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SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 2, 2017 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m.
Present: Chair – S. Bongelli
Councillors D. Schnider and S. Marsh and Ms. T. Smith, Ms. E. Clarke, Ms. A. Venner,
Ms. J. Metzger and Messrs. G. Albert, A. Ganem-Mohamed, D. Witmer, W. Rahimi, and
B. Page.
Staff: M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs and Services
D. Keelan, Manager of Aquatics & Volunteer Services
L. Korabo, Committee Administrator
1.INCLUSION / BELONGING GRANT
Mr. M. Hildebrand circulated a chart outlining the Inclusion/ Belonging Grants submitted and
reviewed between 2014 and 2016. He commented that the projects considered were varied
and served to provide an overview of events held throughout the community. During the
previous Committee term, a decision was made to retain 25% of the available funds to pay for
work or projects tied directly to the work plan with the remaining 75% being allocated for
granting purposes.
Mr. Hildebrand advised the Committee’s current budget is $26,000. and asked that
consideration be given on whether or not to continue providing grant funds and, if so, in what
amount.
In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Hildebrand noted the 25% of the 2016
budget allocated for Committee work was not spent; however, in 2015, funds were spent to
support a joint meeting of regional Safe & Healthy Committees as well as sponsoring a
reception for a Citizenship Court held at City Hall.
Ms. E. Clarke noted her support for continuing with the 25 / 75% split; however, other
members proposed continuing with the grant but determining the split after the Committee
finalizes its work plan.
Mr. D. Witmer questioned what the funds would be used for, if not for the Inclusion / Belonging
Grant. Mr. Hildebrand commented that items included in the upcoming work plan would
determine any spending of funds.
On motion by Ms. E. Clarke –
It was resolved:
“That the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee approve the allocation of
funds for the continuation of the Inclusion / Belonging Grant for 2017-2018; and further,
That the percentage split of funds allocated towards committee work and grant funding
be determined once the Committee’s work plan has been adopted and approved.”
2.WORKPLAN DEVELOPMENT - CONTINUED
Prior to the Committee continuing with its work plan development, Mr. S. Bongelli, Chair, spoke
of the importance of ensuring the Committee sets itself up for success over the next two years
by not developing a work plan which is too large. Instead, he expressed the opinion that
choosing a smaller number of items (e.g. two items) would allow for the successful completion
of these items prior to the end of the term.
Mr. M. Hildebrand reviewed the four themes which were first identified at the February 2017
meeting, being:
1. Support of community centres;
2. Accessibility and inclusion;
3. Newcomer issues; and,
4. Support for marginalized populations.
SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 2, 2017 - 6 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2.WORKPLAN DEVELOPMENT – CONTINUED (CONT’D)
Committee members then broke into small groups and brainstormed ideas for each theme,
providing input on how the Committee could enhance the work outlined in staff workplans and
identifying possible roles for members. In addition, members were asked to indicate how they
wished to be engaged for each theme area (e.g. inform; consult; collaborate; and, entrust).
With regard to next steps, Mr. M. Hildebrand advised that staff would take the information
provided by members and identify any key directions. These key directions would be brought
back to the Committee for continued discussion and prioritizing. Further, he suggested the
Committee work as one unit on work plan items rather than splitting into sub-committees until a
need to do so is identified.
A question was raised around having various speakers attend Committee meetings to provide
presentations on community work as a method to assist with gathering more information on
specific items. Mr. Hildebrand agreed this suggestion could be beneficial and suggested the
next meeting include time for a discussion on a possible list of speakers / organizations to
present as well as the identification of any gaps that members may be aware of.
3. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
L. Korabo
Committee Administrator