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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil - 2006-12-04COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER The Inaugural Meeting of the 2006-2010 City Council was held this date in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Kitchener, with all members present. The meeting opened with the singing of "O Canada" by Sheppard Public School Choir. Ms. Myrta Rivera, Executive Director, Multicultural Centre of Kitchener-Waterloo, led Council and guests in a moment of reflection commenting on the diversity of the community. The Honourable Mr. Justice P.J. Flynn was called upon to induct the elected officials. As required by statute, the Declaration of Office, which incorporates the Oath of Allegiance, was taken by Mayor Carl Zehr, Councillor John Smola, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor John Gazzola, Councillor Kelly Galloway, Councillor Geoff Lorentz and Councillor Christina Weylie. A musical selection followed, played by the K-W Symphony String Trio. Moved by Councillor B. Vrbanovic Seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz "That the report of the Striking Committee of this date be adopted." Carried. Mayor Carl Zehr then delivered his Inaugural Address, a copy of which is appended and forms part of these minutes. Moved by Councillor K. Galloway Seconded by Councillor J. Gazzola "That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following by-laws for three readings and that the same be taken as read a first, second and third times, be finally passed and numbered serially by the Clerk. (a) Being a by-law to amend By-law 93-191 respecting the appointment of an Acting Mayor. (b) To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council. Moved by Councillor J. Smola Seconded by Councillor C. Weylie "That this Inaugural Meeting of City Council be adjourned." The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. tBy-law No. 2006-231) tBy-law No. 2006-232)." Carried. Carried. MAYOR CLERK COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2006 - 336 - CITY OF KITCHENER REPORTS ADOPTED BY COUNCIL STRIKING COMMITTEE - 1. That Council consider applications received after the deadline date of October 27, 2006. 2. That the appointments of the Chairs and Vice-Chairs to the Standing Committees of Council for the one-year period ending November 30, 2007, be approved. Community Services Committee Councillor G. Lorentz (Chair) and Councillor K. Galloway (Vice-Chair) Finance and Corporate Services Committee Councillor B. Vrbanovic (Chair) and Councillor J. Smola (Vice-Chair) Development and Technical Services Committee Councillor C. Weylie (Chair) and Councillor J. Gazzola (Vice-Chair) 3. That the appointments to the legislated and / or statutory committees /tribunals of Council for the specified terms, be approved. Animal Designation Appeal Committee t2 vear term) Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor J. Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic (alternate) Belmont Improvement Area Board of Management t4 vear term) Councillor C. Weylie; Carmine Caccioppoli, Linda Nelson, Dave Wingert, Christine Rumble, Michele Grieco, Don Zehr, Joan Pries, Jean Costelec Committee of Adjustment t4 vear term) Christine Balcerczyk, Andrew Head, Denny Cybalski, Mike Hiscott, Bob McColl Court of Revision t1 vear term) Councillor J. Smola, Councillor K. Galloway, Councillor C. Weylie Dog Designation Appeal Committee t2 vear term) Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor J. Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic (alternate) Downtown Improvement Area Board of Management tKDBA) t4 vear term) Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor J. Smola, Councillor C. Weylie; James Chmiel, Le-Anne Pilecki, Kevin Ballantyne, Howie Budd, Kevin Chalk, Erin Young, Kaz Zvanitajas, John Vickery, Zubair Siddiqi, Paul Walman Kitchener Housing Inc. Board of Directors t3 vear term) Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor J. Gazzola; Andrew Head, Jamie Hill Kitchener Power Corporation t1 vear term) Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor G. Lorentz; Ken Diebel, Bruce Lee Property Standards Committee t2 vear term) Councillor C. Weylie; Bob McColl, Claude Schneider, Robert Eby, Wanda Post, Derek Smith COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2006 - 337 - CITY OF KITCHENER REPORTS ADOPTED BY COUNCIL STRIKING COMMITTEE - (CONT'D) 3. (Cont'd) Centre In The Square Inc. Board of Directors t3 vear term) Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor J. Gazzola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Sue Morgan, Dennis Yanke, Judith Stephens-Wells, Peter Hamberger, Tim Jackson, David Strucke 4. That the following appointments to Advisory Committees of Council for the specified terms, be approved. Compass Kitchener t2 vear term) Don Bourgeois, Norm Damaren, Pat Doherty, Jasminka Klacar, Theron Kramer, Sarah Marsh, Mike Harris, Susan St. John Economic Development Advisorv Committee t2 vear term) Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor J. Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic; Peter Benninger, Lawrence Bingeman, Mark Collins, Howie Budd, Len Carter, Ian Cook, Adrian Conrad, A. Paul Singh, Gerry Remers, Paul Allen, Dan Piedra, Jeremy Auger, Sherry) Petricevic Environmental Committee t2 vear term) Councillor B. Vrbanovic; Robert Dingman, Yvonne Fernandes, Qaseem Ludin, Bob McColl, Mark Peterson, Rashid Rehan, Claude Schneider, Nirala Sonder, Joyce Young, F. George Zador, Michael Robinson Safe & Healthy Community Advisorv Committee t2 vear term) Councillor B. Vrbanovic; Anthony Bender, Pat Doherty, Mirko Haverla, Melanie Hogg, Xuanfei Phyllis Ji-Taylor, Karen Kwiatkowski, Claude Schneider 5. That the following appointments to the other Committees/Organizations for the specified terms, be approved. Aeronautical Noise Management Committee t2 vear term) Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor J. Gazzola; Jason Lane, Reginald G. Sim Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery- Board of Directors t1 vear term) Councillor K. Galloway Grand River Hospital -Board of Trustees t1 vear term) Councillor J. Gazzola Homer Watson House Foundation t1 vear term) Councillor J. Gazzola Horticultural Society -Kitchener -Board of Directors t1 vear term) Councillor G. Lorentz Multicultural Centre of K-W -Board of Directors t1 vear term) Councillor J. Smola COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2006 - 33$ - CITY OF KITCHENER REPORTS ADOPTED BY COUNCIL STRIKING COMMITTEE - (CONT'D) 5. (Cont'd) Oktoberfest Inc. - Advisory Council - K-W t1 vear term) Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor B. Vrbanovic Regional Economic Development Corporation -Board of Directors t1 vear term) Ms. C. Ladd, CAO St. Mary's Hospital -Board of Trustees t1 vear term) Councillor G. Lorentz Wilfrid Laurier University -Board of Governors t1 vear term) Councillor B. Vrbanovic 6. That notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 5 (a) of Council Policy I-63 (Appointment to Boards and Committees), Council hereby confirms the following appointments in excess of the maximum allowable years of service; namely: Denny Cybalski -Committee of Adjustment Don Bourgeois -Compass Kitchener Patrick Doherty -Compass Kitchener /Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee Lawrence Bingeman -Economic Development Advisory Committee Peter Benninger -Economic Development Advisory Committee Howie Budd -Economic Development Advisory Committee Yvonne Fernandes -Environmental Committee Nirala Sonder -Environmental Committee 7. That notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 3 of Council Policy I-63 (Appointment to Boards and Committees), Council hereby confirms the following appointment of an appointee who neither resides, works or owns property in the City of Kitchener; namely: Nirala Sonder -Environmental Committee 8. That the following 2007 schedule of Council and Standing Committee meetings be adopted: Month Standin Committee Council Januar 8, 29 15 Februar 19 5, 26 March 5 19 Aril 2, 23 16, 30 Ma 7, 28 14 June 18 11, 25 Jul Au ust 13 27 Se tember 10, 24 17 October 15 1, 22 November 5, 19 13 (Tues. , 26 December 3 10 9. That Council Policies I-77 (Compass Kitchener -Terms of Reference) and I-95 (Economic Development Advisory Committee -Terms of Reference) be amended by changing the term of the members appointed from 3 years to 2 years. COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2006 - 339 - CITY OF KITCHENER REPORTS ADOPTED BY COUNCIL STRIKING COMMITTEE - (CONT'D) 10. That Council consent to the appointment of Robert Browning, Fire Chief, as the Regional Deputy Fire Co-ordinator for the period January 1, 2007 -December 31, 2010. COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2006 - 340 - CITY OF KITCHENER Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr Inaugural Address Monday, December 4, 2006 It is truly a privilege to be serving as your Mayor. It is both exciting and humbling to again receive the trust of the voters of Kitchener. I will make one promise, and that is to do my absolute best to uphold that trust. I would first like to thank the many volunteers who helped me during each of the election campaigns for Mayor. I truly would not be here tonight if it were not for your assistance. I'd especially like to recognize the members of my immediate family. All of you have helped to keep me grounded and give me perspective. To Sandy, in particular, you have not only been so very understanding of the demands of this position, but have also been my most valued confidant, advisor and, dare I say, sometimes critic. Thank you for always being at my side. A warm welcome to Councillor Kelly Galloway, our new member around the horseshoe. Kelly, I look forward to you providing a youthful perspective to our discussions. Although we still have some way to go, you have helped us improve Council's gender balance. Congratulations and welcome to Council. Congratulations also to returning members of council, Chris Weylie, John Smola, Geoff Lorentz, Berry Vrbanovic, and John Gazzola. Together, we have achieved a great deal, and I know we all recognize there is much more to be done. I look forward to working together to serve the people of our community. I'd also like to take a moment to thank all the candidates who ran. You made a vital contribution to the democratic process by providing differing points of view. Unfortunately, despite an excellent slate of candidates, we once again had a disappointing voter turnout. We want to do better in 2010. To that end, we plan to survey residents to find out what would help -whether it's mail-in or online ballots, more convenient voting locations, or more information. In my last inaugural address, there was one person, who shall remain nameless, who thought that it was a bit too long. So I commit to keeping it shorter tonight, Geoff! The residents of Kitchener have elected a very experienced Council I view this as a vote of confidence for the direction Council has set. It means that the City will be guided by a consistent vision, with a Council that has a mandate to pursue its active agenda. With the Province's decision to increase the term of office to four years, this Council will also have more time to realize its vision. Over the past few years, Council focussed on the economy. We put a new economic development plan in place, supported by a $110 million Economic Development Investment Fund. While several key projects -such as the University of Waterloo Health Sciences Campus and the Centre Block- will not reach maturity for a couple of years, we are already seeing some remarkable results. There have been a flurry of "grand openings" over the past two years -the Catholic school board offices and adult education centre, new downtown offices like the Record, and Wilfrid Laurier's Faculty of Social Work -just to name a few. The Grand River West business park also sold out well ahead of schedule. Our economic strategy has been more successful, and in a shorter time frame, than even we imagined. The next four years will be an opportunity to continue the momentum. We have also made important progress on working with other orders of government to address the infrastructure deficit. In their recent economic update, the federal government extended the gas tax transfer for two additional years, and re-affirmed their commitment to long-term, predicable funding. Like all municipalities, we must have the flexibility to use the funds to meet our needs - so I look forward to seeing more details in the 2007 federal Budget. COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2006 - 341 - CITY OF KITCHENER While we continue to support our extensive and challenged manufacturing sector, I am proud of our city's progress in broadening its economic base. But one of the hallmarks of any healthy community is that it balances a strong economy with a great quality of life. In fact, the two are intrinsically linked, because in today's knowledge economy, a high quality of life is necessary to attract and retain workers. As a prosperous region, we have the ability to provide opportunities for all. Of course, an important part of that is having plenty of employment opportunities. But it also means that all residents should have access to recreation, libraries, arts and culture, and learning opportunities. Kitchener has a history of putting community amenities throughout the city in our neighbourhoods. With the city's rapid and diverse growth, more than 16% in the last ten years, it is a challenge to keep up with the demand for amenities in newer areas such as the southwest portion of the city. But it is crucial that we do so, because we cannot leave any neighbourhood or anyone behind. One area where we are lagging is in the development of parks and green spaces in newer neighbourhoods and maintenance of those in established areas. With current plans and resources, it would take 18 years to clear our backlog of parks, and up to 50 years for our trails. I was very dismayed when I learned this. Clearly, we cannot wait that long. This is not only a matter of providing good community amenities throughout the city, but also an environmental issue. Green space is vital to maintaining a healthy environment in a growing urban centre like ours. Indeed, I hear over and over that a healthy environment is strongly linked with quality of life. This reflects anation-wide concern. In fact, a recent poll shows that the environment has surpassed health care as the number one concern of Canadians. It is more than quality of life; it recognizes that good health is dependent upon a healthy environment. But there is a tendency to think of issues like Kyoto or coal-fired energy and conclude that the environment is the responsibility of the federal or provincial governments. I believe that nothing could be further from the truth. The environment is a city issue. A healthy environment is about whether we have parks, trees and green spaces in all corners of the city. It's about whether we have walkable communities, safe drinking water and an efficient transportation and transit network. It's about growing in a balanced and sustainable way. I believe that a healthy environment starts locally. That is why I will make it my priority in this term of office. We need to consider not only what we can do in our city, but also look beyond our borders to see what we might influence. We know that an important factor in keeping our environment healthy as we grow will be an efficient, well-used transit and transportation system not only within our city, but between cities. I have always been a proponent of Light Rapid Transit in our Region. I am also advocating a proposal from the North Mainline Municipal Alliance, which I chair, for better passenger rail service to the Greater Toronto Area. Our goal is to get people off the highways by making it faster and more convenient to travel between cities. While smog days seem a distant memory in December, we know that air quality is a pressing issue in Kitchener and other urban areas. Kitchener's Air Quality plan is an excellent way to start tackling this issue. Some of the plan's recommendations -such as ISO 14001 certification for the City's fleet vehicles -can be achieved relatively quickly. Others will take more time. COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2006 - 342 - CITY OF KITCHENER Issues like air quality and transportation do not necessarily fall into neat municipal boundaries. We will need to work with the Region, other municipalities, school boards, other orders of government, industries, businesses and residents. If we are to achieve real progress on the environment, we will also need to make long-term investments. I propose that we explore the possibility of establishing a dedicated fund for environmental initiatives, such as park and trail development and natural area preservation. Given the importance of quality of life and the environment to our economy, could a portion of the Economic Development Investment Fund that is not yet committed be a potential source of seed money for it? Regardless of how we fund these initiatives, our goal will be to maintain a balance between a healthy economy and a high quality of life. In the weeks and months to come, Council will be considering our budget and the theme of balance will be a constant one: balance between priorities and resources; and balance between services and fair taxation. To quote Albert Einstein, "Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." We will keep moving. We will be asking residents to help us, through a budget consultation over the next couple of months, followed by a consultation on our longer-term financial strategy. On election night, as the results came in, a few members of the media asked me what I wanted my legacy to be. Personally, I think it's a little too early to be talking about alegacy -after all, I'm not done yet! I am not the type of leader who is constantly in pursuit of a grand legacy. While I have been consistent about the need for governance reform, my goal is to lead this city in such a way that - even as we change and even as we grow - we can maintain our unique character. That means vibrant neighbourhoods, ahealthy environment, and the best quality of life in the province. Together as a community, I know we can achieve it.