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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-19ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 19, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:10 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder, Ms. J. Young and Messrs. Q. Ludin, B. McColl, M. Robinson, M. Peterson, C. Schneider, R. Dingman, R. Rehan, and F. G. Zador. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer R. Browning, General Manager of Development & Technical Services D. Quinn, Director of Utilities D. Miller, Director of Fleet S. Adams, Director of Community & Corporate Planning A. Pinard, Manager of Long Range & Policy Planning R. Schirm, Supervisor of Crossing Guards K. Carmichael, Supervisor of Traffic & Parking D. Schmitt, Environmental & Urban Forest Project Manager B. Steiner, Environmental Planner S. Bassanese, Environmental Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT UPDATE At the request of staff this item was withdrawn and not considered this date. 2. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -REVIEW OF 2006 5 BEST BETS BEST BET 1. -ISO 14001 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BEST BET 2. -REDUCE NON-RESIDENTIAL POINT-SOURCE EMISSIONS BEST BET 3. -INCREASE GREEN SPACE BEST BET 4. -REACH OUT TO SCHOOL BOARDS BEST BET 5. -PROMOTE RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 07-061, dated April 11, 2007 regarding Best Bet 2. as well as Best Bet 4. The Committee was also in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-067, dated April 16, 2007 regarding Best Bet 2. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-068, dated April 16, 2007 concerning Best Bet 3. Further, the Committee was in receipt of Financial Services Department report FIN-07- 057, dated April 13, 2007 regarding Best Bet 5. Best Bef 1. - !SO 14001 Environmental Management S, sy fem Mr. D. Miller advised that on April 16, 2007 Council approved $75,000. toward the Fleet Division's pursuit of ISO 14001. In addition, a consultant will be making a presentation to the Corporate Management Team (CMT) regarding whether ISO 14001 could be undertaken on a Corporate-wide basis. Mr. Miller noted that he anticipates reporting back to this Committee in June 2007 with the results of that presentation. Best Bef 2. -Reduce Non-Residential Point-Source Emissions Mr. K. Carmichael advised that all "Stop Idling" advisory signs have been installed, which included the placement of approximately 115 signs in school zones and on streets where parents are permitted to drop off /pick up their children. He noted that 142 signs have been installed at City facilities, including all community centres, seniors' centres, maintenance yards, sportsfields, parks, pools, arenas, golf courses, cemeteries, fire stations and administrative buildings. He stated that the placement of the advisory signs, along with a media launch, are intended to increase awareness as to the negative impacts of vehicle idling, thereby directly addressing Best Bet 2. -Reduce Non-Residential (ICI) Point-Source Emissions. Mr. K. Carmichael further advised that Transportation Planning staff are pursuing the development of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program, noting that in July 2007 a 6 month contract position /consultant will be hired who will be responsible for establishing the TDM program. He stated that it is anticipated that this program would be considered by Council ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 19.2007 -15 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -REVIEW OF 2006 5 BEST BETS BEST BET 1. -ISO 14001 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BEST BET 2. -REDUCE NON-RESIDENTIAL POINT-SOURCE EMISSIONS BEST BET 3. -INCREASE GREEN SPACE BEST BET 4. -REACH OUT TO SCHOOL BOARDS BEST BET 5. -PROMOTE RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION tCONT'D) during the 2008 budget year, leading to the possible hiring of a permanent full-time TDM Coordinator. Mr. Carmichael added that the implementation of a TDM program would serve to reduce overall vehicle trips, thereby reducing the impacts of vehicles on the environment and directly addressing Best Bet 2. In response to questions, Mr. K. Carmichael advised that when the "Stop Idling" advisory signs were initially proposed, a decision was made not to pursue the enactment of a by-law prohibiting vehicles from idling. He stated that efforts are currently underway to standardize the design of all "Stop Idling" advisory signs being installed throughout the Region of Waterloo to the Kitchener design. Mr. Carmichael noted that as outlined in report DTS-07-061, presentations were made to some of the area schools as a means of encouraging children to educate their parents as to the negative impact of vehicle idling. Mr. B. McColl suggested that the City could create bumper stickers based on the "Stop Idling" advisory sign logo, which could then be affixed to all City vehicles. Ms. B. Steiner then reviewed report DTS-07-067 and advised of the new Federal Government incentive programs for energy efficiency retrofits for industrial, commercial and institutional buildings which came into effect on April 1, 2007 under the ecoENERGY series of initiatives. She stated that publications for these programs are just becoming available, and will be distributed by both the City's Building and Planning Divisions to all enquirers and applicants. She added that Building Division staff conduct regular education sessions with building designers, providing an effective avenue for disseminating information regarding financial incentives for energy efficiency retrofits. Ms. Steiner noted that due to the emerging nature of these programs, opportunities for incentive funding will continue to be monitored so that the most recent information can be made available. She added that examples of what Building Division staff currently distribute has been attached to report DTS-07-067. Besf Bef 3. -Increase Green Space Ms. B. Steiner advised that increasing green space is recognized as key to a healthy community and improving air quality. She then reviewed the numerous programs already in existence throughout the City, as outlined in report DTS-07-068. She stated that new and emerging programs and policies are striving to further increase the amount and quality of greenlands within the City and the Region of Waterloo as a whole. Several members commented on the importance of increasing the amount of growing media that is planted throughout the City. Ms. Y. Fernandes stated that she knows of some municipalities in the State of Florida and in Ontario that have by-laws in place which outline the minimum number of trees that a property owner is required to have in their rear-yards. Mr. S. Bassanese noted that similar provisions might not be permitted in this area and he requested to be forwarded any information regarding the implementation of such provisions in Ontario. Besf Bef 4. -Reach Ouf fo School Boards Mr. R. Schirm advised that Transportation Planning staff have worked closely with the local area School Boards on issues related to school safety and support for children walking or cycling to school. He stated that the purpose of these measures are to decrease the number of parents who drive their children to school, which in turn reduces the amount of unnecessary vehicles idling in school zones. He added that staff have also been working with the Site Plan Review Committee to change the design of new schools, to cater less to children being dropped off and more to pedestrian access. In addition, an increased fine/enforcement initiative is in place in school zones, and while this program was originally initiated to address safety and neighbourhood parking concerns, it has also helped to make it less convenient for parents to drop off /pick up their children. Mr. Schirm noted that in his experience it has been proven to be ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 19, 2007 -16 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN -REVIEW OF 2006 5 BEST BETS BEST BET 1. -ISO 14001 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BEST BET 2. -REDUCE NON-RESIDENTIAL POINT-SOURCE EMISSIONS BEST BET 3. -INCREASE GREEN SPACE BEST BET 4. -REACH OUT TO SCHOOL BOARDS BEST BET 5. -PROMOTE RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION tCONT'D) more effective to pursue these types of initiatives at the Board level, as that ensures that they are applied at every school. In response to questions, Mr. R. Schirm advised that as a means of increasing the amount of green space at all new elementary schools, the number of public parking spaces are being decreased, thereby reducing the schools' frontage. This in turn increases the size of the school's rear-yard, which provides additional room for green space and playground amenities. Ms. Y. Fernandes suggested that further work could be done with regard to pursuing partnerships between the local area School Boards and the City for the provision of trees and shade areas around sportsfields located adjacent to schools. Several members expressed concern with the proposed reduction in the number of parking spaces at elementary schools, outlining that some parents drive their children to school due to inclement weather and for safety reasons. Mr. R. Schirm advised that the more children who walk to school the safer it will be for every child, adding that this is why initiatives such as the walking school bus are being promoted. He noted that the proposed initiatives do not call for the complete elimination of all school parking areas; rather for a change in priorities to encourage children to walk to school. Best Bef 5. -Promote Residential Energy Conservation Mr. D. Quinn advised that Kitchener Utilities are continuing to promote residential energy conservation within the City and will investigate opportunities to work with local area School Boards to reduce energy consumption within schools. He stated that Kitchener Utilities will also continue to work with the Residential Energy Efficiency Program CREEP), Natural Resources Canada, and Kitchener Wilmot Hydro to educate and promote energy conservation to Kitchener residents. He added that Kitchener Utilities has discontinued their direct involvement in Home Shows and promoting displays of appliances in the City Hall Rotunda, as their experience has shown that these events were not well attended and do not provide good value. Instead, Kitchener Utilities supports their Authorized Dealers who attend local Home Shows and provide residents with information on energy saving tips and programs available for choosing energy efficient appliances. Mr. Quinn further advised that energy saving tips and information are provided to customers via bill inserts, on their website and through "Natural Comforts" a semi- annual publication, in "Your Kitchener". In response to questions, Mr. D. Quinn agreed to provide the Committee with further information regarding the number of visitors the Kitchener Utilities website has had since it started to provide energy saving tips. Concerning the promotion of energy conservation techniques, he noted that the lights in City Hall turn off automatically; adding that he can report back to the Committee with further information about the various energy conservation initiatives in place at all municipally owned and operated facilities. He stated that given the sizable cost of pursuing alternative forms of energy, nothing is being done at this time to promote their use to the average homeowner. He noted that in the future consideration could be given to the promotion of alternative energies. Several members suggested that additional information needs to be provided to further articulate the requirements of the various energy efficiency programs available through Kitchener Utilities. 3. LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND tLEAF) Ms. C. Ladd advised that the model for the creation of the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) is intended to be similar in its approach to the City's Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF). She added that LEAF will be catalyst funding, which will be used to leverage other funding to ensure that the projects created through LEAF have the capacity for long-term sustainability. She stated that it is anticipated that, later this month, Council will identify and ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 19.2007 -17 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND tLEAF) tCONT'D) prioritize new environmental initiatives that will be undertaken by the City in 2007. She noted that the public and the Environmental Committee will play a role in helping to determine the criteria and the local environmental priorities that LEAF could potentially support. Ms. Ladd added that the updated Strategic Plan for the Environment will be used to provide direction on future environmental initiatives that may be funded through LEAF. In response to questions, Ms. Ladd stated that the process for establishing LEAF's criteria has yet to be finalized, noting that this initiative is still in the conceptual stage at this time. 4. KITCHENER'S NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM UPDATE The Committee was in receipt this date of an Information Booklet regarding the Kitchener Natural Areas Program (KNAP). Mr. D. Schmitt advised that KNAP is a community-based program aimed at engaging the public in stewardship projects, educating people about Kitchener's natural areas and creating opportunities for people to experience nature within the City. He extended an invitation to the members to attend KNAP's Earth Day event at Breithaupt Bush, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2007. He stated that the event will include live demonstrations of birds of prey from the Canadian Raptor Conservancy along with live toads, frogs, fish and the opportunity to build and take home a bird box. He noted that the event will also serve to launch a number of new KNAP initiatives. 5. (a) DTS-07-044 - AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN - ADDRESSING THE RECOMMENDED ACTION (b) DTS-07-060 - PROCESS FOR ESTABLISHMENT -NEW 5 BEST BETS FOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN 2007 The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 07-044, dated March 9, 2007 regarding the timetable and reporting procedures for exploring and/or implementing the annual Air Quality in Kitchener Plan 5 Best Bets. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 060, dated April 5, 2007 concerning a formalized and streamlined procedure for determining the 5 Best Bets for 2007 and on a yearly basis thereafter. Mr. S. Bassanese advised that the Best Bets Selection Table (BBST), as attached to report DTS-07-060, is intended to be used by the Environmental Committee to establish the Best Bets for 2007. He stated that the BBST will allow Committee members to pick their top 20 choices among the remaining Recommended Actions outlined in the Air Quality in Kitchener Plan, with the top 5 representing the individual member's choices for the 2007 5 Best Bets. All 20 choices will be assigned a numerical score ranging from 100 points for the 1St choice to 5 points for the 20th choice. Results will then be tallied by staff and the 5 Recommended Actions receiving the highest score collectively will determine the Committee's preferences for the 2007 5 Best Bets. He noted that this will serve to standardize, streamline and simplify the process for selecting the annual Best Bets. Several members expressed concern with having to rank 20 Recommended Actions and it was agreed to lower that number to 10. It was noted that as this process progresses it would not be practical to continually receive updates of all of the selected Best Bets from previous years; however, the Committee would be kept up-to-date regarding those Best Bets with long-term implications. To achieve this, it was suggested that the Committee's Unfinished/Up-Coming Business List could be amended to outline the current status of all Best Bets. Following further discussion, additional concerns were raised regarding the role that the Air Quality Working Group would play in the selection of the 2007 Best Bets. Mr. S. Bassanese advised that the proposed process is that the BBST would be completed by all Committee members and returned to staff prior to the May 2007 Environmental Committee meeting. All submitted BBSTs would then be summarized with the results being presented at the May meeting to be reviewed, discussed and finalized by a vote resulting in the selection of the 5 Best Bets for 2007. He noted that the 5 Best Bets for 2007 would then be considered by the Development and Technical Services Committee and Council. Several members commented that in their opinion it would be preferable to have the Air Quality Working Group review the BBSTs, and it was agreed that the Air Quality Working Group would meet prior to the May 17, 2007 Environmental Committee meeting to review all of the submitted BBSTs. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 19, 2007 -1$ - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator