzola inquired as to the decrease in sponsorship support for this year's event, noting that the Association has only received $900. in sponsorships, while requesting Kitchener to fund nearly half of the events total costs. He further questioned why the Association ceased charging a fee for this event. Mr. Abraham advised that due to the large number of similar multi-cultural events held in the Greater Toronto Area, the Association has had trouble attracting sponsors and that people were unwilling to pay the ticket prices necessary to cover the costs of this event. In response to further questioning, he reiterated that the Association erred in not realizing that last year's funding was for one-time only, and when they did realize their mistake the deadline for the coming year's annual grant process had passed. Accordingly, they were told that they would have to wait and apply for the 2007 annual grant process. Mr. Bala Thambypillai, Treasurer, Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region, advised that the Region of Waterloo has been approached with a funding request and they are currently awaiting a response. Ms. A. Pappert advised that staff apply the rules governing application deadlines equitably and that the refusal to accept this group's application for an annual grant in no way reflects the merits of the event. She stated that she would be supportive of allowing their application to be considered during this year's annual grant process if the Committee so directs. Ms. R. Willms advised that it should still be possible to consider their application provided that it is submitted within the next few days. Councillor J. Gazzola put forward a motion that the Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region be awarded a general provision grant of $800. to assist with the hosting of their 5th Annual Cultural Nite and that the Association be permitted to submit an application for consideration during the 2006 annual grant process even though the submission deadline has passed. He noted that the Association should strive to collect more corporate donations and that a fee should be charged for the event. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That a general provision grant in the amount of $800., be approved, to the Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region to assist with expenses related to hosting their 5th Annual Cultural Nite in October 2005; and further, That notwithstanding the September 9, 2005 deadline to submit a grant application has expired, the Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region be permitted to submit a grant application for consideration as part of the 2006 annual grant process." COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 80- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DELEGATION PRESENTATION - KITCHENER-WATERLOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION UPDATE Messers. John Spearn, Don Bourgeois and Dan Donaldson, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association, presented an overview of new developments and the 60th season of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Mr. Spearn advised that in July 2005 the Symphony Board approved a new Mission, Vision and Value Statements. Mr. Bourgeois reviewed the status of the Association's government grants and noted that the Canada Council Grant was maintained at its 2004/2005 levels; however, the Ontario Arts Council Grant was reduced by 21 % or $70,000 over 2004/2005 levels. He noted that this assessment is being appealed. Mr. Donaldson advised that they are anticipating a 12% growth in their Box Office revenues and that they are looking to increase their corporate support, particularly corporate sponsorships. He then reviewed their upcoming Special Events and their Education and Outreach Programs and identified the following as their 5 Year Challenges: · continue to build the audience base; · engage new principal conductor; · negotiate new collective agreement with players; · actively seek new corporate support; · expand outreach programme; and, · become increasingly integrated into downtown core activities. In response to questions, Mr. Donaldson advised that they have developed an easy access pass to entice university students to attend performances; i.e., for $60. a pass, a university student can attend unlimited performances, and the Association anticipates selling 350 to 400 passes. The Committee expressed their appreciation for the update and congratulated the Kitchener- Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association on their success. 5. DELEGATION PRESENTATION - NORRIS BAKERY - APPEAL OF YENDOR'S PERMIT APPLICATION REQUEST At the request of Mr. A. Norris' legal counsel this item was withdrawn from the agenda this date and referred to the October 17, 2005 Community Services Committee meeting. 6. CSD-05-110 - SENIOR DAY PROGRAM ASSISTANT AND PEER HELPER CO-ORDINATOR - CHANGE OF STATUS FROM PART-TIME TO FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT - MINISTRY OF HEALTH FUNDING INCREASE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-11 0, dated September 13, 2005 regarding a change of status in two staff positions from part-time to permanent full-time employees. Ms. S. DeSchiffart advised that in July 2005, the City received confirmation from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care that base funding was to be increased by $114,000. for the Senior Day and Peer Helping Programs. This increase will allow staff to add a 6th day (Tuesday) to the Senior Day Program at the Downtown Community Centre and expand the Peer Helping programs. She stated that staff continuity is critical for the effective delivery of the Senior Day Program, and for that reason staff is recommending to change the Program Assistant's part-time status to full-time. Further, increasing the Peer Helper Co-ordinator position to permanent full-time will allow staff to recruit and train more volunteers and thus expand programs, such as care-giver support to family members of the Senior Day Program. In response to questions, Ms. DeSchiffart advised that these programs are fully funded by the Province and that funding can be considered permanent. Ms. P. Houston noted that these programs bear no impact on the City's budget, as their funding is contingent upon being used for these programs. Ms. DeSchiffart advised that approval will move the positions from 24 hours a week to 35 hours a week. COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 81 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-05-110 - SENIOR DAY PROGRAM ASSISTANT AND PEER HELPER CO-ORDINATOR - CHANGE OF STATUS FROM PART-TIME TO FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT - MINISTRY OF HEALTH FUNDING INCREASE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor C. Weylie the recommendation contained in the staff report was brought forward for consideration. Councillor M. Galloway proposed an amendment, which was accepted by Councillor Weylie, that approval of the proposed status changes be contingent upon the Province's continued funding of these programs. Councillor Weylie's motion as amended was then voted on and Lost. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the change of status of the Senior Day Program Assistant and the Peer Helper Co-ordinator, from part-time to permanent full-time employees, be approved." 7. CSD-05-115 - ADDITIONAL FUNDING REQUEST - HIGHWAY 401 PEDESTRIAN / CYCLIST BRIDGE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-115, dated September 21, 2005 regarding an additional funding request for the construction of the proposed pedestrian/cyclist bridge over Highway 401. Mr. K. Currier gave a brief history of this project, advising that in June 2004 Council agreed to contribute funding to the construction of a pedestrian/cyclist bridge over Highway 401, originally estimated at $1,155,000. In July 2005, Council approved an enhanced, more aesthetically pleasing design for the bridge, with an understanding that the structure and enclosure could be constructed within the established budget. He stated that due to increased fuel and construction material costs, and the competitiveness of the marketplace, this project has experienced an over-run in costs totalling $570,000.; at $190,000. per project partner. Mr. Currier requested that the additional funding to cover the over-run costs be approved so that this project can move forward and advised that staff's recommendation is reflective of Option 2, as outlined in the staff report. Councillor M. Galloway expressed concern that the last time this project was considered, this Committee was advised that there would be no additional costs and it was his opinion that the Region, as co-ordinator of the project, should cover the over-run. Councillor B. Vrbanovic added that this is an example of the challenges presented by the 2-tier system of government; in that, the Region should have done more work to ensure that their cost figures were correct prior to the City's initial payment of $327,000. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr, the recommendation contained in the staff report, with Option 2 as the preferred approach was brought forward for consideration. Mayor Zehr stated that this project needs to move forward with the proposed design modifications that provide for an aesthetically pleasing enclosure. He added that the Province, through their awarding of the contract tender, caused the over-run to occur. Councillors J. Gazzola and G. Lorentz commented that it would be inadvisable to walk away from the project at this time, as it would result in a $327,000. loss to the City. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to undertake Option 2, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-115; and further, COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 82- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-05-115 - ADDITIONAL FUNDING REQUEST - HIGHWAY 401 PEDESTRIAN / CYCLIST BRIDGE (CONT'D) That additional funding for the construction of the proposed pedestrian/cyclist bridge over Highway 401, east of Homer Watson Boulevard, up to a maximum $190,000., be approved, subject to the City of Cambridge and Regional Municipality of Waterloo each approving an equal amount." 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:10p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator