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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFin & Corp Svcs - 2010-01-25FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 4:06 p. m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, G. Lorentz, J. Gazzola, K. Galloway and C. Weylie. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, General Manager, Financial Services & City Treasurer T. Speck, General Manager, Corporate Services J. Willmer, Interim General Manager, Development & Technical Services P. Houston, General Manager, Community Services R. Gosse, Director, Legislated Services & City Clerk C. Fletcher, Director of Facilities Management J. Witmer, Director of Operations K. Kugler, Interim Director, Enterprise L. Gordon, Chief Purchasing Officer J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor I. Pregel, Manager, Cultural Development G. Hastings, Manager, Golf Courses P. Harris, Manager of Licensing C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator CRPS-10-009 - 2010 STREET VENDOR BY-LAW The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-009, dated January 14, 2010 regarding the 2010 Street Vendors By-law. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That a by-law to licence street vendors in the City of Kitchener be prepared for Council's consideration on February 1, 2010, based on the proposed draft by-law attached to Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-009." CRPS-10-010 -ISSUANCE OF CLASS `A' PLACE OF REFRESHMENT LICENCE - CAFE AZZURO - 347 LANCASTER ST W The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-010, dated January 14, 2010 recommending the issuance of a Class 'A' Place of Refreshment Licence to Cafe Bar Azzuro. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That a Class 'A' Place of Refreshment Licence be granted to Cafe Bar Azzuro, located at 347 Lancaster Street West, with the following conditions attached: 1. All outside patios must be closed and vacated no later than 11:00 p. m. Sunday to Thursday and no later than 1:00 a. m. on Friday and Saturday. 2. The front door to 347 Lancaster Street West shall be used as the main entrance for the business. 3. All patrons must vacate the premises, which included the building and outside areas, no later than 2:45 a. m. and only the business licensee and paid staff of the business may remain. 4. During business hours, the licensee shall ensure that the outside areas of the premises are regularly monitored to mitigate issues and/or problems that may affect the neighbours of the business." CSD-10-006 - DOON VALLEY GOLF COURSE UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-10-006, dated January 13, 2010 providing an update on the multi-year two phase project for the Doon Valley FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 25. 2010 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-10-006 - DOON VALLEY GOLF COURSE UPDATE (CONT'D) Golf Course expansion, as approved by Council in May 2007. Mr. Shawn Watters, Golf Course Architecture, Shawn P. Watters & Associates presented the update. In response to questions, Mr. G. Hastings advised that the new 27 hole course is anticipated to be open for play in June of 2010. He added that this is approximately two months beyond the scheduled spring opening, due to the time associated with acquiring project approvals from outside agencies. Councillor J. Gazzola requested clarification regarding what was included under the Existing Unfunded Costs item outlined in the project budget attached to the staff report. Ms. K. Kugler advised that this was used to fund the initial analysis and various pre-project costs, and agreed to provide further information on whether the total project costs includes the cost for the land purchase. Questions were raised as to why the 1% for Art does not correspond with the total budget for the project. Ms. P. Houston advised that the % for Art Policy prescribes that it is to be calculated based on the construction component, which is why it is only $19,901. 4. CRPS-10-013 -REFERRAL TO A LICENSING HEARING - 1776458 ONTARIO INC. - O/A FUSION BAR & GRILL - 15 SCOTT STREET The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-013, dated January 18, 2010 concerning issuance of a Place of Refreshment licence for Fusion Bar & Grill located at 15 Scott Street, Kitchener. Mr. William Fehrenbach, representative for the owner of Fusion Bar & Grill, was in attendance to request that his client be issued the subject licence. He stated that additional information is still being sought from the Waterloo Regional Police regarding the incidents linked to the subject property. Accordingly, he would support this matter being referred to a hearing and the issuance of a temporary licence, as outlined in report CRPS-10-013. In response to questions, Ms. P. Harris advised that should this matter be referred to a hearing, consideration could be given to issuing an interim or temporary licence to the owners for a period ending June 30, 2010. She added that this would allow sufficient time for all parties to prepare for the hearing, while ensuring that it is held in a timely manner. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - itwas resolved: "That a temporary Place of Refreshment Licence -Class 'A' be issued for the period January 1 to June 30, 2010 to 1776458 Ontario Inc. o/a Fusion Bar & Grill, 15 Scott Street, Kitchener; and further, That a hearing be held under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, to determine whether or not to revoke, suspend or impose conditions as a requirement of continuing to hold a Place of Refreshment Licence -Class 'A' for the business known as Fusion Bar & Grill, 15 Scott Street, Kitchener; and said hearing be held at Kitchener City Hall, with the date and members of the tribunal to be determined." 5. CRPS-10-011 -REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSING CONDITIONS - LUCKY'S WINGS - 320 KING STREET WEST The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-011, dated January 15, 2010 recommending that Conditions #5 and #8 continue to form part of the liquor licence for Lucky's Wings, 320 King Street West, as issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Ms. P. Harris reviewed the report and expressed concerns with the proposed removal of Condition #5 (to provide that only the main floor restaurant /lounge area, be licensed) and Condition #8 (to not have the owners of the property work, either as management or employees of the business) from the subject property's liquor licence. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 25. 2010 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. CRPS-10-011 -REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSING CONDITIONS - LUCKY'S WINGS - 320 KING STREET WEST (CONT'D) Mr. Justin Novak, Lucky's Wings, addressed the Committee to request that this matter be deferred to allow him time to obtain additional information regarding the concerns expressed by the Waterloo Regional Police. He acknowledged that the conditions would continue to apply while the matter was deferred, adding that he anticipates receiving the subject information by February 8, 2010. He advised that he does not interact with the property owners other than paying them rent. In response to questions regarding Condition #5, Ms. J. Sheryer advised that staff have no concerns regarding Mr. Novak's business; rather, the Waterloo Regional Police have expressed concerns that if the rear portion of the building is re-opened, some of the problems that were part of the former business may resurface. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested clarification as to why Mr. Novak was seeking to have Condition #8 removed if he has little to no interaction with the property owners. Mr. Novak advised that currently this condition impedes his hiring process, as he must screen all applicants to determine whether they were affiliated with the previous business. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That consideration of the following recommendation contained in Corporate Services Department report CRPS-10-011 (Request for Removal of Liquor Licensing Conditions - Lucky's Wings, 320 King Street West), be referred to the February 8, 2010 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting, to allow time for the owner to obtain additional information regarding the concerns expressed by the Waterloo Regional Police: 'That Council oppose the request of Justin Novak, owner of Lucky's Wings, 320 King Street West to have Conditions #5 and #8 removed from his current liquor licence as issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario."' CSD-10-008 -CONSOLIDATED MAINTENANCE FACILITY (CMF) PROJECT UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-10-008, dated January 15, 2010 providing an update on the status of the Consolidated Maintenance Facility (CMF) project. Ms. P. Houston reviewed the project history to date, including: scope changes; budget / stimulus funding program enhancements; status of building permit and architectural drawings; risk assessment /management; emergency backup power; various tenders to be issued as per tender schedule sequencing; and, transitioning change. She stated that overall, the project is proceeding on schedule and on budget. She noted that the next Project Status Report would be provided to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee in April 2010. In response to questions, Ms. Houston estimated that approximately 600 processes are currently being reviewed by several different groups as a means of identifying efficiencies and opportunities to improve service delivery. She advised that a construction management firm will be overseeing the tendering process in accordance with the Purchasing Policy. She stated that an additional update regarding the tenders would be provided as part of the April 2010 report. Mr. L. Gordon confirmed that having a construction management firm issue the tenders is the same process that was used for the Activa Sportsplex. He added that staff continues to be involved in this process by opening and reviewing the tenders prior to them being awarded. Councillor J. Gazzola inquired into the items being monitored as part of the risk assessment / management. Ms. Houston advised that currently, the project is tracking 25 active risks, of which 13 are rated high in priority. She noted that key risks will continue to require diligent and careful monitoring include project scope, budget and completion schedule. Councillor Gazzola requested that staff provide a list identifying the various risks that are currently being tracked. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 25. 2010 - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENS 6. CSD-10-008 -CONSOLIDATED MAINTENANCE FACILITY PROJECT UPDATE (CONT'D Councillor Gazzola asked for clarification regarding the enhanced services that will be delivered to residents through the realization of this project. Ms. Houston advised that the CMF will allow for an earlier response time during snow events or watermain breaks, as vehicles will be parked indoors. At present, vehicles are stored outside and in some cases can take up to 30 minutes to warm up before they are able to respond to a service call. Ms. C. Fletcher added that the CMF will also allow for the indoor storage of some aggregate materials, such as the sand needed for a watermain break; thereby increasing response time during the winter season, as these materials will no longer have to be thawed prior to use. Councillor K. Galloway requested that additional details be provided regarding the various efficiencies identified thus far. In addition, she questioned if construction would be complete by the stimulus program deadline of March 2011. Ms. Houston advised that those components affected by the stimulus funding would be complete by the imposed deadline. She acknowledged the delay from the original projection as to the timing of when staff would be transitioned to the CMF. She stated that this results from in-depth consultation with affected staff and review of major facets of the project, including the addition of stimulus funding components. She noted that the adjusted schedule should not affect the Region of Waterloo's planned use of the Strasburg Road facility. 7. CSD-10-009 -PROSPERITY COUNCIL TASK FORCE ON CREATIVE ENTERPRISE FUNDING The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-10-009, dated January 12, 2010 recommending funding for the "Enabling Organization" of the Prosperity Council and for the Waterloo Regional Arts Council. Ms. I. Pregel presented the report. In response to questions, Ms. Pregel advised that when this matter was previously discussed the recommended annual grant amount for the creation and ongoing operation of an "Enabling Organization" was set at $54,000. She noted that this has since been changed to $47,000. based on updated population statistics. She stated that the Prosperity Council proposes seeking 50% of the "Enabling Organization's" operating budget from municipal partners, with half of that amount coming from the Cities in proportion to their populations. She further advised that the "Enabling Organization" is a recommendation of the Prosperity Council Task Force for Creative Enterprise. She added that it will allow arts organizations and artists to access assistance that would otherwise not be available to them; such as, marketing, ticketing, bookkeeping, as well as other services. She stated that based on data collected through a survey of 27 arts organizations and 18 funding organizations it was identified that a gap exists of $2.5M to $5M in financial resources for arts, culture and heritage sector. She noted that an initial target of $3M has been established to stabilize existing cultural organizations. Ms. P. Houston advised that the proposal suggests that Kitchener's share of the increased funding should reach $1. per capita of the total increase of $3M, or approximately $225,000. based on the City's 2008 population. She confirmed that the City currently provides an estimated $3M in funding to the arts, culture and heritage sector. She noted that additional funding would need to be allocated in future years beginning in 2012 to build towards the eventual goal of contributing $225,000. annually. Councillor J. Gazzola requested that additional information be provided giving a breakdown of how the City's current contribution of $3M is allocated among the arts, culture and heritage sector. In addition, he questioned what the benefits would be of establishing the proposed "Enabling Organization". Ms. C. Ladd advised that this initiative is intended to reduce the amount of duplication faced by arts organizations. The "Enabling Organization" would allow similar arts groups to work collaboratively, thereby reducing their overhead costs. Mayor C. Zehr expressed support for the establishment of the "Enabling Organization" as a means of simplifying the efforts of the various arts organizations. He added that the amount of annual funding will need to be addressed as part of discussions with other municipal partners; as Kitchener already supports the arts and culture sector at a significantly higher level per capita compared to the Cities of Cambridge and Waterloo. He suggested that prior to Kitchener moving forward with a full $1. per capita contribution, a dialogue needs to take place between the area municipalities regarding the balance of funding. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 25. 2010 - 46 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-10-009 -PROSPERITY COUNCIL TASK FORCE ON CREATIVE ENTERPRISE FUNDING (CONT'D) On motion, Councillor K. Galloway brought the recommendation contained in report CSD-10- 009 forward for consideration. Councillor Galloway also requested that staff be directed, in consultation with the "Enabling Organization", to encourage additional arts-related municipal funding to be administered by the "Enabling Organization", with an objective jury, to reduce the amount of duplication faced by arts organizations. She added that should this proved not to be feasible, then said funding should continue to be administered under the existing Tiered Community Grant approach; as opposed to introducing another funding process. She noted that this is in accordance with the January 19, 2010 recommendation of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. Councillor Gazzola advised that while he agrees with the overall purpose of the Prosperity Council's proposal, additional information is needed regarding the use and breakdown of funding. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - itwas resolved: "That an annual grant in the amount of $47,000., be approved for the creation and ongoing operations of an "Enabling Organization" for the creative sector, to be funded for 2010 as a one time transfer from the Arts and Culture Capacity Building Fund and in future years from the Community Grants Pool; and, That staff be requested to provide a progress report to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and to Council in the Fall of 2010 regarding the progress of establishing the "Enabling Organization"; and, That the transfer of funds remaining in the Arts and Culture Capacity Building Fund into an Arts and Culture Sustainability Fund, be approved as an initial contribution by the City of Kitchener to support the commitment to work towards an additional $1. per capita investment in creative enterprise; and, That consideration of ongoing funding for the Arts and Culture Sustainability Fund beyond 2011 be referred to the 2012 Operating Budget process; and further, That annual funding in the amount of $8,757., be approved for 2010 to Waterloo Regional Arts Council (WRAC) from the Community Grants Pool, six months to be paid initially and subsequent quarters to be paid upon confirmation by staff that the organization continues to operate." ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:42 p.m C. Goodeve Committee Administrator