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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-20ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:11 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder, Ms. J. Young and Messrs. B. McColl and C. Schneider Staff: A. Pinard, Manager of Long Range & Policy Planning D. Ross, Manager of Development Review B. Steiner, Environmental Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION - MAY 2$, 2007 DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE - LEN CARTER, GREENING OF THE CITY The Committee was in receipt of a presentation given by Mr. Len Carter at the May 28, 2007 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting regarding his suggestions for greening the City. Mr. Len Carter stated that he has observed a change in the public's attitude regarding the environment and suggested that the City should become a leader in fostering this change based on the public's increased environmental concern. He requested the Committee's endorsement of the creation of an "Environmental Guru" position at the City of Kitchener, who would be responsible for ensuring that all City purchases are environmentally friendly. He estimated the cost of this position at $100,000. and noted that this would be off-set by energy savings and the positive impact that such a position would have on the environment. Several members expressed support for the ideas put forward by Mr. Carter and noted that a number of his suggestions are already being pursued by the City. On motion by Mr. B. McColl - it was resolved: "That Mr. Len Carter's May 28, 2007 Development and Technical Services Committee Presentation be received and used as a reference by the Environmental Committee when considering future Air Quality in Kitchener Best Bets." PRESENTATION - TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT - GAS TAX ALLOCATION TOWARD ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE tACTp The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka, dated August 29, 2007 requesting the re-allocation of Federal / Provincial Gas Tax funds toward Active Transportation Infrastructure (ACTT). In addition, the Committee was in receipt of information regarding the current Federal /Provincial Gas Tax distribution by the City of Kitchener and Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka advised that `Gas Tax' funds are to be allocated for Environmentally Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure (ESMI), including: public transit, water, wastewater, solid waste and community energy systems. She stated that for municipalities with a population of 500,000 or less, ESMI projects may include local roads, bridges, tunnels, and active transportation infrastructure that enhance sustainability. Ms. Wasilka requested that the Committee recommend to Council that a fixed portion of the City's `Gas Tax' funds, approximately $5,000. to $10,000., be allocated toward the facilitation of consultations with stakeholders regarding the widespread development of ACTT. She defined ACTT as infrastructure that is supportive of any form of transportation other than a single occupancy vehicle (i.e. public transit, bicycle lanes, etc.) and noted that the stakeholders would include persons who use these types of transportation as their primary means of travel. In response to questions, Ms. M. A. Wasilka advised that her funding request would be used to facilitate a forum for identified stakeholders to develop consensus on a list of `Gas Tax' funded initiatives that the City could pursue to promote green transportation. She expressed concern that if her request is not acted upon at this time, another year would pass before her proposal could be considered by Council during its budget deliberation process. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. PRESENTATION - TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT - GAS TAX ALLOCATION TOWARD ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE tACTp tCONT'D) Staff advised that funds have been earmarked in the 2007 budget for a Transportation Demand Management Feasibility Study, with further consideration being given to the hiring of a staff facilitator to undertake the study and all associated public consultations. It was suggested that Ms. Wasilka could provide staff with a list of her stakeholders so that they could be included as part of that public consultation process. Several members expressed support for the tenets of Ms. Wasilka's proposal, but noted that they are unclear as to who her stakeholders are and exactly which person or group would be allocated the proposed $5,000. to $10,000. The Committee requested that Ms. Wasilka develop a proposal outlining who the stakeholders are that she represents and further requested that staff consult the City's Transportation Planning Division to see if Ms. Wasilka's proposition could be facilitated through the Transportation Demand Management Feasibility Study. 3. DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE The Committee was in receipt this date of the Doon South Community Plan Sub-committee report, dated September 17, 2007 outlining the Sub-committee's recommendations in relation to the draft Doon South Community Plan. Ms. D. Ross reviewed the changes that have taken place to the proposed land uses in the draft Doon South Community Plan since the June 2007 Environmental Committee meeting. She noted that a portion of the previously designated low rise residential lands have been proposed to be re-designated and there are now larger open space areas in the vicinity of ESPA 33 and Blair Creek south of Dodge Drive. Ms. Y. Fernandes and Mr. B. McColl reviewed the recommendations outlined in the Sub- committee's report and advised that the Sub-committee's findings are based on a review of the supplied documentation and first hand site evaluations. It was noted that some of the requested information such as, the Doon South Green Space Management Plan and the Upper Blair Creek Functional Drainage Study, has yet to be reviewed. Mr. McColl stated that the overall recommendation of the Sub-committee is that the completion of the Doon South Community Plan be held in abeyance until all necessary detailed studies have been completed and all concerned parties consulted and considered. He added that the Doon South Community Plan could then be revised based on that information and public input. On behalf of the Sub-committee, Mr. McColl thanked City staff and the consultants for their contributions to the development of the report and Ms. Fernandes stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue between the Sub-committee, City staff and the consultants as this project moves forward. Ms. D. Ross stated that many of the recommendations put forth by the Sub-committee have either been or are in the process of being undertaken as part of the finalization of the Doon South Community Plan, and noted that all pertinent studies must be completed and reviewed prior to the Community Plan's presentation to Council Ms. Ross advised that staff will append the Sub- committee's report and make reference to its recommendations in their report, which is scheduled to go before the Development and Technical Services Committee in November 2007. Ms. B. Steiner advised that the Blair-Bechtel-Bauman Creeks Subwatershed Plan, completed in 1997, is being updated by the Upper Blair Creek Functional Drainage Study with respect to water management, which is required prior to any development approvals and is now nearing completion. She added that accordingly, a working knowledge of the natural features and functions of this area, has existed for some time. In reference to the Sub-committee's request for the implementation of an environmental stewardship program through a printed brochure which would be supplied to all home purchasers and registered on title, Ms. Steiner advised that the Land Registry Office would not permit such a document to be registered on title. She noted that staff would investigate the potential of such a brochure being required as a condition of sale within the subdivision conditions. Mr. Paul Britton, MHBC Planning Ltd., advised that a number of the recommendations made by the Sub-committee are supported by his clients, noting that he would be more than happy to ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE tCONT'D) forward all requested studies and information to the Environmental Committee as they become available. Regarding a concern raised by the Sub-committee as to the lack of connectivity of the multiple residential development proposed for the area east of Reidel Drive at Stauffer Drive, Mr. Britton advised that the Subwatershed Plan identified those lands as being developable and are some of the most cost effective as all necessary infrastructure will run immediately adjacent to that location. He added that the open space lands east of the proposed medium density lands, referred to in the Sub-committee report are currently an agricultural field. He commented that when determining the location of future development it is important to balance all planning considerations. In response to questions, Mr. Jeff Gross, Ecoplans Limited, advised that fieldwork has been undertaken to characterize natural features and functions. Through this fieldwork Jefferson Salamanders and their habitat have been discovered to be present in certain areas of the Doon South Community. Ms. Louisette Lanteigne was in attendance to request that hydrological studies be mandated to occur during the spring melt to mitigate potential risks and associated costs relating to the installation of roads, sewers or development proposals. In addition, she addressed the Committee regarding the potential decline of the threatened Jefferson Salamander species due to habitat loss and degradation caused by urban development. Ms. Lanteigne distributed copies of her written submission to the Committee this date and read it aloud at this meeting. Ms. Ginnie Quinn was in attendance and expressed surprise at being informed of the discovery of the Jefferson Salamander in the Doon South Community and inquired into whether the Grand River Conservation Authority has been made aware of this discovery. Mr. P. Britton noted that a nearby ESPA was formerly referred to as Salamander Woods. He advised that fieldwork has been undertaken in this area in relation to future development applications for several years and has included studies to assess the presence of the Jefferson Salamander. He added that this information has been verbally provided to pertinent agencies regarding this species. Several members expressed a desire for continued dialogue amoung the consultants, City staff and the Environmental Committee regarding this matter. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the Doon South Community Plan Sub-committee report be received and forwarded to Council and staff for consideration during the Doon South Community Plan deliberation process." 4. PRESENTATION - AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER PLAN: BEST BETS FOR 20071NTERIM UPDATE At the request of staff this item was deferred to the October 18, 2007 Environmental Committee meeting. 5. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT UPDATE Ms. B. Steiner introduced Mr. Charles Priddle, Student Planner, who will be assisting with the Strategic Plan for the Environment Workshops. She advised that within the next few weeks the dates and times of those Workshops will be confirmed and circulated to the members. 2007 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM PROGRESS REPORT At the request of staff this item was deferred to the October 18, 2007 Environmental Committee meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. NEW BUSINESS Mr. B. McColl requested that information be provided at a future Environmental Committee meeting regarding the following: • sewage pumping stations spills; and, • safety concerns related to roundabout pedestrian crossings. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator