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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-09-29ENVY1993-09-29 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 1993 The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Councillor M. Wagner, Vice-Chairman with the following members present: Dr. J. Kay, Ms. N. Finkel and Messrs D. Hilker, S. Cooke, M. Barker and J. Maine. Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Mr. T. McKay, Mr. S. Klapman, Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. G. Nixon, Mr. J. Cicuttin, Ms. S. Roberts, Ms. S. Frenette, Mr. T. O'Brien, Mr. D. Daley and Mr. L.W. Neil. MINUTES On motion by Mr. D. Hilker, it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Environmental Committee held on July 14, 1993, as mailed to the members, be accepted." GREEN SPIRIT DAY ACTIVITIES Mr. T. O'Brien, Landscape Architect, appeared before the Committee to explain the Green Spirit Day Activities which were undertaken by University of Waterloo Students in early September. He advised that a group of 400 second year students worked on a project at Filsinger Park over a 3 hour period. They created an instant natural woodland along the border of the concrete drainage channel and in total planted approximately 7,500 trees of various species. 3. LAWN SPRAYING - KITCHENER HOUSING INC. Ms. S. Frenette, Manager of Kitchener Housing Inc. advised it was her understanding the concern over the excessive use of sprays was raised as a result of a letter received by Councillor C.M. Weylie. She advised that Kitchener Housing had 8 properties under management. Ms. Frenette reported that the issue has been discussed with Kelly Landscaping. She indicated that she understood the frequency of applications was a concern and noted that by law, the applicator must post a sign on the property whether they did a full spraying or just a spot spraying which is more frequent. Ms. Frenette advised that Kitchener Housing's contractor uses the same spray materials as the City Parks & Recreation Department and that an effort is made to balance reduced applications with a need to maintain property appearance. She stated that a meeting would be held with Parks & Recreation Department staff to obtain further advice on how to improve the Fertilizer & Spraying Program of Kitchener Housing Inc. Dr. J. Kay advised that he had written the letter referred to and that his purpose had been to flag a concern. He pointed out that he lives across the street from the Cedarhill housing project and that he had seen the project being sprayed in full on 4 or 5 occasions this summer. Dr. Kay stated that his biggest concern was that children were out playing on the grass just 2 hours later. He also stated that the company in question was known for its emphasis on the final lawn appearance through too much spraying application. Mr. D. Daley, Manager of Parks Operation, advised the City would be reviewing its fertilizer/weed control specifications. He noted that generally when a residential spraying contractor is hired, you hire their package; however, he advised that staff would try to tailor a specification to give out for the City's contracts. Mr. J. Maine questioned what consideration had been given to using Kitchener Housing grounds for something other than lawn turf. Ms. S. Frenette advised that in some housing projects it would be viable to undertake certain initiatives relative to the tenants public space. She ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 46 - SEPTEMBER 29, 1993 LAWN SPRAYING - KITCHENER HOUSING INC. (CONT'D) stated that they will be encouraging tenants to get involved in projects and that staff were open to suggestions; however, there was a need for programming arising from tenant involvement. In reply to Dr. Kay who questioned if people could be notified a few days before spraying was to take place, Ms. Frenette advised that notice could be given through the tenant newsletter. HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. S. Gyorffy respecting the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Programmes operated by the Regions of Peel and Halton. Dr. Kay commented that this matter arose because of siting at locations other than at the landfill site. He stated that other Regions have done it and questioned if we culd put hazardous waste depots in locations other than at the landfill site. Mr. D. Hilker acknowledged that it was a Regional matter but he was concerned that as a homeowner he wanted to know what to do with hazardous waste. Dr. Kay commented that Toronto has a hazardous waste 'taxi' that comes and collects this waste. Mr. T. Clancy commented on an Environmental Day held by residents of Pioneer Park 2 years ago. He questioned if we could appeal to the Region to provide temporary depots to receive hazardous waste with the effort being co-ordinated through neighbourhood groups. The Committee requested that Mr. Clancy discuss this suggestion with Mr. S. Gyorffy and bring back a proposal to the Committee for consideration. 5. INCENTIVES/ENCOURAGEMENT FOR CITY STAFF TO REDUCE USE OF AUTOMOBILES The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum dated July 27th from Councillor M. Wagner. It was suggested by Councillor Wagner that the Committee direct preparation of a report that promotes reduction of automobile use by City Staff by: providing transportation incentives to reduce automobile dependency. encouraging alternative means of transportation for travel to work via transit bus, cycling, walking. Councillor Wagner stated his suggestion was for someone to consider encouraging staff to find alternative transportation methods by questioning if it was needed and if it was worthwhile. If the answer was yes to these questions, it would have to be decided what approach to take and what authority should pursue it. He noted that Sandy Roberts and John Cicuttin were in attendance on behalf of Kitchener Transit. Councillor Wagner stated that if the City did do something, it would become a leadership issue for the City of Kitchener. He pointed out that the Mutual Group had an extensive series of incentives that encourage employees to leave their cars at home. Mr. T. McKay stated he did not think this was a major issue for the City. He noted that of the approximate 1200 employees, the majority were covered by contracts that would require changes. Councillor C.M. Weylie entered the meeting at this point. Mr. McKay suggested the following as points against the suggestion for incentives: - the City has opposed the request of transit drivers for free transit passes. - many employees work on shift at remote locations. - many employees have free parking at remote locations. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 47 - SEPTEMBER 29, 1993 INCENTIVES/ENCOURAGEMENT FOR CITY STAFF TO REDUCE USE OF AUTOMOBILES. (CONT'D) - many employees working at City Hall are required to use their cars for work and are provided with free parking. - City Hall operates during peak transit periods and there was no benefit to subsidizing staff to travel during peak transit operating periods. - City taxpayer will have to pay the cost of any incentive program through property taxes. Mr. D. Hilker questioned if such an incentive system has worked in Mississauga and if there are advantages from it. Councillor Wagner replied that this would have to be looked at and Mr. T. McKay stated that the reasons why an incentive system was put in would also have to be considered. Dr. J. Kay commented that the suggestion would have to be investigated clearly. Consideration should be given to determining viable alternative scenarios, for example, car pooling. He stated that it must be determined what the target audience is. Mr. T. Clancy stated that his department has reviewed what staff require cars, many of whom are in and out of City Hall several times a day. He suggested that an effort could be made to encourage staff to promote transportation sharing to meet personal needs. Mr. S. Klapman commented that the City has provision for a City Wide Transportation Alternative Study that would look at alternative methods to auto use particularly with regards to work trips. Mr. B. Stanley stated that the Bicycle Study was a Level 2 Priority in the Strategic Plan and a policy respecting bicycles was included in Draft Official Plan. This policy would follow after a Regional Study and response is completed this fall. Dr. J. Kay commented that the whole issue of transportation keeps coming up at committee meetings and he suggested we look at transportation concerns and focus energy on certain points. In response, Mr. T. McKay commented that the City already provides competing transportation services and subsidies are given for both downtown parking and transit operations and this conflict affects how staff operate their enterprises. Dr. Kay suggested that we focus on making it easier for people to use alternatives that do not cost money. Mr. J. Maine suggested that a more comprehensive view of the Transportation System was in order. For example, facilitating a connection between bicycles/buses by providing bicycle parking racks at the Transportation Centre. Mr. T. McKay stated that initiatives of the Transit Division have resulted in substantial moneys being spent to make transit more user friendly by installing concrete waiting pads at bus stops, constructing transit shelters and by a continuous City Wide program to upgrade the condition of sidewalks. Mr. B. Stanley pointed out that the draft Official Plan Amendment relating to Nodes and Corridors links bicycles to the transportation system at the Nodes. Councillor M. Wagner commented the entire subject was inter-related to a host of other issues, for example involving: - student transportation to high schools. - charging for student parking at high schools. - undertaking transit initiatives such as free use of the system on certain days in order to attract new ridership. Mr. T. McKay advised that very favourable comments about the buses were received from individuals who were transported between the Centre-In-The Square and Seagrams for a special event and this type of activity promotes the transit system in general. Further, he suggested that the economy in future will encourage higher use of public transit as the costs to families of owning and operating multiple automobiles becomes more prohibitive. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 48 - SEPTEMBER 29, 1993 INCENTIVES/ENCOURAGEMENT FOR CITY STAFF TO REDUCE USE OF AUTOMOBILES. (CONT'D) Councillor M. Wagner then questioned how this issue should be concluded. Mr. D. Hilker noted that the Bicycle Study in combination with planning initiatives would soon be dealt with and further discussion should be held over until then. Mr. S. Klapman stated that he would follow-up on this matter and advise the Committee on progress to date respecting Regional planning studies. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that when the Regional Bicycle Master Plan was finished, a representative from both the Region and the Twin City Bicycle Committee should attend the meeting when the Environmental Committee reviews transportation issues. Dr. J. Kay asked for clarity as to who would be handling this issue and was advised by Councillor Wagner that Mr. S. Klapman would take responsibility to draw issues together. REPORT OF CHAIRMAN OF WARD CO-ORDINATORS FOR THE ADOPT YOUR ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM. Ms. N. Finkel advised that there was some activity over the summer in some of the Wards, for example program were undertaken in Kiwanis Park and storm drain painting done in Forest Heights. She indicated that the Ward Co-ordinators would hold their next meeting on Tuesday. The program has been advertised in Leisure Magazine and interest in the program has come from new residents to the community. She noted that a proposed project was under discussion with the K-W Field Naturalists. Also, the Waterloo County Board of Education has invited her group to attend one of their teacher development days to facilitate involvement. Mr. S. Cooke suggested that contact also be made with High School Environmental clubs and Ms. Finkel agreed to look into the issue of contact process in this regard. Mr. T. Clancy commented that he had several meetings with Ms. Finkel over the summer and it would appear the workload is getting intense. With the amount of enthusiasm and the volume of side issues mushrooming, Ms. Finkel's role was becoming too much for a volunteer. Staff will be discussing how the problem of handling the volume of work can be dealt with and report back to the Committee. Mr. Clancy noted that people with good organizational skills were needed and requested that Committee members provide him with the names of people who might have an interest in organizing duties. Finally, he commented that Ward Co-Ordinators require more support. Councillor C.M. Weylie requested that Mr. Bruce Lawrence be invited to the next meeting to make the same presentation that he has made to Ward Co-Ordinators. REGIONAL WASTE REDUCTION MASTER PLAN TO THE YEAR 2000 It was requested by Councillor C.M. Weylie that copies of the above document be obtained for the next meeting as there were a number of issues which the Committee should address. Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting at this point. TOWARDS 2000 - ONTARIO PARKS ASSOCIATION VIDEO Mr. T. Clancy advised that the theme of the Conference was "shared commitment". A short video was then shown to the Committee dealing with parks/open space which highlighted some of the issues and initiatives that staff saw coming in the late 1980's. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 49 - SEPTEMBER 29, 1993 MONARCH WOODS EROSION/VICTORIA PARK LAKE SEDIMENTATION A video presentation relative to erosion concerns in Monarch Woods as well as sedimentation in Victoria Park Lake was shown to the Committee. Mr. T. Clancy advised that the matter was recently taken to Management Committee for consideration. Mr. G. Nixon oriented the Committee to the area of Victoria Street and Fischer-Hallman Road where Monarch Woods is located. He noted that as a result of development to the west, stream flows have rushed through Monarch Woods resulting in soil being undermined and in trees collapsing. Accordingly, the entire ecology of the forest is being changed. Soil from both upstream development and Monarch Woods is being carried to Victoria Park Lake. Mr. Nixon advised that a consultant has been retained to recommend both short-term and long-term remedial measures. He stated that this problem was being given high priority and that the Environmental Strategic Plan covers protective and rehabilitation measures such as is necessary in this area. Mr. Nixon stated that the initial run-off originated from mass grading by the developer which was then compounded by the actions of builders. Dr. J. Kay questioned what legal remedies there were and if more strict monitoring should have taken place. Mr. T. Clancy commented that the enforcement issue was a combination of both. Dr. Kay stated that the length of time taken to complete subdivisions was a major problem and consideration of this factor must take place. Further, he stated that there was a responsibility on the part of the developer to assume some of the costs. Mr. Clancy stated that the corrective costs would be high, approximately $1/2 Million to clear Victoria Lake and $1/2 Million to do remedial work in Monarch Woods. He noted that this situation would not be allowed to repeat itself elsewhere as the inspection system was being beefed up and development regulations have changed significantly in the last 2 years, however, there was no retro-activity in this case. Mr. Clancy stated the purpose of the presentation was for information. Mr. D. Daley pointed out that the City's older drainage systems create a rush of water whereas the new drainage systems utilize water retention which slows the water and restricts sediment flow. 10. HURON NATURAL PARK Councillor T. Galloway advised that the City has acquired an additional 11 acres of land for the Huron Natural Park and as a result was now a landlord of an asphalt plant. He noted that the Park now has frontage on Trillium Drive and that rent from the asphalt plant would be deposited into a fund for the park. Further, he advised that the final $15,000 of a $50,000 contribution has been received from the Jaycees towards the park and that 130 acres were now under the City. Councillor Galloway stated that the school board has insisted that if they are to be a partner in the park project, that nearby noxious uses including the asphalt plant must be removed. Accordingly, City Council approved an Interim Control By-law that affects land uses around the park. 11. ENVIRONMENT FUND Councillor T. Galloway advised that the Environmental Fund proposal has now received final approval and that Council will be proceeding exactly along the lines of the May 14th report. He noted that there may be some problems with structure in the seeking of necessary approvals. 12. CORRESPONDENCE - INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION A copy of a letter dated September 10, 1993 to Mr. S. Klapman from the publications editor of the International City/County Management Association advising that the City's Environmental Logo was published in the most recent issue of their publication. A copy of the program summary was provided. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 50 - SEPTEMBER 29, 1993 13. NEXT MEETING It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday, November 3, 1993. 14. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk