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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-19 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 19, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:02 p.m. Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair Councillor Y. Fernandes, Messrs J. Jackson, S. Bongelli and Ms. T. Belanger, Ms. C. Gaetani and K. Milicic. Staff: H. Gross, Director, Engineering N. Gollan, Manager, Storm Water Utility B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator NEIGHBOURHOOD STRATEGY - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 1. The Committee considered a memorandum and corresponding information materials entitled ‘Neighbourhood Strategy Engagement Process’, dated May 4, 2016, regarding the development of Kitchener’s first Neighbourhood Strategy. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled ‘City of Kitchener: Neighbourhood Strategy’, dated May 19, 2016. Ms. M. Drake provided an overview of the Neighbourhood Strategy, noting from now until August 2016, Neighbourhood Strategy staff and Project team members would be engaging the community to gain ideas for planning, building and supporting safe and thriving neighbourhoods to inform the development of the Strategy. She noted there are a number of ways staff are engaging the public, including: creative; conversational; and, online engagement. Ms. Drake provided an overview on each of the engagement types. She then led the Committee in a street team-type exercise where members were requested to pair up to interview each other, noting the responses received will be used in the development of the Strategy. Ms. Drake further advised that following the community engagement process, it is anticipated staff will bring forward a draft of the Strategy for the Committee’s consideration in Fall 2016. She noted anyone seeking additional information on the development of the Strategy could visit www.kitchener.ca/lovemyhood. Councillor Y. Fernandes entered the meeting at this time. INS-16-046 - STORMWATER MASTER PLAN FINAL REPORT 2. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-031, dated May 5, 2016, regarding the Integrated Stormwater Management Master Plan (ISWM-MP) final report, including various alternatives, evaluation criteria and recommended approaches for the six stormwater management program elements identified in the Master Plan. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation entitled ‘City of Kitchener - Integrated Stormwater Management Master Plan (ISWM-MP)’, dated May 19, 2016. Mr. N. Gollan provided a brief introduction to the ISWM-MP, advising that staff were in attendance this date to receive feedback from the Committee on the final Report, noting staff were hoping to receive endorsement on the recommendation as outlined in Report INS-16- 031. He indicated staff will be bringing forward the final Report on the ISWM-MP to the May 30, 2016 Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting and would like to include the Committee’s endorsement of the Plan as part of that Report. Mr. C. Denich, Aquafor Beech Ltd. presented the Report and provided an overview of the Study process, indicating the ISWM-MP will be replacing the current 2001 Stormwater Management Policy Development Study. He stated the Master Plan is a long-term planning document which follows Approach #2 of the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process (2011), fulfills Schedule A, A+ and B projects and identifies Schedule C projects for future studies. He indicated the Plan is intended to identify opportunities in a proactive nature, addressing stormwater management issues before they become a problem. He noted the document will help the City to establish guidelines and policies for the next 15 years. Mr. Denich provided an overview of the study goals and objectives of the existing stormwater conditions as well as the six management program elements: Pollution Prevention, Municipal ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 19, 2016 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-16-046 - STORMWATER MASTER PLAN FINAL REPORT (CONT’D) 2. Management & Operational Practices; Market Based Strategies for Private Property (source controls); Stormwater for the Capital Roads Program (conveyance controls); Stormwater Management Facilities; Watercourse and Erosion Restoration, and, Urban Flood Management & Stormwater Infrastructure. Mr. Denich provided a summary of the six elements and members were invited to ask questions and provide feedback throughout the presentation on each of the six elements. Questions were raised regarding culverts in the City currently without stormwater controls and whether those that have direct outlets into the Grand River were ranked higher on the priority list for stormwater management. Mr. N. Gollan advised that as part of Study process there was a review of currently existing conditions, and it has been identified that only 25% of the City currently has stormwater management controls in place. He indicated the Plan helps to prioritize the areas of the City where maximum benefits could be achieved to address the 75% of the City currently not having controls in place. He noted a number of factors are taken into consideration when establishing priority rankings for stormwater management projects. He stated as an example, if there is already a capital project scheduled, combining efforts by including the installation of stormwater controls in conjunction with another project may be beneficial. Mr. Gollan further advised the Master Plan is a proactive document and, as in the case of the recent oil spill into the Grand River, a response to such an incident is a reactive approach. Mr. Denich provided an overview of Element #1, entitled ‘Pollution Prevention, Municipal Management & Operational Practises’. Mr. J. Jackson raised concerns regarding the heading ‘Pollution Prevention, Municipal Management & Operational Practises’, stating in his opinion pollution prevention should be found in all six of the elements. He indicated the recent spill into the Grand River is an example on how the Plan should speak to how the City will mitigate future spills. He further advised the title may not justify the significance of pollution prevention, and consideration should be given to adding a guiding statement related to pollution prevention and its importance within all six elements. Mr. Denich noted for clarity that Pollution Prevention, Municipal Management & Operational Practises speaks directly to municipal operations and was completed following the Schedule A/A+ Municipal Class EA process. He indicated although pollution prevention measures can be found in all six elements, this section is specifically related to municipal infrastructure/operations. In response to questions, Mr. Denich advised that a realistic goal for the ISWM-MP is to increase stormwater management controls within the City by 10% to 15%. Mr. Denich provided an overview of Element #2, entitled ‘Market Based Strategies for Private Property (source controls)’. In response to questions, Mr. Denich advised that within the next couple of years, the Province is seeking to strengthen their policies related to Low Impact Development (LID). Mr. Gollan noted the City is already a leader in stormwater management with the creation of the Plan, and staff are already implementing stormwater controls where opportunity permits. Mr. Denich provided a summary of Element # 3, entitled ‘Stormwater for the Capital Roads Program (conveyance controls)’, advising that the Project team has identified stormwater management treatment options (conveyance controls) that can be incorporated into the 10- year Capital Forecast for road right-of-way reconstruction/full construction projects until 2024. He provided a further overview of Element #4, entitled ‘Stormwater Management (SWM) Facilities’, indicating 12 sites have been identified and deemed feasible as either surface facilities (SWM Pond, wetland etc.) or subsurface facilities (underground storage facilities). Questions were raised regarding the initial community feedback in response to the Plan. Mr. Denich advised the second Public Information Centre (PIC) on the Master Plan was very well attended and the feedback received was generally positive. He indicated many of the residents were inquiring on how to improve the priority status of the reconstruction project in their area in hopes to have the stormwater controls installed earlier than scheduled. Finally, Mr. Denich reviewed elements #5 and #6, entitled ‘Watercourse and Erosion Restoration and Urban Flood Management & Stormwater Infrastructure’. He indicated the next steps include receiving Council’s endorsement of the ISWM-MP and filing the report with the ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 19, 2016 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-16-046 - STORMWATER MASTER PLAN FINAL REPORT (CONT’D) 2. MOE for the mandatory 30-day public review period. He further advised that following the review period, the project team will proceed with the development of an Implementation Plan that will prioritize all the works based on priority subwatershed as well as recommending funding allocation and policy development. He noted prioritization will be based on those watersheds being in the worst existing condition, and emphasis has been given where opportunities exist to improve conditions through the elements of the recommended approach. Mr. Gollan advised the Implementation Plan will be based on the existing 9.2% projected annual stormwater rate increase over the next 10 years and will not add to that projected increase. Mr. Gollan advised any members having additional comments/questions could forward them via email to Nick Gollan at nick.gollan@kitchener.ca. On motion by Mr. J. Jackson - it was resolved: “That the various alternatives, evaluation criteria and the recommended approaches for the six (6) stormwater management program elements identified in the Integrated Stormwater Management Master Plan, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-046, be endorsed.” ACTIVE SUB-COMMITTEES - STATUS UPDATES 3. Ms. B. Steiner noted there are not many status updates this date, as a number of items are still ongoing but are lower on the priority list for some staff in relation to their Business Plan initiatives. She noted this item would be included on the June 16, 2016 Environmental Committee agenda and members may wish to request assistance reinitiating their Sub- Committee work with their respective staff members. Councillor Y. Fernandes indicated, with regards to Item 3.1 related to the Crossing Guard Program under the theme of Air Quality, there is another Safe Routes to Schools Committee meeting the week of May 23, 2016. She noted she could follow up with the organizer to inquire whether Ms. Danckert could also attend, and will provide the Committee with a more formal update on that initiative at the June 16, 2016 Committee meeting. Questions were raised regarding Item 5.1 relating to a rating system for private sector projects under the theme of Energy Systems. Ms. Steiner advised that Item might be one of the initiatives in a holding pattern at this time. She indicated following the discussions at the June meeting, she could assist in reconnecting the members of the Sub-Committee with the identified staff person. Ms. K. Milicic noted, for Item 7.4 regarding the implementation of a Green Festival Strategy under the theme of Environmental Education and Public Awareness, she has not yet been able to schedule a meeting with Special Events staff to discuss the initiative. Ms. Steiner advised, as a way of informing the Sub-Committee, it may be helpful to attend some of the Special Events scheduled for summer 2016 and dialoguing with Event staff on-site. Ms. D. Saunderson advised a staff report related to approving noise exemptions was considered at the May 2, 2016 Community and Infrastructure Services Committee, containing a list of special events scheduled for the summer 2016. She agreed to provide the members of the Sub- Committee with a copy of the Report. Councillor Y. Fernandes stated Bike Fest scheduled for Sunday, May 29, 2016 might be a good event to speak with members of the public and City staff when considering a Green Festival Strategy. Questions were raised regarding Item 8.1 related to the Strategic Plan for the Environment methodology for the Annual Report card. Ms. Steiner advised that time did not permit engaging the Committee on the methodology for the Annual Report card this year. She indicated if the Sub-Committee members were interested in meeting over the summer, it may be an item that could be undertaken then. She noted further discussion regarding this item matter could be discussed at the Committee’s June 16, 2016 meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 19, 2016 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER ADJOURNMENT 4. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m. Dianna Saunderson Committee Administrator