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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2005-04-05 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 5, 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Co-Chair, Councillor B. Vrbanovic was in attendance for part of the meeting. S. Bergstra, M. Bowman, S. Fohring, C. Schneider, B. Thomlison, S. Franzen, T. Beaulne. P. Doherty was in attendance for part of the meeting. Staff: C. Sadeler, Interim Director, Community Programs and Services J. Dean, Safe City Co-ordinator L. Korabo, Committee Administrator Councillor B. Vrbanovic introduced Ms. Lee Rogister, a journalism student at Conestoga College who is attending this Safety and Healthy Community Advisory Committee Meeting as part of an assignment. 1 . WORK PLAN 2005-2006 - FOCUSING OUR EFFORTS Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that at the Committee's last meeting, it was requested that discussion take place regarding the projects laid out in the 2005-2006 Work Plan. He noted that the discussion would help members better understand the role and mandate of the Committee and focus on what projects could be undertaken in 2005. Ms. C. Sadeler noted her concerns with the volume of projects being tabled and advised that all identified Working Groups were to have met and present reports today on priorities, timelines and required resources. Ms. J. Dean, Safe City Co-ordinator, circulated a graphic illustration outlining existing and external Working Groups as well as proposed new directions. The Chart reflected that most of the existing Working Groups have well defined timelines. Committee members who had indicated an interest in areas considered 'external' have been referred to the appropriate organizations. The proposed new directions were identified as: youth mentoring; committee understanding; and, social isolation and inclusion. Reports were distributed and reviewed concerning the following Working Groups: Violence in Sports; Youth Issues Grants and Awards Program; 911 Youth Charity Golf Tournament; Festival of Neighbourhoods; and, Inclusion. Councillor Vrbanovic reviewed the Committee's mandate outlined in the Terms of Reference noting that current projects have touched on many of the topics to be addressed; however, also noted that there were many other areas which could be addressed by the Committee. He suggested that members prioritize the Committee's activities and determine whether focus should be solely on undertaking action items or policy related matters. He noted that Council's perspective is that both areas are of equal importance. During a lengthy discussion, members spoke in favour of all the projects currently underway and noted that a combination of policy and action items should continue to be addressed by this Committee. It was also noted that some of the projects currently in place could come to a point when a desired outcome is obtained and the ongoing maintenance of these are then handed over to appropriate City staff. Councillor Vrbanovic acknowledged the broad mandate of the Committee, thanking members for their frank discussions. He advised members of an upcoming survey being undertaken by Environics, which will poll citizens concerning social values, amongst other things. The input gathered from this survey could shape the future direction of this Committee. In summary, Councillor Vrbanovic noted that members had no desire to eliminate any of the current projects / Working Groups. He further stated that he would speak to other members of Council concerning possible matters for the Committee's future consideration and also, with the CAD to ensure that all appropriate matters come before Advisory Committees for input. He noted that Committee's desire to undertake both projects and advisory oriented matters. Finally, he requested that Working Groups develop more structured timelines eliminating the 'ongoing' label by perhaps providing reports to Council and staff showing tangible results from SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 5, 2005 - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1 . WORK PLAN 2005-2006 - FOCUSING OUR EFFORTS (CONT'D) efforts made. Working Groups were also requested to bring updates back to the broader Committee as required. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then left the meeting and Mr. B. Thomlison assumed the Chair. 2. ADAPTIVE REUSE INCENTIVE PROGRAM Further to a presentation at the Committee's March meeting, Mr. C. Bluhm, Planner, attended to provide an update on the proposed Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program being prepared by staff. Mr. Bluhm stated that presentations had been made to five Advisory Committees and input from each had been noted and incorporated into the Community Improvement Plan. Staff are recommending the Tax Incremental Financing proposal, noted as Option 3 in the report, as the best approach. He reviewed the comments received by all the Advisory Committees, summarizing that all are in favour of the proposed Incentive Program, but would also like to ensure the City's clear expectations are included. The proposal has identified several more bonus incentives which could be applied for / awarded under the Plan. These additional bonuses were identified as: a heritage bonus for incorporating a heritage feature into the renovations; an affordable housing bonus for designating units as affordable; and a public space component wherein an industrial artefact is incorporated into the development. Staff from Financial Services and Legal Services still have to review the proposed Incentive Plan. In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Bluhm stated that all eligible properties will be located within walking distance of the downtown and displayed a map demonstrating the Plan boundaries. He further advised that following Council's anticipated approval of the Plan, provincial approval must be sought prior to implementation. In closing, Mr. Bluhm offered to return to the Committee once all approvals were in place to gather input concerning the expectations of the neighbourhoods regarding potential development plans. He acknowledged the importance of getting neighbourhoods involved to assist the developer in knowing what would be acceptable / compatible to the residents. 3. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES - COMMUNITY SAFETY & CRIME PREVENTION - UPDATE This item was deferred to the May 3, 2005 meeting. 4. COMMUNITY POLICING IN CROATIA This item was deferred to the May 3, 2005 meeting. 5. 911 YOUTH CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT - JUNE 2005 Ms. J. Dean reminded Committee members that the Golf Tournament was scheduled for June 29, 2005 and requested volunteer assistance for the tournament and also to solicit donations of prizes for the event. 6. CANADIAN FORUM FOR CRIME PREVENTION This item was deferred to the May 3, 2005 meeting. 7. HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PLAN - UPDATE Mr. B. Thomlison advised that the Committee had been recently formed and held its first meeting on March 30, 2005. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend and requested that this matter be deferred to the Committee's May 3, 2005 meeting at which time he will provide a full update. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 5, 2005 8. ADJOURNMENT - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Linda Korabo Committee Administrator