HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2005-12-08
KPL/CENTRE BLOCK PROJECT COMMITTEE MINUTES
December 8, 2005 City of Kitchener
KPL/Centre Block Project Committee met this date, commencing at 8:30 a.m., Chaired by Carla
Ladd with the following members present: Hans Pottkamper, Hans Gross, Rod Regier, Craig
Robson, Ray Robinson, Sonia Lewis, Bruce MacNeil, Marty Schreiter, Silvia Wright, Larry Gordon,
Jana Miller and Sandy Curzon
Approval of Minutes
1.
On motion by H. Pottkamper, it was resolved that the minutes of November 24, 2005 be accepted
and posted on the city’s website www.city.kitchener.on.ca
2.Centre Block Components
2.1Charette/Workshop Report & Design Brief
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G. Scheels & R. Mounsey provided Project Committee with a more detailed summary
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of the results from the November 12 workshop
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Discussion then took place as to whether or not the contents of the summary report, as
presented, accurately reflected the input received from the workshop participants. It
was felt, by some Project Committee members, that today’s presentation was lacking
in objectivity - that the presentation was subjective.
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Project Committee agreed that the final workshop summary report should reflect the
full range of views expressed by the Charette participants, including any drawings.
Action:
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In order to present an accurate picture that reflects the working groups’ comments,
staff were asked to further develop the report summary, including drawings submitted
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by the groups and bring forward to Project Committee on December 15
2.2Proponent Selection Process
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H. Gross presented revisions to the City’s Objectives for the development of Centre
Block, as determined by the sub-committee following their meeting with J. McKellar
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Discussion focused on trying to define the City’s vision for the residential component
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The City’s and Library’s list of objectives will be both measurable and subjective on
an evaluation basis
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The results of the charette/workshop will formulate the basis of the Design Brief. The
Design Brief is intended to support and expand upon the intent and vision of the listed
objectives
Action:
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Project Committee to continue meeting to refine the wording of the objectives,
incorporating the comments received today
3.Kitchener Public Library
3.1Project Updates
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On January 16, KPL will conduct a one day parking survey to determine the peak
demand periods (time) when there is on-going activity throughout the day. Depending
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Minutes: December 8, 2005
on the outcome of this survey, if further information is needed, another survey could
be arranged
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KPL Board will review the current costing estimates with those in their original
business case along with their essential list of objectives at their board meeting of
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December 14
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Project Committee agreed that an updated appraisal of the current library site will be
required, however not until a successful candidate is selected. The most current
appraisal was done 4 years ago
Action:
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KPL’s will present their list of essential objectives and cost estimates to Project
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Committee on December 15
4.Other Business
4.1 Outstanding Action Items
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Project Committee reviewed the current list of outstanding action items to determine
the status and timelines for each
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The recommendation for the selected consultant to perform the Phase II
Environmental Site Assessment on Centre Block is scheduled for approval by Council
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on December 12. The assessment will include a designated substance survey of the
Forsyth, Mayfair and #156 & #158 King St.W. properties. A Risk Assessment
process, an MOE requirement, will be required prior to any residential use of the site,
including the Legion building
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Parking requirements by KPL and the City are being reviewed
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It was suggested that the value of Centre Block’s city-owned land to be examined on
an ‘as is’ square footage basis with current zoning, assuming the land is ‘clean’ and
that the land appraisal be done when we are closer to ‘ready to go’ stage of
development
Action:
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Project Committee agreed to review the current zoning of the site at a future meeting
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4.2 December 22 & 29 Meeting Dates
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Committee discussed their availability for December 22 and 29
Action:
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Committee agreed to cancel the meeting December 29 and post accordingly on the
City’s website.
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Items for meeting of December 22 will be discussed December 15 to determine
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viability of holding the December 22 meeting.
5. Project Timelines
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H. Gross reviewed an updated schedule for the development of Centre Block
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Committee discussed the timelines and the potential risk of price increases for
construction costs.
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It may be possible to reduce the development timing by 4-6 months, thereby revising
the timing for the opening of the new library to Summer of 2009
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Minutes: December 8, 2005
Action:
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An information report will go to Council in January 2006 to update them on the status
of the project and proposed development timelines
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Project Committee agreed to investigate the possibility of starting the Standard
Construction Agreement process as soon as possible
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Staff will conduct a further review of the current development schedule, to find areas
of reducing the overall timing
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C. Ladd to check with the City Clerk regarding making public presentations during the
2006 Election period
Meeting was adjourned at 10:40 am
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Next Scheduled Meeting: Thursday, December 15 @ 8:30am – 10:00 am
Conestoga Room, Main Floor, City Hall
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Minutes: December 8, 2005