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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm Svcs - 2009-06-01COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date commencing at 4:04 p. m. Present: Councillor G. Lorentz -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, J. Gazzola, K. Galloway and C. Weylie. Staff: P. Houston, General Manager of Community Services D. Chapman, General Manager of Financial Services and City Treasurer J. Willmer, Interim General Manager of Development & Technical Services R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development J. Witmer, Director of Operations M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs & Services K. Kugler, Interim Director of Enterprises D. Chapman, Manager of Special Events D. Ritz, Supervisor of Design and Development B. Scott, Coordinator of Event Operations C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator CSD-09-039 -FOREST HILL T-BALL AGREEMENT The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-09-039, dated May 8, 2009 regarding an agreement to allow the Forest Hill T-Ball Association to rent storage space at the Forest Heights Community Centre. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - itwas resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute afive-year agreement, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with Forest Hill T-Ball Association Inc. for the use of storage space at 1700 Queen's Boulevard, Kitchener, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-09-039." 2. PRESENTATION -ONE BOOK ONE COMMUNITY The Committee was advised that the registered delegation was unable to attend this date and would be presenting 'One Book One Community' at the June 15, 2009 Council meeting. 3. PRESENTATION -CONTEMPORARY ART FORUM KITCHENER & AREA (CAFKA) UPDATE Mr. Rob Ring, Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener & Area (CAFKA), advised that from September 18 through October 4, 2009 CAFKA will present its 7th invitational exhibition of contemporary visual art in public spaces. He stated that CAFKA is dedicated to encouraging innovative artistic projects and interactive programming, bringing cutting-edge works of art out of galleries and placing them in public areas. He added that moving to a biennial format in 2007 allowed CAFKA to pursue more ambitious projects and organize events on a scale that would not have been possible to do annually. He advised that also introduced in 2007 was the invitational component to CAFKA's programming, actively seeking out artists whose work was admired and who it was felt might produce work that addressed the exhibition's theme. He noted that the 2009 edition of CAFKA will focus on the concept of "Veracity", with installations that will take place at a variety of sites around the region. 4. PRESENTATION -WATERLOO REGIONAL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - REQUEST FOR SUSTAINABLE FUNDING The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Messrs. David Marskell, CEO, and David Strucke, President of the Board of Directors, Waterloo Regional Children's Museum (WRCM), dated May 27, 2009 requesting one-time support in the amount of $500,000. collectively from all area municipalities to ensure the Museum's sustainability in 2009. Messrs. D. Marskell and D. Strucke, WRCM addressed the Committee in support of the funding request, advising that it would allow the Museum to further develop its business plans supporting expansion possibilities and to develop a sustainable long-term funding model. Mr. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 2009 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. PRESENTATION -WATERLOO REGIONAL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - REQUEST FOR SUSTAINABLE FUNDING (CONT'D) D. Strucke stated that in studying comparable facilities throughout Canada, it was identified that children's museums/science centers typically received municipal support for at least one third of their operating budgets in order to be sustainable. Mr. D. Marskell added that the requested funding would be used to sponsor the School Pass program, allowing more than 120,000 local students free admission to the Museum over the summer. He advised that these passes would be distributed to every student from kindergarten to grade twelve in the four area school boards: Waterloo Region District School Board, Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board. He noted that the student passes have an approximate value of $1.2M and commented that WRCM is considered to be one of the best facilities of its kind in Canada. In response to questions, Mr. D. Strucke advised that while all area municipalities are being asked to contribute funding, it is anticipated that the bulk of the requested $500,000. would be provided by the Region of Waterloo. He stated that the Museum is restricted in the size of exhibits it can present and cannot accommodate an increase in school groups or camps. Accordingly, WRCM must currently turn children, and revenue, away as these camps and school programs are approaching full capacity. He commented that regardless of whether this expansion occurs, it is essential that municipal governments provide additional support for the Museum's operations to ensure its sustainability. He further advised that prior to 2008, fiscal planning for the Museum was done using "what if" scenarios, as they had always operated at less than capacity. However, recent exhibitions provided data confirming that WRCM, in its current economic environment, cannot become independently sustainable without an annual fundraising goal of approximately $1 M. He added that the original pledges to the Museum which assisted them in reaching this goal in the past have now expired. He noted that based on historic results and comparisons to other organizations, a more realistic annual fundraising goal would be $500,000. He stated that if the requested funding is not provided, WRCM would have to re-adjust its business plan and cutback on exhibits. He noted that the Museum currently has plans for some significant exhibits which require down payments, adding that the requested funding would enable them to develop a business case over the summer to determine how to move forward. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned if consideration had been given to offering the 120,000 student passes at a reduced rate, which could enable the Museum to raise the requested $500,000. on its own. Mr. D. Strucke advised that by providing free admission it is hoped that each student would bring other members of their family with them when they visit. Responding to further questions, he advised that, in addition to an in-kind grant from the City of Kitchener related to the use of its building, the Museum currently receives operating grants from all area municipalities. He noted that later this date he would be presenting this funding request to the Cities of Waterloo and Cambridge, followed by a presentation to Regional Council on June 2, 2009. Mayor C. Zehr commented on the positive impact WRCM has had on the community as well as the transitions it has made in order to achieve this success. He stated that the Museum's original funding model was not sustainable and given the value the community derives from this organization, he is in favour of providing assistance to allow them time to determine the best means of moving forward. He encouraged WRCM to also seek additional donations from the private sector. He estimated that approximately $250,000. would be provided by the Region and suggested that the City of Kitchener could provide aone-time grant for 2009 in the amount of $50,000. In response to questions from Mayor Zehr regarding a potential source for this funding, Mr. D. Chapman advised that the proposed grant could be provided through the remaining unallocated grants budget ($14,000.), Children's Museum capital provision ($6,000.) and the City's miscellaneous expenditure account ($30,000.). He cautioned that, if approved, the suggested grant allocation would deplete those funds. A motion by Mayor C. Zehr was brought forward recommending approval of a one-time grant in the amount of $50,000. to WRCM, representing Kitchener's contribution to the Museum's COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 2009 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. PRESENTATION -WATERLOO REGIONAL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - REQUEST FOR SUSTAINABLE FUNDING (CONT'D) request for support from all area municipalities to collectively provide a total of $500,000. in sustainability funding for 2009. Councillor J. Gazzola advised that he would not support the recommendation, noting the lack of details and financial information provided by the Museum. He commented that these types of one-time grants have a tendency to turn into annual funding; stating that while he recognizes the value provided by WRCM, he questions the suddenness of their request. He added that, in his opinion, the City cannot be expected to accommodate this unanticipated request for funding. At the request of the Committee, Mr. D. Marskell agreed to circulate WRCM's most recent financial statements prior to the June 15, 2009 Council meeting. The following motion was Carried on a recorded vote, with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Galloway and C. Weylie voting in support and Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition. It is noted that Councillor B. Vrbanovic was not present and accordingly, did not vote. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That aone-time grant in the amount of $50,000., funded through the remaining unallocated grants budget ($14,000.), Children's Museum capital provision ($6,000.) and the City's miscellaneous expenditure account ($30,000.), be approved to the Waterloo Regional Children's Museum, representing the City of Kitchener's contribution to the Museum's request for support from area municipalities to collectively provide a total of $500,000. in sustainability funding for 2009." 5. CSD-09-037 -PARKS MASTER PLAN UPDATE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-09-037, dated May 14, 2009 regarding the status of the development of the Parks Master Plan. Messrs. Bill Green, GSP Group Inc., and Fred Galloway, F.J. Galloway and Associates provided an update on the status of the current phase of the Parks Master Plan; and the five central themes that have emerged from the information gathered through the extensive background review, analysis and community consultation, being: 1. Natural Areas -acquisition priorities (i.e. Huron Natural Area), linkages, accessibility, awareness, balancing use/preservation, sustainable management, stewardship, Grand River corridor; 2. Trails -year round access, key destinations and linkages, trail linkages to and within the Downtown core, limited capital resources, maintenance and monitoring; 3. Active Parkland -growth in soccer, steady demand for baseball/softball, under- serviced for other turf sports (i.e. field hockey, cricket, rugby, lacrosse), artificial turf considerations; 4. Neighbourhood Parks -timing of new park developments, insufficient capital resources, provision standards, rehabilitation and renewal of existing parks, allocation of appropriate resources for maintenance and operations requirements; 5. Community Engagement -participation in park design, development and renewal, collaboration and partnerships, education and communication, fostering community volunteerism, such as adopt-a-park and park clean-ups. In response to questions regarding the development of the proposed park in south-west Kitchener, Mr. D. Ritz advised that staff anticipate bringing forward a feasibility study on that COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 2009 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. CSD-09-037 -PARKS MASTER PLAN UPDATE (CONT'D) matter following the presentation of the finalized Parks Master Plan in October 2009 Responding to a request for direction and feedback members asked questions and made comments regarding: the current backlog in the development of neighbourhood parks; the need to develop additional skateboard parks; the development of leash-free dog parks; the impact of school closures on neighbourhood parks; trail linkages to other area municipalities; and, concerns regarding the timing and frequency of park maintenance. Mr. F. Galloway advised that neighbourhood parks are often taken for granted, but ranked as one of the highest community priorities. He noted that in the 1970s, Kitchener was considered a leader in the development of parks and trails; however, this did not evolve, which has resulted in current backlog. He added that the Leisure Facilities Master Plan identified the need for four skateboard parks in the City, with only one currently in place. He stated that careful examination is required regarding the means with which to address the parkland and open space needs of a growing population in the inner City where there are limited land resources available for parks. Concerning the issue of school closures, he commented that the City needs to be vigilant and intercede early to preserve these neighbourhood parks. Mr. B. Green advised that issues related to trails and trail linkages also emerged as a high community priority; such as, enhancing year round access, destinations/linkages, maintenance and ancillary supports for the community trail system. Councillor G. Lorentz asked staff to monitor the issue of school closures and its impact on the City's park inventory. 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:23 p. m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator