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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-04 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 4, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Present: Mr. A. Bieronski – Chair Ms. D. Christiaen, Ms. J. Metzger, Ms. N. Bird, Ms. E. Clarke, Ms. L. Roberts and Messrs. W. Rahimi, D. McKlusky, J. Pelich, C. Letizi, C. Roy and M. Farwell. Staff: Mr. M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and Services Ms. D. Campbell, Manager, Community Resource Centres Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator FINALIZE WORK PLAN AND SUBCOMMITTEES 1. Mr. A. Bieronski advised today’s meeting will be the final opportunity for additional adjustments to the proposed 2015-2016 Committee work plan. Once finalized, the work plan will be presented to City Council for approval. Mr. M. Hildebrand commented on the sub-committees which were identified at the Committee’s last meeting and thanked members for committing to work on them. He questioned if any additional members wished to be added to a sub-committee. With no additions to the draft work plan circulated this date, staff advised a report will be tabled in August / September to request Council’s approval of the work plan. Moved by Ms. N. Bird – it was resolved: “That the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee Work Plan (2015- 2016), as outlined within the June 4, 2015 Committee Agenda, be approved.” Members of the Physical Environment and Safety Sub-committee have met with representatives of Waterloo Regional Police Service regarding the use of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) process when designing parks and other facilities, ensuring an improved feeling of safety. Mr. D. McKlusky stated City planning staff applies CPTED principles when reviewing all submitted development proposals. He suggested it may be beneficial to have a CPTED presentation for the Committee. The Sub-committee working to foster inclusion, participation and belonging for specific populations has held a preliminary meeting and discussed focussing efforts in the following areas: LGBTQ community, newcomers and persons with mental health or addictions issues. As there was some research conducted regarding these areas during the Committee’s last term, this research will be used as a starting point. Ms. J. Metzger advised she is involved with a working group formed to deal with crime and violence against the LGBTQ community and a summary community report will soon be available outlining all the work done to date as well as specific recommendations and calls to action. Ms. Metzger offered to provide the sub- committee with a copy. KITCHENER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (KEDS) 2. Mr. F. Sargeant, Brand and Marketing Associate, Economic Development Division, attended to conduct a consultation related to the refresh of the Kitchener Economic Development Strategy (KEDS). Mr. Sargeant advised Council had mandated the engagement of advisory committees in order to obtain input on the suggested areas of focus for the next four-year cycle of the Strategy. The Committee was advised that in addition to consultations with several advisory committees, consultations have also been held with various user groups and a public symposium had also occurred. Using a Powerpoint presentation, Mr. Sargeant provided background on the consultation process which has been titled ‘Ideas of the Brave’. Input received will be key to the development of a new strategy which, once approved by Council, will be used to guide the work of Economic Development staff for the remainder of the current Council term. Mr. Sargeant reviewed the various areas which fall under the umbrella of economic development, being: Industry and Innovation; Quality of Life; Creative Industries; and, City Building. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 4, 2015 - 14 - CITY OF KITCHENER KITCHENER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (KEDS) (CONT’D) 2. Members then participated in a facilitated session and provided input on the following questions: 1. What do you like best about Kitchener? 2. Think about the future of your profession/industry. What excites you? What worries you? 3. What is one idea that would solve an economic development issue in Kitchener? 4. Imagine a better Kitchener 10 years from now. What do you see? How do we get there? What could make the economy stronger? NEIGHBOURHOOD STRATEGY - UPDATE 3. Mr. A. Bieronski advised the first meeting of the Neighbourhood Strategy Project Team has occurred, noting that several members of this Committee were in attendance. The main goal of the inaugural meeting was for members to get acquainted and brainstorm ideas. In addition to that meeting, Mr. M. Farwell, Co-chair, met with the Executive Director of the United Way of KW & Area to discuss possible collaboration opportunities related to the Strategy. Members were reminded of the integral role the Committee will play in the development of the Neighbourhood Strategy, as regular presentations and updates will be included on monthly agendas, as required. PUBLICATIONS REVIEW - CONSULTATION 4. Mr. M. Hildebrand advised that staff are undertaking a review of several City publications and consulting with user groups on how each publication is received and used as well as what additional information or delivery method should also be considered. Publications being reviewed are: Your Kitchener – delivered as an insert in the Kitchener Citizen – 3 times per year; Leisure – includes all programming for pools, community centres and neighbourhood associations. Guide is delivered and is also available at city facilities; and, Best of Times – programming guide for older adults available at city facilities. Due to a shortage of time at today’s meeting, Mr. Hildebrand requested members complete the online consultation questionnaire (considering both personal input as well as input from the perspective of any organization they may represent). Information gathered via the consultation process will be reviewed for creative input on how the publications are pulled together and the information included therein. The Committee requested the online consultation link be forwarded to them. (https://kitchener.survey.esolutionsgroup.ca/takesurvey.aspx?surveyid=94mj8l8) AUGUST 6, 2015 COMMITTEE MEETING 5. Mr. A. Bieronski reminded members a decision was made at the last Committee meeting to cancel the regularly scheduled July 2015 meeting date. At this time and given that some advisory committees choose to cancel both summer meeting dates, Mr. Bieronski requested feedback on the need to meet in August. Mr. D. McKlusky suggested sub-committees could continue to work over the summer months, therefore, may not be necessary to meet as a full Committee until September. Additionally, as several members are involved with the Neighbourhood Strategy, this would allow for additional time for this work. By consensus, the Committee agreed to cancel the August, 2015 meeting. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 4, 2015 - 15 - CITY OF KITCHENER ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator