HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS-15-087 - Environmental Committee Work Plan (2015/2016)
REPORT TO: Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee
DATE OF MEETING: June 15, 2015
SUBMITTED BY: Environmental Committee
PREPARED BY: Dianna Saunderson, Committee Administrator, 519-741-2200 ext.
7277
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: May 25, 2015
REPORT NO.: FCS-15-087
SUBJECT: Environmental Committee Work Plan (2015/2016)
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RECOMMENDATION:
That the Environmental Committee Work Plan (2015/2016), as outlined in Finance
and Corporate Services Department report FCS-15-087, be approved.
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with the recommendations of the 2008 Advisory Committee Review, the
Environmental Committee, with the assistance of staff, were required to develop and implement
a work plan for the coming term. Accordingly, members were requested to provide suggestions
on the types of things that they would like to see the Environmental Committee accomplish in
the coming term. Staff then developed a draft Work Plan based on the Committee’s identified
goals, objectives.
REPORT:
At the February 19, 2015, meeting the members were encouraged to suggest items to be
included in the (2015/2016) Committee Work Plan. Members were reminded that each strategic
direction proposed for the new Work Plan should be linked to one or more of the themes
outlined in the City’s Strategic Plan for the Environment being:
1. Natural Heritage System Recreational Amenity Areas;
2. Water Resources;
3. Air Quality;
4. Land Resource Growth Management;
5. Energy Systems;
6. Resource Consumption Waste Management; and,
7. Environmental Education Public Awareness.
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Linking the Work Plan to the Strategic Plan for the Environment ensures that the actions
undertaken by the Committee are consistent with the City’s overall environmental objectives.
The Committee considered a draft Work Plan that included various initiatives, currently being
undertaken through sub-committees, as well as any items that report to the Committee annually
with proposed timelines for completion. Staff advised members that they may wish to propose
new initiatives and add them to the draft Work Plan for continuity. At the Committee’s 2015,
March and April meetings, members were provided an opportunity to brainstorm any new Work
Plan initiatives and receive clarification on the potential achievement of their proposed Work
Plan items. Staff suggested that the Committee could approve the Work Plan, with the intention
that it would be a living document that is updated throughout the term as new projects / ideas
are being undertaken by the Committee. The Work Plan could then be used to help keep
members up to date on all of the initiatives being completed, any sub-committees assigned to
those projects, including any timelines associated with action item. Several members spoke in
support of the document being a living document and it was accepted unanimously by all
members present.
The Committee at its May 21, 2015 approved the Work Plan has been attached to this report as
Appendix ‘A’ and the Environmental Committee is requesting Council’s endorsement of the
recommendation outlined herein.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Endorsing the Environmental Committee Work Plan 2015/2016 would align with the Strategic
Plan by enforcing the Committee’s role in supporting the City’s commitment to conserve, protect
and improve the environment, which has been identified as a Community Priority.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no financial implications associated with this report.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM – The draft Work Plan was included in the agenda package at every meeting since
February 2015 and reviewed. A summary of the discussion from those meetings have been
included in the minutes following each brainstorming session.
CONSULT – At the May 21, 2015 Environmental Committee meeting, the Chair informed all
those in attendance that any recommendation arising from the Committee would be considered
at the June 15, 2015 Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Dan Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance and Corporate Services
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Appendix A
Environmental Committee Work Plan
2015-2016
Recurs Annually
Discrete
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