HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2008-10-20COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 200$ CITY OF KITCHENER
The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 3:54 p.m.
Present: Councillor G. Lorentz -Chair
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, K. Galloway and J. Gazzola.
Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer
T. Speck, General Manager of Corporate Services
J. Willmer, Interim General Manager of Development & Technical Services
P. Houston, General Manager of Community Services
D. Chapman, Gen Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer
M. Hildebrand, Interim Director of Community Programs
C. York, Arts & Culture Facilitator
L. Palubeski, Manager of Programs & Resource Services
G. Hastings, Manager of Golf Courses
T. Doering, Rockway Golf Superintendent
R. Gosse, Committee Administrator
1. CSD-0$-0$6 - ROCKWAY COMMUNITY CENTRE RENOVATIONS UPDATE
Chair G. Lorentz advised that Community Services Department report CSD-08-086, listed as
item No. 6 on the agenda, is an update on the repairs to Rockway Centre and unless there
are questions from the Committee the report is simply for information purposes. There were
no questions from the Committee.
2. PRESENTATION - AUDUBON RECOGNITION
Mr. G. Hastings advised that 3 years ago Rockway and Doon Golf Courses made application
to the International Audubon Society for certification in the area of environmental protection.
The Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary Certification recognizes the course's efforts to protect
the ecological systems of the properties through: environmental planning; wildlife and habitat
management; water conservation; water quality; chemical use reduction and safety; and,
outreach and education. Chair G. Lorentz extended the Committee's appreciation for the hard
work undertaken by staff and congratulated them on their achievement.
3. CRPS-0$-174 - SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
- 25-IN-5: NETWORK FOR POVERTY REDUCTION
The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-08-174, dated
October 14, 2008 regarding the "25-in-5: Network for Poverty Reduction" and its request for
endorsement of a declaration on to be presented to the Provincial government.
Ms. M. Hogg and Ms. T. Beauline representing the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory
Committee, advised that the Provincial government through its Throne Speech of November
2007 committed to reducing poverty throughout the Province. The organization "25-in-5:
Network for Poverty Reduction", is calling on the government to live up to its commitment by
reducing poverty by 25% over the next 5 years. Ms. Hogg advised that the Safe & Healthy
Community Advisory Committee has been working on poverty issues and believes that the 25-
in-5 initiative is a viable and achievable plan. Ms. Beauline advised that the 25-in-5 Network is
supported by a large number of organizations across the Province and has received
endorsement of their declaration to the Province from many municipalities. Ms. Beauline
concluded her presentation, advising that the Advisory Committee is requesting Council to
endorse the 25-in-5 declaration in order to add the City of Kitchener to the growing list of
supporting municipalities.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
"WHEREAS the Government of Ontario, in its November 2007 Throne Speech,
committed to developing a Poverty Reduction Strategy for Ontario; and,
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3. CRPS-0$-174 - SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
- 25-IN-5: NETWORK FOR POVERTY REDUCTION tCONT'D)
WHEREAS the 25-in-5 Network for Poverty Reduction, representing over 100 provincial
associations and people committed to action on eliminating poverty, has launched a
campaign to reduce poverty in Ontario by 25% in 5 years, and has developed a
Declaration which outlines the actions required to achieve this, based on sustained
employment, liveable incomes and strong supportive communities; and,
WHEREAS the 25-in-5 Network is seeking endorsements from municipal councils for its
Declaration, and has already received support from such cities as Cambridge, Ottawa,
London and Toronto;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Kitchener endorse the 25-in-5
Network's Declaration."
4. CSD-0$-0$4 - ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- REPORT ON 2007 1200$ ACHIEVEMENTS
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-08-084, dated
October 2, 2008 regarding the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee achievements for 2007 /
2008.
Ms. C. York and Ms. J. Breithaupt and Mr. L. Carter representing the Arts & Culture Advisory
Committee presented the report on the achievements of the Committee for 2007 and 2008.
Ms. Breithaupt pointed out that this report is an initiative of the Committee and is in response
to a recommendation of the CulturePlan IL Mr. L. Carter reviewed the actions and initiatives
undertaken by the Committee over the 2-year period.
Chair G. Lorentz commented that the achievements of the Committee are remarkable and
extended his appreciation to receiving this report. Councillor J. Gazzola also expressed
appreciation for the report, adding that similar reports should be presented from other Advisory
Committees. Mayor C. Zehr inquired if suitable space has been found for the Artist-In-
Residence. Ms. C. York responded that at this time space has not been found; however, the
current Artist-In-Residence project is a digital media piece which does not require space,
allowing staff more time to find a suitable and permanent space for future Artist-In-Residence.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That the report of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee regarding its achievements
of 2007 and 2008 as outlined in Community Services Department Report CSD-08-084,
be received. "
5. CSD-0$-0$5 - BETHANY EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH -GRANT REQUEST
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-08-085, dated
October 15, 2008 regarding a grant request from the Bethany Evangelical Missionary Church
in the amount of $1,800. to cover the fees to transport bleachers for the annual Christmas
pageant and to have the bleacher rental fees waived.
Mr. Roger Braun, representing the Bethany Evangelical Missionary Church, advised that the
Church began the free annual Christmas Pageant 13 years ago with a few hundred attendees
however; the pageant has grown dramatically to where it is expected that this years' pageant
will draw 5,000 to 6,000 people. Mr. Braun added that this free event could not be possible
without the support of sponsors, several hundred volunteers and support given by the City of
Kitchener with free rental of the bleachers and no cost for transportation and set-up. Mr.
Braun reiterated that the pageant is completely free and to remain so will require continued
support from the City and he requested that the grant request in the amount $1,800. for the
transportation of the required bleachers as well as free rentals of the bleachers.
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5. CSD-0$-0$5 - BETHANY EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH -GRANT REQUEST
tCONT'D)
Councillor K. Galloway advised that she could support waiving the rental fees for the bleachers
but in light of the fact that the City contracts out for the transportation of the bleacher units she
could not support the grant request. Councillor Galloway inquired if it was possible for the
Church to find a sponsor to cover the costs of the transportation and set-up. Mr. Braun
responded that over the years there have been many sponsors who have supported and
assisted the free pageant and it would be difficult to find more to cover the $1,800. fee. Mayor
C. Zehr advised that he understood the rational for keeping the event free but questioned if the
Church has considered accepting donations from the attendees. Mr. Braun advised that this
has been discussed several times however the Church, in keeping with the policy of
presenting a free pageant, has not instituted taking donations at the event. Councillor J.
Smola pointed out that this is a large public event drawing thousands of people to the
downtown area, much the same as the Blues Festival or Cristkindle Market and suggested that
perhaps it could be considered a special event therefore the set-up costs could be covered by
the Special Events account. In answer to questions raised by the Committee, staff advised
that the costs to transport the bleacher units is due to the fact that the units are large enough
to require a large flat bed truck and therefore the transportation of the units is contracted out to
the private firm.
Councillor J. Gazzola pointed out that this is a successful growing event drawing thousands of
citizens to the downtown area and the request is minimal in comparison to other grant
requests and he would move that the request be approved. Councillor Galloway advised that
she couldn't support the motion as it is providing a grant to a religious group which is against
City policy and suggested that, considering how successful the event has become, it wouldn't
be difficult to find a sponsor willing to pick up the transportation costs. Councillor Smola
advised that he would support the motion but would like to have staff look at this being
deemed a special event in order to cover costs in the future. Mayor Zehr advised that he
could support the motion in principal, suggesting however that there should be clear guidelines
on what exactly is being covered by the City so that costs don't escalate in future years.
Mayor Zehr added that although the City cannot make the requirement he would like to see
the Church consider accepting voluntary donations to help offset costs.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That a general provision grant request in the amount of $1,800., from the Bethany
Evangelical Missionary Church, for costs associated with transporting thee (3) bleacher
units for their annual Christmas Pageant to be held December 5, 6 and 7, 2008 be
approved; and,
That the rental fees for the three (3) bleacher units be waived; and further,
That due to the positive impact from the event in the Downtown, staff prepare a report
for a future meeting of the Community Services Committee on how to continue similar
funding in future."
6. CSD-0$-073 - KING STREET MASTER PLAN PUBLIC ART
Ms. C. York advised that as part of the Downtown King Street Master Plan, the area at the
intersection of King and Frederick Streets, known as Speaker's Corner, is to be re-designed
and to include public art as part of the project. A two stage competition for the public art was
advertised, 23 expressions of interest were received and subsequently the jury selected a
concept submitted by Allan MacKay titled "Relocation & Transformation of Memory". Ms. York
explained that the concept of the sculpture is a 13-foot diameter paved circle made up of
ceramic file with photographic images fired onto the tiles and an 8-foot high pillar of highly
polished stainless steel. The photographic images from the ceramic tiles appear distorted at
ground level but when viewed at an angle in the reflecting cylinder they become recognizable.
Ms. York noted that the selected piece combines art, science and public engagement.
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6. CSD-0$-073 - KING STREET MASTER PLAN PUBLIC ART tCONT'D)
Mayor C. Zehr advised he has seen a rendering of the proposed concept which also includes a
granite wall and asked if the proposed design has been assessed through the Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) process. Ms. York advised that the wall,
which is also used to house hydro-electric service, has been moved from the original concept
and will still need to be reviewed through the CPTED process.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway -
it was resolved:
"That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the
City Solicitor, with Allan MacKay for the commission and installation of his artwork titled
"Relocation & Transformation of Memory" at Speaker's Corner."
7. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:53 p.m.
Randy Gosse
Committee Administrator