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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-03-23ENVY1994-03-23 MARCH 23, 1994 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Ziegler with the following members present: Mayor D.V. Cardillo and Councillors C. Weylie, G. Leadston, C. Zehr and Mr. D. Hilker, Mr. N. Robertson, Mr. M. Barker and Dr. J. Kay. Councillor M. Wagner entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Mr. S. Klapman, Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. C. Ford, Mr. G. Nixon, Mr. B. Liddle, Mr. S. Gyorffy, Mr. L. Masseo and Mr. L.W. Neil. CANADA TRUST - FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM Mr. T. Clancy introduced Ms. Marlene Guttensohn, Manager of the Canada Trust branch located in the new Canada Trust building at King Street West and Ontario Street. He noted that Canada Trust was prepared to take a major role in fund raising for the Huron Natural Area. Ms. M. Guttensohn appeared before the Committee on behalf of the Friends of the Environment Charitable Foundation. She advised that the goal of the foundation was to promote environmental initiatives in the community in a number of ways which she proceeded to outline. Ms. Guttensohn explained the support funding developed by Canada Trust through the "Green Your Account" program and noted that previously this meant 1% of earned interest was directed to the program but with current very Iow interest rates this has been changed to $1 per month with a tax receipt being issued. Canada Trust then matches the customer contribution and also donates $5 for every customer who greens their account. The foundation will also accept lump sum donations. Councillor M. Wagner entered the meeting at this point. Ms. Guttensohn pointed out that the foundation was working to support creation of activities that promote environmental awareness and waste reduction, etc. She then listed many types of eligible projects under the green program. Ms. Guttensohn advised that the foundation has appointed Dr. Roberta Bondar as its National Chairman and that she would be in Kitchener on April 22, 1994. A video was then shown featuring Dr. Bondar promoting environmental awareness and the Friends of the Environmental Program. It was stressed that the program is community based and that local contributions stay within the municipality in which the contribution was made. She pointed out that approximately $100,000 has been spent in Kitchener since 1990. Mr. D. Hilker questioned what lead time the local Board required in order to consider a request. Ms. Guttensohn advised that the Board meets once a month and that any request received at least three days before the monthly Board Meeting could be considered at that meeting. Mr. T. Clancy commented on a river monitoring project as an example of a project funded under the program. Ms. Guttensohn commented that under the program, the community must provide the required labour and listed the following as types of expenditures that could be funded under the program: plans and materials, composting, research and equipment. Councillor M. Wagner questioned if signage for the Adopt-A-Program would qualify and Ms. Guttensohn advised that it probably would provided it was part of a project package. 2. UPDATE RE CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT A report "Implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Environment - Update 1994" dated March 22, 1994 was distributed to the Committee. Mr. S. Klapman advised that staff had intended the report be tabled at this meeting so as to allow Committee Members an opportunity to review it and raise questions at the next meeting. The Committee indicated it would like to consider the report at this time and staff proceeded to review the specific issues listed under the Strategic Plan's main functional areas as outlined in the report. Part way through consideration of the report, Dr. J. Kay stated that in terms 2. UPDATE RE CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMM/TTEE M/NUTES MARCH ~3, 1994 - 14- CITY OF KITCI:IENER of reviewing the Strategic Plan, he had hoped a process could be established that would result in an indepth review of one of the main functional areas at each monthly meeting rather than undertaking a quick overview approach. Dr. Kay's suggestion was then discussed. Issue such as staff resources, greater departmental involvement, priorities, new initiatives, lagging initiatives, initiatives not undertaken, residents/community involvement and promotion of education were discussed. On motion by Dr. J. Kay, it was resolved: "That we undertake a phased indepth review of each of the Main Functional Areas within the City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for the Environment. It is intended that this review will initiate a cycle of on-going review thereafter at regular Environmental Committee meetings. Further, that while such review will identify those initiatives now completed, it should focus on those activities that have not been initiated, activities that should be revised and what new activities could be added to the Plan. Further, that the review have regard to programs of an "Outreach" nature involving the community, as well as programs which can be addressed "In house". And further, that issues be brought before the Committee based on priorities and seasonal considerations." = UPDATE RE ONTARIO MUNICIPAL ENERGY COLLABORATIVE (OMEC) Mr. C. Ford advised that OMEC was currently in discussions with Canada Trust, Ontario Hydro and the Ministry of Energy relative to a plan that will allow municipalities to borrow money for strategic retrofit of municipal buildings for energy management purposes. The fund level was proposed to be established at $200 million with loans available for repayment over 8 years at a fixed interest rate of 5.29%. Mr. Ford noted that the proposal would be taken to the City's Management Committee on March 29th and that he would be attending a meeting in Toronto on March 30th regarding the program. = KIDNEY FOUNDATION - VEHICLE DONATION PROGRAM Councillor C.M. Weylie advised that the Kidney Foundation of Canada has developed a "Kidney Car Program" to raise funds for the foundation. Under the program, persons donating an old vehicle to the foundation would receive a free tow as well as an income tax receipt for the scrap or auction value of the vehicle. The program would then assist in cleaning up the environment by encouraging the removal of older vehicles from the road or from properties where they might be stored. Councillor Weylie display a poster outlining the program and asked that it be displayed within a prominent location within City Hall. It was suggested that Councillor J. Ziegler mention the program and display the poster at the televised March 28th Council Meeting. It was also agreed that the poster would be reduced and copied and mailed as information to Community Neighbourhood Associations with copies being placed at the Public Service Center in City Hall. A further suggestion was made to increase Environmental Awareness by having an area in City Hall that could feature "An Environmental Initiative of the Month". = ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. ENVIRONMENTAL COMM/TTEE M/NUTES MARCH ~3, 1994 - 15- CITY OF KITCI:IENER L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk