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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2008-03-03COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3, 200$ CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 1:12 p.m. Present: Councillor G. Lorentz -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, J. Smola, J. Gazzola, K. Galloway and C. Weylie. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer T. Speck, General Manager of Corporate Services R. Browning, General Manager of Development & Technical Services P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer J. Witmer, Director of Operations K. Baulk, Director of Enterprises K. Weiss, Director of Business Development & Small Business Centre S. Williams, Assistant City Solicitor R. Willms, Supervisor of Administration P. Wetherup, Parks Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-0$-020 -DONATION OF A PORTION OF MELITZER CREEK IN THE BRIDGEPORT NORTH COMMUNITY The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-08-020, dated February 19, 2008 regarding the donation of land to the City containing a portion of Melitzer Creek located in the Bridgeport North Community. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the donation of 0.47 acres (0.192 hectares) of land containing a portion of Melitzer Creek and a 15 metre buffer zone located at 214 Woolwich Street and described as Part 2 on a future 58R plan from Ms. Pamela Schlueter, be accepted, on such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any required documentation to affect the transfer of title, satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 2. CSD-0$-021 -ELECTRIC TRAMS ON COMMUNITY TRAILS LICENSE RENEWAL The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-08-021, dated February 13, 2008 regarding the renewal of the License Agreement to permit the use of electric carts and trams on designated City trails. In response to questions, Mr. P. Weatherup advised that no complaints have been received regarding the use of City trails by electric carts and trams. He added that no additional maintenance costs have been documented as a result of the trails being used in this manner. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a renewal of the License Agreement with Canadian Recreational Excursions Inc. / Mr. Thomas Kaufman for use of all or a portion of the designated trail sections for a further term of one year, to be reviewed on an annual basis, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 3. CSD-0$-023 -GENERAL PROVISION GRANT REQUEST - 200$ WORLD RELIGIONS CONFERENCE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-08-023, dated February 26, 2008 regarding aone-time general provision grant request in the amount of $5,000. from Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, to offset facility rental costs for the 28th World Religions Conference to be held in November 2008. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3, 200$ - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-0$-023 -GENERAL PROVISION GRANT REQUEST - 200$ WORLD RELIGIONS CONFERENCE tCONT'D) Messrs. Nabeel Rana and Syed Anwar, Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, advised that the purpose of the grant is assist with the anticipated $11,000. facility rental charge if the Centre in the Square is secured as the event venue. Mr. Rana added that his group has also requested a grant of $5,000. from the City of Waterloo, but have yet to receive a res~onse. He noted that if they were unable to secure funding from the City of Kitchener, the 28 h World Religions Conference would need to be held at an alternative location. In response to questions, Mr. N. Rana advised that on average 700 people annually attend the World Religions Conference, noting that when the Conference was held at the Centre in the Square in 2005 an estimated 1,500 people were in attendance. He stated that the Conference is typically held in the Humanities Theatre at the University of Waterloo; however, that location can only accommodate 750 people and lacks a luncheon facility. He added that approximately 100 to 150 members of each of the 8 faith based groups involved with the Conference attend annually, which is a contributing factor as to why they are seeking to use a larger venue. He noted that approximately 25% of the Conference's attendees are from outside of the Region of Waterloo. Mr. Rana further advised that the City of Waterloo has made a tentative commitment to provide some funding for this year's event and noted that in 2007 Waterloo provided $750. in emergency funding. He added that his group has decided against charging an admission fee as that would make the Conference less accessible to attendees from different economic backgrounds. He acknowledged that if approved, this would be the third time his group has received one-time only funding for the World Religions Conference and indicated that they would be interested in pursuing annual funding from the City of Kitchener. On motion, Councillor J. Gazzola brought the recommendation contained in Report CSD-08- 023 forward for consideration. He stated that while he is supportive of the tenets of the World Religions Conference, in his opinion Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam should look to its partner groups to provide long-term sustainability and not the City of Kitchener. Councillor K. Galloway advised that she would not support Councillor Gazzola's motion, adding that in her opinion Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam should receive some level of support from the City. She stated that this grant request was considered on several occasions by the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC), who are recommending that it be approved. She added that contrary to the ACAC recommendation, support should not be conditional on the World Religions Conference being held at the Centre in the Square. Mayor C. Zehr stated that he would not support Councillor Gazzola's motion and noted that the issue of this group receiving continual funding could be examined in the future as part of a discussion on the overall grant policy. He advised that should Councillor Gazzola's motion be lost, he would bring forward a recommendation that Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam receive a one-time general provision grant in the amount of $1,000. Councillor J. Gazzola's motion was then voted on and Lost. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That aone-time general provision grant in the amount of $1,000. be approved to the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, to assist with offset facility rental costs related to the hosting of the 28th World Religions Conference in November 2008." 4. CSD-0$-016 -COMMUNITY LOAN PROGRAM REQUEST - WATERLOO REGIONAL BOXING ACADEMY The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-08-016, dated February 11, 2008 regarding a request by the Waterloo Regional Boxing Academy (WRBA) for a $75,000. loan to be funded through the Community Loan Program. Mr. Rick Cadilha, WRBA, advised that the WRBA will be one of the two tenants at the new COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3, 200$ -10 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CSD-0$-016 -COMMUNITY LOAN PROGRAM REQUEST - WATERLOO REGIONAL BOXING ACADEMY tCONT'D) Activa Sportsplex and are required to outfit their respective leased areas within that facility. He stated that to assist his group in purchasing their equipment, the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club have agreed to provide a grant to the WRBA totalling $75,000., to be allocated over a 5 year period. He noted that in order to purchase the equipment in time for the projected facility opening in the summer of 2008, WRBA is requesting a $75,000. loan through the City's Community Loan Program using the Kitchener Ranger's grant commitment as collateral. In response to questions, Mr. Rick Cadilha advised that WRBA has applied for a Trillium Fund Grant for additional support, but have yet to receive a response. He confirmed that the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club would act as a guarantor for the requested loan. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That a Loan agreement be executed to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor in the amount of $75,000. to the Waterloo Regional Boxing Academy (WRBA) through the Community Loan Program, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD- 08-016;and, That WRBA use those funds to purchase weight machines and cardio equipment for the new Activa Sportsplex; and further, That the City ownership provision in the Community Loan Program Policy be waived for this request to allow the WRBA to maintain ownership of the equipment." 5. YOUR KITCHENER MARKET -OPTIONS FOR MOVING FORWARD The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-08-022, dated February 14, 2008 regarding proposed upper level solutions and the development of a process to further consider alternative management models for Your Kitchener Market. In addition, the Committee considered the Kitchener Market Collaborative proposal for the future operation of Your Kitchener Market, dated February 27, 2008. Mr. K. Baulk reviewed the detailed findings for the 6 options which Council directed staff to investigate as potential solutions to move the Market forward, as outlined in Report CSD-08- 022. He stated that it became clear during the review that each of the original 6 options could be put into 1 of the following 2 categories: Upper Level Solution t`Function') • interim arts and culture uses as an interim strategy; • small independent vendors; and, • mid-scale grocer /deli. Operational Governance t`Form') • the sale of Your Kitchener Market; • private sector management; and, • vendor co-operative /service board. Mr. Baulk stated that staff are recommending abroad-based public consultation to both inform and allow citizens and stakeholders to provide input on the 3 upper level options. He added that staff would report back to this Committee within 90 days of this date with the results of that consultation and recommendations for moving forward. He advised that staff are also recommending that the operational `form of governance' for the Market be dealt with only after a decision has been made on the preferred functional solution for the upper level. He added that staff would develop and report back with a process to include vendor, stakeholder and citizen representatives to further consider the benefits and implications of the alternative COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3, 200$ -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. YOUR KITCHENER MARKET -OPTIONS FOR MOVING FORWARD tCONT'D) management models. He noted that this would include an examination of a vendor managed co-operative /service board, as proposed by the Kitchener Market Collaborative. Mr. Baulk further advised that at this time staff are suggesting that no further action be taken with regard to both the private sector management and sell options. He noted that a request for proposals for a private sector operator was sent to 2short-listed candidates, but produced no detailed proposals. Mr. Baulk requested that paragraph 4 of the staff recommendation contained in Report CSD-08-022, be revised to include the words "at this time" immediately following the word "taken". Mr. Dan Glenn-Graham, Kitchener Market Collaborative, reviewed his group's proposal calling for the upper level of Your Kitchener Market be used by a co-operative of independent vendors to operate amini-market throughout the week; which would be representative of the key types of food available at the full Saturday market. He advised that providing amarket-like experience on a more regular basis through small independent full-time vendors is exactly what was proposed as the original objective for the upper level when the Market first opened. He noted that unlike the original concept, this model would allow vendors to sell their products without the necessity of having their own staff be present; which he suggested would encourage more vendors to participate and should allow for long-term sustainability. He stated that the Kitchener Market Collaborative has put forward this proposal because its members are interested in continuing the strong positive relationship they have had with the City. He added that the local neighbourhood groups and approximately 82% of all Market vendors have expressed support for this proposal. As part of Mr. Glenn-Graham's presentation, the following current Market vendors, Ms. Tess Smith and Messrs. Richard Overbeek and Ed Denyer addressed the Committee in support of the Kitchener Market Collaborative proposal. In response to questions, Mr. D. Glenn-Graham advised that the Kitchener Market Collaborative would prefer to introduce the upper level mini-market in conjunction with the opening of the Wednesday market in spring 2008. He added that meeting this timeframe would not be possible if they have to wait for the completion of the proposed 90-day public consultation. He stated that once established, the mini-market would be expanded, incrementally, to operate on a full-time basis. He added that this would also serve as an opportunity to expand weekday participation to crafters and potential new vendors, as well as activities that would engage and respond to the local community. Mr. Glenn-Graham acknowledged that additional details regarding best practices and capital costs still need to be determined. He then expressed support for the staff recommendation, noting that he was pleased to see that his group's proposal would be considered as a possible solution. Mr. Albert Norris addressed the Committee and advised that as a former vendor at the old Kitchener Market he was in support of the proposal put forth by the Kitchener Market Collaborative. In response to questions, Mr. K. Baulk advised that the difficulty with implementing the Kitchener Market Collaborative proposal by spring 2008 is that questions still remain regarding how items such as the coolers and counters needed for the mini-market would be funded. He added that the 90-day public consultation process provides time for dialogue to take place between the Collaborative and staff on these types of issues. He confirmed that providing a market-like experience on a more regular basis through small independent full-time vendors was one of the original objectives for the new Market. He then re-affirmed that the Kitchener Market Collaborative proposal would be one of the options put forward for consideration during the public consultation process. In response to questions raised by Councillor Gazzola concerning the recommendation that no further action be taken at this time regarding the sell option, Mr. Baulk advised that as this matter concerns the disposition of land, any discussion of that option should occur in-camera. Councillor G. Lorentz left the meeting at this time and Councillor K. Galloway assumed the Chair. On motion, Mayor C. Zehr brought the staff recommendation, as amended at the request of Mr. Baulk, forward for consideration. Councillor G. Lorentz re-entered the meeting at this time and assumed the Chair. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3, 200$ -12 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. YOUR KITCHENER MARKET -OPTIONS FOR MOVING FORWARD tCONT'D) Councillor J. Gazzola advised that it would be his preference to have the private sector management and sell options put forward for consideration during the proposed public consultation. He stated that the public should have an opportunity to discuss these options and determine whether or not they are viable solutions for the Market. Several members spoke in support of the staff recommendation and expressed that Council has a responsibility to protect the assets of the City; as such, discussion of the sell option, particularly with regard to the value of the building, needs to occur in-camera. Councillor K. Galloway stated that while she is supportive of the proposal put forward by the Kitchener Market Collaborative, she would prefer to see some space set aside on the upper level for the proposed arts and culture initiative. She noted that if at first the Collaborative is only able to operate the mini-market on Wednesdays, then for the remainder of the week that space could be used by the arts and culture community. The following motion was voted on in 3 separate parts, by recorded votes, with paragraphs 1 and 2 Carried Unanimously; paragraph 3 Carried with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, J. Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Galloway and C. Weylie voting in favour and Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition; and, paragraph 4 Carried with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, J. Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Galloway and C. Weylie voting in favour and Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That a public consultation process be undertaken to receive citizen and stakeholder feedback regarding the `functional use' of the vacant portion of the upper level of Your Kitchener Market based on 3 potential solutions, being: arts and culture uses as an interim strategy; original vision of small independent retailers; and, retain the current status while continuing attempts to recruit amid-size grocer or larger non food retailer; and, That staff be directed to report back to the Community Services Committee within 90 days with the results of the consultation and a recommendation for next steps; and, That staff be further directed to propose a review process to address the future `form of governance', with said process to include vendor, stakeholder and citizen representatives and commence once the upper level use strategy has been determined; and further, That no further action be taken at this time with regard to both the private sector management and sell options for Your Kitchener Market." 6. CSD-A$-014 - 200$ VICTORIA PARK GEESE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-08-014, dated February 26, 2008 regarding the 2008 Victoria Park Geese Management Program. Mr. J. Witmer advised that the number of Canada Geese using Victoria Park has greatly increased over the past few years, which has presented conflicts with park users and nearby residents. He added that implementation of a multi-year Canada Geese management program is required to mitigate the `nuisance' caused by the excessive numbers of birds. He stated that the 2008 Program would include lasers, dogs, decoys, relocation and the addition of population control through egg and nest depredation. He noted that the Victoria Park Citizens Committee is in full support of the proposed 2008 Program, particularly the addition of egg depredation to manage the number of geese that would inhabit the park. At the suggestion of Councillor J. Gazzola, Councillor C. Weylie brought forward a recommendation endorsing the 2008 Victoria Park Geese Management Program. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3, 200$ -13 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-0$-014 - 200$ VICTORIA PARK GEESE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM tCONT'D) On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the 2008 Victoria Park Geese Management Program, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-08-014, be endorsed." 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator