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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Corp - 2003-02-03FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3~ 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, commencing at 2:35 p.m., with the following members present: Councillors M. Galloway, J. Gazzola, G. Lorentz, J. Smola and C. Weylie. Mayor C. Zehr was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. G. Luciantonio, Ms. L. Bansen, Ms. J. Koppeser, Ms. T. Dowhaniuk, Ms. S. McDonald, Ms. D. Gilchrist and Messers J. Fielding, R. Pritchard, G. Sosnoski, G. Stewart, M. Lahn, O. den Ouden, H. Gross, D. Quinn, R. Gosse, R. Browning, G. Melanson and D. Paterson. Councillors B. Vrbanovic and M. Galloway declared pecuniary interests in items 1 and 2 on the agenda with respect to the Concourse Charities Bingo Association, as they are either associated with or employed by an organization that derives revenues from bingos, and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to these two matters. Councillor G. Lorentz assumed the chair at this time. CRPS-03-018 - REQUEST TO OPERATE AN ACCUMULATOR TYPE BINGO - CONCOURSE CHARITIES BINGO ASSOCIATION = The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-018, dated January 24, 2003, with respect to a request received from Concourse Charities Bingo Association requesting approval from the City of Kitchener to conduct a $10,000. Progressive Bingo Game at their premises, 1356 Weber Street East. It was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener has no objection to a Provincial Licence being issued to the Concourse Charities Bingo Association, 1356 Weber Street East, Kitchener, to conduct a $10,000. Progressive Bingo Game (Accumulator) on an ongoing basis, commencing March 1,2003." CRPS-03-020 - REQUEST TO OPERATE A TWOONIE PROGRESSIVE BINGO - CONCOURSE CHARITIES BINGO ASSOCIATION = The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-020, dated January 24, 2003, advising of a request received from the Concourse Charities Bingo Association, 1356 Weber Street East, Kitchener, for a licence to operate a Twoonie Progressive Game on an ongoing basis, commencing March 1,2003. It was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener has no objection to a Provincial licence being issued to Concourse Charities Bingo Association to operate a Twoonie Progressive Game on an ongoing basis during the regularly licensed bingo events being held at 1356 Weber Street East, Kitchener, commencing March 16, 2003." Councillor B. Vrbanovic assumed the chair at this time, and Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this time. FIN-03-008 - WATER& SEWER RATES The Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-03-008, dated January 28, 2003, recommending water and sewer rates effective March 1,2003, and that a by- law be considered at the February 10, 2003 Council meeting to adopt these rates and approve the operating budgets for the Water and Sewer Enterprises. It was noted in the report that public notice that the Committee would consider water and sewer rates this date, and that Council would consider a by-law on February 10, 2003, was given in accordance with Ontario regulation 244-02, at the January 6, 2003 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting, and was posted on the City's web site. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned the need for a rate increase of 3% when the Region's 2003 increase is less. He also questioned whether all the capital expenditures budgeted for 2003 for the Water and Sewer Enterprises are necessary. FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3~ 2003 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. FIN-03-008 - WATER & SEWER RATES (CONT'D) Ms. G. Luciantonio noted that the capital projects for the Water and Sewer Enterprises were recently approved by Council. She explained that the Region's charges are not the only expenses incurred by the municipality. Mr. D. Quinn advised that the City has a different cost structure than the Region, as they have newer facilities. Further, 3% represents a relatively small cost of living increase. Councillor Galloway moved the recommendation of staff, suggesting that it is prudent to have reasonable increases which will allow for the long term maintenance and replacement of infrastructure. Mayor Zehr spoke in support of the motion noting of complaints received about the aesthetics of the City's water from several of the older areas of the City. Mayor Zehr also advised of comments made by other Ontario municipalities advising of the need to increase water and sewer rates in order to achieve full cost recovery. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That effective March 1, 2003, the water rate be set at $.8559 per cubic metre and the sewer rate be set at $.6420 per cubic metre; and further, That a by-law to implement these rates and approve the operating budgets for the Water and Sewer Enterprises be considered at the February 10, 2003 Council meeting." = SSD-03-003 - COUNCIL POLICY 11-205 (LOSS OF MTO DRIVING LICENCE, ETC.) - REVISIONS RE: IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE CONDITION = The Committee was in receipt of Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-003, dated January 20, 2003, recommending a change to Council Policy 11-205 (Loss of Ministry of Transportation (M.T.O.) License or Classification) as a result of recent legislation concerning Ignition Interlock Devices. It was resolved: "That Human Resources Policy 11-205 (Loss of Ministry of Transportation (M.T.O.) Licence or Classification) be amended, as attached to Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-003." CRPS-03-019- HOMENIUK RIDES INCORPORATED - REQUEST TO OPERATE A MIDWAY, APRIL 17-27, 2003-01-31 - 707 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH (WEILAND FORD) - FAIRVIEW-GATEWAY WARD The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-019, dated January 24, 2003, seeking the Committee's direction with respect to a request received from Homeniuk Rides Incorporated for a licence to operate a midway at 707 Ottawa Street South from April 17-27, 2003, inclusive. It was noted that the hours of operation requested by Homeniuk Rides Incorporated are different from those previously approved by Council. Ms. J. Koppeser advised that the request is the usual one received from Homeniuk Rides, and in the past Council has changed the hours and conditions from those requested, based on concerns raised by a neighbouring resident. Councillor Gazzola put forward a motion to approve the midway subject to the same hours and conditions as previously approved by Council. = CRPS-03-019- HOMENIUK RIDES INCORPORATED - REQUEST TO OPERATE A MIDWAY, APRIL 17-27, 2003-01-31 FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3~ 2003 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER - 707 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH (WEILAND FORD) - FAIRVIEW-GATEWAY WARD (CONT'D) Mayor Zehr noted that Friday April 18th is Good Friday and requested an amendment to Councillor Gazzola's motion that the hours of operation on Good Friday be the same as those for a Sunday, which was accepted by Councillor Gazzola as a friendly amendment. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That Homeniuk Rides Inc. be granted permission to operate a Midway at Weiland Ford, 707 Ottawa Street South, from April 17-27, 2003, subject to the following: a) that the hours of operation be: = = Music April Start Close Down Off Thursday 17 3:30 pm 10:00 pm 8:00 pm 9:00 pm Friday 18 12:00 pm 11:00 pm 8:00 pm 10:00 pm Saturday 19 10:00 am 11:00 pm 8:00 pm 10:00 pm Sunday 20 12:00 pm 10:00 pm 8:00 pm 9:00 pm Monday 21 11:00 am 10:00 pm -- 8:00 pm Tuesday 22 3:30 pm 10:00 pm -- 8:00 pm Wednesday 23 3:30 pm 10:00 pm -- 8:00 pm Thursday 24 3:30 pm 10:00 pm -- 8:00 pm Friday 25 3:30 pm 11:00 pm 8:00 pm 10:00 pm Saturday 26 10:00 am 11:00 pm 8:00 pm 10:00 pm Sunday 27 12:00 pm 9:00 pm -- 8:00 pm b) that the music at the Midway be turned off one hour before closing time excepting those evenings preceding school days when it shall be turned off at 8:00 p.m.; and, c) that music at the Midway be turned down at 8:00 p.m. on evenings preceding non- school days; and, d) that parking arrangements be reviewed with Traffic Planning staff to ensure adequate off-street parking will be provided; and further, e) that the required licence be obtained prior to operating the Midway." FIN-03-009 - ITRON METER READING EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT - REQUEST TO WAIVE TENDER PROCESS The Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-03-009, dated January 22, 2003, recommending the tendering process be waived with respect to negotiating a contract for the supply of goods and services to uprgrade the Itron MV-RS Meter Reading System. Councillor Gazzola raised concerns with respect to waiving the tender process, suggesting staff investigate whether there are other companies that could provide compatible technology. Councillor Galloway noted staff's advice that proposed technology may facilitate joint meter reading with Kitchener - Wilmot Hydro. Mr. Lahn responded that Kitchener - Wilmot hydro uses Itron Software, and the transition to combined meter reading would be simpler if both utilities use the same software. He also noted that there is a timing concern, as the technology currently used by the Gas Utility for meter reading is no longer being supported. The interface for the Itron system will take 3 months; whereas, the interface for any other software will take approximately 12 months. FIN-03-009 - ITRON METER READING EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT - REQUEST TO WAIVE TENDER PROCESS (CONT'D) FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3~ 2003 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER = Staff were directed to present a report for the February 10, 2003 Council meeting on any other companies that could provide the necessary goods and services, including costs. Councillor Lorentz raised concerns with respect to the length of time it is taking to institute joint meter reading for Kitchener - Wilmot Hydro and the Gas Utility. Mr. den ©uden advised that meetings have taken place between the two utilities concerning joint meter reading; however, further discussions have been postponed due to Hydro's need to address new provincial legislation. Mayor Zehr advised that Mr. R. Charie will make a presentation at the February 25, 2003, Council meeting concerning Bill 210. There may be an opportunity at that meeting to discuss joint meter reading. Mayor Zehr also advised that Mr. Charie will be requested to address the Finance and Corporate Services Committee on March 3, 2003, with respect to Bill 210. Any recommendation from the Finance and Corporate Services Committee on March 3, 2003 will have to be considered at the special Council meeting that date; as the City's decision with respect to Bill 210 must be in the hands of the province no later than March 8, 2003. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That consideration of the following recommendation contained in Financial Services Department report FIN-03-009 be deferred and referred to the February 10, 2003 Council meetinq, pending a report from staff on other companies that may be able to provide the necessary goods and services: 'That the tendering process be waived and Council authorize the Director of Purchasing to negotiate a contract for the supply of goods and services from URB ©lameter for the purpose of providing an upgraded Itron MV-RS Meter Reading System.'" DTS-03-021 - PROVINCIAL TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-021, dated January 27, 2003, responding to correspondence received from Ted Arnott MPP, Waterloo-Wellington, dated January 10, 2003, inquiring into City of Kitchener transportation priorities, which are beyond City or Regional scope and could not proceed without out provincial funding. Councillor Lorentz put forward the recommendation of staff. Councillor J. Gazzola suggested a further priority, being noise attenuation barriers in areas such as Homer Watson Boulevard and Highway 8 in the vicinity of the liquor store. Other members of the Committee agreed there are areas in the City where noise attenuation barriers are needed; however, most of these areas are adjacent to Regional roads. Staff were directed to submit a report for consideration by Council, containing a recommendation which could be forwarded to the Region of Waterloo, outlining Regional roads or portions thereof, in the City of Kitchener which create excessive noise, and require noise attenuation barriers. Staff were also directed to consult with each member of Council to obtain information on roads of particular concern in their wards. Mayor Zehr put forward a friendly ammendment to Councillor Lorentz motion to switch the priority of "the pursuit of the north-south transit corridor and the Light Rail Transit" to second place; as the region has already applied for funding for the Light Rail Transit and the priority for this project has already been established. 7. DTS-03-021 - PROVINCIAL TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES (CONT'D) FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3~ 2003 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener commend Ted Arnott MPP for Waterloo-Wellington for his initiative to support transportation initiatives required by the City of Kitchener, and the following be identified as the major transportation needs of Kitchener, in priority order: a) The construction of a new Hwy 7 from Kitchener to Guelph, b) The pursuit of the north-south transit corridor and the Light Rail Transit, c) A new connection to Highway 401 from south-west Kitchener, d) Support for the north route high speed rail from Toronto to Windsor; and further, That this resolution be forwarded to Elizabeth Witmer, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education; Norman Sterling, Minister of Transportation; and Jim Flaherty, Minister of Enterprise Opportunity and Innovation." 8. SSD-03-001 - CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY The Committee was in receipt of Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-001, dated January 28, 2003, with respect to a procedure to implement Council Policy 11-60 (Confidentiality of Information). It was noted in the report that on January 20, 2003, the Finance and Corporate Services Committee considered a previous report on this matter and directed staff to reassess its direction with respect to implementing the Confidentiality of Information policy. When questioned by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, staff advised that the procedure to implement Council Policy 11-60 does not include existing unionized staff at this time. The proposal put forward in the report is the first step in the process, and there must be further discussion with the Unions before a procedure can be developed for existing unionized employees. Mayor Zehr moved the recommendation of staff, and as requested by Councillor Vrbanovic, amended the recommendation by acknowledging that a procedure to implement Council Policy 11-60 (Confidentiality of Information) for existing unionized employees will be presented in the future. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the following procedure be approved to implement Council Policy 11-60 (Confidentiality of Information): a) Existing non-union staff in the following areas be required to sign Confidentiality Agreements: i) vii) All Director level positions and up, within the organization, All Executive Assistants to General Managers, District Facilitators within Community Services, The CAO's Office, The Mayor's Office, Strategic Services Department, including: · Human Resources · Economic Development · Information Technology, Corporate Services Department, including: · Legal · Legislative Services including Licensing and Corporate Records 8. SSD-03-001 - CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY (CONT'D) viii) Financial Services Department, including: FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3~ 2003 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER · Accounting · Budgets and Financial Services · Revenue; and, b) As part of the strategy of communicating this particular policy to all staff, the following steps have been taken or are planned to be taken: i) All supervisory/management have been familiarized with the contents of the Confidentiality Policy and in turn have been encouraged to make their staff aware of the purpose of this policy, Human Resources has used a series of meetings with all fire fighters to convey the Confidentiality Policy as well as some other key policies to fire personnel, The Confidentiality Policy will be featured in an upcoming H.R. newsletter, The Confidentiality Policy will be highlighted as part of the new staff orientation program to be launched in January 2003; and further, c) That a procedure to implement Council Policy 11-60 (Confidentiality of Information) with existing unionized employees be established at a future date." = DTS-03-022 - POLICIES AND PROGRAMS - STORM CONNECTIONS, SUMP PUMPS & BACKWATER VALVES - NEW CONSOLIDATED COUNCIL POLICY & RESCINDING OF POLICIES: · 1-795 (OLD)/I- 1250 (NEW) · 1-803 (OLD)/I- 1260 (NEW) · 1-805 (OLD)/I- 1265 (NEW) = The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-022, dated January 17, 2003, recommending Council Policies 1-1250, 1-1260, 1-1265 with respect to policies and programs for storm connections, sump pumps and backwater valves be rescinded and consolidated into one new policy. Councillor G. Lorentz put forward the recommendation of staff, save and except for the last sentence in recommendation 2 (b), being: "the property owner will be responsible for 50% of the actual cost of the work." Councillor Lorentz disagreed with the information in the staff report that a storm drain connection costs $3,000. He changed recommendation 2 in the staff report to state that the City will pay 100% of the cost of supply and installation of a storm drain connection. Mr. H. Gross responded that experience over the past 2-3 years has shown that the usual cost of supplying and installing a storm drain connection, where the storm sewer is at the front of the property, is between $2,500. and $3,200. He advised that $3,000. is a realistic estimate. Mr. Gross also advised that 22 property owners are on a waiting list for a storm drain connection, and the existing budget is not sufficient to pay 100% of the costs for all 22 properties. Councillor Lorentz directed staff to provide the report showing the exact costs for supply and installation of storm sewer connections for all 22 applicants on the current waiting list. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the existing Council Policy Nos.: 1-1250 (Sewer Connection), 1-1260 (Storm Drain Connections - Private Properties), and 1-1265 ( Sump Pump Connections) be rescinded and consolidated into one new policy; in the form of the draft policy attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03-022, with the intent that the new policy will: DTS-03-022 - POLICIES AND PROGRAMS - STORM CONNECTIONS, SUMP PUMPS & BACKWATER VALVES - NEW CONSOLIDATED COUNCIL POLICY & RESCINDING OF POLICIES: · 1-795 (OLD)/I- 1250 (NEW) FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3~ 2003 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER · 1-803 (OLD)/I- 1260 (NEW) · 1-805 (OLD)/I- 1265 (NEW) (CONT'D) a) Prevent clear ground water or surface water from entering the sanitary sewer system, b) Supply and install, by City forces, a storm connection within the road allowance from the storm sewer fronting the property to the property line for the connection of a sump pump system or backyard drains by the property owner. The City will be responsible for funding 100% of the cost of the work, c) Provide funding to the property owner for the installation of a backwater valve within the building for properties affected by sanitary sewer backups. The City will be responsible for funding 100% of the cost of the work; and, That the new policy be administered by the Development & Technical Services Department; and, That an appropriate annual funding level be established for the new policy from the sewer surcharge fund; and further, That expenditures for the new policy be made on a first come - first served basis up to the value of the annual funding level." 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator