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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-20 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 20, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:03 p.m. Present: S. Danckert, Acting Chair Councillors Y. Fernandes and P. Singh, Ms. E. Donaher and Messrs. D. Hoshowsky, C. Priddle and G. Zador Staff: A. White, Design & Construction Project Manager, Stormwater Utility N. Gollan, Manager, Stormwater Utility C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner L. Korabo, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION - FILSINGER PARK PROJECT UPDATE 1. The Committee considered a presentation this date by Ms. A. White, who advised that improvements are scheduled for Filsinger Park which include naturalization of the current channel / stream, incorporation of additional stormwater management (SWM) facilities and restoration of trails and pathways, including an extension of the Iron Horse Trail to Victoria Park Lake. Ms. White was in attendance to provide a framework for the planned work, as well as table design concepts for Filsinger Park and notify on next steps. She remarked that SWM is used to ensure the stability, health and functionality of the city’s extensive system of streams and creeks. As members are aware, annual audits and inspections are conducted throughout the city, to gather information used to assess and prioritize work for subsequent years. The Victoria Park Lake rehabilitation project was the focus for 2012 with work in and adjacent to Filsinger Park being the focus for 2013 (design), 2014-2015 (construction). The Filsinger Park project has been divided into five phases with major roadways being used to provide the physical boundaries for each phase. Construction work has been designed from upstream to downstream, and staff has outlined the following key outcomes of the design concept: Minimize sediment flow downstream to Victoria Park Lake; Enhance aquatic / terrestrial habitat; and, Extended the Iron Horse Trail from the Trail bridge to Victoria Park Lake. Ms. White advised that sediment deposits will be minimized when the current concrete channel is replaced with a naturalized watercourse including rocks, logs and plantings; plantings will provide shade and improve the current bird habitat. Additionally, a wetland area will be constructed within the park where two watercourses converge. Staff is also proposing the installation of oil grit separators (OGS) at property outlets along the channel to aid in the blockage of sediment deposits. Timing for the channel naturalization (Phases 1 and 2) as well as the extension of the Iron Horse Trail (Phase 5) are proposed in 2014 with construction work east of Westmount Road in Filsinger Park (shown as Phase 3) currently proposed in 2015. It was noted that little work is proposed for the Phase 4 section of the project as existing homes are located close to the channel which is within the flood plain. This imposes limits on the work that can be undertaken during this phase. Members were advised that a public meeting is scheduled for July 17, with a second to be held in the Fall of 2013. The design concept presentation today was for the Committee’s information, with any feedback / input provided to be used to better prepare for the public sessions. In response to a question concerning the use of OGS, Ms. White advised that these are used when there are constraints concerning the use of other sediment management techniques and noted that OGS units have historically been used by the City, and will continue to be used in conjunction with naturalization projects. Mr. N. Gollan commented that work upstream of Victoria Park Lake has been identified as a high priority to ensure that minimal sediment reaches the lake following its 2012 rehabilitation. SWM ponds were identified as the preferred solution to keep sediment from reaching Victoria Park Lake but as there is insufficient room to incorporate them; OGS serve the same purpose ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 20, 2013 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - FILSINGER PARK PROJECT UPDATE (CONT’D) 1. and are more easily installed. Mr. Gollan stated that sediment deposits are continually monitored in Victoria Park Lake and he agreed to share the monitoring report with the Environmental Committee. In response to a concern expressed by the Committee regarding the scheduling of a public meeting during the summer months, Mr. Gollan commented that project timing is driving the meeting schedule; however, staff will advertise the sessions well in advance and provide notices to all affected properties abutting the park. ASSIGNMENT OF 2013/2014 WORK PLAN SUBCOMMITTEES 2. Ms. C. Musselman advised that members are being asked to volunteer for the various subcommittees required to carry out the work in the Committee’s approved work plan. As several members were not in attendance this date, she advised that any spaces remaining to be filled can be reviewed at the September meeting. It was noted that a maximum of 4 members are permitted on a Subcommittee. Ms. E. Donaher, Ms. S. Danckert and Mr. G. Zador volunteered for the Air Quality in Kitchener 2010 Update Subcommittee, which will review the report to determine those actions that have been completed, and those that have been made redundant. Work will also include research, drafting and presentation of a draft, and a final version of the 2014 Air Quality in Kitchener report. Ms. Musselman then reviewed the five Best Bets selected for work in 2013 and requested volunteers for each Subcommittee. It was noted that Best Bets No. 1 and 3 can be completed concurrently. The following members volunteered: Best Bet Nos. 1 and 3 – no one at this time; Best Bet No. 2 – E. Donaher, C. Priddle, Councillor P. Singh; Best Bet No. 4 – S. Danckert; and, Best Bet No. 5 – Councillor Y. Fernandes. As several members were absent from the meeting, it was suggested that this item be added to the September 2013 meeting agenda for discussion and actioning. Ms. Musselman clarified that staff will be made aware that Subcommittees are forming and to expect a member of the Subcommittee to be in contact to schedule a meeting. Members were advised that Subcommittees should report back to the full Committee and Council in the Spring of 2014; however, it was acknowledged that proposed action items could take a longer period of time to be implemented by staff. ADJOURNMENT 3. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator