HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 2021-12-01COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 1, 2021 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee met electronically this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Ms. J. Stephens -Wells — Chair, Ms. R. Lavender, Ms. L. Terry, Ms. K. Williams, Ms. L.
Trumper and Ms. M. Uwadiegwu.
Staff: K. Cooper, Manager, Strategic & Business Planning
L. Korabo, Committee Administrator
1. NEW MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Ms. J. Stephens -Wells announced that City Council has appointed four new members to
Compass Kitchener for the remainder of the current term. She advised that orientation materials
have been provided and Ms. K. Cooper is meeting with each new member individually to provide
background and contextual information and respond to any questions/concerns.
Ms. J. Stephens -Wells welcomed Ms. Marian Uwadiegwu to the meeting, advising that she had
requested to observe prior to officially participating in January 2022. Ms. Uwadiegwu introduced
herself and shared background information regarding herself and her desire to join Compass
Kitchener. Each member of the Committee introduced themselves and welcomed Ms.
Uwadiegwu as a member.
The remaining three new members will begin their involvement beginning with the January 12,
2022 Committee meeting.
2. CLT RESPONSE TO COMPASS KITCHENER EVALUATION / RECOMMENDATIONS
Ms. K. Cooper shared CLT's positive feedback on the Committee's work in evaluating the
Strategic Plan progress. She stressed how impressed CLT was with the evaluation and was
also in agreement with the areas identified as `needing attention'. Ms. Cooper then reviewed
each of these areas and provided additional feedback and context to the official CLT response
shared with the Committee:
• Budget and PM accountability;
• Website;
• Progress reports and presentations;
• Affordable housing;
• UN SDGs;
• Public Engagement; and,
• Strategic Plan Dashboard.
In response to a question regarding `closing the loop' with citizens on public engagement, Ms.
Cooper advised that staff have improved upon this but there is still room to do better.
Specifically, she provided an example where this is being done well - public input on
development applications and studies.
Ms. Cooper then advised of one additional project which has been completed since the
Committee wrapped up its evaluation and noted that reference to this project is not being
included in the current Report Card but will be added to the staff report. The newly completed
project is under the Great Customer Service theme.
Members requested the staff report include specific reference of the good work done by staff
during the pandemic, highlighting the projects completed in 2021. It was agreed this review was
very positive and members wished this messaging to be clearly articulated to both Council and
staff.
Ms. J. Stephens -Wells commented that 2021 was the first time the review had been presented
to CLT prior to tabling at a Council meeting. It was noted that, in keeping with Compass
Kitchener's autonomy in completing and presenting its evaluation, CLT made no requests for
changes to the Committee's report or recommendations.
COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 1, 2021 -29- CITY OF KITCHENER
2. REVISED REPORT CARD PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL
Ms. K. Cooper shared the most current version of the presentation for the December 13th Council
meeting. She advised the content had been reduced to align with the presentation time
allotment. Members were asked for input on any further changes that would streamline the
information. Ms. Cooper advised that Mr. D. Chapman has requested to introduce the Compass
Kitchener report/presentation and make some opening comments on behalf of the leadership
team.
Although the presentation has been shortened, the Committee asked that a slide be added to
highlight the very positive overall review results prior to listing the areas that could benefit from
further attention. Ms. R. Lavender also recommended reducing the number of bullet points under
each of the `exceeded expectations' projects as many of the same points are repeated on each
slide. It was agreed that a grouping of similar positive actions would be incorporated into a single
slide in advance of the individual project slides.
It was also agreed that the Chair and Vice -Chair would be the presenters on December 13th
with Ms. R. Lavender as back-up, if required.
4. 2021 YEAR-END REPORT — UPDATE
Members were provided with a verbal update of the 2021 Year-end Business Plan Progress
report which will be shared with City Council on December 13, 2021.
Ms. Cooper commented on the number of projects completed in 2021, as well as those
scheduled for completion in 2022 or carrying over to 2023. Projects not completed as anticipated
or carrying forward are all due to the pandemic. Additionally, the Committee was advised that a
report proposing new 2022 business plan projects will also be shared for Council approval and
Ms. Cooper agreed to circulate the staff report in advance of the Council meeting. Once Council
approves the 2022 list, it will be used as guidance to both staff and the public as the key priorities
for the next year. In response to a question regarding availability of the 2022 Business Plan,
Ms. Cooper anticipated it would be available for distribution in February 2022.
5. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
The minutes of the November Compass Kitchener meeting were reviewed.
6. NEW BUSINESS
The Committee was advised the City has recently won the inaugural Municipal World
Innovation Award for its 2019-2022 Strategic Plan, which was selected for its citizen -led
approach in developing the Plan.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:20 pm.
L. Korabo
Committee Administrator