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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-07ENVY1999-10-07 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m., under Councillor Jake Smola, Chair, with the following members present: Ms. B. Luckhardt and Messrs. B. Krafchek, J. Kay, and H. Linseman. Councillor J. Haalboom was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. P. Bacon, Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. M. Morrison, Ms. J. Billett, and Messrs. B. Stanley, and R. Wyatt. This meeting of the Environmental Committee began without a quorum present. 1. DRIVE-THRU FACILITIES The Committee was in receipt of a draft by-law dated August 25, 1999 which proposes an amendment to the City's Zoning By-law No. 85-1 with respect to drive-thru facilities, together with a copy of proposed design standards. Ms. P. Bacon advised that these documents were draft proposals which have been presented for discussion at meetings with representatives of the industry and other interested parties. Ms. B. Luckhardt noted that noise appears to be the issue within the draft documents and questioned if emissions would also be taken into consideration. Ms. P. Bacon pointed out that exhaust emissions cannot be regulated by by-law; however, the location of drive-thru's and their design standards can be and staff are working in this direction. Ms. P. Bacon also noted that the industry has stated the purpose of drive-thrus is to provide quick service to their customers and they endeavour to do so to minimize idling time. Mr. J. Kay stated that the average time for idling of a vehicle attending a drive-thru is estimated at 7 minutes. Ms. Bacon stated that she did not have actual statistics; however, the most 3rominent industry user has relayed lower time factors than 7 minutes. Councillor J. Haalboom entered the meeting at this time and a quorum was now present. Ms. B. Luckhardt questioned if it was the industry's policy to make drive-thru service a priority over walk-in service to ensure vehicles are going through as quickly as possible. Ms. Bacon stated that, in most cases, the industry will assign more employees to service a drive-thru to keep vehicles moving through the facility as quickly as possible. Mr. J. Kay enquired if the City has an Idling By-law and Mr. B. Stanley responded that the City has an idling policy with respect to its own fleet of vehicles but does not have a City-wide by-law in place. Mr. Kay noted that in other municipalities such as Toronto, where an Idling By-law has been enacted, vehicles utilizing a drive-thru have been found in contravention of the by-law. In this regard, Ms. Bacon pointed out that the difference between idling and turning off and restarting a vehicle should be weighed and, in some instances, the difference in emissions may not be significantly less. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that she was concerned with the issue of transport trucks parking their vehicles and leaving them idling while visiting restaurant facilities. She advised that she has written to the trucking industry but they continue to ignore the issue of idling. In response, Ms. Bacon advised that these issues will be discussed at further meetings with the industry and the public. Ms. Bacon noted that the public appears to have more of an issue with the location of drive-thrus in relation to their residences. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to a donut facility located on Pioneer Drive in which the trucks are backing in to unload their goods and leaving vehicles running while unloading takes place. In this regard, Ms. P. Bacon advised that a meeting had been held with two representatives for the Pioneer Drive area who have been working with the Police and the Traffic Division on this issue. She stated that ticketing has taken place and it would appear that the residents are satisfied that the problem has been alleviated. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 77 1999 -33- CITY OF KITCHENER DRIVE-THRU FACILITIES(Cont'd) Councillor Jake Smola enquired how staff wished the Committee to deal with this issue and questioned if it would be more appropriate for the Committee to comment on this matter at a future meeting, pending further discussions with the industry and the public. Ms. P. Bacon responded that staff would prefer the Committee to compile a list of concerns now that could be considered throughout the process. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the consultation process would take longer than initially anticipated with a final report not being ready to go to Council until sometime in January 2000. He stated that this would allow time for the matter to come back to this Committee prior to final approval by Council. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the Zoning By-law requirements with respect to parking and Ms. Bacon responded that the requirement for restaurants was one for every 7.5 m2 of gross floor area, which is the highest requirement in the Zoning By-law. She further advised that parking was not really an issue except in the instance of gas bars and/or convenience retail uses, whose parking requirements are one for each 20 m2 of gross floor area. Councillor Jake Smola also pointed out that some fast food restaurants have dual drive-thru windows; however, both windows are not always used. In this regard, Ms. Bacon pointed out that the normal set-up where dual windows are in place is to have the customer pay at the first window and then pick-up their meal at the second window. She further stated that having two pick-up windows along side each other would not necessarily speed up the process. Councillor Jake Smola enquired if drive-thrus were prohibited in any other municipality and Ms. Bacon responded that staff were not aware of any municipality having prohibited drive-thrus. She also stated that staff have received numerous calls from other municipalities who are interested in what the City of Kitchener is doing. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if the issue of idling could be incorporated into the City's Clean Air Plan such that drive-thrus would be required to close on smog alert days. In this regard, Ms. P. Bacon cautioned against prejudicing one particular industry and suggested that it would be more appropriate to develop a City-wide idling policy which would require substantial promotion through publicity and educational programs. Ms. Bacon stated that the reaction of the industry to date would suggest that closing down on smog alert days would not be well received. Councillor Haalboom requested that this suggestion be put forward to the industry during the consultation process for their consideration. Mr. J. Kay agreed that stricter controls with respect to idling on smog alert days should be in force and Ms. Bacon suggested that staff could bring this issue forward for discussion with the industry on an overall comprehensive basis rather than just related to drive-thrus. Councillor Jake Smola also stated that idling was not just a concern for smog alert days but had an overall impact throughout the year. In this regard, he suggested that a year round policy was needed. Councillor Jake Smola then referred to other municipalities who have designated certain parking spaces for the handicapped, women who are pregnant and senior citizens which are located close to the entrance of the facility to make it more convenient for this group of citizens to utilize walk-in service as opposed to drive thrus. In this regard, he requested that staff investigate this matter and incorporate it into the consultation process. Ms. B. Steiner stated that this fits into development of design standards and the industry is aware that parking spaces such as those referred to by Councillor Jake Smola are needed; however, the industry has also stated that by not allowing drive-thrus would be prejudicial against the same portion of the population referred to. Following further discussion, it was agreed that the Committee would compile a list of their concerns at the next meeting, which would then be forwarded to staff. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 77 1999 -34- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DRIVE-THRU FACILITIES(Cont'd) Councillor Jake Smola stated that he would be interested to know if drive-thrus were prohibited anywhere in Canada or the United States and requested that staff investigate. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to comments by the industry that the proposed by-law is attempting to prohibit drive-thru facilities and stated that she was of the understanding the purpose was only to control the location of these facilities. Ms. Bacon pointed out that some complaints were brought forward as the by-law does propose to prohibit drive-thru facilities in the downtown and in some commercial/residential areas where natural land areas are potentially at risk. Councillor Jake Smola questioned how allowing drive-thru facilities might affect development of a City-wide idling policy as the potential for conflict exists. Mr. B. Stanley pointed out that discussions have been held with Cambridge and Waterloo with respect to idling policies, with examples to be acquired in preparation of a detailed review, and stated that staff are attempting to bring the two issues together. Ms. B. Luckhardt stated that, as the two issues overlap, it may be better to deal with the issue of idling first which may in turn resolve issues with respect to drive-thru facilities. Councillor Jake Smola requested that staff provide further statistical information respecting all types of drive-thru facilities, together with information pertaining to idling, for the Committee's next meeting. He stated that the Committee would then compile a list of its concerns for consideration by staff. On motion by Ms. B. Luckhardt - it was resolved: "That staff of the Department of Business & Planning Services be directed to provide further documentation, including statistical data, relative to the issues of idling and drive-thru facilities, for consideration at the November 4, 1999 meeting of the Environmental Committee; and further, That staff of the Department of Business & Planning Services be directed to present the final report with respect to drive-thru facilities to the Environmental Committee prior to its consideration by City Council." 2. VISION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Presentation of the Vision & Community Development Plan was undertaken at the Committee's September 9th meeting, which outlined the process and budget requirements for the plan. At that time, the Committee had been asked to consider appointing two representatives to the Roundtable which will be held as part of the consultation process. Mr. B. Stanley advised that Ms. M. Morrison has been appointed as the new Project Co-ordinator following the resignation of Ms. B. Newell, who has accepted a position with another municipality. Mr. Stanley stated that the Project Steering Committee has now put together a detailed time frame which will provide the Committee with a better understanding of the time commitment required for the two representatives. Ms. M. Morrison advised that the two representatives to be appointed from the Environmental Committee will be among representatives of all Special Committees of Council who will meet at a Roundtable to discuss issues relating to development of the plan. She advised that the Roundtable will be held on November 16 or 17, 1999, and will be an evening dinner meeting. Following this consultation process, all information will be compiled and the representatives will ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 77 1999 -35- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. VISION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN(Cont'd) then be asked to attend a two-day workshop on March 25 & 26, 1999. The purpose of the workshop will be to develop the Community Plan and actions for implementation. Members of the Roundtable will be asked to report back to their respective Committees and continue the consultation process with these groups. She stated that the time commitment for respective Committees would be up to the membership. Mr. B. Stanley further advised that when the representatives returned for further discussion with the Committee, it could be determined at that time how much involvement the Committee wishes to have in the process. Mr. J. Kay questioned whom the plan was being developed for and how it would be used. In this regard, Mr. Stanley stated that the plan was a corporate goal included in the City's Corporate Strategic Plan. Mr. Stanley advised that Council wishes to develop a Community Plan and actions to implement the plan as a means to promote a healthy City. Mr. J. Kay questioned if development of the Community Plan fits in with the City's Municipal Plan and Mr. Stanley responded that the Municipal Plan is reviewed every 5 years and is coming up for review in the year 2000. He stated that development of the Community Plan would feed into the review process of the City's Municipal Plan. Councillor Jake Smola enquired if any member of the Committee wished to volunteer for the Roundtable and both Ms. B. Luckhardt and Mr. B. Krafchek advised that they would be interested in representing the Committee. On motion by Mr. J. Kay - it was resolved: "That Ms. B. Luckhardt and Mr. B. Krafchek be appointed as the representatives of the Environmental Committee to the City of Kitchener's Visioning & Community Development Plan Roundtable." 3. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of information provided by Mr. B. Stanley with respect to the Waterloo Region Environmental Sustainability Awards Program for the year 2000, outlining proposed timelines, and information with regard to award categories and the Awards Night Ceremony. Mr. B. Stanley advised that a brainstorming session had been held with participants of the program to determine key issues of concerns with respect to the process. The issues related to the shortness of time to call and receive nominations; lack of resources and publication; shortness of time for the judging of nominations; and, insufficient criteria. Mr. Stanley further advised that a proposed timeline has now been established which will move the process forward with nominations to be called in January 2000, judging to take place in April and the Awards Ceremony to be held at Kitchener City Hall on June 8, 2000. Mr. B. Stanley advised that organizers will meet again on October 15th to work toward refining the process by developing more detailed criteria for each of the existing six categories and improving the presentation of the Awards Ceremony. In addition, other municipalities such as Cambridge and Waterloo will be encouraged to fully participate in the Awards Program. Mr. Stanley advised that he anticipates bringing back the overall criteria to the Committee's November meeting for consideration and comment. He stated that the first draft already shows improvement, especially in the category of business where criteria will lean toward nominees who have gone beyond ISO requirements; demonstrated environmental initiatives; promotion and reduction of waste; developed new environmentally sound products; or, have been involved in conservation. He further pointed out that when sufficient criteria has been developed effort will be put into identifying submission requirements so that sufficient information with respect to each nominee can be provided for judging purposes. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 77 1999 -36- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS PROGRAM(Cont'd) Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if consideration has been given to the Awards Ceremony itself as she felt this had been lacking in organization. Mr. B. Stanley recognized that the 1999 Awards Ceremony had experienced some deficiencies and advised that the organizing group will be working to overcome this area of concern. Councillor Jake Smola questioned if it was intended that the hosting of the awards ceremony be done on a rotating basis among participating municipalities. Mr. Stanley stated that this was a possibility and would be taken into consideration during review of the process. Ms. B. Luckhardt referred to this as being an annual event and questioned how repeat winners would be handled. In this regard, Mr. Stanley pointed out that priority would likely be given to nominees who had not previously won an award; however, if a repeat nominee had shown significant improvement it may be possible to win a second award. Councillor Jake Smola referred to the fact that some corporations who have gone through ISO requirements and received their certification were not recognized and questioned if a separate category could be incorporated with respect to the 14,001 certification program. Mr. J. Kay further pointed out that consideration could be given to establishing an honor roll for such businesses. In this regard, Mr. Stanley stated that establishing a separate category or an honor roll would underscore an organizations commitment to the environment and he would raise this issue at the October 15th meeting of the Organizing Committee. Following further discussion, it was agreed that Councillor J. Haalboom and Mr. B. Stanley would remain the representatives of the Environmental Committee to the Waterloo Region Environmental Sustainability Awards Program. 4. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information reports, namely: · 2000 Appointments to Special Committees, Boards & Commissions · Regional Engineering Committee Report (E-99-080) - Unsolicited Newspaper Distribution in the Region (Toronto Star - Sunday Distribution): this report will be considered by the Region's Engineering Committee on October 6, 1999 at 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber, Regional Headquarters, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener · Excerpt from Council Minutes of September 20, 1999 (attached) - Recommendation(s) of September 9th Environmental Committee adopted by Council. Correspondence outlining the resolution(s) has been forwarded to appropriate staff and/or agencies. · Excerpt from the Finance and Administration Committee Minutes of September 3, 1999, together with an excerpt from the special Council Minutes of September 13, 1999, regarding endorsement of the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (R. E. E. P.). · Excerpt from Council Minutes of September 20, 1999 (attached) - presentation by Ms. B. Steiner to Council re: Identification and Protection of Significant Natural Areas. Members of the Committee were advised by the Secretary that those wishing to seek re- appointment to the Environmental Committee for a further one year term were required to complete and submit a new application form prior to Wednesday, October 20, 1999, to the Deputy City Clerk. In addition, Ms. Billett requested that any members who were not intending to seek re- appointment to make this known to her prior to the deadline date. Councillor J. Haalboom requested an update on plans for the Great Tree Hunt and Mr. Stanley advised that the Environmental Study Group will be meeting on October 12th to review the Committee's Unfinished Business list and assign appropriate timelines for each. In this regard, he stated that a report would be coming to the Committee at its next meeting. Mr. B. Stanley referred to the information item respecting a presentation by Ms. B. Steiner to Council on Significant Natural Areas and advised that Ms. Steiner will become a regular attendee ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 77 1999 -37- CITY OF KITCHENER at the Environmental Committee meetings. 4. INFORMATION ITEMS(Cont'd) Mr. R. Wyatt also advised that, following retirement of Mr. T. Clancy, General Manager of the Parks and Recreation Department, Mr. B. Pritchard was appointed as the Acting General Manager. He stated that the Department is in the process of restructuring and both Mr. D. Daly and himself have been appointed as Assistant General Managers. In addition, as part of the restructuring a review of responsibilities to Committees was undertaken and Mr. D. Daly will now represent the Department of Parks & Recreation at Environmental Committee meetings. Mr. J. Haalboom raised concern with respect to a woodlot which will be affected by development in the Biehn Drive/Kilkerran Crescent area. She pointed out that the woodlot is intended to be cut to make way for housing and questioned if it would be possible to save the woodlot. This matter was referred to staff for further review and response directly to Councillor J. Haalboom. 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator