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ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:03 p.m.
Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair
Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. E. Donaher, Ms. K. Milicic and Mr. G. Zador
Staff: B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator
RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (REEP) GREEN SOLUTIONS 2015
1.
FUNDING REQUEST
Ms. E. Donaher declared a pecuniary interest as she is employed by Residential Energy
Efficiency Project (REEP) Green Solutions; and accordingly, she did not take part in any
discussion or voting regarding this matter.
The Committee considered a request from Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP)
Green Solutions, dated September 3, 2014, for a grant in the amount of $27,500.
Councillor Y. Fernandes entered the meeting at this time.
Ms. Mary Jane Patterson, Executive Director, and Mr. Dave Blake, Business Development
Manager of REEP, reviewed REEP’s achievements in 2013/2014 and their goals for 2015,
stating that the grant request of $27,500. would represent the City of Kitchener’s contribution to
REEP’s 2015 core operating budget. Ms. Patterson stated that REEP continues to work
towards healthier homes and sustainable communities, with a mandate to go beyond home
energy evaluations into a broader environmental programming based on community needs.
Mr. Blake noted that REEP is engaged in the following programs: REEP House for
Sustainable Living; ClimateAction WR plan; RAIN: an ecological approach to stormwater
management; Home Energy Efficiency; REEP Corporate Partnership Program to help
employees of organizations live more sustainably; and, the Home Assistance Program geared
towards energy poverty and electricity conservation.
The Committee was advised that any recommendation arising from this matter would be
considered at the November 10, 2014 Finance & Corporate Services Committee meeting.
On motion by Mr. G. Zador -
it was resolved:
"That subject to the 2015 budget deliberations, $27,500., be allocated to the Residential
Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), as part of the Environmental Committee’s 2015
operating budget."
2014 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (CEIG) PROGRAM
2.
REVIEW
The Committee considered a memorandum, dated September 4, 2014, regarding the 2014
Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG) process and the appointment of the
2014 CEIG Sub-committee.
Ms. B. Steiner reviewed the memorandum, noting that the 2014 CEIG application deadline is
Tuesday October 14, 2014. She noted that the ‘application’ and ‘Score Sheet’ will be emailed
to the Committee members on Wednesday October 15, 2014 and the members are required to
return the completed ‘Score Sheet’ to Carrie Musselman via email at
carrie.musselman@kitchener.ca no later than October 22, 2014. Ms. Steiner stated that the
CEIG Sub-committee will be requested to participate in a teleconference to review the
compiled ‘Score Sheets’ and prepare a draft recommendation.
Ms. Steiner advised that the Sub-committee will be requested to bring forward their
recommendations at the November 20, 2014 Environmental Committee meeting.
Ms. S. Danckert opened the floor to volunteers, and it was agreed that the following members
would comprise the CEIG Sub-committee: Ms. S. Danckert and Ms. E. Donaher.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 - 15 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2014 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (CEIG) PROGRAM
2.
REVIEW (CONT’D)
Ms. Steiner agreed to follow up with the Committee members not in attendance this date to
inquire if anyone other members would be interested in volunteering on the CEIG Sub-
committee.
DISCUSSION - 2006-2014 BEST BETS AUDIT
3.
The Committee was in receipt this date of draft information materials entitled ‘Air Quality 2006
and 2010 - Best Bet Audit - Where are they now?’, summarizing the remaining Best Bets from
the 2006 and 2010 Citizens for Air Quality in Kitchener reports.
Ms. B. Steiner presented an overview of the information materials, stating that there are two
charts which include the recommendations contained within the 2006 and 2010 Air Quality in
Kitchener reports. She advised that she has summarized the remaining Best Bets into three
categories: other orders of government; public awareness items; and, items that the
Committee could continue to be involved.
Ms. Steiner led the members through a review of the outstanding action items and the category
which they were assigned. She then requested feedback on whether the actions were
categorized appropriately and for the Committee to determine if the action item requires the
future involvement of the Committee.
The Committee expressed support for the three categories used to define the outstanding
action items from the 2010 Air Quality in Kitchener report, noting there were items that the
Committee could see their participation in.
Ms. S. Dankert questioned if the Committee should monitor the status of the Best Bets and
include this project as part of the final recommendation for the Best Bets. Ms. Steiner
responded that a final report summarizing the overall status of the Air Quality in Kitchener
Report would be brought forward at the November 20, 2014 Environmental Committee
meeting. She further advised that if any additional work is required by the Committee
members, she may request an Air Quality in Kitchener Sub-committee be created via email to
assist in that work, prior to the November meeting.
2014-2016 ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER APPLICATION INFORMATION
4.
Ms. D. Saunderson advised any Committee members interested in re-applying for the
Environmental Committee need to complete the online application form located on the City’s
website at www.kitchener.ca/citzencommittees, as per the information material attached to the
agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
5.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
Dianna Saunderson
Committee Administrator