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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-05 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:03 p.m. Present: Ms. E. Clarke, Chair Councillor S. Davey, Ms. D. Chapman, Ms. D. Christiaen, Ms. N. Bird, Ms. K. Porritt, Ms. J. Metzger and Messrs. P. Doherty, M. Farwell, B. Sheehan, D. McKlusky, A. Bieronski, A. Rahimi and A. Darmon. Staff: Mr. M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs & Services Ms. D. Campbell, Manager, Community Resource Centres Ms. S. Weare, Strategic Planning Associate Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN 1. Following up on previous discussions concerning the Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP), Mr. M. Hildebrand provided an update on key findings and the 38 recommendations resulting from all stakeholder consultations. Staff performed a gap analysis utilizing the information gathered and developed criteria to prioritize facility requirements for the next eight-ten years. He noted this review differs from the original LFMP as it also identifies the need for the City to become more proactive in exploring opportunities to partner with others to fund, develop and operate leisure facilities and services. It also identifies the need for the development of strategies to renew, replace or repurpose older leisure facilities. Mr. M. Hildebrand advised a report containing three staff recommendations will be presented for consideration at the September 9, 2013 Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting. He invited members to attend in support of the recommendations, as the Committee was one of the consulted stakeholders. Staff recommendations were circulated for information and include: a request that the 2013 LFMP update be received and the listing of 38 recommendations referred to departmental business planning processes; inclusion of a vision statement to help guide future development of leisure facilities and services; and, the referral of a priority listing of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities to the 2014 Development Charges Background Study and By-law Update for consideration of funding allocations. The Committee was advised that, at this point, staff is not aware of how much funding is required for each of the prioritized facilities nor where in the 10-year Capital Forecast the projects might be scheduled. This will be part of the future work required after Council’s consideration. WORK PLAN 2. Messrs. D. McKlusky and A. Bieronski provided an update on the work of the Forum Sub- committee advising that draft questions to be circulated to neighbourhood association representatives have been prepared for the Committee’s review. It is proposed to format these as an online survey and forward to neighbourhood associations in advance of attendance at meetings. Ms. D. Campbell noted she has met with District Facilitators at various Community Centres providing them with general details of the Committee’s undertaking and requesting they provide support where possible. Ms. Campbell noted that dates for September and October neighbourhood association meetings have been provided to the Sub-committee to assist with requesting space on an upcoming agenda. She requested that District Facilitators be provided with a copy of the questionnaire in advance of attendance at any neighbourhood association meeting. Mr. A. Bieronski reviewed the draft questions and requested feedback. Members felt the proposed questions were appropriate for the goal of determining commonalities between city neighbourhoods and gathering feedback on possible future actionable items for the committee. Further, members felt strongly that the survey should be sent from a sub-committee member, not a staff person. Direction was provided to ensure that a ‘thank you’ be automatically sent for each submitted questionnaire as well as ensuring that information concerning future use of the collected data be clearly outlined in an accompanying preamble. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER WORK PLAN (CONT’D) 2. Ms. S. Weare advised that Compass Kitchener, who will be conducting a community engagement process this Fall, has asked the Committee to consider including questions concerning citizens’ views on participating in city decision-making and on downtown safety. The Committee did not feel that a question concerning downtown safety fit with the stated goals of the survey; however, did agree that an inquiry concerning satisfaction with participating in the City’s decision-making process would be appropriate. The Sub-committee was given approval to finalize the questionnaire and circulate to neighbourhood associations as discussed. Ms. S. Weare noted that various milestones for this project need to be included in the draft work plan being finalized this date. Councillor S. Davey requested that Ward Councillors be advised of any neighbourhood association meetings being attended by members of the Committee. He further requested that no city staff be in attendance allowing for a freer exchange of views. Ms. D. Chapman provided an update on behalf of the Inclusion Sub-committee advising of details of sessions held with representatives of the Sudanese community. General concerns related to lack of available gathering space, lack of youth programming as well as other programs to support this group. A meeting held with a disabled member of the community focused on concerns regarding the need for free-of-charge meeting space and the perception that disabled individuals ‘loiter’ in the downtown area. It was the view of the Sub-committee that the disabled community is more focussed on the social services available to them, with not as much thought given to the broader community and what it may provide. Ms. Chapman advised that Sub-committee next steps are to continue meeting with additional groups to gather information about exclusion and inclusion (in terms of mental health and physical wellbeing), and reviewing ideas on how to be more inclusive. Committee members suggested additional groups to be contacted. Following the conclusion of information gathering sessions, the Sub-committee will formulate recommendations to bring back to the full committee for discussion. Ms. S. Weare will add milestones concerning this project into the draft work plan. Ms. Weare reviewed the additions to the work plan discussed this date. She also reminded the Committee of other items previously discussed for inclusion (i.e. locations of methadone clinics, joint meeting with other Safe & Healthy committees); it was agreed to add these to the work plan. Messrs. M. Farwell and D. McKlusky volunteered to work with Ms. J. Metzger on a sub-committee to plan a future joint meeting of area Safe & Healthy Committees. A framework for the meeting will be brought back to the full committee for consideration. On motion by Ms. E. Clarke – it was resolved: “That the 2013-2014 work plan of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee be approved.” ADJOURNMENT 3. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:46 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator