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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-07-083 - Request for Neighbourhood Assoc Affiliation - Deer Ridge Estates Social Club ) R Community Services Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Community Services Committee September 24, 2007 Prepared By: Mark Hildebrand, Interim Director Community Programs and Services, ext. 2687 Debbie Campbell, District Facilitator, Country Hills and Doon Pioneer Park, ext 2918 Ward 3 Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: Subject: August 27, 2007 CSD-07-083 Request for Neighbourhood Association Affiliation - Deer Ridge Estates Social Club RECOMMENDATION: That Council approves the Deer Ridge Estates Social Club as an affiliated group with the City of Kitchener per the City's Neighbourhood Association Affiliation policy; and further, That Council approves the addition of the Deer Ridge Estates Social Club as an insured group in the City of Kitchener's third party liability insurance program. BACKGROUND: To be recognized as an affiliated City of Kitchener Neighbourhood Association, a neighbourhood group will have the following characteristics: · be a voluntary, not-for-profit, non-partisan, non-denominational group based in a geographic neighbourhood within the borders of the City of Kitchener, · be inclusive of and responsive to the needs of the community within the specific geographic area defined by that group, · be open to the public and make this known through communication to the residents of that neighbourhood by, at a minimum, publishing a contact number or through other means such as newsletter, · have some level of activity with, at minimum, a contact person, and · have some structure for accountability. Groups interested in forming new Neighbourhood Associations are to submit a letter to the Director of Community Programs and Services that outlines the following information: · group name, · geographic boundaries, · name and contact information for one or more person who can receive communication on behalf of the group, and · a brief statement of mission and main purpose as well as the types of activities it provides. When new applications are received, the following steps are taken: 1. The Director contacts the relevant Community Programs and Services District Facilitator, 2. The District Facilitator reviews the application to see if the group meets the eligibility criteria, 3. If a Neighbourhood Association(s) already exists within that geographic area, the District Facilitator will contact all relevant parties to identify if there are any issues and, if yes, to initiate a process to address them, 4. The District Facilitator prepares a recommendation to the Community Services Committee of Kitchener City Council. REPORT: A proposal has been submitted by the Deer Ridge Estates Social Club to become an affiliated Neighbourhood Association. The Deer Ridge Estates Social Club was formally established in May 2005, and has a constitution and by-laws. Members of the club are residents of the Deer Ridge community, with geographic boundaries as identified below. A voluntary Board of Directors is elected annually by the membership to manage the affairs of the organization. The mission of the Deer Ridge Estates Social Club is to create a sense of community, to provide an avenue of open communication for residents, to organize social events in the Deer Ridge community and to donate excess funds to charities and not-for-profit organizations. The following community activities have been organized by the Deer Ridge Estates Social Club: summer party, spring ball, charity casino night, Christmas food drive, garage sale and earth day activities. The Deer Ridge Estates Social Club has a website database that is used as the primary communication tool for neighbourhood residents. The website allows residents to register for events, view event photos, communicate through a neighbourhood forum and update their family profile. The Deer Ridge Estates Social Club is a voluntary, not for profit, non-partisan, non- denominational group and will have all the required characteristics as outlined in the application policy for the City of Kitchener Neighbourhood Associations. The organization's boundaries include (see appendix A): East: #181 Deer Ridge Drive and #266 Pioneer Tower Road West: Grand River North: Deer Ridge Golf Course and Grand River South: Grand River The boundaries as outlined above currently encompass approximately 275 households; an additional 300 households are anticipated as growth in the community continues. Historically, this geographic area was a part of the Pinegrove Neighbourhood Association. In 2006, Pinegrove Neighbourhood Association adjusted their boundaries to no longer include Deer Ridge as part of their catchment area. This adjustment reflects residents understanding of the difference in needs, interests and functions of the Pinegrove and Deer Ridge neighbourhoods. No overlap currently exists in the geographic boundaries of the two neighbourhoods. Members of the Boards of Directors of both organizations interact regularly, and support this proposal for affiliation. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: There are no financial implications when adding an affiliate to the City of Kitchener's Neighbourhood Association listing. Services will be provided through the Community Program and Services budget and printing process. Further granting, if needed, would go through the usual grant processes within the City. COMMUNICATIONS: Once the Deer Ridge Estates Social Club has received formal acceptance by the City of Kitchener as an affiliated neighbourhood association, they will be added to the City of Kitchener web-site and Leisure Magazine Neighborhood Association contact lists, the Mayor's list of affiliated Neighborhood Associations, and the 3rd party liability insurance list with Risk Management. Mark Hildebrand Interim Director, Community Programs and Services AP Appendix A Deer Ridge Estates Social Club ~,.,. ~VI8AuU11 AII~K~I - I w