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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-02-03ENVY1993-02-03 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3, 1993 The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Alderman C. Weylie with the following members present: Alderman T. Galloway, Mr. J. Maine, Mr. S. Cooke, Mr. M. Barker, Dr. J. Kay and Mr. D. Hilker. Alderman M. Wagner entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. C. Ford, Mr. D. Blane, Mrs. D. Williams and Mr. L.W. Neil. 1. MINUTES On motion by Alderman T. Galloway it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Environmental Committee held on January 6, 1993, as mailed to the members, be accepted." = CORPORATE PHOTOCOPY PRINTING As requested at the Committee's last meeting, Mrs. Del Williams attended to address the matter of photocopier use within the Corporation. She advised that currently there were 54 photocopiers within the system including outlying facilities as well as the Public Library and Centre In The Square. She advised that the photocopier contract provides for a flat cost of 2.5 cents/copy plus taxes. This flat rate includes machine rental, toner and maintenance with no monthly fee. Mrs. Williams pointed out that some machines have limited features while others can duplex copy, collate and staple but noted that everyone pays the same per copy rate. She stated that there were 11 highend copiers in use that produce over 10,000 copies per month. She noted that the volume of toner use was Iow and container garbage was insignificant; however, the City does enquire about the recycling question with the supplier on a regular basis. With respect to paper use, recycled paper was not being used because of high cost and because of dust from the paper which inhibits the operation of photocopiers and laser printers. Also, City purchasing policy requires acquisition of a suitable product with the lowest price. In response to Dr. Kay, Mrs. Williams advised that paper with "Mill" recycle was acceptable. However, she stated that recycled paper stock does not stay flat for use in photocopiers with a collator. As mentioned at the Committee's previous meeting, signage at photocopier locations to promote better use was favoured. On motion, it was agreed that staff be directed to use both sides of photocopy paper whenever possible and that signs to encourage this direction be posted at photocopier locations. Dr. J. Kay suggested that Purchasing Staff look into "Save-a-tree" product for the next paper tender. Mrs. Williams advised that none of the bidders on the last contract submitted "Save-a- tree" product. She noted that the next tender was due in 4 months and made a note of the "Save- a-tree" product for the tender. Mr. C. Ford questioned if some "leeway" could be given within purchasing policy in respect to the issue of more costly but environmentally friendlier products receiving tender awards. In response, Mrs. Williams advised that virgin paper cost $4.35/1000 while recycle stock cost $5.39/1000 and staff were not sure what was in the recycle stock. It was suggested that a recommendation could be developed relative to long term contracts for paper purchase. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE - 7 - FEBRUARY 3, 1993 MINUTES DR. F. GLEW WATERLOO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RE ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS. Dr. F. Glew appeared as a delegation to outline what the Waterloo County Board of Education was doing respecting Environmental Education. With the assistance of an overhead presentation, he commented on the concern that students have about their future in relation to the environment and the need to act both locally and globally to protect the environment. He advised that a 1992 survey, the Roper Report, found that (54% of the population believe environmental protection was more important than economic development. To deal with environmental issues, levels of environmental literacy ranging from nominal to functional to operational must be addressed. Changes in attitude and values are required to recognize that Life and Habitat are core values that should be protected above all others. He stated that the approach is to teach awareness, sensitivity and reasoning in order to cross over an "apathy line" to bring about action. Action strategies to deal with problems can then be promoted or undertaken. Such strategies can take many forms including persuasion, consumerism, political action, legal action and eco-management. Alderman M. Wagner entered the meeting at this point. Dr. Glew listed the following areas of interrelationship between the Waterloo County Board of Education and the Community: - Water Conservation Program. - Composting - Energy Efficiency - Habitat Restoration - Trailer Program (22,000 students go through a program in Bechtel Park and Steckle Woods) - Rotary Club, Optimist Club - Canada Trust (funding) - Tree Planting (10,000 - 15,000 per year) - Parent Education - Recycling - Huron Park Project (with the City re cold water stream) - Teacher Training (WCBE has the highest percentage of environmental specialists in the Province) Dr. Glew invited Committee members to attend an Environmental Conference being held on February 19, 1993 at John Darling Public School. Mr. D. Hilker advised that on many visits to schools he had found that some were deeply into environmental issues while other schools were not. Dr. Glew stated that this was a reflection of teachers but it has been shown that School Principals could have a large impact. In response to Mr. Hilker who questioned how Environmental Education was taught, Dr. Glew advised that nothing was mandated from the Ministry of Education. Dr. Glew referred to the example being set by Mr. S. Cooke as a highly motivated student who has an impact on environmental awareness through his activities. In response to Mr. J. Maine, he advised that environmentally oriented teachers have been discussing organization and formation of a specialty association. Mr. S. Cooke stated that there were no mandatory environmental courses in high school and questioned if there was an initiative to add environmental instruction either as a separate course or as a component of existing courses. Dr. Glew advised that efforts are underway to address this need. Alderman C. Weylie, Chairman, thanked Dr. Glew for his presentation and advised that it was her hope he would be available to the Committee in an advisory capacity in future. 4. REGIONAL SEWER USE BY-LAW 1-90 Dr. J. Kay reported on his review of Regional Sewer Use By-law 1-90 and its relationship to new industries relocating to Kitchener. He advised that the By-law was very strict through a mostly zero discharge policy and stringent fines. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE - 8 - FEBRUARY 3, 1993 MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS FUND Mr. G. Nixon noted that the Federal Government Fund to encourage Non-Profit Groups was previously discussed. He advised that there were two project funding categories, up to $20,000 and up to $200,000. It was hoped that the Huron Environmental Project would fall into the $200,000 category. He stressed that matching funding must be found. For 1993, deadlines are March 1st for $20,000 projects and June 1st for $200,000 projects. He noted that representatives would be coming to Kitchener in February to review the sites. Mr. Nixon advised that the focus was on Rehabilitation and Water Conservation and it was his view that habitat restoration in Huron Natural Area will qualify for funding since a large area has been damaged. It was also hoped that smaller projects (under $20,000) would also qualify possibly in conjunction with initiatives under the Adopt-a-Program. Mr. D. Hilker questioned what the status of Huron Park was. The City owns 92 acres, which incorporates the educational pond; however, there are 282 surrounding acres that need to be acquired. The Board of Education has applied for necessary funding. Mr. Hilker questioned if there was any way of listing and identifying projects and then taking them to interested groups for their consideration. In reference to this point, he advised that on a recent trip to United States, he had found many visible indications of group involvement in the recycling effort. Alderman M. Wagner noted that the Adopt-a-Program was close to conclusion and that he would have details at the March meeting that would provide a focus on the kind of efforts that Mr. Hilker referred to. POTENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD PROJECTS/CO-ORDINATION The following Initiatives were listed: - Adopt-a-program - Tree Planting - Energy Audit - Partners in Education - Environmental Youth Corps. Program Mr. T. Clancy advised that the staff working group was looking for direction as to how to gather public forces and facilitate group participation. Mr. J. Maine questioned how the Committee could attain a larger public profile with the community. Mr. B. Stanley commented that the staff working group has talked about a number of approaches that vary significantly from the acquisition of additional staff to simply identifying a few objectives that are achievable with citizen involvement and following achievement of success, undertake more initiatives. Alderman T. Galloway stated that the City must take a leadership role to provide co-ordination. Alderman M. Wagner commented that extra staff to co-ordinate projects could be justified if funding was available; however, for the present time, the City should concentrate on the "Adopt-a-Program". He cautioned that programs be undertaken carefully for now and that with successes achieved, there would be rapid acceleration in initiatives. Dr. Kay agreed that the Committee needs something high profile that is a success. The question that needs to be addressed was whether someone was needed in Municipal Government to co-ordinate people and funding to carry projects to the community. Alderman M. Wagner stated that the Committee needs more "Ad Hoc" members working on projects and meeting more often than once a month. He suggested that this would happen once one project got rolling. Mr. T. Clancy distributed a letter on the Adopt-a-Program with an attachment of the first stage draft proposal of the Adopt-a-Program. He noted that the intent was to develop a structure to allow groups to do things on their own utilizing a focus, tie-in and support from the City. He then described the proposed structure within Wards for the Adopt-a-Program and once started it would soon expand as other groups request to become involved. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES -9- FEBRUARY 3, 1993 7. ENVIRONMENTAL NE'I'VVORKING Mr. J. Maine suggested that there would be benefit in networking of Environmental Committees in the Grand River Watershed. He indicated that Cambridge has expressed an interest. As well, Guelph and Blandford are interested in information sharing and possibly holding a joint meeting in future. He suggested that this was an opportunity for Kitchener to take a leadership role with other municipalities in the watershed. Mr. B. Stanley commented that it appeared political bodies as well as citizen bodies were being proposed to be brought together and questioned this. Mr. Maine indicated that he saw the relations as strictly information sharing initially. Alderman T. Galloway supported such information sharing. 8. VISION PRINCIPLES FOR A NEW REGIONAL OFFICIAL PLAN Mr. B. Stanley advised that a Planning staff report would be brought to the Planning and Economic Development Committee on February 15, 1993 for consideration. He briefly referred to the outcome of the visioning exercise which resulted in the Vision Statements losing their essence when translated into Vision Principles. 9. QUEEN'S HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUM BUILDING It was noted that the Committee's April 7th meeting would be held in the Queen's Heights Condominium, 2 Lancaster Street East, Kitchener. 10. PRESERVATION OF SCENIC ROADS Alderman M. Wagner referred to the presentation that was recently made to the Environmental Committee on the Preservation of Scenic Roads and suggested that the Committee must react on the matter. Following some discussion, it was agreed that the matter of incorporating scenic roads into the City's Official Plan be added to the next Committee agenda. 11. INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES (ICLEI) Mr. C. Ford advised that he had received a request from ICLEI that the City advise of the best environmental program it has undertaken. It was agreed that he would discuss this request with the staff working group. 12. TREE PLANTING CANADA Mr. S. Cooke advised of information he had from Tree Planting Canada on funds available for reforestation projects. This information was turned over to Mr. T. Clancy. 13. NEXT MEETING - FEBRUARY 17, 1993 It was agreed to hold a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on February 17, 1993 to consider outstanding matters. 14. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk