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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-04-05ENVY1995-04-05 APRIL 5, 1995 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. under Councillor T. Galloway, Chair, with the following members present: Mayor R. Christy, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor J. Ziegler, Councillor C. Weylie, Dr. J. Kay, Mr. D. Hilker and Mr. K. Meinzinger. Ms. K. Kempel and Ms. W. Matchett entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials Present: Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. L. Masseo, Mr. B. Liddle, Mr. S. Gyorffy, Mr. G. Nixon, Mr. C. Ford, Mr. T. Clancy, Mr. M. Kemerer and Mr. L.W. Neil. 1 .CITY OF KITCHENER ENVIRONMENTAL LOGO COSTS The Committee was in receipt of a report dated March 10, 1995 from Ms. D. Williams pertaining to the additional cost incurred by the City to incorporate the Kitchener Environmental logo on City letterhead. The logo adds an additional cost of $5.98 per 1000 sheets of paper or $2,691 annually. The Committee discussed usage, related problems and loss of impact. Dr. J. Kay entered the meeting at this point. Mr. T. Clancy advised the Committee that through software technology, staff were now designing their own letterhead and suggested the logo should only be used in a limited and selective way on letterhead. On motion by Mayor R.D. Christy, it was resolved: "That the Environmental Logo of the City of Kitchener no longer be used on all City letterhead and that instead the logo be used selectively for specific purposes such as brochures, pamphlets and possibly some City letterhead where appropriate." Councillor Jake Smola and Ms. K. Kempel entered the meeting at this point. 2.UNSOLICITED UNADDRESSED MAIL (JUNK MAIL) A copy of the Environmental Committees October 5, 1994 minutes wherein the junk mail issue was raised was distributed as background information. Several delegations were in attendance relative to this matter. Mr. Ed Dopp advised that his wife was an Ad-mail carrier for Canada Post and that they also deliver advertising material for Netmar Systems. He stated that as retirees, they depend on the additional income earned from delivering advertising and that he did not think the City should be involved in this matter. Also, he noted that there were others delivering material besides the major distribution companys. Mr. Robert Canon-Sherlock and Mr. Dan MacRae attended on behalf of Netmar Systems Inc. Mr. Canon- Sherlock distributed a letter dated April 5th which he read to the Committee. It was pointed out in this letter that the No Junk Mail sticker program in Guelph has resulted in only 4.4% of households requesting delivery be discontinued. It was also noted in his letter that the "right to refuse" was a principle Netmar supports. However the following issues were fundamental to their continued support of the 'Junk Mail' program: (a)that all distribution companies be held to the same standard (b)that Netmar be permitted to participate in any discussions on the 'Junk Mail' issue (c)that Netmar not be exposed to criticism as a result of its efforts to find solutions He then commented on the benefits of efficient effective delivery of this material. In particular, he noted government use to deliver: the City's Leisure Guide, piece-mail concerning flushing of the water system and the Regional Enviro-news. He referred the Committee to the Carrier Handbook ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES APRIL 5, 1995 - 30- CITY OF KITCI:IENER 2.UNSOLICITED UNADDRESSED MAIL (JUNK MAIL) (CONT'D) of Netmar Systems and the Stop Delivery process listed as item #3. He pointed out that the Junk Mail Sticker program was a 2-step process that involves posting and calling the distributor. Also, he stated there was not a clear understanding of what the implications are of asking that delivery of junk mail be stopped. A copy of a letter was provided that is sent to residents who have requested delivery of Junk Mail be stopped. The letter explains implications and options to the resident. Mr. Canon-Sherlock provided the following in response to questions from the Committee: - number of direct/indirect Netmar employees - further clarification of 2 step process to discontinue delivery to ensure complete understanding - Right to Refuse form used only when personal contact could not be made - many residents in Guelph, after obtaining further information, left delivery in place - an unlevel playing field would be created where other distributors still deliver regardless of householder desire - Netmar does not print material except the Pennysaver, but does participate in the creation of material - most of the material is produced elsewhere some Ms. W. Matchett entered the meeting at this point. Councillor T. Galloway alluded to the role of Canada Post in delivery of Junk Mail and Mr. Canon- Sherlock noted that Canada Post relies "on an obligation" to deliver mail even though it has a separate Ad-Mail Division. He did not comment on the proposal advanced by another jurisdiction that Canada Post should pay a 1% piece tax on Junk Mail which it delivers. Mr. Sandy McLeod and Mr. Ward Young appeared on behalf of the K-W Record which also delivers 'Ad- Mail'. Mr. McLeod made the following points: - that 'Junk Mail' must be defined - that cherry picking by readers was a huge issue even though they support a sticker program - have the ability to flag houses that do not want to receive 'Junk Mail' - that all distributors be involved in any future initiatives - willingness to participate in a proposal Mr. K. Meinzinger suggested that distributors should assist in defining junk mail and Mr. McLeod agreed. Councillor C. Weylie advised that one common complaint she had heard was that people do not want this material delivered on Sundays. The Committee then discussed the issue. Councillor C. Weylie stated that the City should not take any action that affects distributors as long as Canada Post has not changed its way of operating. Also, she noted that many people do want to receive the advertising. Dr. Kay agreed with her position on Canada Post. He suggested we should support the Private Members Bill of Andrew Telegdi pertaining to Canada Post and its Ad-mail operations. Mr. C. Ford also noted that most people want some portions of the unsolicited mail they receive. He suggested some form of categorization be developed to reduce volumes and thereby limit material sent for re-cycling Councillor J. Ziegler stated that what Mr. Ford suggests was labour intensive and costly and that one of the reasons why the Blue Box Program is effective was because of the Iow level of sorting required. Mr. D. Hilker stated that we must determine exactly what it is about Junk Mail that was of concern. Is it trees or the cost of waste management, etc? Mr. K. Meinzinger illustrated the amount of Junk Mail he received over a 4 week period and commented that the ability to control it or stop it was needed. He stated that only 2.5% of the material actually generates sales. Mr. Meinzinger noted that the City of Waterloo pamphlet "Coping with Unsolicited Unaddressed Mail" distributed with the agenda contained excellent information and suggestions. Ms. Kempel pointed out that people need such information in order to consider reduction. Dr. J. Kay suggested that Enviro-news and the Leisure Magazine regularly include information on methods to bring about reductions of Junk Mail. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES APRIL 5, 1995 - 31- CITY OF KITCI:IENER 2.UNSOLICITED UNADDRESSED MAIL (JUNK MAIL) (CONT'D) Councillor C. Weylie suggested no action be taken on the issue pending passage of the Private Members Bill. Mr. K. Meinzinger stated he had concern that no action would put any action off indefinitely. Dr. J. Kay stated that he could not support a "No Junk Mail" sticker program. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, it was resolved: "That no action be taken by the City regarding the issue of unaddressed, unsolicited mail (junk mail) until the Private Members Bill C-278 introduced by Mr. A. Telegdi has been dealt with by the House of Commons, and further; That we request an information article be included in the City's Leisure Magazine and the Region's Enviro-news pamphlet with each printing that provides the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all major local distributors of advertising material in order that residents not wishing to receive such material may contact these companys to discuss the matter and request delivery be stopped." On motion by Dr. J. Kay, it was resolved: "That the Council of the City of Kitchener endorse Mr. Andrew Telegdi's proposed Private Members Bill C-278 (An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act) relating to establishment of a system that allows an addressee the option not to receive unsolicited mail, excepting mail of a political or charitable nature." Councillor T. Galloway stated that he had received correspondence today from the Township of St. Vincent and the Town of Meaford relative to a motion they have passed respecting a tax on Canada Post and questioned how the Committee should address the matter. Dr. J. Kay stated he could not support any approach involving more bureaucracy and more taxes. As well he noted that a tax merely hides the problem. It was suggested that an update be obtained on the most recent activities of the Region of Waterloo on the Junk Mail issue. 3. WATER RESOURCES MAIN FUNCTIONAL AREA At the Committees March 1st meeting, Mr. B. Liddle made a presentation respecting the "Water Resources" Main Functional Area, on the priorities within the existing Strategic Plan, excepting water supply issues which will be dealt with by Mr. E. Kovacs at a future meeting. Mr. Liddle distributed a summary and provided an explanation of "New Initiatives" that the Engineering Division proposes for inclusion in the revised Strategic Plan relating to: - the Henry Sturm Greenway/Monarch Woods Class Environmental Assessment - the Voisin Greenway Improvements - the Strasburg Trunk Sanitary Sewer Class Environmental Assessment He noted that the biggest project from an environmental point of view was determination of the alignment of the major trunk sewer. Mr. T. Clancy questioned if there were some initiatives involving Storm Water Management issues. Mr. Liddle indicated these issues were addressed and result in some loss of volume capacity. Mr. B. Stanley clarified to the Committee that as each Department presents its material, it will be referred to the Environmental Study Group to determine what Department has responsibility for specific matters. He noted it would be pre-mature to distribute update sheets for the Strategic Plan binders until all draft material has been reviewed and responsibility assigned. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES APRIL 5, 1995 - 3~ - CITY OF KITCI:IENER 4. REVISED TIMETABLE FOR REVIEW OF REMAINING "MAIN FUNCTIONAL AREAS" The Committee agreed with a revised timetable for review of remaining "Main Functional Areas" as follows: (a)Waste Management - May 3rd -Mr. S. Gyorffy (b)Resource Consumption, Pollution and Environmental Interference - June 7th (c)Natural Areas - July 5th 5. UPDATE ON TIMING CONSIDERATION RE WATERLOO REGION REVIEW - SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated March 30, 1995 from Mr. S. Gyorffy detailing issues of concern relative to recommendations contained in the Regions report. Mr. Gyorffy advised that he did not know what timing the Region had in mind to consider the report. Councillor T. Galloway advised that Mr. K. Seiling was not sure of the timing but he thought the Region would wait for the big picture to emerge. Councillor C. Weylie stated that she thought the Region would consider the Report fairly soon. Councillor T. Galloway advised that the City of Waterloo has written by resolution to the Region advising the Region that the City requires 60 days to respond from the date the Region requests comment. Following consideration, the Committee directed that the report be listed on its May Agenda. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF A SPECIAL MEETING DATE RE FOLLOW-UP TO THE MARCH 25TH COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOP Mr. B. Stanley advised that staff have taken the material developed from the March 25th Environmental Workshop and would be mailing it to the Committee. However, he advised that he would like the Environmental Study Group to review the material first after which a similar meeting to the February round-table meeting should be held to discuss the material. It was agreed that a Special Round Table Meeting would be held at 5:30 pm on Thursday May 18th to analyze the material arising from the March 25th Environmental Workshop. 7.COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (C.S.A.) Attached to the agenda was a letter dated March 6, 1995 from Mr. Gary Carmichael and attachments dealing with a new form of farming called "Community Shared Agriculture" (CSA). It was noted that this issue was identified at the March 25th Environmental Workshop. Mr. G. Carmichael attended the meeting to clarify the material presented. It was noted in his letter that last year he had attempted to find employment as a CSA Co-ordinator but was unsuccessful since the concept is still new and farmers cannot afford to hire someone to carry out the tasks. It was questioned if the City or the Region would be interested in developing a program to help encourage CSA in this area. In response to Dr. J. Kay, Mr. Carmichael advised that the CSA Resource Centre was located in Roxeter and that the Working Centre had a display which could be viewed. Councillor T. Galloway thanked the delegation for the information provided. 8.1CLEI - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from the International Council for Local Environmental ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES APRIL 5, 1995 - 33- CITY OF KITCI:IENER Initiatives dealing with extension of the term of the 1993-1995 Executive Committee and nominations and election of the 1995-1997 ICLEI Executive Committee. On motion by Dr. J. Kay, it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports extension from June 12, 1995 to October 26, 1995 of the Term of the 1993 - 1995 Executive Committee of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), and further, That Mr. C. Ford, as the City of Kitchener representative be instructed to vote in favour of the Extension." 9. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (a)National Packa,qin,q Protocol Councillor C. Weylie advised that the Environmental Committee of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities considered the issue of packaging reduction and the commitment of the Federal Government to the National Packaging Protocol. She introduced a motion urging Federal Government support. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie, it was resolved: "WHEREAS Canada has a National Packaging Protocol designed to reduce packaging waste through voluntary measures and, if necessary, through regulation; WHEREAS the Government of Canada is a signatory to the National Packaging Protocol (NAPP); WHEREAS through NAPP, a 21% reduction in packaging waste was achieved through voluntary measures and governments, including municipal governments, and the private sector have already invested heavily in NAPP; WHEREAS it is prudent to be in the forefront of environmental restrictions on packaging to ensure access to international markets; WHEREAS Canada has the highest production of domestic waste per capita in the world and a disposal crisis threatens many areas of the country including all of Canada's big cities; WHEREAS other countries have 50% less packaging waste than Canada and continue to reduce packaging waste; WHEREAS concerted action through strong Federal leadership is required to address the complex and challenging waste management issues and to achieve a national strategy to reduce the amount of waste we produce in Canada; WHEREAS NAPP was given the highest priority among environmental issues with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM); BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Kitchener urge the Federal Government to reaffirm its commitment to NAPP and the targets and policies of the Protocol; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Kitchener urge the Federal Government to recognize through NAPP the importance of environmentally friendly packaging for Canadian products and the Canadian economy. 9. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (CONT'D) AND FURTHER, that this resolution be sent to the Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of the Environment as well as to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities." ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES APRIL 5, 1995 - 34- CITY OF KITCI:IENER (b)Climate Chan,qe/CO2 Reduction Councillor C. Weylie advised that climate change was discussed at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities but referred to a future meeting. She noted that there was discussion of the 20% club proposed by Sheila Copps respecting CO2 reduction. (c)Ma,qnetic Fields Councillor C. Weylie advised that the concerns relative to the subject of magnetic fields were referred to a future meeting. Dr. J. Kay stated it was his recollection that someone was going to approach official of the Utilities Commission after this matter was last discussed. Mr. C. Ford advised that he would look into it and report back to the Committee. 10.TOWN OFHUDSON (a)By-law No.270 concerning pesticides (b)Quebec Superior Court Judgement respecting the legality of By-law No.270 The above material was circulated with the agenda and Dr. J. Kay stated that he was very encouraged by the outcome. He indicated that he would like to see the City do something and asked that it be put on a future agenda. The Committee was advised that the Pesticide issue came up at the Environmental Workshop and it will be dealt with at the May 18th special round table meeting. 11 .TORONTO ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from the Toronto Environmental Alliance requesting support to put 100% of soft drinks back into returnable/refillable containers. Mr. K. Meinzinger noted the lack of government management of the issue and requested the subject be discussed at the May 18th round table meeting as well as at a future meeting. 12. STANDARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Dr. J. Kay brought up the matter of standards for Environmental Management, referring to the British standards and Canadian standards and noted that he had documentation concerning a court case in regards to this subject. Mr. B. Stanley advised that he recently attended a conference respecting Environmental Management Systems. Also, he noted that Canada has agreed to drop the CSA standard and adopt the ISO 14,000 series standard. He indicated this matter would come up at the May 18th round table meeting. He noted that when we revise the Strategic Plan, we should address what is involved to transform the Strategic Plan into an Environmental Management System. He strongly emphasized that once this was done it requires "due diligence" and has major implications on how the City does business and will be the subject of consideration by Management Committee. Mr. Stanley made it clear that this was a very major issue. 13. ADOPT THE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM Councillor C. Weylie requested a report from staff on the Adopt the Environment Program. Mr. Clancy advised he would respond at the next meeting. Councillor Weylie stated that she would phone any person who has expressed an interest in environmental matters. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES APRIL 5, 1995 - 35- CITY OF KITCI:IENER 14.GREEN COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE Mr. K. Meinzinger reported that a $20,000 grant to Communities Initiative. the region was approved under the Green 15.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk