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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKCTAC Minutes 2017-01-10 KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th January 10, 2017 - 1 - CITY OF KITCHENER Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:15 p.m. Present: Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. C. Even, Ms. L. Paprocki, Ms. P. Rodriguez, Ms. K. Young, Messrs. E. Bliefert, D. Brotherston, M. Drasdo, D. Hoshowsky, B. Jenner, R. Mazumder, T. Mollison, and J. Williams. Staff: Mr. D. Pimentel, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager Mr. M. Parris, Landscape Architect Mr. J. Barton, Associate Landscape Architect Mr. C. Goodeve, Committee Administer Mr. K. Carmichael, Interim Director of Transportation Services Mr. B. Cronkite, Interim Manager of Transportation Services Ms. M. Bird, Active Transportation Student 1. WELCOME AND COMMITTEE MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS Mr. Pimentel made a quick introduction, welcoming the committee to the inaugural meeting. Staff extended their gratitude to the volunteers of the committee for participating. Paper work was distributed by staff and completed by committee members. 2. PRESENTATION - COMMITTEE ORIENTATION AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES & RELATIONSHIPS (CLERKS) Mr. Goodeve from clerks introduced the form and function of an advisory committee including the following key points:  The role of the committee is to provide advice, in relation to the committee mandate, to council and city staff. Terms of Reference will guide this mandate.  Quorum is 5 – allowing meetings to continue despite incomplete assembly.  Review of all advisory committees – development of a work plan as an opportunity to set up priorities and goals.  Survey – allows staff to identify issues and implement feedback received.  Staff resources – no reporting structure, facilitate the meeting and provide expert resources.  Reporting – committee reports to the standing committee and city council, as recommendations come to staff which contributes to standing committee reports.  Report structure – three-tier system includes council, three standing committees and eight advisory committees. KCTAC reports to Community and Infrastructure Services Committee.  Councillor liaison – Councillor Fernandes’ role in the committee is a liaison to council providing context to reports and helping to make it more relevant. Councillors are under no obligation to vote in favor but to speak and provide context. Members of council can provide feedback to the advisory committee, giving context to issues and decisions made in the council chambers. KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th January 10, 2017 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER  Recommendations – bring forward a recommendation to staff that is passed by the majority of the group as it is best to reach a consensus and encourage team work. You can only make a recommendation if you are in the room. Abstaining from a vote will count as a negative vote. Do not get hung up on the wording of a recommendation or motion – staff will help formalize the information gathered.  Standing committee feedback – if the standing committee refers a recommendation back to the advisory committee is does not necessarily mean it was disapproved, but further information may be required.  Informal operation – the Chair helps to guide the discussion; however, conversation should be free flowing and everyone has equal opportunity to speak.  Public forum – all advisory committee meetings must be open as in public and press are welcome to observe meetings.  Press interaction – if approached by the press, committee members must identify themselves as private citizens. If they feel mispresented by the press, they may contact city staff for assistance.  Delegations – people operating outside the committee may come to a meeting and conduct presentations. Ensure that these presentations are given the appropriate amount of time since meetings are limited.  Agenda – try to stick close to the agenda to prevent running out of time.  Conflict resolution – if there is a conflict of interest, members must disclose this conflict to the committee and declare if they are comfortable with said member being involved in the vote. This member must not participate in the vote by leaving the room or removing themselves from the table.  Council – city council may handle issues that arise in the committee if need be.  Staff responsibility – staff provide a professional perspective when putting forward a recommendation from the committee. Staff is able to look at issues through the citizen perspective, but ideas may not align with the committee. City council will be able to consider both perspectives, but always have the final say. Decisions are not always clear cut, as councillors must weight out multiple opinions. When a recommendation is not considered it can be discouraging but you should continue trying and maybe next time it will be supported. 3. PRESENTATION - KCTAC INFORMATION (DANNY PIMENTEL & MARK PARRIS) Mr. Pimentel continued the introductions, welcoming the city staff that will be supporting the committee including Mr. Carmichael and Mr. Cronkite that will be making appearances at some meetings. Both gentlemen expressed their gratitude for the committee and hope that their collaborative work will help encourage active transportation and a sustainable community. Mr. Pimentel will be the representing cycling and active transportation on-road and Mr. Parris and Mr. Barton will be providing context for parks and trails including off-road facilities. KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th January 10, 2017 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Pimentel and Mr. Parris provided committee members with an orientation package and a presentation. Key points included:  Committee members should make the most of their time, since they are dedicating their valuable time to the committee.  The purpose of the committee is to represent the public on a variety of topics, providing a comprehensive perspective and open space to discuss.  Discussions will be livelier going forward.  Events will be supported by the committee in various ways.  Snacks will always be provided – preferences will be considered.  Orientation package – helps to soften the learning curve in getting to know the process of an advisory committee. o Terms of reference to guide the committee. o Online links for further information on various topics. o Tips to help committee members get comfortable with meetings. o Topics of discussion are ever-changing depending on the agenda. o Ms. Bird can provide members with further information or documents.  Region – in a two tier municipality, City of Kitchener has no jurisdiction over regional roads (package includes this list).  Next meeting will work towards prioritizing goals and creating a work plan.  Subcommittees – new term, open to new ideas. Subcommittees should have no more than five people from the committee but may include outside members. 4. 2017 CYCLING EVENT DISCUSSION Mr. Pimentel explained that the Cycling Master Plan was approved in 2010 and that Bike Kitchener, the branding for cycling, was created in 2012. The two main projects of Bike Kitchener are Bike Fest and Bike Check. Bike Fest has been running for the past four years with great success bringing over 4,000 people in total. The event celebrates the bicycle as people come out and visit various vendors and groups. For example:  Berlin Bicycle Café presented yoga in the square.  Phil Martin, creator of Cycling into the Future, educated children on cycling through bike rodeos and tire repairs.  Cycle for Angels raised awareness for both cyclists and motorists, running a 3-5 km bike ride while taking the lane. Bike Fest is a large task for staff to take on and requires assistance from the committee. The event is a great showcase of cycling and can encourage future cyclists to make the transition. Mr. Pimentel asked if the committee has any interest KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th January 10, 2017 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER or desire to help run the event with city staff fully supporting them through communication and funding. The current date for Bike Fest will be Sunday, May th 28, 2017. This date accommodates the start of bike month (June) and does not th interfere with the Heart and Stroke Ride in Toronto on Sunday, June 4, 2017. Discussions were had amongst the committee and their commitment to the event. Councillor Fernandes explained the importance of the event and the educational component that helps support the normalization of cycling. After some debate, it was decided that the event should be supported in part by the committee through a possible subcommittee; however, other goals outside of the event should be prioritized as well. Bike Check is another project that bike Kitchener is responsible for running. Bike Check is a free service that provides a secure parking service for patrons at various Kitchener events over the summer. It is like a coat check but for your bike; you can hand your bike to one of our attendants and then go enjoy the event without having to worry about your bike. The service is also an avenue to reach out to the public about cycling. Last year the service was very popular at large events like Blues Fest and Ribfest and Craft Beer Show; however, staff faced challenges with staff and volunteer resources. Mr. Pimentel asked the committee that help would be appreciated to help run the service. 5. SUBCOMMITTEE WORKSHOP Committee members were made aware of the flexibility for subcommittee. Staff advised the committee that the only rule is that subcommittees must be no more than five committee members and may include volunteers from outside the committee. Subcommittees will be discussed further during the next meeting. 6. OVERVIEW OF COMMITTEE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR - ELECTION BY END OF MEETING Mr. Pimentel facilitated the election of a committee chair and vice chair. Mr. Drasdo and Mr. Mollison both volunteered for the position. The committee agreed that other nominee will become vice chair. Each nominee presented their platform. Mr. Drasdo explained his experience as vice chair for the past committee and his experience bringing people together. Mr. Mollison explained his relevant experience including his ability organize the committee including sticking to goals and objectives. After a blind election, Mr. Drasdo was elected chair and Mr. Mollison vice chair. Discussions took place about the committee’s work plan and priorities. Mr. Pimentel explained that he is flexible in allowing the committee to create a new work plan and set priorities. The following were key points raised during discussion: KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th January 10, 2017 - 5 - CITY OF KITCHENER  Members should review the Cycling Master Plan and Trails and Multi-Use Pathway Master Plan to understand the city’s priorities.  Staff is working on a complete streets policy and updating both the Cycling and Trail and Multi-Use Pathway Master Plans to tie in the various infrastructure.  The Cycling Master Plan will be updated for 2018. It currently includes 150 km of proposed bicycle infrastructure for 20 years. Currently, staff has implemented approximately 5-10 km of infrastructure per year. The committee can aid in the development of this plan and the implementation process.  Promotion and marketing is another key aspect of the committee. In past terms, the committee has created promotional material such as a safety check list and a bike lock video. These materials are supported and distributed through city staff.  Previous committee helped with the development of the Iron Horse Trail.  A report card (or annual report) was created by past committees that provided an in-depth analysis and graded Kitchener’s bicycle friendliness. This project is important but difficult – this time it might be better to cut the work load down.  Committees have helped to improve connectivity between on road and off road cycling.  Input has been implemented for projects and design such as the Trans Canada Trail.  Mr. Pimentel ensured the committee that staff operates as a middle man and that the committee can go in whatever direction that they prefer.  Past committee work will be distributed to the current committee.  The main focus of the committee is cycling and trails; however, pedestrians and other active transportation perspectives can be included and considered in discussions. 7. ADJOURNMENT Action Items:  Mr. Pimentel will provide documentation from past committees.  Ms. Bird will provide committee members with contact information.  Ms. Bird will collect snack preferences and implement feedback.  Ms. Bird will provide information about parking options for committee members. On a motion by Mr. Drasdo - It was resolved and carried: “The meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.”