Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-17 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:02 p.m. Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. C. Gaetani, Ms. T. Belanger, Ms. E. Skopec, Ms. A. Bumbacco, Ms. A. MacKinnon and Ms. K. Milicic, Messrs. J. Johnson and S. Bongellli Staff: H. Gross, Director, Engineering Services B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner L. Cooper, Manager, Development Engineering N. Gollan, Manager, Stormwater Utility M. Wilson, Design & Construction Project Manager L. Costa, Project Manager Development Engineering D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator WELCOME AND COMMITTEE MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS 1. Ms. S. Danckert introduced the new members, Ms. Erika Skopec, Mr. Steve Bongelli and Ms. Amy Bumbacco, to the Committee. Each member was then requested to introduce themselves and state their interest in participating with the Committee. Councillor Y. Fernandes addressed the Committee regarding adoption of the Minutes of Last Meeting. As formal adoption of the Minutes is not required in the capacity of an advisory committee to Council, it was suggested that any comments regarding the Minutes could be directed to the Committee Administrator. Councillor Fernandes agreed to follow up with Committee Chair Ms. S. Danckert. RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM (REEP) GREEN SOLUTIONS 2016 2. FUNDING REQUEST The Committee considered a request from Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP) Green Solutions, dated September 3, 2015, for a grant in the amount of $30,000. Ms. Mary Jane Patterson, Executive Director, and Mr. Dave Blake, Business Development Manager of REEP, reviewed REEP’s achievements in 2014/2015 and their goals for 2016, stating that the grant request of $30,000. would represent the City of Kitchener’s contribution to REEP’s 2016 Core Operating Budget. Ms. Patterson addressed the Committee, advising that consistent support from core funders makes it possible to sustain the organization and bring forward innovative programs such as the new Home Energy Catalyst program, which is a collaborative approach to changing the housing stock in Waterloo Region. She then acknowledged the City of Kitchener’s new Strategic Plan, stating that the REEP House for Sustainable Living helps implement the Plan in the following areas of focus: Water Resources; Air Quality; Energy; and, Environmental Education and Public Awareness. Ms. B. Steiner advised the Committee that the request is being considered by this Committee as the funding allocation is provided through the Environmental Committee Budget. Ms. D. Livingstone advised that the current funding allocation is $27,500. and that any increase would be subject to budget deliberations as the Legislated Services Divisional Budget does not have capacity to accommodate any expenditure beyond this amount. She indicated that any recommendation for additional funding would need to be considered by Council as an over expenditure. The Committee expressed general support for the request for the additional funding of $2,500. over the annual contribution from the City of $27,500. since 2011. Members indicated that core funding for the organization is essential to ensure the continued operation. Mr. J. Jackson indicated the critical nature of the funding and advised the motion of support should strongly emphasize REEP’s contribution to the community and approve the incremental increase. The Committee was advised that any recommendation arising from this matter would be considered at the October 19, 2015 Finance & Corporate Services Committee meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM (REEP) GREEN SOLUTIONS 2016 2. FUNDING REQUEST (CONT’D) On motion by Mr. J. Jackson - it was resolved: "WHEREAS the City of Kitchener has provided annual core funding for Waterloo Region Green Solutions, Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP) since 2000; and, WHEREAS the work that REEP does is valuable to the citizens of Kitchener; WHEREAS core funding for registered charities and social enterprises such as REEP is critical to such organizations’ survival; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that subject to the 2016 budget deliberations, $30,000. be allocated to the Waterloo Region Green Solutions, Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), as part of the Environmental Committee’s 2016 Operating Budget." SCHEDULE “B” CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) - BALZER CREEK 3. The Committee considered Class Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design for Balzer Creek presented by Mr. M. Wilson. Mr. Wilson gave a summary of the information presented at the Public Information Centre held on September 2, 2015 and advised of the next steps in the process. The Committee was requested to provide feedback on the following questions: i) Is the Committee in agreement with the preferred alternative for each stream reach? The Committee was generally in agreement with the preferred alternative for each stream reach. It was agreed that a preventative approach would be included in the recommendations going forward into the finalization of the EA Report. ii) Does the Committee agree with all the features that will be implemented as part of each preferred alternative? The Committee agreed with the features that will be implemented as part of each preferred alternative. In response to questions, Mr. N. Gollan confirmed that the bridge in Reach 3 would remain, as the channel will be redesigned and the flow redirected so as to not impact the footings. iii) Are there are recommendations from the Committee to be incorporated into the finalization of the EA Report? It was noted that each preferred alternative should have a preventative approach included that would address the prevention of future migration of the stream. The Committee indicated the desire to have an update on the project prior to construction. It was also suggested that an organization, such as Waterloo Region Green Solutions (REEP) could be asked to complete an assessment during the construction phase. Mr. Wilson advised that the finalized EA report would be presented to the Community and th Infrastructure Services Committee on October 19 and to Council on October 26, 2015. OLD MILL SANITARY SEWER PUMPING STATION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 4. (EA) The Committee considered a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Old Mill Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station presented by Mr. L. Costa. Mr. Costa gave an overview of the project, advising the current Old Mill Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station cannot meet the projected increase in flow capacity resulting from significant growth and requires an upgrade. He explained that the existing station has operational deficiencies, and does not meet legislative requirements to prevent spills to the Grand River and Schneider Creek. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER OLD MILL SANITARY SEWER PUMPING STATION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 4. (EA) (CONT’D) The Committee was asked to give feedback to the following questions: i) Does the Committee have any additional alternatives for consideration for the location of the pumping station other than those presented? A discussion took place regarding the size of the land required for the pumping station and if any of the proposed alternative locations would impact parkland. Mr. H. Gross indicated that the facility would require approximately 2 residential-sized lots in order to accommodate the underground storage, building and driveway. He stated it would not be overly impactful to existing parks and noted that staff would ensure an enticing recreational space for the public. Ms. L. Cooper elaborated, stating that the upgrade is fully funded by Development Charges and noted that if Option 1 is preferred, the park would be relocated with an equal or better park in the vicinity. ii) Assuming the existing pumping station had to be decommissioned, what would the vision for the property be? The Committee generally agreed that as the area of the land is small and irregular, a vista look-out with a bench to preserve the heritage view would be favourable. In addition, staff agreed to examine the potential of installing a trail near the Old Mill ruins to connect the existing trail. STORMWATER MASTER PLAN – PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAC) UPDATE 5. Mr. J. Johnson provided an update on the Stormwater Master Plan – Public Advisory. He reviewed the Response Form for the Class Environmental Assessment City of Kitchener Integrated Stormwater Management Master Plan, highlighting his comments regarding the Project to date. In addition, the Committee requested that the preliminary recommendations come forward as a pending agenda item for consideration at a later date. COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (CEIG) PROGRAM 6. The Committee was in receipt this date of a brochure related to the Community Environmental Improvement Grant (CEIG) Program. Ms. B. Steiner addressed the Committee regarding the Program, stating that the Program awards $5000. for environmental projects and is targeted at clubs or neighbourhood associations that engage in environmental stewardship activities. She noted that the application deadline is October 14, 2015. In addition, Ms. Steiner noted that the recipients of last year’s grant would be providing feedback at the October meeting of the Environmental Committee. ADJOURNMENT 7. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Daphne Livingstone Committee Administrator