HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 2007-07-04
COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 4, 2007CITY OF KITCHENER
The Compass Kitchener Committee met on this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m.
Present: Don Bourgeois, Roxana Stanciu, Kim Knowles, Norm Damaren, Laura Lee Dam,
Jasminka Klacar, Theron Kramer
Staff: Shelley Adams, Jenn Walter, Abbie Grafstein, Corina Tasker, Dan Chapman, Brandon
Sloan
Regrets: Sarah Marsh, Mike Harris, Susan St. John, Pat Doherty
1. Participatory Budgeting Discussion
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The Participatory Budgeting session was held in place of June’s meeting, thanks to all that
attended! It was a great session that was full of helpful information.
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One member commented that the concept is great, but was surprise that it is not all
encompassing as initially thought – it is great to start on a small level and work to develop
community capacity in this regard, but it was surprising that only 25% of the total
community grants budget in the “sample” municipality is allotted to Participatory Budgeting.
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So why aren’t more people and organizations using Participatory Budgeting? It’s hard work
for the first few years. Much effort must be put into start up, however the outcomes are
excellent – it assists in getting money to where it needs to be, builds local skill and capacity
and, very often, leverages other cash grants and donations.
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The City of Kitchener is already in the midst of reviewing the granting process and the
composition of all advisory committees, because of this, It’s good that the idea of
participatory budgeting is brought forward to us now. Compass K and staff representatives
involved with these initiatives will ensure the idea is tabled for consideration.
Action:
Compass Kitchener supports moving the concept of Participatory Budgeting forward
for consideration by the City through appropriate initiatives.
2. Additional Member
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Joining us at the Participatory Budgeting session, as well as at this meeting, is Laura Lee
Dam, a potential new member for Compass Kitchener
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Laura Lee provided a brief background to the committee on her personal life, work life, and
interests with the committee.
Action:
Compass Kitchener agreed that Laura Lee Dam should be appointed to the Compass
Kitchener committee and directed Compass Kitchener staff resources to present an
appointment report to council.
3. Indicators Working Group Update
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Corina and the Indicators Working Group led the committee through the process of how
they created indicators for a Healthy Community. The group found it challenging to find
metrics to measure how we are doing, rather then using simple “update” narratives on
progress to date.
COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 4, 2007CITY OF KITCHENER
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The proposed “report card” for a Healthy Kitchener will include indicators that City divisions
create, as well as indicators that Compass Kitchener develops. It was indicated that where
ever possible, the working group chose numeric indicators, however they have also used
statements to summarize.
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As we reviewed the presentation, several general suggestions were made, including:
More numeric indicators – comparing us with other municipalities of similar size, or
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choosing a % comparison that is meaningful.
Consider where a decision can be made, what decision is made.
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Using numbers such as dollar amounts allotted, or quantity of given items, and
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measuring an increase/decrease over years is not necessarily accurate. It’s important
to use meaningful comparisons.
Possibly have a general indicator requiring committees to report on items that they have
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improved in the community.
Potentially use the advisory committees’ work plans as indicators - these are already
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being tracked, would be beneficial to take advantage of this information.
Should the committee include detailed questions, or should this information be left to the
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advisory committee to report on? This committee is accountable to Council, and must
provide the framework. But this does not mean that we cannot use information that the
committees are already gathering.
Compass Kitchener is not a committee to which other committees report. However,
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Compass Kitchener has a mandate to report to the community on progress in priority
areas. As such, Compass Kitchener Indicators group will work with other advisory
committee staff to see what metrics they are or may intend to use, and determine ways
to meet community reporting goals and communication thereof that meets all needs.
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The sub committee is going to review the draft indicators and consider comments where
appropriate.
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Since we were unable to review the indicators completely, please forward all additional
comments via e-mail.
4. Growth Management Strategy Task Force
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Brandon Sloan joined the committee to present on the Growth Management Strategy. The
best way to find out the awareness, involvement and effectiveness of what they are doing is
to ask the residents – and council agreed, and as a result approved moving forward with 2
groups – the Technical Working Group and the Community Advisory Group.
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The Technical Working Group will assist in developing strategy options and will provide
data and/or technical information on projects that need to be considered or aligned.
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The Community Advisory Group will be a sounding board and will provide input to staff on
community consultations and strategy options. They have requested a member of
Compass Kitchener to sit at this table.
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There will be 4 meetings in total, starting in September 2007, and ending in April 2008.
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Laura Lee offered to attend these meetings as a representative of Compass Kitchener.
Shelley Adams will be involved as a staff representative as the initiative relates to P4HK.
5. Update on Advisory Committee Review
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Theron Kramer and Shelley Adams met with Randy Gosse, Director of Legislated Services
and Troy Speck, General Manager of Corporate Services, to begin discussing an Advisory
Committee Review as recommended in the Plan for a Healthy Kitchener.
COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 4, 2007CITY OF KITCHENER
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This working group for this review will include a member from each of the Advisory
Committees, 1-2 past committee members, as well as several residents. Theron was
nominated as chair of this committee. City staff will also be able to provide input into this
review. The committee is currently set to run for 10 months, reporting back to Council in
May/June of 2008 which will align with next years Committee Appointments.
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With approval from Compass Kitchener, Shelley will send letter to other administrators of
Advisory Committees to request a member to attend.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Next meeting:
September 5, 2007
Schmalz Room – Kitchener City Hall