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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-14ENVY1999-04-14 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 14, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:15 p.m. under Councillor Jake Smola, Chair, with the following members present: Councillor J. Haalboom, Ms. D. Hartman, Ms. B. Luckhardt and Messrs. K. Cenerelli, J. Kay, and F. Wende. Officials Present: Ms. J. Billett, and Messrs. B. Stanley, S. Gyorffy, T. Boutilier, T. Clancy, R. Wyatt, D. Daly, L. Neil and P. Sinnott. Councillor J. Smola advised members of the Committee that Councillor T. Galloway and Councillor M. Yantzi were unable to attend the meeting this date due to conflicting Regional commitments. He pointed out that Councillor T. Galloway had indicated that it may be necessary to resign from the Committee because of these conflicts. Councillor Smola stated, however, that he valued their input and suggested that the Committee consider changing its meeting dates. In this regard, staff were directed to provide the Committee with optional dates for consideration at the next meeting. 1. CLEAN AIR PLAN FOR THE CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report prepared by Mr. C. Ford, Environmental Engineer, dated February 24, 1999, which outlines a proposed strategy for implementation of the City's Clean Air Plan. This report was previously tabled with the Committee at its meeting of March 3, 1999, and at that time, members of the Committee were invited to provide their comments to staff. For the Committee's information Mr. B. Stanley advised that Mr. C. Ford has accepted a position outside the Corporation and is no longer in the City's employ. The Committee was advised that the Clean Air Plan was presented to the City's Management Committee on April 13, 1999 and was fully endorsed. Mr. B. Stanley pointed out, however, that two additional suggestions were put forward at the Management Committee meeting which will become part of the implementation process for the Plan. Firstly, a staff team will be established for the purpose of overseeing implementation of the plan and, secondly, a Communications Plan will be developed to ensure the public is fully informed of the City's actions. Mr. Stanley advised that the Communications Plan will have financial implications and, accordingly, will be brought back to the Environmental Committee for consideration at a future date. Mr. B. Stanley advised the Committee that, at this time, staff are seeking the Environmental Committee's endorsement of the Plan and it is then proposed to refer the Plan to the City's Finance and Administration Committee meeting of April 26, 1999, for further consideration. Final approval of the Clean Air Plan by City Council is targeted for May 3, 1999. Mr. J. Kay questioned when a smog alert is issued who would be responsible to oversee the process. Mr. B. Stanley responded that each designated area involved in the implementation of the Plan would be establishing individual teams and it would be the team Chairperson's responsibility to carry through. In addition, he pointed out that staff expertise would be consulted with respect to City-wide policies that may be affected, such as Human Resources and contracting issues. Mr. K. Cenerelli advised that he had forwarded a comment to Mr. C. Ford with respect to the planting of trees at City facilities to produce shading and lower the use of air conditioning and inquired if this comment had been passed along. Mr. B. Stanley responded that he had received the suggestion and questioned if it was to be used as an example or if the intent was to incorporate the suggestion within the Clean Air Plan. Mr. K. Cenerelli suggested that it be incorporated into Item No. 4 under the Short Term Strategies which relates to the Energy Management Program. Mr. Stanley responded, however, that he felt it might be better placed under Item No. 6 of the Short Term Strategies which relates to the naturalization of public lands. Following further discussion, it was agreed that this suggestion would be considered further during the implementation planning process. Councillor Jake Smola noted that the Plan refers to a reduction in the use of pesticides and suggested that staff should consider changing this to stress 0% usage. Mr. D. Daly advised that 0% usage was not incorporated in the Plan because of the need to maintain the golf courses; however, he noted that pesticides would not be used for parks and other general facilities. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 147 1999 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER CLEAN AIR PLAN FOR THE CITY OF KITCHENER - CONT'D Several members of the Committee expressed the opinion that a reduction in pesticide use in the short term is consistent with current policy and an overall reduction would be better dealt with as a Long Term Strategy. Mr. D. Daly pointed out that the Plan, as proposed, has a significant impact on the use of small equipment but does not call for the cancelling of programs. He stated that this is a concern as staff have an obligation to carry out their work-related mandates. Members of the Committee agreed that in some situations the City could be held liable if staff did not provide certain services; however, through education and long term planning it was felt that solutions could be found for day to day activities. Mr. T. Clancy advised the Committee that the Ministry of Health is lowering the bar relating to health standards which, if the number of smog days increase, will have a significant impact. In effect, this will make it more difficult to effectively carry out implementation of the Clean Air Plan without cancelling some programs. The Committee agreed that the new standards should be reviewed prior to a decision being made to cancel any programs. Mr. K. Cenerelli inquired if there is a "Green" policy with respect to the purchase of small equipment. It was pointed out that this initiative is contained in both the Short and Long Term Strategies and may have financial impact if specialized equipment is purchased; however, it was felt that the City will benefit in the long term. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if there was any way to work with the trucking industry in terms of idling of transport vehicles at refreshment facilities. Mr. B. Stanley responded that this could be dealt with through development of a Communications Plan. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that efforts be coordinated through the Community Health Department to ensure that a consistent message is developed and communicated to the public, and Ms. B. Luckhardt concurred that developing a good Communications Plan is the key to successfully gain public participation. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That the Environmental Committee endorse the City of Kitchener Clean Air Plan, in principle, as presented to the Committee on April 14, 1999, and recommend it be referred to the Finance and Administration Committee meeting of April 26, 1999 for consideration of City-wide implications." 1999 EARTH DAY - UPDATE Councillor Jake Smola provided the Committee with a program for the Earth Day Celebrations and the contents of the program were reviewed. Mr. T. Boutilier appeared before the Committee to provide an overview of the kick-off event "Trees For Our Future", which is a new program developed to encourage ongoing renewal of our urban forest. The objective of the program is to increase the number of trees on private property by 5,000 new trees in each of the next five years. In order to meet this objective he stated that homeowners will be encouraged to purchase and care for trees on their properties through a cost saving purchase plan. Various sponsors are involved in funding this program, including contributions from the City ($50,000.00); Canada Trust "Friends of the Environment Foundation" ($35,000.00); Kitchener Utilities (5,000.00); various Community Garden Centers (15%) off the retail price; The Record (50% cost for adds); and, Corey Communications (Development & preparation of brochures). Mr. Boutilier noted that through the purchase plan a $50.00 tree will cost the homeowner approximately $30.00. Mr. T. Boutilier extended an invitation to all members of the Committee to attend this event and pointed out that a tree planting ceremony will follow in Victoria Park. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 147 1999 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. 1999 EARTH DAY - UPDATE, CONT'D The Committee was reminded that the Transit Division will be sponsoring an event entitled "The Exhausting Equation", which is a demonstration of the environmental benefits of transit use through the placement of one bus side-by-side with its equivalent of 48 cars. In this regard, Mr. Boutilier advised that the Earth Day Committee is still seeking volunteers to place their cars along side the bus on King Street. Councillor Jake Smola further advised the Committee that Toyota will be presenting "Prius", an environment - friendly car that runs on gas/electricity. Mayor C. Zehr and an executive of Toyota will be test driving the cars as part of this presentation. Other highlights of the days events will include a film festival on the Huron Natural Area and Grand River; City Hall Tours; a number of displays set up by various vendors; an electronic version of the Environmental Handbook; and, a variety of guest speakers throughout the day. Mr. J. Kay advised that he will be one of the speakers at the event to present the City's environmental accomplishments. In this regard, he requested staff to provide him with any items they felt should be included in his presentation. Mr. T. Clancy noted that the City Hall facility incorporates a number of environmental features and questioned if it would be possible for the Facilities Management Division to profile these features for display on Earth Day. The Committee concurred with this suggestion and several voiced the opinion that a permanent display should be developed. Councillor Jake Smola advised that a number of media opportunities will be pursued to promote the event including a presentation of the event to City Council at its televised meeting to be held on April 19, 1999. In addition, Ms. B. Luckhardt will be promoting the event on a radio show that she hosts. Councillor J. Haalboom inquired if additional promotion will take place aside from flyers being included in utility bill mailings and Mr. T. Clancy responded that the majority of flyers will go out in the utility bills but will also be placed at various City facilities. Councillor Haalboom also inquired if Canada Trust would be posting promotional advertisements at their branches and Mr. Clancy confirmed that there will be substantial displays at each branch. In conclusion Councillor Jake Smola advised that an information table will be set-up in the main Rotunda area and name tags will be provided to members of the Committee who plan to attend and participate. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL HANDBOOK - UPDATE Mr. B. Stanley advised the Committee that it was originally intended to produce a hard copy version of the Environmental Handbook; however, during the course of development it was decided to produce an electronic version that could be included on the City's Home Page. He advised that, through retainment of an editor, staff have taken great care to present a unique approach and create a very readable document. In response to questioning, Mr. Stanley advised that a master copy of the Environmental Handbook has now been completed and staff are now working toward putting it on the City's Home Page; however, a hard copy version could be supplied for Earth Day. Ms. B. Luckhardt questioned if there would be a reference copy available for non-computer users in future. Mr. B. Stanley responded that hard copies could be placed in the City's Libraries, Community Centers and the City Hall Library. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS PROGRAM - UPDATE Mr. B. Stanley advised the Committee that nominations for the Awards Program are proceeding with entries to be judged on May 14, 1999. He advised that each partner participating in the Awards Program will have one vote per category. In this regard, he suggested to the Committee that they be involved in the judging in one of two ways. Firstly, he suggested that the Committee as a whole review the nominations at their May 5th meeting, decide on their choice, and instruct either himself or Councillor J. Haalboom to cast the City's vote accordingly. As an alternative, he ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 147 1999 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS PROGRAM - UPDATE - CONT'D suggested that a sub-committee could be established to meet outside of the Committee's regular meeting schedule and then report back to the Committee with preferred choices. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Environmental Committee would review all nominations at their May 5th meeting and, in order to have sufficient time, this meeting would commence at 3:30 p.m. rather than 4:00 p.m. Mr. B. Stanley also pointed out to the Committee that the Awards Ceremony is to take place on June 1st in the City Hall Rotunda and all arrangements for the ceremony are being undertaken by the K-W Chamber of Commerce. Councillor J. Haalboom inquired whether it would be necessary to pay for the use of the Rotunda for this event. Mr. B. Stanley responded that there would be some costs involved with this event and he would be seeking funding from various sources. In addition, he advised that he would work with staff of the Parks & Recreation Department to cover rental costs. Councillor J. Haalboom also suggested that staff consider the Stone Crock, located in St. Jacob's, for catering purposes, as she was very impressed with their sponsorship of a Heritage Kitchener event. Mr. Stanley indicated that the K-W Chamber of Commerce would be looking after arrangements for the ceremony, however, this suggestion would be passed along. In conclusion, Mr. B. Stanley invited members of the Committee to provide him with suggestions for nominations. PROPOSED TOURS - ONTARIO HYDRO'S NANTICOKE COAL FIRED GENERATING STATION AND LONGPOINT BIOSPHERE RESERVE The Committee was in receipt of information respecting arrangements for the proposed tours. It was pointed out that contact has been made with the Nanticoke Generating Station and Tours of the facility are available. Contact with the Biosphere, however, has not been finalized. Mr. J. Kay questioned if any contact had been made with representatives of the Biosphere Reserve and Ms. J. Billett responded that she had been in contact with a Ms. Wendy Cridland who is a member of the Biosphere's Board. She pointed out that Ms. Cridland advised that the reserve itself is a restricted area and there are no formal tours available; however, she indicated that there are a number of marshlands surrounding the reserve that could be visited. Ms. Cridland indicated that she would speak with other members of the Biosphere's Board to determine if a walking tour of the various marshlands could be arranged, details of which are still outstanding at this time. Mr. J. Kay indicated that he was aware of a Mr. George Francis who has studied the Biosphere extensively and is considered to be an expert in this area. In this regard, Mr. Kay agreed to contact Mr. Francis to determine if he would be available to accompany the Committee when this tour is undertaken. Following further discussion, it was agreed that a tentative date of June 2, 1999, would be set for the tours. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF ONTARIO - ANNUAL CONFERENCE The Committee was in receipt of information respecting the Annual Conference of the Environmental Advisory Committees of Ontario to be held on May 8, 1999, in London, Ontario. Members of the Committee who have an interest in attending were asked to contact Ms. J. Billett (741-2276). ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - WABANAKI DRIVE Mr. K. Cenerelli advised that an Environmental Assessment is proposed for Wabanaki Drive from Wilson Avenue to Fairway Road and asked that this matter be brought to the Committee for review prior to its finalization. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - WABANAKI DRIVE - CONT'D ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 147 1999 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER = Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Consultant for this project is Stantec Consulting and, to date, one open house to discuss a preferred alignment had been held. He pointed out that the assessment for this project is expected to be completed by the end of July and he would contact Mr. D. Mansell, Manager of Engineering Development, to determine when this could be brought to the Committee for consideration. LETTER FROM THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO - EARTH DAY CANADA'S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EDUCATION KIT = 10. 11. 12. 13. The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. J. Archibald, Inspector of Waste Management, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, dated April 8, 1999, which outlines their concern with Earth Day Canada's Elementary School Education Kit entitled "The Middle R". The Region contends that this kit wrongfully discredits the merits and sustainability of the Blue Box Recycling Program and contains misleading information. Following a brief discussion, the Committee agreed to accept this letter as information. 5TH ANNUAL SCENIC ROADS CLEAN-UP Councillor J. Haalboom advised the Committee that the 5th Annual Scenic Roads Clean-up will be held on Saturday, April 17, 1999, beginning at 9:00 a.m. In this regard, she extended an invitation to all members of the Committee to participate in this event. NATURAL BUFFER ZONES Councillor J. Haalboom advised the Committee that Planning & Economic Development Committee on April 12, 1999, received a staff report with respect to an overview of Natural Buffer Zones and Watersheds. In this regard, she requested that a presentation be given to the Environmental Committee at its meeting of May 5, 1999. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed to place this as the first item on the May 5th Committee Agenda. COMMITTEE RESIGNATIONS Councillor Jake Smola advised the Committee that Ms. D. Hartman has been successful in obtaining employment in the City of Burlington and has, therefore, tendered her resignation to the Committee effective this date. He congratulated Ms. Hartman on her new position and thanked her for her participation on the Environmental Committee. It was also noted that Ms. A. Coffey has resigned from the Committee, effective January 13, 1999. In this regard, staff were directed to pursue filling of these vacancies through the normal appointment process. NEXT MEETING - MAY 5, 1999 Committee members are reminded that the next meeting will commence at 3:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator