HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass - 2008-09-03
COMPASS KITCHENER COMMITTEE MINUTES
September 3, 2008 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Compass Kitchener Committee met on this date, commencing at 4:15 p.m.
Present: Kim Knowles, Theron Kramer, Laura Lee Dam, Sarah Marsh, Don Bourgeois, Jasminka
Klacar
Staff: Shelley Adams, Jenn Walter, Abbie Grafstein
Regrets: Norm Damaren, Susan St. John, Roxana Stanciu, Pat Doherty, Mike Harris
Don welcomed all members to the meeting.
1. General Business
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None at this time.
2. Diversity Update
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At the May meeting, Abbie shared Edmonton’s plan and since then, a small staff group has
been looking at how this might fit for the City of Kitchener. The group aims to have something
for Council in October.
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The Healthy Community Plan and subsequently a Plan for a Healthy Kitchener only cover
multiculturalism, the group has considered a broader vision.
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Abbie provided Compass Kitchener with a new vision statement for diversity for consideration.
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If adopted, the vision will consider people in all walks of life, as opposed to simply
multiculturalism.
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The group debated the statement, some feel it is too vague, while others suggest that as a
vision it is ok to be vague, ultimately no discrimination – and that is what we are aiming for.
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Shelley commented that it is great to see this group has found a gap, something that is not
complete. It’s great that we caught it, and can now look at how to improve.
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Abbie will go back to her group to review the first statement and will send out to the committee
prior to the next meeting for review and input.
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Members will review and comment over the upcoming month.
3. Work Plan
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This committee has had some great accomplishments this past year! There are many things
going on, and much action taking place due to persistence from Compass Kitchener on the work
plan.
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It is time to review our work plan for 2008/2009. A few items will remain on the workplan to be
completed from last year. Additionally, here are some suggestions for the year to come…
1. Annual & Term by Term Progress Reports:
Quality of Life indicators and others, reviewed on at the City of Kitchener level. This
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must be done prior to the survey questions (next item) development and public
consultation.
Questionnaire – End of Term Community Survey - One question to residents on
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each of the focus areas.
Identity piece – This would complete the Who are you, Kitchener? survey. It has
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been discussed several times, however never fully articulated. Council asked this of
Compass Kitchener, and the community indicated interest as well. A 1, 2 or 3 word
statement to describe Kitchener. It was suggested this may be a conflict as we are
assessing the city in a report card yearly. Clarification was provided indicating this is
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not branding the city, but rather considering all the background that the group has
knowledge of and access to, and creating an honest identity statement. Current
feedback indicates Kitchener is thought of as blue collar or Oktoberfest…this is
outdated and inaccurate; people want a way to describe us, and our city.
2. Community Engagement
Pilot and build tool box
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Confirm with Community
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3. Culture of Safety
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Is this something that the committee should continue with? We are in fact the 5
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safest city, and for the third year the crime rate has lowered. It is a perception that
the city is not safe, and the statistics say otherwise. Safe and Healthy Advisory
Committee will be reviewing their Terms of Reference, perhaps this is something
they can consider.
4. Access, Equity and Inclusion
Draft Strategy 2008
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Consult 2009
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Report to Council in March
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5. Leadership and Community Engagement
Civic Engagement “Next Generation”, 25-40 forums, Partner with School Boards,
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civics classes, grade 8 social studies
Inter Governmental relationships – in mandate, in goals that came out of a Plan for a
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Health Kitchener, Compass Kitchener will look at better and more effective inter
governmental relationships. This could also include relationships with the Region of
Waterloo, as well as delivery of services with City of Kitchener. Kitchener is taking a
leadership role in services in the region and there is a political desire for more and
better working relationships between the cities. There is currently a shared services
committee that looks at snow clearing and melting, inclusion, and many other things.
Perhaps Carla Ladd, CAO, can attend our next meeting and give the committee an
update on shared services so the committee can make an educated decision as to if
it should be on the work plan or not. This can also be considered in the city’s
planning processes as well.
6. HC Lens
CMT end of September
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Pilot over the Fall and Winter
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To Mayor and Council June 2009
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7. Start to think about 2010 survey – interesting to see how these pare up with our indicators
8. Other
4. Advisory Committee Gathering – Saturday, October 18, 2008
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Agenda items for this gathering include updates from each committee, Update from Advisory
Review Committee, and Feedback on Community Engagement.
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This gathering is for all members of all advisory committees.
5. Advisory Review Committee (ARC)
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This report was tabled with Council in June due to the depth of the document, and three
particular areas that required additional review including the Nominating committee, the term of
appointments, and Council as chair/co chair. Moving forward, the nominating committee will still
review, but instead of simply providing Council with a name, they will provide a list of applicants
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that meet the criteria. Diversity will also be considered at the Nominating committee level. This
committee will be ongoing, as people will be replaced throughout the year, not just at the two
year mark. Also, council suggested moving back to a two year term, rather then four as
suggested by ARC. And finally, it has been decided that a citizen will chair, and a councillor will
vice chair, only to fill in as chair in the citizen’s absence, rather then both chair positions being
filled by citizens as originally suggested.
6. Healthy Communities Lens
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Unfortunately this item has not moved forward as quickly as anticipated. It will remain on the
Compass Kitchener Workplan, and it will be moving forward over the next year with plans
already in place for its pilot.
7. November Report to Council
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A report will go forth to Council in November regarding Compass Kitchener’s work of the past
year, and for the next year to keep council up to date in a public forum.
8. Appointments to Compass Kitchener
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This item has been deferred to October meeting.
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Based on the new criteria put forward to Council by the Advisory Review Committee, each year
at the October meeting, members of each advisory committee will be asked if they would like
their names to stand and be considered for the following 2 year term.
9. Response to CK letter to MP’s & MPP’s from Karen Redman
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Don reviewed the letter commenting that it was quite positive and very supportive.
Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Next meeting:
October 18, 2008
Schmalz Room – Kitchener City Hall
Attendance:
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