HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 2007-10-03
COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 3, 2007CITY OF KITCHENER
The Compass Kitchener Committee met on this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m.
Present: Laura Lee Dam, Susan St. John, Jasminka Klacar, Theron Kramer, Don Bourgeois, Kim
Knowles, Roxana Stanciu, Norm Damaren, Sarah Marsh,
Staff: Shelley Adams, Jenn Walter, Abbie Grafstein
Regrets: Pat Doherty, Mike Harris
Don welcomed all to the meeting. We did not pass the minutes from the previous meeting due to an
unexpected delay in relaying them to the committee.
1. Plan for a Healthy Kitchener – Decision Making Lens
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The committee reviewed 2 proposed templates for this item at the September meeting,
debating which of the two lenses drafted would be more effective. Shelley was given direction
from the committee to develop further description for each question on the “lens” that mirrored
the 6 strategic directions laid out in P4HK, and return to the committee for consideration.
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a meeting with several City of Kitchener staff highlighted the potential difficulties in asking the
corporation to consider the degree to which reports (and more so, the strategies, policies,
activities, recommendations and/or financial resources described within) aligned with
community priorities
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The committee did not think this reason enough to hold up the process of developing and
rolling out a “healthy community decision-making lens” and several suggestions were made on
moving forward, including; creation of a large education piece to accompany the lens when
first circulated to staff, starting with the education piece, then implement the lens with all staff.
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it is important to make the lens readily accessible for staff so that good up-take and buy-in
occurs.
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The possibly of having a “transitional” lens was discussed, encouraging staff to start
considering all of the different priorities , while perhaps not requiring the detailed analysis of an
eventually “complete” lens
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Staff should be included in the process of development – instead of asking “How does THIS
decision…”, it would inquire “How do OUR decisions…” This would encourage employees to
see their role and influence in corporate decisions vis a vie community priorities
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ACTION: Shelley to draft a “transitional” lens and prepare for general roll-out and consultation
with staff
2. Advisory Committee Review
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Theron reviewed the Proposed Terms of Reference for the Advisory Committee Review
Working Group. This draft has been left open intentionally until representatives from each
advisory committee have been chosen for this working group.
3. Community Engagement Strategy
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At last meeting Abbie discussed the Community Engagement Strategy and has now returned
with the draft Terms of Reference for the working group.
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The aim is to have approved Terms of Reference for the working group by November, followed
by an internal survey of community engagement policies and practices in the new year, this
would allow public consultation to run begin in April with the final report and recommendations
ready for Council in June/Sept. This is a very ambitions deadline, but is beneficial because it
COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 3, 2007CITY OF KITCHENER
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falls right in line with Compass Kitcheners 2 year term, this will provide good deliverables from
the committee to Council for consideration.
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Abbie reviewed the draft terms of reference with the committee, noting several updates since it
had been sent out to the committee. The group discussed and provided feedback to her
regarding the draft Terms of Reference.
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Concern and debate took place regarding the inclusion of the Community Psychology student
which is yet to be confirmed.
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One alteration to stakeholders would be Engaged Citizens, rather then Citizens at large.
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Abbie will be taking the draft to the working group for input, then return to Compass Kitchener
for final approval.
4. Voter Turnout Committee
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Norm sits on the Voter Turnout Committee as a representative for Compass Kitchener. The
minutes from their last meeting were provided to Compass Kitchener for review.
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Three meetings have taken place, with the last meeting focusing on Communications and
Partnerships, and the next focusing on Internet and Alternative Processes.
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This committee has a large mandate, but they are very engaged people that are very
ambitious!
5. Creating a Culture of Safety for Kitchener – Future Search Conference
thst
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The Future Search Conference took place on September 20 and 21 with a very wide variety
of stakeholders at the Children’s Museum.
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Although there were some issues with media coverage, it was felt by the planning committee
and facilitators that this step was vital to create a safe environment for all discussions to take
place.
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Shelley reviewed all that took place over the two days and touched on all the action groups
that were formed, including additional details from two Compass Kitchener members that were
present at the conference.
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All information discussed is currently available at:
http://www.kitchener.ca/city_hall/safety_culture.html including the next steps to come from the
conference.
Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Next meeting:
November 7, 2007
Schmalz Room – Kitchener City Hall