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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 12-05-12 COMPASS KITCHENER MINUTES December 5, 2012 – 4:00-6:00 Schmalz Room, KITCHENER CITY HALL Present: Sarah Marsh Diana Bumstead James Howe Holly Duff David Yoon Kim Knowles Hanan Mohamed Chris Kopar Chris Hyde Staff: Mark Hildebrand Jenn Grein Sue Weare Karla Coté Randy Gosse Regrets: Tristan Wilkin Theron Kramer The Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee met on this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Sarah welcomed all to the meeting in Theron’s absence. 1. Approval of Minutes  The minutes from November 7, 2012 were approved by Compass Kitchener. Moved by Diana Bumstead, Second by James Howe. 2. Alternative Voting Methods – Internet Voting Report – Randy Gosse Randy was asked to return to Council with a recommendation relating to internet voting prior to the end of  th 2012. As such, he is presenting to Council Monday, December 10. His recommendation is that the city not proceed with internet voting for the 2014 municipal election.  Research from around the world has shown that Internet voting does not decidedly increase voter turnout.  Randy reviewed literature on pros and cons of internet voting and drafted a report, provided to Compass  Kitchener prior to the meeting. Some of these were specifically related to cost, effectiveness of system, and legal requirements. Council will have the opportunity to discuss this report on Monday and make a decision on how to  proceed. One member asked if there was a possibility of using internet voting in the case of a bi-election, and  Randy indicated at this point no, the recommendation indicates it would not be reconsidered until 2018. Another member asked if internet voting increases voter turnout for individuals with disabilities. Yes, this  does increase turnout, however there are additional methods that can be used such as touch screens that would also increase accessibility, but would only be available on site; this can not be accessed from home or multiple locations. Promotion and advertisement of new technology to residents is also important, and can be done more thoroughly for the next election. Randy was asked if security risks was a factor, but he shared that at the municipal election level, security  issues are a low risk. Security plays a risk more so at a federal level. Randy emphasized the beaurocratic processes that need to be in place for voting and elections. He  further explained that internet voting in its current form could impede the democratic process, in that there is not a physical person checking and crossing off the names of each voter, and there’s not a physical voting card that can be counted and re-counted if need be. He cited the last election as an example of when the ability to recount was necessary to fairly call the Ward 9 winner. That councilor (Frank Etherington) one by a single vote. Diana commented that the voter turnout sub-committee has learned community engagement is closely  tied to voter turnout. 3. Voter Turnout Report/Recommendations – Diana Bumstead The subcommittee found similar results with their research regarding internet voting.  A few options were provided including civic leagues and other engagement drives which does increase  turnout due to increased awareness and knowledge regarding government and candidates. Controversial issues will often increase voter turnout as well as major changes/shifts/races in certain  areas/positions. Randy explained the requirement for government to remain completely neutral during the elections and  the legal obligations to in no way promote any candidate over another, including by assisting in any way. December 5, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER - 2 - A member asked if there is another type of medium that can be used to promote the election in some  way? Get the word out and spread information around? Media has assisted this past election and worked well with the city and candidates. Other options could be considered in the future. Additionally, the city encouraged the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to advertise elections on the provincial level with quality advertisement, rather than have many small advertisements of a lesser quality throughout each city. Randy to provide Environics survey on Voter Turnout results to Compass Kitchener, along with the final  report and the voter turnout subcommittee’s report and recommendations. Jenn to circulate. Increasing engagement between elections will also encourage voters to visit the polls and stay engaged  in municipal government. Engagement in first recommendation is referencing voter engagement, however may need to be  broadened given the small amount of research found relating to voter engagement. Engagement must also be done in an effective way, with the feedback actually reflected in the results and  subsequent actions approved by council. This item to be on next agenda if room, otherwise on February agenda.  4. Meeting of All Advisory Committees Great turnout for the All committee meeting with all committees represented. Amazing to understand all  the work each committee is doing and committee members found it interesting that their work connects with other committees work. This time frame works well and could be considered again for the future.  5. Updates and Next Steps Civics 101:  High school group working to develop one day forum with two grade 10 classes at KCI. o Agenda has been developed and will likely have a guest speaker, a presentation on Civics101 and have the two groups come together in an exercise. Given the current climate, unfortunately KCI is not able to commit. Resurrection has be contacted and may be able to accommodate. Compass Kitchener members will be asked to participate once a date has been set. Grade 5 group has received feedback from one teacher which was very helpful. An intern o student will be contacting teachers to plan interviews. The climate in schools at this point is a significant barrier. Strategic Plan Roll Out Subcommittee: Tristan, Chris, Sue and Colleen Collins from Communications  reviewed a communications plan developed earlier to consider if it was still relevant. The group is looking to connect again with in the next few weeks. A tour of sorts is being planned with information relating to the strategic plan and visiting advisory committees as well as any other groups that would like to learn about the plan and how to participate in the future. Report Card Subcommittee: the group met with Rhonda to learn how to work in the process the city is  going through with the integrated planning centre of excellence and what information they will be collecting so that it can be used for the report card. The group is back to the drawing board and will meet in the New Year to develop metrics and focus areas. The group would like to ensure that their report card represents the citizens’ vision and also that their metrics are clearly communicated to city staff ahead of time, so that we have less unavailable data. They also plan to engage other committees to ask for feedback on suggested metrics. 6. Vote for Chair and Co-chair Kim worked with Janice to research how committees vote or appoint a chair. Currently the city of  Kitchener Advisory committee Terms of Reference indicates chairs are to be voted in annually, and that generally takes place at the first meeting of the year. The concern here is that we are asking new members to vote at our first meeting without knowledge of  the committee and its inner workings for someone to chair for the next year. Logically, if we are voting annually for the chair, it would be ok to exclude new members until they have  partiicpated for 12 months with the committee and better understand the process and role of chair. Each December 5, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER - 3 - year only people who had been participating over the last year would be considered for the role of Chair/Vice Chair. It was suggested that the vice chair play a more significant role in meetings. Perhaps chair a meeting  every so often, play a more active role in decision making, participate in outside meetings relating to the committee and head sub committees if necessary. Jenn to put out an e-mail requesting names for chair/vice chair, then put out an email of people for chair,  then separately for vice chair. 7. Other business th Next meeting date will be shifted to January 9, and will include new committee members appointed by  council. Meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm. Next meeting: January 9, 2012 Location: Conestoga Room Attendance: Compass Kitchener Attendance 11-12.xls