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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-18 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:01 p.m. Present: Mr. S. Crossman, Chair Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. S. Danckert, Ms. S. Do, Ms. E. Donaher, Ms. A. MacDonald and Messrs. D. Hoshowsky, C. Priddle, R. Younis and G. Zador. Staff: C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner B. Robinson, Director of Engineering N. Gollan, Manager, Stormwater Utility A. White, Design & Construction Project Manager S. Weare, Strategic Planning Associate K. Cote, MSW Intern L. Korabo, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION - STORMWATER CREDIT PROGRAM UPDATE 1. Mr. N. Gollan began his presentation on the Stormwater Credit Program by recapping its purpose from the perspective of residents, the municipality and the environment. For residents, the Program provides incentives to implement on-site controls while also providing financial benefit to properties that reduce their impact on the environment. From a municipal perspective, the Program’s goals promote reduced runoff and pollutant loading into watercourses while supporting the City’s stormwater management policies and water quality initiatives. Finally, the natural environment gains improved water quality and runoff management with less erosion and a better aquatic habitat. Mr. Gollan then reviewed the established credit structure identifying the difference between non-residential & multi-residential credits which are based on flood prevention (credit of 25%), pollution reduction (credit of 15%), and education (credit of 5%) or purely residential credits which are based on the volume of water captured and credited as follows: enhanced (e.g. large cistern or infiltration gallery - 45%), normal (e.g. cistern and rain barrels - 30%) or basic (e.g. small cistern or 1-4 rain barrels - 20%). It was noted that the maximum credit value is 45%. The Committee was advised of the various methods which staff have utilized to communicate information on the credit program and it was noted the uptake in the residential category showed that 4,157 applications were received during the first six months. While not all applications were approved, as of March 31, 2013, 4,202 best management practices have been reported on 3,660 properties allowing for 18,000 cubic metres of runoff to be treated at-source. In closing, Mr. Gollan provided examples of different forms of stormwater management and shared with the Committee the various forms of recognition which the Stormwater Utility Program has received since its implementation. In response to questions, Mr. Gollan advised that 200 non-residential credit applications had been received. These were from properties which have stormwater management systems onsite. Information from these applications will enable staff to track the maintenance of the SWM systems and ensure that they are properly maintained. A question concerning cisterns, their use and maintenance was raised, and whether Building Division staff maintained a database of all cisterns located in the city. Mr. Gollan advised that staff were able to access statistics held by the Building Division in determining possible SWM systems already in place. Ms. B. Robinson offered to connect with Building staff to investigate the possible establishment of a database of cisterns or like SWM systems, which pre-date the Utility’s applications. PRESENTATION - 2012 STORMWATER AUDIT RESULTS 2. Ms. A. White attended to present the 2012 Stormwater Management (SWM) Audit results. A brief overview of the presentation which was circulated with the agenda advised that ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 2013 - 11 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - 2012 STORMWATER AUDIT RESULTS (CONT’D) 2. the annual audit is part of the continuous improvement process used to ensure that best management practices for monitoring centralized facilities established with funds received through a Cash-in-Lieu (CIL) policy, established in 2001, for qualifying site plan developments. The audit ensures net gain to the municipal SWM system (e.g. more spatial area to receive quality control treatment vs. private lands that contribute CIL annually). Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. White then reviewed the 2012 audit results. These results include: a report of the SWM measures, since 2001, which help guide future design and implementation of the system; water quality; and, biological monitoring of streams. She indicated that reporting on CIL payments received from developers is also available. A listing of 2012 SWM projects was shown, being: Victoria Park Lake; Showcasing Innovations: Finding Better Uses for Sediments; Schneider Creek Restoration; and, Kolb Drain Environmental Assessment (EA) (construction scheduled for 2015). The Committee was advised that sampling was conducted at 7 monitoring locations and these same locations will continue to be utilized. It was also noted that as part of the 2013 Audit Program, the original Stormwater Policy from 2001 will be updated to include the City’s new Stormwater Utility. In closing, Ms. White advised that staff is pleased to see visible benefits of this ongoing project in the Wards and Brigadoon Ponds. In response to questions raised about earlier access to the graphs / figures contained in the presentation, Mr. N. Gollan advised that the information presented has not yet been made public as the report is still being finalized. Once completed, the document will be made available to the Committee and a full presentation will be made to Council in May, 2013. Councillor Y. Fernandes inquired about ongoing monitoring of Wards Pond. Ms. White agreed to contact Aquafor Beech Limited to inquire as to the duration of the current pond monitoring. PRESENTATION – COMPASS KITCHENER REPORT CARD SUBCOMMITTEE 3. Ms. T. Wilkin, Ms. K. Cote and Ms. S. Weare representing the Compass Kitchener Report Card Subcommittee attended to provide a presentation on a report card improvement process currently underway. To provide context to the presentation and the input that will be requested from the Committee, it was noted that Compass Kitchener, an advisory committee to Council with a mandate to evaluate, recommend and monitor strategic priorities, annually prepares a report card. This report card evaluates the ability of the City to work towards the strategic directions under all community priorities contained in the Strategic Plan. Compass Kitchener and staff work together to select metrics to be used to measure performance and develop the report card. These metrics are often referred to as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Ms. Wilkin advised that a report card will not be produced reporting on 2012, rather the Subcommittee has been established to investigate improvements to the evaluation process. Discussions are being held with staff and advisory committees to receive input on how the KPIs will be selected moving forward. Ms. K. Cote noted the goals of updating the report card process are to increase the validity of the strategic direction measurements, developing a more efficient process of collecting and measuring data and, through the use of feedback, developing a more inclusive process of choosing KPIs. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 2013 - 12 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION – COMPASS KITCHENER REPORT CARD SUBCOMMITTEE 3. (CONT’D) In order to assist with discussions this date, a draft list of KPIs for each of the four directions under the Strategic Plan’s environment priority were circulated to members review and feedback, including: Lead by Example; Partners in Protecting Our Natural Environment; Make Living Green Easier; and, Continue with the Plans. The circulated draft listing provided information in the following categories: inputs/resources; outputs/activities; outcomes (short, mid and long-term); and, evaluation (KPIs tied to each of the previous three categories). As there was a large amount of information, Ms. Cote advised that members could submit additional feedback to her prior to the end of April. Members provided some input on the draft KPIs but given the short notice preferred to provide feedback via email as suggested. The delegation thanked the Committee for its time and indicated that all feedback received will be provided to Compass Kitchener for review and consideration. Ms. Cote offered to attend a future meeting and report back on results. SUSTAINABILITY NETWORKING FORUM UPDATE 4. Ms. S. Danckert advised the Sustainability Networking Forum is being held as a half-day event on Saturday, April 20, 2013 in the City Hall Rotunda. To date, 21 groups have registered to participate in a facilitated discussion on the values and principles of collaboration of various grassroots environmental groups. She noted that it is hoped the event can grow in scope next year into a full day and include the public, vendors and other related organizations. Ms. E. Donaher commented that the event was scaled back due to short timelines and slow uptake on the part of participants. The organizing committee agreed to remove the public (afternoon) component in 2013 and focus solely on the morning events. She requested volunteers to help with greeting registrants and assisting with the scheduled events. Ms. A. MacDonald and Mr. S. Crossman volunteered to assist. CSD-13-038 – 2012 BEST BETS FOR AIR QUALITY: FINAL REPORT 5. Ms. C. Musselman circulated Community Services Department report CSD-13-038 being the final report on the 2012 Best Bets for Air Quality. The 2012 Best Bets were approved by Kitchener Council on May 30, 2012 and staff has now reported on the progress of each, as follows: Best Bet #1 – Preserve and acquire parklands and natural lands – the acquisition of parklands through development is an ongoing process through subdivision and site plan review and approval, under the authority of The Planning Act. With regard to natural lands, developers are encouraged to convey undevelopable and protected natural lands, as opportunities arise. Best Bet #2 – Provide creative measures to curb idling at traffic lights – Traffic control signals are under the jurisdiction of the Region of Waterloo. There are standard strategies utilized to reduce idling traffic at off-peak times of the day; however, additional measures have been implemented to reduce delays at all times of the day. Best Bet #3 – Establish a Tree Planting and Partnership Program – Municipal tree planting resources are limited and focus on city lands. Planting priorities are being stressed due to the introduction of the Emerald Ash Borer. Community engagement ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 2013 - 13 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-13-038 - 2012 BEST BETS FOR AIR QUALITY: FINAL REPORT (CONT’D) 5. programs such as Kitchener’s Natural Areas Program (KNAP) works with a variety of community groups and individual stewardship volunteers to engage them in hands-on activities including tree planting. Best Bet #4 – Support community vegetable gardens – The city’s website now contains updated community garden information details such as eligibility criteria, procedures and processes. Grants to a maximum of $2,000. in materials and in-lieu services may be applied for. Best Bet #5 – Promote ecological diversity – This is an ongoing objective for city parks and is also promoted for private property plantings. Native species are planted primarily in the city’s natural areas. Through KNAP, residents are encouraged to adopt similar practices around their homes and gardens. Following this review, Ms. S. Danckert commented that it was her opinion that this information was simply a report on how the City is currently dealing with all of these issues rather than providing feedback on new ideas and approaches to handling the concerns as identified in each Best Bet. Ms. Musselman advised that this concern was also identified by the 2013 Best Bets Subcommittee and a new process has been suggested and will be reported on under the next agenda item. 2013 BEST BETS SELECTION - SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT 6. Mr. D. Hoshowsky, member of the 2013 Best Bets Subcommittee, advised the Subcommittee had met on March 26, 2013 and considered all submissions made by members of the Environmental Committee. Ms. C. Musselman reviewed the process used to weight the Best Bets to determine the top five to be put forward for 2013. She noted that, for the first time, recommended actions are being included with each of the five Best Bets as a means to provide clearer direction to staff. Members commented on recommended actions not duplicating work already being done by the municipality or other organizations. Ms. Musselman advised that the recommended actions were developed by the Subcommittee; however, they could be revised if the Environmental Committee wished to do so. She reminded members that a final decision needed to be made at today’s meeting to ensure that the 2013 Best Bets are approved by Kitchener Council in time for announcing on Clean Air Day. It was suggested that proposed Best Bet #5 regarding the use of rain barrels appeared to be a duplication of programs already established and should be replaced with another. Ms. Musselman consulted the weighted listing of actions and proposed substituting the following action as Best Bet #5, due to its high ranking: 1.4a) of the Air Quality in Kitchener report – 2010 which reads “The City should endeavour to ensure that it is undertaking up-to-date, sustainable park and yard care practices.” Following a discussion concerning this suggestion and possible recommended actions that could be specified, the Committee agreed to include action 1.4a) as Best Bet #5 for 2013. Additional wording changes were recommended and, subject to the revised 5 Best Bets being recirculated to members for final review, staff was directed to present the agreed upon 2013 Best Bets to Council for approval. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE 2013-2014 WORK PLAN 7. Ms. C. Musselman suggested that the recommended actions contained in the 2013 Best Bets be incorporated in the Committee’s 2013-2014 Work Plan and be brought back to the Committee for review at its next meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 2013 - 14 - CITY OF KITCHENER ADJOURNMENT 8. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator