Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-11-07ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 7~ 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date Chaired by Mr. R. Dal Bello, commencing at 4:10 p.m., with the following members present: Ms. Y. Fernandes and Messrs. B. Lemieux, P. O'Toole and J. Kos. Officials Present: Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. C. Ladd, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. T. Boutilier and G. Meincke. This meeting of the Environmental Committee commenced without a quorum present. SSD-02-021 - PHASING OUT OF CITY'S PURCHASE OF COAL-FIRED ELECTRICITY - RESPONSE TO APRIL 8, 2002 COUNCIL RESOLUTION The Committee was in receipt of Strategic Services Department report SSD-02-021, dated September 24, 2002 concerning investigation of phasing out of the City's purchase of coal-fired electricity. Ms. C. Ladd was in attendance to provide an overview of the staff report, noting that in April 2002 Council had by resolution directed staff to investigate the phasing out of the City's purchase of coal-fired electricity. She pointed out that several meetings among staff had taken place and it had been determined that it would be more appropriate to include this investigation within a comprehensive strategic planning process for the Environmental Management component of the City's Corporate Plan. Ms. Ladd responded to several questions, advising that as part of the investigation it is anticipated consultation with experts in the field and development of strategies for lobbying other levels of government will be undertaken. On motion by Ms. Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: "That the investigation of phasing out the City's purchase of coal4ired electricity be referred to the comprehensive strategic planning process for Environmental Management, to be completed as part of the City's Corporate Strategic Plan." This resolution will be forwarded to the November 18, 2002 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting for consideration. DISCUSSION - ANNUAL EARTH WEEK FESTIVAL - DIRECTION FOR 2003 AND RE- CIRCULATION OF DTS-02-187 (REVIEW OF EARTH WEEK 2002) The Committee was recirculated Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-02- 187, dated August 26, 2002 outlining activities undertaken during the 2002 Earth Week Festival held from April 20 to 22, 2002. Mr. T. Boutilier was in attendance to obtain ideas and/or suggestions members of the Committee may have that could be considered in developing 2003 Earth Day festivities. Mr. Boutilier also advised that on Friday, November 15 a brainstorming session would be held to further canvass ideas / suggestions and invited members of the Committee to attend. In this regard, it was agreed that the Committee Administrator would forward additional information as it becomes available respecting the brainstorming session, by e-mail to members of the Committee. The Committee then entered into a brief discussion with respect to suggestions for the 2003 event which included identifying specific natural areas for clean-up, such as the Strasburg Creek; increased community involvement; co-ordinating events during the week rather than on the weekend; co-ordination of projects with schools and Neighbourhood Associations. 3. DISCUSSION - 2002-2003 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE STRATEGIC WORK PLAN The Committee was in receipt of the 2002-2003 Environmental Committee Strategic Work Plan listing a number of specific actions to be addressed in order of priority. Ms. Barb Steiner was in attendance to discuss how the Committee envisions moving forward with the items listed as a high priority and to determine their level of involvement. She ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 7~ 2002 - 34 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DISCUSSION - 2002-2003 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE STRATEGIC WORK PLAN (Cont'd) suggested that at this time discussion focus on the top priority listed under each of the 4 categories. The Committee then reviewed the top priority in each of the 4 categories and the following approaches were considered: 1) Public Education and Communication A. create information packages for business / industry Approach: development of a sub-committee to identify targets and type of information to be provided; this approach to be discussed with members of the 2003 Environmental Committee. 2) Planning Communities & Development A. review (effectiveness of) existing policies with respect to development adjacent to natural areas Approach: preparation of a staff report outlining current policies, their framework and goals and methodology to determine their effectiveness. 3) Air Quality & Public Transportation B. Adopt by-laws to prevent or control odour, noise and dust resulting from new development and existing industry Approach: preparation of a staff report outlining existing by-laws and conditions contained within development agreements 4) Conserving Natural Areas & Managing Greenspace allocate a portion of the City's budget to "improving the environment" with Environmental Committee review of proposed undertakings; enhancing public awareness of the Kitchener environment should be included in any undertaking(s) recommended Approach: no approach determined at this time; Committee requests direction on how they can proceed with such an action. In conjunction with discussion regarding the last category, it was suggested that at the Committee's next meeting discussion be undertaken with respect to educating members of the Committee as to their role. NOTICE OF REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO MEETINGS RE: - UPDATE - PESTICIDE SYMPOSIUM (OCTOBER 30, 2002) - PESTICIDE PUBLIC FORUM (NOVEMBER 12, 2002) The Committee was in receipt of information from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo respecting a Pesticide Symposium held on October 30, 2002 and an upcoming Pesticide Public Forum to be held on November 12, 2002. Mr. Patrick O'Toole advised that he had attended the October 30 Symposium and commented that regulating use of cosmetic pesticides by by-law would not be very effective given the Region is not in a position to prohibit the sale of associated products. Mr. O'Toole further commented that in his opinion, appropriate consultation with the industry is not being undertaken. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 7~ 2002 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator