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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-19ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 19, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Ms. J. Young, Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder and Messrs. B. McColl, R. Dingman and C. Schneider. Staff: B. Steiner, Environmental Planner S. Bassanese, Environmental Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. WATERLOO REGION CONCERNED CYCLISTS -CYCLING AND BICYCLE PARKING INITIATIVES The Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from Ms. Cheryl Lousley, Waterloo Region Concerned Cyclists (WRCC), dated October 18, 2006, regarding a request for follow-up information resultant to a January 2006 meeting between WRCC and City staff. Ms. Cheryl Lousley, Ms. Raj Gill and Mr. Dorte Koster, WRCC, advised that in January 2006 they met with City staff regarding cyclists and bicycle parking initiatives and while that meeting provided useful information, they have yet to receive any follow-up information or a copy of the documentation they reviewed concerning the City's plan to address bicycle parking in the Downtown core. It was noted that current bicycle parking signage and facilities, particularly in the Downtown, are often hidden and consequently most cyclists are unaware of the available amenities. On behalf of WRCC, Ms. Lousley renewed their requests made in January 2006 for a plan, timeline, and budget concerning: the installation of bicycle parking amenities on City streets; mall and power centre property owners being encouraged to install appropriate bicycle parking facilities; and, the inclusion of bicycles as a distinct category in all traffic count studies. She added that WRCC be would also like to be consulted during the development of all future bicycle parking /transportation studies. Ms. B. Steiner advised that as this item was only added to the Committee's Agenda on October 18, 2006, she was unable to have the appropriate staff in attendance to respond to the issues raised by WRCC. She clarified that the documentation referred to by Ms. Lousley were staff notes relating to the Downtown Strategic Plan. She noted that these notes were not intended to represent the development of a stand-alone report addressing cyclists and bicycle parking issues, which is why WRCC has not received a copy of that documentation. Ms. Steiner stated that when staff previously met with WRCC Council's 2006 Budget had already been finalized; yet since then staff has been able to procure $9,000. in unbudgeted funds for the installation of post and ring bicycle parking racks in the Downtown core, as requested by WRCC in January 2006. She added that the remainder of King Street West is scheduled for reconstruction in 2008 and it is anticipated that bicycle parking issues in that area will be addressed in conjunction with the reconstruction project. In addition, staff have requested that $20,000. be allocated in Council's 2007 Budget for the provision of bicycle parking at all City owned surface parking facilities. Ms. Steiner further advised that recently there has been an increased interest among staff in pursuing the development of aCity-wide Master Transportation Plan. She added that an aspect of that Plan's development would include updating the Bikeways Master Plan and accordingly address a number of the cyclist /bicycle parking issues raised by WRCC. She noted that to date, this project has only been considered at the staff level, stressing that no formal report regarding its development has been presented for Council's consideration. Ms. Steiner commented that a number of the initiatives put forward by the WRCC would require a significant amount of time and staff resources to pursue. She added that as these initiatives were not included in the 2006 Budget, staff have been limited with regards to what they have been able to undertake since January 2006. The Committee expressed support for the various cyclists and bicycle parking initiatives put forward by the WRCC, and it was noted that those initiatives correspond with the tenets of the City's Healthy Communities Plan. Ms. B. Steiner suggested that the Committee could request that staff present a preliminary report at the January 2007 Environmental Committee meeting regarding the possible implementation of the cyclists and bicycle parking initiatives proposed by the WRCC. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that any motion arising from this matter will be considered by Council at its October 30, 2006 meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 19, 2006 - 31- CITY OF KITCHENER 1 WATERLOO REGION CONCERNED CYCLISTS -CYCLING AND BICYCLE PARKING INITIATIVES (CONT'D) On motion by Mr. B. McColl - itwas resolved: "That staff investigate the possibility of implementing the following cycling and bicycle parking initiatives put forward by the Waterloo Region Concerned Cyclists and provide a status report to the January 2007 Environmental Committee meeting: the installation of bicycle racks at all City-owned facilities; and, the inclusion of bicycle traffic as a separate item from vehicle traffic in all regularly conducted traffic counts; and, the provision of bicycle parking for all new developments; and, undertake a review as to the need for and availability of bicycle parking in the downtown; and, installation of directional signage for bicycle parking in locations that are easily viewed and readily accessible to the public; and further, that bicycle parking be addressed, and appropriate stakeholders be consulted, when pertinent studies are undertaken or updated (e.g. any Transportation Demand Management initiatives, any future City-wide or community Master Transportation Plans, Kitchener Bikeway Study)." 2. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -UPDATE Ms. B. Steiner advised that in accordance with the 2006 Air Quality in Kitchener Plan Best Bets installation of the 110 no-idling advisory signs is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2006. In addition, the City's Fleet Division has requested that funding be provided in Council's 2007 Budget towards their pursuit of ISO 14000 Certification. Ms. Steiner stated that a copy of the 2006 Best Bets have been circulated to all pertinent staff, noting that it is her understanding that the Committee will be updated as to the success of the implementation of the 2006 Best Bets in May 2007. She indicated that while the Committee may receive updates before that time; given that Council only approved the 2006 Best Bets in June 2006, resources to fully pursue some of the 2006 Best Bets may not be available until after Council finalizes its 2007 Budget. Some members expressed concern with not receiving an update until May 2007, noting that it could potentially delay the introduction of the 2007 Best Bets. Further concerns were raised regarding the frequency of updates and whether future updates should be presented to the Air Quality Working Group as opposed to the Environmental Committee as a whole. A lengthy discussion ensued and it was agreed that all updates should be presented to the Environmental Committee as a whole, as that would enable the Air Quality Working Group to focus primarily on the following year's Best Bets. In addition, it was agreed, that the Committee would undertake the following schedule for the introduction and managing of the annual Air Quality in Kitchener Plan Best Bets: • all new Best Bets will be introduced annually in May; • the following September items requiring funding will be forwarded for consideration during Council's budget deliberation process and staff are to present a progress report at that month's Committee meeting; and, • subsequent to Council finalizing its coming year's Budget, staff are to provide apost- budget progress report regarding the implementation of the Best Bets introduce in the May of the preceding year. Councillor B. Urbanovic then requested that this schedule be included in the Environmental Committee orientation binders. At the request of Mr. C. Schneider, it was agreed, that the staff responsible for implementing the 2006 Air Quality in Kitchener Plan Best Bets be requested to provide an update at the January 2007 Environmental Committee meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 19, 2006 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS PROGRAM -UPDATE Ms. B. Steiner advised that staff have been granted permission to carry the 2006 Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program (CEIGP) funds forward into 2007, providing potential applicants until November 30, 2006 to submit their proposals. She noted that accordingly, no decisions will be made regarding to the 2006 CEIGP until the January 2007 Environmental Committee meeting. 4. AIR QUALITY FORUM -OCTOBER 24, 2006 Ms. B. Steiner advised that the Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air 2006 Air Quality Forum will be held on October 25, 2006 at the Regional Administration Building, 150 Fredrick Street. She reviewed the presentations scheduled for the Forum and stated that she will be presenting the 2006 Air Quality in Kitchener Plan Best Bets. She then extended an invitation to the Committee members to attend the Forum and noted that further information can be found on the Region of Waterloo's Public Health website. 5. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT -UPDATE Ms. B. Steiner introduced Mr. S. Bassanese to the Committee and advised that he has been seconded for one year from the Community Services Department as an additional Environmental Planner and will assist with the following: update Kitchener's Environmental Strategic Plan; develop & implement programs which manage the City's inventory of natural resources, in accordance with the Environmental Strategic Plan; and, implement policies through the review and approval of environmental studies submitted with development applications, such as zone changes, municipal plan amendments, plans of subdivision, site plans and applications to the Committee of Adjustment. Ms. B. Steiner stated that Mr. S. Bassanese's assistance should help to expedite the process of updating the Kitchener's Environmental Strategic Plan, noting that in addition to several external public workshops, intra-department consultations have been planned for the coming year as part of the update. 6. EARTH DAY 2007 -UPDATE Councillor B. Urbanovic advised that preparation for Earth Day 2007 is underway, noting that the directors of the local area school boards are being pursued to participate directly in the planning of the City's Earth Day events. 7. REQUEST FOR THE PRESERVATION OF A 50-YEAR-OLD BLACK WALNUT TREE AT 4585 KING STREET EAST Mr. B. McColl requested that the Committee express its support to the City's Site Plan Review Committee for the preservation of an approximately 50-year-old Black Walnut tree located at the northwest corner of 4585 King Street East. Mr. McColl reviewed the site plan for the subject property and indicated that the owner intends to construct a shopping plaza at that location, which may result in the removal of the Black Walnut tree. In response to questions, Mr. B. McColl advised that, in his estimation, the proposed development would only lose 2 parking spaces if the tree is preserved. He stated that in his opinion even with the loss of the 2 parking spaces the subject property would still meet the City's minimum parking requirements. Ms. Y. Fernandes express concern that if the tree is retained it may lack the necessary space to grow, which could limit its chance for survival. Mr. B. Steiner advised that pursuant to Council Policy I-1160 (Tree Management Policy) a Tree Preservation/Enhancement Plan is required for all lots undergoing site plan approval, noting that this process is undertaken immediately following a Site Plan Review Committee evaluation. Further, Council Policy I-1160 outlines that no building permit will be issued for such a lot until ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 19, 2006 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. REQUEST FOR THE PRESERVATION OF A 50-YEAR-OLD BLACK WALNUT TREE AT 4585 KING STREET EAST (CONT'D) applicants have submitted a Tree Preservation/Enhancement Plan for the approval of the Development and Technical Services Department. She indicated that the purpose of a Tree Preservation/Enhancement Plan is to identify all vegetation on site and determine what can be preserved within the proposed site development and recommend tree-maintenance measures. She commented that consideration of issues such as, the preservation of the Black Walnut tree at 4585 King Street East would typically not be considered by this Committee, given the measures outlined in Council Policy I-1160. Councillor B. Urbanovic advised that any recommendation arising from this Committee regarding this matter will be forwarded to the October 23, 2006 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting. On motion by Mr. B. McColl - itwas resolved: "That in accordance with the requirements of Kitchener's Tree Management Policy, the owners of 4585 King Street East and the Site Plan Review Committee endeavour to retain the 50-year-old Black Walnut tree located in the northwest corner of the subject property, directly adjacent to the intersection of limerick Drive and King Street East." 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:39 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator