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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-21ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 21, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:10 p. m. Present: Councillor Y. Fernandes, Vice Chair Ms. S. Danckert, and Messrs. J. Henhoeffer, D. Hoshowsky and R. Younis. Staff: C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner S. Adams, Director of Strategic Planning & Innovation B. Sloan, Manager of Long Range Planning L. Korabo, Committee Administrator D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator 1. PRESENTATION -COMPASS KITCHENER -LEAF PUBLIC CONSULTATION Mr. Theron Kramer, Chair of Compass Kitchener, provided a PowerPoint presentation detailing the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) Public Consultation Process. Mr. Kramer advised that Compass Kitchener, a group whose primary focus is public engagement, has been directed by Council to gather public and community input regarding how to use the $3 million LEAF funding for the largest impact. The granting process has been placed on hold by Council as it was felt that grants were not being put to the best use. Compass Kitchener has undertaken public consultations in the form of outreach, marketing, public meetings, and an online survey. The findings from the public consultation process will be presented to Council in September. Mr. Kramer encouraged Committee members to complete the online survey by July 8th. A chart is available for input to recommend distribution of the funds to specific projects. Mr. Kramer distributed "backgrounder" sheets on each of the following projects noting there is an "other" option where projects that are considered transformational in nature can be recommended for funding: • Developing Parks & Trails; • Eradicating Emerald Ash Borer (EAB); • Maintaining/Redesigning LEAF; and, • Preserving Hidden Valley. In response to questions, Mr. Kramer advised that public consultation meetings have been less than overwhelmingly attended with approximately 100 people in attendance for the four meetings. When asked how the projects were determined, Mr. Kramer indicated all four projects were suggested by staff and Compass Kitchener agreed to put all options forward. Mr. Kramer acknowledged that it is recognized that the EAB may not be considered a transformational project. He then provided various examples of other LEAF projects but indicated that the full list is available online. PRESENTATION - 2011 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (CEIG) RECIPIENTS PROGRESS REPORT Ms. Tracey Palmer Weiler, CEIG recipient, provided an update on the success of the River Ridge Community Park Development Project. An information sheet was distributed detailing the background and progress of the initiative. Ms. Weiler advised the playground enhancement portion of the project has taken place with the installation of swings and a saucer swing. Remaining aspects of the redevelopment are tree planting to provide shade in the park, bench seating, and a donor recognition piece. She further advised that the group is working with Operations staff to fulfill the requirement of a soil test and possible remediation to allow tree planting on the site. Once any required soil remediation is completed, trees can be purchased and planted. Ms. Weiler has requested the group have more time to complete the soil testing and return to the Environment Committee in September. The Committee confirmed that returning with an update on the project in September was acceptable given that each recipient is permitted one year for project completion. Ms. Kathy Doherty-Masters, Healthy Active Living Consultant, Waterloo Catholic District School Board, gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Resurrection Catholic Secondary School Bike Rack that was funded in part by the CEIG. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 21, 2012 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. PRESENTATION - 2011 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (CEIG) RECIPIENTS PROGRESS REPORT (CONT'D) Ms. Doherty-Masters outlined the goals of the project which were to: replace existing bicycle racks; provide a safe and attractive area for bicycles; and, to promote active modes of transportation to school. She indicated the project was funded through the Metro Green Apple School Program, the City of Kitchener CEIG program, and a small amount from the school. Ms. Doherty-Masters confirmed the project is complete. Future steps are to place a statement of appreciation in the school fall newsletter and to encourage students to participate in the International Walk/Bike to School week in October. CSD-12-099 -THE CLIMATE COLLABORATIVE: COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORYAND FORECAST (WATERLOO REGION AND CITY OF KITCHENER) Ms. C. Musselman presented Community Services Department report CSD-12-099 regarding The Climate Collaborative: A Community Greenhouse Gas Action Plan in Waterloo Region. This is a follow up to discussion at the Committee's last meeting concerning the objectives of the Collaborative, including developing a baseline inventory for greenhouse gases (GHG). Report CSD-12-099 provides the results of the inventory and has determined a baseline for GHG emissions, completing Milestone 1. In response to questions, Ms. Musselman indicated that as Milestone 1 has been completed, the Climate Collaborative will be working through the remaining four Milestones. The next objective is completion of Milestone 2 which is setting an emissions reductions target; followed by Milestone 3 which involves setting location action items. Ms. Musselman elaborated that Milestone 2 is a reduction target but without the action items determined in Milestone 3 it is difficult to determine the outcome. When asked how to get the average citizen to buy in to the targets and process, Ms. Musselman responded the public consultation process will take place during which time there will be opportunities for input and engagement. Both Milestones are expected to be completed within one year. Ms. S. Danckert inquired as to whether the Climate Collaborative Milestones would be a good project for LEAF funding. Ms. Musselman responded that the Collaborative has received $300,000 in grants currently; however, LEAF funds could be applied to implement action items. She noted that Milestones 2 and 3 do not require financial obligations from municipalities except if the City of Kitchener wanted specific engagement or information apart from the information gathered at the Regional level. 4. DISCUSSION -TREE CONSERVATION BY-LAW Discussion of the City's Tree Conservation By-law was requested by Councillor D. Glenn- Graham. Ms. Musselman commented that this may be the result of inquiries Councillor Glenn- Graham had concerning two properties in his ward that had removed trees. The By-law only provides tree protection for properties over an acre in size. Other avenues for tree protections are done through methods such as Site Plan Control Applications which require a landscaping plan. Planning applications include a tree management policy requiring tree evaluation to determine what trees can be saved and/or removed if necessary. 5. TERMS OF REFERENCE Councillor Y. Fernandes asked members to consider the Committee's Terms of Reference and whether the Committee has been proactive enough in its role. She has asked that this item be placed on the September Agenda. 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p. m. Daphne Livingstone Committee Administrator