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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-03 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:04 p.m. Present: Ms. E. Clarke, Chair Councillors S. Davey and P. Singh, Ms. K. Porritt, Ms. J. Metzger and Messrs. P. Doherty, M. Farwell, D. McKlusky, A. Bieronski, A. Rahimi, S. Grande and I. Todorovic. Staff: Ms. J. Ouellette, Facilitator, Volunteer Resources Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator WORK PLAN 1. Mr. D. McKlusky advised that he attended the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting on September 30, 2013 and, along with Mr. M. Hildebrand, presented the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee’s 2013-2014 Work Plan. During this presentation Mr. McKlusky spoke to the methods used to formulate the committee’s work plan. He also commented on the diversity of the membership and the active involvement occurring at each meeting. He brought to Council’s attention the fact that the Committee met over the summer months in order to continue its’ work, and begin to inform the pending review of its’ Terms of Reference. The Committee was advised that Council approved the Work Plan, as submitted. Councillors P. Singh and S. Davey echoed Mr. McKlusky’s comments, noting the presentation was well received by Council and left the impression the Committee is well on course to defining a mandate and determining a well-thought out course of action. Councillor S. Davey noted that his peers were pleased to see the Committee is re-forming as a more action- oriented body, rather than policy based. Mr. McKlusky identified a positive response to the proposal to meet with other regional committees and a suggestion that the concept of a regional safe and healthy lens be discussed. Mr. A. Bieronski provided an update on behalf of the Neighbourhood Association (NA) / Forum Sub-Committee. He advised the group has finalized plans to attend various NA meetings; each Sub-committee member will request time on upcoming agendas at 4-5 NAs. The Sub- committee also finalized the questionnaire and circulated same to all NA contacts in advance of meeting attendance. Mr. Bieronski advised that to date, seven NAs had completed the online questionnaire. The Committee was advised the Sub-committee has now been confirmed to attend the Annual NA Summit, scheduled for the Rockway Golf Club on November 20, 2013. In advance of this, the Sub-committee will provide a summary of data collected from NA meetings, allowing the Committee to review any commonalities in the areas of health and safety between neighbourhoods and determine which information should be used as topics for table talks at the Summit. All information gathered through attendance at meetings and the Summit will then be used to inform work on the revised Terms of Reference discussions. Councillor P. Singh requested the Sub-committee consider including the gathering of information from NAs regarding their need for funding to assist with marketing / communicating their events either when attending meetings or at the Summit. In response to a question, Mr. D. McKlusky advised the Sub-committee is attempting to meet with all NAs, not just those who are based within community centres. It is also hoped that those NAs who do not meet on a regular basis, can be engaged at the Summit. On behalf of the Inclusion Sub-committee, Mr. S. Grande provided a high level presentation regarding additional meetings held with citizens who might not be otherwise engaged, regarding the topics of mental health and physical wellbeing. A meeting was held with Imam Abuelezz of the Kitchener Masjid. On behalf of the Muslim community he expressed a need for transportation for university students to attend church. Additionally, there was a request for a pedestrian crossing in front of their property on Victoria Street North, to alleviate safety concerns. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2013 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER WORK PLAN (CONT’D) 2. A meeting was also held with a local pensioner who expressed concerns regarding the inability of seniors to supplement their pensionable earnings with part-time work, as pension payments are adjusted to reflect earned income. In response to these concerns, the Sub-committee met with the Alliance Against Poverty for discussions. Lastly, the Sub-committee met with representatives of the Aboriginal community and the Gay and Lesbian community to gather feedback. The Sub-committee will be preparing a full report on all information gathered at inclusion meetings, for tabling at the Committee’s December 5, 2013 meeting. Members of the Sub- committee were cautioned against giving the impression that concerns expressed would be remedied, but rather that this was an information-gathering exercise only with the information to be forwarded to the appropriate individuals, if so decided by the full Committee. th It was recommended that after the Sub-committee’s December 5 presentation, information on any outcomes be provided back to the various groups who provided data during inclusion meetings. The Sub-committee agreed that this would be an excellent way to close the loop on some of the issues but to also let groups know that their input had been reported on and valued. LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN - FINAL UPDATE 2. In the absence of Mr. M. Hildebrand, Mr. M. Farwell provided a high level overview of the staff presentation on the Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP). Mr. Farwell advised the report was well received and the questions and comments posed by Council indicated they were impressed with the work done to prepare the LFMP update. He noted that staff received positive feedback on the indoor / outdoor prioritized facilities listing and the recommendations on how to fit all projects into the Capital Forecast. Councillor S. Davey advised that, in his opinion, the support shown by Council was a testament to the process undertaken. No concerns were expressed regarding the prioritization listing as staff had provided all background information and rationale for the rankings on a city- wide basis. YOUTH FORUM 3. Mr. A. Rahimi stated he attended a Youth Forum held at City Hall on September 23, 2013. The Forum provided an opportunity for Grade 10 students to present ideas for changes in the City of Kitchener. He advised that he will prepare a summary of the day’s activities and circulate it to the Committee at a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT 4. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator