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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2006-06-12COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 3:45 p.m. Present: Councillor G. Lorentz -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, J. Smola, B. Urbanovic and C. Weylie. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer A. Pappert, General Manager of Community Services P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services and City Treasurer R. Browning, General Manager of Development & Technical Services S. Turner, Interim General Manager of Corporate Services L. MacDonald, Director of Legal Services and City Solicitor K. Baulk, Director of Enterprise M. Hildebrand, Interim Director of Community Programs and Services K. Kugler, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium & Arenas L. Eckel-Braun, Manager of Cemeteries J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor P. Wetherup, Parks Planner C. York, Co-ordinator of Arts & Culture C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-06-072 -ELECTRIC CARTS AND TRAM ON COMMUNITY TRAILS FOR PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY CHALLENGES The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-072, dated May 25, 2006 regarding the operation of electric carts and tram on designated City community trails for persons with mobility issues andlor physical disabilities. Mr. P. Wetherup advised that in response to direction given at the June 21, 2004 Community Services Committee meeting, staff have reviewed the proposal from Mr. Thomas Kaufman, requesting permission to operate electric cans and tram on City community trails as a service to persons with mobility issues and/or physical disabilities. He stated that Mr. Kaufman was granted permission to use the trails on a trial basis, the results of which has led staff to conclude that this is a worthwhile initiative. Mr. Wetherup stated that the next step would be the development of an agreement for use of the trail, which would address permitted locations of operation, as well as various maintenance and legal concerns. He noted that the agreement would have aone-year term and be reviewed annually. Mr. Thomas Kaufman, Canadian Recreational Excursions Inc., advised that on June 21, 2004 this Committee requested him to address the following: that his company be incorporated; that suitable insurance coverage be secured for the operation; and, that a business plan be created. Mr. Kaufman stated that on August 4 2004, Canadian Recreational Excursions Inc. was incorporated as afor-profit company, adding that he has recently received a quote for insurance coverage from Donovan Insurance. He noted that a business case was developed and can be made available upon request. Mr. Kaufman then gave an overview of his company's basic business operations, outlining the positive feedback received from both the public and other trail users encountered during the trial excursions. Mr. Kaufman pointed out that his plan is to develop and implement an environmentally friendly accessible outdoor recreational service that is focused primarily on those persons with mobility issues, but is open to all individuals. Councillor C. Weylie requested that Mr. Kaufman provide the exact name and type of insurance to be used by his company prior to the June 19, 2006 Council meeting. In response to questions, Mr. T. Kaufman displayed an aerial map of the current route that the excursion follows in the Pioneer Tower area. He advised that his company's primary goal is to provide a service to persons who would not normally be able to access the City's trail system, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMM11~'EE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-06-072 -ELECTRIC CARTS AND TRAM ON COMMUNITY TRAILS FOR PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY CHALLENGES (CONT'D) and not the pursuit of profit. He outlined that almost all of his vehicles use electric power, which coincides with his commitment to provide an environmentally friendly service. He added that the vehicles wide wheels also help to smooth the trails and during the winter months create 2 walkways of hard packed snow, which increases the trails accessibility to the general public. Councillor J. Gazzola requested that Mr. Kaufman provide copies of his business case to the Committee prior to the June 19, 2006 Council meeting. He then expressed concern that able bodied people will also use the electric carts and tram service, which would be contrary to the City's Pedestrian Charter. He suggested that Mr. Kaufman restrict access to the electric card and tram vehicles to persons who are physically disabled. Mr. Kaufman responded that several years ago he injured his leg, and while he had a temporary mobility issue he was not deemed to be disabled. He noted that under Councillor Gazzola's suggestion he would have been prohibited from accessing the City's trail system. He pointed out that his goal is to focus primarily on persons with mobility issues, adding that he is unsure as to how he would be able to restrict a person's access to this service. Ms. Cori Schulz, President, dower Doon Neighbourhood Association, advised that while her group supports providing access to the City's community trail system to persons with mobility issues, their concern is that these vehicles may be permitted to cross the Walter Bean Grand River Trail Bridge. She stated that the Neighbourhood Association was of the opinion that barriers were to be constructed at either ends of the bridge to prevent vehicle access and she requested that the installation of those barriers be undertaken. Ms. Schulz then requested that if Mr. Kaufman's proposal is approved, that he not be given access to the sections of the Walter Bean Trail in the dower Doon area, specifically with regard to crossing the Walter Bean Grand River Trail Bridge. Mr. P. Wetherup advised that the Walter Bean Grand River Trail Bridge will have barriers constructed at either end, so that only City vehicles would be permitted to cross. He added that while he has not spoken to Mr. Kaufman regarding the possibility of his excursions extending to the bridge, he noted that even if the request was made staff would not recommend that he be granted permission to cross. Mr. Brad Ullner, Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee, expressed concerns regarding the possibility of limiting access to the electric carts and tram service solely to persons with ambulatory disabilities. He asked what would happen if he and an able-bodied friend wanted to use this service, questioning if the able-bodied person would be forced to walk beside the cart or tram. He noted that it is not realistic to restrict access to this service, as doing so would be a reverse form of discrimination. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, the staff recommendation was brought forward for consideration with two additional provisions added, being: that the concerns of the Lower Doon Neighbourhood Association be addressed when considering which sections of the City's trails would be designated for use by Mr. Kaufman and that the finalized agreement be brought before the Community Services Committee for consideration and approval prior to being signed by the Mayor and Clerk. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that staff provide the Committee with the exact sections of the City's community trail system that are to be designated for use by Mr. Kaufman prior to the June 19, 2006 Council meeting. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That the Director of Operations determine designated sections of the City's trail system suitable for operation of the cart and tram system for persons with mobility issues or physical challenges; and, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMM11~'EE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-06-072 -ELECTRIC CARTS AND TRAM ON COMMUNITY TRAILS FOR PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY CHALLENGES (CONT'D) That the concerns expressed by the dower Doon Neighbourhood Association regarding the prohibition of vehicles on the Walter Bean Trail Grand River Bridge be addressed when determining the designated sections of the City's trail system; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with Mr. Thomas Kaufman for use of all or a portion of the designated trail sections for a term of one year, to be reviewed on an annual basis, subject to prior consideration and approval of the agreement by the Community Services Committee." 2. CSD-06-073 -AGREEMENT - SPORTSWORLD TWIN PAD ICE USE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-073, dated June 6, 2006 regarding an ice use agreement between the City of Kitchener and GPM Managed Investments Inc., for the use of the Sportsworld Twin Pad for the 2006107 ice season. Mr. K. Baulk advised that the proposed ice use agreement is beneficial to the City as it allows Queensmount Arena to re-close as an ice facility, which would reduce the risk to programming due to major breakdowns, and the agreement is better suited to meet Minor Hockey's programming requirements. He stated that it also establishes a relationship with the new owners of the Sportsworld Twin Pad that could eventually lead to a longer term agreement, which would be required to support the decommissioning strategy outlined in the leisure Facilities Master Plan. Mr. Mark Kindrachuk, Intermarket Developments, advised that in the fall of 2005, GPM Managed Investments Inc. purchased the Sportsworld properly including the Twin Pad arena. He stated that discussions between GPM and the City have resulted in the development of a framework for a potential ice use agreement for the 2006/07 ice season, in which GPM has shown its commitment to the City and Minor Hockey by allocating prime ice time on all requested days and weekends. In response to questions, Mr. K. Baulk advised that of the approximately 3,500 total hours of ice time available at Sportsworld from September to the end of March, the City will use approximately 1,800 hours. He stated that for the 2006/07 ice season the City will be charging $180. for adults and $169. for youths at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium and $161. for adults and $150. for youths at Community Arenas, with the rate to be charged for the Sportsworld ice to be somewhere between those rates. He noted that while the City will be paying a rate of $195. to rent the Sportsworld ice, staff has suggested that for year one of the agreement, the over-charge deferential be absorbed by the City and the deferential be addressed in future capital budgets. Councillor J. Gazzola inquired as to why the City, as the major tenant at this facility, is unable to get a better rate and was advised by Mr. M. Kindrachuk that to accommodate the City's use of the Sportsworld facility GPM bumped a number of private groups who were willing to pay substantially more for the use of the ice at the Twin Pads. Accordingly, GPM has made a considerable concession to facilitate this agreement and is providing the City with terms that are below the current market rate. Mr. K. Baulk pointed out that staff has not been able to find a private sector partner who would be willing to construct a Twin Pad facility for the City that could also provide rates similar to those being offered by GPM. On motion by Councillor J. Smola, the staff recommendation was brought forward for consideration. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that these are the best rates available to ensure that the City will be capable of meeting the public's ice use demands. Councillor G. Lorentz added that after the City constructs its proposed Twin Pad facility, this agreement could then be used to expand the amount of available ice time. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMM11~'EE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CSD-06-073 -AGREEMENT - SPORTSWORLD TWIN PAD ICE USE (CONT'D) At the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, the following motion was Carried on a recorded vote with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic, G. Lorentz and C. Weylie voting in favour and Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition. Councillor M. Galloway was absent from this meeting and accordingly, did not vote. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - itwas resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an ice use agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with GPM Managed Investments Inc. for use of ice at the Sportsworld Twin Pad, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD- 06-073." 3. CSD-06-081 -RELOCATION OF CHANDLER-NOWAY PORTABLES TO KINGSDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE SITE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-081, dated June 7, 2006 regarding the relocation of the Chandler-Mowat portables to the Kingsdale Community Centre site. Mr. M. Hildebrand provided an overview of the proposed relocation, advising that attaching the Chandler-Mowat portables to the existing Kingsdale Community Centre portable is a viable option considering the capital costs and the site space requirements at Kingsdale. He stated that this option would provide an additional 5,890 square feet for Kingsdale to develop and grow their programs until a permanent facility can be constructed to meet their long-term needs. He added that although this is not the least expensive option, it does provide Kingsdale with the greatest amount of space; can be delivered within the requested timelines; and within the budget envelopes available to staff. Ms. Nicole Smith, Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association, stressed the need for additional space at the Kingsdale Community Centre and advised that the relocation of the Chandler- Mowat portables will provide a valued addition of space. In response to questions, Mr. M. Hildebrand advised that provided the current programming in the subject portables is completed on schedule, the relocation should be facilitated no later than the end of July 2006. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - itwas resolved: "That the Chandler-Mowat Community Centre portables be moved and attached to the Kingsdale Community Centre portable, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-06-081." 4. CSD-06-066 -HOPE GARDENS COMMUNITY GARDEN -GRANT REQUEST The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-066, dated May 17, 2006 regarding aone-time grant request from the Seventh-day Adventist Community Services Group to cover start-up costs related to the development of the Hope Gardens Community Garden. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That aone-time grant in the amount of $1000. ($300. cash and $700. in-kind services: transport topsoil, compost, and rototilling), be approved to the Seventh-day Adventist Community Services Group to assist with costs relating to the start-up of the Hope Gardens Community Garden." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMM11~'EE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. CSD-06-071 -SHARED SERVICES ROADS AGREEMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-071, dated May 25, 2006 regarding a reciprocal winter road maintenance and leaf collection agreement with the City of Waterloo for border area streets. In response to a question from Councillor C. Weylie as to why Pine Street is only listed on the winter maintenance schedule and not the leaf collection schedule, staff advised that this is likely the case to address inequities in the services provided by each City. Staff agreed to investigate this matter further and report back prior to the June 19, 2006 Council meeting. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with the Corporation of the City of Waterloo for the purposes of a reciprocal winter road maintenance and leaf collection for border area streets, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-06-071; and further, That the Director of Operations or designate be authorized to periodically revise the maintenance schedules attached to the Reciprocal Winter Road Maintenance and Leaf Collection Agreement (attached as Schedule `A' and `B' to report CSD-06-071) as opportunities for further shared maintenance activities are entered into with the City of Waterloo." 6. CSD-06-078 -LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN -OUTDOOR WINTER RINKS (REC. 21) The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-078, dated May 30, 2006 regarding the continuation of the outdoor rinks program as outlined in Recommendation 21 in the Leisure Facilities Master Plan. Councillor G. Lorentz noted that this item was mistakenly placed on the agenda as an information item; and should have been listed under the Consent Agenda. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That Recommendation 21 of the Leisure Facilities Master Plan, which states that `The outdoor rinks program continue based on its current format', be approved." 7. CSD-06-077 -KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX - OTTAWASTREET MESSAGE CENTRE SCREEN REPLACEMENTS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-077, dated May 29, 2006 regarding the replacement of the screens on the Ottawa Street message centre. Ms. K. Kugler advised that an outdoor double faced message centre was installed 10 years ago on the City-owned parcel of land on Ottawa Street by the expressway off-ramp. She stated that the sign is used to advertise upcoming events scheduled at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium but its technology is now outdated. She noted that only the screens of the message centre will be replaced with new technology and not the sign in its entirety. Councillor B. Vrbanovic inquired if at the same time, the sign itself could be relocated to allow for maximum exposure to the expressway. Ms. K. Kugler advised that the Ministry of Transportation has strict guidelines regulating the installation of signage in close proximity to highways. The Ministry has previously indicated to the City that it would not permit the installation of advertisement signs that would be visible by motorists from the expressway. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMM11~'EE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-06-077 -KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX - OTTAWASTREET MESSAGE CENTRE SCREEN REPLACEMENTS (CONY' D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That the electronic message display screens on the Ottawa Street piton sign be replaced with new technology, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-06-077; and further, That the screen replacements be funded over the next five years on a business case basis through advertising revenues, energy savings and savings in bulb replacements." 8. CSD-06-016 -CEMETERY STRATEGIC PLAN -STAFF REVIEW The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-016, dated May 25, 2006 regarding the staff review of the Cemetery Operations and Strategic Business Alternatives Recommendations. Ms. L. Eckel-Braun advised that staff has completed a review and assessment of the Cemetery Operations and Strategic Business Alternatives Recommendations, stating that there were 12 major recommendations, made up of two basic operating principles and 10 project/action oriented recommendations to support the objectives of the operating principles. She noted that the two operating principles outline that the City should remain in the cemetery business and pursue a business model of operation within anon-competitive framework. Accordingly, staff are recommending that Council adopt the two operating principles and pursue undertaking the project oriented recommendations. She commented that the Asset Management Committee has reviewed and supports the staff recommendation. In response to questions, Ms. L. Eckel-Braun advised that the purpose of the recommendations is to improve the cemeteries long-term sustainability. She stated that given the views of certain sectors of society, marketing techniques need to be employed to ensure that the City's cemeteries do not loose business to the private sector or other municipalities. She noted that full cost details and information of that nature will be included in the individual business cases, which will be presented at future Community Services Committee meetings. Ms. Eckel-Braun responded further that some of the recommended actions cannot be accommodated in-house and consequently, staff will need to pursue outside assistance. Councillor J. Gazzola inquired as to the type of investment technique that staff will employ as part of pursuing a business model of operation and was advised that the City's investment policy has very specific guidelines outlining what can and cannot be invested in. Ms. P. Houston added that given this, the techniques employed will be more of an investigation into the various areas where funds can be reinvested within the parameters of the existing City investment policy. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That the two operating principles contained in the Cemeteries Operational and Strategic Business Alternatives Review (Community Services Department report CSD- 05-125) as listed below, be adopted: 1. That the City remain in the Cemetery business on a long term basis; and, 2. That the City continue to move towards a business model of operations, pursuing reduction of its annual operating deficit within anon-competitive framework; and further, That the actions relating to project oriented recommendations as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-06-066, be undertaken by staff." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMM11~'EE MINUTES JUNE 12, 2006 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. CSD-06-079 -PROJECT FEASIBILITY -CULTURAL CAPITALS OF CANADA The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-06-079, dated May 29, 2006 regarding a Kitchener application to the Culture Capitals of Canada program. Ms. A. Pappert outlined that the overwhelming community response to the prospect of a Cultural Capitals of Canada application from the City of Kitchener has encouraged the Culture Plan II Implementation Team ad hoc working group, and staff to bring this opportunity forward. She advised that staff have reviewed the application criteria and found that Kitchener is well- positioned to submit an application for the 2009 award year, the deadline for which is October 15, 2006. She noted that the awards are announced from 4 to 6 months later. She pointed out that to facilitate this deadline the working group is committed to proceeding with further preparation of a detailed application, with a report to be brought forward to the Committee in early September 2006. In response to questions, Ms. A. Pappert advised that the ad hoc working group strongly recommended that a Kitchener application should be for the 2009 award year, as the arts and culture community are currently working on a 2 year cycle, which is in line with that timeframe. She added that if an application for the 2009 award year is rejected, the City would still be capable of submitting a revised application for the 2010 award year. She noted that with the Olympics taking place in 2010 in Vancouver, receiving the award for 2009 would be preferable as Kitchener would not have to compete with Vancouver for tourists in 2009. Ms. Pappert advised that the current staff complement requires assistance to achieve all of these goals within a three month period and therefore, staff anticipates hiring someone from the Waterloo Regional Arts Council (WRAC) for contractual services from June 15 to September 1, 2006. She stated that this is due to WRAC having a greater capacity to involve a wide range of organizations and volunteers in a consultative process. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - itwas resolved: "That the ad hoc working group of the Culture Plan II Implementation Team proceed with preparation of a detailed application to the Cultural Capitals of Canada program within the timeline proposed in Community Services Department report CSD-06-079, with a report to be brought forward for consideration by the Community Services Committee in September 2006." 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:26 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator