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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-11-30ENVY1993-11-30 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 30, 1993 The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Councillor C.M. Weylie with the following members present: Councillors T. Galloway, C. Zehr and G. Leadston and Dr. J. Kay, Mr. D. Hilker, Mr. M. Barker, Mr. S. Cooke and Mr. J. Maine. Councillor M. Wagner entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Mr. S. Klapman, Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. S. Gyorffy, Mr. G. Nixon, Mr. W. Sleeth, Mr. D. Daley, Mr. C. Ford and Mr. L.W. Neil. UPDATE RE MONARCH WOODS Mr. W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect, with The Department of Parks and Recreation, appeared before the Committee to provide an update on the erosion problem in Monarch Woods. He advised that the City recently engaged a consultant to undertake a preliminary study of remedial measures necessary to control erosion and to determine what winter works projects could be utilized in respect to this problem. He noted that one short term measure would be the installation of rock check dams to control water flow to reduce the erosion while long-term measures were being considered. Staff have already diverted one of the trails at the top of a threatened embankment and are considering other measures including diverting parts of the creek. He stated that the movement of bicycles within Monarch Woods has to be controlled and signage developed for designated trails. A meeting of the neighbourhood will be called before the spring to review and discuss issues. He pointed out that upstream from Monarch Woods some retrofitting was being done to control water flow and silt movement. Councillor M. Wagner entered the meeting at this point. Councillor T. Galloway questioned what provision there was to assess penalties against developers if their systems to prevent run-off and siltation fail. Mr. T. Clancy advised that issues relating to stormwater management provisions and loopholes were being addressed and commented that the process was in place to discourage future occurrences. Mr. G. Nixon advised that a letter has been received from Cumming Cockburn, Consulting Engineers who are acting for Monarch, in which they have asked for a letter from the City documenting remedial needs in Monarch Woods and outlining what assistance the City wishes from Monarch. Councillor C.M. Weylie questioned if revisions would be made to Standard Subdivision Agreement. Mr. S. Klapman suggested that special conditions could be added that are both legal and enforceable. Mr. T. Clancy advised that a further update could be given at the Committee's January 19th meeting. 2. HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL RE TEMPORARY DEPOTS Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that he had a copy of a Regional staff draft report on hazardous waste that was to be considered by Regional Committee in January. Essentially, the Region is spending $260,000.00 per year on hazardous waste disposal and is considering how these funds could be spent more effectively. At present, a reduction in the number of days of operation from 16 to 12 in the Cities of Cambridge and Waterloo is being considered so as to accommodate one event in Kitchener and the Townships in 1994. However, a certificate of approval from The Ministry of The Environment is required in order to receive hazardous waste at temporary depots. Mr. D. Hilker stated that it was still unclear what residents should do with surplus paint. Mr. J. Maine suggested that when a schedule of days/locations that receive hazardous waste was agreed to, it should be posted at retail locations selling the product in question. Dr. J. Kay commented that stickers should be placed on goods explaining procedures to dispose of unused portions. In response to a question from Mr. D. Hilker, Mr. J. Maine stated that obtaining co- operation from retailers ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE - 52 - NOVEMBER 30, 1993 MINUTES 2. HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL RE TEMPORARY DEPOTS. (CONT'D) was the way to proceed in such instance. Mr. S. Gyorffy noted that the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program was reaching only 3% of residents. Dr. J. Kay pointed out that it has come up time and time again that the program was not available to most of Kitchener (just Waterloo and Cambridge) and that the issue was the cost of extending the program. Mr. Gyorffy suggested that we should go on record "as to concerns over service to Kitchener" in this matter. Mr. T. Clancy suggested that we target 1994 Earth Day to deal with this issue by encouraging residents to deal with it. Issues that must be addressed are what to do with left over useable paint and unuseable (hardened) paint. Dr. J. Kay asked that we request the appropriate person from the Region of Waterloo to attend the Committee's next meeting to discuss ideas and problems relative to this subject. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that we would invite Mr. Dan Balfour to attend. Councillors T. Galloway and G. Leadston left the meeting at this point. 3. REGION OF WATERLOO WASTE REDUCTION MASTER PLAN TO THE YEAR 2000 Mr. S. Gyorffy's November 8th letter to the Public Works and Transportation Committee was attached to the agenda. His letter explained that the Master Plan will direct waste reduction and recycling programs and practices in the Region to the year 2000. He noted that the Plan was developed in a phased manner and that as a result of the process, recommendations have been made to continue many existing Regional programs, shift the focus of some others and to develop new programs. A public meeting was held in Kitchener on November 15, 1993 at which Regional staff provided an overview of the Plan and solicited input. Dr. J. Kay expressed concern over the lack of notice given with regard to the meeting. A copy of clause 5 of The Public Works and Transportation Committee report adopted by City Council on November 22, 1993 was attached to the agenda and reads as follows: "That the City of Kitchener endorse the recommendations contained in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's Waste Reduction Master Plan to the year 2000, save and except for our concerns over recommendations 13 and 14, which will be forwarded shortly, and further, That City staff be instructed to prepare their concerns in writing so that same can be forwarded to the Region for consideration." Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that he had written to the Region on November 29th as requested in the resolution to express the following concerns: 1. Rather than investigating a user pay system, consideration should be given to a producer pay system. Garbage is not created by the householder but rather by the product producer. Product packaging is a major source of garbage. A full user pay system will result in tax implications with benefits accruing to the senior levels of government. These implications should be fully evaluated prior to any such system being implemented. A full user pay system will result in roadside dumping and the illegal use of commercial containers. Further it was pointed out in his letter that a number of concerns were raised at the November 15th public meeting and were noted by Regional staff. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 53 - NOVEMBER 30, 1993 REGION OF WATERLOO WASTE REDUCTION MASTER PLAN TO THE YEAR 2000. (CONT'D) Mr. D. Hilker commented that he has observed more dumping along roads and vacant lands than ever before which calls into question the practicality of certain waste reduction programs. Mr. J. Maine suggested that the involvement of neighbourhood associations on a long-term basis was required to achieve successful waste reduction programs. Further, Mr. Maine commented that he viewed the public input sessions to be only window dressing. Dr. J. Kay referred to items 13 and 14 (standard container limit and user pay system) and questioned what the basis of opposition was. Mr. S. Gyorffy noted that the proposals involve a shift in the tax burden. Households would be impacted by actual costs rather than average costs and presently commercial and industrial lands subsidize household collection. He commented that under a user pay system, the program would be seen by residents as a major tax grab while the cost to commercial and industrial properties would be reduced and would be tax deductible. Councillor M. Wagner advised that City Council wanted more information on these items before addressing them. He questioned if other ways had been considered to educate the public on waste reduction. In reference to the dumping issue, Mr. T. Clancy commented that the amount of dumping in public parks and forests has increased dramatically. Also, he noted that City garbage containers were being filled by non users of the particular facility. Mr. D. Daley pointed out that heavy weight materials were being dumped. Staff were requested to obtain copies of the Master Plan for those Committee Members who do not have a copy so that these and other issues could be raised with Mr. Balfour at the next Committee meeting. 4. ONTARIO ENERGY COLLABORATIVE Mr. C. Ford reported on a recent meeting of the Ontario Energy Collaborative. He noted that one issue addressed was the matter of pay back period for the costs of energy conservation improvements. It is being suggested that the current approach requiring payback within a five year period for each project individually be rethought so as to allow the payback period of projects to be averaged so that they average a five year payback. Such a measure would extend the range of projects that could be undertaken. Accordingly, Mr. Ford wishes to consider seeking approval to change the mandate for energy management in this regard. Also, group buying of energy management services and products was a subject of discussion. Mr. Ford advised that the matter of carbon dioxide rationing was discussed. He explained how the process would work and noted that the Collaborative was a making a submission requesting a late opportunity to file a proposal that could result in certain financial assistance. Mr. J. Maine questioned if the City had a standing policy on this and Mr. Ford advised there was none but that the Environmental Committee was the place to establish it. Dr. J. Kay stated that the matter under discussion was a Carbon Tax/Credit System and that it was profoundly flawed. Essentially, certain parties would be allowed to get away with polluting the environment and the scheme would involve poor nations selling rights that they do not need. Mr. J. Maine commented that he found the System unacceptable. The Committee directed that Mr. Ford prepare a proposal for consideration. 5. FUTURE COMMITTEE DIRECTION It was suggested that Committee Members prepare their thoughts on future activities for 1994 and submit them by January 7, 1994. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 54 - NOVEMBER 30, 1993 5. FUTURE COMMITTEE DIRECTION. (CONT'D) Mr. J. Maine requested that the Committee further inform itself on transportation issues. Mr. T. Clancy suggested that some consideration be given to concern over and emissions from airplanes and to the planting of trees along the expressway. Dr. J. Kay stated that he would appreciate being able to monitor what was going on in the City. As well, he would like to see broader participation of other City staff respecting environmental matters and would like to see different staff groups reporting every six months on what they are doing as its relates to the environment. Mr. Klapman commented that staff who contributed to the Strategic Plan would be appropriate. Mr. J. Maine stated that bringing different groups together would facilitate opportunities for creative thought so as to allow people to take action and see change in social terms. Mr. S. Cooke expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to represent youth on the Committee and asked that the Committee continue to seek input from youth organizations. 6. NEXT MEETING - JANUARY 19, 1994 It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, January 19, 1994 at 4:00 p.m. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:53 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk