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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-07-084 - Wilson Park Concession and Public Meeting Results (In Reference To CSD-07-078) ) db KITCHENER Community Services Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Prepared By: Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: Subject: Community Services Committee October 1, 2007 Denise Keelan, Interim Director, Aquatics & Athletics Denise Keelan, Interim Director, Aquatics & Athletics 3 September 28th , 2007 CSD-07 -084 WILSON PARK CONCESSION AND PUBLIC MEETING RESULTS ( IN REFERENCE TO CSD-07-078) RECOMMENDATION: For Information and update only BACKGROUND: This report is provided as a result of the motion in Community Services meeting of September 10, 2007. That consideration of the staff recommendation contained in Community Services Department report CSD-07 -078 be referred to the October 1, 2007 Council meeting to allow for a public meeting to be held with area residents and the distribution of information, including the site plan and design drawings, of the proposed concession building at Wilson Park: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Kitchener Minor Boys Softball Association (KMBSA) regarding the construction of a small building for use as a concession, and the subsequent operation of the concession in Wilson Park, said Agreement to authorize KMBSA to be responsible for the construction of the building in cooperation with Facilities Management and Parks Operations based on the conditions as laid out in Community Services Department report CSD-07 -078; and further, That the General Manager of Community Services be authorized to execute a renewal of this Agreement as it pertains to the operation of this concession for the years 2008 and 2009, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." REPORT: A public meeting was held on Thursday September 2ih at the Kingsdale Community Centre at 7:00pm. On September 14th and 15th invitations outlining the intent of this meeting was hand delivered to 45 homes on Shelley Drive directly adjacent to the park and 35 homes on Clarke Report No: CSD-07 -084 2 Ave. that look onto the park. Members of the Kingsdale Neighborhood association were invited to the public meeting via the president of that association. The invitation notice was posted in the apartment buildings adjacent to the portables on the same dates. The City of Kitchener website posted the following information: the concession proposed site plan, a 3 dimensional drawing of the building, the design drawings and an invitation to the Public meeting. Present at this meeting were CSD staff, Greg Hummel, John Cooper, and myself. Representatives of the KMBSA were present as well to share information on the proposed project. 15 members of the public attended the meeting. Concerns from the residents were focused on the location of the building within the park. Those in attendance requested more time to allow for alternate locations to be considered. Staff was able to respond to concerns regarding vandalism and security issues. Many off the participants at the meeting were in favor of the project once their concerns were addressed. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Based on the Public meeting held September 2ih there is no new financial implications to this recommendation CONCLUSION: Based on the Public meeting concerns and feedback, staff are prepared to reconvene and allow for location options to be reconsidered. A second public meeting will be held to allow further discussion and location proposals brought forward. The Waterloo Regional Police will be invited to this follow up meeting to encourage dialogue surrounding the graffiti and vandalism concerns. City staff, the KMBSA and the residents in attendance will plan to meet in early October. Allowing for further discussion and resolution will create a positive relationship to build upon this park project. The intention will be to have a final consensus to bring forward on October 15, 2007, should Council agree to that suggestion. Staff feels this project will have a positive impact on the park setting at Wilson Park. The Kitchener Minor Boys Softball executive has worked extremely hard to make this project a reality. Their enthusiasm, dedication to the sport and respect for the park is very evident in the success of their fundraising efforts. The recommendation to create this agreement and support this building has been carefully considered and is fully supported by the Community Services Department. Development and approval of this agreement will allow the KMBSA continued success and growth in their sport and association. Denise Keelan Interim Director, Aquatics and Athletics Division AP