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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 2022-02-02 COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2022CITY OF KITCHENER The Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee metelectronicallythis date, commencing at 4:00p.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. Pinkertonand Mr. O. Samad Staff:K. Cooper, Manager, Strategic & Business Planning A. Fritz-Walters, Engagement Program Manager –Strategic Planning L. Korabo, Committee Administrator 1.STRATEGIC PLAN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT –PART 2 Building on the initial Strategic Plan process discussions from the January Compass Kitchener meeting withREFOCUS Consultants,staff shareda PowerPoint presentation to guide the discussion regarding the public survey component of the public engagement. The presentation re-iterated the Committee’s responsibilities towards development of a new Strategic Plan(SP) by designing / implementing public engagement processes to validate the community’s vision and priorities and then, reportingto Council on these community priorities to assist in establishing a new four-year Strategic Plan and relatedannual Business Plans. The public engagement approach being proposed includes the use of surveys, social media campaigns, community engagement events and activities and one-on-one and group conversations. The importance of reaching people with lived experience and a range of diverse opinions is paramount to ensure the next SP benefits the entire community.The following draft engagement goals have been identified: create a variety of ways to connect; collect input/data to ensure diversity; collaboratewith staff/volunteersto leverage established connectionsto get more input; and, build trust and demonstratehow it makes a difference. Ms. K. Cooper spoke to the public survey questions used to develop the current SPand listed the standard survey questions that are proposed to continue forward. She advisedthat staff is recommending the additionof9-10 new questions tobetterinform development of the new SP. The Committee’s input on questions tobe included is beingsought. The presentation also included the previous survey’s demographic questions,some of which have been identified as requiring revisionto improve understanding of the city’s diversity. Staff from the City’s Equity, Anti-Racism & Indigenous Initiatives Division will be assisting with revising/new demographic questions for the survey.Finally, some public outreach will occur through other engagement opportunities already planned (e.g. Master Plan meetings, ongoing community connections). Input provided by Committee members will be incorporated into the finalized engagement plan and survey questions, all of which will be presented to Council as part of a Strategic Session scheduled for February 28, 2022. Compass Kitchener members are welcomed to attend this meeting and view the presentation to Council.The Chair was asked to attend and make some remarks about the Compass Kitchener engagement process. Committee members asked clarifying questions regarding the engagement survey, as well as provided input on development of new survey questions (e.g. use more open-ended questions, make the language more personal, etc.), and topics to be considered (e.g. identify gaps / pain points for service). In response to a question, Ms. Cooper advised the Committee will see the listed of drafted survey questions at their next meeting. 2.2022 WORK PLAN Compass Kitchener was circulated with a draft 2022 Work Plan and an outline of monthly agenda topics. COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2022-4-CITY OF KITCHENER 2.2022 WORK PLAN (CONT’D) Ms. K. Cooper advised the Committee’s Terms of Reference requires development of an annual work plan for submission to and approval by City Council. She advised the work plan will be th submitted, along with a covering staff report, to the February 28Council meeting. Ms. J. Stephens-Wells inquired regarding the possible need for additional meetingsto complete all necessary Strategic Plan work and Ms. Cooper noted there could be several points along the way when an additional full Committee meeting or the formation of a sub-committee may be required. It was also pointed out that Committee members’ participation wasexpected at community engagement events which will occur between April-June. Ms. R. Lavender inquired how input from other advisory committees will be gathered and Ms. K. Cooper stated that the first All Committees gathering planned for May 2022 will receive input on the Strategic Plan from Committee Chairs and Vice-chairs. Additionally,the second gathering in the Fall of 2022, will be a meeting open to all advisory committee members and will receive input on draft Strategic Plan goals. Staff are also planning to visit some advisory committee meetings to share information on the Strategic Plan process and provide an opportunity to receive input either verbally or in writing. Compass Kitchener members approved the draft 2022 Work Plan as submitted. 3.EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE –TERMS OF REFERENCE Compass Kitchener was provided with the draft Terms of Reference for the newly appointed Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee, which was created from recommended actions of the Mayor’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Ms. Cooper noted the advisory committee held its first meeting at the end of January and approved their Terms of Reference. As part of Compass Kitchener’s mandate is to ensure that all advisory committees communicate and coordinate efforts where possible, Ms. Cooper noted that she and Ms. Stephens-Wells will attend an upcoming meeting of this newest advisory committee to share information regarding Compass Kitchener and the Strategic Plan (SP) work that is planned. Attendance will also provide an opportunity to share information on possible upcoming work plan opportunities that may align with SP work. It was recommended that this new advisory committee be formally introduced at the May All Advisory Committee meeting. 4.REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MINUTES The minutes of the January 12, 2022Compass Kitchener meeting were reviewed. 5. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at5:25pm. L. Korabo Committee Administrator