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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-13ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:09 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder, Ms. J. Young and Messrs. R. Dingman, B. McColl, M. Peterson, C. Schneider and F. G. Zador Staff: J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning A. Pinard, Manager of Long Range & Policy Planning S. Bassanese, Environmental Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION - PROPOSED GAS TAX RE-ALLOCATION - ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE CACTI) The Committee was in receipt of the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program development and implementation strategy Terms of Reference, dated October 30, 2007. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka, dated November 1, 2007, proposing that the City allocate a fixed portion of its Environmentally Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure funds (ESMI), commonly referred to as Gas Tax funds, toward environmentally-friendly methods of transportation. Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka advised that since addressing this Committee in October 2007, she distributed 15 letters and 20 e-mails to various community groups inquiring how they would allocate approximately $1 M of the City's Gas Tax funds toward green transportation. She stated that to date she has received 3 responses, each of which expressed support for the potential allocation of Gas Tax funds toward green transportation. She added that the Centre for Community Action at Wilfrid Laurier University has been assisting her with this project and suggested that the Committee could consider recommending to Council that when a project is to be funded with the Gas Tax, amenities be put in place that are supportive of cycling and pedestrian uses. In response to questions, Ms. M. A. Wasilka expressed concern that the TDM consultation process, as outlined in the Terms of Reference, does not appear to provide for comments to be obtained from persons who use transit as their primary mode of transportation due to socio- economic reasons. She stated that these persons have a unique insight into the region's transit system, but may be isolated from the consultation process as they do not belong to a large identifiable stakeholder group. She added that the City should undertake measures to ease the burden faced by persons who use transit out of necessity, which includes the development and maintenance of infrastructure to enhance their ability to travel throughout the City. Mr. J. McBride advised that the TDM program will provide the basis for the City to positively influence travel mode choices, initially to and from the Downtown, but eventually city-wide. He added that the essential goal is to get people out of single occupancy vehicles, noting that operational development of the program is set to commence in 2008. He then highlighted the following components to be undertaken by the TDM Coordinator: • develop a procedure or approach mechanism to engage employees, businesses, government and the public in starting to shift travel choice away from single occupant vehicles; • identify both incentives and disincentives to be used in a successful TDM program; • review and provide direction on City and Regional policies and programs which can influence the success of a TDM program, (i.e. parking policies and rates, zoning standards, land use policies, etc.) as aspects of existing and future development; • clearly define specific measures and facilities (i.e. transit subsidy, bicycle rack installation, carpooling, parking cash out, etc.); and, • identify stakeholders within the City, Downtown, other levels of government and beyond that can contribute, support or influence the results of the initiative and how best to take advantage of their expertise. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2007 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. PRESENTATION - PROPOSED GAS TAX RE-ALLOCATION - ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE CACTI) tCONT'D) In response to questions, Mr. J. McBride advised that the TDM Coordinator will be asked to identify pedestrian amenities of streetscape elements that are supportive of TDM initiatives which would assist all transit users. He stated that through the development of the TDM program a majority of the suggestions put forward by Ms. Wasilka will be undertaken, including numerous opportunities for public participation. He added that a steering committee will oversee and provide direction for this program, with representation to include staff from the City's Planning, Finance, Human Resources, Communications, Parking and Transportation Planning Divisions, as well as the Region of Waterloo's TDM Planner. He commented that while the primary objective of the TDM program does not directly address Ms. Wasilka's socio-economic concerns, there would be a crossover benefit in that the program should, among other things, increase access and enhance transit services for all Kitchener residents. Several members expressed support for the overall objectives of the TDM program and indicated a desire for its consultation process to endeavour to reach as many segments of the community as possible. On motion by Mr. B. McColl - it was resolved: "That the information provided by Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka be accepted as received and kept as a reference for when the Environmental Committee considers the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program; and, That staff be requested to direct the TDM Coordinator to identify and consult all user groups and design a survey to solicit responses from as many segments of the community as possible." 2. DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN SUB-COMMITTEE - JEFFERSON SALAMANDER HABITAT I BREEDING GROUND IN PHASE 11 OF THE DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY The Committee was in receipt this date of a recommendation developed by the Doon South Sub- committee proposing that the City engage an independent peer review by a recognized authority on aquatic ecosystems to study all existing relevant environmental reports and, based on that evaluation, a community plan be formulated to protect the habitat of the Jefferson Salamander and any other significant aquatic species in Phase II of the Doon South Community. Mr. B. McColl agreed to withdraw the following motion he put forward at the November 15, 2007 meeting: "That under no circumstances any development occur within 150 metres of the Jefferson Salamander habitat /breeding ground in Phase 2 of the Doon South Community. " On motion, Mr. M. Peterson brought the circulated recommendation forward for consideration. Several members expressed concern that as the planning applications within the Doon South Community are currently subject to an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) appeal, there may not be sufficient time for the recognized authority to undertake the proposed peer review. Mr. A. Pinard advised that everything proposed in the recommendation should be achievable, subject to the OMB appeal timeframe. He added that the appeal is currently in the pre-hearing stages and is not scheduled to formally commence until March 2008. He noted that as the scope and complexity of the issues relevant to the appeal are growing, the ultimate hearing and final determination may extend beyond March 2008. At the request of Ms. N. Sonder, it was agreed, to amend the recommendation to request that the findings of the peer review study be presented at a future Environmental Committee meeting. At the request of Ms. Y. Fernandes, Councillor B. Vrbanovic agreed to speak with the chair of the Region of Waterloo Environmental Advisory Committee regarding the need for intra-committee communication when issues arise that impact both levels of government. In addition, he requested that staff forward this suggestion to the Advisory Committee Review Working Group. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 13.2007 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN SUB-COMMITTEE - JEFFERSON SALAMANDER HABITAT I BREEDING GROUND IN PHASE 11 OF THE DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY tCONT' D) Following further discussion, Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that any recommendation from this Committee will be considered at the January 7, 2008 Development and Technical Services (DTS) Committee meeting, with any subsequent recommendations arising from that Committee to be considered at the special Council meeting scheduled for later that date. Staff advised that as a Budget Consultation Session has been scheduled for the evening of January 7, 2008, the DTS meeting would probably be scheduled for sometime in the afternoon. On behalf of the Committee, Ms. Y. Fernandes agreed to appear as a delegation at the DTS meeting. On motion by Mr. M. Peterson - it was resolved: "WHEREAS portions of Doon South -Phase 2 contain ESPA 33 (Stauffer Woods), and ESPA 39 (Roseville Swamp) a Provincially Significant Wetland complex, may contain significant, fragile, aquatic habitats; and, WHEREAS Jefferson Salamander, a species protected by the Canadian Species at Risk Act and the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, and designated as a threatened species by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) has been found in Doon South -Phase 2; and, WHEREAS specific aquatic species' response to development and maintaining diverse aquatic habitats in urban landscapes depend on complex interactions among landscape, local and biotic factors, preservation of a variety of wetland types surrounded by buffer habitat of varying fluctuating water levels, and linkages of dispersal corridors; and, WHEREAS the City of Kitchener needs to prepare a comprehensive, environmentally responsible community plan for Doon South -Phase 2; and, WHEREAS the existing environmental reports of Doon South -Phase 2 consist of numerous individual studies produced by numerous developers and their consultants; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that before completing any community plan for the lands known as Doon South -Phase 2, the City engage an independent peer review study by a recognized authority on aquatic ecosystems on all existing relevant environmental reports to ensure that they fall within established study parameters, with the findings of that study to be presented at a future Environmental Committee meeting; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the recognized authority be given sufficient time to evaluate the reports so that an appropriate community plan can be formulated that will protect the habitat of the Jefferson Salamander and any other significant aquatic species present, or likely to be present, on such lands; and, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that all individual consultants' reports for Doon South -Phase 2 plus any relevant Phase 1 reports are to be combined into one comprehensive environmental report in order to assist staff, and other reviewing agencies, in their development review process." UPDATE - STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT PUBLIC CONSULTATION WORKSHOP - LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND (LEAF) PUBLIC CONSULTATION WORKSHOP The Committee was in receipt of information from the City's website providing an overview of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) Public Consultation Workshops. Mr. S. Bassanese advised that the public can still provide feedback via the City's website until December 17, 2007. He stated that over 60 people attended the workshops, and noted that once all of the feedback has been reviewed a report will be provided to this Committee. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 13.2007 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. UPDATE - STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT PUBLIC CONSULTATION WORKSHOP - LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND (LEAF) PUBLIC CONSULTATION WORKSHOP tCONT'D) Several members expressed concern regarding public turnout at the workshops, and Mr. A. Pinard advised that measures are being untaken to encourage a higher turnout at these kinds of events. He added that with regards to workshops, considerable funds were expended on advertising and noted that any suggestions the members have regarding increasing turnout at these events can be forwarded to him directly. 4. 2007 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM -SELECTION OF GRANT RECIPIENTS The Committee was in receipt of the 2007 Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program (CEIGP) applications from the following groups: Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) -Power Saving Network; CREW -Conservation /Renewable Energy Website Development; St. Teresa Catholic School; St. Daniel Catholic School -Greening Committee; St. Anne's School -Get Down to Earth Greening; and, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School - Playground Greening. Several members suggested that the grant criteria and evaluation process should be reviewed in 2008 to clearly indicate to potential applicants the types of projects envisioned for these grants. It was noted that as the CEIGP grants do not represent a considerable amount of money if the application process is made too cumbersome, it could potentially discourage groups from applying. The Committee then considered the 6 CEIGP applications, resolving that as these grants are intended to be awarded on a one-time only basis, the 3 applicants who received CEIGP funding in 2006 were withdrawn from consideration. Following a review of the remaining applications, it was agreed, that the applications submitted by CREW, would each be awarded $3,000., and St. Teresa Catholic School would receive a grant of $1,500. In addition, as a means of attracting more diverse applications in the future, the Committee agreed to have $1,000. of the 2007 CEIGP funding used toward advertising the 2008 grants and the remaining $1,500. prorated for distribution in 2008. On motion by Mr. R. Dingman - it was resolved: "That the 2007 Community Environmental Improvement Grant Program (CEIGP), to be funded from the Environmental Stewardship Capital Account, be awarded as follows: $3,000. to Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) -Power Saving Network; $3,000. to CREW -Conservation /Renewable Energy Website Development; $1,500. to St. Teresa Catholic School; and, That $1,000. of the 2007 CEIGP funds be prorated to assist with costs related to advertising the 2008 grant program; and further, That the remaining $1,500. of the 2007 CEIGP funds be prorated for distribution as part of the 2008 grant program." 5. ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER SECONDMENT Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the one-year Environmental Planner secondment position will be ending as of December 31, 2007; and, on behalf of the Committee, he thanked Mr. Bassanese for all of his hard work over the past year in fulfilling that role. 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator