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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2001-12-03COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 4:05 p.m., with the following members present: Councillors J. Smola, J. Ziegler, C. Weylie, M. Galloway. Councillor B. Vrbanovic was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present:Ms. S. Adams, Ms. R. Willms, Ms. R. Pitfield and Messrs. J. Fielding, R. Pritchard, D. Daly, J. McBride, D. Chapman, H. Gross, K. Nihls, G. Melanson and R. Gosse. 1. CSD-01-210 - 2 HOUR PARKING LIMIT - BINSCARTH ROAD The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-210, dated November 22, 2001, recommending that a 2 hour parking limit be established on the east side of Binscarth Road. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That parking be limited to two (2) consecutive hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the east side of Binscarth Road; and further, That the uniform traffic by-law be amended accordingly." 2. CSD-01-180 - INTERSECTION CONTROL - ACTIVA AVENUE AT BUSHCLOVER CRESCENT / WILDERNESS DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-180, dated November 15, 2001, recommending that all-way stop control not be installed at the intersection of Activa Avenue at Bushclover Crescent / Wilderness Drive. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That report CSD-01-180 regarding intersection control at Activa Avenue and Bushclover Crescent / Wilderness Drive, be deferred to the next meeting of the Community Services Committee to allow for further public input; and further, That staff be directed to distribute the report to interested members of the public and/or the appropriate neighbourhood association." 3. CSD-01-201 - INTERSECTION CONTROL - QUEEN STREET AND MARGARET AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-201, dated November 16, 2001, recommending that the existing intersection controls at Queen Street and Margaret Avenue remain the same and that staff continue to monitor traffic/pedestrian volumes and speeds on Queen Street and Margaret Avenue. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That report CSD-01-201 regarding pedestrian safety at Queen Street and Margaret Avenue be deferred to the next Community Services Committee meeting to allow further public input; and further, That staff be directed to distribute the report to interested members of the public and/or the appropriate neighbourhood association." 4. CSD-01-184 - INTERSECTION CONTROL - WINDRUSH TRAIL AT DOON SOUTH DRIVE AND AUTUMN RIDGE TRAIL The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-184, dated November 20, 2001, recommending that no all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Windrush Trail / Doon South Drive or at the intersection of Windrush Trail / Autumn Ridge Trail. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2001- 86 -CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CSD-01-184 - INTERSECTION CONTROL - WINDRUSH TRAIL AT DOON SOUTH DRIVE AND AUTUMN RIDGE TRAIL (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That report CSD-01-184 regarding intersection control, Windrush Trail at Doon South Drive and Windrush Trail at Autumn Ridge Trail, be deferred to the next meeting of the Community Services Committee to allow for further public input; and further, That staff be directed to distribute the report to interested members of the public and/or the appropriate neighbourhood association." 5. CSD-01-225 - EXCLUSIVE CONCERT PROMOTER AMENDMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-225, dated November 26, 2001, recommending the City enter into an agreement for concert exclusivity with Next Presentations Canada Ltd. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be given authority to enter into an agreement for concert exclusivity with Next Presentations Canada Ltd. and revising report CSD-01-109, dated July 17, 2001, specifically removing Paul Mercs as named on the original agreement." 6. CSD-01-221 - COMMUNITY GARDENS LICENCE AGREEMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-221, dated November 22, 2001, recommending approval of a community garden licence agreement. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Council approve the "Community Garden - Licence Agreement" as attached to report CSD-01-221, dated November 22, 2001, as a pre-approved agreement to be used for all community gardens that are located on City of Kitchener lands and have been approved by Council." 7. CSD-01-211 - CO-OPERATIVE AGREEMENT - MARMO TRAVEL CLUB INCORPORATED The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-211, dated November 21, 2001, recommending entering into an agreement between Marmo Travel Club Incorporated and the City of Kitchener. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the signing of the co-operative agreement attached to report CSD-01-211, dated November 21, 2001, between Marmo Travel Club Incorporated and the Corporation of the City of Kitchener subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." 8. CSD-01-212 - CO-OPERATIVE AGREEMENT - LUTHERWOOD COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-212, dated November 21, 2001, recommending the City enter into an agreement between Lutherwood Community Opportunities Development Association. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2001- 87 -CITY OF KITCHENER 8. CSD-01-212 - CO-OPERATIVE AGREEMENT - LUTHERWOOD COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (CONT'D) "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the signing of the co-operative agreement attached to report CSD-01-212, dated November 21, 2001, between Lutherwood Community Opportunities Development Association (55 Plus Personnel Placement Service) and the Corporation of the City of Kitchener subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." 9. CSD-01-223 - TREE REMOVAL - 42 BINGEMAN STREET The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-223, dated November 23, 2001, recommending that the City of Kitchener not assume responsibility for the removal of a private tree located at 42 Bingeman Street. Ms. Jean Bagot, 42 Bingeman Street, appeared before the Committee requesting the City assume responsibility for the removal of the tree located on her property. Ms. Bagot informed the Committee she had read the staff report and did not agree with the explanation that the branches of the tree were trimmed. In her opinion the branches were chopped away which, in addition to the road construction, led to the death of the tree. Ms. Bagot further stated she had contacted 2 tree service companies and in their opinion the tree was dead, most likely from feeder roots being cut during the construction. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener pay 50% of the cost to remove the tree located at 42 Bingeman Street up to a maximum of $1,000." 10. K-W BARRIER FREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE - REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. Brad Ullner, Chairperson, Kitchener-Waterloo Barrier Free Advisory Committee, with the attached document entitled "Principles for an Effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act". Mr. Brad Ullner, Chairperson, Kitchener-Waterloo Barrier Free Advisory Committee, appeared before the Committee stating that in August 2000 he had addressed this Committee requesting Council endorsement of 11 principles of a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act and subsequently resolutions were passed and forwarded to the Government of Ontario. Mr. Ullner informed the Committee the Provincial government has now introduced Bill 125, Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and have begun public hearings throughout the Province that will conclude on Friday, December 7, 2001. In Mr. Ullner's opinion Bill 125 is a good first step but does not go far enough and could and should be stronger. Mr. Ullner pointed out that whereas legislation will require municipalities with populations over 10,000 to have committees to identify barriers and report on a regular basis, the legislation will not require municipalities to remove these barriers nor are there funding provisions included to accomplish this. Mr. Ullner concluded his presentation requesting on behalf of the Kitchener-Waterloo Barrier Free Advisory Committee Council's support for a strong Ontarians with Disabilities Act by endorsing the 11 "Principles for an Effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act". On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener endorse the "Principles for an Effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act", submitted by Mr. Brad Ullner, Chairperson, Kitchener-Waterloo Barrier Free Advisory Committee; and further, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2001- 88 -CITY OF KITCHENER 10. K-W BARRIER FREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE - REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT (CONT'D) That this resolution and a copy of the principles be circulated to the Minister of Citizenship, local MPP's and other municipalities within Waterloo Region for their consideration." 11. CSD-01-216 - GRANT REQUEST - WATERLOO COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE Ms. Sher DiCiccio, Executive Director, Waterloo Community Arts Centre, appeared before the Committee requesting the City's support and assistance in the funding of The Grand View, a juried art exhibition. Ms. DiCiccio explained the art exhibition is open to residents of Kitchener and other communities along the Grand River and is being held as part of the 2002 celebrations of the Grand River being honoured as a heritage river. In response to questions, Ms. DiCiccio advised this was a one-time grant request and that the Centre had not made a request for a grant from the Region of Waterloo. A motion by Councillor C. Weylie recommending approval of the grant request was voted on and . lost It was agreed that no action be taken on the request of the Waterloo Community Arts Centre for a one-time general provision grant in the amount of $1,000. 12. CSD-01-214 - 2002 OPERATING, SPECIAL EVENT & FESTIVAL GRANTS AND GENERAL PROVISION GRANTS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-214, dated November 23, 2001, recommending approval of the proposed 2002 Annual Operating, Special Event & Festival Grants and General Provision Grants. Ms. Renate Willms, Administration Co-Ordinator, gave an overview of the grant process informing the Committee that the 2002 grants have generally increased 3% over 2001 to account for inflation. Ms. Willms pointed out that 3 grant appeals have been received from Homer Watson House, K-W Opera and the Waterloo County and Area Quilt Festival. Mr. Ken Freeman, General Director, and Gabrielle Moule, Board Member, of the Kitchener- Waterloo Opera, appeared before the Committee explaining the Kitchener-Waterloo Opera Company is a partner in Opera Ontario Inc. whereby productions are given in the Cities of Kitchener and Hamilton. Since its inception, the City of Hamilton has contributed significantly and there is now pressure from Hamilton Council to reduce the grants believing that Kitchener- Waterloo is in a position to pay its own way. Mr. Freeman concluded his submission requesting that the Committee give consideration to the grant for the K-W Opera in excess of the 3%. Councillor M. Galloway questioned the information contained in the financial report of K-W Opera stating it would appear the opera company is actually showing a surplus. Mr. Freeman responded that the financial statements do not accurately reflect the accumulated deficit of over $200,000. Councillor J. Ziegler pointed out to the Committee that Council overspent last year's grant budget by $73,000. and maintaining this over expenditure with an additional 3% equates to over 8% increase in the grant budget from the year 2000. A motion from Councillor J. Ziegler to maintain the grant for the K-W Opera at the 2001 level was . voted on and lost On motion by Councillor C. Weylie it was agreed that the 2002 annual operating grant for K-W Opera be approved at the recommended amount of $5,253. Ms. Faith Hieblinger, Director/Curator, Homer Watson House and Gallery, appeared before the Committee requesting consideration of an increase of the 2002 grant over and above the recommended 3%. Ms. Hieblinger pointed out that the Homer Watson House and Gallery has shown tremendous growth over the last few years, doubling the number of participants in 12. CSD-01-214 - 2002 OPERATING, SPECIAL EVENT & FESTIVAL GRANTS AND GENERAL PROVISION GRANTS (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2001- 89 -CITY OF KITCHENER general programs, increasing exhibition attendance by 20% and has tripled the number of school program attendants which has resulted in doubling the number of volunteer hours. The facility is now open 12 months of the year, 7 days a week and is open 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ms. Hieblinger concluded her submission stating that although the City does contribute to some maintenance such as snow clearing and sanding, general maintenance of the house is becoming a problem requiring more funding. Councillor M. Galloway suggested perhaps the City could offer more services such as facility maintenance rather than increasing the grant budget. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was agreed that the 2002 Annual Operating Grant for Homer Watson House and Gallery be approved at the 2001 level of $86,700. Subject to a report from staff on the feasibility of providing in-kind services for facility maintenance. Mr. Brent Dysart, representing the Waterloo County and Area Quilt Festival, appeared before the Committee requesting an increase of the annual grant to $5,000. to assist in the promotion and marketing of the Festival. Mr. Dysart pointed out the Festival is a major event drawing approximately 30,000 visitors to the area and has a positive economic impact on Waterloo Region and the City of Kitchener. Mr. Dysart explained the additional requested funds will be required to promote and market the Festival ensuring continued support in the future. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested perhaps in order to assist the Festival in its promotion that further consideration could be given from the City's tourism budget. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler it was agreed that the 2002 Operating Grant for the Waterloo County and Area Quilt Festival be approved at the 2001 level of $2,040. subject to a report from staff on the feasibility of providing in-kind services with promotion and marketing. The Committee then gave consideration to the report regarding the 2002 operating grants. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested grants be approved at the 2001 level and not what is being recommended in the report. Councillor J. Smola pointed out that many of the groups and associations have developed their budgets based on the 3% increase and if Council was to consider change to this policy this should be completed long before the grants are being allocated. Councillor M. Galloway concurred with these comments suggesting a comprehensive review of the grant process be completed in early 2002 in order to make any changes known before next year's grant allocation. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener approve, subject to final 2002 budget approval, annual operating and special event and festival grants, as identified in report CSD-01-214, and general provision grants for 2002 in the amount of $931,907., subject to consideration of the report regarding the feasibility of offering in-kind services to Homer Watson House and the Waterloo County and Area Quilt Festival; and further, That staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of providing in-kind services for facility maintenance of Homer Watson House and promotion and marketing of the Waterloo County and Area Quilt Festival.” 13. CSD-01-218 - 2002 ANNUAL MINOR SPORT GRANTS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-218, dated November 22, 2001, recommending approval of the minor sport grants, as identified in the report. Mr. Rob Dunkel, President of the Kitchener-Waterloo Inline Hockey Association, appeared before the Committee stating although he was happy with the 3% increase in the grant, last 13. CSD-01-218 - 2002 ANNUAL MINOR SPORT GRANTS (CONT'D) year the City provided office space for the Association but that office space is no longer available COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2001- 90 -CITY OF KITCHENER adding to the expenditure of the Association. Mr. Dunkel added the 2002 budget has been set including fees for the participants therefore it would be difficult for the Association to recoup the costs of renting office space which is the reason for the request to increase the recommended grant. Councillor M. Galloway suggested that staff look into the feasibility of offering the Kitchener- Waterloo Inline Hockey Association office space and report back to the Committee. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener approve, subject to final 2002 budget approval, minor sport grants, as identified in report CSD-01-218, 2002 Annual Minor Sport Grants, in the amount of $487,412.; and, That staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of providing office space to the Kitchener- Waterloo Inline Hockey Association and other groups; and further, That a comprehensive review of all annual grants take place in 2002." 14. CSD-01-220 - PEREGRINE FALCONS - PROJECT RELEASE 2002 - 2003 The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-220, dated November 22, 2001, recommending participation in the Peregrine Falcons - Project Release - Kitchener-Waterloo in the year 2002. Messrs. Bill Green and Mark Nash of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation appeared before the Committee giving a brief overview of the peregrine program and the success of the 2001 Kitchener City Hall project. Mr. Nash pointed out that their request was for support of the project and services in-kind and did not require any funding from the City of Kitchener. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener participate in "Peregrine Falcons - Project Release - Kitchener- Waterloo" in the year 2002; and, That the Canadian Peregrine Foundation be allowed to place a peregrine hackbox on the roof of Kitchener City Hall during the period of May 1 - November 1, 2002 and that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a licensing agreement in that regard satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and, That the City of Kitchener provide services in-kind in the form of assistance to the Canadian Peregrine Foundation with the installation and dismantling of the hackbox; and further, That the City of Kitchener assist with public relations and promotions for "Peregrine Falcons - Project Release - Kitchener-Waterloo" in the year 2002." 15. CSD-01-215 - LOWER DOON TRAFFIC STUDY The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-215, dated November 26, 2001, recommending approval of the recommendations outlined in the Lower Doon Traffic Study and the associated funding. Mr. Bill O'Brien, representing Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd., appeared before the Committee giving a presentation of the Lower Doon Traffic Study which was initiated by the City of Kitchener in response to ongoing concerns of local area residents and others regarding traffic conditions in the area. Mr. O'Brien explained the study was carried out over a 6-month period in 15. CSD-01-215 - LOWER DOON TRAFFIC STUDY (CONT'D) 2001 and was directed by a steering committee and had extensive public input. Mr. O'Brien highlighted some of the findings of the report, stating the key areas were the Homer Watson COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2001- 91 -CITY OF KITCHENER Boulevard corridor, Homer Watson Boulevard and Conestoga College Boulevard intersection and the traffic disruption and effect on the current neighbourhood environment and the impact of future development. Mr. O'Brien concluded his presentations stating the short-term recommended plan was to upgrade the Homer Watson / Conestoga College Boulevard intersection, improvements of Conestoga College Boulevard and Doon Valley Drive intersection and traffic calming measures such as speed humps in the residential areas. The recommended long-term measures were alternate access from and to neighbourhoods, improvements to Homer Watson Boulevard corridor and to continue monitoring the area traffic. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Grant Vickers, 206 Green Valley Drive, appeared before the Committee asking for Council's support in trying to alleviate the traffic problems in the area. Mr. Vickers pointed out that the Homer Watson Boulevard corridor is a dangerous area for both vehicles and pedestrians and suggested increased enforcement of the speed limits. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener approve the recommendation outlined in the Lower Doon Traffic Study; and, That funds in the amount of $92,000. in 2002 and $110,000. in 2003 be referred to the Capital Budget review; and further, That the Region of Waterloo be requested to include funds in the amount of $310,000. in their 2003 Capital Budget for improvements to the Homer Watson Boulevard / Conestoga College Boulevard intersection." 16. CSD-01-202 - REVISIONS TO ALL-WAY STOP WARRANT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-202, dated November 9, 2001, recommending revisions to the City of Kitchener All-Way Stop Warrant. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener revise the All-Way Stop Warrant for arterial and major collector roadways to reflect the warrant set out by the Institute of Transportation Engineers; and, That the City of Kitchener revise the All-Way Stop Warrant for local and minor collector roadways by adding a warrant utilizing minimum average intersection volumes, along with the existing warrant utilizing the highest recorded hour; and, That installation of all-way stops in the City of Kitchener meet the requirements set out in the proposed All-Way Stop Warrant; and further, That the area municipalities (City of Waterloo, City of Cambridge, Region of Waterloo) review their existing All-Way Stop Warrants, incorporating the City of Kitchener's proposed warrant, in an effort to establish a consistent all-way stop application throughout the Region." 17. CSD-01-217 - COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES - PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND FUTURE DIRECTION The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-01-217, dated COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2001- 92 -CITY OF KITCHENER November 23, 2001, recommending a proposed organizational structure and requesting increased funding for the Community Programs and Services. Ms. Shelley Adams, Director of Community Programs and Services, gave an overview of the report stating for the past 18 months Community Programs and Services Division has undergone a shift in approach and priority in the way they provide services to Kitchener citizens. This was based on the F.J. Galloway Associates Report of April 2000. Through this operational review and re- organization staff is recommending a management structure for the Division and a set of recommendations that will see increased stability and integrity to the Division as a whole and for the foreseeable future. Ms. Adams concluded her submission stating the recommendations contained in the report are a result of the ongoing operational review and findings from the trial changes and in staff’s opinion are required to continue providing the level of service that the Kitchener community has come to expect. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Council approve the proposed management structure for the Community Programs and Services Division of the Community Services Department; and, That Council re-store $143,000. to the Community Programs and Services base budget, previously identified as potential savings through restructuring as per the Galloway Report (2000); and, That Council approve a new full-time position of Resource Centre Co-ordinator to be located at Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre; and, That the Community Programs and Services' request (CSD-01-172, dated October 3, 2001) for a full-time Co-ordinator of Summer Playgrounds, Winter Rinks and Youth in Motion at a cost of $23,803. be referred to the 2002 budget deliberations; and, That requests for increased hours of front-line staff in community centres to support both the re-organization and demands from the public for increased hours and levels of service be referred to the 2002 budget deliberations; and, That the City of Kitchener continue to operate seniors centres with input being provided by the community through Advisory Councils; and, That the possibility of expanding seniors programming through neighbourhood assocations and/or neighbourhood based community centres be explored; and further, That the position for the Acting Facilitator of Seniors and Leisure Programs be discontinued." 18. CSD-01-222 - 2002 NATIONAL EDITION OF THE COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM PROGRAM On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener participate in the 2002 Nation Edition of the Communities in Bloom Program." 19. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2001- 93 -CITY OF KITCHENER Randy Gosse Deputy City Clerk