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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2003-03-24DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date commencing at 7:03 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, M. Galloway, G. Lorentz, J. Smola and J. Gazzola. Officials Present: Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. C. Ladd, Ms. M. Grant and Messrs. J. Fielding, G. Stewart, J. Willmer, R. Browning, T. Boutilier, L. Masseo, G. Borovilos, R. Shamess, D. Mansell and L.W. Neil. 1. DTS-03-028 - 196 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 02137NISL ISRAEL HEWSON WEST-VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee was advised that a zone change application has been received from Israel Hewson with respect to the property known municipally as 196 Victoria Street South which is located on the north side of the street, west of Park Street. The purpose of this rezoning is to add a special regulation to the current zoning so as to allow personal services as a permitted use up to 100% of the gross floor area of the existing single detached dwelling. The applicant is proposing to operate a hair salon on the ground floor of the two storey dwelling and a beauty salon on the second floor of the structure. In this regard, the Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03-028 dated February 19, 2003 and a proposed by-law dated January 23, 2003 attached to the report. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC 02/37/V/SL (196 Victoria Street South - Israel Hewson) to change the zoning on the subject property, legally described as Part Lot 2, Plan 439, from Commercial Residential One (CR-1) to Commercial Residential One (CR- 1) with Special Regulation 398R, be approved in the form shown in the "Proposed By- law", dated January 23, 2003. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City and is in conformity with the City's Municipal Plan." DTS-03-043 - 5 YEAR PILOT PROJECT RE: FIRE DEPARTMENT CANINE SEARCH SPECIALIST The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-043 dated March 5, 2003 dealing with a 5 year pilot project involving a Fire Department Canine Search Specialist. Reference was made in the report to the difficulty in locating trapped victims within large structures that have collapsed and that often the victims are located in crevices where a human cannot access. Thus the use of highly trained canines is a solution to this issue. It was noted in the report that Firefighter Robin (Rob) Martin and his dog Zeus are undertaking training to become a recognized Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) team on a voluntary basis. It was stressed that Zeus is trained to track live scent and could also be used to track a disoriented individual who is lost in the community. Other advantages of this service were listed in the report along with funding sources including personal sponsorship and partnering to cover costs. Fire Chief Rob Browning briefly summarized the purpose of the report and commented that the subject matter was an interesting and exciting proposal. Further, he noted that staff members of the Corporate Management Team had contributed $1,775 of their own funds to support and DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER DTS-03-043 - 5 YEAR PILOT PROJECT RE: FIRE DEPARTMENT CANINE SEARCH SPECIALIST (CONT'D) sponsor this program. He advised that Rob Martin and Zeus would be attending the March 31, 2003 Council meeting. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned if the Chief could indicate what it would have meant for the City if the services of Zeus had been available in the last 5 years and suggested that he was not looking for a response this date. Chief Browning commented on the benefits as noted in the report and also stated that if such services had been available in the past, there might have been other opportunities to take advantage of this resource. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That a five-year pilot project be approved for a Canine Search Specialist within the Kitchener Fire Department with financial support as available from the current Fire Department budget; and, That during the five-year pilot, the need for this type of service will be evaluated and reported to Council at which point Council will decide whether to continue such service; and further, That the Fire Chief and fire staff be authorized to seek out sponsorships and/or partnerships for this five-year pilot project." DTS-03-044 - REGIONAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY - CITY OF KITCHENER RESPONSE TO THE REGION OF WATERLOO RE: - "WATERLOO IN THE 21st CENTURY - PLANNING OUR FUTURE: PHASE 2" The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-044 dated March 7, 2003 dealing with the Regional Growth Management Strategy and the City of Kitchener response to Waterloo in the 21 Century - Planning our Future: Phase 2. As well, Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-011 dated March 14, 2003 was provided advising that the Kitchener Economic Development Advisory Committee supports in principle the moderate reurbanization option referred to in report DTS-03-044 after having considered the matter at the Advisory Committee meeting held February 26, 2003. Further, the Committee was provided with a copy of the Environmental Committee recommendation on the Regional Growth Management Strategy which was endorsed at the February 17th Development and Technical Services Committee meeting and ratified by City Council at its meeting held February 24, 2003. Report DTS-03-044 discusses background to initiation by the Region of a Growth Management Strategy to deal with and manage growth in the regional population to 700,000 people over the next 25 - 35 years. Phases 1 and 2 of the Growth Management Strategy were referred to in the report and it was noted that on January 13, 2003 City Council passed a resolution requesting staff to prepare a report outlining the City's perspective of how it will fit within the Region of Waterloo's Growth Management Strategy process. Accordingly, report DTS-03-044 responds to Council's direction and discusses the implications of the Regional Growth Management Strategy in the City of Kitchener. The report suggests it would be opportune to provide input to the Region prior to Regional Council's consideration of a recommended strategy of a preferred option to manage growth which is anticipated in May 2003. The staff report discusses the vision, strategy and implementation and implications for Kitchener. It was the view of staff that the strategy will greatly benefit the City and its Downtown core and help to realize the vision for a healthy community that was established through "Compass Kitchener". Mr. J. Willmer provided detailed comments on the Strategy. He noted that the Regional strategy involves the City giving up the prospect of urban growth in southwest Kitchener in favour of growth in the Breslau area and re-allocates capacity of the sewage treatment plant in this regard. Staff support in principle a 'balanced' approach to the Strategy subject to co-operation on a pilot project in the Downtown core area to illustrate that urban intensification is achievable. As well, staff support the Moderate Re-urbanization option and the principle of establishing a countryside DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER DTS-03-044 - REGIONAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY - CITY OF KITCHENER RESPONSE TO THE REGION OF WATERLOO RE: - "WATERLOO IN THE 21st CENTURY - PLANNING OUR FUTURE: PHASE 2" (CONT'D) He reviewed the issues listed on pages 1 & 2 of the staff report wherein the City requests co- operation of the Region on financial incentives for infill and brownfield sites; extension of the Light Rail Transit to Fairway Road; advancing the timing of the River Road - Wabanaki Drive extension and interchange with Highway No. 8; a balanced approach to transportation initiatives, including crossing(s) of the Grand River; and, consideration of inter-regional travel and improved access from southwest Kitchener to Highway 401. In response to questions, Mr. Willmer advised that Deferral No. 6 in the Regional Official Polices Plan should be dealt with in summer 2003 and that a Regional Official Plan Amendment respecting the Growth Management Strategy would take from 1 - 3 years. Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka attended in respect to her undated March 2003 letter and attachments that were circulated with the Committee agenda. Her letter supports most staff recommendations in the report but indicates reservations about clarity of the pilot project and the staff request to promote the inclusion of Deferral No. 6 in the City urban area. Ms. Wasilka's correspondence states her strongest concern and request is for more information on the physical ramifications of intensification to the Kitchener core. She then reviewed the recommendations outlined in her letter and asked that the Committee have regard to the 2 planning articles attached to her correspondence. During discussion, she expressed serious concern that the countryside line would not hold up to development pressures. Mr. Paul Britton, MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson, attended regarding the Regional Growth Management Strategy to offer: · general comments as follows, support for balanced growth, distinguish between sprawl (no planning) and growth (planned), consumer preference is for single and semi-detached dwellings - consider housing realities, concern that automatic assumptions are being made about LRT ridership, restricting greenfield development opportunities will result in higher land costs and loss of investment opportunities; · specific comments on the area bounded by Fischer-Hallman Road, Bleams Road and Trussler Road pertaining to finalizing Deferral No. 6 to the Regional Official Policies Plan and the desirability of pits having an urban designation that would provide for rehabilitation; · remarks on the southwest sector being contiguous with the urban area and a logical extension of it, and impacts on the countryside line unless realistic assumptions are made; and · summary comments and recommendations respecting the need for realistic assumptions to be made relating to broad transportation, transit and intensification issues. No other delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports in principle the "Balanced" approach to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Growth Management Strategy subject to the City of Kitchener and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo working co-operatively on a pilot project in the downtown core area to demonstrate that urban intensification is achievable; and, That Kitchener supports the Moderate Re-urbanization option; and, That Kitchener supports the principle of establishing a countryside line to define the boundary between urban and rural lands; and, That Kitchener agrees that the implementation of the Regional Growth Management DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER DTS-03-044 - REGIONAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY - CITY OF KITCHENER RESPONSE TO THE REGION OF WATERLOO RE: - "WATERLOO IN THE 21st CENTURY - PLANNING OUR FUTURE: PHASE 2" (CONT'D) Strategy will require co-operation between regional and local municipalities and in that regard commits to continuing its re-urbanization initiatives through the City of Kitchener 'EDGE' program which includes assistance with brownfield remediation and promotes a high quality of urban design for intensive development within mixed use corridors. In view of the foregoing, Kitchener requests the co-operation of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to achieve the following: 1) The creation of financial incentives for infill and brownfield sites by the Region pursuing its commitment to investigate amending provincial legislation, if necessary, in regards to community improvement plans. 2) The extension of the LRT to Fairway Road as part of the first phase of implementation of the Central Transit Corridor. 3) The advancement of the timing of the River Road - Wabanaki Drive extension and interchange with Highway No. 8 to stimulate the development of the Hidden Valley Industrial/Business Park. 4) A balanced approach between transportation infrastructure and transit initiatives, including the crossing of the Grand River by Ottawa Street and/or Fairway Road. 5) Consideration of inter-regional travel, including the consideration of an improved road connection from the new residential and employment lands in southwest Kitchener to the 401; and further, That the City of Kitchener request the Regional Municipality of Waterloo fulfill their commitment to resolve Deferral No. 6 in the Regional Official Policies Plan to bring southwest Kitchener into the City Urban Area at their earliest opportunity." FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY Mayor C. Zehr commented that a number of informal discussions regarding the library boards of Kitchener and Waterloo have been taking place. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that a proposed resolution regarding library services has been circulated to both City Council's and that the proposed resolution had been passed by the City of Waterloo at its meeting this evening. Councillor Vrbanovic commented that the resolution represented a major step forward given the willingness to investigate operations of both boards so as to find the best service level that could be provided at the lowest cost. Councillor Vrbanovic requested a recorded vote when the motion was dealt with. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M. Galloway and G. Lorentz indicated they were strongly in favour of the motion. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "Whereas library services are often identified as one of the most valued services by the citizens of both the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, And whereas the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo in conjunction with their respective library boards are committed to the provision of the highest possible level of service at the most cost-effective price, And whereas both the Waterloo Public Library Board and the Kitchener Public Library Board are presently looking at their library facilities particularly as they relate to their main branches, DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY (CONT'D) Be it resolved that the Councils of the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo request their respective library boards to form a joint task force which would examine the provision of library services in each of our municipalities, and further; That the scope of such task force investigate the potential for partnerships ranging from looking at potential shared efficiencies on things like purchasing and information systems on the one end to the possibility of a fully integrated system with one main branch and several other service locations within each City on the other end, and further; That both boards report back to their respective Councils within one month as to the terms of reference for the task force and the projected timelines for its work." The motion was carried unanimously with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic, G. Lorentz, J. Smola, J. Gazzola and C. Weylie voting in favour. CRPS-03-047 - BROWNFIELDS LEGISLATION - RECOMMENDATION TO MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING AND TO ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO DTS-03-036 - KITCHENER BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN The Committee was in receipt of several staff reports dealing with Brownfields as follows: a) Corporate Services Department Report CRPS-03-047 dated March 19, 2003 - Brownfield Legislation - recommendation to Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Association of Municipalities of Ontario This report was prepared in response to a request of Council at its meeting held February 25, 2002. In the background of the report it was noted that City staff had been actively involved with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and their discussions with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of the Environment with respect to the provincial Brownfield legislation including the regulations. It was also noted that as a result of their involvement a number of changes had been suggested to the legislation including changes specifically itemized in the staff report. It was pointed out that the new Brownfield legislation has brought about a number of positive changes which will provide assistance to a municipality in its efforts to encourage the revitalization of contaminated lands. The report discusses more changes that are required to facilitate redevelopment of Brownfields, particularly those Brownfield sites with huge property tax liabilities and / or government liens. b) Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03-036 dated February 21, 2003 deals with a Kitchener Brownfield Remediation Community Improvement Plan The executive summary of the report outlines that "Over the past three years Kitchener staff have participated in the research and formulation of local, Provincial and Federal Brownfield remediation strategies. With the assistance of several members of Council's Economic Development Advisory Committee, the guiding principles and directions for the preparation of a Brownfield Remediation Community Improvement plan have been prepared. The CI Plan offers a financial incentive to property owners to stimulate clean-up and redevelopment of contaminated lands, in the form of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF). The report recommends the founding principles for the Program, and that the Region of Waterloo be invited to participate financially in the Program." c) Corporate Services Department Report CRPS-03-039 dated March 18, 2003 provides a recommendation from the Environmental Committee in response to report DTS-03-036 The Environmental Committee at its meeting held March 6, 2003 approved the following recommendation in response to report DTS-03-036: DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 -41 - CITY OF KITCHENER CRPS-03-047 - BROWNFIELDS LEGISLATION - RECOMMENDATION TO MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING AND TO ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO DTS-03-036 - KITCHENER BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CONT'D) "That the Development and Technical Services Committee be advised that the Environmental Committee endorses staff recommendations contained in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03-036 (Kitchener Brownfields Remediation Community Improvement Plan), dealing with designation of the whole of the City of Kitchener as a Community Improvement Project area; preparation of a Kitchener Brownfields Remediation Community Improvement Plan (KBR-CIP); and requesting the Region of Waterloo to consider financial participation in the KBR-CIP incentives as a direct method of supporting the Region's Growth Management Strategy." d) Strategic Services Department Report SSD-03-010 dated March 14, 2003 provides a recommendation from the Economic Development Advisory Committee in response to report DTS-03-036 The Economic Development Advisory Committee at its meeting held February 26, 2003 approved the following recommendation in response to report DTS-03-036: "That the City of Kitchener Economic Development Advisory Committee endorses DTS-03-036, Kitchener Brownfield Remediation Community Improvement Plan, dated February 21,2003." Mr. T. Boutilier made a very detailed presentation with respect to the content of report DTS-03- 036. He pointed out that the working group listed in the report held 5 meetings respecting the Brownfield Remediation initiative and spoke to the definition of "brownfield" that the working group established. He reviewed the negative effects of brownfields as listed on pages 3 & 4 of the report and pointed out that the number of problem sites was unknown. He described the problems that investors must deal with when considering redevelopment on a brownfield site. Mr. Boutilier pointed out that in late 2001 the Federal Government declared an intention to develop a 'National Strategy' to deal with contaminated sites but no funding assistance for municipalities was contained in their February 2003 budget. He then provided comments and explanation on program objectives, strategy, incentive formula, Tax Incremental Financing, benefits to investor / city, eligibility requirements and program process. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. Mayor C. Zehr questioned when tax relief commences after remediation is completed should no re-development proceed. Mr. Boutilier advised that development must move forward as soon as possible. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned where the Province and the Region fit in on the issue of providing tax relief similar to what the City has proposed under Tax Incremental Financing. Following discussion, Mr. J. Fielding recommended that the Province and the Region be pursued to provide an equal percentage of relief as that of the City. Ms. L. MacDonald advised that she was not clear on what incentives were in the new provincial legislation and that she would review it and report back to the Committee. The recommendation in report CRPS-03-047 was considered along with a request from Ms. L. MacDonald that direction also be included advising to whom the recommendation should be forwarded. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "The City of Kitchener strongly recommends to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario that in the course of the review and preparation of regulations under the new Municipal Act, 2001 that Brownfields be deemed to be a property in the class of properties prescribed by the Minister in any regulation proposed under Section 354 (5) of the Municipal Act, 200~ so that DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER municipalities have an option to declare taxes uncollectible without having to conduct a CRPS-03-047 - BROWNFIELDS LEGISLATION - RECOMMENDATION TO MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING AND TO ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO DTS-03-036 - KITCHENER BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CONT'D) tax sale; and, That the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario strongly encourage the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to establish a protocol to address Government liens on Brownfield sites; and, That the City Solicitor be directed to provide further details to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario in this regard; and further, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Environment, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, local area MP's and MPP's." The recommendation in report DTS-03-036 was then considered and it was suggested that the motion also refer to the Province undertaking legislative changes to facilitate Provincial and Upper Tier participation. A recorded vote was requested. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That all of the City of Kitchener be designated as Community Improvement Project (CIP) area, and that staff be directed to prepare a Kitchener Brownfields Remediation Community Improvement Plan in accordance with the guiding principles, Objectives, Strategy, Project Eligibility Criteria, Program Incentive Formula, and Program Administration as set out in Development and Technical Services Department Report DTS-03-036, dated February 21,2003; and, That the Region of Waterloo be requested to consider financial participation in the Kitchener Brownfields Remediation CIP incentives as a direct method of supporting the Region of Waterloo's proposed Growth Management Strategy; and further, That the Province of Ontario be requested to undertake necessary legislative changes that would facilitate the Province and Upper Tier municipalities to each participate with Local municipalities in Brownfield Site Remediation Incentive Programs, with each level of government calculating their Tax Incremental Financing based on an equal percentage of their portion of annual taxes collected to determine the Annual Grant (rebate) under the Program." The motion was carried unanimously with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic, J. Gazzola, M. Galloway, G. Lorentz and C. Weylie voting in favour. DTS-03-041 - REVIEW OF THE FENCE BY-LAW RELATIVE TO PROTECTING SCENIC VISTAS The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-041 dated February 28, 2003 pertaining to a review of the fence by-law relative to protecting scenic vistas as requested by Council at its meeting held January 27, 2003. It was noted in the report that identifying views that homeowners would want to preserve can be very objective and that the impact of a fence on each situation would vary. A few possible options of dealing with this matter were discussed in the report but not considered practical by staff. It was the concensus of staff that it would be difficult to implement regulations to protect scenic vistas and that it was not in the best interest of homeowners to disrupt their own view with the result being that many situations would be self regulating. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER DTS-03-041 - REVIEW OF THE FENCE BY-LAW RELATIVE TO PROTECTING SCENIC VISTAS (CONT'D) Councillor C. Weylie advised that the staff report had been undertaken as a result of a request she had made and that she was satisfied with the content of the report. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That no change be made to Chapter 630 of the Municipal Code, also known as the "Fence By-law" in regards to fences near scenic vistas." SSD-03-007 - SITE 75, STRASBURG ROAD, HURON BUSINESS PARK REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF THE TIMING TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION COVENANT MILL-GATE HOLDINGS INC. SOUTH WARD OF The Committee considered Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-007 dated March 3, 2003 dealing with a request of Mill-Gate Holdings Inc. that the City extend the covenant to build on Site 75, Strasburg Road, in the Huron Business Park for one year in order to allow complete removal of the soil as well as secure a tenant for the site. It was noted in the report that an Offer to Purchase had been accepted in August 2001 with a covenant to build that would have had construction commencing March 1, 2003; however, an anchor tenant withdrew their offer to lease the premises and after purchase it was found that the site required additional removal of organic material. Mr. G. Borovilos advised that staff support the recommendation as a one time extension. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the deadline be extended from March 1, 2003 to March 1, 2004 respecting the requirement to commence construction of an industrial building for Site 75 on Strasburg Road in the Huron Business Park, owned by Mill-Gate Holdings Inc; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be hereby authorized to execute any other necessary documentation required by the City Solicitor." CRPS-03-040 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION RE: - PROPOSAL FOR FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS TO ENCOURAGE CONVERSION TURF AREAS TO DROUGHT TOLERANT AND PEST RESISTANT ALTERNATIVES ~'he Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-040 dated March 18, 2003 requesting endorsation of a recommendation from the March 6, 2003 Environmental Committee meeting. It was noted in the staff report that Mr. D. Lippert, a member of the Committee had presented a proposal to provide municipal financial incentives to encourage alternative methods to grass landscaping which are less reliant on water usage and th pest resistant. In this regard, a copy of the March 6 Environmental Committee minutes and background information that was presented to the Committee were attached to the staff report for consideration. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of developing municipal financial incentives for residential / commercial property owners to encourage conversion of turf DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER areas to drought tolerant and pest resistant alternatives and report back to the Environmental Committee at a future date." DTS-03-042 - MAINTENANCE OF COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SITES The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 042 dated February 24, 2003 prepared in response to a request of Councillor M. Galloway at the September 30, 2002 Council meeting that staff review responsibility for maintenance of commercial and residential construction sites and enforcement requirements. The staff report discusses complaints and issues of concern and the need for all parties to be aware of their responsibilities to maintain construction sites in an acceptable manner. Staff have met with the homebuilding industry which has agreed to undertake measures as listed in the report. It was also noted that City building inspection staff will continue to monitor site conditions and where necessary direct the builder to clean up a site. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the appropriate staff who are involved in monitoring construction sites pay attention to the condition and maintenance of the sites and request compliance by the property owner, developers and contractors as deemed appropriate; and further, That staff utilize the provisions within Chapter 650 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code for the purpose of addressing waste material on or from construction sites where the property owner, builder or developer is in non-compliance with the by-law, and that the cost of the clean up be recoverable in like manner as municipal taxes." 10. SSD-03-006 - PUBLICATION - "UNDER DEVELOPMENT JANUARY 2003" EDITION SUMMARY OF STATISTICAL ECONOMIC DATA AND DESCRIPTION OF NEW CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY IN THE CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-006 dated March 14, 2003 commenting on the publication 'Under Development January 2003' edition which was attached to the report. It was noted in the staff report that the Under Development publication which is completed on a bi-annual basis describes construction and development activity in a variety of investment sectors in the City, as well as an extensive analysis and description of the economic environment of the City and the Kitchener Census Metropolitan Area. A list of key statistics highlighted in the Under Development January 2003 edition were summarized in the staff report. It was also noted in the report that Under Development was distributed on an internal and external basis as an information tool to describe and identify construction activity in the City and that staff consider it to be a valuable document detailing the economic vitality of the City and very useful in marketing of the community. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-006 and the publication 'Under Development January 2003' edition attached to the staff report, be received." 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 24~ 2003 - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENER L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk