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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-06 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2014 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. A. Bieronski, Chair Councillors S. Davey and P. Singh, Ms. E. Clarke, Ms. K. Porritt and Messrs. P. Doherty, D. McKlusky, B. Sheehan and M. Farwell. Staff: Mr. M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs & Services Ms. D. Campbell, Manager of Community Resource Centres Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator FINAL REPORT OF INCLUSION SUB-COMMITTEE 1. Mr. P. Doherty reviewed the final report of the Inclusion Sub-committee, noting that additional information obtained from the LGBTQ community has been included since the last report. He briefly described the sub-committee’s purpose and methodology to gather feedback from eight different community groups. In reviewing the list of identified hardships, Mr. Doherty noted there were far too many to be acted upon; however, it was noted that a majority of the interviewed groups were looking for community space to hold meetings or events. He then highlighted the suggested actions listed and advised that, in his opinion, the best solution would be to find available space for groups to meet and encourage them to become involved in the community. In response to a question from Councillor P. Singh, Mr. Doherty advised that specific questions concerning the groups’ interactions with City staff and community centres were not asked during the information gathering sessions. Using the segue of connectedness with community centres, Mr. Hildebrand suggested members consider, at a higher level, the feedback provided, and look at how to build bridges to engagement that will facilitate more groups becoming involved in the life of the community. This could be more fully developed during the pending Terms of Reference review. Ms. D. Campbell advised that community centre staff is very aware of different ethnic groups and their locations within the community. Councillor S. Davey suggested a more targeted approach be considered for getting the word out about services currently offered at community centres, which could also encourage more involvement by those citizens who are feeling excluded or disengaged. The Committee agreed that City staff need to be constantly reflecting on how the community is changing to ensure that our programs and services match those changing needs. REVIEW OF COMMON THEMES IN SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS 2. Mr. M. Hildebrand circulated a summary of common themes derived from the sub-committee reports on neighbourhood associations and inclusion. Several members of the Committee were tasked with reviewing the major points in both reports and identifying common or emerging themes. These themes will be used to provide foundational concepts for the pending Terms of Reference review. Mr. Hildebrand advised that similar points / concerns / ideas were grouped together to help categorize them into themes. He noted that, in keeping with the mandate of the Committee, a healthy community lens was also used as part of the group’s review. Identified themes are as follows: Building bridges to engagement; Inclusion and belonging; Neighbourhood facilities and spaces; Community safety; Capacity building and empowerment; and, Programs and services. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2014 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER REVIEW OF COMMON THEMES IN SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONT’D) 2. Given the large number of potential action items in each category, Councillor S. Davey strongly urged the Committee to focus on only a few items at a time and to also consider how to make the biggest impact possible, with the current available resources. In response to this concern, Mr. M. Hildebrand advised that the summary listing was meant to provide an understanding of those items which require focus. It was suggested that the Committee look strategically at how to address these issues and possibly consider providing funds to take some action and / or develop a strategy to solve an identified need. A question was raised regarding identified issues which do not fall under the City’s jurisdiction and whether this Committee could be at the table if / when discussions are held regarding possible solutions. Mr. M. Hildebrand then circulated draft wording for some portions of the Terms of Reference. He advised that all Terms of Reference are Council policies and follow an identical template in terms of layout and general content. Some areas are not open to revision (e.g. quorum); however, the following areas can be revised by the Committee: 1) purpose and scope, 2) responsibilities and 3) composition. The proposed wording for scope and responsibility was based on the common themes. Members provided some preliminary feedback which will be incorporated into a formal draft, and considered at the March 2014 meeting. Once the Terms are finalized and approved by Council, they will provide more context to the Committee’s mandate and will help identify actions to be added to the ongoing work plan. REVIEW OF CITY OF KITCHENER GRANTS 3. In order to provide the Committee with a good understanding of current funding available through the City of Kitchener in advance of a discussion on the possible utilization of its own available funds as grants, Ms. D. Campbell circulated a document summarizing the various community investment grants available which provide funding and support for programs and opportunities benefitting residents. In total, there are 14 different investment grants, each with its own governing policy and accountability structure. General community grants are grouped in a three-tiered structure. The purpose of these grants is to assist in the provision of community programs and services while allowing for volunteer contribution and encouraging community engagement. This combination of effort results in the provision of a greater range of services than a municipality could provide on its own. Tier 1 grants – foundational or core services considered to be essential to the health and vibrancy of the community, provided by longstanding, credible organizations. Funding support is confirmed in multi-year operating agreements; Tier 2 grants – projects or programs selected for funding support based on Council’s strategic priorities through an annual peer review process. Funding can be considered for equipment (with life cycle of three years or less). Average grant is between $4-5,000. Tier 3 grants – innovative projects requiring seed funding. Projects are collaborative with other funders in the community. May not be granted annually. Mr. M. Hildebrand noted that, as Tier 3 funding is generally under-utilized, staff is working on a report to be presented to Council that will suggest changes to the current application criteria. In addition, staff is developing a matching funds grant for Council’s consideration in March 2014. Ms. D. Campbell briefly reviewed other types of community grants and their criteria, being: Travel Assistance Grants; In-kind Facility Grants; Community Garden Grants; Community Development Infrastructure Grants; Youth Recreation Grants; Neighbourhood Association Program Grants; SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2014 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER REVIEW OF CITY OF KITCHENER GRANTS (CONT’D) 3. Community Environmental Improvement Grants; Economic Development Grants; and, Emergency Grants. Members requested clarification on how neighbourhood associations (NAs) raise funds and pay for program expenses. Ms. Campbell confirmed that community centres are available to them at no cost. Mr. A. Bieronski inquired if any gaps in the current funding structure had been identified which could be considered by the Committee. Mr. Hildebrand confirmed that the proposed matching grant fund is a potential solution to an identified gap. He further pointed out that no grants are currently available for capital costs, with the exception of one grant associated with the annual Festival of Neighbourhoods event. This annual grant is valued at $10,000 and is awarded to one participating neighbourhood to use towards a capital project in their neighbourhood. It is staff’s opinion that this grant is no longer sufficient to fund a capital project, and may require NAs to fundraise additional monies to cover project costs. Staff may propose that this grant be raised to $20,000 and funds from the current Tier 3 grants could be reallocated toward this use. Councillor S. Davey suggested that if the Committee considers becoming a granting body, all applications for funding be vetted through City staff to ensure that the applicant organization does not qualify for any other available municipal funding. If there are no matches, then the application could be forwarded to the Committee for consideration. Councillor P. Singh commented that there is sometimes a lack of communication regarding the various grants available and that by increasing the knowledge of citizens, more funding requests may be received. Given the information provided to the Committee and the options available, Mr. M. Hildebrand suggested two courses of action as possible next steps: a facilitated discussion on potential uses of the Committee’s funds; or, the establishment of a sub-committee to consider options and report back to the full membership. The Committee agreed on establishing a sub-committee and Mr. D. McKlusky, Mr. A. Bieronski and Ms. E. Clarke volunteered to participate. It was suggested that Ms. N. Bird also be invited to join. Ms. D. Campbell will act as staff support. ADJOURNMENT 4. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator