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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2002-03-25 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 25. 2002 CITY 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: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, M. Galloway, C. Weylie, J. Smola and J. Ziegler. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. S. Adams, Ms. S. Massel, Ms. J. Hutchison, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. J. Fielding, R. Pritchard, F. Pizzuto, G. Melanson, D. Daly, K. Baulk, G. Collins and D. Chapman. 1 . CSD-02-073 - GOLF PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT - REVISIONS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-073, dated March 5, 2002 requesting approval of revisions to the annual Golf Professional Contract. It was resolved: "That subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, the annual Golf Professional Contract be revised and approved as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-02-073; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Golf Professional Contract, as revised, with Mr. Michael Martz." 2. CSD-02-078 - GRANT REQUEST - HOST COMMITTEE - 2002 JUNIOR NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-078, dated March 14, 2002 recommending provision of a grant for the 2002 Junior National Track and Field Championships. It was resolved: "That a grant in the amount of $3,000. be approved for the Host Committee of the 2002 Junior National Track and Field Championships." 3. CSD-02-076 - SENIORS WOODWORKING AND CRAFT CENTRE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department information report CSD-02- 076, dated March 13, 2002 detailing the process undertaken to date in the search for a suitable location to accommodate the woodworking and craft centre. The Committee was also in receipt of a copy of the Victoria School Bits N Bytes Computer Club Annual Report, dated March 22, 2002 distributed this date. Mr. Frank Shewchuk, Woodworking and Craft Centre Committee, appeared as a delegation in support of the proposed Centre and provided an overview of the progress made to date. Mr. Shewchuk noted that various woodworking facilities were toured and, in particular, the facility in Baden was felt to be an excellent operating model to use as guidance in development of a Kitchener facility. He advised that various locations within Kitchener have been considered without success; however, negotiations are currently underway with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board for use of an existing woodworking shop located in a downtown school that is currently undergoing transition to non-traditional uses. Mr. Shewchuk referred to the annual report of the Bits N Bytes Computer Club as an example of what can be accomplished through partnership with seniors and requested the Committee's support for the proposed downtown location. In response to Councillor M. Galloway, Mr. F. Pizzuto advised that a firm commitment has not been reached under the current negotiations and it is expected that staff will be in a position to provide a further report in approximately one months time. Councillor Galloway suggested that should current negotiations fail, this project be added as a budget item with appropriate funding to allow the Woodworking and Craft Centre Committee to continue to search for alternative locations. Mr. Pizzuto agreed to take this into consideration for the 2003 budget. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 25. 2002 3. CSD-02-076 - SENIORS WOODWORKING AND CRAFT CENTRE ICONT'Dl - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor C. Weylie requested that staff provide information relative to the costs associated with the Baden model and Mr. Pizzuto also agreed to take this into consideration. Councillor M. Galloway proposed that staff bring forward a report at the end of May outlining further options should current negotiations fail. Mr. Pizzuto indicated that staff expect to be in a position to come forward with an additional report in early June. Following further discussion, it was agreed that staff be directed to provide a detailed report of the outcome of current negotiations and alternative options, if necessary, by no later than mid- June 2002. 4. CSD-02-080 - J.M. DRAMA ALUMNI - 2001 REPORT ON THE REGISTRY THEATRE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department information report CSD-02- OSO, dated March 15, 2002, together with a copy of the 2001 Annual Report on The Registry Theatre prepared by J.M. Drama Alumni, dated March 25, 2002. Mr. Don Bourgeois, J.M. Drama Alumni, was in attendance to provide an overview on the first year of operation of The Registry Theatre. Highlights of his presentation included: . successful first year of operation which exceeded the business plan objectives relative to the number of bookings (100 in S months; over 1S0 bookings for upcoming year); variety and quality of users, including significant number of young entrepreneurs; and between 10,000 to 12,000 audience users; . operational expenses and capital improvements in the amount of $14,400. and revenues of approximately $10,000.; capital improvements included house dimming system, upgrading of lighting, acoustical insulation along Weber Street, etc.; stabilization of costs this year estimated at $16,500. for operations/capital costs and $16,200. in revenues; . fundraising which has provided approximately 1/3 repayment of the total capital loan; factors to overcome in fundraising to meet remainder of the loan payment over the 5 year period; . benefits of partnership with the City and acknowledgement of various City staff as outlined in the report and Mr. B. Nuhn, Centre in the Square; issues dealt with in a professional and co- operative manner, with parking being one of the issues yet to be resolved; . substantial efforts in protection of the heritage values of the Registry building, including incorporation of industrial artifacts; industrial award to Twin City Tile for their work on the building; and expression of disappointment that these efforts were not seriously considered by Heritage Kitchener for recognition in 2001 . Mr. Bourgeois advised that while overall it has been a very successful year for the Theatre, fundraising efforts and, perhaps additional support from the City, will be needed to accommodate additional capital improvements proposed for the next two years of operation, which include purchase of a concert piano, renovations to the lobby and box office, and outdoor signage. In addition, he commented that the Alumni wishes to work with the City to develop an appropriate marketing plan that will focus on The Registry Theatre as an important community facility. Mr. Bourgeois then extended an invitation to senior management and Council to attend one of two performances at the Theatre, being "Buskers - Silly People" coming in April or "Five Women Wearing Same Dress" coming in May. He advised that formal invitations would be sent out and appropriate arrangements made by the Alumni for any of those invited who wish to attend. Councillor G. Lorentz thanked Mr. Bourgeois for his presentation and expressed appreciation for a successful first year of operation. 5. CSD-02-081 - KITCHENER FARMERS' MARKET - URBAN MARKET PLAN The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-0S1, dated COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 25. 2002 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER March 15, 2002 detailing plans to introduce speciality markets in Civic Square with the intention of moving them to the new Kitchener Market in the summer of 2004. Ms. Stephanie Massel was in attendance to provide an overview of the staff report, noting that City staff have worked in partnership with the Kitchener Downtown Business Association to develop a plan for introduction of speciality markets that will be held beginning in the summer of 2002 in the Civic Square. She advised that a total of five speciality markets will be held over the summer, each having a unique theme: the Gardening Market; the Fine Arts and Crafts Market; the Antiques Market; the Natural Living Market; and the Books and Music Market. She further advised that staff are requesting approval of a contract that will be used for Wednesday and speciality market vendors who do not participate on traditional Saturday market days. She pointed out that the Civic Square is being used for the speciality markets as there is no space available in the current market facility. Choosing this location will require obtaining a Temporary Retail Market Licence for each of the 5 markets at a total cost of $2,895. and Ms. Massel advised that staff are also requesting a grant in this amount to cover the cost of the licences. Ms. Massel commented that the goal is to continue to strengthen both the Kitchener Market and the downtown. Establishment of speciality markets will assist in repositioning the Market as an urban market with wider appeal and allow the new Kitchener Market to open from a position of strength with established events on non-traditional market days. She further pointed out that these special events will complement the Wednesday outdoor market and provide additional benefits by bringing office workers onto the street during lunch hour and at the end of the day; attract outside visitors to the downtown; provide economic spin-off opportunities for downtown retail, restaurants and bars; and present business opportunities for market vendors. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Ms. Massel advised that the speciality markets are intended to open at 11 :00 a.m. and run until 7:00 p.m. to take advantage of both the lunch hour and after hours crowd, and displaced craft vendors resulting from the transition to the new Market will be the first contacted to provide an opportunity for them to participate in the speciality markets. On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That in the summer of 2002, the Kitchener Farmers' Market begin to incubate speciality markets in Civic Square with the intention of moving them to the new Kitchener Market in the summer of 2004; and, That subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, the Kitchener Farmers' Market Wednesday and Speciality Market Rental Agreement be approved as attached to the Community Services Department report CSD-02-081, as a pre-approved contract to be used with vendors who participate in markets other than the traditional Saturday market; and further, That pending approval of the speciality markets, an in-kind grant in the amount of $2,895. be awarded to the speciality markets in 2002 to cover the licensing fees for operating a Temporary Retail Market in Civic Square." 6. CSD-02-074 - McLENNAN PARK DEVELOPMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department information report CSD-02- 074, dated March 15, 2002 respecting the joint proposal of the City of Kitchener and the River Valley Golf and Snow Tube Group to develop a park and recreational facility at the former landfill site on Ottawa Street, known as McLennan Park. The report also includes a copy of the Region of Waterloo Transportation and Environmental Services Waste Management report E-02-022, dated March 5, 2002, which recommends to the Region's Planning and Works Committee that the joint development be approved along with leasing arrangements and provision for zone change and any other municipal and Planning Act approvals. 6. CSD-02-074 - McLENNAN PARK DEVELOPMENT ICONT'Dl Mr. F. Pizzuto provided an overview of the Community Services report noting that since the projects commencement a concept design has been prepared and several public information COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 25. 2002 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER meetings held resulting in a general consensus that the development could move forward to the Region for approval and lease of the land to the City and the Snow Tube Group. Once approved to move forward by the Region, Mr. Pizzuto indicated that the City could then commence its own process and outlined additional steps that would be undertaken, as noted in the staff report, including such things as further public consultation, preliminary concept approval and zone change approval. He noted that several issues including noise, traffic and free tobogganing remain outstanding issues to be resolved with area residents. Mr. Pizzuto advised that Regional Council at its meeting held on March 20, 2002 decided to defer its approval of the project so that additional information could be obtained relative to a business plan for the facility, the lease arrangement with the private sector and determination of City of Kitchener interest in proceeding with the project on its own without private sector involvement. Mr. Pizzuto stated that staff believe that the public/private sector partnership is still a good concept and pointed out that significant funding is being provided by the private sector for various infrastructure features such as road access, parking facilities, lighting and landscaping, storm water management, walking trails, 2 soccer fields, snow making and a junior free tobogganing hill. Mr. Pizzuto stated that staff would be reluctant to recommend that the City take on the project on its own as capital funding is not available and liability for a free tobogganing hill would become the City's responsibility. Mr. Pizzuto stated that the purpose of the report was to provide an update on the process to date and staff wish to continue discussions with the Region and the private developer. Councillor M. Galloway distributed this date copies of resident survey responses, e-mails, correspondence and a petition signed by residents of Roseneath Crescent, all indicating concerns and opposition to the proposal. In this regard, Councillor Galloway stated that it appeared there was no consensus in favour of the project. Councillor Galloway further indicated that he did not agree that the issue of liability relative to a free tobogganing hill would be problematic for the City if it developed the site on its own and pointed out that residents were promised some 25 years ago that the City would develop this site. He stated that the neighbourhood should be comfortable with any plans for development and Council has a responsibility to do what is right for the community. In this regard, he stated that he would like support to request that the Region consider allowing the City of Kitchener to take over 100% of the project. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. Pizzuto provided an overview of the infrastructure to be provided by the private developer, as outlined in the staff report, and indicated that the primary interest of the private developer is to operate a snow tube run in the winter and a mini golf facility with a club house in the summer. In addition, Mr. Pizzuto responded to questions relative to the City's portion of the development, noting that funds are budgeted over a 3 year period in 2002 - 2004 during which time the cricket pitch, additional soccer fields and leash free dog park would be incorporated. Mayor Zehr questioned if the City developed the site on its own if the recreational facilities would be developed where designed and if it would be feasible for the City to undertake the entire project. Mr. Pizzuto suggested that the amount of development would not be as significant unless additional capital funding was provided and he would be reluctant to recommend the City proceed on its own as it would require a significant amount of additional work to consider issues of liability for free tobogganing and provision of snow making equipment, parking and road infrastructure that is to be the responsibility of the private developer under the current proposal. Mayor Zehr commented that the majority of activities (soccer field/cricket pitch) are designed to back onto the residential area and questioned how the concerns of residents would be addressed by a City development. Mr. Pizzuto commented that residents feel there would be less noise and traffic generated from a City development. Councillor J. Ziegler commented that an existing toboggan run on Pinnacle Drive does not include provision for snow making and suggested area residents envision the same for McLennan Park. In response to questions from Councillor Ziegler, Mr. Pizzuto advised that the 6. CSD-02-074 - McLENNAN PARK DEVELOPMENT ICONT'Dl project is eligible for Superbuild funding; however, as criteria for funding is based in part on partnership development he suggested that the application may be weakened by removing the COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 25. 2002 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER partnership. Councillor Ziegler stated that he was inclined to step back to provide opportunity for additional information to be provided. In particular, he requested a break down of costs to the private developer including costs associated with snow tubing, snow making equipment, mini golf and club house, parking lot, road access, paving, landscaping and lighting, to be used in comparison with costs associated with developing a passive recreational facility containing only soccer fields, cricket pitch, free tobogganing and pathways with potentially less parking, lighting and exclusion of snow making. Councillor Ziegler suggested that the Region be asked to continue deferral of its approval of the project to allow the additional information to be provided and further suggested that another survey could be conducted following receipt of the information to obtain public input on the two differing concepts. In response to Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. D. Daly advised that the proposed site is 90 acres in size and would be the City's largest commercial park. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that this proposal is to be integrated into an existing neighbourhood as opposed to the neighbourhood being built around the facility and it would be the residents who will have to live with the after effects. He stated that in view of public opposition, all options including what the City could develop on its own should be fully explored prior to proceeding with any zone change approvals. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that once additional information is provided a public information centre be arranged, followed by a special evening meeting of the Community Services Committee. Councillor Galloway further commented on aspects of a City development that could include unpaved parking areas, partnering with the Region to undertake a traffic impact study and minimal work to develop a passive tobogganing hill. Councillor Galloway stated that this site should not be sacrificed for minimal profit and suggested that all ties with the private developer be removed and the Region requested to consider permitting the City to take over development of the site. Councillor J. Smola expressed the view that if the partnership was removed development would not proceed. He further suggested that development will require the road infrastructure to accommodate appropriate parking and was of the opinion that a gravel parking lot would not be acceptable to users of the facility. Councillor Smola questioned if an option to do nothing had been considered and Mr. Pizzuto advised that such an option had not been discussed with the Region. Councillor G. Lorentz inquired as to the nature of liability the Region still has with respect to the site. Mr. Pizzuto advised that it involves sub-surface and environmental issues of liability. He further commented that if the City undertook its own development the Region may require the City to take over the sub-surface liability. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to continue to defer its approval, leasing arrangements, zone change and any other municipal and Planning Act approvals, relative to the joint development of park and recreational facilities at the former Kitchener Landfill, known as McLennan Park, by the City of Kitchener and the River Valley Golf and Snow Tube Group, pending consideration of a report to be prepared by Kitchener staff; and, That the report shall provide an outline of the costs to the City of Kitchener to develop its own passive recreational facility, including soccer field(s), cricket pitch, leash free dog park and free tobogganing hill (excluding snow making); parking requirements; landscaping and pathways for accessibility; and a phased plan of development; and, 6. CSD-02-074 - McLENNAN PARK DEVELOPMENT ICONT'Dl That the report shall provide a comparison between the public sector proposal and the private/public partnership proposal, including a breakdown of costs to the private COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 25. 2002 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER developer; lost opportunity for tax revenue to the City if the facility is not privately run; and, advantages and disadvantages of each proposal; and further, That this report be circulated for public input to determine the level of public acceptance toward each of the approaches to be compared and an invitation extended to all interested parties to attend a future special evening meeting of the Community Services Committee." 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Janet Billett Committee Administrator