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Compass Kitchener Citizen Advisory Committee Minutes
December 6, 2017 CITY OF KITCHENER C
The compass Kitchener Citizen Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Chair – Mr. Leyton Collins, Vice-Chair - , J. Stephens-Wells, A. Hammoud, A. Sare,
J. Brown, L. Gazzola, L. Trumper, R. Villamar
City Staff: L. Majcher, Manager of Strategy & Business Planning, L. Korabo, Executive Assistance to
the CAO, J. MacDonald, Corporate Community Engagement Consultant
1. REPORT CARD WRITE UP - OPEN GOVERNMENT
Ms. J. Stephens-Wells prepared a draft copy of her write up for the Open Government strategic
priority with members of the committee for their feedback. The committee was confident that
the main points of their discussion on strengths and areas for future focus had been captured in
the key messages, and they were comfortable with using it as a guide for the write up of all
other sections of the report card. Ms. L. Majcher emphasized the importance of keeping the
text to 325 words so that it will fit into the Report Card Template.
2. CITIZENS REPORT CARD EVALUATION – ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Ms. J. Stephens-Wells volunteered to prepare the write up for the Sustainable Environment and
Infrastructure section of the report card. The committee identified the LED Streetlight
Conversion as an important accomplishment for the city in the area of sustainability. Many
positive comments were made regarding the City’s ongoing commitment to lifecycle asset
management, with long-term gains and overall cost reductions. The naturalization of public
places to improve stormwater management was mentioned as an investment with many
different benefits including more natural streetscapes. The importance of the City’s work on
environmentally friendly modes of transportation and the clear momentum on this is valued by
citizens. It will be important to continue to follow through on this work. Getting people out of
their cars gives them the opportunity to be more engaged with people and the environment
around them.
3. COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION AMONG ALL COMMITTEES
Mr. A. Hammoud presented a proposal for creating low-resistance and timely communication
channels to support desired connections between Advisory Committees, allowing Committees
to better serve the City by working more effectively with each other. All members of Compass
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were asked to share their feedback with Mr. Hammoud prior to the January 10 Compass
Kitchener Meeting.
4. STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN – MONTHLY UPDATE
Ms. L. Majcher informed the Committee that the City had finalized the Community Engagement
Policy for Council Approval in December. Unfortunately, this item was deferred due to time
constraints but is expected to be approved in early January. On December 4, The City of
Kitchener accepted the designation as a “Bee City” by resolution of Council. Also on December
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4, Council approved a new Business Licensing By-law which streamlines processes, provides
fair fees for all types of businesses, and removes barriers and unnecessary red tape for people
who want to obtain a business license.
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