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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass - 2008-10-18 - Advisory Committee Gathering COMPASS KITCHENER MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES MINUTES October 18, 2008CITY OF KITCHENER Present: Don Bourgeois(CK), Pat Doherty(CK), Len Carter(AC), Laird Robertson(H), Tina(KYAC), Theron Kramer(CK), Alison Burkett(AC), Sandra Lachance(MACS), Julie Robbescheuten(AC), Laurence McNaught(AC), Sarah Marsh(CK), Kim Knowles(CK), George Zador(E), Claude Schneider(E&SH), Yvonne Fernandes(E), Phyllis Ji-Taylor(SH), Norm Damaren(CK), Adrian Conrad(EDAC), Karen Talyor-Harrison(DAC), Dennis Pellerin(DAC). (CK) Compass Kitchener (E) Environment (H) Heritage (S&H) Safe and Healthy (KYAC) Kitchener Youth Action Council (AC) Arts and Culture (EDAC) Economic Development (DAC) Downtown (MACKS) Mayors Advisory Committee Kitchener Seniors Council: Mayor Zehr. Staff: Brandon Sloan, Alain Pinard, Shelley Adams, Jenn Grein, Rod Regier, Marla Pender. The meeting commenced at 9:20 at Rockway Golf Course Club House. Don Bourgeois, chair of rd Compass Kitchener, welcomed all attendees to the 3 Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee Gathering. Don provided an overview of why we are gathering today, the importance of exchanging information between committees and to ask for feedback on a few items. The goal is to meet approximately every 6 months, we’ve missed one gathering earlier in the year, but we are back on track now! The room was circled with introductions and Don commented that it looks like there is good coverage of most of our advisory committees! We will start today with a short update from each committee on what they have been working on this year, and also look at how our work overlaps and what we can do to best work together. Compass Kitchener: Don updated the group on what Compass Kitchener has been focusing on over the past year. The Community Engagement Strategy was one major focus, this is vital to all of our work. The group looked at many different areas that people can be engaged, ways to engage, and how to include many different groups/diversities of people. This first focus ties into our next focus, Diversity. Why is it important for the city to look at Diversity? The Environics Study followed by Who Are You Kitchener? both told us it is important, very important! It is good to be inclusive, but also it is an economic driver, different ideas and outlooks help to get a variety of solutions and ensure inclusivity of all people, in all walks of life. Diversity will no longer be dealt with on an individual basis, each issue, as it is raised, will be looked at overall to see how we engage different people on different topics, and involve everyone in everything. Another critical effort from last term and one that the committee will be moving forward on this term is the Report to Council. Some of you may have seen it published in Your Kitchener. A subgroup helped to create a framework to look at councils actions considered against our Plan for a Healthy Kitchener. Any comments or suggestions of other things to consider or how better to report are welcome. Arts and Culture Advisory Committee: COMPASS KITCHENER MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES MINUTES October 18, 2008CITY OF KITCHENER Len Carter provided an update from the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. Business seems to be moving where the work is and where the people are, Len would like to see Kitchener be that place. Len commented that Kitchener must be the volunteer capital of the world, and it really shows how much people care about our community. Len introduced the entire Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. Over past year have met with 6 delegations to see if they can fit each of their items into the committee’s work plan. An update was provided to Community Services Committee on October 2, 2008. Environmental Advisory Committee: Claude Schneider provided an update from the Environment Committee. This year the committee has dealt with many issues brought down from above, however he would like to think that the group can work from the bottom up to start some fires and see action on important items. The group decides on the 5 best bets each year, these are taken from the Air Quality in Kitchener 2006 report. It is encouraging that the environment has taken a more prominent position on Kitchener’s agenda. Yvonne elaborated on the specifics of the Doon South development plan that she has been a big part of. This is just one of the big issues that the group has been working on. The committee worked with Barb Steiner on updating the Strategic Plan for the Environment, and has also been looking at how drive thru’s effect our environment. Mayors Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors: Sandra Lachance provided an update from the Mayors Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors. The Older Adults Centres is an ongoing project the group has recently been monitoring. They have also been monitoring and providing feedback for the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). The group has been taking a look at the navigation of the Health Care Systems, and recently participate in the Festival of Neighbourhoods. Kitchener Youth Action Council: The Kitchener Youth Action Council is a group of youth, mainly high school students, working on projects like the Unity Jam, the KYAC Youth Awards, and right now are also in midst of a bottle drive, collecting bottles from restaurants and donating proceeds to the Waterloo Regional Food Bank. The group is only just a month into its term, so is still stabilizing. There is a Youth Conference coming up and the group is also meeting with other youth collectives from different cities to see what they are doing and see if there is anything we can do that we may not be doing right now! A question was posed, is there any possibility of cross appointments? Yes was the answer! It would be a great idea since some of the youth on the committee are interested in other topic that we have Advisory Committee’s on. Another question was in regards to reaching out to students, how do you do this and communicate info? Unfortunately there is not a great relationship in place with the school boards right now, many KYAC members will simply take information to their schools and the word gets around. Additionally, a question was asked regarding the representatives, there are many involved from the high schools, is it difficult to get membership from the universities? In the past the committee has had some, however there are some issues with transportation and they are generally very busy. The two groups may have different priorities since they are in two different places in life. Consideration is being given to the age range of the committee, perhaps it is too broad, not certain at this point as to why the university students are not as active. Economic Development Advisory Committee: Adrian Conrad provided an update from the Economic Development Advisory Committee. The group works yearly on the Corporate Visitation Program, they are also currently in discussions regarding the Centre Block, employment lands, parking, streetscapes, discussion on employment clusters – COMPASS KITCHENER MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES MINUTES October 18, 2008CITY OF KITCHENER pharmacy and digital media and how we can promote employment, and tourism promotion to a greater level in the community. Rod elaborated, as each of these cluster strategies evolve, they return to EDAC for discussions on where it should go next. A question was asked regarding what the group will be focusing on in 2008-9. Response indicated that Biotechnology and Health sciences, both clusters next steps. The Digital Media cluster does not seem to require as much support from the committee. The group will also be looking at how to position and attract services and infrastructure necessary for Biotechnology and Health Sciences. Heritage Advisory Committee: Laird Robertson provided an update for the Heritage Advisory Committee. For the two years he has been on the committee, the Forsyth building has been the big topic.. As a group, the committee has a very structured agenda. Many meetings are spent approving what people are doing to an area or building in the city. It is important to note that it is not just 100 year old buildings they look at, but it is also important to maintain 50 year old buildings as they each have a distinct uniqueness. The committee also received information on Victoria Park as it is a heritage area, the group does not make final decisions, they contribute by providing input. There are several projects on the go including the Lang Tannery development, Centre Block, the Mayfair Hotel, and Bread and Roses replacement of windows. A Question was asked regarding a number of heritage homes in the Doon area, has there been any attempt to see that those properties are protected? The committee is currently trying to make a list of properties, however it is quite a process to get a property listed as heritage, and they have been focusing on properties in the core or properties that are very old. Laird indicated he was not certain if there are any properties specifically in that area that are currently being focused on. He also indicate that unless there is going to be a development in the area, they will not have come forward as of yet. Alain elaborated indicating those specific roads will remain in place and will become multipurpose trails, no longer automobile roads. Another question was asked regarding how items come forward for the designation list. Properties are currently looked at by staff and brought forward. Right now properties where the owners are interested in being designated are focused on as not everyone wants this designation. Residents are welcome to put properties forth to staff for considered. So what is the value of a building being designated? Especially if ultimately it can’t be preserved or saved? There is concern that the Mayfair could find itself in the same position as the Forsyth building. Designating it comes with required maintenance of the building. Downtown Advisory Committee: Dennis Pellerin provided an update from the Downtown Advisory Committee. This group does many of the same things that EDAC does, however its focus is on the downtown. The group looks at issues th and points of interest in the downtown. Two years ago they started a lighting study, and on the 30 of October, the city will do testing with lighting as it closely ties into safety and the perception issues in the downtown. The group also looks at safety issues, how projects progress, the Library and Centre Block, and how to make downtown a vibrant shopping and education area which will inevitably draw more people. Safe and Healthy: Phyllis Ji-Taylor provided an update from the Safe and Healthy Advisory Committee. The group recently received a study on poverty, and as a result, a sub committee has formed to focus on engagement. This sub committee is taking a good look at how to best engage residents through out the city. The committee is also involved in Festival of the Neighbourhoods and feels it is important to keep engaging our community though our Neighbourhood associations. Don commented that themes seem to be emerging from all the committee updates, they include: COMPASS KITCHENER MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES MINUTES October 18, 2008CITY OF KITCHENER ? Talent Strategy – the importance and need to draw and attract people to our community ? Engagement of public, both within our community and outside our community on what the issues are. ? Diversity of our community The group took a break for 10 minutes. Clarification was provided by Alain in regards to the Heritage Committee. The Heritage Committee is mandated and reports directly to council. They have specific terms they must meet – members, work and so on. Advisory Committee Review: Theron spoke to the group regarding the Advisory Committee Review. (See presentation attached as well as Report to Council) C:\Documents and C:\Documents and Settings\Laptop\Desktop\Advisory Committee Gathering\ARC Prez - CK Advisory Committee Gathering.pptSettings\jenng\Desktop\Report.pdf Input from the attendees: ? Clarification was provided that people can be on committee for 6 years, then must be off for one year, and able after that year to rejoin that committee. That being said, you can leave one committee after sitting for 6 years, then immediately join another committee after going through the application process. ? A question was asked as to Why people are required to attach a resume? This is so that the nominating committee is able to see the direct tie to the committee and the background of the person so that they can make a good decision on coverage for the committee. ? Adrian indicated that although Glen had to leave the gathering, he asked Adrian to pass along that he strongly objected to only being able to sit on one committee at a time. Perhaps this can be addressed under cross appointments – DAC has rep on EDAC, as does S&H. During the consultation, it was heard from many people that members should not sit on more then one committee. This allows more people to be involved that may not be on because one person is sitting on multiple. ? What is the process for people who do not attend the meetings? It is already in the general terms of reference. After three meetings, at least a phone call from chair to discuss. If for good reason, use judgement, or make decision to replace person. To expand – how do we look at replacement of the individual that drops out? This will be the role of the nominating committee, the suggestion will be passed along. th ? Applications are being accepted until Monday, October 20 for all committees, including the nominating committee. ? The plan is to have information in City Hall 101 which will be provided to all committee members. This will include education on effectively running a meeting. We are currently working on it, and hoping things go smoothly, however it is the first year, so please have patience. ? Does the Nominating committee consider applications for all committees? Yes. Are they also responsible for looking into the community for people and advertising our advisory committees? This is being covered under community engagement and the two groups will work together on this piece. Have gone much further then we have in past years in terms of advertising our committees, we are using many different means to get information to people. COMPASS KITCHENER MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES MINUTES October 18, 2008CITY OF KITCHENER ? Who will choose the nominating committee? Council. ? Chairs and vice chairs, will they be two year appointments? Actually one year now and that will continue. ? What time commitment are you expecting from the nominating committee members? It should be no more consuming then the current committee commitments, perhaps more during the nomination period. ? Why are they restricting people who are on the committees from being on the nominating committee? Simply a conflict of interest. The Community Engagement Strategy: C:\Documents and Settings\Laptop\Desktop\Advisory Committee Gathering\CES Draft Policy--CK1.ppt Input from the attendees: ? This information will be circulated. Today you received the draft policy – There may be time at the end of the session for some discussion, but if not, please contact Shelley Adams with any questions, comments or feedback. It is important to discuss the Growth Management Strategy today as they have tight legal deadlines and we would like time for comments and questions for this important item. Growth Management: Alain introduced the group to the Growth Management Strategy, then pass on to Brandon for the presentation. Info in this presentation will be available at: www.kitchener.ca/kgms Input from the attendees: ? In the presentation, it was mentioned that the city will be changing the way they are going to develop different areas, what about the new Activa area, and the problems they have encountered? Including density, parking, safety, crime and so on. Yes, this area has challenges, however also benefits – affordable, good parks, and full schools. The problem was with small lots, this has been corrected now. In regards to how neighbourhoods will look different, check out our website for the Neighbourhood Design Guidelines. These guidelines list 9 specific ways to make Neighbourhoods effective. ? How are you incorporating these critical items into the guidelines eg. hydro lines, water, sewage, and so on, how do you work with those outside groups? Some of those groups are members on our taskforce so that we are all on same page. Water falls under region, they are responsible to ensure this, and they have a Water Master Plan in place. It looks at use of the Grand River as well as new wells, and potentially in the future the “large pipe”. Alain included: this plan is updated yearly, check and balance built into the system. ? This seems like a mammoth undertaking, how do the developers fit into the scene? Some have changed, others are changing, and some resist the change. The Province is now telling developers this is the way it is. The city works with the developers and includes them in the process so there should be less resistance and they have more input. This is an evolution, a big challenge, but others are coming into our community and showing us how to do this. ? There are so many more people coming by 2031 – where are these people coming from and where are they going to work? Growth Management is not looking at this piece, simply COMPASS KITCHENER MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES MINUTES October 18, 2008CITY OF KITCHENER understanding what our capacity will be. We are also tying this in with our Economic Development Strategic Plan and in the consideration of employment lands. This is in the next piece of work. Alain added we won’t know the source, but it is our job to provide the capacity. Also, if we don’t have the things here to attract the people, it won’t happen, so also working on making the current city a vibrant place where people want to be. Rod added the groups are working together, we have partnerships with many different groups to support the attraction and retention of talent in our community. Cluster strategies also assist with drawing demand for employment to the area. These are the drivers of urbanization and intensification. ? Enhance cultural heritage resources seems to be the only item vaguely referring to Arts and Culture, how are you including Arts and Culture in growth management? Yes, it is included, but we can do more. There was a theme ‘strengthen community’ and vibrant which also includes Arts and Culture in our community. There are more steps to take in this area. ? Brandon and Alain can stay for any additional comments and questions. Don ended the gathering with a few comments. The difference with the Growth Management Strategy is that it is Province wide, it is different for developers to pick what community they want to go into. The Growth Management Strategy is very deliberate to make it more of a broad approach across southern Ontario. Secondly, the planning documents that this was built on are critical because they provide the planning rational for Councils decision to be based on. And all of these are unique well produced documents including the Strategic Plan for the Environment, A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener, and so on. From a lawyers stand point it is important to provide these pieces to the city solicitors, it gives them tools to work with moving forward and this is critical to achieving what we ultimately would like to see. Don thanked all who were able to attend.