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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFin & Corp Svcs - 2005-09-26 FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date, commencing at 1:40 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors G. Lorentz, J. Gazzola and C. Weylie. Councillors J. Smola and M. Galloway were in attendance for part of the meeting. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer P. Houston, General Manager, Financial Services & City Treasurer G. Sosnoski, General Manager, Corporate Services & City Clerk G. Stewart, General Manager, Development & Technical Services R. Browning, Fire Chief R. Gosse, Director of Legislated Services S. Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement R. Shamess, Director of Engineering H. Gross, Director of Project Administration & Economic Investment R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development K. Currier, Director of Operations R. Pitfield, Director of Communications / Marketing L. MacDonald, City Solicitor P. Harris, Acting Manager of Licensing S. Wright, Manager of Downtown Community Development M. Sanderson, Inclusion Services Co-ordinator S. Allen, Design & Construction Engineer J. Billett, Committee Administrator 1. CRPS-05-138 - EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) OF MUNICIPAL CODE - CONCORDIA CLUB - TRACHTENFEST The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-138, dated September 21, 2005 regarding a noise exemption request for an event to be held October 1, 2005. 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 G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to the Concordia Club at 429 Ottawa Street South, on Saturday, October 1, 2005, between the hours of 6:00 PM to 1 AM on October 2,2005." 2. CRPS-05-143 - EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) OF MUNICIPAL CODE - K-W OKTOBERFEST EVENTS The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-143, dated September 21, 2005 regarding a noise exemption request for a series of events during Oktoberfest. 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 G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to K-W Oktoberfest Inc. for a series of events being held at various clubs between October 7 and October 15, 2005, as outlined in the letter from K-W Oktoberfest Inc., dated September 19, 2005, as attached to Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-143." FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 102 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CRPS-05-140 - ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT (FENCE) -115 STIRLING AVENUE SOUTH The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-140, dated September 16, 2005 regarding encroachment of a fenced yard on City property. Ms. Jane Willoughby and Mr. Jeffrey Holman, property owners, attended in support of the staff recommendation. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Encroachment Agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the property owner of Lot 165, Plan 303, municipally known as 115 Stirling Avenue South, to legalize the existing encroachment of a fenced yard which encroaches approximately 484 square feet (11' by 40') onto City property (Iron Horse Trail), more or less." 4. CRPS-05-141 - REQUEST TO CHANGE PRIZE BOARD OF MEDIA BINGO - KITCHENER PIONEER LIONS CLUB The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-141, dated September 15, 2005 recommending refusal of the request by Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club to increase the prize board of their Media Bingos from $3,000. per week with a maximum of 6 $5,500. prize boards per calendar year, to $5,500. weekly. Councillor B. Vrbanovic disclosed a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting regarding this matter as he is associated with an organization that derives revenues from bingos. Mayor C. Zehr assumed the Chair for purposes of conducting this portion of the meeting. Mr. Borris Sniatenchuk, Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club, advised that he wished to clarify the Club's request in that, it was not intended to raise the prize board to $5,500. weekly, but rather increase the number of times a $5,500. prize board would be run from 6 times per calendar year to 12 times. He stated that the Club works in tandem with Clubs from 6 other municipalities and is the only one that is subject to restrictions to the number of times an increased prize board can be run. He added that it was his opinion the request would not harm other area bingo operations as the Club's clientele is very different. He explained that the clientele consists mainly of seniors and the physically challenged who would not normally attend regular bingo halls. Mr. Sniatenchuk responded to questions, advising that the Club anticipates an increase in revenues through additional ticket sales on nights when the prize board increases; however, he acknowledged that in order to meet the increased prize board, ticket sales would have to double. Councillors J. Smola and M. Galloway entered the meeting at this time. Councillor M. Galloway disclosed a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting regarding this matter as he is associated with an organization that derives revenues from bingos. Mr. Bill Pegg, Kitchener Charities Bingo Association, spoke in opposition to the Lions Club request, commenting that only so many fundraising dollars are available and if permitted, some area organizations will be adversely impacted. He stated that his group has found increased prize boards to be financially unfeasible and he was unconvinced that raising the bar would have the desired effect the Lions Club was seeking. He commended the City for developing a policy that has resulted in a fairly stable market and advised that Kitchener Charities Bingo Association is happy to remain with the status quo. At the request of Mayor C. Zehr, it was agreed to revise the recommendation contained in the staff report to reflect clarification given by Mr. Sniatenchuk that the Lions Club is requesting permission to run $5,500. prize boards 12 times per calendar year, rather than 6 times and / or weekly. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 1 03 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CRPS-05-141 - REQUEST TO CHANGE PRIZE BOARD OF MEDIA BINGO - KITCHENER PIONEER LIONS CLUB (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola the staff recommendation, as revised, was brought forward for consideration. Councillors G. Lorentz and J. Gazzola spoke in favour of the motion, commenting that the case presented by the Lions Club is not convincing enough to warrant a change to existing policy. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the request of the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club to increase the prize board of their media bingo to $5,500. from $3,000. a maximum of twelve times per calendar year from six times per calendar year, be denied." Councillors B. Vrbanovic and M. Galloway previously disclosed a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting regarding this matter as they are associated with organizations that derive revenues from bingos. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then assumed the Chair. 5. DTS-05-161 - LOCAL IMPROVEMENT ENGINEERING FEE INCREASE - VICTORIA STREET NORTH SANITARY SEWAGE PUMPING STATION The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-161, dated September 14, 2005 requesting an increase in engineering fees for the Victoria Street North Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station construction project relative to compensation for additional consultant services. Mr. G. Stewart advised that due to extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the consultant that resulted in an extended construction schedule and need for additional inspections, the consultant undertook additional work beyond the original scope of the project for which compensation is requested. Mr. Stewart advised that the fee is negotiated on a percentage basis and acknowledged that this is the second request for an increased fee with respect to this project. In answer to a question, Mr. Stewart advised that while City staff find the request to be valid, advanced notice was not given by the consultant with respect to the additional services provided and Council could on that basis choose to deny the request. Councillor J. Gazzola requested that this matter be deferred and referred to the October 3, 2005 Council meeting to allow time for staff to further negotiate with the consultant to lower the amount of the second request for financial compensation. Mayor C. Zehr agreed with the request for deferral and asked that in addition, an explanation be provided by the consultant as to the timing of the request for compensation. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the following recommendation contained in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-161 (Victoria Street North Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station and Local Improvement - Engineering Fee Increase) be deferred and referred to the October 3 2005 Council meetina to allow further discussion with the consultant regarding the increased fee and an explanation as to the timing of the request: 'That the request of Conestoga Rovers and Associates (CRA) for an increase in fees for consultant services related to Expression of Interest E02-044, Consultant Services - Construction of the Victoria Street North Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station and additional expenditures of $101,250. be approved, to account for an extended construction schedule and additional inspection.''' FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 1 04 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CAO-05-034 - CONSULTANT AND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES - KITCHENER CENTRAL LIBRARY BUILDING PROGRAM REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN The Committee was in receipt of Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-05-034, dated September 9, 2005 regarding an amendment to the contract for consultant and architectural services for the Kitchener Central Library Building Program Review and Conceptual Design to include investigation of energy efficient and sustainable design measures. Mr. H. Gross advised that at the time the original contract was awarded staff did not recommend proceeding with the additional investigation in order to further review the issue with the consultant to gain a clear understanding of the deliverables. It has now been determined to be worthwhile and of value to proceed with investigating energy saving measures and the deliverables will be incorporated into the Terms of Reference for the Central Library / Centre Block project. Mr. Gross responded to questions, advising that the investigation will determine energy efficiency targets and could save up to $1 M if the right levels are achieved. He added that City staff are looking for a payback period of between 3 to 5 years. Councillor C. Weylie requested that consideration be given to including a transformer within the building design rather than separately from the building. Councillor J. Gazzola asked that all costs be determined up front for this project rather than bringing cost changes at varying intervals. Councillor G. Lorentz added that if staff are not comfortable with the costing of certain portions of the project and are of the opinion that further investigation is warranted with respect to these matters, that they advise Council accordingly. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the contract for Expression of Interest E05-049, Consultant and Architectural Services Kitchener Central Library Building Program Review and Conceptual Design, aWarded to Levitt Goodman Architects, Toronto and Phillip Carter Architect, Toronto in joint venture be amended to include an investigation of energy efficiency and sustainable design measures at their consulting fee of $18,000, excluding G.S.T." 7. CENTRE BLOCK STEERING COMMITTEE - MEETING TIME AND INFORMATION FLOW At the request of Councillor M. Galloway 2 issues with respect to the Centre Block Steering Committee were discussed, relative to meeting times established for the Committee and the flow of information from their meetings to members of Council. Councillor Galloway expressed the opinion that the meeting time of 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. does not provide sufficient opportunity for public participation and asked that consideration be given to adjusting the meeting time to late afternoon or early evening. In addition, he stated that he had not received any briefing notes or updates with regard to the Committee's meetings and asked for clarification as to how information is being relayed. Ms. C. Ladd advised that when the proposal to continue with the Steering Committee was considered by Council, the early meeting time was proposed on the basis that is was equally as accessible as a late afternoon meeting; ie. the public could attend before work as opposed to leaving work early for an afternoon meeting. She added that the meeting times have been advertised; however, if directed she would go back to the Committee to talk about making adjustments. With regard to information flow, she advised that the Committee has a page on the City's web site where agendas, minutes and other relevant information is posted. She added that arrangements could be made to have minutes sent to Council if desired. Ms. R. Pitfield provided an explanation of timing and information flow from a media perspective, noting that early morning meetings provide opportunity for television media to report on the relevant issues during the evening news hour and for staff to prepare print media releases during normal business hours. She noted that Committee briefs and media releases are posted to the web site in a timely manner and these could also be provided to Council. Councillor M. Galloway commented that his concern was with respect to public attendance and asked that discussion be re-opened with the Committee and a report brought back to Council concerning adjustments in meeting times. He also asked that he receive copies of all FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 1 05 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CENTRE BLOCK STEERING COMMITTEE - MEETING TIME AND INFORMATION FLOW (CONT'D) information flowing from the Committee with regard to this project. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that this Committee was established without Council representation so as to act as an independent body for the Centre Block Project; however, he added that members of Council can attend meetings if desired. In response to a question, Ms. Ladd advised that weekly meetings are now being held and any adjustment to meeting times will have scheduling impacts for Committee members. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola and G. Lorentz commented on the difficulty in establishing an ideal meeting time and given the number of meetings being held were satisfied that the public has opportunity to attend. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that a brief synopsis of each meeting be posted to the web site and also provided to Council. Ms. Ladd advised that Committee briefs are already being posted to the web site by days-end on the day of each meeting and arrangements would be made to send these to Council. Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked that Ms. Ladd discuss opportunity to adjust meeting times with the Steering Committee as requested by Councillor M. Galloway. Further, he suggested that consideration be given to holding late afternoon or evening meetings at least once or twice a month and asked that a report regarding this matter be provided at the October 17, 2005 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting. 8. CAO-05-036 - REQUEST FOR AN EXTENSION TO THE BUILDING COVENANT - SITE 147 - HURON BUSINESS PARK At the request of staff this matter was withdrawn from the agenda and not considered this date. This matter will be brought forward for consideration at the October 17, 2005 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting, at which time staff will also provide a status report on land sales in the Huron Business Park. 9. CSD-05-112 - CITY OF KITCHENER CORPORATE ACCESSIBILITY FUND - ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (BILL 125) - ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (BILL 118) The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-112, dated September 19, 2005 concerning Terms of Reference for a Corporate Accessibility Steering (CAS) Group and establishment of Capital Funding for Corporate projects that will remove barriers to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Ms. M. Sanderson advised that Bill 125 (Ontarians with Disabilities Act) mandates municipalities to establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee. She advised that Terms of Reference have now been developed for the City's CAS Group, who will undertake implementation of legislated requirements. She commented on the importance of the City to be pro-active in preparing to meet mandatory accessibility standards and accordingly, it is recommended that a Capital account be established with an allocation of $150,000. in 2006 and $100,000. per year for 2007-2011. She noted that 2006 funding will be used to conduct an audit of all municipal facilities to identify barriers and to complete work begun under the 2005 Joint Accessibility Plan. Ms. Sanderson responded to questions, advising that standards and definitive timelines for compliance are expected to be established in 2006 and it is important to have funding in place to deal with the legislated requirements. Councillor J. Gazzola suggested that until standards are set, only funds required to complete the audit and unfinished work be approved for 2006; with consideration of any additional funding to be determined at such time as the standards have been established. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor B. Vrbanovic spoke in favour of the request to establish a Capital account; commenting that it is important to commence the process of establishing budgetary forecasting in order to meet future legislated obligations. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 1 06 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. CSD-05-112 - CITY OF KITCHENER CORPORATE ACCESSIBILITY FUND - ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (BILL 125) - ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (BILL 118) (CONT'D) The following motion was Carried Unanimously, on a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Terms of Reference for the Corporate Accessibility Steering Group (CASG) attached to Community Services Department report CSD-05-112, dated September 19, 2005, be approved; and, That a Capital Budget account be established to fund corporate projects that will remove barriers to accessibility for persons with disabilities as per the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005; and further, That $150,000 be allocated to the Capital Budget account in 2006 and $100,000 per year for the years 2007- 2011 inclusive, subject to final approval through the capital budget process." 10. CAO-05-035 - DOWNTOWN KITCHENER MICRO WEB SITE The Committee was in receipt of Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-05-035, dated September 21,2005 introducing a new Downtown Micro Web Site to provide information for all stakeholders and businesses in Downtown Kitchener. Ms. S. Wright presented a preview of the new web site, prepared in collaboration with the Kitchener Downtown Business Association, City staff and external stakeholder input. The site features highlights of major Capital projects under the City's Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF); elements of urban lifestyle; business investment opportunities; and recreational/retail marketing. It was noted that the host server will be external to the City's servers to accommodate rapid updates from external stakeholders and will not duplicate the City's current web site content. In response to questions, Ms. R. Pitfield advised that the site was developed as part of an overall communication strategy for public involvement in the Centre Block and other EDIF projects. She pointed out that a dedicated web site for the Downtown provides an effective and time sensitive vehicle to reach the maximum number of interested citizens, stakeholder and investors. She added that ultimately the City is responsible for the web site; however, with an off-site server, external stakeholders such as the KDBA, are able to provide instantaneous updates to ensure web site content remains current. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-05-035 (Preview of the new Downtown Micro web site, featuring City investments such as the Centre Block initiative, urban lifestyle elements, and information for doing business in Downtown Kitchener), be accepted for information purposes." 11. CRPS-05-144 - 2006 COUNCIL & STANDING COMMITTEE SCHEDULE The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-144, dated September 21, 2005 concerning annual scheduling of Council and Standing Committee meetings for 2006. The Committee also received this date a copy of the proposed 2006 Regional Council meeting schedule for comparison. A motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic to remove the July 4 Council meeting date from the proposed schedule and shift Standing Committee and Council meeting dates ahead in June so as to complete business by June 26, 2006, was voted on and Lost. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 1 07 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. CRPS-05-144 - 2006 COUNCIL & STANDING COMMITTEE SCHEDULE (CONT'D) On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the proposed 2006 schedule of Council and Standing Committee meetings contained in Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-144, dated September 21,2005, be adopted." 12. CRPS-05-142 - COMPOSITION OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-142, dated September 23, 2005 in response to Councillor M. Galloway's request for information with respect to decisions made by other municipalities regarding the size of their current Councils and the differences that have occurred since authority was given to municipalities under the new Municipal Act to adjust the size of municipal Councils. The staff report provides information concerning current trends for municipal Council size and per capita comparisons with other municipalities and points out that only the City of Waterloo is currently pursuing an increase in the size of their Council. The report also provides information on the process for expanding the size of Council by one of 2 methods, being: an increase in the number of Wards or addition of members other than by Ward expansion (ie. adding 'at-large' Councillors or doubling Councillors in an existing Ward). Regardless of the method, a by-law effecting change must be enacted and a 45 day appeal period expired prior to January 1, 2006 in order for the change to take effect with the 2006 municipal election. Staff is of the opinion that it is impractical to attempt a change through increasing the number of Wards as the timing would require a very aggressive approach with minimal public consultation. It was noted in the agenda that Councillor J. Gazzola gave Notice of Motion at the September 19, 2005 Council meeting that he would introduce a motion this date to request Council's consideration of an increase in the size of the current Council. At the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mayor C. Zehr assumed the Chair to conduct this portion of the meeting to allow Councillor Vrbanovic to participate in debate and voting. In response to Councillor J. Gazzola, Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that a change in the number of Wards could not be accommodated in time for the 2006 municipal election; however, it may be possible to effect change by either adding additional Councillors 'at-large' or increasing the number of Councillors in an existing Ward. He suggested that while the latter may be physically possible, consideration should be given to the level of comfort Council has in providing minimal public consultation on an issue that historically is sensitive in nature. He added that the timelines are based on no appeals being received and in the event an appeal is received, it would prevent a change taking effect in time for the 2006 municipal election. Councillor J. Gazzola advised that his main concern in considering an increase in the size of Council was in the interest of the democratic process to ensure greater debate and varying opinions are heard on the issues dealt with by the municipality. In response to questions, Mr. Sosnoski advised that in the event Councillor Gazzola's motion to consider an increase in the size of Council is voted on and lost, his motion would not go forward for consideration at the October 3, 2005 Council meeting. A motion by Councillor J. Gazzola to defer and refer to the October 3, 2005 Council meeting, consideration of staff report CRPS-05-142 (G. Sosnoski) and his Notice of Motion to request Council to consider an increase in the size of the current Council, was voted on and Lost. A motion by Councillor J. Gazzola was then brought forward for consideration to request that Council consider an increase in the size of the current Council by either adding 2 more Councillors 'at-large' or by increasing the number of Councillors by 1 in each of the 2 largest Wards in the City; and that any change approved take effect in time for the 2006 municipal election. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 1 08 - CITY OF KITCHENER 12. CRPS-05-142 - COMPOSITION OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL (CONT'D) Councillor B. Vrbanovic agreed that the suggestion of a larger Council has merit; however, he pointed out that in the past the process has been to engage experts to undergo public consultation and bring forward recommendations based on public input for consideration. He did not agree with the approach taken by Councillor J. Gazzola and in particular, noted that if 2 Councillors are elected to represent one Ward it would give residents of that Ward an unfair advantage over all other residents, in that, they would have 2 votes on all issues. He stated that in his opinion, the greater issue is municipal structure and in the event Councillor Gazzola's motion failed he would introduce a new motion regarding municipal governance in the Region. Councillor M. Galloway expressed the opinion that the issue of a larger Council should be placed as a question on the 2006 municipal election ballot to allow the electorate to have a voice in the matter. In response to questions, Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that the legislated process requires a question to be submitted 180 days prior to the date of a municipal election in order to appear on the ballot and there was sufficient time to do so for the 2006 election. Councillor G. Lorentz commented on the importance of public consultation and noted that he had not received any requests from his constituents to advocate for an increase in the size of Council. He agreed with the concept of placing a question on the ballot to determine public will and expressed the opinion that it may not be an issue of creating a larger Council but rather how workload is handled. Councillor J. Smola suggested that the timing of Councillor Gazzola's motion was inappropriate as it did not provide sufficient time for public consultation. He suggested that the issue of a larger Council could be approached as an election campaign issue in 2006 and was supportive of the idea of a question on the ballot. Councillor C. Weylie agreed with the need to increase the size of Council in the interest of the democratic process, raising concerns with absenteeism around the Council table wherein on occasion only a small number of Councillors are present to vote on setting policy for the entire municipality. She also suggested that there should be more representation at the Regional level, with one or more municipal Councillors also sitting on Regional Council to improve communications. Councillor J. Gazzola stated that he had not made the decision lightly to bring forward his motion at this time and he was interested in obtaining public input. He pointed out that he had first brought this issue forward in April 2004 but it was not supported. He expressed the opinion that an increase in the current size of Council is desired by the community and needed for the democratic process. In responding to a question, Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that the criteria for Ward boundary revisions contains a clause that requires a review of Ward boundaries after every 3 elections and the next review is scheduled to follow the 2006 municipal election. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that it is was difficult to pre-suppose the views of the community without adequate consultation and noted that a recent radio poll would suggest that the community does not support a larger Council. He expressed the opinion that the current Council is working well together within the democratic process and if diversity is an issue, it should not simply mean an increase in the size of Council but rather an increase in cultural representation. Mayor C. Zehr commented that the unity of voting around the Council table indicates a divisive Council and while their have been differences of opinion, Council has a Corporate Strategic Plan in place that most agree with. He agreed with the concept of a larger Council; however, he was of the opinion that overall governance was a more important issue and suggested that an increase in the size of Council should wait for the scheduled review of Ward boundaries following the 2006 municipal election. Councillor J. Gazzola's motion to request that Council consider an increase in the size of the current Council, was then voted on and Lost, on a recorded vote, with Councillors J. Gazzola and C. Weylie voting in favour of the motion and Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, G. Lorentz, B. Vrbanovic and M. Galloway voting in opposition. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26 2005 - 1 09 - CITY OF KITCHENER 12. CRPS-05-142 - COMPOSITION OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIUCONT'D) Councillor B. Vrbanovic then circulated this date a draft motion requesting other municipalities in Waterloo Region to engage in discussion regarding municipal reform with the goal to move toward one or more municipalities in a single tier model and to consider the potential to ask for a provincial facilitator to assist with the discussion; with the newly structured Council(s) to be in place by December 1, 2009. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that the current municipal structure was mandated by the Province rather than being a negotiated Regional solution. He stated that while he had voted in favour of separate Regional representation, he is now of the opinion that this structure is not working and functionally, has created challenges. He expressed the opinion that it was time to deal with the larger picture of governance rather than undertake a piecemeal approach by increasing the size of Councils. It was suggested and agreed, that Councillor B. Vrbanovic give Notice of Motion to have his proposal considered at a later date to allow time to contemplate the issue before commencing debate. Notice of Motion Councillor B. Vrbanovic gave notice that at the October 3, 2005 Council meeting he would introduce the following motion to commence discussion regarding his proposal to undertake a review of the current municipal structure: "That the City of Kitchener requests the other municipalities in Waterloo Region to engage in a dialogue around municipal reform with a goal of moving toward one or more municipalities in a single tier model; and, That such dialogue commence immediately including the possibility of requesting assistance of the Province to provide a facilitator for such discussions; and further, That assuming successful negotiations with the neighbouring municipalities, the newly structured Council(s) take over no later than December 1, 2009." Councillor B. Vrbanovic then assumed the Chair. 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator