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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2006-03-27COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Councillor G. Lorentz -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, B. Vrbanovic, M. Galloway, J. Smola and C. Weylie. Staff: A. Pappert, General Manager of Community Services R. Browning, Interim General Manager of Development & Technical Services P. Houston, Manager of Financial Services L. MacDonald, Director of Legal Services and City Solicitor S. Adams, Director of Community Services & Corporate Planning K. Currier, Director of Operations R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development H. Gross, Director of Project Administration & Economic Development M. Hildebrand, Director of Aquatics & Athletics D. Quinn, Director of Utilities G. Hastings, Manager of Golf Courses D. Chapman, Supervisor of Special Events R. Willms, Supervisor of Administration K. Woodcock, Special Projects Officer C. Allan, Marketing Communications Associate E. Harris, Arts & Culture Facilitator C. York, Arts & Culture Co-ordinator C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-06-025 - 2006!2007 GOLF PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-025, dated March 1, 2006 regarding the 2006/2007 Golf Professional Contract. Councillor M. Galloway requested circulation of the 2005 golf professional financial statement. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Michael Martz, Canadian Professional Golf Association, for the provision of golf professional services and other related matters at both City of Kitchener golf courses, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-06- 025." 2. CSD-06-034 -GRANT REQUEST - WOODCREST GARDEN GROUP - WOODCREST COURT COMMUNITY GARDEN The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-034, dated March 13, 2006 regarding a request for aone-time grant to assist with start-up costs of the Woodcrest Court Community Garden. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That a one-time grant of $1000. ($500. cash and $500. in-kind services for transportation of topsoil and sod stripping), be approved to the Woodcrest Garden Group for costs related to the start-up of the Woodcrest Court Community Garden; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute all necessary agreements with the Woodcrest Garden Group, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, to allow the Woodcrest Court Community Garden to be located on the public lands known as the Woodcrest Court Cul-de-sac bulb." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2006 -17 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-06-03$ - CULTUREPLAN 11 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES - MINISTRY OF CANADIAN HERITAGE, CULTURAL CAPITALS OF CANADA PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-038, dated March 13, 2006 regarding the CulturePlan II 2006 - 2008 implementation strategies and a request to examine the feasibility of submitting an application to the Ministry of Canadian Heritage Cultural Capitals of Canada Program. Mr. Peter Hinchcliffe, Chair, Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC), spoke in support of Kitchener submitting an application to the Ministry of Canadian Heritage Cultural Capitals of Canada Program. He stated that doing so would satisfy a number of CulturePlan II recommendations outlined for implementation in 2006 - 2008. He put forward a goal of 2009 as the year Kitchener should strive for designation as a Cultural Capital and suggested that the entire Region should be involved in developing the application. Mr. Hinchcliffe pointed out that even if the City does not win designation, it will still gain through the attempt. Ms. Annalee Moore ACAC, advised that becoming a Cultural Capital of Canada will require a strong partnership supported by both Council and the arts and culture community. She noted that if this support is not fostered, the City would miss out on a potentially rewarding opportunity. Ms. E. Harris reviewed the 3 `Focus Projects' outlined in the staff report stating that if implemented, they would satisfy more than 60% of the CulturePlan II recommendations and aid in positioning Kitchener within the cultural tourism industry as a region of interest. Ms. C. York advised that the Cultural Capitals of Canada Program offers a cash award of up to $2.5 M, which is to represent funding of up to 75% of the winning project's budget. She noted that preliminary discussions with the arts and culture community have elicited widespread interest and support for the development of a community-wide application. Ms. York added that if approved, staff will work with the community to facilitate the development of the application based on the tenets of CulturePlan II. Ms. A. Pappert advised that staff will conduct a preliminary review to assess the potential for strategic investment in culture clusters and emerging districts, based on Kitchener's current cultural and economic infrastructure. She added that funding will be allocated through the Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF). Ms. Pappert noted that the culture cluster scoping exercise will tie in arts and culture recommendations with those of the Leisure Facilities Master Plan. She stated that staff anticipates presenting the findings of the scoping exercise by mid-summer 2006. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola, the staff recommendation was brought forward for consideration. In response to questions, Ms. E. Harris stated that an underlining principle of CulturePlan II is the integration of arts and culture into the daily lives of Kitchener residents. Mr. R. Regier advised that approximately $100,000. of EDIF has been dedicated toward research funding, noting that $20,000. of this will be set aside for the arts and culture cluster development scoping exercise. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the CulturePlan II Focus Projects be endorsed as the 2006-2008 implementation strategy for CulturePlan II as developed with CulturePlan II Implementation Teams; and further, That staff investigate the feasibility of making application to the Ministry of Canadian Heritage Cultural Capitals Canada Program." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2006 -1$ - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CSD-06-033 -GENERAL PROVISION GRANT REQUEST - JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT REGION OF WATERLOO - ECONOMICS OF STAYING IN SCHOOL PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-033, dated March 8, 2006 regarding aone-time grant request from Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region. Ms. Rosemary Trakalo, Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region, requested support of her group's request for aone-time grant of $5,000. to cover the cost of providing the `Economics of Staying in School (ESS) Program'. She added that if the requested funds are allocated, the ESS program will be provided to approximately 500 grade 7 and 8 students in Kitchener. She advised that the program is intended to provide students with an understanding of the personal and economic costs of dropping out of school, noting that nationally 30% of all high school students will drop out. She added that 45% of the students who drop out of high school are currently on welfare. Ms. Trakalo noted that helping to prevent students from dropping out of high school now, will in turn prevent a potential future strain on municipal services. In response to questions, Ms. R. Trakalo stated that approximately $9,000. of funding typically provided from various foundations, is not available in 2006. She advised that the cost for this program relates to staffing, recruitment and training of volunteers. She added that in 2005 this program was only being provided to approximately 2,000 students, advising that the goal for 2006 is to reach 6,000 students in Waterloo Region. Ms. Trakalo advised that the City of Cambridge denied their grant application, noting that any money raised in Kitchener will stay in Kitchener. Ms. Trakalo confirmed that this request is for aone-time only grant. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr, a recommendation to approve aone-time grant of $5,000. to Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region was brought forward for consideration. He noted that while this request is contrary to Council's grant policy, he believes it to be a worthwhile cause. Councillor J. Gazzola stated that while he agreed the group supports a good cause and he would be willing to donate his time to the program, he could not support the allocation of a grant given that the services to be provided are not a core municipal responsibility. At the request of Councillor M. Galloway, it was agreed to amend the motion to include a provision that the Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region provide an update to this Committee as to the success of the ESS Program in Kitchener during 2006. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That aone-time general provision grant of $5,000. be approved to Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region, to assist with expenses relating to the provision of the `Economics of Staying in School (ESS) Program'; and further, That at a future Community Services Committee meeting, the Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region provide a summary report of the ESS Program achievements in Kitchener during 2006." 5. CSD-06-035 -GENERAL PROVISION GRANT REQUEST- CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN, KITCHENER-WATERLOO - PUBLISHING AND PROMOTION OF "PROUDLY SHE MARCHED: TRAINING WORLD WAR 11 WOMEN IN WATERLOO COUNTY" The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-035, dated March 9, 2006 regarding aone-time grant request from the Canadian Federation of University Women, Kitchener-Waterloo (K-W). In addition, the Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Ms. C. York, dated March 8, 2006 containing a motion from the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC) expressing support for the above stated grant request. Ms. Lorene Welch and Ms. Ruth Russell, Canadian Federation of University Women K-W, requested support for their group's one-time grant of $5,000. to assist with costs related to COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2006 -19 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. CSD-06-035 -GENERAL PROVISION GRANT REQUEST- CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN, KITCHENER-WATERLOO - PUBLISHING AND PROMOTION OF "PROUDLY SHE MARCHED: TRAINING WORLD WAR 11 WOMEN IN WATERLOO COUNTY" tCONT'D) publishing the book `Proudly She Marched: Training World War II Women in Waterloo County". Ms. Welch advised that her group has already received a grant of $5,000. from the City of Waterloo and showed a video outlining the proposed content of the book. Ms. Russell stated that the training of women in Waterloo County during World War II is an important part of Kitchener's heritage and noted that all supporters will be recognized for their contributions. In response to questions, Ms. R. Russell advised that funding is required up front to cover publishing costs. She noted that her group is a registered non-profit organization. Ms. Russell added that any profits realized from the sale of their book will be put towards a scholarship, similar to the one established from the profits of their previous book, `Women of Waterloo County'. Councillor J. Gazzola advised that while he believes that this is a tremendous project, he would not be supporting the grant request. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That aone-time general provision grant of $5,000. be approved to the Canadian Federation of University Women, Kitchener-Waterloo, to assist with expenses related to publishing and promoting the book `Proudly She Marched: Training World War II Women in Waterloo County'." 6. CSD-06-036 -GENERAL PROVISION GRANT REQUEST- NERUDA PRODUCTIONS - NEW IMMIGRANT WOMEN'S WORKSHOP AND ARPILLERA (QUILT) PROJECT 2006 The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-036, dated March 15, 2006 regarding aone-time grant request of $5,000. from Neruda Productions. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Ms. C. York, dated March 8, 2006 on behalf of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC) who are recommending approval of a $4,900. grant to Neruda Productions. Ms. Isabel Cisterna, Neruda Productions, displayed a video which provided an overview of the `New Immigrant Women's Workshop and Arpillera (Quilt) Project'. She stated that in 2004 she received a $2,000. grant from Kitchener to assist with start-up costs for Neruda Production's Cafe Cabarets. She added that since then she has seen the valuable effect arts and culture can have on assisting to integrate a new immigrant in a community. Ms. Cisterna noted that last year 33 women from different cultures came together to participate in the first Arpillera, stating that her group now wishes to expand this project to other communities. In response to questions, Ms. L Cisterna advised that she was not aware of staff's recommendation which only proposed a grant of $3,000., noting that she only knew of ACAC recommendation, which she believed was for $4,100. She stated that the Arpillera project is consistent with some of the recommendations of CulturePlan II, as it helps to integrate other cultures into this society. Ms. Cisterna further advised that if approved, the funding will be used to exhibit the Arpilleras and set-up satellite projects throughout the Region. She affirmed that this is a one-time grant request, noting that in 2004 she requested funding for the Cafe Cabaret project and has since not requested any further funding from the City for that project. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola, a recommendation to approve aone-time grant of $4,600. ($4,100. cash and $500. in-kind services) to Neruda Productions was brought forward for consideration. Councillor M. Galloway expressed concern that as Neruda Productions have not received formal registration as anon-profit organization, Council's grant policy is being applied inconsistently. Ms. R. Willms advised that Neruda Productions is currently in the process of COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2006 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-06-036 -GENERAL PROVISION GRANT REQUEST- NERUDA PRODUCTIONS - NEW IMMIGRANT WOMEN'S WORKSHOP AND ARPILLERA (QUILT) PROJECT 2006 tCONT'D) receiving registration as anon-profit organization, and that application is being supported by the Waterloo Arts Council. She added that as Council approved a previous grant to this group, which at that time had not applied for non-profit registration, staff felt comfortable in omitting that condition when evaluating this application. Ms. L Cisterna advised that she is unsure as to how long it will take to receive non-profit registration. She noted that they would prefer to receive funding as soon as possible as they wish to commence work on the Arpilleras in April 2006, so that they can be displayed at Tapestry Week this June. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That aone-time general provision grant of $4,600. ($4,100. cash and $500. in-kind services for exhibit space at Your Kitchener Market) be approved to Neruda Productions, to assist with expenses related to the 2006 Arpillera Project." 7. CSD-06-044 -KITCHENER OUTDOOR AND INDOOR YOUTH SOCCER PROGRAMS - AGREEMENT -TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE KITCHENER SOCCER CLUB tKSC) The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-044, dated March 27, 2006 regarding the transfer of responsibilities for the Kitchener outdoor and indoor youth soccer programs to the Kitchener Soccer Club (KSC). Mr. M. Hildebrand advised that after two years of hard work, the Kitchener Youth Soccer Advisory Board is now prepared to put an Executive Board in place to take over responsibility for the soccer program and its associated budget. He stated that staff is confident that the necessary work has been completed to ensure the successful transition of a viable soccer program back to the community. He noted that several volunteers have agreed to remain on to ensure a smooth transition. Mr. Hildebrand advised that resultant to the forensic review, staff have adjusted the Minor Sport Affiliation policy to strengthen its oversight in reporting procedures. He noted that internal procedures have also been strengthened to ensure the proper execution of the provisions and requirements of the affiliation policy. Mr. Scott van Rooy, President, Kitchener Soccer Club thanked the City for its support and advised that his group is striving to build a grassroots organization that will develop players and restore the community's confidence in Kitchener youth soccer. He noted that the one-time grant will be used to fund the training of coaches and referees. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with the Kitchener Soccer Club (KSC), to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, to transfer responsibility of the Kitchener outdoor and indoor youth soccer programs to KSC; and, That the funds being held in trust by the City of Kitchener for the 2006 youth outdoor soccer program, be transferred to KSC; and, That aone-time grant of $25,000., which was set aside for KSC from the 2004 and 2005 outdoor soccer program profits to be used for initial costs associated with transitioning and assuming the management of the soccer program, be approved; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a licence agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Kitchener Soccer Club for the use of office space at the Budd Park indoor facility." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2006 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. CSD-06-042 -LITTER REDUCTION TASK FORCE -CASH FOR TRASH INITIATIVE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-042, dated March 13, 2006 regarding the Litter Reduction Task Force (LRTF) `Cash for Trash' program. Ms. C. Allan advised that the Litter Reduction Task Force will be launching the `Cash for Trash' program in June 2006. She stated that this program aims to reduce litter through positive reinforcement of desired anti-littering behaviour. She added that this positive reinforcement is accomplished by instantly rewarding people who either pick-up litter or dispose of it properly. Ms. Allan noted that the LRTF is looking for participation from the Cities of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo through staff support and resources in the form of prize spotters and locations for prize voucher redemption. In response to questions, Ms. C. Allan advised that the project will be funded through the existing Litter Reduction Task Force Budget and sponsorships. She added that the LRTF hope to solicit media sponsorship to support paid advertising, and noted that a website will be developed as a point of contact for the `Cash for Trash' program. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener participate in the Litter Reduction Task Force `Cash for Trash' program." 9. CSD-06-039 -LOWER DOON PUMPING STATION SPILL UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-039, dated March 10, 2006 regarding a sewage spill at the Lower Doon Pumping Station. Mr. K. Currier advised that on February 17, 2006 at approximately 9:20 a.m. a power failure interrupted the pumping operation at the Lower Doon Pumping station. He stated that the pumping station is equipped with an alarm system, which is designed to notify a manned central dispatch-monitoring center when the power has been interrupted at the station. He added that during the initial 3 hours of the power outage the center received an abnormally high volume of calls and radio communications, which were being handled by only 2 operators. Mr. Currier stated that the dispatch center received the call of an alarm at 10:19 a.m., but did not notify the Lower Doon Pumping Station on-call staff as they misinterpreted the alarm as being for another location where power had been restored. He stated that the cleanup efforts began immediately, and while the station was being restored, Operations Management staff contacted the Ministry of the Environment Spills Action Center, the Grand River Conservation Authority, the municipalities of Cambridge and Brantford and the Region of Waterloo's Public Health Department. Confirmation was received from the Region of Waterloo's Public Health unit that the downstream private well owners abutting the Grand River were not at risk from the spill. Mr. K. Currier advised that although the installation of a back-up generator at this site could have impacted whether this spill occurred, the City is in the process of ensuring that power supply and improved communications is being addressed at all pumping stations. Mr. D. Quinn stated that it is impossible to anticipate when an emergency situation will occur, noting that while a mistake was made, staff are learning from it. He advised that more staff training and better equipment is needed to address this problem. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator