HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 2022-01-12COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 12, 2022 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. Gazzola, Ms. L. Terry, Ms. K.
Williams, Ms. L. Trumper, Ms. M. Uwadiegwu, Ms. M. Goveas, Ms. A. Thornton, Ms. D. Pinkerton, and
Messrs. O. Samad and J. Orbegoso.
Guests: Messrs. R. Sa'd, S. Davies, T. Posselt, REFOCUS Consultants
Staff: K. Cooper, Manager, Strategic & Business Planning
A. Fritz -Walters, Engagement Program Manager — Strategic Planning
M. LaBianca, Senior Communications Strategist
L. Korabo, Committee Administrator
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION / ICEBREAKER
Ms. J. Stephens -Wells welcomed recently appointed Compass Kitchener members to the
meeting. All members introduced themselves using a roundtable format.
Following these introductions, Ms. Stephens -Wells shared on overview of the Committee's role
in the development of a City's Strategic Plan; spoke of the importance of community engagement
in gathering citizen views/input; and, commented on the Committee's annual evaluation of the
City's progress towards implementing the Strategic Plan's actions. As part of gathering citizen
input, she spoke of the Committee's leadership role in hosting semi-annual gatherings of City of
Kitchener representatives from all citizen advisory committees.
Ms. Stephens -Wells noted the current Strategic Plan timeframe ends in 2022; therefore, it is
timely to begin working on the next Plan which will cover 2023-2026. REFOCUS Consultants
who have been retained by the city to work on the development of this Strategic Plan along with
staff and the Committee, are in attendance today to begin the process focusing on the
engagement process.
REFOCUS Enterprise Evolution Proaram
Introduction
Messrs. R. Sa'd, S. Davies and T. Posselt, REFOCUS Consultants, attended and shared a
presentation which introduced their Enterprise Evolution (EE) Program (to be used in developing
the Strategic Plan), their suggestions regarding public engagement and identified timelines and
next steps.
Enterprise Evolution Program
Mr. R. Sa'd shared how the EE Program helps organizations move forward more effectively in
addressing social equity and environmental sustainability challenges. The stated goal is to
evolve the purpose of municipal government from `what government does' to `how government
should be'; as systemic change is required to find new ways to govern. Mr. Sa'd noted the
following principles required to re-image government: think systemically — act locally; share
power with those best placed to act; challenge unnecessary hierarchy and collaborate across
boundaries; seek out strengths and build on them; champion the voices of those who are heard
the least; and optimize for learning rather than control.
Public Engagement — Objectives/Collaboration and Approach/Innovation
The goal of establishing a co-operative relationship to achieve improved public engagement was
stated. As Compass Kitchener has a connection to and understanding of the community,
members were requested to provide feedback on what engagement methods have been
successful in the past and on ideas for improved future engagement. The following comments
were shared:
• ensuring citizen input is seen in the final decision — be transparent;
• understanding where in the process engagement and input gathering is beneficial;
• ensure that a broad cross section of engagement occurs to accurately represents the entire
population;
• overcome language and accessibility barriers to ensure engagement is done well;
COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 12, 2022 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER
• ensuring that use of digital engagement doesn't limit participation;
• improve number of voices; more opportunities for engagement for all;
• work with other advisory committees to assist with outreach to areas of the community;
• use plain language; and,
• go to the people — use neighbourhood associations and hold consultations in community
centres.
A five-step design process for public engagement was outlined, beginning with identifying what
is to be achieved. It was noted that five different formats of public engagement are available to
gather community input — public meetings; workshops; reference panels; surveys; and 1 on 1 or
small group interviews.
Strategic Planning Process and Milestones
A slide was shown demonstrating the Strategic Plan work stream which is scheduled to conclude
in June 2023 with a new Strategic Plan be presented for Council approval. Timelines for each
of the seven blocks of work were provided.
The public engagement process will be carried out in two stages with Stage 1 commencing
immediately and reaching until the end of summer 2022. Stage 1 will focus on establishing
community priorities, conducting a public survey, collecting input from community members, and
initiating relationships with equity -seeking groups. Stage 2 which is scheduled between
September - November 2022 will include reporting community priorities to Council, focusing on
refining priorities/goal setting, undertaking consultations to help inform the community's input
and gaining deeper insight; and engaging with equity -seeking groups.
Ms. Stephens -Wells thanked the consultants for their presentation and requested their
presentation be shared with all members.
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
The minutes of the December 2021 Compass Kitchener meeting were reviewed.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:35 pm.
L. Korabo
Committee Administrator