HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2022-08-22 SSpecial Council Meeting
Minutes
August 22, 2022, 1:00 p.m.
Council Chambers - Hybrid
City of Kitchener
200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Present: Mayor B. Vrbanovic
Councillor S. Davey
Councillor D. Schnider
Councillor J. Gazzola
Councillor C. Michaud
Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock
Councillor P. Singh
Councillor B. loannidis
Councillor M. Johnston
Councillor D. Chapman
Councillor S. Marsh
Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services
K. Dever, Director of Strategy and Corporate Performance
B. Rowland, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing
M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy
Chief Administrator
V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services
J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services
D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
A. Fritz -Walters, Engage & Program Manager Strategic Planning
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
M. Blake, Committee Administrator
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1. Commencement
A special meeting of City Council was held at 1:00 p.m. this date, Chaired by
Mayor B. Vrbanovic. Notice of this meeting had been previously given to all
members of Council by the City Clerk pursuant to Chapter 25 (Council
Procedure) of the Municipal Code.
The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor.
2. Strategic Session Reports
2.1 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Development - Strategic Foresight and
Community Engagement Update, CAO -2022-413
D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer addressed Council regarding the 2023-
2026 Strategic Plan Development - Strategic Foresight and Community
Engagement Update, noting this is the third development review of the Strategic
Plan with the first session occurring March 23, 2022. D. Chapman outlined
Council's governance role in Strategic Planning, and provided community
engagement highlights, an overview of the Strategic foresight horizon scan, key
trends and next steps.
D. Chapman noted the City of Kitchener has entered phase two of the Strategic
Plan, Foresight and Community Priorities, indicating a timeline of April -August
2022. D. Chapman also noted the feedback the Strategic Plan received in March
2022, including focusing on core city services and applying broad engagement
approaches. Outlining Council's feedback of the Strategic Plan received in May
2022, D. Chapman listed the inclusion of a variety of voices, and learning more
about city services, public engagement, sustainability, housing affordability and
recreation programs.
A. Fritz -Walters, Engagement and Program Manager of Strategic Planning,
addressed Council, providing an overview of the engagement tactics being
utilized, such as the online engagement page, street team pop-up interviews, in-
person neighborhood conversations, all advisory committee workshops and
citizen resident panels, contributing to increased input from residents in the
Strategic Plan.
D. Mihailov and M. John, the Street Team Interviewers were present and
available to answer questions from Council as well. The Street Team
Interviewers stated the most common concerns they received from residents was
regarding affordable housing and homelessness, especially among newcomers,
immigrants and students.
Councillor M. Johnson entered the meeting at this time.
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D. Chapman indicated that they are seeking feedback from Council on the
following questions with regards to the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Development:
1. What trends are key to Council's legacy for the long-term future of
Kitchener?
2. Which trends would Council like to see amplified or reversed as a part of
that legacy?
D. Chapman, A. Fritz -Walters and the Street Team Staff were in attendance to
answer questions from Council.
Councillor P. Singh entered the meeting at this time.
Council suggested that additional community centres and advisory committees
be included in outreach efforts, and recommended that community centre staff
and neighborhood association members be trained to assist in community
outreach to ensure engagement is occurring across all City of Kitchener
community centres.
Council recommended increasing the use of open-ended questions and quick
polls in community outreach tactics to increase accessibility.
Council stressed the importance of community civic education, stating that while
all levels of government work together, it is of great significance for community
members to understand the scope of the municipality's responsibilities and
jurisdiction. Council also recommended that future reports and information be
accessible and inclusive for all members of the community to understand easily.
Staff noted Council's comments and feedback for consideration, as the City of
Kitchener enters the next stage of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Development,
Draft Vision and Goal Areas, occurring from September to December 2022.
3. In -camera Meeting Authorization
Moved by Councillor S. Davey
Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston
"That an in -camera meeting of City Council be held immediately following
the special Council meeting this date to consider one land
acquisition/disposition matter and an educational training session as
authorized by Sections 239 (3) (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001,
respectively."
Carried
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Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 2:32 p.m.
Mayor
Clerk