Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-07 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 7, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Present: Ms. E. Clarke, Chair Councillors S. Davey and P. Singh, Ms. P. Archambault, Ms. D. Christiaen, Ms. N. Bird, Ms. J. Metzger and Messrs. P. Doherty, M. Farwell, B. Sheehan, I. Todorovic, D. McKlusky, A. Bieronski, A. Rahimi, A. Darmon. Staff: Mr. M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs Ms. S. Weare, Strategic Initiatives Associate Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator Ms. K. Cote, MSW Student WELCOME AND COMMITTEE MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS 1. Ms. S. Weare welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee. She introduced herself and explained her role with the committee and the city noting some of the matters the committee will be requested to look at, such as: fostering a model of community health and laying out a work plan which includes undertaking a review of its Terms of Reference. Ms. Weare advised that the committee had recently undergone a review to determine its viability going forward and will be the subject of an evaluation by the Chief Administrative Officer within 18 months. All members then introduced themselves. PRESENTATION - ADVISORY COMMITTEE ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND 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. Each advisory committee has a term of reference describing its purpose and scope, as well as its composition and reporting line. All advisory committees report through one of the three Standing Committees of Council; the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee (SHCAC) reports through the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee, which then forwards its recommendations to Council for final decision. Mr. Goodeve then reviewed meeting protocols, information concerning presentations and delegations before committees, how questions / answers are to be facilitated, debate / discussion and motions / recommendations. Each advisory committee has a chair and vice- chair, election of which will occur later in today’s meeting. The Committee was advised that a Code of Conduct is in place governing the actions of members of Council. The Code provides guidance on matters such as conflict of interest and a copy will be provided by the Committee Administrator to all members along with other pertinent information. Information pertaining to the actions of members of advisory committees is found under ‘Appendix A’ of the Code. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR 3. Mr. C. Goodeve opened the floor for nominations for the position of Chair. Mr. M. Farwell nominated Ms. E. Clarke. No other nominations were forthcoming. It was the general consensus of the committee that this appointment be for one year to allow other members the opportunity to consider the position following a period of adjustment. On motion by Mr. M. Farwell - it was resolved: “That Elizabeth Clarke be elected as Chair of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2013.” Ms. E. Clarke, Chair, then nominated Mr. A. Bieronski for the position of Vice-chair. No other nominations were forthcoming. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 7, 2013 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR (CONT’D) 3. On motion by Ms. E. Clarke - it was resolved: “That Andrew Bieronski be elected as Vice-chair of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2013.” COMMUNITY HEALTH MODEL 4. Members were advised that during the 2012 review of the committee, Council directed that focus be shifted away from crime prevention only and broadened to include community health. An informational presentation on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) model on community health, which has also been adopted by the City of Kitchener, was given. The WHO model defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. A healthy community is based on broad determinants of health, encompassing key aspects of living and working circumstances. Members shared their views on what community health means to them. Some examples given were: inclusion; engagement; access; thriving community; social capital; youth involvement; crime prevention; community development; and, collaboration. Ms. S. Weare advised that key strategies for a healthy community are: wide community involvement; broad sector involvement; local government commitment; and, healthy public policies. An overview of many components that ensure good community health was provided in a PowerPoint presentation. Kitchener’s model focuses on environmental viability, social viability and economic prosperity, which provide a liveable, sustainable and equitable community. Following a review of various initiatives which could be considered, it was suggested that future discussions on this topic centre around developing a community-based project that would foster better community health or working with an established organization to support its community wellness work. Discussions that will lead to a decision will form part of the work plan development in the near future. CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN 5. Ms. S. Weare presented information on the City of Kitchener Strategic Plan: 2011-2014, copies of which were distributed for members’ reference. The Strategic Plan is a comprehensive strategy that guides and aligns the city’s work and spending with the community’s priorities / vision for the future along with the corporation’s mission of ‘Proudly providing valued services to our community’. Community priorities were obtained through an extensive consultant-led engagement process that produced a 20-year ‘Plan for a Healthy Kitchener – 2007-2027’. The Strategic Plan is revisited with every new term of Council using community engagement tools such as feedback / input gathered from each of the City’s advisory committees. Compass Kitchener is the advisory committee mandated to oversee the development of revised community priorities every four years. Six community priorities, each with its own vision and strategic directions have been identified: Quality of Life; Leadership and Community Engagement; Environment; Diversity; Development; and, Dynamic Downtown. Compass Kitchener is currently asking advisory committees for feedback on their participation in the development of the Strategic Plan. The committee was asked questions about the positive impacts of the Plan on the community. Councillor P. Singh noted that, to balance this approach, questions should also be asked regarding where the Plan is not working as proposed. Ms. Weare then posed the question of where the work of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee fits into this body of work. The previous iteration of the committee had a very broad mandate given that it was the result of four committees being combined into one. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 7, 2013 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN (CONT’D) 5. In order to focus its work moving forward, Ms. E. Clarke suggested that a review of possible gaps or improvements in endeavours already in place could be undertaken. Members were asked to consider which of the six community priorities were the most relevant to this committee. Councillor S. Davey suggested that the committee not focus its efforts too broadly as this had been a negative previously. Key areas should be identified and given proper attention. Discussion on the matter then segued into the next agenda item, being development of a work plan. COMMITTEE WORKPLAN 6. Ms. S. Weare advised the next two meetings will consist mainly of developing a work plan laying out the committee’s priorities during the current term. She listed a number of possible topics that she is aware of and will table for consideration. Members were asked to give thought to other ideas and bring forward two suggested areas of focus to the April meeting. As previously noted, a review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference will be one of the main short-term work plan items and should include a look at the current composition to determine if a change would be beneficial. Councillor S. Davey suggested a portion of the next meeting be formatted as a brain-storming session including breakout groups to allow for smaller group discussions on work plan ideas. Consideration could be given to drawing parallels for each group to some of the six areas of focus in the Strategic Plan. He further suggested that given the previous committee’s practice of hearing grant requests, a discussion should be held early on regarding development of grant application guidelines. The committee suggested that no grant applications be entertained until the Fall of 2013. Mr. M. Hildebrand requested the opportunity to confirm Council’s direction regarding the use of approved funds in 2013 and report back at the next meeting. In the interim, staff will advise any organizations seeking funding that none are being received at this time. NEW BUSINESS 7. The Committee Administrator distributed flash drives to all members which contain resource information on: staff resources, committee structure, meeting schedule, terms of reference, various policies relating to committees, Code of Conduct, guidelines for meeting protocols and delegation presentations, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), City of Kitchener Strategic Plan, A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener and a copy of the Accessible Customer Service presentation. ADJOURNMENT 8. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator