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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-20 ENVIRONMENT AL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 20 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:10p.m. Present: Chair - Councillor B. Vrbanovic Ms. C. Sahula, Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder and Messrs. B. McColl, R. Dingman, J. Wilson and C. Schneider. Staff : J. Willmer, Director of Planning K. Currier, Director of Operations 1. Ernst, Supervisor of Parks, Sportsfields & Equipment 1. Doering, Supervisor of Golf Grounds 1. Boutilier, Senior Planner J. Hutchison, District Facilitator C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. EARTH DAY 2006 - REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS Ms. J. Hutchinson requested volunteers from the Environmental Committee to participate and act as a liaison between this Committee and the 2006 Earth Day Committee. Councillor B. Vrbanovic and Ms. C. Sahula agreed to represent the Environmental Committee on the 2006 Earth Day Committee. 2. PRESENTATION - RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (REEP) - ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2005 - REQUEST FOR 2006 GRANT FUNDING The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. Mary Jane Patterson, Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), dated September 30, 2005, and an attached report requesting financial support for the Project in 2006. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a pamphlet, dated October 20,2005, which further outlines the 2005 REEP achievements. Ms. M. J. Patterson, Manager of REEP, advised that since the Federal grant program began in October 2003, 750 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been reduced in Kitchener through REEP. She noted that REEP Waterloo Region is based in Kitchener, with approximately $153,000. in Federal grant monies being awarded to Kitchener residents to date. Further, Kitchener residents continue to lead the Region, making up 40% of the residential CO2 reductions in the Region, and receiving 46% of Federal grants. These customers will save an estimated $45,600. per year on future energy bills, in addition to the $55,653. in Federal grants they have received as a result of making their homes more energy efficient. Ms. Patterson advised that the City of Kitchener's $20,000. investment in REEP in 2005 has already been returned 3 times over in direct cash to Kitchener residents, twice over in additional energy savings every year for homeowners, and 14 times in local economic development. She added that not only is this an investment in the environment, but also a sound investment in the local economy. She noted research by Green Communities Canada that showed homeowners spend on average $2,500. in labour and materials when retro- fitting their home, which indicates an added economic stimulus of $885,000. spent locally by Kitchener grant recipients through this project. She stated that REEP is requesting a grant of $20,000., which would represent the City of Kitchener's contribution to their 2006 budget. In response to questions, Ms. M. J. Patterson speculated that the reason Kitchener residents make up the largest demographic of REEP users in the Region may be due partially to the City's large population, but also that the City has supported REEP by allowing them to place advertising pamphlets in residents' utility and hydro bills. She noted that the project generally targets older homes due to their greater capacity for improvement. She stated that the Federal Government wanted to become more result orientated and has subsequently increased funding to grants received after recommended changes have been made. As a result, the amount of funding provided to the project has been decreased, and consequently, REEP will have to increase their fee to $160. 2. PRESENTATION - RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (REEP) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 20 2005 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER - ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2005 - REQUEST FOR 2006 GRANT FUNDING (CONT'Dl On motion by Mr. C. Schneider - it was resolved: "That subject to consideration during the 2006 budget deliberations, $20,000. be allocated to the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), Waterloo Region, as part of the Environmental Committee's 2006 operating budget." 3. COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP GRANTS - GRANT APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA AND METHODS - POSSIBLE FUNDING INCREASE Mr. 1. Boutilier advised that in September 2005 he came before the Committee and outlined the timeframe for the 2005 Community Environmental Improvement Grants (CEIG) program, requesting that a sub-committee be formed to prepare evaluation criteria and methods for the 2005 CEIG applications. He added that the deadline for application submissions is October 28, 2005 and that based on initial responses, he is estimating an increase in the number of applications received this year, as compared to 2004. He stated that the sub-committee recommends the following additional factors be considered when evaluating CEIG applications: Established and orooosed oartnershios: a small contribution by the CEIG Program to a group effort of many partners is preferable to a project, which relies upon CEIG as a single funding source; 7 Strateaic Areas: projects, which cover more of the 7 functional areas of the City's Strategic Plan for Environment than just one area is preferable. In the distribution of funding the Committee may select applicants so that all 7 areas are covered; and, Buildina Environmental Caoacitv: projects, which demonstrate a continuous commitment and level of sustainability, are preferable to "one purpose" projects. In response to questions, Mr. 1. Boutilier stated that he was advised by Operations staff that the City is capable of providing wood chips for mulch and expertise in tree selection and placement. Further, there would be no benefit to groups purchasing materials for their project through the City, adding that they would be better to go to greenhouses and attempt to solicit savings based upon their status as charitable organizations. Mr. Boutilier cautioned against adding a clause to the grant's criteria requiring the use of native tree species, stating their use is not always recommended, given that non-native species have a higher survival rate in urban settings. He further noted that in 2004 the Committee was unable to award the total funding amounts requested by most of the applicants and estimated that an additional $3,000. to $5,000. would have been sufficient to provide all funds as requested. On motion by Mr. B. McColl, the Committee considered an increase to the CEIG funding from $10,000. to $15,000. Mr. C. Schneider requested, and it was agreed, to amend the motion to increase the amount of funding to $18,000. as opposed to $15,000. Some members of the Committee advised that they were reluctant to support an increase that is considerably higher than previous funding amounts. Ms. Y. Fernandes expressed the opinion that if the grant level is set too high, people will cease to be creative in implementing their proposals. Mr. Schneider noted that with the new grant criteria, the Committee is requesting that projects be more sustainable and innovative. He added that for projects to achieve this, they would most likely require greater funding. Mr. 1. Boutilier clarified that any funding increase would apply to applications received in 2006, and be disbursed in 2007. At the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. C. Schneider volunteered to attend the November 21, 2005 Finance and Corporate Services Committee (FCSC) meeting to speak on behalf of the requested increase. 3. COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP GRANTS - GRANT APPLICATION ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 20 2005 - 32- CITY OF KITCHENER EVALUATION CRITERIA AND METHODS - POSSIBLE FUNDING INCREASE (CONT'Dl On motion by Mr. B. McColl - it was resolved: "That subject to the 2006 operating budget deliberations, the Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program funding be increased to $18,000. from $10,000." 4. AIR QUALITY WORKING GROUP - UPDATE The Committee was in receipt this date of the Air Quality Working Group's "Air Quality Plan Questions", dated October 20, 2005, which are to be used to format the 2005 version of the Air Quality Plan. Mr. B. McColl advised in reference to the series of questions concerning IS014001 EMS Registration, that he had spoken with a former employee of the Town of Ajax regarding the Town's pursuit of ISO 9001 certification. Mr. McColl informed that acheiving certification is extremely difficult and staff in Ajax have indicated that if given the option, they would not pursue it again. Mr. McColl noted that there might be technologies in place now to help with this process, but was unsure if overall they would make the ISO implementation process easier. He stated that he will contact Ajax to inquire if they have updated to ISO 14001. On motion by Ms. N. Sonders, it was agreed to refer the "Air Quality Plan Questions" to City staff and staff be directed to provide their responses directly to the Air Quality Working Group. 5. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - UPDATE Mr. J. Willmer advised that the Strategic Plan for the Environment Survey will be available on the City's website by October 28, 2005. He added that 2000 surveys will be circulated to residents, whose addresses will be selected randomly. Staff were directed to distribute copies of the survey to the Committee members electronically. 6. REGION OF WATERLOO PROPOSED PESTICIDE BY-LAW The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 174, dated October 17, 2005, which outlines the position of Planning staff regarding the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's proposed Pesticide Reduction By-law. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-05-120, dated October 6, 2005, which outlines the position of Community Services staff. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that any recommendation from this Committee regarding this matter will be considered at the October 24,2005 Council meeting. Mr. K. Currier advised that Community Services staff have put forward the same recommendation that was approved by the Development and Technical Services Committee on June 27, 2005. He stated that the intent of their report is that any Pesticide Reduction By-law that the Region adopts should include exemptions for the City's golf courses, cemeteries and sportsfields. Mr. J. Willmer advised that the Planning staff report outlines 4 options put forward for consideration by the Region, and requests consideration of 2 main questions: should there be a by-law and if yes, what issues should that by-law address. He referred to an amended copy of Option 'D', attached to DTS-05-174, and stated that on September 28, 2005 Regional Council amended Option 'D' to remove the second provision regarding IPM accreditation as the minimum requirement of licensing lawn care companies. Mr. Willmer then reviewed the recommendations outlined in the Planning staff report. In response to questions, Mr. J. Willmer advised that while he is unsure as to what would be classified as an essential use of pesticides, the proposed by-law states that the cosmetic use of pesticides is non-essential. Mr. 1. Ernst stated that the interpretation of the term 'essential' use ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 20 2005 - 33- CITY OF KITCHENER 6. REGION OF WATERLOO PROPOSED PESTICIDE BY-LAW (CONT'Dl can be viewed in 2 extremes: the first being the perspective that the application of pesticides in any form is non-essential and the other being that a homeowner has a right to a healthy lawn and the use of pesticides is acceptable in its maintenance. He added that in his perspective the managing of turf grass on sportsfields requires the occasional application of pesticides, given the expectation of the users and as a means of preventing injuries. He clarified that there have been numerous studies conducted measuring traction of turf grass verses that of weeds. He stated that to ensure the safety of players, sportsfields should contain zero weeds. He referenced an auto industry study concerning 'G' Traction Impact Ratings, noting that broad based weeds do not provide the same level of impact absorption as turf grass due to their tendency to dry out sportsfields. He noted that when a player reaches the elite level, their speed of play increases greatly, as does their potential for injuries; adding that healthy turf grass provides impact absorption, which decreases the potential for injuries. Mr. Ernst stated that there are justifiable times when pesticides need to be applied due to insect infestation and disease; all of which affect the health condition of turf grass. He noted that over the last 5 years pesticide spraying has occurred on approximately 5 fields per year covering an area of 1.5 acres or equating to less than 1 % of the City's total inventory. Mr. 1. Doering advised that pesticide spraying on golf courses occurs on an as needed basis, with herbicide spot spraying occurring once a year in the spring. He stated that the use of pesticides depends upon environmental conditions and that the reason the City's turf is at its current high standard is partly due to the use of pesticides. He added that pesticides are one tool that is required to maintain the City's turf in its current condition. Mr. 1. Ernst noted that stress on the City's turf is not comparable to that of a residential lawn. On average, one field could have 30 soccer games and 30 football games played on them in a limited period of time. Subsequently, the methods needed to up-keep these areas differs from those of average lawn care techniques. Messrs. Ernst and Doering expressed the opinion that the permit system proposed by the Region would not be adequate to meet their needs, in that they would require a permit to be issued within hours of discovering an infestation. Mr. Ernst advised that the City's golf course and sportsfield staff are highly trained in practices that are accepted as part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) accreditation and many of the courses that staff take to stay current on industry practices are those offered as part of IPM accreditation. He noted that in addition, staff is affiliated with several industry associations that share best management practices in turf maintenance, with 10 members of staff currently Provincially licensed lawn care professionals. He added that next summer the City will host the National Fastball Tournament and a permit system could put that tournament at risk. He advised that if an infestation was discovered at the tournament playing fields, pesticides would have to be applied quickly to ensure that the tournament would commence as scheduled. He noted that any delay in the application of pesticides could result in cancellation of the tournament and embarrassment for the City. Mr. Ernst reiterated that in these instances the City's application of pesticides is not cosmetic in nature and that their use is related to health and safety. He noted that one of the major concerns that staff has regarding the proposed by-law relates to the qualification of the Regional Inspectors. He cited that both himself and Mr. Doering have degrees in turf management and are licensed Provincially. Further, part of their procedures already include a reporting aspect, as outlined in the proposed by-law, which he volunteered to share with the Committee at a future meeting. Mr. K. Currier advised that while the use of pesticides at cemeteries may be considered cosmetic in nature, its application in that instance relates to the issue of dignity and an expectation as to how a loved one's grave site should be maintained. Mr. J. Willmer noted that the permit system, which was originally proposed by the Region, carries a substantial cost with unproven effectiveness. He advised that in the latest draft of the proposed Pesticide By-law, the permit system was not included. Mr. C. Schneider questioned the effectiveness of a pesticide by-law given that agriculture accounts for 91% of pesticide use, and is not being addressed. He suggested that the proposed by-law is putting an unfair burden on the homeowner while not addressing the largest applicator of pesticides. Mr. J. Willmer stated that the majority of people live in urban settings ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 20 2005 - 34- CITY OF KITCHENER 6. REGION OF WATERLOO PROPOSED PESTICIDE BY-LAW (CONT'Dl where the cosmetic use of pesticides presents a potential health risk, as compared to the limited number of people who reside in rural areas. Mr. R. Dingman added that the agricultural use of pesticides represents a cost to farmers, which they would more than likely wish to avoid, while the urban use of pesticides is more cosmetic in nature and is applied as a means of advancing lawn aesthetics. Mr. 1. Ernst advised that a study of pesticides conducted at the University of Guelph found that once a pesticide has dried there is little likelihood of it being transferable between surfaces. He stated that the primary health concern related to pesticides is contact during the period just after their application; adding that subsequently, when a sportsfield is being sprayed it is closed off to the public and warning signs are posted. Mr. Doering noted that application of pesticides at golf courses occurs early in the morning prior to the courses being opened and their use is always done as a last resort. Mr. 1. Doering expressed concerns with regard to Option 'D' and its complete ban of pesticides during the months of July and August. He noted that those months experience highest occurrences of turf disease. He stated that if the Region proceeds with this option he would request the golf courses be granted an exemption. He commented that the Region's decision to ban pesticides during the months of July and August may be related to the increased number of smog days during that time of year, and staff currently have a policy in place which prohibits using pesticides on smog days. Mr. Doering commented that the conditions outlined in the original version of Option 'D' regarding the application of pesticides only being conducted by licensed lawn care companies should be expanded, as City staff are Provincially licensed lawn care professionals and are qualified to apply pesticides. Mr. C. Schneider suggested that the Committee should support the recommendations of both staff reports and take no position as to whether or not there should be a pesticide reduction by-law. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes, the staff recommendations contained in reports DTS-05-174 and CSD-05-120 were brought forward for consideration. At the request of Ms. Y. Fernandes, it was agreed to amend the motion to delete reference to an exemption being granted for cemeteries. At the request of Mr. B. McColl, it was agreed to further amend the motion by adding to the fourth paragraph of the Planning staff recommendation immediately following the phrase "if a by-law is pursued" the phrase: "the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to select Option 'D', with the following amendments: that any reference to "licensed lawn care company" be replaced with that of "provincially licensed lawn care professionals"; and, that it be stipulated that their use of pesticides during the months of July and August are only in instances of extenuating circumstances where the continued preservation of turf is at issue." Ms. N. Sonders stated that she would not support the proposed motion, as she did not agree with the reasoning of only having a ban during the months of July and August. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener recognizes the public's growing concern regarding the use of pesticides, involuntary exposure and the potential health effects for humans and other non- target species; and, That all effective measures to reduce the non-essential use of pesticides continue to be strongly pursued, particularly including the lobbying of federal and provincial governments to use, or modify, their powers under the Pest Control Products Act and the Ontario Pesticides Act respectively; and, 6. REGION OF WATERLOO PROPOSED PESTICIDE BY-LAW (CONT'Dl ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 20 2005 - 35- CITY OF KITCHENER That continuing public education must remain a key initiative in efforts to encourage the reduction of the non-essential use of pesticides in our community, either with or without a by-law; and, That in light of the facts that the effectiveness of a by-law to achieve reduction in the non- essential use of pesticides is unknown, and that implementation and enforcement will be difficult, if a by-law is pursued the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to select Option 'D', as outlined in Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 174, with the following amendments: · that any reference to "licensed lawn care company" be replaced with that of "provincially licensed lawn care professionals"; and, · that it be stipulated that their use of pesticides during the months of July and August are only in instances of extenuating circumstances where the continued preservation of turf is at issue; and, That if a by-law is pursued by the Region, it includes a requirement for advance notification to neighbours 24 hours prior to the application of pesticides; and, That the Region revisit the issue of regulating the non-essential use of pesticides at an appropriate point in future and evaluate any by-law adopted for effectiveness in reducing the non-essential use of pesticides or, if no by-law is pursued at this time, reconsider adopting such a by-law if other jurisdictions demonstrate that a by-law is effective in reducing the non-essential use of pesticides; and further, That the rationale provided by staff for requesting exemptions from any pesticide reduction for the City of Kitchener Sportsfield Sections and Golf Courses, as outlined in Community Services Department reports CSD-05-120 and CSD-05-082, be accepted and forwarded to the Region for inclusion in any Pesticide Reduction By-law it may adopt." 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator