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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFin & Corp Svcs - 2006-06-12FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:30 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Urbanovic -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, G. Lorentz, J. Gazzola and C. Weylie. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrator S. Turner, Interim General Manager, Corporate Services P. Houston, General Manager, Financial Services & City Treasurer R. Browning, General Manager, Development & Technical Services & Fire Chief A. Pappert, General Manager, Community Services D. Chapman, Director of Financial Planning and Reporting R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development P. Harris, Manager of Licensing T. Boutilier, Brownfield Co-ordinator and Senior Planner J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor J. Gillett, Committee Administrator 1. DELEGATION PRESENTATION -CANADA-KOREA FREE TRADE RESOLUTION Messrs. Jim Woods, Mike Pigeau and Mike Devine, Canadian Auto Workers Union CAW), attended to request support for endorsement of a resolution concerning the Government of Canada's negotiations for a free trade agreement with Korea. The delegation raised concerns that the NAFTA-style free trade deal currently under negotiation with Korea will place thousands of manufacturing jobs at risk, noting that the auto industry is especially vulnerable. It was noted that Canada is already in a trade deficit with Korea, having imported over 100,000 Korean vehicles in 2444 but selling only 444 vehicles to Korea; and for every dollar of automotive product exported, only $150. is imported from Korea. The delegation expressed the opinion that Canada's bi-lateral trade deficit with Korea, resulting in a one-way flow of automotive products into Canadian markets, will only worsen under the free trade deal. It was also suggested that this deal would set precedent for trade liberalization with other Asian and/or emerging economies. The delegation advised that other area municipalities and the Region of Waterloo have endorsed the proposed resolution in variations thereof. Mayor C. Zehr circulated this date a copy of a draft resolution composed by the Ontario Mayor's for Automotive Investment (OMAI), in support of discontinuing negotiations for a free trade agreement with Korea that would result in a further negative impact on the one-way flow of automotive products into Canadian markets. OMAI represents the vast majority of Ontario communities with a significant automotive assembly and/or parts industry, and as such, has drafted a position in support of its manufacturing sectors. He advised that wording of the resolution is somewhat stronger than that proposed by CAW, in that it also encompasses foreign direct investment and free flow of traded goods and services in addition to auto trade related issues. Mayor Zehr advised that OMAI has not yet ratified the draft resolution, pending consultation with municipal councils and asked for the Committee's endorsement. Councillor G. Lorentz commented that a Federal policy should be established to provide guidelines that will ensure fair and equitable reciprocal agreements with outlying economies. At the request of Councillor G. Lorentz, the following motion was Carried Unanimously by all members present, on a recorded vote. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "WHEREAS the Ontario Mayors for Automotive Investment ~OMAI) represent the vast majority of Ontario communities with a significant automotive assembly and 1 or parts industry; and, WHEREAS the OMAI represents local and area communities in which the auto parts and auto assembly industry produced: over 2.6 million vehicles in 2005; and, 1 in 6 vehicles produced in North America in 2005; FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 91- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DELEGATION PRESENTATION -CANADA-KOREA FREE TRADE RESOLUTION (CONT'D) with a total value of $99 Billion in 2005; and, WHEREAS the OMAI represents communities that are home to approximately 138,000 employees who work in the auto assembly and auto parts sectors; and, WHEREAS investment and production by the North American auto industry could be restricted by a one way flow of imported vehicles from some offshore jurisdictions; and, WHEREAS increased foreign direct investment and the free flow of traded goods and services in all sectors, is essential to the future economic growth of Ontario and Canada; and, WHEREAS Canada currently imports $150 worth of automotive products from Korea, for each $1 of automotive products we sell in Korea; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of Canada cancel negotiations for a free trade agreement with Korea which would result in a further negative impact on the one way flow of automotive products into our market; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that future trade agreements require that offshore markets purchase substantial volumes of finished vehicles and auto parts from North America, and 1 or investment in design, parts manufacturing and assembly facilities in Canada, as a condition of their continued access to our own automotive market; and, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario." 2. REQUEST TO SELL ALCOHOL ON CITY PROPERTY -KITCHENER DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION -'LEGION OF MEMORIES' EVENT Mr. Marty Schreiter, Kitchener Downtown Business Association (KDBA), attended to request permission to sell alcohol on the City-owned parking lot adjacent to 48 Ontario Street North (Legion building), in conjunction with the 'Legion of Memories' event to be held June 16 - 25, 2006. Ms. P. Harris advised that Parking and Licensing staff have no concerns with the request, provided the KDBA enters into the City's standard agreement for such events, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor. Councillor J. Gazzola referred to a recent request from a downtown merchant previously considered wherein permission was not granted and asked for clarification. Ms. P. Harris advised that the "Legion of Memories" is a City sanctioned event and as such the request is permissible under Council policy. Ms. J. Sheryer added that the agreement will provide for appropriate liability insurance and indemnification. Mr. M. Schreiter advised that he had met with the business owner in question and arrangements were made for alcohol to be served within the business establishment. Councillor J. Gazzola advised that he supports the request of the KDBA but suggested the same rules should apply to all. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That the request of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association for permission to sell alcohol on City property fora 'Legion of Memories' event being held on June 16 - 25, 2006, at 48 Ontario Street North (Legion Building), be granted and be declared 'Community Festivals' for the purpose of applying for a liquor licence." It is noted that the above motion was considered at the special Council meeting held later this same date. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 92 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-06-074 -ARTERY GALLERY -PROPOSAL FOR RENEWAL OF LEASE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-074, dated May 22, 2006 regarding an extension of the lease agreement with the University of Waterloo Fine Arts Department and Dean of Arts Office for operation of the Artery Gallery at 158 King Street West. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That afour-month extension be approved from September 1, 2006 to January 1, 2007, of the lease agreement with the University of Waterloo Fine Arts Department and Dean of Arts Office for operation of the Artery Gallery at 158 King Street West; and, That the agreement be amended to allow for month-to-month tenancy of the property thereafter; and, That changes to the agreement be subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the amended agreement, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." 4. CRPS-06-088 - AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 197 (VOTING RECORDERS} OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-06-088, dated June 2, 2006 regarding an amendment to Chapter 197 (Voting Recorders) of the Municipal Code to remove reference to the specific voting system and company and delete a clause requiring a certified copy be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, which is no longer required. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That Chapter 197 Noting Recorders) of the Municipal Code be amended by removing reference to the specific voting system and company and deleting the clause requiring that a certified copy of this Chapter be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs." 5. CRPS-06-089 - EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE - CALVARY MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH - 91 GRUHN STREET (JUNE 24, 2006) The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-06-089, dated June 5, 2006 regarding a noise exemption request from the Calvary Memorial United Church. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to Calvary Memorial United Church on Saturday, June 24, 2006, between the hours of 1 PM and 4 PM, for their Annual Strawberry Social." 6. CRPS-06-090 - EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE - SHAWN COOPER /VICTORIA PARK PAVILLION - VICTORIA PARK (JUNE 30, 2006) The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-06-090, dated June 5, 2006 regarding a noise exemption request from Shawn Cooper for an event to be held at Victoria Park Pavillion. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 93 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CRPS-06-090 - EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE - SHAWN COOPER /VICTORIA PARK PAVILLION - VICTORIA PARK (JUNE 30, 2006) (CONT'D) On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to Shawn Cooper for an album release event to be held at the Victoria Park Pavilion on Friday, June 30, 2006, between the hours of 7 PM and 10:30 PM." 7. CRPS-06-091 - EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE - PATHWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH - BRIGADOON PUBLIC SCHOOL (JUNE 17, JULY 16, AUGUST 13 AND SEPTEMBER 10, 2006) The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-06-091, dated June 5, 2006 regarding a noise exemption request from the Pathway Community Church. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to Pathway Community Church on Saturday, June 17, Sunday, July 16, Sunday, August 13 and Sunday, September 10, 2006, between the hours of 2 PM and 5 PM, respectively for community youth activities at Brigadoon Public School." 8. CRPS-06-085 - AMENDMENT TO SCHEDULE'B' OF CHAPTER 101 (AUTHORITY - STAFF -PROVINCIAL OFFENCES ACT) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-06-085, dated June 7, 2006 regarding an amendment to Schedule 'B' of Chapter 101 Authority -Staff -Provincial Offences Act) of the Municipal Code to authorize Corporate Security Officers to issue Provincial Offence Notices for municipal by-laws. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That a by-law be enacted to amend Schedule 'B' of Chapter 101 (Authority-Staff- Provincial Offences Act) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code to authorize Corporate Security Officers to issue Provincial Offence Notices for municipal by-laws." 9. CAO-06-041 -LEASE RENEWAL -YOUR KITCHENER STORE The Committee considered Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-06-041, dated June 6, 2006 concerning renewal of a lease agreement for the building at 191-195 King Street West for operations of K-W Tourism /Your Kitchener Store. At the request of Councillor C. Weylie, Ms. C. Ladd agreed to provide additional information as to whether or not the hydro and utility fees are included in the lease arrangement. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor to enter into a lease for the building located at 191-195 King Street West, from its owner, for a term of one year with a one year option to renew, such lease providing for rent of $40,000 per annum, to provide for the continuing operations of K-W Tourism/Your Kitchener Store." FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 94 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. CRPS-06-093 - MILLENNIUM SUPERBUILD FUNDING AGREEMENT - VICTORIA PARK ENTRANCE AND GAUKEL STREET IMPROVEMENTS The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-06-093 regarding a Millennium Partnerships Initiative Funding Agreement for the Victoria Park entrance and Gaukel Street streetscape project. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to execute the Millennium Partnerships Initiative Funding Agreement with the Province of Ontario by its Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for the Victoria Park Entrance and Gaukel streetscape improvements project (the "Funding Agreement"); and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the Agreement between the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the Corporation of the City of Kitchener in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor pursuant to which the City will indemnify and be responsible for all obligations of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo under the Funding Agreement; and further, That the City of Kitchener's Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign and submit to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo any and all payment requests, reports, certificates and other documentation required to facilitate requests for disbursements pursuant to the Funding Agreement." 11. CRPS-06-092 - EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE - HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH - SPECIAL EVENT - 700 FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD (JULY 29, 2006) The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-06-092, dated June 7, 2006 regarding a noise exemption request from the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church on Saturday, July 29, 2006 between the hours of 2 PM and 9 PM, for their annual Serbian Community Festival." 12. DTS-06-084 - BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION PROGRAM APPLICATION 06-01 - K1000 LTD. & SBL KITCHENER, INC. - 52 & 90 WOODSIDE AVENUE The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06- 084, dated June 5, 2006 concerning a Brownfield Remediation Program Application (06-02) from K1000 ltd. and SBL Kitchener Inc. for 52 and 90 Woodside Avenue. It was noted that Mr. Jeff Wilson, Vice-President, SBA Kitchener Inc., was in attendance in support of the application. Mr. T. Boutilier advised that acceptance of the application would result in the City receiving a completed and filed Record of Site Condition for the property, which is the subject of planning applications that will permit development of 128 townhouse dwellings on site. Eligible remediation costs total $1.7 M and under the terms and conditions of the Brownfield Remediation Program, the City will provide a grant in the form of an annual rebate on City taxes, estimated annually at $121,526., over a ten year period or until the total eligible remediation cost is reached. Mr. Boutilier responded to questions, advising that the Region is not party to this application but staff will be meeting with the Region in the near future to hear their plans for a Regional program for brownfields. Discussion was undertaken in regard to the City's portion of property taxes as it relates to the annual rebate and how the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) assesses Brownfield properties. Staff agreed to follow up with MPAC on FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 95 - CITY OF KITCHENER 12. DTS-06-084 - BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION PROGRAM APPLICATION 06-01 - K1000 LTD. & SBL KITCHENER, INC. - 52 & 90 WOODSIDE AVENUE (CONT'D) the latter issue. It was also clarified that when sold, individual owners of the townhomes will pay property tax as assessed, and the City's rebate would go to the developer on an annual basis. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - itwas resolved: "That Brownfield Remediation Program Application 06-02, received from K1000 Ltd. and SBL Kitchener Inc., dated April 24, 2006, be approved; and, That in exchange for a completed and filed Record of Site Condition for 52 and 90 Woodside Avenue, the City of Kitchener will provide a grant in the form of an annual rebate on City taxes in an amount equal to 100% of the City Tax Increment, where the City Tax Increment is defined as the difference between the City portion of real property taxes for the 2005 Taxation Year and the new City portion of real property taxes levied as a result of a new assessment by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) following completion of the project; and, That the property tax grant, estimated annually at $121,526. will continue for a maximum period of 10 years or until the total Eligible Remediation Cost x$1,763,892.) has been reached, whichever comes first; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Remediation and Redevelopment Agreement with SBA Kitchener Inc., satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 13. FIN-06-018 - FEES AND CHARGES - REDUCTION IN GST RATE The Committee considered Financial Services Department report FIN-06-018, dated May 17, 2006 outlining reductions in GST-included fees and charges to reflect a reduction in the GST rate from 7% to 6%, effective July 1, 2006. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - itwas resolved: "That the GST-included fees and charges contained in the 2006 comprehensive fee listing be amended as outlined in Appendices 'A' and 'B' to Financial Services Department report FIN-06-018, effective July 1, 2006." 14. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m. Janet Gillett, AMCT Committee Administrator