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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-01-06ENVY1993-01-06 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 6, 1993 The Environmental Committee meet this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Alderman C. Weylie with the following members present: Mayor D.V. Cardillo, Alderman M. Wagner, Alderman T. Galloway, Alderman G. Leadston, Alderman C. Zehr, Mr. J. Maine, Mr. M. Barker, Mr. S. Cook, Mr. D. Hilker and Dr. J. Kay. Officials Present: Mr. S. Klapman, Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. L. Masseo, Mr. G. Nixon, Mr. S. Gyorffy, Mr. C. Ford and Mr. L.W. Neil. 1. MINUTES On motion by Mr. D. Hilker it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Environmental Committee held on December 2, 1992, as mailed to the members, be accepted." At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. C. Ford who had entered after consideration of the minutes, advised that Page 40 of the December 2, 1992 minutes should state the following: 1) That the ICLEI executive position was for a 2 year term, not a 3 year term. 2) That it could involve meetings around the world and not just North America and Europe. 2. CORPORATE PRINTING Mr. L.F. Parkhouse, Deputy City Clerk, and Mr. S. Guthrie, Manager of Printing Services attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Committee concerning Corporate Printing Procedures, particularity with respect to printing on both sides of paper and use of recycled paper. Mr. Parkhouse advised that printing is not always done on both sides depending on the request of the user department. In reference to support material for Committee agendas, it is often not possible for all material to be received for printing at the same time. With respect to use of recycled paper, he noted that this represented approximately 60% of paper volume. He pointed out that only about 30-40% of recycled paper was actually composed of recycled paper product and that use of paper with a higher percentage of recycled product would ruin existing high-tech printing equipment. Further, virgin paper now costs less that recycled paper. In response to Dr. J. Kay, Mr. S. Guthrie advised that committee and council minutes are an example of printing of virgin paper. He stressed that all paper products used within the City were being recycled. Also, it was pointed out that the Universities purchased products in bulk based on quantities much larger than what is used by the City and that the City lacks storage space to facilitate bulk purchases. The use and volume of paper consumed by photocopiers was raised and Mr. Guthrie advised that photocopiers were negatively affected by dust particles. He indicated that there was a problem with use of some recycled paper as a high quality recycled paper does not exist and generally photocopier warranties require use of virgin paper. Dr. Kay questioned if Mr. Guthrie, in his experience, thought there was a need to educate employees with respect to their printing requisitions. Mr. Guthrie advised that currently 80% of paper used was printed on both sides. Most of the balance represents letters with the remainder being requests for printing on one side only. Mr. Guthrie advised that his staff will challenge requests for printing on one side only but will then abide by department wishes on this issue. Mr. Parkhouse pointed out that printing guidelines and paper use could be monitored within the operations of the print shop but the use of photocopiers within city hall were not under his jurisdiction. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES -2- JAN UARY 6, 1993 2. CORPORATE PRINTING (CONT'D) Dr. J. Kay commented that users have received more for recycled paper if they separate white from coloured paper. However, Mr. Guthrie stated that the technology in this area was changing rapidly. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that he has discussed this issue with representatives of B.F.I., the City's garbage contractor, and they recommend the best approach for city hall is to recycle all paper together as the paper volumes do not justify separating white from coloured papers. Mr. S. Cook suggested that instructional signage be placed above all photocopiers to suggest that double sided printing be done wherever possible. Alderman C. Weylie stated that it would appear that paper use in photocopiers might be in areas where reductions and savings could be achieved and requested that Ms. Del Williams provide the Committee with details of the location of photocopiers within city hall and any other relevant data for consideration at the next meeting. The information would then be utilized to consider policies relative to the volume of paper use in photocopiers. Alderman C. Weylie asked Mr. Guthrie if he could recommend any areas where savings might be achieved within his operations. He advised that page utilization, that is to fill as much of a page as possible, was important and could reduce paper volumes. In this regard, he noted that efforts have been made to work with community groups to achieve good page utilization. Alderman Weylie asked Mr. Guthrie to provide the Committee with any other suggestions he might think of with respect to paper volume reduction. 3. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - TORONTO STAR Mr. S. Cook advised that the December 15, 1992 edition of the Toronto Star contained an article on the restoration activity being undertaken on Strasburg Creek. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS FUND A copy of the program pertaining to the Environmental Partners Fund was distributed with the agenda. It was noted in the program that the fund was created to help fund new community-based environmental projects based on public participation. Mr. G. Nixon confirmed that any group involved must be non-government and that staff are working to have an organization submit a project application on the City's behalf. An example might be within the Huron Natural Area. Mr. D. Hilker advised that his group, K-W Field Naturalists, was searching for projects to undertake. It was agreed that Mr. Nixon would discuss this matter with Mr. Hilker and provide an update at the Committees next meeting. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH CORPS PROJECT PROPOSAL GUIDELINES '93 The Committee was advised that the City has received as information the 1993 Project Proposal Guidelines for the Environmental Youth Corps Program sponsored by various ministries of the Ontario Government. Dr. J. Kay advised that the University utilizes the program to hire teams of students to work on projects and emphasized that the projects could be year round, not just summer job related It was agreed that Mr. S. Klapman would co-ordinate a working sub-committee composed of Messrs. S. Cook, J. Main, D. Hilker & G. Nixon that would review the program and how it could benefit the City and report at the Committees next meeting. Also, it was agreed that the sub- committee would consider the comments in the "Brainstorming" submission prepared and distributed by Mr. S. Cook on environmental involvement and awareness. On the matter of education/public participation, Mr. S. Klapman advised that at the Committees last meeting, direction was given that these matters be considered by staff. He noted that the staff Environmental ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES -3- JAN UARY 6, 1993 5. ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH CORPS PROJECT PROPOSAL GUIDELINES '93 (CONT'D) Working Group was preparing an Inventory of Projects that are "do-able" for the Committee to review. Alderman C. Weylie commented that she could see the need for a staff person to be in charge of volunteers that would be participating in these projects. Alderman C. Zehr referred back to discussion of the Environmental Partners Fund and questioned the 50/50 cost sharing as to where the 50% non-federal government portion of funds would come from. Mr. Nixon advised that the City has funding that has been donated by outside organizations for use toward environmental projects and these funds would meet the program criteria. Mr. C. Ford indicated that costs respecting city staff time and city resources were allowed to be recognized within the supporting partner criteria that allows for financial, in-kind and voluntary contributions by supporting partners. 6. ICLEI EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS The Committee was in receipt of a memo dated December 22, 1992 from Mr. C. Ford summarizing the ICLEI Executive Election Process and the potential costs to the City should someone successfully run for a position. Mr. Ford provided an estimate of $6,000 annually which Alderman C. Zehr suggested was very conservative and that there were many ways in which such moneys could be used more effectively toward environmental matters. By general consent it was agreed that this information on the ICLEI Executive be received just as information. 7. CFC'S VENTED FROM WASTE REFRIGERATORS The Committee was in receipt of a memo dated December 21, 1992 from Mr. C. Ford dealing with CFC's vented from waste refrigerators and the issue of disposal of old refrigerators. Procedures relative to these matters were outlined and it was noted that staff were investigating the cost of having BFI reclaim freon before hauling away refrigerators but more information was needed as to what percentage of discarded refrigerators still have freon in them. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that the City of Toronto had conducted a freon reclamation pilot program and found that only 13% of discarded refrigerators still contained freon. The $16,000 program was discontinued following recovery of only three kilograms of freon. It was pointed out that BFI has an agreement with two contractors to pick-up discarded white appliance goods. Approximately 7,000 are being picked up annually and the material is being recycled through scrap dealers. The City's garbage collection contract makes reference to this pick-up and none of the materials were going to the landfill site. Mr. D. Hilker noted that the cost of CFC retrieval equipment was the problem. Alderman C. Weylie commented that the cost was unknown but given that there will be only a limited supply of freon for a number of years, retrieval equipment should be considered. It was agreed that the question of CFC retrieval equipment be referred to the working sub- committee to consider if an application for monies to carry out a study should be made under the Environmental Partners Fund. Mr. J. Maine questioned if there was any further information available respecting use of freon 22 on new city buses. Mr. Ford advised that he would be making an enquiry in this regard. 8. SALVATION ARMY - REQUEST TO STORE PCB'S The Committee was in receipt of a memo and letter concerning a request that the City has received from the Salvation Army to transfer a small number of florescent light ballasts containing PCB's from Scarborough to their existing PCB storage facility on Victoria Street. Before the Ministry of the Environment will grant approval for transportation and storage, the Salvation Army must receive a letter of approval from the City. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES -4- JAN UARY 6, 1993 8. SALVATION ARMY - REQUEST TO STORE PCB'S (CONT'D) Following some discussion it was agreed that the request be referred to the City Solicitor for consideration and recommendation by Management Committee to City Council. 9. KITCHENER OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW The Committee was advised that following extensive review last year of the first draft of the new Official Plan, the Plan has been rewritten to reflect some of the recommendations made during the review process. Various groups are now being given an opportunity to review the Plan before it is submitted for final approval and the Committee was advised of the following dates relative to the review. - Environmental Group February 18, 7:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. (CR#4) - Environmental Committee March 3, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (CR#4) 10. VISION PRINCIPLES FORA NEW REGIONAL PLAN The Committee was in receipt of a letter from the Planning & Development Department of the Region of Waterloo and a copy of its "Vision Principles for a new Regional Plan". Mr. B. Stanley advised that it was the intent of staff to prepare a report on this matter for consideration by the Planning & Economic Development Committee. He indicated that comments from the Environmental Committee would be welcomed. It was agreed that discussion of this matter be referred to the Environmental Committee meeting of February 3, 1993 and that in the meantime, Mr. B. Stanley provide the five lay members of the Environmental Committee with a copy of Kitchener's response to the Region respecting its vision document. 11. CRITERIA RE: NEW INDUSTRIES LOCATING TO THE CITY (RESOURCE CONSUMPTION AND INDUSTRIAL POLLUTANTS) (a) Dr. J. Kay indicated that he would report on his review of Regional Sewer Use By-law 1-90 at the next meeting. (b) Dr. J. Kay advised that he has investigated the possibility of legally imposing more stringent local regulations pertaining to the installation of newer type water conserver toilets. He advised that what he had found was that the situation was exactly as reported to the Committee at an earlier meeting by Mr. J. Witmer, Director of Building & Inspections. Dr. Kay did inform the Committee that he learned some communities are requesting such water conserver toilets in new plans of subdivision but can't require there installation. He questioned if it was feasible to ask developers for their co-operation in using only newer type conserver units in new housing. It was agreed that Mr. S. Klapman would approach HUDAC to request that they send a representative to a future meeting of the Committee to discuss this issue further. Mayor Cardillo indicated that a public consultation meeting regarding the Waste Reduction Master Plan was being held January 8th and Mr. Hilker suggested that concerns about the dumping of large tank toilets onto the market at sale prices should be a concern as the question of assessing recommended waste reduction options was dealt with. 12. MANDATE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE Mr. J. Maine inquired if the Committee wished to consider its mandate given the variety of tasks that it may now be taking on. Following some discussion Alderman M. Wagner noted that the mandate of the Committee as attached to the Strategic Plan was sufficiently broad to pursue many options arising out of implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and in the promotion of environmental awareness among residents. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES -5- JAN UARY 6, 1993 12. MANDATE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE (CONT'D) Mr. J. Maine advised the Committee that he proposed to explore a role for this Committee in working with other municipalities within the Grand River Watershed. Specifically he advised that he was interested in networking on a watershed basis in a similar way that municipal LACAC groups interact. Related to this was an information letter and agenda of the Grand River Watershed Congress which he distributed to the Committee. The Committee concurred with Mr. Maine's initiative. Mr. B. Stanley advised that staff also wish to explore what other municipalities are doing and Mr. S. Klapman advised that some information in this regard may be available for the Committees February meeting. 13. PHILOSOPHY OF WATER CONSERVATION VERSUS WATER EFFICIENCY Dr. J. Kay stated that he had extreme concern over current trends which now appear to be focusing on efficiency rather than on conservation. He stated that the most important concern to all should be reduction of consumption and that efficiency does not imply a focus on reduction. He suggested that any change in philosophy from conservation was a step backwards as the focus should always be to reduce demand and that any change of focus would be a mistake. On motion by Dr. J. Kay the Committee agreed that this philosophical concern between water conservation and water efficiency should be brought forward at the regional Water Conservation Committee meeting. 14. "ENVIRONMENTAL" TOUR OF QUEEN'S HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUM BUILDING The Committee agreed with the suggestion that it hold a future meeting in the Queen's Heights Condominium developed by S.P. Weigel Construction Limited on Lancaster Street to see first hand the environmental conservation features that have been incorporated into the building. Alderman T. Galloway volunteered to make the necessary arrangements with Mr. P. Wiegel in this regard. Following the meeting, Alderman Galloway confirmed that Mr. Weigel could accommodate the Committee's meeting within the building and also provide a tour and explanation of environmental features. Accordingly, the Committee's regular meeting of Wednesday, April 7, 1993 will be held at the Queen's Heights Condominium, 2 Lancaster Street East (near Queen Street North & Victoria Street North) commencing at 4:00 p.m. 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk