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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-06 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 6, 2014 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Present: Mr. D. McKlusky, Vice-Chair Councillors S. Davey and P. Singh, Ms. N. Bird, Ms. E. Clarke, Ms. J. Metzger, Ms. K. Porritt, Ms. D. Chapman and Messrs. P. Doherty, S. Grande, A. Rahimi, M. Farwell, C. Roy and B. Sheehan. Staff: Mr. M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and Services Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator NEIGHBOURHOOD MATCHING FUNDS GRANT 1. Mr. M. Hildebrand advised an application was submitted by the Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association for funding under the Neighbourhood Matching Funds Grant (NMFG). The project is a public art installation entitled ‘Tessellation Garden’ and will be situated on a building wall near the intersection of Park and Agnes Streets: the funding request was for the maximum of $5,000. The NMFG Review Committee assessed the application and approved full funding contingent upon the Neighbourhood Association finalizing other pending sponsorships as outlined in their submission. The Review Committee will grant half of the funding now with the final installment to be released once sponsorship funding has been confirmed. INCLUSION / BELONGING GRANT SUB-COMMITTEE 2. Ms. N. Bird circulated a chart summarizing additional applications received for the Committee’s Inclusion / Belonging Grant. The summary outlined: Name of the group/organization; project name and description; requested grant amount; comments of the review sub-committee; and, recommended funding amount. The summary included additional information requested following the submission of a previously incomplete application. Ms. Bird advised the sub-committee had reviewed the three applications received against the approved grant criteria; all requests totalled $5,800. An overview of each submission was provided explaining the rationale behind the sub-committee’s recommendations. Total funding of $3,800. is being recommended for two of the three applications. Ms. Bird opened the floor for any questions from the Committee and asked for approval of the recommended grants. With regard to the application for a music night event, Councillor P. Singh expressed concerns regarding the capacity of the home where the event is to be held and the provision of liability insurance to cover any issues which may arise. Ms. Bird noted the sub-committee had similar concerns but was able to confirm with the organizers that sufficient insurance is in place. The sub-committee felt the application from the Active Vision Charity Association to hold a face painting event did not fit the grant’s criteria based on the information provided. It did feel that the event has potential to grow and fit the criteria more fully; however, a recommendation of non-approval was being suggestion at this time. Lastly, the sub-committee is recommending support of the ‘Brunch and Chat Motivational Tea Party’ event submitted by the ‘Women Empowering Women’ group. It was noted this group is based in the same geographical area as a group previously awarded a grant; however, targets a different audience, being women new to Canada who are experiencing isolation, unemployment, culture shock, etc. In response to a caution of awarding a second grant to the same neighbourhood area, Councillor P. Singh spoke in support of the grant application noting that while the area is small geographically, it is very high density with many different cultures and demographics. He felt that events of this nature would be very beneficial for residents. The Committee was advised that, if both grants being recommended this date are approved, approximately $12,000. would remain in the fund for use in 2015. Mr. D. McKlusky requested that information on the Inclusion / Belonging Grant as well as the City’s new Neighbourhood Matching Funds Grant be made available at the upcoming Neighbourhood Association Summit. Mr. M. Hildebrand agreed to have information on both grants available at the Summit. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 6, 2014 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER INCLUSION / BELONGING GRANT SUB-COMMITTEE (CONT’D) 2. On motion by Mr. B. Sheehan it was resolved: “That the following Inclusion / Belonging Grant application be approved: Music Night event - $1,800.” On motion by Mr. P. Doherty it was resolved: “That the following Inclusion/Belonging Grant application be approved: Women Empowering Women – Brunch and Chat Motivational Tea Party - $2,000.” The Committee then held a roundtable discussion on the grant criteria as it currently exists and possible changes that could be considered after the grant has been in place for a one-year period (approximately May 2015). The following points were raised for consideration at that time: Non-alcoholic events; Child-friendly events; Events which are location based; Request that a budget for events be submitted with the debrief document; include statistics on the number of people impacted by event; Formal follow-up to event to ensure that debrief document is submitted (consider staff sending out follow-up email to group). Councillor S. Davey recommended the Committee ensure the grant process achieves a balance between accountability for the funds allotted and a follow-up process that is formal enough in structure to ensure information is received back from each group / organization, but not a deterrent. Mr. M. Hildebrand stated staff are planning on following up on each of the approved grants. He further commented that one of the mandates of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee was to investigate methods to reach out into the community and, in his opinion, this grant was an excellent tool to accomplish that and is leveraging the resources of the Committee to make a notable impact in the community. JOINT MUNICIPAL SAFE & HEALTHY FORUM – UPDATE 3. Ms. J. Metzger advised the organizing committee continues to meet to finalize plans for the th November 18 forum. She noted registration has been very positive and acknowledged opportunities may arise from the forum’s discussions which could feed the advisory committee’s next work plan. 2013-2014 WORK PLAN 4. Mr. M. Hildebrand provided a brief overview of the Committee’s term and acknowledged the good work which resulted from various discussions and the actions of members. He spoke of the significant work accomplished and noted this work will assist in setting some direction for the future. He commended the thoughtful discussions that occurred and thanked all members for their contribution over the past 21 months. Mr. Hildebrand then reviewed the 2013-2014 work plan as attached to the agenda and commented on those items which are considered as ‘ongoing’ and will form the starting point of the next work plan. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 6, 2014 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER OTHER BUSINESS 5. Mr. P. Doherty provided information regarding a recently held fundraising hockey tournament, benefitting homeless individuals in our community. He announced that $80,000 had been raised at the inaugural tournament, toward a three-year commitment of $200,000 with the next tournament is scheduled for April 2016. Mr. D. McKlusky extended the thanks of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee to Mr. P. Doherty who is concluding his long-standing service on the committee at today’s meeting. ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator