Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-08CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2013 The Cycling Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. CITY OF KITCHENER Present: Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. M. Generoux, Ms. M. Sehl, Ms. E. Martell, Ms. T. Niesen and Messrs. M. Arges, M. Boos, T. Boutilier, P. Dedes, S. Gibson and P. Walberg. Staff: J. Joseph, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator (TDMC) M. Parris, Landscape Architect W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect L. Korabo, Committee Administrator WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Mr. J. Joseph, TDMC, welcomed members to the Cycling Advisory Committee (CAC) for the 2013 -2014 term. He provided a brief overview of his responsibilities both with the City and with the committee. Members were then requested to introduce themselves and advise of desired accomplishments for the coming term. Members commented on desire to provide input / feedback to: promote cycling awareness; increase physical fitness levels; build a safer community; secure sustainable funding for trail improvement; build a comprehensive network of trails; improve perception of people who cycle; etc. PRESENTATION - PRIORITIES AND SUB - COMMITTEES FOR 2013 Using PowerPoint, J. Joseph presented a review of the CAC's 2012 priorities, being: Iron Horse Trail rail crossing safety upgrade; Cycling Master Plan sign pilot project; Wilson Avenue trail head improvements; Nyberg Street contra -flow bike lane; and, Margaret Avenue bike lanes. He advised that two of the five priorities were completed with the other three moving forward along with the 2013 priorities. Other notable 2012 accomplishments were the first - ever Bike to Work Challenge, installation of 50 curb cuts, a Councillors' ride and the release of the Multi -use Pathways and Trails Master Plan. Mr. Joseph then reviewed the proposed list of 2013 priorities in the five categories of advocacy, safety upgrade, cycling culture, trail improvement and community engagement. Members were advised that the previous CAC had discussed and voted on the five proposed priorities and suggested having them presented to the new membership for endorsement. Under each of the five categories, Mr. Joseph proposed a list of specific action items to accomplish. He acknowledged there were many actionable items, and suggested consideration be given to the establishment of a sub - committee for each of the categories allowing for more work to be accomplished. He advised that sub - committees are ad hoc in nature with a clearly articulated mandate and may meet outside of regular committee meetings but are restricted to a maximum of four members. Additionally, outside expertise may be tapped in order to round out the knowledge of sub - committee members, if required. The five suggested sub - committees are: • Education, Safety and Promotion; • Infrastructure and Technical; • Active and Safe Routes To School (ASRTS) and Youth Engagement; • Research and Innovation; and, • Five -Year Action Plan. A listing of suggested tasks for each sub - committee was circulated for members review when considering an area of interest. Mr. Joseph will send members an email summary of the sub- committees and allow an opportunity for feedback regarding suggested changes to the structure as well as to request members submit their top three choices for sub - committee work. Results will be brought to the next CAC meeting for discussion and decision regarding makeup and sub - committee membership. It was noted the work of sub - committees must always be reported back to the full Committee for discussion and recommendation. In closing, Mr. Joseph advised of the Province of Ontario's Cycling Strategy, commenting that input from municipalities is being sought. Due to tight timelines, staff is preparing a report to be presented to Council requesting endorsement of the Strategy. Members will be provided with a copy of the Strategy and are requested to submit their individual comments / feedback to staff for inclusion on the final report. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2013 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - PRIORITIES AND SUB - COMMITTEES FOR 2013 — (CONT'D Councillor Y. Fernandes commented on the ambitious work plan, noting that it can be flexible in terms of timing with some items deferred until later in the Committee's term. PRESENTATION — ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES Mr. C. Goodeve, Supervisor of Legislated Services, thanked members of the committee for offering their time and expertise to aid the important work to be done and then presented the roles and responsibilities of advisory committees. He advised that the role of an advisory committee is to provide advice and make recommendations on matters set out in its terms of reference and other provisions as Council deems appropriate. Each advisory committee has a term of reference describing its purpose and scope as well as its composition and reporting line. Most of the City's advisory committees report through one of three Standing Committees of Council. The CAC reports through the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee which then forwards its recommendations on to City 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. In order to assist new chairs and vice - chairs with meeting protocol, an invitation to attend a training session will be forwarded in the near future. The Committee was advised that a Code of Conduct is in place governing the actions of members Council and members of advisory committees. This 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. Members had various questions of clarification which were responded to by Mr. Goodeve. A brief discussion was held regarding the possibility of meeting throughout the summer months, given the anticipated work load of the Committee. The Committee is currently scheduled to meet 10 times during the year; however, it was noted that dependent on staffing and facility resources, additional meetings could be scheduled. The Committee was cautioned against meeting in facilities others than City Hall as assurances need to be in place to allow for transparency and accountability at all times. Should a meeting take place elsewhere, Mr. Goodeve stressed that it is imperative proper notice be given and steps taken to ensure accessibility for all citizens. Members requested a copy of Mr. Goodeve's PowerPoint presentation concerning roles and responsibilities be circulated electronically. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE -CHAIR Mr. C. Goodeve opened the floor for nominations for the position of Chair. Mr. P. Dedes nominated Ms. M. Sehl as Chair. No other nominations were forthcoming. On motion by Mr. P. Dedes — it was resolved: "That Mary Sehl be elected as Chair of the Cycling Advisory Committee for a term ending November 30, 2014." Ms. M. Sehl, Chair, then opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice- Chair. Councillor Y. Fernandes nominated Mr. P. Walberg as Vice - Chair. No other nominations were forthcoming. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2013 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE -CHAIR - (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes — it was resolved: "That Peter Walberg be elected as Vice -Chair of the Cycling Advisory Committee for a term ending November 30, 2014." let B1l191110kiIkh1:11ki 111 On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator