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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-04 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4, 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. J. Metzger, Ms. D. Chapman, Ms. K. Porritt and Messrs. P. Doherty, M. Farwell, B. Sheehan, D. McKlusky, A. Bieronski, A. Rahimi, A. Darmon, S. Grande and K. Gaudreau. Staff: Ms. S. Weare, Strategic Initiatives Associate Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS 1. As some members were in attendance for the first time, Ms. E. Clarke asked that all members introduce themselves. 2013 JANE’S WALK 2. Ms. J. Metzger introduced the 2013 Jane’s Walk and circulated copies of a promotional poster. She noted the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee has a brief history of partnering with the Region of Waterloo to lead the annual walk. Over the past two years, walks have been held to: 1) demonstrate how to develop a safe and dynamic space in the Downtown after dark by updating lighting and incorporating thoughtful design; and, 2) improve public space using the concept of ‘The Power of 10’ which holds that every place needs ten activities to make it great. The walk explored public spaces within the Downtown and conducted a survey to determine if ten criteria for a vibrant space could be identified. The concept of Jane’s Walk is to promote the idea of placemaking and healthy communities, things that connect directly to the mandate of this committee. The 2013 walk will be held on two consecutive days, May 4 and 5; will be free of charge and, is meant to encourage citizens to get outside and explore their neighbourhoods. Some pre-planning of the event is required and Ms. Metzger suggested that a sub-committee be established to plan the logistics of the 2013 walk. She also suggested that the sub- committee determine a theme for the walk. Councillor P. Singh suggested challenging each member of Council to participate in a walk in their neighbourhood. Mr. S. Grande advised that the YMCA has programs for new immigrants to the area; if interested, these individuals could be approached about participating. Ms. K. Porritt asked if only one walk was being planned and it was noted that as many walks as possible could be arranged throughout the community and by various groups, and in fact, several walks had already been planned. Ms. Metzger felt it would be ideal for this Committee to plan and lead a walk with a theme connected to its mandate. In response to a question from Ms. E. Clarke, Ms. Metzger advised that she would be happy to participate on the sub-committee but not necessarily lead it. The following members volunteered to sit on the planning sub-committee for the 2013 Jane’s Walk: K. Porritt, A. Rahimi, D. McKlusky, S. Grande, J. Metzger and Councillor P. Singh. The group will connect after the meeting to discuss convenient meetings dates / times. 2013-2014 WORK PLAN – BRAINSTORMING 3. The Committee was reminded that developing a work plan began at the last meeting with a general discussion on how to undertake the process. Copies of the City’s Strategic Plan 2011- 2014 were distributed to aid in identifying which of the six strategic priorities were most relevant to the Committee; thereby providing guidance on narrowing its focus. Ms. S. Weare advised that advisory committees with specific mandates were already in place in the areas of environment and leadership / community engagement, and suggested that the Committee focus on the other four strategic priorities. The Committee then reviewed the definitions of the four remaining priorities, being: Quality of Life; Diversity; Dynamic Downtown; and Development. With the Committee’s broad focus on community health, it was suggested that strategic priorities and some of their identified directions be selected to guide SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4, 2013 - 5 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2013-2014 WORK PLAN – BRAINSTORMING (CONT’D) 3. some of the work plan to be developed. It was the general consensus of members that several of the priorities were interconnected and work in one area would benefit others. Following a general roundtable, members divided into break-out groups and reviewed all strategic directions contained in the four remaining priority areas, keeping in mind the Committee’s Terms of Reference. Each group was asked to select a maximum of five directions to be considered as part of the work plan. Following each group’s report, the three most popular directions were identified and will be presented to the Committee for more discussion: Diversity – offer ample opportunities for inclusion; Quality of Life – nurture a sense of pride and community; and, Quality of Life – community programs and facilities. Ms. S. Weare will compile information gathered over the last two meetings and provide it to the members prior to the next, more detailed discussion. GUIDELINES FOR 2013 COMMUNITY REQUESTS 4. As a follow-up to questions raised at the last meeting concerning use of approved 2013 funds, Ms. S. Weare advised that Council had approved $10,000. to be put towards requests for community grants and for projects identified by the Committee. The Committee had previously agreed that grant application guidelines will need to be developed. PUBLIC CONSULTATION - CASINO 5. Councillor S. Davey advised that Council had voted in favour of holding a public consultation to determine if there is interest in Kitchener hosting a gaming facility within the city limits. In addition to the planned public sessions, Councillor Davey proposed that several advisory committees be asked to also provide input. Should members be interested in participating, background information could be provided in advance of any discussion. Given the tight timelines in place to hold consultations and with Council’s discussion / decision slated for May 13, 2013, it was suggested that, if the Committee were interested in providing feedback, the May 2nd meeting agenda be cleared to accommodate this topic. Councillor Singh advised that an online survey will also be available to submit comments and thoughts. Members wished to provide input from a safe and healthy community perspective. Staff was directed to provide as much information as possible to members to allow for review in advance nd of the meeting and to set aside sufficient time on the May 2 meeting agenda. ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator