HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil - 2014-04-14 S
SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 14, 2014 CITY OF KITCHENER
A special meeting of City Council was held at 2:00 p.m. this date, chaired by Mayor C. Zehr with all
members present except Councillor J. Gazzola.
Notice of this meeting had been previously given to all members of Council by the City Clerk pursuant
to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code.
1. STRATEGIC SESSION
a. Strategic Plan Community Engagement Strategy
Council considered Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-14-010 (L. Majcher), dated April 9, 2014,
concerning a Strategic Plan Community Engagement Strategy. In addition, Council was in receipt
this date of a revised listing of dates and locations of events for open houses, community workshops
and themed community workshops.
Mr. J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer, provided introductory comments regarding the community
engagement campaign, branded “Your Kitchener Your Say”, indicating the initiative follows the
Environics Survey conducted in 2013 and is a strategy to form the priorities for the new strategic plan.
Ms. L. Majcher,Manager Strategy & Business Planning, and Mr. Theron Kramer, Compass
Kitchener, presented the report advising that citizens are invited to participate in a community
engagement campaign commencing on April 24, 2014. Mr. Kramer gave context to the initiative
advising of the mandate of Compass Kitchener and explained that formulating the priorities of the
community is integral to the development of the strategic plan and builds on the existing ‘A Plan for
Healthy Kitchener’. He explained the Environics Survey compiled quantitative research and the
community engagement strategy will gather qualitative data for use in developing the strategic plan.
Ms. Majcher identified the components of the community engagement strategy advising that
promotional activities will initiate the process followed by engagement activities that will compile
information. She reviewed the background and context of the campaign and detailed the
opportunities to participate in open houses, community workshops and themed community workshops
throughout the city which are scheduled to take place during the period of April to June 2014. She
indicated all of the input received during the community engagement process will be compiled and
reviewed by Compass Kitchener with staff support for a report on Community Priorities and Strategic
Directions to be presented for Council consideration in September, 2014.
Members of Council expressed concern the proposed locations listed for engagement were
centralized in the downtown area and offered at the Kitchener Market more than once. Ms. Majcher
responded that promotion of the engagement activities is offered prior to the community workshops at
the Kitchener Market or highly frequented locations in order to effectively promote the engagement
strategy.
It was suggested the addresses and postal codes of citizens participating in the engagement activities
be collected to determine trends in engagement and location distribution of participants.
With regard to timing and locations of themed community workshops, members questioned the
exclusive use of City facilities as venues and indicated the suggested times seemed restrictive to
those citizens who work during business hours. In response, Mr. Kramer pointed out that volunteer
resources are required to facilitate and administer the workshops and the cost of utilizing venues
outside of City facilities would be prohibitive which has resulted in determining the suggested
locations and times for the engagement activities.
Members referred to the Open House format of the campaign, noting an information display station
will be exhibited for each strategic theme, and stated the relative cost and budgetary considerations
on the displays would be helpful for participants to understand the financial context of each project
and initiative.
Discussion took place regarding the role of Councillors in the promotion of the engagement
campaign. Mr. J. Willmer indicated that promoting the engagement activities through Twitter or social
media could be re-examined; however, it was determined by consensus that members would not
participate or be involved in the “Your Kitchener Your Say” campaign as it could be perceived to be
associated with the 2014 municipal election.
SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 14, 2014 - 76 -CITY OF KITCHENER
Council generally expressed support for the “Your Kitchener Your Say” community engagement
strategy and conveyed appreciation to Compass Kitchener for the development of the program and
their work to date.
2. IN-CAMERA MEETING AUTHORIZATION
Moved by Councillor B. Ioannidis
Seconded by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock
“That an in-camera meeting of City Council be held this date to consider a land acquisition /
disposition matter and a litigation / potential litigation matter which is also subject to solicitor-client
privilege and a matter subject to solicitor-client privilege.”
Carried.
On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:17 p.m.
MAYOR CLERK