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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-05-05ENVY1993-05-05 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 5, 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 G.L. Leadston, Alderman M. Wagner, Alderman C. Zehr, Alderman T. Galloway, Mr. J. Maine, Dr. J. Kay, Mr. D. Hilker and Mr. S. Cooke. Officials Present: Mr. S. Klapman, Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. B. Liddle, Mr. F. Graham, Mr. J. Wallace, Mr. G. Nixon, Mr. L. Masseo, Mr. D. Daly, Mr. C. Ford, Ms. N. Finkel and Mr. L.W. Neil. MINUTES On motion by Mr. S. Cooke it was resolved: "That the minutes of the Environmental Committee meeting held April 7, 1993, as mailed to the members, be accepted." ADOPT-A-PROGRAM At the Committee's April 7th meeting, Alderman M. Wagner submitted detail relative to the Adopt- a-Program. This material included a letter from Alderman Wagner and draft outlines of: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Program. Terms of Reference. Committee Chairman Position. Ward Representative Positions. Community Brochure. Alderman C. Zehr pointed out that some of the costs referred to in the material could be handled at the departmental level. Mr. J. Maine questioned the status of the Program development to date. Ms. N. Finkel advised that 7 Ward representatives have been found and that the first meeting of Ward Co-ordinators would be held on Tuesday, June 1st at 7:00 p.m. in Victoria Park Pavilion. Ms. Finkel stated that estimated costs for the brochure "What is Adopt-Your-Environment" were still being determined. Alderman C. Weylie advised that she had made some enquiry respecting costs of identification material and found significant cost variation between in-house production and an outside supplier. She requested information on prices for this material. In reference to the Program brochure, Mr. J. Maine commented that there was no indication it was printed on recycled paper. Ms. Finkel advised that it was done on recycled paper. The "Volunteer Brochure" was then considered and following discussion it was requested that reference to the City's 10 Wards could be removed to simplify understanding of the organizational structure of the Adopt-a-Program. Mr. J. Maine suggested reference be made to volunteers at the local level. On motion by Alderman G.L. Leadston, it was agreed that the Department of Parks and Recreation would handle the printing of the 2 Adopt-a-Program Brochures out of its existing budget. Mr. S. Cooke enquired if other forms of media communication have been evaluated. Ms. Finkel advised that all sources would be investigated. Alderman M. Wagner stressed that it would be made clear that the Adopt-a-Program is not limited to a single focus. He noted that the "Weather Channel" is planning to do a segment on the Program. Alderman C. Zehr questioned if Rogers cable T.V. could also be approached to do something and it was agreed that Parks Department staff would attend to this. Alderman C. Zehr advised that recently clean up activities took place at 2 sites in the Chicopee area. Alderman C. Weylie noted everyone should be informing Nancy Finkel of any group activities they were aware of. Dr. J. Kay questioned how the neighbourhood associations and the Ward Co-ordinators of the Adopt-a-Program would be inter-acting Ms. Finkel ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 29 - MAY 5, 1993 ADOPT-A-PROGRAM (CONT'D) advised that each neighbourhood association has been sent a letter and will be meeting with Parks & Recreation Department staff in this regard. For the information of the Committee, Mr. F. Graham advised that a meeting had been held with 5 representatives of different Kiwanis Clubs with the intent of holding an Environmental Day with some 400 participants in 1994. Some discussion of the necessity of the need for name tags or I.D. badges took place and Alderman C. Zehr questioned that approach. Mr. G. Nixon advised that the City of Calgary was using baseball hats, shirts and buttons to identify volunteers working in its programs. Ms. Finkel indicated that she would bring information on this matter back to the Committee for further discussion and also suggested that the matter of recognition of volunteers be considered. It was resolved: "That Nancy Finkel be appointed Chairman of the Ward Co-ordinators for the Adopt Your Environment Program. And further, that the Chairman of the Adopt Your Environment Program Ward Co- ordinators be appointed as a member of the Environmental Committee for a term to expire November 30, 1993 and that the Committee Terms of Reference be amended to provide for such appointment annually." MS. TRISH NASH, GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY RE "THE YELLOW FISH ROAD" STORM DRAIN MARKING PROGRAM. Ms. Trish Nash appeared as a delegation on behalf of the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Storm Drain Marking Program organized and supported by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Trout Unlimited Canada. She advised that last year, a few hundred Brownies had participated in a successful project in which they mark a yellow fish symbol on storm drains. Ms. Nash advised that she is again co-ordinating a 1993 project and that she has 150 Kits, with each Kit being utilized by a group of 6 people. She pointed out that safety of the participants was their primary concern and the group approach provided for it. She also stated the painting would be done using environmentally friendly paint. Ms. Nash provided the Committee with a program brochure and noted that they intend to conduct the program in the entire Grand River Watershed commencing this Saturday. Mr. S. Cooke advised that he had participated with the program last year and found that it was an excellent learning experience for the Brownies. Mr. B. Liddle advised that the City had assisted the Brownies by loaning them plastic traffic cones and safety vests. In response to Mr. J. Maine, Ms. Nash advised that the School Boards were aware of the program and that many groups have requested an opportunity to participate in it. She noted that the Storm Drain Marking Program could be incorporated into the Adopt-a-Program. She also advised that a meeting involving all municipalities in the Watershed was being held on April 23rd. The Committee indicated that it fully supported the Storm Drain Marking Program. 4. KITCHENER DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION RE ENVIRONMENTAL WINDOW DISPLAY. Mr. G. Nixon advised that costs of approximately $300 were incurred for material in connection with the City's Environmental Display in the Kitchener Downtown Business Association window. Mr. B. Liddle commented that the display has generated considerable interest. On motion by Dr. J. Kay, the Committee agreed to payment of these costs. 5. NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT - ADOPT-A-PROGRAM WARD CO-ORDINATORS. Mr. G. Nixon advised that the cost of the advertisement for Ward Co-ordinators for the Adopt-a- Program was approximately $150.00. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 30 - MAY 5, 1993 5. NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT. (CONT'D) On motion by Alderman T. Galloway, the Committee agreed to payment of this cost. 6. ENVIROFUND PROPOSAL. Alderman T. Galloway advised that a few months ago, he had circulated a preliminary draft proposal for an Envirofund and that since circulation, significant changes have been made to the draft which are reflected in the revision attached to the agenda. Alderman Galloway commented on the need for funds to support environmental initiatives and pointed out that his proposal originated from an earlier staff suggestion under the Kitchener Awards Positive Suggestion Program. He then commented on aspects of the program dealing with: competition with charitable groups, establishment of a foundation, objectives and structure of the foundation, and financial operations. Mr. J. Wallace, City Solicitor, distributed a submission dated May 5th to the Committee reviewing Alderman Galloway's proposal. Mr. Wallace advised that he has raised some questions regarding what has been suggested. He noted the situation was similar to the Centre in the Square except that the Centre already had a base before Council got involved. He indicated that questions must be answered as to how the foundation would be run, who are its Board of Directors, how Trust funds would be administered, accountability/responsibility, and the question of control by City Council through a majority of members. Mr. Wallace pointed out that there was a need for advice on the Administration of the Trust Fund particularly with regard to the role and reporting relationship of the Foundation Manager. He indicated that he would like an opportunity to review the proposal with Mr. L. Ryan, the Director of Financial Information/Budgets and to review the experience of the Centre in the Square. Alderman C. Zehr stated that he had reservations about an independent foundation and supported control by the City. Alderman T. Galloway noted that private legislation was the way to deal with the question of conflict. In response to Alderman M. Wagner, Mr. J. Wallace advised that special legislation addresses the matter of legality. Alderman Wagner stated that the main question was whether the City wanted to do it since it would compete with fund raising by charitable groups; however, he has spoken with some groups who have not objected provided all funds were designated to environmental projects. Alderman Wagner stated that he would support the proposal provided charitable groups were not hurt. Mr. F. Graham commented that there was a close parallel to the successful Grand Valley Foundation established by the Grand River Conservation Authority. He noted that the Envirofund proposal would require substantial volunteer commitment. Dr. J. Kay commented that Break-open tickets were only one source of funding and that he found the whole concept exciting. Alderman M. Wagner stated that without the Break-open tickets, the proposal was not viable. On motion by Mr. J. Maine it was resolved: "That the Environmental Committee approves, in principle, the proposal to establish an Environmental Foundation, as outlined in Alderman T. Galloway's draft report, 'Envirofund Kitchener, Inc.', dated April 27, 1993 including the various options for revenue generation. And further, that the report be referred to the Finance and Administration Committee for consideration after refinements have been completed by Alderman T. Galloway, Mr. J. Wallace and other staff." ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 31 - MAY 5, 1993 PROGRESS REPORTS - IMPLEMENTATION PHASE OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. The Committee was in receipt of progress reports on implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Environment from: -L. Masseo/B. Stanley - W. Sleeth - T. O'Brien - E. Kovacs - S. Gyorffy - B. Liddle - C. Ford (May 4th) (April 29th) (May 3rd) (April 30th) (April 27th) (April 27th) (April 28th) On the matter of re-chargeable batteries, Dr. J. Kay advised that a new study has shown that re- chargeable batteries when disposed of are much worse (more toxic) to the environment than regular batteries. Dr. Kay then questioned when the Committee considering Tri-City Water Rates would meet next. Alderman C. Weylie advised there had been some delay but that there now was a new person in charge of this matter at the Region of Waterloo. Dr. Kay questioned what could be done to get the Study moving and Alderman Weylie advised that she would bring back information on this matter to the Committee. Messrs G. Nixon, B. Liddle and L. Masseo briefly commented on the information in their progress reports. It was agreed that staff should summarize what work has been completed under the Strategic Plan and include the matter of a presentation to City Council on the next Committee agenda. TOUR - REGION OF WATERLOO GREEN HOME. It was agreed to attempt to arrange a tour of the Region of Waterloo Green Home on Wednesday, June 2nd at 4:00 p.m. INFORMATION ITEMS. (a) Pitchin - Ontario (b) (c) (d) (e) Material received by the City respecting Pitchin - Ontario was given to Mr. G. Nixon to consider. Steckle Woods - Guided Walkinq Tour The Committee was in receipt of a memo dated April 30th from Renate Willms advising that the City of Kitchener and the K-W Field Naturalists would again be hosting a guided 40 minute walking tour in Steckle Woods on Wednesday, May 19th at 6:30 p.m. Grand River Conservation Authority Newsletter A newsletter from the Grand River Conservation Authority was given to Mr. J. Maine to review. Free Learn to Compost Seminar The Committee was advised that a Free Learn to Compost Seminar was being held on May 12th at the Breithaupt Centre. Kolb Drain Project The Committee was in receipt of a memo dated May 4th from Mr. T. McKay relative to protective environmental measures that are being taken in connection with the Kolb Drain Project. (f) Grass Recyclin,q Pamphlet A revised Grass Recycling Pamphlet was distributed to the Committee for its information. The pamphlet is currently being delivered City wide by Canada Post. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE - 32 - MAY 5, 1993 MINUTES 10. LETTER TO REGION OF WATERLOO RE DISPOSAL OF HARZARDOUS WASTE. The Committee was 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 is a suggestion to Regional Council on how to improve the level of service in the collection and disposal of the community's hazardous waste. Some discussion took place regarding this matter. Alderman C. Zehr noted that the matter appeared to be bogged down at the Regional level even though other Regions are moving ahead on it. He indicated that he would follow-up on it at the next Regional Engineering Committee meeting. Alderman C. Weylie questioned what policies there were for some of the things that are going on? Alderman C. Zehr asked Dr. J. Kay to obtain some information on this subject and that it be discussed again at the Committee's next meeting. 11. INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES (ICLEI). Mr. C. Ford advised that he was in receipt of a number of information items from ICLEI. He noted that various electronic bulletin boards were becoming available and that he would like a budget allocation of upto $250 to cover the cost of long distance phone calls for the balance of the year. Dr. J. Kay suggested that Mr. Ford try a University Access Route. On motion by Dr. J. Kay, the Committee agreed to authorize expenditure of upto $250 to allow Mr. C. Ford access to an electronic Internal Bulletin Board program for the remainder of 1993. 12. EXPENSES FOR I.C.L.E.I. COUNCIL MEETING AND INTERNATIONAL UNION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES (IULA) WORLD CONGRESS, TORONTO. Mr. C. Ford advised that he was planning to attend the IULA World Congress being held in June in Toronto. He indicated that he was making plans in such manner so as to minimize his total attendance costs. On motion, the Committee agreed to re-imburse Mr. C. Ford for his daily expenditures at the City's per diem expense rate for 5 days in connection with his participation at both the ICLEI Council Meeting and the IULA World Congress, which are being held consecutively in Toronto in June 1993. 13. NEXT MEETING - JUNE 16, 1993 It was agreed to hold the next meeting on June 16th and to commence future meetings at 3:00 p.m. 14. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk