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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-20ENVY2000-01-20 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 207 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m., under Councillor Jake Smola, Chair, with the following members present: Ms. B. Luckhardt, Ms. S. Hultquist and Messrs. H. Alsafouti, R. Dal Bello, B. Krafchek and F. Wende. Councillors J. Haalboom and T. Galloway were in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. M. Morrison, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. B. Stanley, J. Willmer, P. Wetherup and D. Daly. 1. STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC ACQUISITION OF ESPA LANDS & UPLAND WOODLOTS The Committee was in receipt of a portion of the Draft Community Plan for the Grand River South Area dealing with proposed recommendations for the protection of natural environmental features and provisions for Parks and Recreation Facilities. Mr. J. Willmer provided an aerial overview of the Grand River South area, noting in general the boundaries it encompasses. Mr. Willmer pointed out that a number of development applications are in progress for this area, which are to be dealt with by the Ontario Municipal Board in March 2000. He stated that this has brought the need for completion of the Community Plan for the Grand River area to the forefront; however, he pointed out that during review of the Community Plan, it became evident that acquisition of environmentally sensitive areas, to ensure preservation and protection, were not only relevant to the Grand River South area but was really a City-wide issue. He pointed out that the Municipal Plan places priority on acquisition of two different types of environmental lands, being those designated as open space (floodplains/wetlands) and those designated for urban development with environmental features such as woodlots. In previous years, he stated that acquisition was fairly easy on the basis that such lands had no development potential and there was a willingness to dedicate such lands to the City. More recently, value has been placed on such lands in terms of development for recreational purposes and, accordingly, developers are no longer willing to dedicate the lands without cost and it is necessary now to negotiate acquisition of these parcels. In this regard, he pointed out that staff are seeking input from the Environmental Committee to assist in determining the need for establishing a City-wide strategy for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands and to what degree of priority should be applied to such acquisitions. Mr. Willmer then provided an overview of the Grand River South Community Plan pointing out that the area includes two ESPA's, being Natchez and Lackner. The lands involved are designated for residential development, but will also include floodplains and open space areas. Mr. Willmer stated that the subdivider had acted responsibly in not including environmentally sensitive lands in the development plans and staff wish to acquire these natural areas to place them under City ownership; however, the subdivider is not prepared to give over these lands without due compensation. With no formal process in place, staff are in the position of having to negotiate with the owners to acquire these lands. In addition, he pointed out that a large woodlot at the corner of Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive has been identified as an environmental feature, which has considerable monetary value as future residential development. Mr. Willmer advised that, as the lands are not included in the development plans, staff are not in a position to require the dedication of the lands, making negotiation again the only means of acquisition. Funding could be taken from the Park Trust Fund; however, it is felt that the value of this particular woodlot would exhaust the fund. In this regard, Mr. Willmer asked the Committee to consider weighing the benefits of a City-wide strategy for funding acquisitions of environmentally sensitive lands. A lengthy discussion then took place during which numerous issues and questions were raised, including: the effects of the City not purchasing the natural areas; protection of plant life with regard to public use of these areas; buffer zones; encroachment prevention (fencing/private versus public ownership); restriction of public access; protection against tree removal; and, effects of precedent setting, if any. During the above-noted discussion, Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting. With regard to precedent setting, Mr. Willmer advised that precedent already exists, in that, the City has purchased upland forest within the Huron Natural Area. In addition, Mr. B. Stanley pointed out that other municipalities have established woodland strategies for the purpose of ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 20, 2000 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC ACQUISITION OF ESPA LANDS & UPLAND WOODLOTS(CONT'D) acquisitions and, in this regard, staff have put together a Committee, chaired by Ms. B. Steiner. This staff Committee will be formulating plans for a Natural Heritage Forest Inventory and will be advancing recommendations to Council with respect to financing upland forest acquisitions once potential sites have been prioritized. Councillor T. Galloway commented that, at this time, upland woodlots are more at risk than ESPA's, in that, ESPA's already have protection. In this regard, he felt that a strategy for acquisition of upland forest should be of a higher priority than ESPA's. Councillor Jake Smola vacated the Chair at this time to participate in the discussion and Councillor T. Galloway assumed the Chair. Councillor Jake Smola put forward a suggestion that staff investigate installation of a second pumping station in the Grand River South area that would produce a supply a non-treated (non- potable) water. He commented that savings in non-treatment of water would be realized and such a system would avoid drinking water being used for things such as flushing toilets or washing automobiles. In essence, residents would potentially have a dual system of drinkable and non- drinkable water supply into their homes. Councillor T. Galloway stated that, while savings would be realized by non-treatment of the water, there would be no savings in the consumption of water. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he would still like to give staff direction to investigate this issue; however, Mr. B. Stanley pointed out that a staff Committee is already in the process of investigating non-potable water systems. Ms. B. Luckhardt commented that she felt cisterns should be required as they have more to offer in terms of water conservation and savings to the homeowner. In this regard, Mr. Willmer pointed out that ground water supply must be taken into consideration and target levels are often established to ensure enough continuous return to recharge and maintain the base flow. In some instances, cisterns would not be desirable because of the need to ensure appropriate levels of ground water supply. Councillor Jake Smola enquired how pumping stations might be affected by interruptions to electricity supply and questioned the need to include provision for a back-up diesel generator to avoid backfill. Mr. Willmer advised that he believed the chamber was designed sufficiently large enough to handle situations when there is no outflow and that a back-up generator was already in place. Councillor Jake Smola then referred to noise pollution in terms of the subdivisions proximity to the Waterloo Regional Airport and suggested that measures, such as signage identifying the subdivision as an aircraft corridor, should be included in the Plan as a means of bringing this to the attention of potential buyers. Councillor Jake Smola further questioned if there were any regulations to require a minimum height or restriction on the dumping of fuel from aircraft over ESPA lands. Mr. Willmer advised that he would have to consult legislation governing aircraft; however, he suggested that in emergency situations the pilot must first consider the safety of passengers and would not necessarily have the time to consider the impacts of dumping fuel over ESPA lands during an emergency landing situation. Councillor Jake Smola then re-assumed the Chair and thanked Mr. Willmer for his presentation. VISION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ROUNDTABLE - COMMUNITY VISION AND STRATEGIC VISION PROJECT The Committee was in receipt of a Community Vision Workbook, which outlines the Compass Kitchener Project and provides an opportunity for written input. Ms. M. Morrison provided an overview of the project, together with an update of scheduled events, pointing out that the project is currently undergoing the consultation phase which is to conclude by mid-February. To assist in the consultation process, Ms. Morrison pointed out that 4 questions were composed which are included in the workbook. All interested parties, including the Environmental Committee, are being asked to consider these questions and provide their VISION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ROUNDTABLE - COMMUNITY VISION AND STRATEGIC VISION PROJECT(CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 20, 2000 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER written comment. In this regard, Ms. Morrison advised that the Committee could choose to arrange a special forum, complete the workbook as individual members, or participate in one or more of the scheduled events. Ms. B. Luckhardt advised that she and Mr. B. Krafcheck had attended the original Roundtable session as representatives of the Environmental Committee which had provided a general overview of the project. Mr. B. Krafcheck suggested that, as the consultation process continues, additional phone input should be gathered. In this regard, Ms. Morrison advised that a telephone survey has been completed and, except for a phone number that will be available following the scheduled Town Hall meeting on January 25, 2000, no other phone opportunities are proposed. Councillor Jake Smola pointed out that a phone number is also available on the City's web site. Mr. B. Stanley provided examples of how other Committees were handling the provision of input, noting that Heritage Kitchener had opted to simply complete the workbooks and the Economic Development Advisory Committee had decided to complete the questions and submit the workbooks to a sub-committee for review and compilation of a joint statement. The Committee then entered into a discussion with regard to the best method of providing the Committee's visions and concerns and it was agreed that members of the Committee would complete the 4 questions in the workbooks individually. The workbooks would then be delivered to Ms. J. Billett by Friday, February 4, 2000. Following receipt of the completed workbooks, Ms. B. Luckhardt and Ms. J. Billett will review the written comments and compile the information contained therein for consideration by the Committee at a meeting to be held following their scheduled tour of Kuntz Electroplating on February 10, 2000. Members of the Committee were asked to deliver their completed workbooks to Ms. J. Billett of the Department of Corporate Services & City Clerk, 2nd Floor, 200 King Street West, Kitchener, by no later than Friday, February 4th. WATERLOO REGION ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS PROGRAM NOMINATION FORMS Mr. B. Stanley advised that the process of seeking nominations has now begun and the organizing Committee is looking for assistance in distribution of the nomination form. He noted that the form will be advertised in The Record, as well as in the Chamber of Commerce's Newsletter, and will be distributed by all sponsors. Councillor J. Haalboom entered the meeting at this time. Mr. B. Stanley asked that each member of the Committee undertake to review the award categories to determine possible nominees and to make it their mission to distribute the nomination form as widely as possible. He further advised that additional forms are available through Mr. C. Carsjens of the Chamber of Commerce. Councillor Jake Smola inquired if there were any restrictions with regard to nominations and Mr. B. Stanley advised that nominations are restricted to projects based within the Region of Waterloo or to people who live and/or work within the Region. Mr. B. Stanley further advised that the last date to receive nominations is March 31 st and should members of the Committee have any questions with respect to the program they may contact either Mr. Carsjens or himself. APPOINTMENT - INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES (ICLEI) Mr. B. Stanley provided the Committee with an overview of the ICLEI, noting that Kitchener has been a member since 1992. He advised that the organization is made up of a World-wide network of local municipalities which provides opportunity to investigate local environmental initiatives being undertaken in other parts of the World. APPOINTMENT - INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES (ICLEI)(CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 20, 2000 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Stanley further noted that local conferences are held which have been attended by staff and Councillor T. Galloway had also represented the City at a conference in Japan. Mr. B. Stanley advised that there is a need to replace the staff liaison with the ICLEI Secretariat, who have a local office in Toronto. He stated that the task of the staff liaison is to work with ICLEI in the collection and transfer of information. Mr. Stanley pointed out that the Environmental Study Group had undertaken discussions with regard to an appropriate staff replacement for this appointment and are recommending Ms. B. Steiner, recently appointed as the City's Environmental Planner. On motion by Mr. F. Wende- It was resolved: "That Ms. B. Steiner be designated as the City's Eco-Counselor (EC) to liaise with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and that her EC work involvement be limited to information collection and transfer." 5. APPOINTMENTS - CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AIR QUALITY At the Committee's meeting of December 2, 1999, it was agreed to defer consideration of appointments to the Citizens Advisory Committee On Air Quality to the meeting this date to allow members to consider their willingness to participate on this Committee. It was noted that Council is requesting the Environmental Committee to make appointment recommendations with respect to an additional Council representative and one Environmental Committee representative with respect to the Advisory Committee. Councillor Jake Smola advised that participation would involve at least one meeting a month, with the potential for additional participation on various sub-committees on a volunteer basis. In response to questioning, Mr. B. Stanley pointed out that the Citizens Advisory Committee meets on the second Thursday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. A brief discussion was then undertaken, during which it was determined that the meeting dates for the Advisory Committee conflict with the majority of meeting dates for the Environmental Committee. Accordingly, no recommendations for appointments to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality were forthcoming. 6. EARTH DAY - UPDATE Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Organizing Committee has reviewed initiatives proposed for Earth Day and is in the process of setting a budget. In addition, a key not speaker is being sought. Mr. Stanley further advised that an approach to the City's Management Committee will be undertaken shortly to address 2 issues, being Departmental displays of all environmental initiatives undertaken by the City to date and, organization of a community clean-up event. He noted that a City-wide community clean-up is difficult to organize and, without additional resources, it may be more appropriate to begin with a scaled down approach and build on this initiative in future years. In response to questioning, Mr. Stanley confirmed that the main events will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2000; however, displays will be located in City Hall beginning Friday, April 28th through the weekend. In addition he noted that discussions are being held with several car manufacturers to have prototypes of environmentally friendly automobiles on site. Mr. D. Daly also advised that the Stanley Park Optimists have donated funding to establish a new park in the Grand River area and plans are under way to dedicate the park and pond, to be located within the park on Saturday, April 29th. He noted that there will also be plantings taking place and felt this event would also fit well with Earth Day celebrations. EARTH DAY- UPDATE(CONT'D) Councillor J. Haalboom noted that it has been decided not to go ahead with plans for a Great Tree ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 20, 2000 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER Hunt and enquired as to the reasoning behind this decision. Mr. Stanley advised that this event was initially sponsored by the K-W Field Naturalists and approached on a Region-wide basis. In this regard, it was felt that in order to maintain the success of this event it would be necessary to have continued outside sponsorship, either by the K-W Field Naturalists or some other Environmental Group. He pointed out that staff resources are insufficient to handle the time commitment required to go out and investigate and verify all of the potential candidates. Ms. B. Steiner stated that discussions were held with the K-W Field Naturalists to determine their interest in participating and they have declined at this time due to other priorities. She advised that the initiative has not been abandoned and discussions will continue with the K-W Field Naturalists; however, because of the volume of work required to organize such an event it is felt that it cannot go ahead without outside support. Councillor Jake Smola vacated the Chair and left the meeting at this time. Councillor T. Galloway assumed the Chair and conducted the remainder of the meeting. Mr. D. Daly also commented that staff resources in the Forestry Division are limited and certain responsibilities are already one to two years behind, which must be dealt with because of safety issues. He pointed out that staff have an obligation to meet legislated requirements and, accordingly, would not be able to place priority on this event. He agreed that outside sponsorship must be obtained in order to conduct a successful event. Further discussion then took place during which it was suggested that other groups, such as Landscape Ontario or local nurseries be approached to determine their interest in this event. It was generally agreed that the Great Tree Hunt would not take place this year; however, staff will continue their efforts to gain sponsorship and organize this event in future. TOURS - TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA INC. & KUNTZ ELECTROPLATING INC. The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum dated January 10, 2000 from Ms. J. Billett, outlining a proposed tour of Toyota's Cambridge Plant. A response was received from Toyota dated January 17, 2000, a copy of which was distributed to members of the Committee, advising that the request to tour their facility could not be accommodated at this time due to their production schedule. Councillor T. Galloway pointed out that, as an alternative, Ms. Billett has arranged a tour of Kuntz Electroplating Inc. located on Wilson Avenue in Kitchener. The tour of Kuntz Electroplating has been confirmed for Thursday, February 10th, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Details of the tour are as outlined in a memorandum dated January 19, 2000, from Ms. Billett, a copy of which was distributed to members in attendance at this meeting. Ms. Billett advised that Kuntz Electroplating requires identification tags to be worn by all attendees and asked that members confirm their attendance in advance by no later than Thursday, February 3rd. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information reports: · excerpt from Council minutes of December 13, 1999 - recommendations of December 2nd Environmental Committee adopted by Council · Global Cities21 ICLEI World Congress of Local Government - Transformations for a Sustainable Future Councillor T. Galloway also referred to a letter dated November 18, 1999 from the University of Waterloo outlining details of an International Conference on Climate Change Communication to be held in Kitchener-Waterloo from June 22-24, 2000. He advised that coverage of registration INFORMATION ITEMS(CONT'D) fees will be provided by the City should any member wish to attend. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 20, 2000 -6- CITY OF KITCHENER Full details of the conference may be obtained through the conference web site at http:llgeognt, uwaterloo.calc3confer and a copy of the University's letter will be attached as an information item to the Committee's next agenda. 9. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator