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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2002-10-01SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 1, 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m., Chaired by Mr. D. Schnarr, with the following members present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Ms. M. Dunk, Ms. C. Anjaria, Ms. T. Beaulne and Messrs. P. Doherty and D. Hoch. Others Present: Ms. S. Adams, Ms. J. Dean, Ms. L. Palubeski and Ms. L. Korabo. The meeting commenced without a quorum in attendance. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion by Ms. M. Dunk - it was resolved: "That the minutes of September 10, 2002, as mailed to the members, be approved." 2. PREVENTION SERVICES PROGRAM Mr. Glen Crichton, Harassment/Abuse Issues Co-ordinator, Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), attended in response to the Committee's invitation to provide additional information on the OHA's Prevention Services Program. Mr. P. Doherty had introduced this topic at the September, 2002 meeting, at which time additional information was requested by members. Mr. Crichton circulated a package of information containing: · a Player Information Booklet; · a Guide to Understanding Abuse and Harassment for Parents and Guardians; · a brochure on the Prevention Services Education Program; · a brochure on the National Coach Mentorship Program; and, · various handouts relating to harassment/abuse policies and its monitoring by the OHA. He advised that the decision to establish a Prevention Services Program required the OHA to obtain and share a great deal of information within its own organization and with its volunteers. The Program demands the use of common sense and risk management to determine unacceptable scenarios and plan courses of action to resolve them. The Program has four main components, namely: education; policy and procedures; advocacy; and, screening. Mr. Crichton stated that as the OHA operates mainly with volunteers, it was imperative that a certain level of trust be established, and out of this desire, the OHA introduced the Prevention Services Program to ensure a safer environment for all hockey players. In speaking about the Program's four components, Mr. Crichton noted that the 'education' component strives to spread understanding of what constitutes harassment and abuse. As a means of educating its coaches, the OHA joined with the Canadian Red Cross to develop and conduct a 3% hour mandatory clinic entitled 'Speak Out'; to date, 1,500 coaches in Ontario have been certified. Coaches are mandated to attend as they are considered to be in high risk positions to harass or abuse children having access to them in dressing room situations. The 'advocacy' component speaks on behalf of those who have been victimized and discusses how to deal with the complications of abuse. It was noted that a 'National Kids Help Line' has been established so that children at risk or who have been abused can make confidential calls for assistance. In reference to the 'policy and procedures' component, the OHA has a policy whereby each team appoints an individual to distribute the 'Player Information Booklet' to each participant and briefly discuss its contents at the beginning of the season. A procedure has been established to investigate any complaints of harassment or abuse until satisfactorily resolved. Lastly, Mr. Crichton advised that an effective 'screening' process is in place providing background information on all volunteers who work within the organization; as well, the process also includes an appeal component should it be required. Ms. T. Beaulne left the meeting. Members of the Committee questioned Mr. Crichton concerning any planned action on matters of harassment by fans and Mr. Crichton stated that the OHA is developing a code of conduct for parents of minor league hockey players. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that while development of a program for parents is proactive and supported, a deterrence program should also be developed. He questioned if the OHA was aware of programs similar to the SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 1, 2002 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. PREVENTION SERVICES PROGRAM (CONT'D) Prevention Services Program in other sports. Mr. Crichton noted that while some sports have similar programs, none are as extensive as the one in hockey. Ms. C. Anjaria questioned if there was any opportunity for continuing education for coaches following attendance at the mandatory 'Speak Out' clinic and it was noted that all subsequent training and information sharing with coaches was done at annual meetings and through news bulletins and the Association's website. With regard to the Player Information Booklet, Ms. J. Dean suggested the addition of the number for a parents help line in addition to that listed for the Kids Help Line. Mr. D Schnarr thanked Mr. Crichton and Mr. Doherty for their presentation and they left the meeting. Mr. D. Schnarr requested the Committee continue discussions on this matter at its November meeting to determine how other sports groups could be encouraged to establish a similar program. 3. NATIONAL MENTORING CONFERENCE Using a PowerPoint presentation, Councillor B. Vrbanovic gave an overview of the National Mentoring Conference held in February 2001, sponsored by the National Mentoring Partnership in the United States. The presentation entitled 'The Power of Mentoring' included the following topics: · responsibility of mentors · 16 steps of a successful mentoring program · mentoree benefits · types of mentoring · e-mentoring · faith based mentoring · group mentoring · peer mentoring · workplace mentoring Following the presentation, the Committee discussed the positive relationships that can be achieved through involvement in a mentoring program. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted the local community is fortunate to have Wilfred Laurier University's School of Social Work as well as corporations that have demonstrated previous interest in mentoring by their employees. It was agreed that staff would research examples of local mentoring programs and report back to the Committee at a future meeting. 4. CSD-02-190 - COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION Mr. D. Schnarr advised that staff have requested deferral of the community mobilization issue until the November, 2002 meeting in order that additional background material can be provided to members. By general consent, it was agreed to defer consideration of this matter. 5. STRATEGIC WORK PLAN Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee's Work Plan 2002 - 2003 was approved by City Council on September 30, 2002. He commented that this document would now provide a work plan for the coming year. Ms. S. Adams suggested the Committee brainstorm and identify topics to work on. Mr. D. Schnarr recommended beginning with mentoring and reducing violence in sports as identified under the Youth theme. Ms. Adams advised that, as discussed at the Committee's last meeting, staff will investigate linking funding for sports groups to the establishment of a program similar to the Prevention Services Program of the ©HA. She noted that it was too late in the 2003 grant process to implement this type of condition; however, was confident that it could be in place when grant applications for 2004 are considered. 6. MURAL MENTORING PROGRAM With regard to the Mural Mentoring Program, Ms. J. Dean advised that the sketches for the Kingsdale Community Centre have now been approved by staff. Mr. D. Schnarr questioned if consideration could be given to painting murals on private fences which abut public pathways. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 1, 2002 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. MURAL MENTORING PROGRAM (CONT'D) Ms. Dean stated that the program currently only permits the painting of murals on public property. 7. ANNUAL 911 CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT UPDATE Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the Annual 911 Charity Golf Tournament held on June 19, 2002 at Rockway Golf Course raised $10,000. He commented that organizers have determined that a more permanent organizational structure, beginning earlier in the year, was required in order that the golf tournament could raise more funds. In this regard, he advised that the organizing committee had already held two meetings to discuss the 2003 tournament and is looking at various organizational models to help raise additional funds. Councillor Vrbanovic advised that a goal of $25,000 was reasonable and that if additional monies were raised, more youth groups could be assisted. He requested that any members interested in helping with the organization of the 2003 tournament advise him as soon as possible. SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT OF SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE 10. Ms. S. Adams advised that the Semi-Annual Report of Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee to the Community Services Committee has been completed and a copy would be attached to the next agenda as an information item. NEW BUSINESS Mr. D. Schnarr advised that he had been in attendance at the City Council meeting held September 30, 2002, to hear the staff presentation on the proposed Downtown Strategic Plan. He pointed out that a public open house was scheduled for Thursday, October 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Rotunda and encouraged all Committee members to attend and view the presentation noting that he had been very impressed with the direction proposed and the positive things that will come from the redevelopment of the Downtown. Councillor B. Vrbanovic indicated that the information would also be available on the City's website in the near future. Councillor B. Vrbanovic acknowledged the work of Ms. S. Adams and Ms. J. Dean who provided information on the social aspect of the downtown revitalization. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then updated the Committee on the status of the City's Lodging House By-Law. He advised that a lodging house located at 78 Waterloo Street had its licence revoked by City Council, as a result of a recommendation of the City's Licensing Tribunal which reviewed the charges against the owners of the lodging house. In closing, Councillor Vrbanovic advised that the residents who are currently living at the lodging house could not be forced to leave but are being encouraged to find alternate housing. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information items: · Safe City Co-Ordinator's Report · Unfinished Business List 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Linda Korabo Committee Administrator