Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-06-16ENVY1993-06-16 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 16, 1993 The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 3:00 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Alderman C. Weylie with the following members present: Ms. N. Finkle, Mr. D. Hilker and Mr. J. Maine. Alderman T. Galloway, Alderman C. Zehr, Mr. M. Barker and Dr. J. Kay entered the meeting after its commencement. Others Present: Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. G. Nixon, Mr. B. Liddle, Mr. L. Gordon, Mr. C. Ford, Ms. D. Arnold and Mr. L.W. Neil. The Committee was advised by Mr. L. Neil that Alderman M. Wagner was unable to attend the meeting this date as he was representing the City at an out of town function and that Mr. S. Cooke was in Brantford working with the GRCA and was unable to return to Kitchener in time for the meeting. MINUTES On motion by Mr. D. Hilker it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Environmental Committee held on May 5, 1993, as mailed to the members, be accepted." REQUEST FOR STATIONERY WITH CITY'S ENVIRONMENTAL LOGO Ms. N. Finkle advised that the Adopt-Your-Program Ward Co-ordinators have requested they be provided with Environmental Committee letterhead. She indicated that they have requested an inventory of 500 letterhead per ward. The Committee was of the view that this was too much and that the matter should be more fully considered at the next meeting. However, the subject of the Environmental Logo and letterhead was further discussed later in this meeting after Mr. C. Ford arrived. - CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - SUMMARY OF IMPLEMENTATION TO DATE The Committee was in receipt of an Implementation Summary prepared by Mr. L. Masseo and a memorandum from Mr. L. Gordon that should be incorporated into the summary. At the last meeting, it had been suggested that the Implementation Summary should be the subject of a formal presentation to City Council at its July 12th televised meeting. Alderman C. Weylie advised Ms. Finkle that she would like to present the Strategic Plan and Implementation Summary to a meeting of Ward Co-ordinators for the Adopt-Your Environment Program. Ms. Finkle suggested a date be set in September and agreed to arrange it with Alderman C. Weylie. This item was discussed again later in the meeting. 4. ENVIRONMENT CANADA - 1993 ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The Committee was in receipt of a notice from the Environment Minister and the Minister of State (Environment) and a pamphlet respecting Nominations for 1993 Environmental Achievement Awards sponsored by Environment Canada. It was noted in the material that Nominations must be post marked on or before June 30, 1993. Mr. T. Clancy pointed out that it has been suggested the City's Naturalization Program be nominated for an award. He commented on the positive views of the program that the City has been receiving and on how development of the Naturalization Program came about. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 34 - JUNE 16, 1993 4. ENVIRONMENT CANADA - 1993 ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS. (CONT'D) On motion by Mr. J. Maine, it was resolved: "That the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation be authorized to submit a Nomination to Environment Canada, nominating the Corporation of the City of Kitchener for a 1993 Environmental Achievement Award respecting the City's 'Naturalization Program'." Mr. T. Clancy indicated to the Committee that the Nomination deadline had been extended to June 30, 1993. CITY PLANNING BUS TOUR - TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 1993 The Committee was advised that a City Planning Tour has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, 1993 and will leave City Hall at 11:00 a.m. and return by approximately 4:00 p.m. Lay Committee Members wishing to go on the tour were asked to inform staff as soon as possible. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Tour would involve looking at a number of City issues and City related matters that have gone through the Standing Committees of Council. 'DRAFT' BUDGET FOR ADOPT YOUR ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM/METHOD OF RECOGNIZING 1993 'ENVIRONMENTAL' VOLUNTEERS The Committee considered the following Draft Budget totalling $3,(550.00 for the Adopt Your Environment Program proposed by Ms. N. Finkle: ADOPT-YOU R-E NVI RON M ENT PROPOSED 1993 BUDGET Printing/Promotions/Publications (pamphlets, brochures, guest speakers) Advertising/Publicity (recruitment, newspaper ads) Program Supplies (volunteer identification, paper, pens, markers, etc.) Volunteer Recognition (Pins, certificates, etc.) Volunteer Training (Volunteer Action Centre, slides, videos, seminar registration) Enabling Funds (sanctioned out of pocket expenses, parking, mileage) 800.00 450.00 1,050.00 1,000.00 150.00 200.00 TOTAL $3,650.00 Before dealing with the "Adopt-Your-Environment" Budget, Alderman C. Weylie advised that Council has chopped $2,000.00 from the previously approved 1993 Environmental Committee Budget as a result of the reduction by the Province in the level of grant funding that would otherwise have been provided to this Municipality. Mr. J. Maine questioned the $1,050.00 amount in the program supplies section of the Budget Draft. It was pointed out that this worked out to only $100.00 per ward and in addition to the items listed it was intended to include a first aid kit and a special kit with safety containers for collection of needles during clean up activities. This safety kit would become a recurring expense dependent on the level of clean up activity. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 35 - JUNE 16, 1993 'DRAFT' BUDGET FOR ADOPT YOUR ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM/METHOD RECOGNIZING 1993 'ENVIRONMENTAL' VOLUNTEERS. (CONT'D) Dr. J. Kay and Mr. M. Barker entered the meeting at this point. OF Mr. T. Clancy advised that Mr. Bruce Lawrence representing the City's Safety Section had made a presentation to Ward Co-ordinators on safety procedures. The Committee asked that the 10 first aid kits for Ward Co-ordinators be ordered through Mr. T. Clancy. Ms. Finkle advised that a "safety brochure" was being prepared for volunteers and it would deal with basic protective issues such as clothing, shoes, hats, etc. The method of recognition and training of volunteers was then considered and the related budget requirements. Dr. J. Kay commented that he thought the amount budgeted for volunteer recognition was high as compared to the small amount budgeted for volunteer training and that the importance of training should not be minimized. The cost of a volunteer recognition pin was discussed and Mr. T. Clancy suggested that the pins could be acquired for approximately $1.30 each. Ms. Finkle indicated that she was developing criteria relative to volunteer involvement and recognition award. She noted that the intent was to find an approach that would keep the volunteers coming back on a continuing basis. It was suggested that the Volunteer's Certificate have space to record each volunteer event that participants have contributed to. Mr. B. Liddle noted that City staff can design and produce such certificates internally and the Committee requested Ms. Finkle to follow up on this. For the record, Mr. T. Clancy advised that Mr. F. Graham was committed to assisting the Committee and that program expenditures should stand on their own; however, the Parks and Recreation Department would assist when required in a shortfall situation. Dr. J. Kay requested that the budget for volunteer training be increased from $150.00 to $500.00 resulting in the budget increasing from $3,650.00 to $4,000.00. Mr. J. Maine commented that volunteer training provided by the City was a form of recognition through the opportunity being provided to volunteers through a professional approach to the training subject. The proposed budget was considered and the revision requested by Dr. J. Kay was agreed to. On motion by Dr. J. Kay, it was resolved: "That the previously approved 1993 Special Promotions Budget of the Environmental Committee fund a $4,000 budget for the 'Adopt-Your-Environment Program' as outlined hereunder: Printing/Promotions/Publications 800.00 Advertising/Publicity 450.00 Program Supplies 1,050.00 Volunteer Recognition 1,000.00 Volunteer Training 500.00 Enabling Funds 200.00 TOTAL $4,0000.00 In reference to methods of recognition, Dr. J. Kay suggested a program could be developed that would allow volunteers who work for the environment to collect "bus points" that could be exchanged for travel on Kitchener Transit. It was agreed that this suggestion be referred to Ms. N. Finkle to pursue how it could be accommodated. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 36 - JUNE 16, 1993 'DRAFT' BUDGET FOR ADOPT YOUR ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM/METHOD OF RECOGNIZING 1993 'ENVIRONMENTAL' VOLUNTEERS. (CONT'D) Dr. J. Kay commented on the depletion of ozone and the fact that extremely high ultra violet (UV) readings were expected this summer. He noted that there were only three products on the market that screened out UV to prevent genetic damage. Further, he stated that the variation of ultra violet levels was very wide from day to day. Ms. Finkle agreed to add the UV issue to the safety brochure. Alderman T. Galloway entered the meeting at this point. REPORT RE MEETING OF WARD CO-ORDINATORS Ms. N. Finkle advised that a list of Ward Co-ordinators will be circulated to the Committee and that already some were very active. She outlined strategies for recruitment of volunteers from several sources and noted that the Environmental Logo would be on all program material being distributed. Further, she advised that after the City's Employee Union expressed a concern regarding employment effects resulting from the program, she met with Union Officials to explain the Adopt-Your-Environment Program. Mr. J. Maine suggested that environmental volunteers be given a sign with the Environmental Logo that could be put in the front window of their homes as is done with signs advertising participants in the Block Parents program. Alderman C. Weylie asked Ms. D. Arnold, Assistant City Solicitor to comment on use and control of the logo copyright on material such as brochures and letters and legal implications of wide spread use of the logo. Ms. Arnold explained that it must be defined as to who has authorized use of the logo and also explained logo use provision and indicated she would bring additional material on this matter for the Committee's consideration. Dr. J. Kay suggested that guidelines on logo use be established. Further, it was noted that the filing/record keeping activities of Ward Co- ordinators should be addressed. It was suggested that staff consult on this matter and prepare information for consideration at the next Committee meeting. CANADIAN MUNICIPAL LEGAL LIABILITY RE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Dr. J. Kay indicated that he had a document, New Directions for the Legal Liability of Canadian Municipalities, relating to environmental matters that discusses what can and can not be done by municipalities. He stated that the following were main points of the document: (a) Courts are extending the liability of cities by expecting cities to take a more proactive role in environmental matters. (b) Municipalities can not put environmental regulations in place that conflict with Federal or Provincial Regulations. (c) Powers relative to matters of health and nuisance would allow municipalities to act. (d) Zoning By-laws can be used in various ways to override other legislation. This would mean that the municipality would zone for what it defines the land use to be; for example, areas designated as a no PCB Zone or designated as an R2000 Residential Zone. Alderman C. Zehr entered the meeting at this point. Mr. B. Stanley stated that what Dr. Kay was referring to was known as Performance Standards Zoning but that the trick was to develop performance standards and to develop standards without prejudice. This approach to zoning involves very heavy commitments in the area of staffing and training. Mr. Stanley pointed out that this approach has been done in the City's industrial basin. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 37 - JUNE 16, 1993 8. CANADIAN MUNICIPAL LEGAL LIABILITY RE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. (CONT'D) Alderman C. Weylie commented that the topic should be further investigated and it was agreed staff print the first part of Dr. Kay's document and circulate it to Committee members and other staff. 9. REQUEST FOR STATIONERY WITH CITY'S ENVIRONMENTAL LOGO Following the arrival of Mr. C. Ford, the matter of printing stationery with the Environmental Logo was again raised. Mr. Ford commented on the components of recycled product and noted that it could be composed of 10-50% post consumer waste and up to 50% recycled fibre. In the case of paper and letterhead used by LACAC, he advised that the paper stock price was $16.00 per 1000 plus the cost of printing the LACAC Logo. Mr. Ford was requested to obtain price break points on acquisition of inventory of 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 sheets of letterhead. Mr. T. Clancy commented that he considered the use of the Environmental Logo as more relevant to brochure and flyers and that if the logo was needed for letterhead, it should just be printed on existing City letterhead. It was agreed that staff would obtain cost estimates following which the Committee could discuss what Ms. N. Finkle envisages. 10. LETTER TO REGION OF WATERLOO RE DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTES The Committee was again in receipt of a copy of a letter dated April 29th addressed to Mr. K. Seiling and members of Regional Council from Mr. T. Boutilier. Attached to his letter was a suggestion to Regional Council on how to improve the level of service in the collection and disposal of the community's hazardous wastes. At the Committee's May 5th meeting, this matter was referred pending further information from Alderman C. Zehr and Dr. J. Kay. Alderman C. Zehr advised that he brought the suggestion to the attention of the Regional Engineering Committee and they were at a loss to explain why some municipalities were accepting material and some were not. He commented that it was felt some municipalities are turning a blind eye to regulations relating to collection, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes. Dr. Kay suggested that staff contact officials in Peel and Halton Regions to determine exactly what they are doing and Alderman Zehr agreed. Mr. T. Clancy advised that the point that Mr. Boutilier was attempting to make related to the issue of making it convenient for the homeowner to responsibly dispose of hazardous wastes and that it was an attempt to encourage the Region to do something about the procedures in this regard. Dr. Kay commented that the City of Toronto has a hazardous wastes truck that picks up such waste upon request. In reference to the proposed hazardous waste facility in Huron Industrial Park, Alderman T. Galloway advised that the proponents at one time had thought they might be able to accept household hazardous wastes but now won't because regulations are too stringent. Following further discussion, it was agreed that Mr. S. Gyorffy be requested to write to the Regions of Peel and Halton to enquire into their procedures relative to the disposal of hazardous wastes and inform the Committee of his findings. It was asked that an appreciation letter be sent to Mr. Boutilier for his initiative respecting this matter and that a letter also be sent to Mr. K. Seiling outlining how frustrated municipalities are in being unable to offer an improved level of service relative to the disposal of hazardous household wastes and that a copy of the letter be sent to the Minister of the Environment and to Mr. Boutilier. 11. - CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - SUMMARY OF IMPLEMENTATION TO DATE This item was discussed briefly at the beginning of the meeting before several members arrived. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 38 - JUNE 16, 1993 11. - CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - SUMMARY OF IMPLEMENTATION TO DATE. (CONT'D) For the information of the Committee, Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Blair/Beckle Watershed Study was now underway. Dr. J. Kay stated that he thought the resource consumption section came out as very positive. He noted there was reference to the Region not moving ahead on various issues such as water rates and hazardous wastes and commented that it seems that while the City is progressing, the Region appeared to be slowing things down. Alderman C. Zehr commented that the Region has had to cut back on initiatives because of reduced revenues from general and specific sources. Mr. L. Masseo indicated that reference in the document to Energy Auditor would be revised to Environmental Engineer and that in Natural and Recreation Amenity Areas item 5.1 should be revised to add the word forecast so that in reference to stormwater management it would read that money is presently in the budget 'forecast' for planting to be undertaken on existing stormwater management facilities. Mr. C. Ford advised the Committee that he intended to send a copy of the Implementation Summary to I.C.L.E.I. 12. WATERLOO WELLINGTON SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR - 1994 The Committee was provided with correspondence dated April 27, 1993 from the Waterloo Wellington Science and Engineering Fair suggesting the Committee consider sponsoring a category in their 1994 Fair. Dr. J. Kay commented that he was extremely upset with the response given in the April 27th letter and the Committee authorized Dr. Kay to write to the officials of the Science and Engineering Fair to address the issue of concern further. 13. REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT RE DRAFT REGULATION TO PREVENT THE RELEASE OF FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated May 17, 1993 from the Minister of Environment and Energy, with attached documentation requesting comment from the public on a new draft regulation to prevent the release of refrigerant fluorocarbons. Also provided to the Committee as an addendum to the agenda was a memorandum from Mr. C. Ford containing comments on the Draft Regulation. In his memorandum, Mr. Ford commented that the proposed regulation was very comprehensive but as with any regulation it tends to deal with the existing problems but not the cause of the problems. Mr. Ford stated that the Draft Legislation would have a beneficial effect overall but does have repercussion on the city in respect to its operations. He commented that at the ICLEI/IULA Conference it had come up for discussion that it was appropriate to undertake recycling, recovery etc. but that what must change is philosophies that encourage everyone to do the right thing environmentally without having to first think about whether or not they were doing the right thing. In reference to the question of CFC's, Mr. J. Maine questioned how the regulations would affect air conditioning systems in the City's Transit Buses. Mr. Ford advised that he was uncertain of the situation and would point out the issue to Transit Officials. Dr. Kay commented that it would appear the City was buying new air conditioned buses that technologically will be both out of date and illegal within a few years. Accordingly, he suggested that the City not buy any new buses with air conditioning systems for about four years until technology catches up. Mr. L. Gordon indicated that the air conditioning systems were an optional extra and he would review the criteria in the tender for the air conditioning system. Alderman C. Zehr suggested that the concerns relative to air conditioning systems should be communicated to Transit Officials. Mr. Hilker noted that with only recycled freon available in future there would be a diminishing stock and that any repairs would become more and more expensive. Dr. Kay stated that five years from now freon driven devices would be totally impractical. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 39 - JUNE 16, 1993 13. REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT RE DRAFT REGULATION TO PREVENT THE RELEASE OF FLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANTS. (CONT'D) On motion by Dr. J. Kay, it was resolved: "That City Council request the Management Committee to reconsider and evaluate whether or not an optional extra for air conditioning should be excluded from an upcoming Tender for 40 new Transit Buses in view of the fact that current air conditioning system technology will be illegal in all new vehicles effective January 1, 1996, virtually obsolete and increasingly expensive and impractical to maintain and repair each year thereafter. And further that Management Committee provide a report and recommendation to City Council." On the question of technology, Alderman T. Galloway stated that the Utilities Division has a very successful program for marketing natural gas appliance products and suggested that we ask them to look into marketing natural gas refrigerators and other appliances such as what were viewed in the recent tour of the Waterloo Region Green Home. It was agreed that Mr. Dave Collie should be requested to look into this issue. 14. PROPOSED HAZARDOUS WASTES FACILITY - HURON INDUSTRIAL PARK Alderman T. Galloway brought the matter of the Proposed Hazardous Wastes Facility to the attention of the Committee. He noted that an environmental circulation process may take place and relevant City Departments would be notified. He commented that residents will likely approach Council to express their concerns on the matter and try to get the City to request a hearing. In view of this, Alderman Galloway questioned if the Environmental Committee wished to play a role in consideration of the matter if and when an application for an Environmental Hearing was made. Dr. J. Kay commented that from what he has heard about the positive features of the facility where the operation is proposed, the challenge will be to convince the people that it is in fact a proper and appropriate facility for the use intended. He suggested that when concrete information is available, the Committee could discuss involvement but tour the facility before further considering it. He stated that the public hearing forum was the proper method for the proposal to be dealt with and after receipt of notification of a hearing, the Committee could decide if it wished to become involved. 15. "THE YELLOW FISH ROAD" STORM DRAIN MARKING PROGRAM At the Committee's May 5th meeting, a delegation received support for the Yellow Fish Road Storm Drain Marking Program in which a yellow fish symbol is marked on curbs adjacent to storm drains. For the information of the Committee, Mr. D. Hilker advised that he has noticed that many of the fish symbols recently painted on curbs beside storm drains have been blackened out. It was suggested that the purpose of the program must be more effectively communicated to residents and that one way would be through the schools. 16. PROPOSED SCENIC-HERITAGE ROAD POLICIES Mr. B. Stanley distributed a memorandum dated June 16, 1993 which noted that the Committee at its meeting of February 17th when reviewing the issue of Scenic Roads requested that the revised policy and Scenic Road definition come back to the Committee following review by LACAC. Attached to his memo were proposed policies which were reviewed by LACAC on June 11th and he suggested that the policies be added to the Committee's next agenda when a presentation can be made outlining background to the policies. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES -40 - JUNE 16, 1993 17. WEATHER CHANNEL The Committee was advised that the Weather Channel has already run a feature describing the City's Adopt-Your-Environment Program and would likely be repeating it. 18. ONTARIO PARKS MEETING Mr. T. Clancy advised that the Ontario Parks Association was holding a meeting in Kitchener, July 20-23 and outlined the program. He noted that while there was a cost for participants in the meeting, at a later date staff will know if space is available at seminar sessions and if such is the case, it would likely be possible for Environmental Committee members to attend sessions that they had an interest in free of charge. 19. ONTARIO MUNICIPAL ENERGY COLLABORATIVE Mr. C. Ford advised that the Ontario Municipal Energy Collaborative has had an initial meeting, discussed goals and were intending to hold workshops next week. He advised that they have requested a staff representative to participate as well as a political representative to participate in the sessions June 23-25 with all expenses to be paid for by OMEC. It was suggested that Alderman Wagner might have an interest in this. In regard to staff participation in the organization, Mr. Ford stated that it was anticipated the commitment could be 500 hours per year for two years involving approximately 5 staff. 20. NEXT MEETING - JULY 14, 1993 It was agreed that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on Wednesday, July 14, 1993 commencing at 3:00 p.m. 21. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk