HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-15ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 15, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:03 p.m.
Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Vice-Chair
Ms. J. Young and Messrs. D. Erb, T. Haygarth, B. McColl, M. Peterson, G. Lehman, C.
Schneider, D. Ryrie and G. Zador
Staff: C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
J. Ouellette, Facilitator of Volunteer Resource
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
Prior to commencement Committee binders were circulated to all members, containing information on:
staff resources; Committee structure, mandate and reporting; Terms of Reference; meeting and
delegation guidelines; Code of Conduct for Members of Council, Local Boards & Advisory Committees;
Advisory Committee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). In addition, it included the following reference
material: A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener (2007-2027); Air Quality In Kitchener Plan 2006; Council Policy
I-590 (Grant Program -Community Environmental Improvement); Draft Kitchener Growth Management
Strategy; and the City's Strategic Plan for the Environment. Members were requested to bring their
binders to all future meetings as it contains important reference material.
1. WELCOME AND COMMITTEE MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS
Councillor B. Vrbanovic welcomed members to the Environmental Committee's inaugural meeting
of the 2009 / 2010 term. Each member was requested to introduce themselves and state their
interest in applying to the Committee.
2. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR
Mr. C. Goodeve opened the floor to nominations for the position of Committee Chair. Mr. C.
Schneider nominated Mr. B. McColl who agreed to stand for appointment. No further
nominations were forthcoming.
On motion by Mr. C. Schneider -
it was resolved:
"That Mr. B. McColl be appointed Chair of the Environmental Committee for a term
expiring November 30, 2010."
Mr. C. Goodeve then opened the floor to nominations for the position of Committee Vice-Chair.
Mr. B. McColl nominated Councillor B. Vrbanovic who agreed to stand for appointment. No
further nominations were forthcoming.
On motion by Mr. B. McColl -
it was resolved:
"That Councillor B. Vrbanovic be appointed Vice-Chair of the Environmental Committee for
a term expiring November 30, 2010."
COMMITTEE ORIENTATION
The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. C. Musselman, dated December 17,
2008 regarding the recommendation arising from the 2008 Advisory Committee Review requiring
that each committee develop and implement a 1 or 2 year work plan. Members were asked to
provide their written suggestions to Ms. Musselman by February 15, 2009.
Mr. C. Goodeve provided an overview of the Advisory Committee Review that was conducted in
2008, stating that training will be provided to all Chairs and Vice-Chairs on how to run a great
meeting. He and Ms. C. Musselman then lead the Committee in a review of the materials
contained in the circulated binders and highlighted the following:
• a Plan for a Healthy Kitchener (2007-2027);
• Air Quality In Kitchener Plan 2006;
• Council Policy I-590 (Grant Program -Community Environmental Improvement); Draft
Kitchener Growth Management Strategy;
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 15, 2009 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER
3. COMMITTEE ORIENTATION tCONT'D)
• the City's Strategic Plan for the Environment;
• committee structure;
• members responsibilities;
• Advisory Committee Members Code of Conduct;
• the process for adding items to the agenda; and,
• Meeting Protocol.
Members were requested to review all of the material provided and were advised that time would
be set aside at the February 2009 meeting for questions.
4. CONSENSUS BUILDING PRESENTATION
The Committee was in receipt this date of a Consensus Building handout, which provides a
summary of points on the consensus building process as well as variations to the process.
Ms. J. Ouellette shared information on the value and benefit of building consensus rather than
using a majority voting method when making decisions. The value of contributing valid ideas and
concerns to discussions was stressed as was the need to listen and hear what other members
are saying. Consensus is about finding common ground and creative solutions to problems. In
order to achieve this, a high level of trust among members is essential as well as a firm
commitment. She advised that there may be benefit in using a facilitator to lead these
discussions. An outline on the process to be followed is:
• clearly define /name the problem, issue or decision needing discussion;
• brainstorm possible solutions;
• ask questions of clarification;
• discuss options;
• state the proposal or choice of proposals to ensure that everyone is clear;
• discuss pros and cons of each proposal;
• choose an option with the most advantages and the least disadvantages;
• state the decisions and test for agreement;
• discuss; and,
• check for consensus.
The result of consensus building would be a collective agreement or a shared decision by all
members. It is imperative that the following guidelines be kept in mind throughout the consensus
building process;
• come to the discussion with an open mind;
• ensure that everyone understands the topic /problem;
• ensure that everyone has the opportunity to speak;
• be brief when describing reasoning;
• be respectful and trusting;
• don't be afraid to disagree;
• don't assume that there must be a winner /loser when a stalemate occurs;
• be flexible; and,
• allow sufficient time for the process of building consensus.
Ms. Ouellette stated that generally following the above-noted process will achieve consensus,
however, there are times when no matter how well the discussion is carried out or how much
integrity and trust exists, a point arrives when consensus cannot be reached. She advised of
several courses of action that can be followed if a stalemate occurs. In closing, she spoke to the
gradients of agreement that can be used to help build consensus if difficulties arise and these
points were also included in the circulated handout.
5. VICTORIA PARK LAKE CLASS EA PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Committee was in receipt background information on the Victoria Park Lake Class
Environmental Assessment (EA). In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a handout
entitled `Victoria Park Lake Implementation Measures'.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 15.2009 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER
5. VICTORIA PARK LAKE CLASS EA PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE tCONT'D)
Mr. M. Peterson, as the Committee's representative to the Victoria Park Lake Public Advisory
Committee, gave a presentation entitled `Study Team Presentation Class EA and Preliminary
Design for Victoria Park Lake Improvements'. He advised that water quality in the lake continues
to be a concern, and the City is now exploring alternatives to address both the accumulation of
sediment and the quality of water. He noted that improving conditions in the lake will depend on
both upstream and in-lake factors, and the technical approach to the study will consist of both
watershed and in-lake analysis. The purpose of the study is to determine a preferred option for
Victoria Park Lake and its watershed while taking into account:
• hydrology and hydraulic capacity;
• flood control;
• aquatic habitat;
• operations and maintenance;
• aesthetics;
• safety;
• social and recreational uses; and,
• heritage.
Mr. Peterson stated that each of the development alternatives were evaluated to assess how well
it satisfied the criteria, which was developed based on the factors outlined above. As a result of
the consultant's weighted evaluation system, Option #3, Reconfigure Lake & Improve Function,
was identified as the preferred alternative. He advised that some of the features of this concept
include:
• create sediment forebay at upstream end of lake with increased storage capacity;
• create wetland south of first island to diversify habitat in the lake and divert most flow to
the north channel to minimize sedimentation in the south channel;
• create a 2-3 m deep "channel" from the forebay area to the outlet;
• create a deeper "pool" in front of the boathouse area and near outlet except over existing
storm sewer;
• intensify plantings around Lakeshore areas and possibly incorporate additional "meanders"
into the existing shoreline to deter geese;
• create /enhance viewing "windows" into the lake by possibly raising some areas, providing
benches, etc.; and,
• implement shoreline plantings and structures in some shallow areas adjacent to existing
gabions to improve aquatic habitat by diversifying edge community.
Mr. Peterson advised that a public meeting will be held on January 29, 2009 at the Victoria Park
Pavilion to present the recommended solution. Members of the public are invited to learn more
about the recommended solution, ask questions and provide input and comments. He noted that
it is anticipate that the Victoria Park Lake EA would be presented to the City's Development and
Technical Services Committee in either February or March 2009, following which the consultants
would start the detailed design phase of the project. Staff were requested to keep the Committee
informed as to when the EA will be presented to the City.
6. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
Colin Goodeve
Committee Administrator