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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 2007-04-04 COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE MINUTES April 4, 2007CITY OF KITCHENER The Compass Kitchener Committee met on this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Don Bourgeois, Norm Damaren, Jasminka Klacar, Sarah Marsh, Theron Kramer, Susan St. John, Kim Knowles, Pat Doherty, Roxana Stanciu, Ashley Hunt (Guest from Conestoga College), Amanda Cumby (Guest from Conestoga College) Staff: Shelley Adams, Jenn Walter, Alain Pinard, Corina Tasker Regrets: Mike Harris Don welcomed all to the meeting, verified that the minutes from the previous meeting were accepted, and started with the first agenda item. 1. Update from the Indicators Working Group ? The Indicators Working Group (Sarah, Kim, Susan, Jasminka and Corina) met recently to start working on indicators. ? A 2 month timetable is currently in place, first off, a decision will be made on which of the two proposed models is appropriate to use. themes o Kitchener’s version of the World Health Organization’s Healthy Community model o ? Each member will be responsible for certain areas of the plan. They are responsible to review thoroughly and provide ideas on important points in each area. They have decided that there will be 2 indicators for each of the 6 areas. ? It was expressed that initially the project seem too large for the group to undertake, but after meeting with Corina Tasker, and a good discussion with group, as well as a quick review of other city’s processes in this regard, to was apparent that the group could certainly handle this task. ? Corina Tasker introduced herself as the Performance Measurement and Internal Auditor for the City of Kitchener. She explained that she works with indicators on a regular basis putting them in order for all areas of the city, as well as audits the cities internal process. Her work and knowledge of current city projects will certainly be helpful as they tie into the Plan for a Healthy Kitchener. ? Another group member indicated it appeared that many areas of the city are already looking at how A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener applies to their work, this is great, they are already a step ahead. 2. Participatory Budgeting ? Sarah initiated a discussion on participatory budgeting. ? It was explained that participatory budgeting is much different then our current system using Councillors in that the participation level is much more vast, and includes members of the public. The people participating can be much more diverse as well. ? Participatory Budgeting can also serve as a tool to help residents get involved and understand where their tax dollars are going. It serves to empower and engage citizens and helps to build capacity. Being involved in this process also helps different neighbourhoods to help each other. COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE MINUTES April 4, 2007CITY OF KITCHENER - 2 - ? The City of Kitchener already does this, but on a very small scale. To start, more work can be done on a few additional areas and let it grow. Neighbourhood Associations have not been able to be involved with these decisions in the past, and may be a good area to start. ? The key to this process is a good facilitator; this will prevent any persuasion of the conversation taking place. Generally voting takes place with weighting of votes where appropriate. ? It was decided that it would be beneficial to Compass Kitchener to have someone come in and speak with the group about Participatory Budgeting. It would also be beneficial to invite other advisory committees to attend as it may be something that is informative and valuable to others as well. ? Shelley, Dan, Jenn and Sarah will work together to arrange a date and time for this information session to take place, as well as inform and invite other advisory committees to attend. 3. Growth Management – Citizen Engagement ? Alain distributed the staff report which provided a general outline of this year’s growth management Initiative. ? Citizens are indicating (through several different means, including Who Are You Kitchener?) that growth management is important and that they would like to be involved in the decision-making process. ? With Alain, the committee reviewed a diagram showing the relationship between growth management and other corporate initiatives. ? Alain, with a team of staff are beginning a Growth Management public engagement, with the first steps to develop awareness, demystify the terms used, and increase the public’s knowledge regarding Growth Management through discussion and a video that has been prepared. A workbook will also be distributed to begin gathering input from citizens. The video and workbooks will also be available at Community Centres for additional citizen feedback. ? A Growth Management Strategy that is specific to Kitchener will be developed in consultation with a Task Force that will include broad community representation. A member of Compass Kitchener may be requested to be involved to ensure continuity and alignment with other corporate initiatives. ? As we saw in the Neighbourhood Design presentation by Ryan Mounsey at last month’s meeting, there is a large focus on making good, well balanced communities; this is an important piece of the Growth Management Strategy. We are expected to meet the Province’s requirements when it comes to Greenfield Development, It is important to balance the growth from within existing urban boundaries and Greenfield. It is also important to be strategic regarding what areas are brought online, when they are brought online, and how they are brought online when it comes to Greenfield development. ? Regarding the 40/60 split, does the 40% intensification include Greenfields that have already been identified? No, it includes anything with in the boundary that is already developed, future o development does not count. The Greenfields that have been identified are part of the 60%, and the boundary cannot be pushed out any further. ? Places to Grow – the province’s growth plan includes a new minimum density. The formula is complicated, but can be clarified and explained. Basically, the requirement is to have 50 people/jobs per hectare. COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE MINUTES April 4, 2007CITY OF KITCHENER - 3 - ? Urban Growth Centre is also a new term and requires a minimum density of 200 people/jobs per hectare. The Province is still developing the criteria for defining Urban Growth Centres but it is expected to correspond closely to the existing downtown area. We will not as much of a challenge in meeting this requirement as some other cities that have lower existing densities. th ? The launch of the public engagement process will take place on Thursday April 12 in the Rotunda. All Compass Kitchener members are welcome to attend. ? It was suggested that a second public engagement be scheduled as this one is a very short time away, and many people have not, or did not receive their invitation yet. It was indicated that this session will be aimed more so to provide information rather o then to get feedback. Ultimately, a taskforce will be organized, and they will be making decisions. Invitations are also being sent out through the Community Centres to all Neighbourhood o Associations. ? The Compass Kitchener Committee indicated a very strong view that it is very important to engage as many diverse communities as possible. Suggestion was put forth to arrange a public consultation process similar to what o Jasminka arranged for the Who Are You Kitchener engagement process when translators were brought in. This would ensure all citizens of the city are being reached. 4. Additional Members ? Roxana Stanciu was introduced to the committee. In 3 weeks, she will become the President of the Student Committee at Conestoga College. Moved by Theron Kramer Seconded by Norm Damaren That Roxana Stanciu be appointed to the Compass Kitchener committee and that the Compass Kitchener staff resources present an appointment report to council. Carried Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Next meeting: May 2, 2007 Schmalz Room – Kitchener City Hall