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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2005-11-21 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 21 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 3:33 p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor G. Lorentz Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, J. Gazzola, M. Galloway, J. Smola and C. Weylie. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer R. Browning, Interim General Manager of Development & Technical Services P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer A. Pappert, General Manager of Community Services K. Baulk, Director of Enterprise K. Currier, Director of Operations M. Hildebrand, Director of Aquatics & Athletics R. Pitfield, Director of Corporate Communications & Marketing C. Sadeler, Interim Director of Community Programs & Services D. Campbell, Interim Supervisor, Program & Resource Services S. Berry, Manager of Maintenance D. Dychuck, Supervisor of Operations D. Chapman, Supervisor of Special Events K. Kugler, Manager of Kitchener Memorial Auditorium & Arenas R. Martinez, Project Coordinator/Drafsperson J. Ouellette, Youth Coordinator C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-05-151 - GRANT REQUEST - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (CDIP) - STANLEY PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-151, dated November 15, 2005 regarding a Community Development Infrastructure Program grant request from the Stanley Park Neighbourhood Association. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That a $700. Community Development Infrastructure Program grant, be approved, to the Stanley Park Neighbourhood Association for expenses related to incorporation of the Association, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-151." 2. CSD-05-142 - CONNECT K-W NETWORK MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-142, dated November 4, 2005 regarding the City entering into a Connect K-W Network Membership Agreement to provide City-wide community based internet access. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the General Manager of Community Services be authorized to execute a Connect KW Network Membership Agreement with the Social Planning Council of Kitchener- Waterloo, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-142, and any amendments to that agreement that subsequently may be required for the purpose of providing Internet access for community use, all to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." 3. CSD-05-137 - AMENDMENTS TO APPROVED AGENT AGREEMENT - AGENT CONTRACT FUNDING INCREASE - FESTIVAL OF THE NIGHT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-137, dated November 2, 2005 regarding amendments to the Pre-Approved Agent Contract for the Festival of the Night. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 21 2005 - 1 00 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-05-137 - AMENDMENTS TO APPROVED AGENT AGREEMENT - AGENT CONTRACT FUNDING INCREASE - FESTIVAL OF THE NIGHT (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Facilitator of Special Events be authorized to increase the amount payable to The Agency Group within the Pre-Approved Agent contract for the Festival of the Night, to a total of $10,000., as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05- 137; and, That Schedule C of the Pre-Approved Agent contract be amended to allow The Agency Group to bind the performers; and further, That the Facilitator of Special Events be authorized to amend the rider contained in Schedule B of the Pre-Approved Agent contract, satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 4. CSD-05-136 - 2006 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-136, dated November 1, 2005 regarding the naming of Philip Irish as the City of Kitchener Artist-in- Residence for 2006. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the recommendation of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and the Public Art Working Group to name Philip Irish as the City of Kitchener Artist-in-Residence for 2006, be endorsed; and further, That subject to 2006 budget deliberations, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Philip Irish regarding the License For Artist's Studio Kitchener City Hall and use of the City Hall facilities for 2006, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-136." 5. CSD-05-144 - KITCHENER YOUTH ACTION COUNCIL (KYAC) The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-144, dated November 10, 2005 regarding an update from the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KY AC). Ms. Laura Beaulne-Stuebing, KYAC, gave a presentation regarding the activities of KYAC pertaining to how they provide and promote positive opportunities for the youth of Kitchener. In response to questions, Ms. L. Beaulne-Stuebing advised that there are currently 15 members of KY AC and noted that youth attendance at KY AC activities is dependant upon the nature of the event. She pointed out that KYAC's Unity Jam had approximately 500 people in attendance. 6. CSD-05-143 - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS - REDESIGN OF KINGSDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE PORTABLE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-143, dated November 7, 2005 regarding an addition to the 2006 Capital Forecast for improvements to the Kingsdale Community Centre portable. Ms. C. Sadeler advised that staff is recommending an investment of $70,000. as part of the 2006 capital budget deliberations to pursue improvements to the Kingsdale Community Centre portable to address identified health and safety needs. She stated that the Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association, community members, and the House of Friendship staff have been involved in meetings and discussions concerning the identified options as attached to the COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 21 2005 - 101 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-05-143 - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS - REDESIGN OF KINGSDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE PORTABLE (CONT'D) staff report. She added that there is an immediate need to relocate food distribution services within the portable to meet Ontario Building Code requirements and enhance facility storage to meet health and safety regulations. She noted that the redesign of the existing portable would serve to maximize the use of space within the Kingsdale Community Centre until a more permanent structure is available. Ms. Nicole Smith, Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association, advised that she is in support of the staff recommendation, as currently the Kingsdale Community Centre does not have the room to meet the needs of the community and due to this lack of space, a majority of their programs are now located off-site. She noted that Kingsdale can only accommodate one meeting at a time and added that most seniors who come there cannot easily move around the portable due to the confined space. Ms. Smith outlined the health and safety concerns and stated that food distribution at Kingsdale is conducted in close proximity to washroom facilities, which is in contravention to the Health Code. She displayed photos of the conditions at Kingsdale depicting the limited space available for their food storage and distribution areas. Councillor J. Gazzola advised that he is of the opinion that staff's recommendation does not go far enough to meet the needs of this community and while he recognizes that it addresses the identified health and safety issues, the recommendation does not acknowledge the need for additional space. He inquired into the feasibility of installing portables at the Kingsdale location similar to those used at the Mill Courtland Community Centre; and was advised that the Kingsdale location is unable to accommodate portables. Councillor M. Galloway inquired into the use of the Chandler-Mowat portable at Kingsdale and was advised that the Chandler-Mowat portable is 120 ft. wide, while the available space at the Kingsdale Community Centre, is only 118 ft. Ms. D. Campbell stated that the only option would be to rotate the orientation of the portable, noting that there are a number of large trees in the way and that the re-orientation would cause it's entrance to front onto the pool. She added that to re-assemble the Chandler-Mowat portable at the Kingsdale location would require extensive reconstruction to its interior walls, with the total relocation costing in excess of $200,000. She noted that the capital improvement options, as attached to the staff report, were considered on the basis of affordability and their capacity to meet the needs of the Kingsdale Community Centre. Councillor G. Lorentz inquired into the future of the Chandler-Mowat portable and was advised that there is a possibility it will be used by the City's Utilities and Parks Operations staff until a permanent facility is available to them. Councillor J. Gazzola stated that in his opinion more information is needed regarding the provision of additional space at the Kingsdale Community Centre, adding that this matter should be referred back to staff for report to Council during the 2006 capital budget deliberations. He noted that the identified health and safety issues need to be addressed immediately and suggested using funds from the City's Capital Surplus Account to cover those costs. Mr. R. Martinez advised that work could commence immediately to address the health and safety concerns at the Kingsdale Community Centre. Mayor C. Zehr agreed with Councillor Gazzola that action should be taken immediately to address the health and safety concerns at Kingsdale and requested that staff develop a plan of action by the November 28, 2005 Council meeting. He requested that additional information be provided concerning the current conditions at Kingsdale and options be provided to address the need for additional space. Councillor G. Lorentz inquired into the nature of the food distribution occurring at community centres and was advised that Kingsdale is not the only community centre distributing food. Ms. C. Sadeler noted that the Food Bank does not possess the capacity to be accessible to all of the City's communities. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 21 2005 - 102 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-05-143 - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS - REDESIGN OF KINGSDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE PORTABLE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That $70,000. be allocated from the City's Capital Surplus Account to immediately address health and safety concerns at the Kingsdale Community Centre, as identified in Community Services Department report CSD-05-143." A discussion was entered into regarding the format and timetable with which the expansion options for the Kingsdale Community Centre should be presented to Council. Ms. A. Pappert suggested and it was agreed, that consideration of capital improvement options for the Kingsdale Community Centre should be deferred to the November 28, 2005 Council meeting to allow additional information to be presented regarding expansion options. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that he would also like to see information regarding the future of the Chandler- Mowat portable and the distribution of goods by the Food Bank at community centres. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That consideration of the capital improvement options for the Kingsdale Community Centre, as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-05-143, .!2g deferred and referred to the November 28 2005 Council meetina to allow additional information to be provided regarding expansion options, as well as future plans for the Chandler Mowat portable and the distribution of goods on behalf of the Food Bank at community centres." Mayor C. Zehr left the meeting at this time. 7. CSD-05-126 - 2005 INTEREST-FREE LOAN REPAYMENT - KIWANIS CLUB OF TWIN CITIES The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-126, dated November 10, 2005 regarding the repayment of a 2005 interest-free loan by the Kiwanis Club of Twin Cities. Mr. Tom Bevenborn, Chair of the Kiwanis Park Operations Committee, advised that Kiwanis Park had a very successful summer and estimated that they made a profit between $10,000. to $15,000. He then presented Councillor G. Lorentz with a cheque for $15,000., which represents his group's repayment of an interest-free loan received from the City last spring. 8. CSD-05-141 - 2005/2006 WINTER MAINTENANCE - ROAD ANTI-ICING STRATEGY The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-141, dated November 4, 2005 regarding the expanded anti-icing program undertaken by the City's Operations staff. Mr. S. Berry gave a presentation to supplement the staff report regarding the 2005/2006 winter maintenance road anti-icing strategy. He advised that anti-icing units will be deployed on roadways in advance of predicted snowfall events on a regular basis this winter. He added that the benefits from this program include continued minimization of the City's overall salt usage, increased level of service to motorists, reduction of overall winter maintenance costs, and potential savings in the area of risk management. In response to questions, Mr. D. Dychuck advised that with the new units in operation, a majority of roads that the City currently salts can be sprayed with anti-icing agents within 6 to 7 hours. Mr. S. Berry advised that each year staff work towards decreasing the amount of salt used by the City. He noted that the Region of Waterloo only pays the City for winter maintenance that occurs on Regional roads. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 21 2005 - 1 03 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. CSD-05-141 - 2005/2006 WINTER MAINTENANCE - ROAD ANTI-ICING STRATEGY (CONT'D) Mr. K. Currier advised that staff will be able to provide an update to the Committee regarding the performance of the new snow maintenance equipment in January 2006. He stated that annual meetings are held with local area municipalities, at which time each municipality agrees to take on a pilot project to improve their winter maintenance strategies. Councillor M. Galloway left the meeting at this time. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that the staff recommendations for Items 9 through 14 on the agenda this date would be revised to begin with the phrase, "That subject to 2006 capital budget deliberations, ". 9. CSD-05-135 - ADDITION TO CAPITAL FORECAST (2015) - AUDITORIUM TWIN PAD DEHUMIDIFIER REPLACEMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-135, dated November 4, 2005 concerning an addition to the Capital Forecast in 2015 to replace the dehumidifier at the Auditorium Twin Pad. Ms. K. Kugler advised that per the City's capital budget guidelines, projects greater than $50,000. must be reviewed by a Standing Committee of Council prior to being included in the 10 Year Capital Forecast. She added that the Twin Pad dehumidifier equipment will need to be replaced in 2015 as part of its 25 year life cycle. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That subject to the 2006 capital budget deliberations, $178,000. be added to the Capital Forecast in 2015 for dehumidifier replacement at the Auditorium Twin Pad, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-135." 10. CSD-05-123 - ADDITION TO CAPITAL FORECAST (2015) - SPEAKER'S CORNER REDEVELOPMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-123, dated October 24, 2005 regarding an addition to the Capital Forecast in 2015 for the redevelopment of the Speaker's Corner. Ms. A. Pappert advised that the additions serve as a bookmark so that when the time comes the funding will be in place to undertake these projects. She noted that issue papers will be put forward as needed and if at that time the redevelopment is no longer required, it will be removed from the Capital Forecast. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That subject to the 2006 capital budget deliberations, $350,000. be added to the Capital Forecast in 2015 for the redevelopment of Speaker's Corner, located at the southwest corner of King Street and Benton Street, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-123." 11. CSD-05-122 - ADDITION TO CAPITAL FORECAST (2014) - VOGELSANG GREEN REDEVELOPMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-122, dated October 21, 2005 regarding an addition to the Capital Forecast in 2014 for the redevelopment of Vogelsang Green. Mr. W. Sleeth advised that this project cannot be managed under the Downtown Parkette Budget and has consequently been brought forward as a separate capital project. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 21 2005 - 1 04 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. CSD-05-122 - ADDITION TO CAPITAL FORECAST (2014) - VOGELSANG GREEN REDEVELOPMENT (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That subject to the 2006 capital budget deliberations, $150,000. be added to the Capital Forecast in 2014 for the redevelopment of Vogelsang Green, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-122." 12. CSD-05-132 - ADDITION TO CAPITAL FORECASTS (2006 TO 2015) - GENERAL PARK TURF REPAIR The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-132, dated October 24, 2005 regarding additions to the 10 year Capital Forecast from 2006 through 2015 to undertake general park turf repair. Mr. K. Currier advised that due to reductions in the quantity of pesticides being used, the quality of turf across the City is decreasing. He added that this request would provide long term support for the City's turf. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That subject to the 2006 capital budget deliberations, $20,000. per year be added to the 10 Year Capital Forecast, commencing in 2006 through 2015, for a total of $200,000., to address turf conditions within general parks throughout Kitchener, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-132." 13. CSD-05-131 - ADDITION TO CAPITAL FORECASTS (2006 TO 2008) - CITY-WIDE TREE INVENTORY The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-131, dated October 21, 2005 concerning additions to the Capital Forecast over a 3-year period to undertake a City-wide tree inventory. Mr. D. Schmidt advised that a tree inventory is the first step in managing this valuable and long living resource. Information from the inventory will be used for long-term planning, identifying maintenance priorities, and to assist with minimizing the threat of catastrophic tree loss as a result of disease and/or infestation. He stated that after the inventory is conducted the City's data base will contain information regarding each tree species, maintenance requirements and lifecycle. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That subject to the 2006 capital budget deliberations, $205,000. be added to the Capital Forecast to undertake a City-wide tree inventory, as follows: $110,000. (2006); $65,000. (2007); $30,000. (2008); as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-131." 14. CSD-05-130 - ADDITION TO CAPITAL FORECASTS (2009 TO 2018) - CITY-WIDE NATURAL AREA MANAGEMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-130, dated November 10, 2005 concerning additions to the Capital Forecast to undertake a long-term funding program for Kitchener's natural areas. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 21 2005 - 1 05 - CITY OF KITCHENER 14. CSD-05-130 - ADDITION TO CAPITAL FORECASTS (2009 TO 2018) - CITY-WIDE NATURAL AREA MANAGEMENT (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That subject to the 2006 capital budget deliberations, $1,675,000. be added to the 10 Year Capital Forecast to establish a long-term funding program for Kitchener's natural areas, as follows: $100,000. (2009); $100,000. (2010); $170,000. (2011); $170,000. (2012); $180,000. (2013); $185,000. (2014); $190,000. (2015); $190,000. (2016); $195,000. (2017); $195,000. (2018); as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-05-130." 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator