Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe City - 2000-03-07SAF ECITY~2000-03-07 MARCH 7, 2000 SAFE CITY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe City Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Chaired by S. Bassanese with the following members present: D. Schnarr, F. Bishop, T. Dickson, and B. Doherty. Councillor K. Taylor- Harrison, Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. A. Kutler, Ms. T. Beaulne and Mr. P. Verleyen entered shortly after its commencement. Others present: Ms. J. Dean, Ms. L. Ertel (Kitchener Housing Inc.), B. Stanley, R. Wyatt and Ms. L. Korabo. J. Dean introduced L. Ertel, Property Administrator, Kitchener Housing Inc. who advised that she would like to attend meetings to gather information that could be used by Kitchener Housing Inc. to alleviate safety concerns in some of their buildings. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES B. Doherty provided clarification with regard to item 8 of the February 1, 2000 minutes and noted that the media has access to information that Waterloo Regional Police are required to release to the public. On motion by D. Schnarr- It was resolved: "That the minutes of February 1, 2000, as mailed to the members, be approved." 2. SAFE CITY CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT - March 2000 J. Dean circulated the March 2000 Safe City Co-ordinator's report to members for their information. The Committee then reviewed the report, which included updates on the following topics: Outreach/Liaison 1. Community Exchange 2. Brampton Safe City 3. Doon Community Awareness Council 4. Forest Heights Community Awareness Councillor Municipal Policy & Guidelines Review 1. Lighting Guidelines Funding 1. 'Partners Against Crime' Graffiti Funding Proposal Lighting Working Group 1. 'Lighten Up/Porch Lights On' Campaign 2. Downtown Lighting Study Community Mobilization Project 1. Steering Committee T. Beaulne and A. Kutler entered the meeting. 3. COMMITTEE VACANCY L. Korabo advised members of the resignation of M. Murtagh. She provided information on the options available to fill the vacancy, if the Committee wished to do so. A general discussion took place and it was agreed to fill the vacancy. B. Doherty suggested that a representative from Waterloo Regional Police Division #3 might be appropriate as many items dealt with by this Committee fall under the jurisdiction of Division #3 patrols. B. Doherty is a representative for Division #1 only. P. Verleyen entered the meeting. SAFE CITY COMMITTEE MARCH 7, 2000 -9- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. COMMITTEE VACANCY - (CONT'D) It was agreed that a letter of invitation will be sent to Superintendent Bill Stevens, Waterloo Regional Police, Division #3, asking that consideration be given to having a senior officer apply to become a member of the Safe City Committee. B. Doherty stated that, in his opinion, Inspector M. Cook would be the best person to sit on the Committee. Any application received would require Council approval. 4. COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION PLAN UPDATE It was noted that the Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee have been established and the first meeting of the Committee will be March 21, 2000. The Terms of Reference will be circulated to members prior to the next meeting. B. Stanley pointed out that there are still vacancies on the Steering Committee and commented that he anticipates various agency and neighbourhood association representatives will fill these. 5. COMPASS KITCHENER - SECOND STAGE VISIONING WORKSHOP The Committee was advised that the Compass Kitchener Project Co-ordinator has asked members to consider holding a second stage-visioning workshop to define specific objectives related to the Safe City Committee. The workshop would utilize information gathered at the February workshop as well as review input received at community forums. Members would identify priorities and make suggestions for assigning responsibility. The Committee agreed to hold another visioning workshop in conjunction with the April 4, 2000 regularly scheduled meeting. Dinner will be provided since the meeting will extend into the evening. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting. 6. WINDSOR COMMUNITY EXCHANGE PROGRAM J. Dean commented on the positive experience of attending an exchange in the City of Ottawa in September 1999 and circulated a summary document that resulted from the exchange. She advised members of a proposed exchange in Windsor in September 2000. Members of the Committee were asked to express if there was interest in participating and forming a sub- committee to plan which Safe City Committee programs would be presented at the exchange. B. Stanley and D. Schnarr indicated their willingness to attend. Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting. Several members made suggestions for Committee projects as examples of Safe City Committee programs that could be presented to those attending the exchange in Windsor. It was suggested that discussion on what programs to exhibit would be discussed at future meetings. 7. BRAMPTON SAFE CITY ASSOCIATION J. Dean will bring information concerning the Brampton Safe City Association to the next meeting. She indicated that she has a brochure that points out that the Association is totally supported by private funding. She advised Brampton is just getting started and is looking to launch several different programs in the future; many of which are similar to those already has in place in Kitchener. 8. PARTNERS AGAINST CRIME a) Graffiti Funding Proposal J. Dean advised that verbal confirmation of funding has been received from Partners Against Crime and the program could now move ahead. A task list associated with the graffiti program was attached to the agenda for the Committee's information. SAFE CITY COMMITTEE MARCH 7, 2000 -10- CITY OF KITCHENER 8. PARTNERS AGAINST CRIME - (CONT'D) b) COPS Grant Application Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison advised that no final decision has been made; however, she noted that she had received positive comments concerning the funding application. 9. PARTNERSHIP WITH WORLDWIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN (WOWW) Background on the proposal of Worldwide Opportunities for Women (WOVVVV) was provided for the information of members. J. Dean advised that she and Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison had met with a representative of WOVVVV to discuss their program and evaluate the possibility of the Safe City Committee forming a beneficial partnership. WOVVVV representatives will visit non-profit housing locations throughout the community and provide lifestyles and environmental alternatives program information that targets women. The purpose of meeting with WOVVVV was to establish if Safe City could develop a handout to be circulated along with information delivered during visits by WOVVVV. More information regarding any opportunities will be available at the Committee's next meeting. 10. PARTNERSHIP WITH K-W SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT CENTRE The K-W Sexual Assault Support Centre is preparing to launch a year-long violence prevention program aimed at youth and the Safe City Co-ordinator is interested in determining if there is a way for this Committee to become involved in this project. It was noted that the violence prevention program would require funding from outside sources T. Beaulne suggested making contact with the K-W Community Foundation, explaining the proposed initiative and encouraging a supporting grant from the Foundation. B. Stanley and T. Beaulne will meet with the Foundation's Executive Director and introduce this proposal to her. T. Dickson volunteered to speak with members of the Mayor's Advisory Council on Youth to determine if there is interest in participating. P. Verleyen advised of a peer training initiative presently being used by the School Board and offered to bring some resource materials to the Committee's next meeting. Several members shared observations and ideas concerning ways to aid in the development of the program. It was suggested that this matter be referred to the CityWide Youth Issues Sub-Committee for discussion and formation of a sub-committee. T. Dickson, T. Beaulne and A. Kutler expressed an interest in participating. 11. STAFF REPORT BPS 00/30 - PLANNING THE MID-SIZED CITY B. Stanley circulated copies of Business and Planning Services staff report BPS 00~30 entitled 'Planning the Mid-Sized City: Waterloo Region Core Area Design - Research Alliance - City of Kitchener Partnership in the Community University Research Alliance Program - University of Waterloo', dated February 29, 2000. He advised this report was adopted by Planning and Economic Development Committee on March 6, 2000 and is requesting the Committee's endorsement of recommendation 1 in order that the support can be attached to the application. The CURA has a two-stage application process with the initial application to be submitted by April 1,2000. If successful, a more detailed application by October 1, 2000 would be required. Final results would be announced in December with the grants beginning in January 2001. If successful, the CURA will make a contribution to the teaching program of the Faculty of Environmental Studies allowing students to be involved in research and design programs dedicated to addressing issues related to the development of the urban cores. After responding to several questions from members, B. Stanley asked for endorsement as he felt that this was an excellent opportunity to form a partnership allowing the City to benefit from the University's financial and staff resources. SAFE CITY COMMITTEE MARCH 7, 2000 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. STAFF REPORT BPS 00/30 - PLANNING THE MID-SIZED CITY - (CONT'D) On motion by B. Doherty- It was resolved: "That the Safe City Committee endorses recommendation #1 contained in Business and Planning Services Department staff report BPS 00/30, dated February 29, 2000, as follows: 'That the City of Kitchener agrees to be a Community Partner in the establishment of a Community-University Research Alliance under the Pilot Program of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada related to undertaking studies and research to improve our knowledge base for Municipal decision making for planning the Mid-sized City with an emphasis and focus on the Waterloo Region Core areas'." 12. PORCH LIGHTS ON CAMPAIGN The Committee was advised that meetings are continuing to plan the launch of the 'Lighten Up/Porch Lights On Campaign'. It was noted that there has been enthusiastic response from local media and a meeting has been held with the City's Communications Division which is interested in participating and has agreed to create the campaign's promotional material. Various promotional ideas were discussed including: establishment of a porch patrol to award gifts, using Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro bill inserts, promotional brochures, display advertisements on transit buses. In addition, the University of Waterloo School of Planning will be conducting a door-to-door evaluation, in the fall, to contrast the differences between a typical downtown residential neighbourhood and a typical non-downtown residential neighbourhood. Members discussed the difficulty in defining the term of typical and applying it to specific areas of the city. The use of the GIS to define certain residential areas meeting established criteria was suggested. The importance of establishing a fair and equitable criteria list was seen as the initial step in moving this process along successfully. 13. COLLEGE STREET FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS GRANT Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison reported on a meeting between City staff and a neighbourhood representative held to determine how the 1999 grant monies would be allocated towards projects in the College Street neighbourhood. Suggestions regarding the placement of planters and park benches were made; however, no definite decisions were forthcoming. A further meeting with the neighbourhood as a group will be scheduled in order to finalize the allocations. 14. YOUTH GRANTS/AWARDS COMMITTEE Several grant applications and an award nomination were received prior to the February 28, 2000 deadline. Grant allocations have been finalized and cheque and award presentations will be made by representatives from Fire, Police and Ambulance to program representatives at the April 3, 2000 Council meeting. A pizza party for all applicants will be held beginning at 6:00 p.m. outside the Council Chambers. Non-winners will receive a Certificate of Appreciation to acknowledge their efforts and contributions. It was pointed out that groups who are connected with youth might be requested to erect exhibits promoting their programs for viewing on April 3, 2000. B. Doherty advised members that details of the charitable golf tournament have been finalized. The City of Kitchener Youth Charity 911 Golf Tournament will be held on June 21, 2000 at the Rockway Golf Club. 15. COMMUNITY 'CHECKLIST' P. Verleyen observed that there are instances when residents make observations concerning activities that should be reported to the proper agency or authority. As an example, he referenced the graffiti problem and indicated that citizens would perhaps not know who to contact and report graffiti that has appeared or the act in progress. He suggested the drafting MARCH 7, 2000 SAFE CITY COMMITTEE -12- CITY OF KITCHENER 15. 16. 17. 18. COMMUNITY 'CHECKLIST' - (CONT'D) of a 'checklist' for distribution that would itemize issues and occurrences and provide a direct contact telephone number to call. This would give people 'permission' to make this contact and not leave them with a sense of being a bother by placing the call. J. Dean advised that the Downtown Development Team had already developed a brochure listing items such as graffiti, lighting and litter. The question was raised as to the distribution system and the funding that would be required for this checklist. It was suggested that making them available at public facilities would be a method to consider. LITTLE BLACK BOOK B. Doherty requested a supply of 300 Little Black Books to be issued to each officer in Divisions 1 and 3. Officers have found them to be a valuable tool when dealing with youth and youth-related issues and have requested personal copies to keep on their person as reference. P. Verleyen has a surplus of the first edition books and will pass them on to Waterloo Regional Police. FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOOD STEERING COMMITTEE T. Beaulne advised that the Festival of Neighbourhoods Steering Committee would like to attend an upcoming Safe City Committee meeting and discuss their goals and objectives and explore ways of achieving these objectives with the assistance of the Safe City Committee. The goals and objectives will be attached to the April 7, 2000 Safe City Committee agenda. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. L. Korabo Executive Assistant/ Committee Administrator