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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory 2008-09-11 DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2008 City of Kitchener The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Glen Scheels with the following members in attendance: Vince Buehler, Nadine Cybulski, Glen Woolner, Councillor Christina Weylie, Councillor John Smola, Bernie Nimer, Chris Farley, and Denis Pellerin Staff in attendance: Silvia Wright, Sandy Curzon, Kim Feere, Jay Athia, John McBride, Eric Saunderson Discussion Items 1. Approval of Minutes That the minutes of the June 12, 2008 meeting be approved. Moved by Glen Woolner Seconded by Bernie Nimer 2. Advisory Committee Updates An update was provided on the Economic Development Advisory Committee actions to date. 3. New Business 3.1 New Employee Introduction Ms. Wright introduced Ms. Kim Feere, Downtown Co-ordinator. The Committee asked about the Downtown Ambassadors and how that project went over the summer. They were advised that the KDBA is looking after that project but that it did go well. Staff and the KDBA will discuss the report that was provided by the Ambassadors before their work term was complete. 3.2 Memorial Service Mr. Scheels advised the Committee that Mr. Thomas Seebohm, an active member of the Downtown Advisory Committee passed away during the summer break. He advised that there is a memorial service scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 at the University of Waterloo, School of Architecture in Cambridge. A scholarship fund is being set up as well. 3.3 Advisory Committee Review Status Ms. DeVille advised the Committee that a report was presented at the Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting on Monday September 8, 2008 regarding the Advisory Committee Review Status. She provided an update on the modifications to the advisory committees. 3.4 Collaborative Sub-Committee Ms. Wright advised on the Downtown Community Collaborative. It is a collaborative between KBDA and social agencies within the downtown; it has since fallen by the wayside. Suggestions have been made that this becomes a formal sub-committee of DAC. A thorough overview of the Terms of Reference will need to be done as part of the work. The Committee discussed the benefits and alternative options for this sub- committee and On motion by Glenn Woolner “That the Downtown Community Collaborative be established into a formal sub-committee of the Downtown Advisory Committee.” It was agreed that at the next meeting of DAC, with the representatives of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association present to nominate Co-Chairs for the sub-committee. 4. Business Arising / On-going Business 4.1 King Street Master Plan Update Mr. Eric Saunderson provided the Committee with an update on the current status of the King Street Master Plan. He provided the Committee with copies of updated plans and went through the plans with the Committee. He highlighted the following points: ? Revised drawings have been received and minor adjustments are being done – pre-qualified contractors will get them shortly ? Tender process will be released this fall and close in December ? Spring start date ? Type and style of lighting ? Provided an overview of the changes that were made since the last drawings were seen in June – it was noted that the pavers are an expensive option and studies have shown that to do just concrete sidewalks still look very appealing and are in many successful downtowns ? Not many changes have been made to the planters – there are still irrigations systems in place on the plans, provisions are in place to ensure the proper planting and growing of the trees 4.2 Benton & Charles Streets – Parking Garage Mr. McBride provided the Committee with an update on the current status of the parking structure currently being designed for construction at the corner of Benton & Charles Streets. He highlighted the following points: ? Council essentially approved design ? Incorporates some features not in the original design of 2002 Extending streetscape design to Speakers Corners o More public art to be included o Use of banners o ? All designs meet or exceed urban design guidelines ? Stairwell may be put back in ? Display screen – allowing for it to be included in the future but will not be done right away ? Presentations have been done with stakeholders ? Have received an overwhelming amount of support ? 500 space, 6 storey garage – will include bicycle parking (both general and cage) ? Designed to fit into neighbourhood and the downtown ? Septed issues are still being worked out ? Tender process will be in place by early to mid October ? Would like to award in November ? Construction proposed to start in January 2009 with opening of the garage for December 2009 ? Approx. 2100sq.ft of office / retail space Questions & Answers Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTD) concern – potential entrapment sites in stairwell that exits in the Laneway; however, anticipation that 70% will go out the front entrance and the remainder will use the stairwell on Charles Street, approximately 90% of the users will be day users. To address the concerns extra lighting will be added to the existing and when the time comes to redevelop the surrounding streets the area will be reviewed to ensure that lighting is adequate. Will there be cameras? ? Yes, there will and there will be emergency call buttons and security, glass stairwells, glass elevator doors etc. How will evening and weekend access work ? It will run the same as the rest of the garages in the downtown How much of an overhang is on Charles? ? Approximately 2 metres – it will tie in the retail area with the rest of the building 4.3 Façade Grant Program Ms. Wright provided the Committee with information on the new façade grant program. The following comments / questions were voiced by the Committee: ? Members agreed that having an architect involved in the new program is a positive change ? Can the grant be written to provide monies for architect ? Committee agreed to take into strong consideration that an architect or professional design consultant be used. ? Sign by-law will be incorporated and updated 4.4 Digital Media The Committee received an explanation of the Digital Media Convergence Centre announcement for downtown Kitchener, namely who is involved, what it entails and the possible spin-offs. 4.5 Light Rapid Transit Process is moving on, the Region of Waterloo is looking to present a firm recommendation in November this year. 4.6 GO Transit – Environmental Assessment An EA study is underway to determine the possibility of a system running through the Region. Details are unknown at this time, as more details become available, they will be passed along to the Committee. 4.7 Downtown Strategic Plan The sub-committee plan that was presented previously is going to continue to move ahead. 4.8 Vitality An investment has been made in cooperation with the Events department to provide some activity on the square with such initiatives as musicians at lunch and buskers after work. The projectors for Civic Square are currently ordered and the all weather chambers for those projectors are being built. It is anticipated that these will be in place by December 2008. Oktoberfest Update “Paint the Town Wonderbar - The Ultimate Parade Experience” with ? ballots in store windows will be done again. Window painting is coming along – 6 or 7 locations will be done in ? Kitchener. Selling cool wear for the younger crowd this year ? Cook off on October 8 at Civic Square where restaurants from Kitchener ? will compete against each other for the perfect schnitzel. Dignitaries from Waterloo will judge here and Kitchener will judge in Waterloo. Meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm Next meeting date is October 9, 2008