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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-20ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 207 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:03 p.m. Present: Co-Chair- Councillor B. Vrbanovic Ms. A. Jucknies, Ms. J. Young, Ms. C. Sahula, Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonders and Messrs. A. Boterman, B. McColl, D. Lippert, R. Nandakumar, J. Wilson and C. Schneider. Staff: S. Adams, Director, Community & Corporate Planning J. Willmer, Director of Planning M. Born, Manager of Fleet C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator REVIEW OF COMMITTEE REFERENCE MATERIAL The Committee was in receipt of an orientation binder containing material relating to the Committee's activities, policies and procedures. This material was reviewed for the members as an introduction to the Committee. APPOINTMENT OF CO-CHAIR Councillor B. Vrbanovic opened the floor for nominations. Ms. N. Sonders, Ms. Y. Fernandes and Mr. C. Schneider were nominated. Mr. C. Schneider was the only one to agree to stand for appointment. No further nominations were forthcoming. Prior to voting, the Committee considered whether or not the appointment should be one or two years and it was agreed that the term would expire November 30, 2006. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: "That Mr. C. Schneider be appointed Citizen Co-Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term to expire November 30, 2006." DELEGATION PRESENTATION - SMART CARS This item was not considered as the delegation was unable to attend the meeting this date. This presentation will be rescheduled for a future meeting of the Environmental Committee. CORPORATE SHARED AGENDA - HEALTHY COMMUNITY PLAN The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated December 22, 2004 from Ms. S. Adams to the members of the City's Advisory Committees requesting participation for a 'Working Group' to develop a Healthy Community Plan for the City. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of a proposed project framework for a Healthy Community Plan, dated November 2005. Ms. S. Adams advised that the development of a Healthy Community Plan (HCP) is an initiative arising from the Shared Agenda. The purpose of the HCP is to provide a means for the community and City staff to prioritize issues, goals and action plans relating to a healthy community. Ms. Adams stated that this initiative is similar to the process that was developed for Compass Kitchener. She advised that the development of the HCP focuses primarily on three areas of excellence: environmental, economic and social excellence. She added that the City has allocated resources and staff from various departments for the development of the HCP and advised that the 4 defining characteristics of the HCP model are: · wide community participation; · broad involvement of all sectors; · local government commitment; and, · creation of healthy public policy. Ms. Adams stated the priorities arising from the development of the HCP will be incorporated into the City's Corporate Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 20, 2005 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CORPORATE SHARED AGENDA - HEALTHY COMMUNITY PLAN (CONT'D) Mr. J. Willmer presented the environmental initiatives relating to the Healthy Community Plan and advised that there are 3 primary goals, being: updating of the Strategic Plan for the Environment by the end of 2005; development of an Environmental Remediation Strategy that eliminates overlap between the various levels of government through a process of uploading and continuation of brownfield re-development programs; and, development of a Growth Management Strategy that limits outward expansion and promotes infil, intensification, urban renewal and downtown revitalization. He advised that the essential element for achieving these goals is community input. Councillor B. Vrbanovic provided an overview of the economic initiative relating to the Healthy Community Plan and advised that the City is developing an economic strategy consistent with the Provincial and Federal governments. Further, the City created a $110M Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF), which provides funding for high impact projects supporting downtown employment, re-development, intensification, employment lands, streetscape improvements and parking solutions. He stated that the City has an innovative investment strategy and partnerships with both the public and private sector. Further, City Council recently approved the 'Downtown Strategic Plan Volume 3', which will be used as a guide for partnership and economic development. Ms. S. Adams provided an overview of the social initiatives relating to the HCP and advised that unlike the other 2 aspects, this one cannot be organized under one umbrella. She stated that the social strategies being developed are to lead sustainable community development, push the boundaries of the traditional municipal service model and ensure voice and choice through engagement and advocacy. Ms. Adams advised that to develop the HCP the Working Group will need to ask the following 3 questions: What do we have? What do we need? How will we get their? She added that Compass Kitchener will conduct a poll to gauge customer satisfaction with City services and draft a report card of the results. She noted that they plan to make a presentation to City Council regarding the HCP by February 26, 2006. In response to questions, Ms. Adams advised that a schedule for the Working Group has yet to be determined. She stated that one of the goals of the Working Group is to identify duplication and make recommendations as to what services should be uploaded to the Region. Mr. J. Willmer added that with regard to brownfield re-development and intensification strategies the various levels of government have policies in place or are working to create new ones. As such, the City will need to develop a policy that is consistent with theirs. Ms. Adams noted that people interested in taking part in the Working Group as a 'Community At Large' member must have their expressions of interest to her by February 28, 2005. 5. COUNCIL RESOLUTION (NOVEMBER 29, 2004) - 'NO IDLING' ZONES The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum dated November 30, 2004 concerning Council's resolution that the issue of 'No Idling' Zones be deferred and referred back to the Environmental Committee so that a long term comprehensive plan may be developed regarding air quality. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of a City of Mississauga Corporate report, dated May 13, 2002 concerning Mississauga's review of vehicle emissions at drive-thrus. The Committee was also in receipt of an Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing report entitled 'Building Strong Communities: Municipal Strategy for Cleaner Air', outlining actions municipal governments can enact to affect air quality. Councillor B. Vrbanovic provided an update on this issue for the benefit of new members. He advised that Council sent this matter back to the Committee so a comprehensive long term air quality plan may be developed. He suggested that this issue be examined at the next 2 Environmental Committee meetings as part of the Committee's work plan and that the Committee form a working group to examine this issue in greater detail. Mr. C. Schneider agreed that the Committee should form a working group and suggested that to reduce overlap the Committee examine what the Region is doing concerning air quality. In response to questions, Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the comprehensive plan should contain realistic and achievable goals and put forward recommendations that advocate initiatives such as increased transit usage and carpooling. In addition, it should outline the City's JANUARY 20, 2005 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES -3- CITY OF KITCHENER COUNCIL RESOLUTION (NOVEMBER 29, 2004) - 'NO IDLING' ZONES (CONT'D) responsibilities relating to the Kyoto Accord. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that prior to the next meeting of the Environmental Committee, members examine the current work plan and outline what they believe the Committee's priorities should be. Further, he suggested that the February meeting of the Environmental Committee be dedicated to the development of the comprehensive air quality plan as a part of the Committee's new work plan. Mr. J. Willmer advised that Committee members interested in being part of the working group should examine the information item attached to the agenda, entitled 'PCP + 5 (A Five Year Plan for Partners for Climate Protection)'. He stated that this document lists the milestones that other municipalities have achieved and may be a useful means of learning from the experience of other municipalities. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that City Council passed the resolution put forward in PCP + 5 at its December 13, 2004 meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Colin Goodeve Corn mittee Ad mi nistrator