HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 2023-02-01
COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2023CITY OF KITCHENER
The Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee metthis date, commencing at 4:10p.m.
Present:J. Stephens-Wells, Chair
K. Brabazon, T. Glover, A. Forstmanis, L. Terry, L. Thompson, W. Rahimi, L. Trumperand
J. Young.
Staff:A. Fritz-Walters, Engagement Program Manager –Strategic Planning
L. Korabo, Committee Administrator
1.DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-NIL
2.2022 CITIZEN REPORT CARD FORMAT
Ms. J. Stephens-Wells shared an overview of the various formats used for the past several
Citizen Report Cards. She advised the last report card was completed in late 2021 and with the
most recent Strategic Plan (SP) ending in 2022, it is now timely to report back to Council on the
status of the projects completed in 2022 as well as provide an overview assessment of the City’s
progress for the entire four years of the Plan (2019-2022). The Committee can decide how to
evaluate the entire Plan.Ms. J. Stephens-Wells circulated copies of previous report cards during
the meeting.
Ms. A. Fritz-Walters reviewed the list of the five SP projects completed in 2022, being:
Leveraging the Energy Efficiency Reserve Fund;
Tree Canopy Target;
Waste Diversion Strategy to increase diversion in public spaces/events;
Huron Brigadoon Area School/Community Centre Construction; and,
Set & communicate Service Levels for frequently accessed services.
She thanked Committee members who had volunteered for evaluation sub-groups to review
theseprojects and advised she would be connecting directly to schedule Zoommeetings to
complete the evaluations.Further, she would ensure that background materials for all the
projects to be evaluated are available in ShareFile. Ms. Fritz-Walters also commented on the
overarching SP evaluation that needs to be done, agreeing that the members can determine the
exact nature and scope of it while also being mindful of the Committee’s involvement with the
development of the new Strategic Plan and with the Resident Panelengagement.In light of this
level of commitment, Compass Kitchener may wish to undertake a more focused reflection of
the 2019-2022 SP, rather than a full assessment as has been done in the past.
Prior to finalization/presentation of the2022 Citizen Report Card, the Corporate Leadership
Team willattend the April Compass Kitchenermeeting to provide their response and ask
questions about the draft Report Card.
In response to information shared in the “Sample Evaluation Worksheet”on p.3 of “Item 2 -City
of Kitchener Strategic Plan Implementation –evaluation” outliningthe previous evaluation
measurements used “Budget”, “Timeliness, “Public Engagement”, “Impact” and “Accountability”,
memberswere requested to share their input on the adequacy of these measurements or if
othersshould be considered. Member comments included: measurements that would be most
useful for CLT and Council; ensuring accountability; ensuring celebration of achievements;
providing suggested improvements; importance of working with other levels of government while
also focusing on what is in the city’s purview. Building on the Committee’s input on the Report
Card format/content, Ms. Fritz-Walters adding anadditional areaof information to cover 1) 2)-
areas for recommended improvement.She also suggested that some reflections regarding the
last four years of work could be highlighted within the report card. Lastly,Ms. Fritz-Walters
suggested that legacy members of the Committee could come together to help draft comments
related to implementation of the overall four-year plan and, where appropriate, tie into previous
feedback/recommendationsfrom Compass Kitchener.
Compass Kitchener members supported the suggestions as outlined.
Ms. Stephens-Wells commented that historically once Compass Kitchener submits its final report
cardwith comments on the full four years of a Strategic Plan ithas not typically continued to
follow initiatives undertaken in that plan, unless they are initiatives that are specifically carried
over into the new Strategic Plan.Instead, Compass Kitchener’swork thenfocuses solely on the
COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2023-4-CITY OF KITCHENER
2.2022 CITIZEN REPORT CARD FORMAT (CONT’D)
new (incoming) plan.She noted, however, that practicecould be revisited if the Committee felt
it important to do so.
It was agreed that Ms. A. Fritz-Walters, Ms. J. Stephens-Wells and Ms. L. Trumper would meet
and develop a summary evaluation report to be shared with the entire Committee in advance of
the March meeting.
In response to a suggestion that the Citizen Report Card be more visual/graphic rather than text
heavy, Ms. A. Fritz-Walters advised she would exploretheCity’s Communications & Marketing
Division’s availabilityfor design assistancewithin our timeline.
3.NEW CORPORATE VISION AND MISSION –KEY ELEMENTS
Ms. A. Fritz-Walters spoke to the public engagement which has taken place to gather input on a
new 20-year vision for the City of Kitchener. Engagement asked the question ‘What do you want
Kitchener to be like/feel like in 2042?” Many contributions from all age groups were received
and the following key elements were identified: housing affordability; belonging; welcoming &
inclusive community; support for newcomers; environmental sustainability; urban growth; how
we move around the city; and public engagement. Work has already been done on these
elements and each now has a goal statement attached to it.
Compass Kitchener members participatedin a roundtable discussion and sharedvarious
thoughts regarding a future vision for Kitchener. Discussion started by reflecting on the
Committee’s Community Priorities Report to Council –looking in particular atthe single
statementswith which Compass Kitchenerhad started itsdescriptionof each of the key priorities
to addressas reflectionsof elementscontributing to a vision for the City. The Committee then
tookthe discussion to the next level seeking phrasesor parts of phrases that captured the overall
essenceof a City capable ofachievingthose goals.This input will be shared with the staff team
who are drafting wording for a new vision and mission.
4.ORIENTATION FOLLOW-UP –Q & A
Ms. J. Stephens-Welles inquired if any of the new Committee members were having difficulty
getting orientated to either the committee work or use of ShareFile to access documents.
No concerns were expressed; however, it was agreed that in-person meetings were more
beneficial than virtual.
5.OTHER BUSINESS-NIL
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at5:45pm.
L. Korabo
Committee Administrator