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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2005-10-17 COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 17 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 4:50 p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor G. Lorentz Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, J. Gazzola, M. Galloway and C. Weylie. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer G. Sosnoski, General Manager Corporate Services & City Clerk P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer R. Browning, Interim General Manager of Development & Technical Services A. Pappert, General Manager of Community Services R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development R. Pitfield, Director of Corporate Communications & Marketing H. Gross, Director of Project Administration & Economic Investment J. Willmer, Director of Planning K. Currier, Director of Operations K. Baulk, Director of Enterprise J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor F. McCrea, Assistant City Solicitor M. Hildebrand, Director of Aquatics & Athletics C. Sadeler, Interim Director of Community Programs & Services D. Campbell, Interim Supervisor, Program & Resource Services E. Harris, Arts & Culture Facilitator B. Sloan, Senior Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-05-118 - PUBLIC ART COMMISSION AGREEMENT REYISION - YICTORIA PARK ENTRANCE FEATURE PROJECT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-118, dated October 3, 2005 regarding amendments to the existing Victoria Park Entrance Feature Public Art Project agreement. In response to questions, Ms. E. Harris advised that the public art piece will be stored with the artist; however, staff intend to find a City facility suitable to store the piece until next fall, which should reduce the costs incurred by the artist. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That an existing agreement with artist Ernest Daetwyler for the Victoria Park Entrance Feature Public Art Project ("Luggage"), be amended to include costs for extended insurance and storage totalling $3,100., for a total project fee of $68,100.; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the amended agreement, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." 2. CSD-05-116 - PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT EXTENSION - ARTERY GALLERY The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-116, dated October 3, 2005 regarding amendments to the partnership agreement in support of the ARTERY GALLERY. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a University of Waterloo information package regarding the ARTERY GALLERY. Ms. Lauren Hall advised that students and Faculty run visual art exhibitions and lectures in the Gallery, which was renovated as a partnership program between the City of Kitchener and the University of Waterloo. Ms. Hall stated that students can also receive partial course credit for their work at the Gallery. Mr. Art Green advised that the University of Waterloo Society of Fine Artists students have over the past year run a successful program and receive strong support from the University as the program is in keeping with it's mandate to provide training, encouragement and real-life experiences to students. COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 17 2005 - 84- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CSD-05-116 - PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT EXTENSION - ARTERY GALLERY (CONT'D) In response to questions, Ms. Hall advised that some students have been successful in selling their artwork and noted that approximately 3,000 people have visited the Gallery over the course of the past year. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the partnership agreement with the University of Waterloo Fine Arts Department and Dean of Arts Office in support of the ARTERY GALLERY, be amended to provide for an extension of one year to conclude September 1, 2006, with any changes to the conditions of the agreement subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the amended agreement, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." 3. DELEGATION PRESENTATION - NORRIS BAKERY - APPEAL OF YENDOR'S PERMIT APPLICATION REQUEST At the request of Mr. A. Norris this item was withdrawn from the agenda and referred to the October 31,2005 Community Services Committee meeting. 4. CSD-05-117 - ADDITIONAL PUBLIC MEETING REQUESTS - KIWANIS PARK STRATEGIC PLAN The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-117, dated October 12, 2005 regarding the hosting of additional public meetings concerning the Kiwanis Park Strategic Plan and update. Mr. K. Currier advised that staff have further reviewed the 2003 Kiwanis Park Strategic Plan and have determined that an addendum to the Plan should be prepared to document any changes which have occurred in the Park over the last 2 years. He added that as there may be an information gap, staff would like to revisit the consultant's report with area residents and the Kiwanis Club at a public meeting to allow feedback on both the principles and the recommendations contained in the report. He stated that subsequent to this public meeting, staff plan to formally present the original Kiwanis Park Strategic Plan and addendum along with feedback from the public meeting for consideration at a future Community Services Committee meeting. In response to questions, Mr. K. Currier clarified that at this time, staff are not requesting the Committee to make any determinations regarding the Kiwanis Park Strategic Plan. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That a further public meeting be held with the Kiwanis Club and area residents to provide feedback on the recommendations of the Kiwanis Park Strategic Plan; and further, That subsequent to the public meeting, staff formally present an updated summary of the Kiwanis Park Strategic Plan and feedback from the public meeting to a future Community Service Committee meeting." 5. CSD-05-113 - 2005 LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM - UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-113, dated October 7, 2005 outlining details of the 2005 Leaf Collection Program to be implemented in the Fall 2005. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of copies of all correspondence circulated to residents regarding the 2005 Leaf Collection Program. COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 17 2005 - 85- CITY OF KITCHENER 5. CSD-05-113 - 2005 LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM - UPDATE (CONT'D) Mr. K. Currier stated that plans for the program are complete and include continued operation of leaf disposal sites, as well as street-level pick-up in heavily treed areas with the only change from last year being the addition of one site in the South Kitchener area. He added that this year, staff will publish on the City's website the locations of where each crew will be working and when. The website will also contain an e-mail address where residents can direct their leaf collection inquiries and weather permitting, the program should run until the end of November 2005. He stated that in 2004, the City of Kitchener collaborated with the City of Waterloo to provide shared snow services and the leaf collection program has now been added to the list of shared services. He commented that upon completion of the 2005 program, staff will have 2 years of data with which to evaluate the program, noting that at that time they will be in a better position to compare their methods to other municipalities. In response to questions, Mr. K. Currier advised that residents can call (519) 741-2514, 24 hours a day to receive information on the leaf collection crews' locations. He added that staff should be able to update the information on the City's website at least once a week, provided they stay on schedule. Mr. Currier advised that this program has a budget of $350,000. and noted that Kitchener is the only municipality that pays the Region for leaf collection. 6. CSD-05-119 - PROGRAM AND RESOURCE SERYICES DIYISION - 2005 SUMMER PROGRAM - UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-119, dated October 17, 2005, which outlines a general overview of the 2005 Summer Programs offered by the City's Program and Resources Services Division. Various staff of Program and Resource Services gave an overview of the staff report, providing commentary on the following programs as detailed in the staff report: Summer Playgrounds; It's all About YOUth camp; Building Youth Leadership Development Program (BYLD); Every Kid Counts; Summer Youth Drop-in; After-4 Pre-teen Program; and, Doon Skatium Mobile Skate Park. The Committee recessed at 5:44 p.rn. and reconvened at 6:30 p.rn. 7. CRPS-05-151 - SITE SELECTION / PUBLIC INPUT - TWIN PAD ARENA The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-151, dated October 5, 2005, recommending removal of three sites which rated lowest in terms of overall suitability and degree of public acceptance as possible locations for the proposed Twin Pad Arena. In addition, staff are seeking direction with regard to continuing investigation of the Huron/Fischer-Hallman Roads site given a number of significant issues identified in the course of preliminary investigation. Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that based on the analysis to date, and the input provided by the public, staff feel confident in recommending the removal of the Eastforest, Meinzinger and Fischer Parks sites from consideration, as well as suggesting that no further investigation be undertaken at this time with respect to the Huron Farm site. He stated that the two remaining short-listed sites (Ira Needles and the Hansen Avenue Snow Dump), would be investigated further, as public support and site evaluation factors for these locations are favourable. Mr. Sosnoski provided a brief overview of the Huron/Fischer-Hallman Roads site (Huron Farm) in reference to the information provided in the staff report. He advised that the inclusion of the Huron Farm site would delay staff's presentation of the Twin Pad Arena Business Case until the end of January 2006. Further, in January 2006, they will only be able to provide limited information regarding this site and that if more information is required the project deadline of June 2008 will have to be extended. In response to questions, Mr. G. Sosnoski reviewed the project schedule and advised that the critical date for direction is Council's Budget Day 2006 (January 30, 2006). He added that there will not be enough time between now and the end of January 2006 to gather the degree COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 17 2005 - 86- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CRPS-05-151 - SITE SELECTION / PUBLIC INPUT - TWIN PAD ARENA (CONT'D) of information or public involvement for the Huron Farm site, as compared to the other sites. He stated that staff plan to hold the next Public Open House on October 26, 2005. Councillor M. Galloway asked staff to comment on a memorandum the City received from R-B- J Schlegel Holdings Inc., dated October 17, 2005, which outlines an alternative to waiting for the installation of the Strasburg Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer. Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that the proposal as outlined would reduce, but not eliminate, the proposed sewer costs that the City would incur if it pursued the Huron Farm site. He added that the October 6, 2005 memorandum from Stantec regarding the Strasburg Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer was intended to initiate the Environmental Assessment. He stated that it is highly unlikely that staff will be capable of concluding a sports tourism strategy, Master Plan and other related planning matters for the Huron Farm site within the confines of the present timeline. Councillor J. Gazzola stated that on 3 separate occasions he inquired into the use of one of the existing arenas as a possible location for this project and questioned if consideration has been given to any of those sites. He was advised that consideration has been given to those sites and that they will be discussed at the next Public Open House and included as part of the Twin Pad Arena Business Case. Mr. G. Sosnoski stated that the business case will define the project scope; outline possible partnerships and site locations; and, provide a detailed budget estimate. Councillor Gazzola expressed his interest in the fall back position of staff in the event the new twin pad was not completed in time for the start of the 2008/2009 ice season. Councillor G. Lorentz noted that it should be determined how much of a problem KMHA would face if the 2008 deadline is not adhered too. Councillor C. Weylie questioned what measures could be taken to place development restrictions on the City's parkland and was advised that an Official Plan Policy would act as a zoning restriction that could prevent this and future Councils from pursuing certain construction activities on parklands. Mr. K. Baulk advised that staff has had no direct contact with KMHA regarding the timing issues that the Huron Farm site presents. Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that if staff is directed not to include the Huron Farm site then they will be able to present the Twin Pad Arena Business Case by December 2005, and if it is included the business case would have to be presented at the end of January 2006. He noted that by January 2006 staff will only be able to present a broad concept regarding the usability of the Huron Farm site. To examine the site in its entirety a site Master Plan would have to be undertaken, but prior to that staff would need a Sports Tourism Strategy so that they know what facilities are intended for that location. Councillor G. Lorentz noted that the Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) was specific that the Twin Pad Arena should go somewhere on the City's west side, adding that the LFMP should be used as a blue print to determine the location of the proposed Twin Pad Arena. Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that in evaluating possible site locations, the Huron Farm site rates relatively high but in staff's opinion its use is premature at this time and problematic given Council's time commitment to Kitchener Minor Hockey. He stated that staff need to know this date which properties Council wishes presented at the next Public Open House. Mayor C. Zehr stated that to do a comprehensive plan and adequate public consultation for the Huron Farm site would take approximately a year to a year and a half to complete. He added that if the City is to maintain some semblance of meeting its commitment with KMHA it would seem that this site should not be included for consideration. He suggested that the Committee pass the first part of the staff recommendation to remove Eastforest, Meinzinger and Fischer Parks sites from consideration and defer the second part of the staff recommendation to the October 24, 2005 Council meeting so that additional information may be provided including a detailed timeline for inclusion of the Huron Farm site option. Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that if the Committee decides to defer consideration of the second part of the staff recommendation then direction will also be needed to delay the October 26, 2005 Public Open House. He noted that delaying the public meeting would not jeopardize the COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 17 2005 - 87- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CRPS-05-151 - SITE SELECTION / PUBLIC INPUT - TWIN PAD ARENA (CONT'D) current timeline for this project, provided a site decision is made by Council Budget Day January 30, 2006. He stated that most likely the open house would be rescheduled for mid to late November 2005 with the business case being presented to the Community Services Committee and Council by the end of January 2006. Mr. Sosnoski further advised that at present he does not have a detailed costing for this project, but estimated the project budget may range between $15M to $18M but that this is a class C estimate at this time. Ms. P. Houston stated that there is $14M budgeted in the Capital Forecast for 2008, 2009, 2010 for this project. Councillor M. Galloway inquired as to why information regarding the Huron Farm site has not been posted on the City's website, to which he was advised that additions to the website would occur only in conjunction with the second Public Open House. A motion by Mayor C. Zehr was brought forward for consideration to support the removal of the Eastforest, Meinzinger and Fischer Parks sites from consideration and delay the Public Open House to allow for the inclusion of the Huron Farm site with the understanding that its inclusion will delay the presentation of the Twin Pad Arena Business Case until January 2006. Mayor C. Zehr stated that while the information regarding the Huron Farm site will not contain the same degree of detail as the other sites for consideration, it is important to have some degree of public input. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he is supportive of delaying the Public Open House to receive input into the Huron Farm site; however, he is concerned that by not presenting every site under consideration equitably could skew any possible feedback. Mr. G. Sosnoski stated that at this time he does have enough information to present all sites at the same level of detail at the Open House. Mayor Zehr stated that it should be stipulated that if the Huron Farm site is selected when the business case is presented, the City will not be capable of meeting the 2008 deadline agreed to with KMHA. Councillor C. Weylie requested, and it was agreed, that the first part of the staff recommendation be amended to remove the words "at this time". Mr. K. Baulk advised that if the City does not meet the 2008 deadline it could face increased difficulty in providing a sufficient level of ice time to the public. Further, it would mean that KMHA would be unable to meet their servicing demands and other user groups would most likely receive no ice time at all. Councillor J. Gazzola stated that there is a need to examine all options for this proposed expenditure particularly given that the Environics Survey showed that a majority of people were not interested in the construction of a large ice rink. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that the Environics Survey also showed that the City has a younger community who might be prone to use a facility of this nature in the future. At the request of Councillor C. Weylie the motion was divided into two parts and each part was voted on separately. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That no further action be taken to investigate the Eastforest, Meinzinger and Fischer Park sites as possible locations for the new Twin Pad Arena." On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That no action be taken at this time on staff's request to remove the Huron/Fischer- Hallman Roads site from the list of potential locations for the new Twin Pad Arena and the Twin Pad Arena Public Open House originally scheduled for October 26, 2005 be delayed to allow staff time to gather additional information, including a detailed timeline, on the Huron/Fischer-Hallman Roads site for the Public Open House and for any subsequent business case, with the understanding that investigation of the site and COMMUNITY SERYICES COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 17 2005 - 88- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CRPS-05-151 - SITE SELECTION / PUBLIC INPUT - TWIN PAD ARENA (CONT'D) delay in holding the Public Open House will of necessity delay the preparation of the Twin Pad Arena Business Case, resulting in presentation of the business case in January 2006 prior to Council's Budget Day." 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator