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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-12-02ENVY1998-12-02 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. with the following members present, Councillors J. Haalboom, T. Galloway, Jake Smola, M. Yantzi and Ms. A. Coffey, D. Hartman, B. Luckhardt and Messrs. K. Cenerelli, H. Linseman and F. Wende. Mr. J. Kay entered the meeting after its commencement Others present: Councillor J. Ziegler, Acting Mayor and Messrs. B. Stanley, D. Daly, R. Wyatt, T. Boutilier and L. W. Neil. Councillor J. Ziegler, Acting Mayor welcomed those attending the meeting and requested that Committee and staff introduce themselves. Following the introductions, Councillor Ziegler called for nominations for the positions of Committee Chair and Committee Vice-Chair. 1. APPOINTMENTS - ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - It was resolved: " That Councillor Jake Smola be appointed Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term to expire November 30, 1999." On motion by Councillor Jake Smola It was resolved: " That Councillor Tom Galloway be appointed Vice-Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term to expire November 30, 1999." Councillor J. Ziegler then vacated the Chair and left the meeting. Councillor Jake Smola assumed the Chair and conducted the remainder of the meeting. 2. COMMITTEE MEETING DATE SCHEDULE The Committee considered a proposed schedule of meeting dates outlined in the agenda and Councillor Jake Smola inquired if there were any concerns with the proposed dates and times of the 1999 meeting schedule. Councillor M. Yantzi advised that occasionally there was a problem involving meeting conflicts on Wednesdays. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that if any member had an issue of concern on an agenda they could request the matter be dealt with at the beginning of the meeting if it is necessary for them to leave the meeting early as a result of a conflict. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - It was resolved: "That the Environmental Committee approve holding its 1999 meetings at 4:00 p.m. on the dates listed below: Wednesday January 13 " February 3 " March 3 " April 14 Wednesday May 5 Wednesday September 15 " June 2 " October 6 " June 30 " November 3 July / August None " December 1" 3. CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT A copy of the City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for the Environment was distributed for information purposes to Committee members only. At this time, Mr. B. Stanley distributed a 2-page handout that summarizes what the Strategic Plan was all about. He noted that the Plan was adopted in 1992 after one and a half years of internal and public meetings. He advised that the Environmental Committee plays a key role in the administration of the Plan through the Mission Statement and 6 Guiding Principles listed in the handout. He made specific reference to Principles 3 and 6 that essentially make a statement of value with respect to environmental matters after which, he made reference to how the Plan was structured into 7 functional areas that cut across traditional City departmental responsibilities. CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1998 - 42- CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Stanley pointed out that during the last 6 years 57 initiatives itemized within the Strategic Plan have been completed and 43 initiatives were currently underway. He noted that each year the Plan is brought to the Committee for a quick review of progress and that it was intended that a comprehensive review be done every 3 years with the last one being done in 1995. Mr. Stanley briefly explained what the role of the Staff Environmental Study Group was in assisting the Environmental Committee in maintaining the Plan and developing new initiatives for the Committee's consideration. In conclusion, Mr. Stanley advised that a full revision of the Strategic Plan was now due and questioned if the Committee would want to undertake it in 1999. He asked that Committee members give some thought to this matter and follow up with discussion at a future meeting. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF K-W RE: ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The Committee was in receipt of correspondence dated November 12th from the Chamber of Commerce of Kitchener and Waterloo regarding their Environment Achievement Awards. The Chamber celebrates and publicly recognizes the progress and achievements area businesses have made in protecting and nurturing the environment through these awards which are now presented every 2 years commencing in 1999. The Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee has extended an invitation to the Kitchener Environmental Committee to become involved in their award program and is looking for new ideas and change with respect to their awards. Accordingly, to further explore this revised concept, a member of the Kitchener Environmental Committee has been invited to discuss the range of possibilities in this matter before any commitment is made. Mr. B. Stanley advised that in the City's Strategic Plan for the Environment there was an initiative to put an Environmental Achievement Awards Program in place. Currently, Council has budget monies for Urban Design awards to be made in one year with Environmental awards to be made in the following off year. At this point in time the Environmental Study Group has not addressed how the awards should be done or whether the City should partner with another group. Councillor T. Galloway commented that the Chamber of Commerce has a well defined Environmental Awards Program that primarily focused on business and industry and suggested that the City's focus should be not to duplicate the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Stanley stated that it was his view that the City's approach to Environmental Achievement Awards should focus on homeowners, community based initiatives and institutions. The Committee then discussed the Chamber's request and it was suggested that it would be prudent to determine what the Chamber was doing in this area and then have the Environmental Committee deal with it accordingly. Councillor J. Haalboom volunteered to act as the City of Kitchener environmental contact with the Chamber of Commerce relative to their proposal for a revised Environmental Achievement Awards Program. UPDATE RE: ENVIRONMENTAL HANDBOOK The Committee was provided with a copy of Staff Report PD 98/13 and February 16, 1998 Council minutes regarding the preparation of an Environmental Handbook and Video. Mr. T. Boutilier informed the Committee that a project was undertaken jointly by Department of Business and Planning Services and the Department of Parks and Recreation to produce an Environmental Handbook. He stated that it was clear a reference source is needed by homeowners on environmental matters given that they unintentionally harm environmental growth of one form or another. Mr. Boutilier noted that education and stewardship was an important issue for the Committee and it was felt that the production of the Environmental Handbook would address this. It is the intention of staff to develop and distribute the handbook by April 1999. He also noted that it would contain brief articles on environmental successes in the community and provide an alphabetical listing with respect to environmental ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1998 - 43- CITY OF KITCHENER 5. UPDATE RE: ENVIRONMENTAL HANDBOOK (CONT'D) issues. After completion of the handbook it is proposed to commence work on a video and staff are still looking for ideas for content. In response to Mr. F. Wende, Mr. Boutilier advised that the environmental booklet was intended to be distributed to new homeowners, owners of resale properties and property owners immediately adjacent to environmentally sensitive areas. Mr. Stanley advised that the information could also be placed on the internet and made available at neighbourhood community centres. Councillor T. Galloway commented that the handbook would provide education and stewardship opportunity to the community as a result of an initiative in the Strategic Plan. He stated that he had a concern about whether or not there was a monetary value to the book and suggested it may prove so popular that the City won't be able to produce enough of them based on the limited funding available. Accordingly he questioned if consideration should be given to charging for the booklets on a cost recovery basis. Mr. T. Boutilier responded that there were other formats that could be considered after the initial production run and suggested that the booklet could be published as a CD with other alternative formats being investigated. Further, he noted that sponsorship may support the funding of additional copies of the booklet. Councilor Jake Smola noted that the booklet could be placed on the internet and made available to users at libraries and schools. Mr. T. Boutilier stated that staff had adopted the first day of April, 1999 as a general target to publish the handbook and Councillor Jake Smola stated that it would be highly desirable to have an official launch prior to Earth Day 1999. On the matter of format, Mr. K. Cenerelli indicated that making the handbook available on the internet would make it more accessible than using CD ROM. In response to Ms. D. Hartman, Mr. Boutilier indicated that the handbook would be composed of two sections with the items within the first section containing more detail than the items in the second section. Mr. J. Kay entered the meeting at this point. 6. WATERLOO REGION SMOG PLAN Councillor Jake Smola advised that a Region-wide Municipal Air Quality Workshop was hosted by the City of Waterloo on November 26th and noted that the Committees three new lay appointees had attended. He made reference to the lead speakers at the workshop and pointed out that the purpose of the workshop was to share ideas / initiatives that municipalities and the public are doing and to come up with overall principles relating to a smog plan. He stated that he would like to see a Regional Plan as the base for municipalities to adopt and suggested that the name for such plan should be a clean air plan rather than a smog plan. Councillor Jake Smola acknowledged that a lot of work has been done by the Citizens Committee on Air Quality and pointed out that the Cities of Cambridge and Waterloo have committed staff to the undertaking and that involvement by the Regional Health Department was a key component. Councillor T. Galloway questioned what the focus of the plan was and Councillor Jake Smola replied that it was appropriate that municipalities clean up their own back yards first with respect to this issue. In this regard he noted that measures such as CNG powered vehicles, integrated pest management, energy conservation, etc. all produce environmental benefits and that the City was spending a great deal of money on environmental measures in its existing operations. He suggested that the focus be to take a corporate approach with the intention to educate therefrom. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that one of her environmental concerns related to the pressure to create new subdivisions and questioned where consideration would be given on the impact of subdivisions and new road infrastructure to accommodate such growth. Related to this she asked that the question be addressed as to what subdivision development does to air quality. Mr. B. Stanley noted that a component of the 'Regional Transportation Study' dealing with transportation demand management touches on the concern expressed by Councillor Haalboom. He stated that there were a host of initiatives that municipalities could take to control the effects of subdivision growth but that the matter has to first be addressed at regional level and then at the local level. Councillor Jake Smola questioned if Regional Staff could make a presentation to the Committee on this matter at a future meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1998 - 44- CITY OF KITCHENER WATERLOO REGION SMOG PLAN (CONT'D) Councillor T. Galloway commented that the demand for new homes and related growth was relatively constant. He suggested that homes and development would built in adjacent municipalities if the City chose not to permit new growth and the local environment would be impacted as if the growth had taken place here. Councillor Galloway asked if Regional Staff could be asked to prepare background on the positive and negative impacts of a hydrogen economy as it relates to the air quality issue. Mr. J. Kay stated that he suspected that the hydrogen economy would not increase the demand for driving and vehicular use and that in his view the issue was subdivision layout and which should incorporate more compact design. Mr. T. Boutilier commented that this was partially being addressed through minimum density and mixed-use zoning criteria. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he thought the draft Urban Design Guidelines address some of the concerns expressed by Councillor Haalboom. Mr. K. Cenerelli commented that there was a range of solutions with respect to the air quality issue involving such diverse activities as targeting companies that reward employees for not using vehicles and prohibition of road paving and other activities on high smog days. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that the City undertake to have its outside workers do alternative jobs on high smog days when environmental benefit could be gained. Mr. J. Kay referred to the air quality readings taken in K-W in 1998 and noted that the numbers were often twice those of Toronto's. He questioned how these could be accurate and suggested that we consider requesting the Ministry of Environment and Energy to inspect their equipment and verify the data. Mr. K. Cenerelli commented that most smog was industry related and Mr. F. Wende suggested that the City's air quality plan should focus on getting others to implement air quality plans through an educational approach. Councillor T. Galloway noted that the Provincial and Federal Governments do need to establish more stringent policies. Councillor Jake Smola stated that part of the City's plan should be to address the lobbying strategy approach that should be made to the Provincial and Federal Governments with respect to this subject, with actions being focused on the both the short-term and the long-term Councillor T. Galloway commented that many of the issues and their solutions do take on an evolutionary aspect that will take time to have an impact on the environment. Mr. K. Cenerelli suggested that staff incorporate reference to the air quality plan and smog alert procedures into the City's Environmental Handbook. BLUE BOX RECYCLING PROGRAM The Committee was again provided with the following articles after a request from Mr. J. Kay that some discussion take place on these attachments: Recycling is not Garbage The Hidden Truth about Canada's Blue Boxes The Future of Ontario's Blue Box Program Mr. J. Kay referred to the article in the August 1998 edition of the Reader's Digest and pointed out that there were many misrepresentations and inaccuracies within the article. As an example Mr. Kay pointed out that the Blue Box Program was started in the City of Kitchener but that the article says otherwise; accordingly, he suggested a response to the Reader's Digest would be appropriate in addressing these inaccuracies and misrepresentations. Councillor T. Galloway stated that it was his view that the Waste Management Division of the Region of Waterloo could respond to the article as a credible organization replying to the inaccuracies stated. On the matter of philosophy referred to in the article, Mr. Kay stated that there was no logic to singling out the service of recycling as having to pay for itself while other municipal services do not. He stressed that the issue that should be of consideration was to have an infrastructure in place that deals with recycling so as to benefit the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1998 - 45- CITY OF KITCHENER BLUE BOX RECYCLING PROGRAM (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - It was resolved: " That the City of Kitchener request the Region of Waterloo through its Waste Management Division staff to consider writing to Reader's Digest in response to the inaccuracies contained in an article entitled "The Hidden Truth About Canada's Blue Boxes" published in the Reader's Digest August 1998 edition." 8. UPDATE RE: 1999 EARTH DAY SUB-COMMITTEE As information to the new Committee Mr. K. Cenerelli advised that a sub-committee to promote Earth Day 1999 was established last September and has held three meetings. Earth Day will actually be held over the period April 17 - 24, 1999 and Mr. Cenerelli provided a brief overview of what the sub-committee was considering including such matters as: City wide clean up measures and accessory activities such as fish painting by the schools An Earth Fair (Ecofair) with displays, workshops, speakers and possibly an essay science competition Tree plantings with the emphasis to be on planting in areas designated by the Department of Parks and Recreation Hazardous waste day Mr. Cenerelli advised the Committee that after consultation with officials of "Earth Day Canada" he has been advised that Earth Day was a registered trade mark and that Earth Day Canada was going to send an Agreement in this regard that would provide for all aspects of Earth Day promotion including use of Iogos. Councillor J. Haalboom suggested that the 'Great Tree Hunt' held in 1990 should be revived as part of the Earth Day promotion and Councillor Haalboom agreed to provide information in this regard with the Committees next agenda. FIRE HALL SITE #1 HEADQUARTERS RE: ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPING The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. D. Daly, Manager, Parks Operation Division and a background report from Planning Initiatives Limited dealing with environmental landscaping to reduce pesticide use at Fire Hall #1, Strasburg Road. Mr. D. Daly advised that the Environmental Committee spent three meetings early in 1998 dealing with the pesticide issue and the outcome was a very good one that produced a new City Policy that further reduces pesticide use and aims for a zero percent use of pesticides. Also the City adopted an integrated pest management policy and one direction that was given was to have staff report on a pilot project to eliminate pesticide use. Staff looked at the landscaping design of a new facility that would promote reduction of pesticide use. In this regard a preliminary landscape design with a budget of $48,000 had already been completed with respect to Fire Hall # 1 but the consultant was asked to reconsider the design to develop a landscape design that would reduce the need for pesticide use. The result is a capital cost to implement the environmental landscape estimated at $76,500 which is a $28,500 increase over budgeted amounts. It was noted in the report that while Capital costs are higher, the reduced future maintenance costs suggest payback in the order of three years and long-term savings thereafter. Mr. Daly explained that the greater Capital costs arise from utilizing a larger variety of plant material, newer seed mixes an irrigation system and other up-front costs. It was also pointed out in the report that financial considerations aside, the environmental benefits of this concept include reduction of pesticide use, reduction of fertilizers, water efficiency, and a reduction in power equipment use / fossil fuel consumption for ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 1998 - 46- CITY OF KITCHENER maintenance. Mr. Daly pointed out that there was an additional detailed design cost of approximately $3,000 to $4,000 not referred to in the report that would bring the total additional cost to approximately $32,500 and represent a change order to the contract. FIRE HALL SITE #1 HEADQUARTERS RE: ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPING (CONT'D) Mr. J. Kay strongly advised that the City not skimp on the additional Capital cost component to achieve the environmental benefits. He suggested that it would be prudent to error on the high side to ensure long run success of this first environmental landscaping undertaking. In response to a question from Ms. D. Hartman, Mr. D. Daly stated it was the goal of staff not to use pesticides at all unless there was no other alternative to address a problem. Councillor T. Galloway commented that City Council will view the additional Capital cost of this undertaking as a separate issue from the overall cost of the original landscaping design. In response to Mr. J. Kay, Mr. D. Daly advised that the detailed design would deal with such beneficial measures as utilizing rainwater to benefit the property surrounding the building. Ms. B. Luckhardt suggested that the site landscaping could be beneficial to schools as a teaching site to illustrate some of the environmental applications that have been incorporated and Councillor Jake Smola suggested that signage should also be included to illustrate environmental initiatives and benefits of the landscaping design. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that the landscape design should have a tie into the "Public Art" component to be included within the site. Mr. D. Daly agreed to contact Mr. M. Price to undertake co-ordination with respect to this suggestion. On motion by Mr. J. Kay- It was resolved: " That the Environmental Committee strongly support the implementation of an environmental landscape that will reduce water, fertilizer and pesticide utilization at Firehall #1 Headquarters located on Strasburg Road." COMMITTEE VACANCY RE: CHAIR OF THE WARD CO-ORDINATORS The Environmental Committee membership provides for a position to be filled by the Chair of the Ward Co-ordinators of the "Adopt Your Environment Program". Mr. R. Wyatt distributed a memorandum dated December 2, 1998 from Mr. W. Sleeth regarding this matter. The report lists groups currently participating in the program and the park or facility which is the focus of their volunteer activities. Mr. Wyatt pointed out that essentially the program as originally intended met its demise some time ago. He pointed out that the fact was the process was taxing and that the original volunteers could not be replaced. It was noted that the Department continues to provide resources and support to individual volunteers and groups who wish to participate in the Adopt Your Environment Program and designates staff and assistance as required; however, there are no functioning committees or regular meetings associated with the program and the efforts of volunteers are directed to activities within the program rather than attending meetings. It was also noted that the Adopt Agreement process has been simplified to make it easier for groups and individuals to participate. Councillor T. Galloway commented that the programs are still a good idea but that no attempt should be made to organize the undertaking on a Committee Ward basis. Mr. K. Cenerelli suggested that the information contained in the December 2, 1998 memorandum should be incorporated into the Environmental Handbook and that group accomplishments might be the subject of consideration under a form of Environmental Awards Program as discussed earlier in this meeting under the Chamber of Commerce request. CITY PURCHASING POLICY RE: ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM OF CANADIAN GOVERNMENT Councillor J. Kay questioned what the policy of the City was requesting products that had been through the Environmental Certification program of the Canadian Government, otherwise possibly known as the Environmental Choice Program. DECEMBER 2, 1998 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES - 47- CITY OF KITCHENER It was agreed that this matter be referred to the Environmental Staff Group for consideration. 12. 13. IRON HORSE TRAIL RE: SURFACE MAINTENANCE Mr. J. Kay questioned what future plans the City had for ongoing maintenance of the Iron Horse Trail and other links to it. He noted that currently the trail was in a washboard condition. Mr. D. Daly advised that the issue is in the City's Capital Forecast but that surfacing was pushed back to the year 2000. INFORMATION ITEMS The following were distributed as information items: Appendix'A' - Environmental Committee - Terms of Reference Appendix'B' - Environmental Study Group - Terms of Reference Pesticide Action group - Kitchener - A letter dated November 18, 1998 from Ms. relating to pesticides attached. Susan Kowsan and various articles 14. NEXT MEETING - JANUARY 13, 1999 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Assistant City Clerk L. W. Neil, AMCT