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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2003-01-20COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 20, 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date Chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 3:45 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors C. Weylie, M. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic, J. Smola and J. Gazzola. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. S. Adams, Ms. C. Legault, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. B. Pritchard, F. Pizzuto, K. Baulk and G. Melanson. 1. CSD-03-017 2002 ONTARIO SUMMER GAMES - FINAL REPORT PRESENTATION - MEDAL / CHEQUE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-03-017 dated January 13, 2003 concerning the 2002 Ontario Summer Games and recommending that the City of Kitchener's portion of surplus funds be given to KidSport K-W. Mr. Jack Middlemass, Chair Ontario Summer Games (OSG), attended to provide an overview of the success of the 2002 Games and introduced the theme phrase "Celebrate the Spirit of Sport". 2,538 athletes participated, representing 18 sports at various sporting venues across Kitchener and Waterloo; complemented by 757 coaches and officials. He advised that both Kitchener and Waterloo were commended by all participants and visitors for the outstanding facilities provided for sporting events and for staff who took excellent care of all. He thanked the Region of Waterloo for its financial and in-kind contributions in sponsorship of the event, pointing out that fundraising and sponsorships play a key role in the success of the games and impact to the host community. Mr. Middlemass requested support for the OSG Executive's recommendation to name the K-W Chapter of KidSport recipient of the surplus funds. Mr. Lyle Abbott attended on behalf of KidSport and the Board of Directors of Sport Alliance of Ontario. He advised that KidSport is a program for disadvantaged children that provides assistance through reduced registration fees and equipment grants. He noted that the K-W Chapter will be launched in late March and is actively fundraising within the community. Mr. Abbott recognized City staff for their support of the KidSport "Fun Zone" event held during the 2002 Oktoberfest festival, in addition, he extended appreciation to other community groups for their support of KidSport. Mr. Jack Middlemass recognized the entire complement of staff and Councils in both municipalities for providing an opportunity to showcase the communities of Kitchener and Waterloo. He then presented an Ontario Summer Games Gold Medal in recognition of the success of Kitchener Team participants. Councillor G. Lorentz accepted the Gold Medal on behalf of the City of Kitchener. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener recognizes the overall success of co-hosting the 2002 Ontario Summer Games (OSG), in principle, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-03-017; and further, That the City agrees to declare 'KidSport K-W' the recipient of the OSG legacy fund, as recommended by the Games Executive and Operating Committee, totalling $9,220. of which the City's portion is $4,610." Mr. Middlemass then presented a cheque to Mr. Lyle Abbott representing the City's portion of the OSG legacy fund. He noted that the remaining legacy funds would be given to KidSport at a similar presentation to be made at the City of Waterloo. Councillor G. Lorentz acknowledged Ms. Lori Ludwig, City of Waterloo, who was also in attendance and extended appreciation to Waterloo for its support in partnering with the City of Kitchener. Councillor Lorentz also thanked City staff, Mr. Middlemass and the OSG Executive for their efforts in contributing to a successful event. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 207 2003 -6- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-03-014 - GRANT REQUEST - KITCHENER MINOR HOCKEY (GIRLS HOCKEY) ESTABLISHMENT OF A TASK FORCE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-03-014 dated January 10, 2003 concerning a minor sports grant allocation to the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association (KMHA) for operation of the Girls Hockey Program and establishment of a task force to review the financial position of KMHA. Mr. Tony Martindale, KMHA, attended in support of the staff recommendation and provided a copy of a document entitled "Kitchener Minor Hockey - City Grant Proposal" for circulation this date. The document included a financial statement and comparison of fees. Mr. Martindale commented on the budget shortfall of the organization noting that grant allocations have not kept pace with inflation and uncontrollable expenses have also contributed relating to increased ice rental fees; implementation of mandatory Provincial programs; and growth demands within the Girls Hockey program. He advised that KMHA and City staff have been working hard to resolve the deficit and have isolated the Girls Hockey program to determine its overall impact to the organization's budget. He noted other solutions, including increased registration fees and implementation of a user pay system. He commented that KMHA would like to bring grant subsidies more in line with those provided by the City of Waterloo and are requesting a task force be established to look at methods of meeting KMHA financial goals. In response to questions, Mr. Martindale advised that he could not answer as to why inflationary costs were not built into the grant allocation; however, suggested that it should be taken into account. Mr. Martindale also advised that the number of ice time hours has increased to meet growth demands and agreed to provide comparative information to staff to be reviewed with the comparison of fees. In response to a question concerning opportunity for sponsorships, he advised that the Kitchener Rangers sponsor KMHA by purchasing hockey jerseys for approximately 42 associated teams. Mr. Keith Baulk advised that staff intend to bring forward a further report following review by the Task Force and will take into consideration the additional information to be provided by the organization. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That an additional annual minor sports grant be confirmed as allocated in the City's 2003 Operating Budget to the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association (KMHA) in the amount of $36,000. for operating the Girls Hockey Program in Kitchener; and further, That a Task Force be struck which would include representatives of KMHA and City staff to investigate fund development and / or expense reduction strategies to assist in reaching KMHA financial goals." 3. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator