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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-24ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. S. Crossman, Chair Councillors Y. Fernandes and P. Singh, Messrs. C. Priddle, A. Khalil, and D. Hoshowsky, and Ms. A. Macdonald, Ms. C. Huxted, Ms. E. Donaher, Ms. S. Do, and Ms. L. Rice. Staff: C. Goodeve, Supervisor, Legislated Services B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator Prior to commencement a Committee resource material flash-drive was circulated to all members containing information on: staff resources; Committee structure, mandate and reporting; Terms of Reference; meeting and delegation guidelines; Code of Conduct for Members of Council, Local Boards & Advisory Committees; and, Advisory Committee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). In addition, it included the Air Quality in Kitchener Plan and the City’s Strategic Plan for the Environment. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS 1. Ms. B. Steiner welcomed members to the Environmental Committee’s inaugural meeting of the 2013 / 2014 term. Each member was requested to introduce themselves and state their interest in applying to the Committee. Ms. S. Danckert was in attendance and introduced herself as a former member of the Committee. PRESENTATION - ADVISORY COMMITTEE ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES & 2. RELATIONSHIPS Mr. C. Goodeve gave a presentation entitled “Advisory Committee Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships” outlining how advisory committees fit within the overall corporate context of the City of Kitchener. He pointed out that as an Advisory Committee of Council, the Environmental Committee is responsible for promoting the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the environment in a manner consistent with the City of Kitchener’s Strategic Plan for the Environment. Members interested in bringing forward items for the Committee’s consideration should ensure it falls within the mandate of the Committee as set out in its Terms of Reference and is within the jurisdiction of the City. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR 3. Ms. D. Livingstone opened the floor to nominations for the position of Committee Chair. Ms. C. Huxted nominated Mr. S. Crossman who agreed to stand for appointment. Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested nominating Ms. S. Danckert for the position of Chair. It was noted at the time of this meeting, Ms. Danckert’s application for committee appointment had not yet been received. Ms. Danckert was advised that she could still submit an application; however, a recommendation would be required from the Committee for Council approval, in order to appoint her to the Environmental Committee. Mr. S. Crossman indicated that he would be willing to be the Committee’s Chair for a one year term. It was determined that the Chair and Vice Chair would be appointed for the period ending December 31, 2013. On motion by Ms. C. Huxted - it was resolved: “That Mr. S. Crossman, be appointed Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2013.” Mr. Crossman then opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair. Councillor P. Singh nominated Ms. A. MacDonald, who agreed to stand for appointment. No further nominations were forthcoming. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2013 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR (CONT’D) 3. On motion by Councillor P. Singh - it was resolved: “That Ms. A. MacDonald, be appointed Vice-Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2013.” ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE ORIENTATION 4. Ms. B. Steiner gave a presentation entitled “2013 Environmental Committee Orientation”, including a general overview of the Committee’s Terms of Reference and a synopsis of the Committee’s role and responsibilities. She led the Committee in a review of the materials contained on the flash drive and circulated to them at the beginning of the meeting, highlighting the following: a Plan for a Healthy Kitchener (2007-2027); Air Quality In Kitchener Plan 2006; Council Policy I-590 (Grant Program - Community Environmental Improvement); Draft Kitchener Growth Management Strategy; the City’s Strategic Plan for the Environment; other guides and tools including Official Plan, Kitchener Natural Heritage System Mapping, design guidelines, and relevant by-laws such as, site alteration and tree conservation; and, committee structure and process for having items placed on a meeting agenda. Ms. E. Donaher questioned how active transportation relates to the role of the Committee. Councillor Y. Fernandes responded that Kitchener Cycling Advisory Committee (KCAC) has a focus on cycling as a transportation mode, as well as trails connectivity. She indicated that the KCAC may be expanding their scope to include broader transportation issues, which could have an environmental impact. Ms. Steiner advised that the KCAC and Environmental Committee have overlapping interests, as they have a common mandate under the Strategic Plan for the Environment. Councillor Fernandes suggested each member could identify their goals for the Committee, which could be considered for incorporation into the 2013 Work Plan. Councillor P. Singh agreed, adding that each member could forwards a list detailing their interests related to items on the Work Plan. The Committee then directed Ms. D. Livingstone to distribute the 2012 Work Plan for reference. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE LIAISONS 5. The Committee was in receipt of job descriptions for the following Committee Liaison positions: Earth Day 2013 Organizing Committee; the Earth Day 2013 Showcase Organizing Committee; the Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG) Sub- Committee; the Air Quality in Kitchener Sub-Committee; and, the Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP). In addition, Ms. B. Steiner referred to correspondence from Mr. T. O’Brien, dated January 17, 2013, inviting a representative from the Environmental Committee to attend a consultation meeting on January 25, 2013 related to the new district park proposed for South Kitchener. Mr. S. Crossman agreed to attend the meeting on the new district park. Ms. B. Steiner advised that the job descriptions provide a brief summary of activities currently undertaken by the Committee and members were invited to put their names forward for participation in their preferred initiative. Mr. Crossman opened the floor to volunteers and it was agreed that the following members would be appointed as Committee Liaisons: • Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. L. Rice, Ms. E. Donaher, and Ms. M. Baharloo, be appointed to act as the Environmental Committee’s representatives to the Earth Day 2013 Showcase Organizing Committee; ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2013 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE LIAISONS (CONT’D) 5. • Councillor P. Singh and Mr. A. Kahlil, be appointed to the Earth Day 2013 Organizing Committee; and, • Appointments to the Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG) Application Review Sub-Committee; Air Quality in Kitchener Sub-Committee; and the Kitchener Natural Areas Program will be undertaken at the February 21, 2013 Committee meeting. ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator