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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-07 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 7, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Present: Ms. E. Clarke, Chair Councillor S. Davey, Ms. K. Porritt, Ms. J. Metzger, Ms. D. Christiaen, Ms. N. Bird and Messrs. P. Doherty, D. McKlusky, A. Bieronski, B. Sheehan and I. Todorovic. Staff: Mr. M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs & Services Ms. D. Campbell, Manager, Community Resource Centres Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator INFORMATION PRESENTATION - OUR COMMON GROUND PROJECT 1. Mr. Brandon Spunar provided information on the ‘Our Common Ground’ (OCG) Project which works towards connecting people’s strengths and passions with opportunities to utilize them within their community. OCG started approximately five years ago and is currently regionally funded through the House of Friendship; however, as participation in the project has grown exponentially, Mr. Spunar is seeking to raise funds to pay for a website which will make it easier for people to connect. It was noted that OCG leaves it up to individuals on how to make use of the connections available. Members viewed a promotional video which provided examples of linkages which have already been made. In response to questions provided by the Committee, Mr. Spunar noted there have been many favourable comments from both individuals and organizations involved with the Project. The Committee made several suggestions on community resources which Mr. Spunar could investigate in his efforts to raise funds. WORK PLAN 2. Members of the Neighbourhood Associations (NA) / Forum Sub-committee reported on additional meetings held with various NAs and the common issues being raised across the community, being: traffic concerns, lack of meeting space, lack of new members and communicating with residents. In preparation for the Sub-committee’s participation at the NA Summit scheduled for the latter part of November, Mr. A. Bieronski displayed a summary of responses to the online questionnaire submitted by 12 NAs. It is anticipated that approximately 7-8 NAs are planning on completing the questionnaire in the near future. In reviewing responses, it was noted that the commonalities noted from one-on-one interviews with NAs members were also reflected in the written comments. With regard to the comments made concerning a lack of meeting space, Ms. D. Campbell advised that staff are working with some NAs to accommodate needs and, in some cases, are combining the needs of adjacent associations, if possible. The NA Sub-committee will meet in advance of the Summit to review information already received and to finalize questions to be asked during the table talk portion of the evening. Mr. M. Hildebrand reminded members to give thought to how to use information gathered to help with setting direction for the entire Committee and to also inform the pending Terms of Reference review. The NA Sub-committee will compile information gathered via the survey responses and the table talks, and present this at the December meeting to kick start a discussion on actionable items that relate to a safe and healthy community for consideration. Councillor S. Davey requested that the survey responses be circulated to all Committee members for their review. It was noted that the names of the responding organizations should be removed prior to circulation. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 7, 2013 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER WORK PLAN (CONT’D) 2. Ms. D. Campbell requested that the NA Sub-committee confirm their approach for the table talks within a week as staff is setting the agenda for the Summit. Mr. D. McKlusky will connect with Ms. Campbell on behalf of the Sub-committee. It was recommended that a staff person also be present with Sub-committee members in order to facilitate, if required. On behalf of the Inclusion Sub-committee, Mr. P. Doherty advised that members have met with a total of eight group representatives and are preparing a summary report of recommendations for presentation and discussion at the Committee’s December meeting. He noted that many of the requests made relate to matters under regional or provincial jurisdiction. On behalf of the Joint Meeting Sub-committee, Ms. J. Metzger advised that an inaugural meeting had been held where general information was shared about each community’s neighbourhood models / structures and relationship with its municipalities. Identified next steps are: learning about different neighbourhood models and the philosophies behind them; studying best practices; confirming the definition of what a safe and healthy community means; and, understanding possible supports that are available. She advised that a second meeting has been scheduled for the end of November where information from the NA Summit will be studied. In addition, representatives from Cambridge and Waterloo will also be providing information to be reviewed and a decision made around what, if anything, can be accomplished by bringing the three groups together in a formal setting. Ms. Metzger noted that any collaboration stemming from these groups joining forces may be more policy based rather than actionable as it appears that only Kitchener has funds at its disposal. GRANT REVIEW PROCESS 3. Mr. M. Hildebrand reminded Committee members that a discussion concerning the possible establishment of a granting process is listed on the work plan for the Fall of 2013. He suggested that members consider whether a sub-committee should be struck to begin this work, or if an open discussion with the full Committee should be included on an upcoming agenda. He further advised that the funds allotted to the Committee are capital funds, so they do not disappear at the end of the year but rather rollover into 2014. Members provided general comments as follows: Be flexible on how to use funds; consider a larger project rather than several smaller ones; Consider making recommendations to Council on smaller projects to be funded; Use funds to build capacity for various groups; Establish a list of priorities and areas of focus; Consider only matters that are unique and focus on the safe and healthy mandate of the Committee; Consider the idea of matching funds; and, Consider whether to be reactive or pro-active. Councillor S. Davey suggested waiting to hear the results of the NA Summit information gathering prior to making a decision on how to use available funds, as some actionable ideas may be very obvious. It was generally agreed that discussion on this issue could begin at the December meeting in conjunction with the final report of the NA Sub-committee and be added to the January meeting agenda for targeted discussions surrounding the establishment of a grant review process. ADJOURNMENT 4. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator