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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2003-01-06COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date Chaired by Councillor J. Smola, commencing at 4:00 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors C. Weylie, M. Galloway, and J. Gazzola. Councillor B. Vrbanovic was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. S. Adams, Ms. C. Legault, Ms. J. Hutchison, Ms. M. Tilson, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. B. Pritchard, F. Pizzuto, G. Melanson, K. Baulk, R. Cyr, J. Danylyk and G. Richardson. 1. PRESENTATION - VICTORIA HILLS COMMUNITY CAPITAL EXPANSION - 2005 The Committee was in receipt of correspondence dated December 17, 2002 from representatives of the Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association (VHNA) in response to notification given by the City that the Victoria Hills Community Centre capital expansion plans originally proposed for 2005 is being moved to 2011. The Committee was also in receipt this date of a draft development plan prepared by the VHNA showing the proposed capital expansion, which includes a 3,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose room addition. Ms. Eileen Woodworth, President and Ms. Doness Guider, VHNA, were in attendance to request unified support of Council, City staff and Centre volunteers to retain the Centre's capital expansion plans in the year 2005. The delegates spoke of the success of the Centre, noting it currently operates at maximum capacity and programming has substantially increased to meet community needs. Concerns were raised with respect to the impact delaying the expansion project to 2011 would have on the Centre and it's volunteers to continue to deliver increased programming in response to growth demands; and, potential for spiralling inflationary increases in building costs by the year 2011. Reference was made to Centre volunteer contributions to the Monteith Facility Study Report which recommends capital expansion in 2005 and volunteer efforts in working with City staff to develop sponsorships that will enhance the facility as a Resource Centre. Ms. Woodworth and Ms. Guider expressed the opinion that the proposed expansion is vital to the well being of the community and encouraged the Committee to support their request to retain the Centre's capital expansion plans in 2005. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. Members of the Committee expressed appreciation for the accomplishments of the VHNA volunteers and acknowledged the need for expansion; however, concerns were raised in considering the request in isolation of City-wide need for provision of adequate facilities, and in light of limited funding available. Councillor J. Smola suggested and it was agreed, that the request of the VHNA respecting retainment of the proposed capital expansion in 2005 be referred to the 2003 budget deliberations for consideration. In addition, staff were requested to provide prior to budget day, a listing of capital funding requests pertaining to Community Centres and information on the feasibility of implementing interim measures such as renting school facilities or use of portables. 2. CSD-03-005 2003 MINOR SPORTS GRANTS / NEW REQUESTS FOR FUNDING The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-03-005 dated December 18, 2002 recommending approval of 2003 Minor Sports Grants and requesting direction pertaining to requests from two new groups. The Committee was also re-circulated with Community Services Department report CSD-02-232 previously considered at its meeting of November 18, 2002, at which time it was recommended to approve revised criteria and process for minor sports grants in principle, subject to final approval as part of the 2003 budget deliberations. Mr. Rolland Cyr reviewed the grant process advising that an overall grant increase of 2% is proposed in 2003, with funding disbursements based on the revised criteria for minor sports grants. In addition, he advised that new grant requests were received from the Track 3 Ski School and the Conestoga Sailing School both of whom meet all requirements for an affiliated minor sports group and have been affiliated with the City for several years. Mr. Cyr provided background information on both groups and pointed out that based on revised funding criteria the recommended 2003 minor sports grants would have to be increased by $2,708. for the Track 6SD-03-005 2003 MINOR SPORTS GRANTS / NEW REQUESTS FOR FUNDING (CONT'D) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 67 2003 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER 3 Ski School and by $1,291. for the Conestoga Sailing School to accommodate their requests. He then responded to a number of questions concerning opportunities for groups to obtain alternate sources of funding; application of the revised formula; and feasibility of shifting funding disbursements to include the new requests while maintaining an overall 2% increase. In addition, concerns in general were raised with respect to the revised minor sports grants processing policy. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That subject to final approval as part of the 2003 Operating budget process, the 2003 annual minor sports grants as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-03-005, be revised to $511,690. from $507,691., which incorporates the following recommendations relative to new requests received from organizations for funding: a) That an annual minor sports grant in the amount of $2,708. be approved in 2003 for the Track 3 Ski School. b) That an annual minor sports grant in the amount of $1,291. be approved in 2003 for the Conestoga Sailing School." 3. CSD-03-001 KITCHENER YOUTH ACTION COUNCIL - 2003 ACTION PLAN The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-03-001 dated December 17, 2002 requesting consideration of the 2003 Action Plan of the Kitchener Youth Action Council. A copy of the Action Plan was circulated this date. Melissa Baumgaertner, Chair, Ariam Tekeste, Vice-Chair and members of the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC), were in attendance to present KYAC's Action Plan. Ms. Baumgaertner and Ms. Tekeste advised that KYAC is a voluntary group of diverse youth, ranging in age from 15 to 24, who work together with Community Services staff to act as a positive, influential and energetic voice, raising awareness and organizing positive youth action within the community to address youth issues. Ms. Tekeste commented that KYAC provides an opportunity for youth to take on leadership roles and provides a voice for youth in decision- making processes. In addition, she advised that participants work collectively within 3 action groups, including Youth Special Events, Youth Inclusion and Youth Issues. Lindsey Johnson, Karla Bermudez and Karill Diaz, representing the 3 action groups, presented details of their respective group's action plans, including: Youth Special Events: "Unity Jam" celebration - July 1,2003 - Auditorium Complex - featuring skateboarding acts, local musicians and artists as part of the official season opener of Doon Skatium Mobile Skatepark and Kitchener Skatepark. · Youth Inclusion: multi-cultural event tentatively entitled "Culture Fusion" to be announced for June 2003 in collaboration with Waterloo Regional Police, showcasing young people sharing cultural traditions, art, dance, song, food and crafts. · Youth Issues: acts as a voice for youth using various forms of communication to bring awareness to youth issues projects include development of a website to be linked with the City's official website and production of a television pilot for Roger's Cable TV to provide opportunity for youth to voice opinions on issues effecting their daily lives. Ms. Tekeste also provided information on the Youth Awards and Recognition Ceremony planned for May 8, 2003 in the City Hall Rotunda which recognizes young people, their talents and 3. CSD-03-001 KITCHENER YOUTH ACTION COUNCIL - 2003 ACTION PLAN (CONT'D) contributions to the community. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 67 2003 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER At conclusion of the presentation, members of the Community Services Committee expressed appreciative remarks, commenting on the diversity and quality of projects, and 2003 Volunteer Pins were presented by Mayor Zehr to the membership of KYAC. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the 2003 Action Plan of the Kitchener Youth Action Council, as presented to the Community Services Committee on January 6, 2003, be approved." CSD-03-006 - AGREEMENT - SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH - WILLIAMSBURG CEMETERY - DESIGNATED AREA The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-03-006 dated December 18, 2002 concerning a request from the Serbian Orthodox Church to have a designated area within Williamsburg Cemetery for persons of an Orthodox faith. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church, as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-03-006, reserving certain space within the Williamsburg Cemetery for persons of an Orthodox faith." CSD-03-003 - VICTORIA PARK LAKE - ICE SKATING PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-03-003 dated December 10, 2002 recommending suspension of the Ice Skating Program on Victoria Park Lake. Mr. Jeff Danylyk provided explanation for the requested suspension of the Ice Skating Program, advising that prolonged consistent cold temperatures are required to form an adequate predictable ice base, which is essential for planning ice flooding and clearing operations. In recent years he noted that fluctuations in temperature, caused by climate warming trends, have prevented ability to prepare and maintain a safe natural ice skating surface on the lake. He noted that use of the lake as a stormwater management facility further compounds unsafe conditions as currents from stormwater run-off can form under the ice causing it to lift and crack. Mr. Danylyk also pointed out potential risk to both the public and City employees, should ice breakage occur, noting several incidents of persons and/or equipment falling through the ice even after it was determined to be safe. Mr. Glen Richardson then provided information pertaining to the City's Stormwater Management Plan relative to Victoria Park Lake and advised that while incremental improvements are planned, function of the lake as a stormwater management facility will not change. In addition, he commented on preparation of a Strategic Plan for the Victoria Park area and suggested that as part of it's development staff could include plans to create an oval artificial rink in the Victoria Park Commons to compensate for suspending skating on the lake. Members of the Committee expressed disappointment at the prospect of eliminating what has been an annual tradition of skating on the lake; however, acknowledged the reality of global warming trends and the City's responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy environment for it's employees and the public. Concerns were raised with respect to utilization of the monies to be saved and it was suggested that the surplus funding be transferred on a yearly basis to a reserve fund for future Councils to draw upon in the event future weather conditions permit re-instatement of the Ice Skating Program, or be used to create alternative artificial ice skating surfaces. CSD-03-003 - VICTORIA PARK LAKE - ICE SKATING PROGRAM (CONT'D) On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 67 2003 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER "WHEREAS Council by resolution dated June 17, 2002 supported ratification of the Kyoto Protocol in recognition of the need to address global climate warming trends; and, WHEREAS over the past several years Southern Ontario has experienced warmer than normal winter weather conditions that have created difficulty in preparing and maintaining a safe natural ice skating surface on Victoria Park Lake; further complicated by the impact that use of the lake as a storm water management facility has had on the ice surface; and, WHEREAS Council has responsibility to ensure the health and safety of the public at large, as well as City employees in their work environment; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Victoria Park Lake Ice Skating Program regrettably be suspended, for reasons outlined above and as further detailed in Community Services Department report CSD-03-003; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that monies not expended for maintenance of the lake ice surface be transferred to a reserve fund to be drawn upon by future Councils, to either: re- instate the Victoria Park Lake Ice Skating Program should future winter weather conditions permit, or be used to fund alternative artificial ice skating surfaces." 6. CSD-03-004 - IMPLEMENTATION OF VOLUNTEER RESOURCES SECTION The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department information report CSD-03- 004 dated December 19, 2002 detailing implementation of a Volunteer Resources Section within the Community Services Department. Ms. Jo-Ann Hutchison provided an overview of the operational review that resulted in implementation of the Volunteer Resources Section (VRS). Her presentation highlighted the current management structure, guiding principles for volunteer programs and future planning, and operations of the VRS. She further commented on services / support offered by Volunteer Resources to the Corporation, as outlined in report CSD-03-004; plans to broaden nominations for the annual Volunteer Recognition Awards; and development of a marketing / communications strategy in collaboration with Communications staff. She commented that the City has kept pace with a national municipal trend in providing dedicated staff and resources to enhance / centralize volunteer management, and is well positioned to become a leader in the field. Councillor J. Smola thanked Ms. Hutchison for her presentation. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator