Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Corp - 2002-04-15 FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES April 15. 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Ziegler, commencing at 1 :25 p.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors, M. Galloway, G. Lorentz J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic and C. Weylie. Others Present: Ms. J. Koppeser, Ms. G. Luciantonio. Ms. C. Heal, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. D. Gilchrist and Messrs. G. Sosnoski, G, Melanson, M. Bolger, L. Proulx, F. Pizzuto, D. Quinn, G. Borovilos and G. Stewart 1. DTS-02-070 - 45 KING STREET WEST - GRANT-IN-L1EU OF BUILDING PERMIT FEES - DOWNTOWN FINANCIAL INCENTIVES The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-02- 070, dated April 8, 2002, recommending that a Grant-in-Lieu of Building Permit Fees under the Downtown Financial Incentive Program be approved for Mr. Peter Martin, for renovations at 45 King Street West. It was resolved: "That the application of Mr. Peter Martin for a Grant-in-Lieu of Building Permit Fees, under the Downtown Financial Incentives Program, in the amount of $1,853.50, for renovations at 45 King Street West, be approved." 2. CRPS-02-079 - FOREST HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - REQUEST FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY & SELL REFRESHMENTS MEADOW LANE PARK The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-02-079, dated April 10, 2002, recommending the request of the Forest Heights Community Association to hold a fireworks display and sell food at Meadowlane Park, on May 20, 2002, be approved, provided they obtain the necessary licence and fireworks display permit. It was resolved: "That the request of the Forest Heights Community Association to hold a fireworks display and sell food at Meadowlane Park, 236 Forestwood Drive, on May 20, 2002, be approved, subject to the Association obtaining the necessary licence and fireworks display permit." 3. CRPS-02-080 - KITCHENER MINOR BASEBALL ASSOCIATION - REQUEST TO SELL FOOD LIONS PARK & BREITHAUPT PARK The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-02-080, dated April 10, 2002, recommending that the request of the Kitchener Minor Baseball Association to sell hotdogs and pop/water during their events at the Lions Park and Breithaupt Park be approved. It was resolved: "That the request of Kitchener Minor Baseball to sell hotdogs, pop and water during their events, as follows, be approved: a) Lions Park, 20 Rittenhouse Road on May 11 & August 2-5, 2002; and, b) Breithaupt Park, 350 Margaret Avenue, on June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16, and July 20 & 21 , 2002." 4. CRPS-02-082 - 2002 WORLD SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS - REQUEST TO SELL FOOD, LIQUOR & MERCHANDISE FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES April 15. 2002 - 28- CITY OF KITCHENER - PETER HALLMAN BALL YARD The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-02-082, dated April 10, 2002, with respect to the request of the host committee for the 2002 World Softball Championships to sell food, liquor and merchandise during their event on August 9-17, 2002, as well as requesting an exemption from Municipal Code Chapter 450 (Noise) for the period of the event. The report also recommends that the 2002 World Softball Championships Tournament be designated as an event of "Municipal Significance" for the purpose of applying for a Liquor Licence. It was resolved: "That with respect to the 2002 World Softball Championships to take place at the Peter Hallman Ballyard, August 9-17,2002, the host committee be granted: a) permission to sell food, liquor and merchandise during the event; and, b) an exemption from Municipal Code Chapter 450 (Noise) for the period of the event; and further, That the 2002 World Softball Championships, which is a major world class fastball event, be designated an event of "Municipal Significance" for the purpose of applying for a Liquor Licence." 5. CRPS-02-085 - WATERLOO-WELLINGTON PRIDE DAY CELEBRATION - REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EVENT LICENCE - JUNE 9, 2002 AT VICTORIA PARK The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-02-085, dated April 10, 2002, advising of the request of the Waterloo-Wellington Pride Committee to hold a Pride Day Celebration in Victoria Park on June 9, 2002; and in this connection locate a beer tent in Victoria Park, invite food and merchandise vendors to the event, and be granted an exemption from Municipal Code Chapter 450 (Noise). The report also recommends that the event be designated as an event of "Municipal Significance", as it is a celebration of community harmony and diversity. It was resolved: "That the request of the Waterloo-Wellington Regional Pride Committee to hold the Pride Day Celebration in Victoria Park, on June 9, 2002, be granted and include the following: a) location of a beer tent in Victoria Park for the event; b) invitation of a maximum of 12 food and merchandise vendors to sell at the event, provided the necessary licence is obtained, at a reduced fee of $1 0.00; and, c) an exemption to Municipal Code Chapter 450 (Noise) for the event; and further; That as this event is a celebration of community harmony and diversity, it be designated an event of "Municipal Significance" for the purpose of applying for a Liquor Licence." 6. APPROVAL OF BELMONT IMPROVEMENT AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 2002 OPERATING BUDGET The Committee was in receipt of correspondence of Ms. P. Ridley, Treasurer, Belmont Improvement Area Board of Management, attached to which is their 2002-2003 Budget. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the 2002-2003 Budget for the Belmont Improvement Area as attached to correspondence from Pamela Ridley, Treasurer, dated April 1 0, 2002, be approved." 7. APPROVAL OF KITCHENER DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 2002 BUDGET The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. M. Schreiter, Executive Director, Kitchener Downtown Business Association, dated April 2, 2002, attached to which is the FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES April 15. 2002 - 29- CITY OF KITCHENER Downtown Business Association's proposed 2002 Budget. Mr. M. Schreiter was in attendance to present the Budget and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mayor Zehr questioned whether Council is required to approve the budgets for Business Improvement Areas, or only the rates. He did not want it to been seen that Council has any responsibility for these budgets. He asked that staff provide clarification in this regard for next Monday night's Council meeting. On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That the proposed 2002 Budget for the Kitchener Downtown Business Association, as attached to correspondence from Marty Schreiter, Executive Director, dated April 2, 2002, be approved." 8. FIN-02-015 - REQUEST TO WAIVE CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCESS - ERNST & YOUNG - ACTIVITY BASED COSTING The Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-02-015, dated April 8, 2002, recommending the consultant selection process be waived with respect to the Activity Based Costing Program, and Ernst & Young be hired for this purpose at their quoted price $48,000. plus G.S.T. Ms. P. Houston introduced the report and Mr. D. Rombough, Ernst & Young, presented the methodology and benefits, implementation framework, and deliverables for the Activity Based Costing Program. Ms. P. Houston summarized the purpose of an Activity Based Costing exercise is to tie the Budget to the City's Strategic Plan so they are not completed in isolation from one another. She also noted that the Activity Based Costing Program had commenced some years ago but has been put on hold because of the restructuring undertaken in this Corporation, and stated it is time to move forward quickly with this project. She advised that Mr. Rombough was involved in the initial stages of this project, which is why staff are requesting Mr. Rombough be hired at this time. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the consultant selection process be waived with respect to the Activity Based Costing Program, and it be awarded to Ernst & Young at the quoted price of $48,000. plus G.S.T; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement in this regard satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 9. CRPS-02-083 - 2002 STREET VENDORS' BY-LAW The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-02-083, dated April 10, 2002, with respect to the 2002 Street Vendors' By-law. Ms. J. Koppeser introduced the report, noting a request received to add a location to the by-law, being the small park in from of the parking lot across from 53 King Street East. She pointed out the comments received from Parks & Environmental Services with respect to protecting the tree canopy. Mayor Zehr noted the location in front of the former Goudies Store will not be available this year and asked that it be removed from the by-law. When questioned by the Committee, Ms. Koppeser confirmed that encroachment agreements 9. CRPS-02-083 - 2002 STREET VENDORS' BY-LAW (CONT'D) for hot dog carts and sidewalk patios operated by abutting businesses will be presented to Council on April 22, 2002. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES April 15. 2002 - 30- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That the 2002 Street Vendors' By-law be considered at the April 22, 2002 Council meeting, in the same form as By-law 2001-51 , save for the following amendments: a) "King Street West in front of 1 0-22 King Street West" location be removed; and, b) a new location be added to the by-law which is across King Street from the Bargain Shop at 53 King Street East, at the small park in front of the parking lot, with the stipulation that the hotdog cart at this location maintain a minimum distance separation of 1 0 feet from any trees." 10. CRPS-02-084 - REQUEST OF UNITED TAXI FOR REDUCED LICENCE FEE - CHARITY BARBE QUE Ms. J. Koppeser advised this matter has been withdrawn. 11. CRPS-02-081 - REQUEST TO HOLD MIDWAY - 419 FAIRWAY ROAD SOUTH The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-02-081 , dated April 10,2002, advising of the request received from Sunnyside Inc. to operate a Midway a 419 Fairway Road South on May 9-12, 2002. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the request of Sunnyside Inc. (a Conklin Group) to hold a Midway at 419 Fairway Road South on May 9-12,2002, be approved subject to the following: a) that the hours of operation of the Midway shall be: Thursday - 4:00 p.m. to 11 :00 p.m. Friday & Saturday - 11 :00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday - 11 :00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m." 12. DTS-02-069 - APPLICATION TO EXPAND CURRENT LIQUOR LICENCE - ENERGY CAFE, 21 WEBER STREET WEST The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-02- 069, dated April 10, 2002, with respect to a Liquor Licence application to expand the current licence for the Energy Cafe, 21 Weber Street West, Kitchener. The recommendation in the report is that Council take no action to oppose the application, subject to the applicant voluntarily requesting conditions be added to their Liquor Licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission; and should the Alcohol and Gaming Commission not add the conditions to the licence, the applicant agreeing to have conditions added to and form part of a private agreement with the City of Kitchener. Ms. C. Heal outlined the contents of the report, noting Kitchener Housing Inc., one of the neighbours, is satisfied that their concerns can be addressed through the special conditions. She noted that the applicant has voluntarily agreed to these conditions. Mr. Melanson advised of the various remedies available should the applicant not comply with the conditions, including Police intervention for Liquor Licence violations and the ability for the City to request a hearing with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. 12. DTS-02-069 - APPLICATION TO EXPAND CURRENT LIQUOR LICENCE - ENERGY CAFE, 21 WEBER STREET WEST (CONT'D) FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES April 15. 2002 - 31- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That no action be taken to oppose the application for a liquor licence by Energy Cafe (owner, Predrag Durdevic) (the 'applicant') at 21 Weber Street West, Kitchener, based on the applicant agreeing to the following: To voluntarily request the following conditions be added to the liquor licence, and in the event the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, at its discretion, does not add these conditions to the licence, to have these conditions added to and form part of the 'private agreement conditions'. The applicant understands the City's non-objection to the issuance of their liquor licence is based on the 'private agreement' and continued compliance. Conditions The owner agrees: (a) to post in a conspicuous place and abide by the Downtown Licensed Establishments Code of Conduct; (b) to become a member of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association's License & Entertainment Committee and attend its meetings; (c) to set a 40% monthly ratio of alcohol sales to gross refreshment sales (including food and other sundries) as set out in their application (alcohol sales will be limited to 40% of gross refreshment sales); (d) to serve all alcoholic beverages on the outdoor patio in plastic cups and to prohibit any alcoholic glass containers on the outdoor patio; (e) to ensure that there is no music (live or pre-recorded) and no amplifiers on the patio all year round, no live music indoors in the summer months (May - August inclusive), no electric amplification when live music is played indoors; (f) to close the outdoor patio by 1 :00 a.m. every day; (g) to install new windows by the end of June 2002 to minimize noise from the premise; (h) to clean the parking lot of surrounding properties including 11 Weber Street West, 17 Weber Street West and 151 Ontario Street North, every Sunday afternoon; (i) to regularly patrol the parking lots of the subject premises, 11 Weber Street West, 17 Weber Street West, and 151 Ontario Street North every night when the subject bar is open; OJ to notify the Clerk of the City of Kitchener, in writing, of any applications to change the licence, at the time the application for the change is made to the Alcohol & Gaming Commission, and not to expand the licensed establishment without the consent of the City's Council; and, (k) these conditions shall bind all successors, assigns, and subsequent licence holders (if any)." 13. CRPS-02-087 - CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, ELECTRICAL UPGRADE The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-02-087, dated April 10, 2002, with respect to electrical updates required for the Children's Museum. Mr. L. Proulx was in attendance to represent the report and reminded Committee members that he had FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES April 15. 2002 - 32- CITY OF KITCHENER obtained verbal consent from them when it first became known that the upgrades were required. The report simply requests approval to process the required paper work. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the City's Project Manager be authorized to process various purchase orders and change orders to accommodate the new power requirements for the Children's Museum, as approved by the Children's Museum Board." 14. FIN-02-014 - LATE PAYMENT PENALTY - POLICY FOR UTILITY BILLINGS The Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-02-014, dated April 1 0, 2002, recommending a new policy with respect to the late payment penalties for utility billings be implemented effective June 1, 2002. Ms. P. Houston introduced the report advising that the proposed policy is consistent with other gas utilities. This policy would implement a one-time, 2% penalty for utility bills arrears in excess of 17 days. She also pointed out that where the utility customer is the property owner, the policy recommends utility charges, if outstanding in excess of 60 days, be added to the tax roll for collection. On motion Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That effective June 1, 2002, a policy with respect for the late payment penalty for Utility billings be established as follows: a) A one-time delayed payment charge of 2% be levied 17 days after the date the bill is issue, if unpaid on the 17'h day. b) Wording on utility bills indicate that bills are due when issued, and there will be a one-time penalty charge of 2% as noted above. c) The tenant deposit be increased to $50.00 for residential water customers and $150.00 for residential gas customers; with the interest rates paid on these deposits being prime plus 1 %, as in effect at the beginning of each calendar year. d) Where the utility customer and the property owner are the same, and utility charges are outstanding in excess of 60 days, the outstanding utility account be added to the tax roll for collection." 15. FIN-02-017 - UPDATE ON UTILITY SYSTEM PROJECT The Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-02-017, dated April 11 , 2002, requesting permission to increase the staff complement of the Information Services Division by one Programmer who would be dedicated to the Tax/Utility Billing System Project Team, for a period of five years. The report also recommends additional capital allocations required for the project be referred to the Capital Budget process for 2003. Ms. P. Houston provided a brief overview of the report, noting it will be another couple of years before the project is complete. She advised additional resources are required. In response to questions from Councillor G. Lorentz, Ms. Houston advised staff will be investigating joint meter reading with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro this year; however, it is not viable 15. FIN-02-017 UPDATE ON UTILITY SYSTEM PROJECT ICONT'DI to investigate combing any other aspects of the two utilities at this time. As requested by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mayor Zehr agreed to investigate the potential of including the City's and Township's' logos on hydro bills. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES April 15. 2002 - 33- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the full-time complement in the Information Services Division be increased by one Programmer who will be dedicated to the Tax/Utility Billing System Project Team, for a period of five years; and further, That the additional capital allocation requirement for this project, as detailed in Financial Services Department report FIN-02-017, be referred to the Capital Budget process for 2003." 16. TAX ARREARS MITIGATION PROPOSALS Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he did not have all the information necessary to present his report today, and it will be presented at a future meeting. 17. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 2:10p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator