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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-05ENV/2000-10-05 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MNUTES OCTOBER 57 2000 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. S. Hultquist, Ms. B. Luckhardt, and Messrs. J. Kay, B. Krafchek and F. Wende. Councillor J. Haalboom was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. M. Morrison, Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. B. Stanley, S. Gyroffy and D. Daly. CRPS-00-074 CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE - PROPOSED POLICY FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS (LAY APPOINTEES) The Committee was in receipt of the above Corporate Services staff report from Ms. J. Billett, dated September 25, 2000, requesting that a policy with respect to Environmental Committee Members (Lay Appointees) attendance at conferences/seminars, as outlined in the staff report, be adopted and that Council be requested to consider establishment of a conference budget for the Committee as part of its 2001 budget deliberations. On motion by Mr. J. Kay - it was resolved: "That the policy as outlined below and presented to the Environmental Committee at its meeting held on October 5, 2000, with respect to Environmental Committee member (lay appointee) attendance at conferences/seminars, be adopted, namely: · a maximum of 2 members to attend per conference, subject to available funds; · member attendance to be by nomination and approval of the Committee; · each member may attend 1 conference per term; · a member having attended a conference who has interest in another may attend provided there is no other interest on the part of other members; · for in-Province conferences, registration fees and mileage (at current City rate) to be covered with any and all other costs to be borne by the member attending; · all out-of-Province and/or out-of-Country attendance to be referred to the Environmental Committee for consideration and recommendation to Council; and further, That establishment of a conference budget for the Environmental Committee be considered as part of Council's 2001 budget deliberations." 2. TERMS OF REFERENCE Councillor Jake Smola advised that the new Council to be elected in November 2000 will be reduced in numbers and this will affect Council representation on the various Committees of Council. In this regard, he suggested that the Committee may wish to consider allowing a lay appointee to be appointed as Chair of the Environmental Committee. Mr. B. Stanley pointed out that the Safe City Committee functions with Co-Chairs, one being a Council member and the other a lay appointee, and the Committee may wish to consider this option. Mr. B. Stanley further advised that under the current Terms of Reference, 4 Council members are required to be appointed to this Committee. With only 6 Council positions to be elected for the coming term it will be difficult to maintain 4 Council representatives and, accordingly, it may be necessary to also amend the Terms of Reference to reduce the number of Council appointments. A brief discussion was undertaken with regard to appointment of a Chair and members of the Committee expressed the opinion that this appointment should continue to involve a member of Council. Having a Council member as Chair was considered to be an important aspect for the Committee as lay appointees do not have the same privilege as members of Council. A Council member as Chair will provide a direct liaison between the Committee and Council. Members were not opposed to a system of Co-Chairs provided one was a member of Council as this would still allow an opportunity for direct liaison. Councillor Jake Smola requested staff to take this matter under advisement for consideration when the new Committee has been struck. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2000 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. COMPASS KITCHENER-UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of a booklet entitled "Compass Kitchener - Charting a Path For Our Future", dated June, 2000, in which the Community Vision and Strategic Directions resulting from public input are documented. Ms. M. Morrison presented an overview of the Compass Kitchener initiative to date. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Morrison highlighted the "Top Ten Countdown of Things You Want To Know", together with 5 Strategic Directions outlined in the June 2000 report. In conclusion, Ms. Morrison referred the Committee to Strategic Direction #5 (Environment and Green Space) which states: "We will improve the quality of our air, water and land resources and increase green space.". Councillor J. Haalboom entered the meeting during this presentation. A general discussion then followed, during which members of the Committee expressed concerns and enquired relative to issues concerning public acceptance, conflicting interests, value of partnerships, integration with City departments, urban sprawl and protection of natural areas. Following discussion, Ms. Morrison indicated that staff are now in the process of compiling an in- house inventory of existing initiatives relative to the 5 Strategic Directions. Once compiled, it is intended to bring this information forward to Committees for further consideration and direction. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Environmental Study Group is currently working on an inventory relative to Strategic Direction #5, including the Environmental Strategic Plan. He stated that review of the Plan will form a major component of business for the Committee during its next term of office. Other initiatives in process or intended to be undertaken were noted including review of the City's Municipal Plan; development of a Community Improvement Plan to identify areas relative to infilling/brownfield sites and provision of incentives; and, a Natural Heritage Strategy which will include funding for City purchase of green space. Councillor Jake Smola thanked Ms. Morrison for her presentation and stated that, while he had not been an avid participant in this process he was appreciative of those who had played a role in moving the project forward and expressed his hope that the momentum would continue with the new Council through its budget deliberations. 4. BPS-00-121 - CITY OF KITCHENER CLEAN AIR PLAN - REVISIONS The Committee was in receipt of the above Business & Planning staff report from Mr. B. Stanley, dated September 8, 2000, recommending revisions to the City's Clean Air Plan that will, firstly, revise wording of the Smog Alert Day Strategies to be consistent with Regional and other area municipal plans so that this strategy becomes operative when the air quality index is predicted in a Smog Alert to rise above 50 rather than waiting until the index actually reaches 50; secondly, to recognize that Transit is now a Regional service; and, thirdly, to recognize the new initiatives associated with car sharing. Mr. B. Stanley provided an overview of the staff report and in response to concerns raised by Councillor J. Haalboom relative to transport trucks left idling, he advised that an initiative to introduce a City-wide Idling By-law is currently being considered by the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality. He pointed out that initially it was intended to introduce a Region-wide by-law, however, it has been determined that the Region does not have jurisdiction to pass such a by-law. The matter is now in the hands of a sub-committee of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Air Quality and it is hoped to develop a consistent approach Region-wide. On motion by Ms. B. Luckhardt - it was resolved: "That the 'Smog Alert Day Strategies' forming part of the City of Kitchener Clean Air Plan be amended as follows: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2000 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. BPS-00-121 - CITY OF KITCHENER CLEAN AIR PLAN - REVISIONS (CONT'D) a) Smog Alert Day Strategies - what to do when the air quality index is 50 or greater: Is amended to read: Smog Alert Day Strategies - what to do when a Smog Alert/Advisory is issued predicting that the air quality index is to rise to 50 or greater: b) 1. In conjunction with other area authorities, announce the Smog Alert to the general population. Specific methodologies have not been listed, but should include the radio, newspaper, community centre windows and buses. For example, a spare bus marquee slot could state 'Smog Alert today - take the bus'. Is amended to read: In conjunction with other area authorities, announce the Smog Alert to general population. Specific methodologies have not been listed, but could include the radio, TV, newspapers, and notice in Community Centres. c) 2. Implement the reduced transit fare initiative. Currently under debate, the initiative could be for 'free' transit or $1 per ride or any other variation that comes to mind. Transit will provide detailed estimates of the cost (lost revenue) of such initiatives. Note that it is the intent to monitor the results of this initiative. With measurable results, the initiative should be modified to reduce the financial impact. Is amended to read: 2. Support the reduced transit fare initiative.; and further, That the 'Long Term Strategies' forming part of the City of Kitchener Clean Air Plan be amended as follows: a) 2. Develop incentives to encourage municipal staff and the general public to use public transportation and car pooling on a year round basis. Is amended to read: Develop incentives and programs to encourage municipal staff and the general public to use public transportation, car pooling, and car sharing on a year round basis." 5. MEETING CANCELLATION - NOVEMBER 2, 2000 Councillor Jake Smola advised that the November 2nd meeting would be cancelled due to preparations for the upcoming Municipal Election. As this was to be the last meeting of the Committee prior to appointments for the new term of office, Councillor Jake Smola extended his appreciation to both members of the Committee and staff for their contribution in support of the Environmental Committee. Councillor J. Haalboom also expressed similar appreciation and encouraged members of the Committee to re-apply for appointment for the new term. Councillor Jake Smola further advised that he would be seeking election to Regional Council rather than returning as a representative of the Municipal Council. He expressed his enthusiasm for Regional environmental initiatives and his desire, where possible, to continue liaison with the City of Kitchener's Environmental Committee. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2000 - 38 - 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 5:30 p.m. CITY OF KITCHENER J. Billett Committee Administrator