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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1999-06-28FINANCE 8~ ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 28, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, chaired by Councilor J. Ziegler, commencing at 9:45 a.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor John Smola, Councillor K. Taylor Harrison, Councilor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor M. Yantzi. Others present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Koppeser, Ms. L. Pasternak, Ms. B. Newell, Ms. G. Luciantonio, Ms. L. Bansen, Ms. B. Baker, Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. C. Ball, Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. Fox, B. Stanley, J. Shivas, R. Pritchard, T. Clancy, G. Sosnoski, J. Witmer, P. Sinnott, D. Paterson and Ms. D. Gilchrist. FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN CIVIC SQUARE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Pritchard, General Manager of Corporate Services and City Clerk, dated June 25, 1999, recommending that food distribution, except with permission from Council, be included as a prohibited activity under Policy I-314 (City Security Officers). Three members of Food Not Bombs were in attendance to advise the Committee of their organization, their free food distribution in Civic Square and to address allegations of improper conduct of some of their members. The members of Food Not Bombs spoke of their political philosophy that food is a right and not a privilege. They stated that they distributed food that would otherwise go to waste. They distribute free food in Civic Square on Saturdays between 2 - 4:00 p.m. when the ;other food distribution places are closed, such as the St. John's Kitchener. They spoke of the number of hours spent by their members each week and of the businesses they solicit for donations, noting that they receive a variety of food from a variety of businesses. They estimated that they provided free food for 40 - 80 people. They stated that Civic Square is an ideal place for them because they are not only providing food but also trying to raise the community's awareness of the need for food in this community and the waste of food. They asked the Committee not to adopt the staff recommendation. Several members of the Committee commended the group for their efforts, some stating they were in agreement with the group's philosophy but questioned why they focused on Civic Square. Questions were raised and answers given with respect to allegations of misconduct and interference with customers of William's Coffee Pub. Mr. C. McWhinnie of William's Coffee Pub was in attendance and briefly spoke of some of the problems encountered with those serving the free food. Questions were also raised and answers given with respect to: this group's association with the K-W Youth Collective, a possibility of this group partnering with other groups for their food distribution and finding other locations for their free food distribution. There was also a discussion about the behaviour of some members of the group and the use of profane language. Mayor Zehr raised a question regarding Council's contract with William's Coffee Pub. Mr. J. Shivas responded that the contract talks about commercial operations, with `some exceptions with respect to charitable organizations but free food distribution is not included. He noted the City does have the right to regulate free food distribution in a reasonable way. Councillor J. Haalboom moved the recommendation contained in the staff report A discussion then took place with respect to the purpose and use of Civic Square. It was noted that the Square was intended for use by as many people as possible and the use by one group should not be exclusive or prevent the use of the Square by other people. Mayor Zehr put forward an amendment to Councillor Haalboom's motion that staff work with this group to find them an alternate permanent location. A discussion took place with respect to the motion, Councillor Yantzi noting that he was not in support and Councillors Weylie, Vrbanovic and Haalboom speaking in support. FINANCE 8 ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 28, 1999 -105- CITY OF KITCHENER FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN CIVIC SQUARE - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it wes resolved: "That food distribution, except with permission from Council, be added as a prohibited activity under Policy I-314 (City Security Officers) and apply to all premises listed in Schedule "B" of that policy; and further, That staff work with "Food Not Bombs" to find them an alternate permanent location." GLOBE STUDIOS The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services Staff Report BPS 99/100, dated June 23, 1999, with respect to Globe Studios search for a new location in downtown Kitchener Attached to the staff report was a written submission from Globe Studios, dated June 21, 1999, outlining their intention to partner with John MacDonald, Architect and Charles Brohman of Storeworks to buy the Bonnie Stuart building at 141 Whitney Place. Their written submission included a request fora $25,000.00 grant in order to be able to finance their share of an offer to purchase, in addition to the $20,000.00 interest free loan already approved by Council. Ms. M. Newcomb was in attendance to represent Globe Studio's request. Ms. Newcomb briefly reviewed the contents of their written submission explaining why they had abandoned their proposal to relocate to the Lang building. Councilllor Lorentz reviewed their financial proposal and the history of their name, questioning whether they would be prepared to change their name now that they have relocated to Kitchener permanently. Mayor Zehr questioned whether they had checked building code requirements for the new building. He asked that the Building Division check into this prior to Monday night's Council meeting: Councillor Yantzi spoke in support of the request expressing the importance of having an arts community in the downtown. He put forward a motion to approve the request subject to a review of the building by the Building Division and a review of the business plan by the Finance Department. Ms. P. Houston noted that the grant budget is over-spent. She also noted that there are a number of programs through senior levels of government. Mayor Zehr put forward a motion to defer this matter to Monday night's Council meeting, pending review of the business plan and the building by staff and for information on programs available through senior levels of government. A discussion took place as to whether this deferral would affect Globe Studios' offer to purchase. On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: 'That consideration of the request of Globe Studios for $25.,000.00 grant to assist them with their purchase of the Bonnie Stuart building at 141 Whitney Place, in conjunction with John MacDonald, Architect and Charles Brohman of Storeworks, be deferred and referred to the July 5, 1999 Council meeting; and further, That, for the July 5, 1999 Council meeting, staff report on Globe Studios business plan, review the condition of the building and other grant programs available to Globe Studios from senior levels of government." ' DELEGATIONS - RE: POSTER REMOVAL CHARGES Mr. D. Moore, General Manager of the Lyric was in attendance to request a reduction of the administration charges in connection with staffs removal of posters for the Lyric and Metropolis. Mr. Moore noted that Council, on May 3rd, had approved a similar reduction for FINANCE 8 ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 28 1999 -106- CITY OF KITCHENER DELEGATIONS - RE: POSTER REMOVAL CHARGES - CONT'D Mr. A. Attwooll. Mr. Moore responded to questions from the Committee and advised that the total fee is $4,000.00 with 50% of it being the administration fee. Mayor Zehr suggested that the Committee should have a written request to respond to but there was nothing before the Committee. Councillor G. Lorentz spoke strongly against Mr. Moore's request and put forward a motion of no action. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That no action be taken on the request of Mr. D. Moore, General Manager of the Lyric, to waive the administration fees charged for poster removal for the Lyric and Metropolis." SECURITY SERVICE 1999 - 2000 STRATEGIC PLAN Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that this matter be deferred to the Committee's September meeting. EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. C. Ball, Manager of Operations, dated June 14, 1999, with respect to the extension and renewal to the City's Early Retirement Incentive Program. It was noted that this matter had been discussed at the Committee's last meeting and at the last Council meeting. The report recommends that the program not be extended or renewed. The Committee was also in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Gazzola, Chief Administrator, undated, commenting on the early retirement incentive discontinuance. Councillor B. Vrbanovic declared a pecuniary interest in this matter as his wife is employed by the- City of Kitchener and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. Mayor C. Zehr referred to the two recommendations in Ms. Ball's report with respect to the Early Retirement Incentive Program and put forward a motion to adopt them. Councillor John Smola did not agree with the Mayor's motion, stating that he thought the program should be extended, until September 30th, to match the new OMERS Early Retirement Enhancements. After September 30th, Councillor John Smola felt that there should be some discussions about some other form of incentive. In response, Mayor Zehr pointed out that there was a specific reason for the program, which no longer exists. There was a lengthy discussion on the purpose and need for an early retirement incentive program. On a motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That the City of Kitchener not extend its Early Retirement Incentive` Program to fire fighter staff between ages 45 and 50 (Normal Retirement Age 60) and for all other staff between the ages 50 and 55 (Normal Retirement Age 65) for all other staff;.and further, That the City of Kitchener not renew its Early Retirement Incentive Program to eligible fire fighter staff between the ages 50 and 59 and all other staff between the ages of 55 and 64 when the current Program expires September 30, 1999." Councillor John Smoia again spoke of the potential need for some sort of early retirement incentive program. FINANCE 8 ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 28, 1999 -107- _ _ CITY OF KITCHENER EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM - CONT'D On a motion by Councillor John Smola - itwas resolved: "That staff and the unions investigate the feasibility of an early retirement incentive plan -• for the future." 6. LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION FOR b.o.b.'s 3 MOYER PLACE The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services Staff Report BPS 99/103, dated June 25, 1999, recommending that Council take no action to oppose a liquor licence application for b.o.b.'s. On a motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - itwas resolved: "That no action be taken to oppose the application for a liquor licence by b.o.b.'s, 3 Moyer Place." LOGO CONSULTANT SELECTION COMMITTEE It was noted that Council, at its meeting of June 21, 1999, referred this matter to Committee for the appointment of a member of Council to the Logo Consultant Selection Committee. On a motion by Councillor T. Galloway - itwas resolved: "That Councillor B. Vrbanovic be appointed to the City Logo Selection Committee." A brief discussion took place with respect to Kitchener tourism. 8. STRESS SURVEY -ACTION PLAN The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. Gazzola, Chief Administrator, dated June 25, 1999, recommending the hiring of a consultant to complete Action Objective 1.6 of the Stress Survey Action Plan. A brief discussion took place as to what had transpired when the results of the Stress Survey were previously before this Committee. Mr. Gazzola noted that Council had directed that staff come back each time there were costs involved in implementing an objective. On a motion by Councillor T. Galloway - itwas resolved: "That MacCrimmon 8~ Associates be engaged at a cost $10,80'0.00 to complete Action Objective 1.6 of the Stress Survey -Action Plan approved by City Council on April 19, 1999." 9. PROFORMA BUDGET AND SICK LEAVE RESERVE FUND It was generally agreed that consideration of the Proforma Budget and Sick Leave Reserve Fund report be deferred to a special meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee to be held on Monday, July 5, 1999, commencing at 5:00 p.m. After a brief discussion it was agreed that the Security Services Strategic Plan would also be considered at this special Finance meeting. 10. REFRESHMENT VEHICLE - 1999 MIDGET BOYS CANADIAN FAST PITCH CHAMPIONSHIP The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. J. Koppeser, Manager of Licensing, dated June 22, 1999, with respect to a request received to operate a concession trailer at the 1999 FINANCE 8 ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 28 1999 -108- CITY OF KITCHENER 10. REFRESHMENT VEHICLE - 1999 MIDGET BOYS CANADIAN FAST PITCH CHAMPIONSHIP - CONT'D Midget Boys Canadian Fast Pitch Championship at Block Line Park from August 8 - 15, 1999. On a motion by Councillor T. Galloway - itwas resolved: "That Kitchener Fastball Promotions be granted permission to locate a Refreshment Vehicle at Block Line Park during the 1999 Midget Boys Canadian Fast Pitch Championship, August 8 - 15, 1999, provided the necessary licence, including Health and Fire approvals, are obtained." 11. APPOINTMENT TO THE ELECTRICAL EXAMINING BOARD The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Sosnoski, Deputy City Clerk, dated June 24, 1999, with respect to the appointment of Mr. Gaessler to the Master Electricians Examining Board. A brief discussion took place with respect to the length of the appointment. On a motion by Councillor T. Galloway - itwas resolved: "That, with respect to the upcoming vacancy on the Master Electrician .Examining Board, we appoint Mr. Gaessler, until such time as he no longer wishes to serve on the Board or leaves the electrical trade." 12. VISIONING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORK PLAN The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services Staff Report BPS 99!101, dated June 23, 1999, with respect to the process and budget for Kitchener Visioning and Community Development Plan. A brief discussion took place as to which Councillors should be appointed to the Project Steering Committee. On a motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That Council endorse the Work Plan and Reporting and Communication Structure Plan as outlined in Business and Planning Services Staff Report BPS 99/101 as the process that will be used to develop a Vision for the City of Kitchener and a Community Development Plan; and, That Council agree that all work related to the Visioning process and Community Development Plan be conducted within the parametres of the process- outlined in Business and Planning Services Staff Report BPS 99/101; and, That the Mayor and Councillors B. V~banovic and K. Taylor-Harrison be appointed to the Project Steering Committee, and, That a total funding of $30,000.00 be made available to cover administrative cost; and further, That a total funding of $16, 547.00 be made available to cover printing and distribution cost." 13. PURCHASE OF HOT GLASS STUDIO At the Council meeting of June 21, 1999, Councillor M. Yantzi had requested that the purchase of a hot glass studio be discussed at this meeting. Councillor Yantzi had provided the Committee members with a letter, dated. June 24, 1999, attached to which was background information and it provided a recommendation in this regard. FINANCE 8~ ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 28 1999 -109- CITY OF KITCHENER 13. PURCHASE OF HOT GLASS STUDIO - CONT'D Ms. L. Scott was in attendance to support Councillor Yantri's proposal. It was noted that Human Resources Development Canada is prepared to share the $40,000.00 cost on a 50150 basis. The Committee briefly discussed the proposal including where the studio would be housed. It was generally agreed that this could be decided at a later date. On a motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - itwas resolved: "That the City of Kitchener purchase and become .the owner of the hot glass studio .equipment presently owned by Mish Vins, and as outlined in correspondence from Councillor M. Yantzi, dated June 24, 1999, at a price of $40,000.00 subject to fifty per cent of this amount being paid by Human Resources Development Canada and the remaining fifty per cent by the City of Kitchener." 14. U OF W SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE USE OF GOODIES BUILDING The Committee was in receipt of a report from Ms. L. Gove, Supervisor, Arts, Culture, Special Events, dated June 24, 1999, recommending that the University of Waterloo be permitted to use a portion of the Goudies building on July 17, 1999. Councillor T. Galloway declared a pecuniary interest in this matter as he is employed by the University of Waterloo and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. On a motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - itwas resolved: "That University of Waterloo be permitted to use a portion of the Goudies building on July 17, 999, provided it complies with Fire Code, Building Code, Ontario Hydro requirements and obtains a Public Hall Licence; and, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement with the University of Waterloo for the use of the Goudies building during the Festival; and further, That the said agreement be prepared by and be satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m. D. H. GILCHRIST COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATOR