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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-10ENVY1996-01-10 JAN UARY 10, 1996 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:30 p.m. under Councillor T. Galloway, Chair, with the following members present: Councillors C. Weylie and Jake Smola, Ms. T. Kuntz and Messrs. R. Anjaria, D. Hilker and S. McCarthy. Officials Present: Messrs. B. Stanley, T. Clancy, R. Wyatt, G. Nixon, W. Beck, C. Ford, S. Gyorffy, D. Milne and L.W. Neil. 1. MONTHLY TRANSIT PASS - $20.00 REDUCTION FOR CITY STAFF At the Committee's December 6th meeting it was agreed to defer consideration of a $20.00 reduction in the cost of monthly transit passes for City staff for consideration at this meeting so as to allow for comment from Councillor C. Weylie. Councillor T. Galloway reviewed the history of the issue noting its linkage to the Council approved decision to reduce the cost of monthly parking by $20.00 for City staff working in the Downtown core and that it was suggested a similar benefit be extended to those City staff who purchase monthly transit passes. Mr. W. Beck, Director of Transit, appeared before the Committee in this regard and distributed a submission dated January 8, 1996 providing the cost and impact that a $20.00 subsidy for Downtown employees would have on the transit operation. Transit staff support the $20.00 subsidy and if implemented request the subsidy be credited to the 1996 Transit Division Operating Budget. The cost difference with increased ridership arising from the subsidy amounts to an estimated $5,520. In response to Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Beck advised that the estimated ridership figures were based on previous studies involving employees in the Downtown. He also advised that this issue has not been discussed with the City of Waterloo. Mr. R. Anjaria commented that a more appropriate use of the funds expended for additional subsidy would be to encourage more people to engage in carpooling. Following further discussion, Councillor C. Weylie indicated that she was in favour of offering the $20.00 subsidy to City of Kitchener Downtown employees from an environmental point of view. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That we offer City of Kitchener employees who work within the downtown core a $20.00 reduction in the monthly cost of a Kitchener Transit Pass, and further, That this recommendation be referred to the 1996 Budget Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee for consideration." 2. INTERNET - HOMEPAGE (CITY OF KITCHENER) Councillor T. Galloway advised that Mr. David Milne of the City's Information Services Division has been invited to make a presentation to familiarize the Committee with the recently implemented HomePage of the City of Kitchener on the Internet. The issue for the Committee to consider is the question of including environmental information in the City's HomePage at a future date. Mr. D. Milne utilized the Council Chambers overhead video screen to take the Committee through the City's HomePage. He illustrated some of its features including key word search, hot topics that highlight current issues and links to other HomePages. He displayed the Mayor's welcome to HomePage visitors and also the section that deals with the business advantages of locating in Kitchener. Mr. Milne pointed out that the issue of where environmental information should be placed would have to be investigated and similar formatting utilized. He indicated that staff were working on introducing more pictures on the HomePage but noted that pictures take a much longer running time than information. Mr. Milne emphasized that there was a lot of structure and design built into the page and the question of what information and location must be addressed. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 1996 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. INTERNET - HOMEPAGE (CITY OF KITCHENER) (CONT'D) Councillor C. Weylie questioned if the Huron Natural Area could be put on the HomePage and Councillor T. Galloway advised that it could. Mr. D. Milne pointed out that a consent and a financial arrangement would have to be negotiated with the University and then it could be set up as a separate site with a link provision. In response to Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. B. Stanley suggested that there would be no benefit in attempting to place the entire City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for the Environment on the City's HomePage but that there were certain service issues that could be included from time to time such as seasonal collections. It was suggested that the staff Environmental Study Group could investigate and recommend issues that it thought important information for the Committee to consider for addition to the HomePage. Mr. D. Milne pointed out that there was a method already in place for Department Heads Assistants to forward hot topics to Dianne Robertson for inclusion in the HomePage. In reference to the Strategic Plan which he has reviewed, he indicated that the entire document could be included on the City's HomePage but that users would have to download to obtain the entire document. In response to Councillor Galloway, Mr. D. Milne advised that the estimated number of potential local users of the HomePage was in the thousands. In response to Councillor C. Weylie respecting statistics of those who have signed the guest book in the HomePage, Mr. Milne commented that many persons do not feel obligated to sign the guest book and that this was not an important indicator of activity. Mr. D. Hilker stated that it was his view pictures are absolutely essential to the success of the HomePage. Mr. Milne indicated that it was the intent of staff to arrange for more pictures to be included notwithstanding the additional running time required. Mr. Anjaria commented that in terms of information, answers should be provided to many of the questions typically asked regarding City Hall services. Mr. Milne stated that this was the intent along with provision of information as to frequently called telephone numbers and it was also staff's intent to continue to modify and improve the pages that have been developed to this point. Ms. T. Kuntz questioned if there was a hurry to develop the HomePage and the cost efficiency of putting issues on the Internet. Mr. Milne replied that the cost issue is only an approximate 15 minutes of staff time to add and delete issues. Councillor T. Galloway suggested to the Committee that it must decide if it wishes environmental issues introduced onto the HomePage and if so, the Environmental Study Group could be asked to identify important issues. On motion, it was agreed that the staff Environmental Study Group be requested to consider possible environmental issues for inclusion on the HomePage and undertake discussions with the Internet Committee concerning format following which a report could be provided to the Environmental Committee for consideration. 3. MONARCH WOODS Councillor T. Galloway advised that the deteriorated condition of Monarch Woods had previously been brought to the Committee's attention prior to a remedial plan being developed. He noted that the primary reason the issue has been placed on the agenda this date was because City Council has considered the Capital Budget expenditures required for the remedial work and Councillor C. Weylie has expressed concern that the Monarch Woods project would be deferred from 1996 to 1997. From an environmental point of view this delay could have severe environmental ramifications and it was Councillor Weylie's view that the Environmental Committee should address the matter. Mr. Steve Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager of the Department of Public Works, pointed out that Monarch Woods was a preserved bush area which was affected by the Henry Sturm Greenway Water Course. Severe erosion from the water course within the bush area has caused large mature trees to start falling over for some years now and two firms had been retained to address the problem. Mr. Glenn Harrington, Harrington & Hoyle Limited, Cambridge, Ontario and Mr. Ray Tufgar, Totten Sims Hubicki Associates Limited Consulting ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 1996 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. MONARCH WOODS (CONT'D) Engineers, Waterloo, Ontario were in attendance to make a presentation relative to their roles in developing a solution to the problem. Mr. Glenn Harrington provided a slide presentation illustrating the quality of the Monarch Woods woodlot and the problems that lead to the degraded creek within the woodlot. He commented that 15 years ago before surrounding development took place the creek had brook trout. He indicated that two years ago an assessment as to why the stream was eroding was completed. It was found that: subdivision stormwater flow was entering the creek directly and quickly, the area upstream had been channelized resulting in increased erosion and flow rate, as development occurred upstream sediment controls were inadequate resulting in build up of silt in the water course and the fact that the woods happened to be a popular area has brought about wear and tear within the woods that has aided erosion. Mr. Harrington commented that all things taken together have resulted in degradation of ground vegetation which has allowed the stream to meander and given it multiple paths resulting in bare banks and a creek much deeper than it should be. He pointed out that two years ago some of the problems were identified and in particular the gulley was eroding very quickly. It was been recommended that the stream be put back in its natural form and example slides were illustrated where bio-engineering has been used to restore banks. He indicated that the study group approached the community and proposed the way the stream and forest should be restored and received strong support but the issue became controversial when the matter of access trails was discussed. The solution that was agreed to was the creation of three primary trails, one for mountain bikes, one as a boardwalk to get close to the creek and one on a high path that is out of the creek valley. He then illustrated the path system which has been supported by the local trail bike organization. Mr. Ray Tufgar advised that his role was to deal with stormwater management and water flow in terms of its effect on Monarch Woods. The woodlot is impacted by flow from developed areas and from where the flow actually enters the drainage system. He commented that it was now understood that it is necessary to focus on flows during the entire year rather than just on specific times of the year. Adjacent land uses impact the flow and these uses have changed over time from primarily agricultural to developed lands. Eleven square kilometres of land drain into Monarch Woods and three stormwater management areas have controls that affect the water flow. Another issue is that pipes that discharge into Monarch Woods need energy dissipation to reduce flows and changes in this regard are proposed. Mr. D. Hilker referred to silt build up in Victoria Park Lake a few years ago and he questioned if the remedial work in Monarch Woods would solve the siltation problem. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that Victoria Park Lake has been dredged but the longer that siltation upstream is allowed to go on, the more it will impact the Lake in the future. He suggested that if more could be done to minimize the upstream siltation problem, the lake would benefit. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the project has been through an Environmental Assessment and Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that if there were any concerns the Environmental Committee could provide input into the final plan for creek remedial work and trails. Mr. D. Hilker questioned what would prevent the same thing happening in future if heavy use of the woodlot is allowed to continue. Mr. G. Harrington replied that part of the solution is to give direction as to where trail bikes should be permitted and community support for the plan was essential. Mr. T. Clancy advised that the problem in Monarch Woods was really a common problem in woodlots and that the key to solution was identification and signing of trails where people should be directed to go. Of particular importance is obtaining and installing trail bed material to fit each particular use situation. Mr. Harrington advised that the remedial work could be ready to go on receipt of permits and in this regard advised that application was being made to the Grand River Conservation Authority for a permit which should be issued in 30 days that would allow the stream work to commence. Councillor C. Weylie questioned what the costs of additional delay would be if the work did not proceed this year. Mr. Harrington advised that if the remedial project is delayed, it will result in the destruction of more trees and build up of more sediment within Monarch Woods and downstream but cautioned that this forecast was based on temporary remedial measures holding up and would worsen if those measures failed. Mr. T. Clancy commented on the costs 3. MONARCH WOODS (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 1996 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER of the remedial work which the budget process has shifted to the years 1997 and 1998. He noted that the consequences of delay were the loss of a few more trees and additional erosion downstream provided that temporary remedial measures now in place continue to hold. Councillor C. Weylie questioned if the siltation dams and fences were being monitored on a regular basis. Mr. Gyorffy advised that more attention is being paid to these measures with responsibility falling to the consulting engineer for the subdivision. He advised that his preference was to commence the remedial work in 1996 but acknowledged that choices were limited in consideration of competing projects for capital fund support. He noted that the City has a priority list of projects and there were some $6 million worth of water control measures waiting in line. Councillor T. Galloway commented that it would appear the choice is to request that the 1996 commencement date be restored or consent to a 1997/1998 project. Mr. B. Stanley advised that he would prefer to see the remedial work in Monarch Woods done as soon as possible and that there were a host of ramifications in this regard. He stated that until something actually starts another full season of continued degradation would take place involving the upper slopes and the creek spillway and it was essential that the community perceive something is being done in order to mobilize community action to support the project. Councillor C. Weylie emphasized that trailbikes were a big part of the problem and Mr. B. Stanley responded that once the community sees public works improvements taking place, then the trailbike problem will be reduced. Mr. T. Clancy suggested that consideration be given to having the trailbike path work proceed before the other improvements commence. Mr. Harrington agreed the trailbike portion of the work could be started before the other work. The Committee asked that cost figures in this regard be provided to Council on Budget Day. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Environmental Committee opposes deferring commencement of the Henry Sturm Greenway/Monarch Woods remedial project from the 1996, 1997 to 1997, 1998 Capital Budget and further, That the designated "Mountain Bike Trail" be developed early in 1996, the Public Works component of the project be completed in 1996 and the remainder of the Parks and Recreation component be commenced in the fall of 1996 with completion early in 1997, and further, That this recommendation be referred to the 1996 Budget Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee for consideration." 4. BLUE BOX RECYCLING PROGRAM Mr. D. Hilker suggested that the City should be recommending to the Region that a larger Blue Box be developed for residential use. He noted that because of increased material going into recycling boxes, the City of Toronto began using a second box for paper products. However, some cities are now using higher boxes with wheels. Councillor T. Galloway recommended that at this time, staff pass the suggestion for an increase in Blue Box size onto the Region and following discussion at a staff level, bring the matter back to the Environmental Committee. 5. HURON NATURAL AREA-UPDATE Councillor T. Galloway advised that an additional 44 more acres had been acquired as of December 15, 1995 bringing the total holding to approximately 155 acres out of a potential 300 acre park. 6. BILL 26 (OMNIBUS BILL) & BILL 20 Mr. D. Hilker suggested that the City should have representation at the Committee hearings on Provincial Bill 26 (Omnibus Bill) being held in certain municipalities throughout the Province. He indicated a hearing was held today in Kitchener and various political representatives from other jurisdictions had attended. Mr. B. Stanley advised that staff were addressing issues in 6. BILL 26 (OMNIBUS BILL) & BILL 20 (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 1996 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER Bill 20. Mr. Hilker commented that Bill 26 has long range effects in terms of deleting powers under existing environmental legislation and it was appropriate that official comment be forthcoming from Kitchener. Mr. T. Clancy advised that the City's Legal Department has spent considerable time on the issue and has circulated comment dwelling on it from an administrative point of view to the City's Management Committee. However, no one has analyzed it from a strict environmental point of view. Mr. B. Stanley advised that subject to time frame constraints, he could prepare a report. Councillor T. Galloway directed staff to attempt to prepare a comment on environmental concerns within the proposed legislation (Bills 20 & 26). 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Assistant City Clerk