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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-06ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 6~ 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date, Chaired by Mr. Rino dal Bello, commencing at 4:05 p.m., with the following members present: Ms. N. Sonder, Ms. Y. Fernandes and Messrs. M. Aulich, A. Boterman, J. Countryman, R. Dingman, B. Lemieux, D. Lippert, D. Marks, R. Nandakumar and P. ©'Toole. Officials Present: Ms. B. Steiner, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. T. Boutilier, G. Richardson, T. Potworka and G. Meincke. 1. DTS-03-036 - KITCHENER BROWNFIELDS REMEDIATION COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN The Committee was in receipt this date of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03-036 dated February 21, 2003 dealing with designation of the entire City as a Community Improvement Project area and preparation of a Kitchener Brownfields Remediation Community Improvement Plan (KBR - CIP). It is noted in the report that the KBR - CIP will offer financial incentives to property owners to stimulate clean-up and redevelopment of contaminated lands. Mr. Terry Boutilier, Senior Planner, presented details of the staff report for the purpose of obtaining comment from the Committee. Mr. Boutilier advised of the difficulties associated with determining an accurate inventory of contaminated sites; however, he pointed out that a 1995 Regional study identified 25 sites in Kitchener as being contaminated and approximately 250 others as potentially contaminated. He commented on the effects, both negative and positive that contaminated sites present to the municipality, including financial and liability barriers that discourage private sector re-development. He advised that recent amendments to Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act provided opportunity to establish a City-wide remediation program for brownfields through designation of the entire City as a Community Improvement Project area and adoption of a KBR - CIP. He outlined objectives and criteria of the remediation program, including examples of how Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) will be used to provide financial incentives for redevelopment of contaminated sites. He further pointed out that the remediation program fits within the objectives of the Regional Growth Management Strategy and accordingly, the Region will be requested to consider financial participation in the City's program. Mr. Boutlier advised that the staff report will be presented to the March 24, 2003 Development and Technical Services Committee (DTS) meeting for consideration and asked that the Environmental Committee consider endorsement of the staff recommendations. The Committee then raised a number of questions and in response, Mr. Boutilier advised that the financial incentives do not pose negative impact to the City as the program is based on a system of "pay as you go". In this respect, he pointed out that the property owner pays the full post redevelopment tax rate and subsequently, receives a rebate equal to 100% of the tax increment, continuing over a maximum period of 10 years or until the total eligible remediation cost is reached. He noted that properties in tax arrears may still submit applications for evaluation; however, incentives would not be given in supplement to payment of arrears. He also commented on issues of liability associated with contaminated sites that are unable to meet full remediation standards, relative to the Ministry of Environment's Site Specific Risk Assessment process. On motion by Mr. A. Boterman - it was resolved: "That the Development and Technical Services Committee be advised that the Environmental Committee endorses staff recommendations contained in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03-036 (Kitchener Brownfields Remediation Community Improvement Plan), dealing with designation of the whole of the City of Kitchener as a Community Improvement Project area; preparation of a Kitchener Brownfields Remediation Community Improvement Plan (KBR-CIP); and requesting the Region of Waterloo to consider financial participation in the KBR-CIP incentives as a direct method of supporting the Region's Growth Management Strategy." ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 6~ 2003 -9- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. 2003 EARTH DAY FESTIVAL - UPDATE Mr. Glen Richardson, Manager of Design and Development, attended to provide an update on plans for the 2003 annual Earth Day Festival. He advised that since introducing 3 key events at the Committee's meeting in February, plans have been further developed and/or revised as follows: Earth Day, April 22, 2003 - launching event has been relocated from the City Hall Rotunda to Franklin Public School to tie in with an educational component and to encourage wider participation; Community Promotional Event - April 26, 2003 - Walter Biehn Trail and tree planting - guided walking tours to take place along Riverbend Drive toward the Bingeman property and in the area of Stanley Park Conservation Area; staff have had preliminary discussions with Walter Biehn Grand River Trail Foundation to provide a "thank you" barbecue at Bingemans; Community Clean-up - public, separate and private schools, as well as Neighbourhood Associations - area parks, trails and/or streams; arrangements have been made with Bramm Street sanitation crews to provide clear bags to participants; Monthly themed events during summer months to promote issues respecting water reduction and air quality are being pursued; and a tree planting is planned as part of the KidsPark event in October. Ms. Y. Fernandes pointed out that the Walter Biehn Trail event will take place on a Saturday and raised concerns with respect to overtime costs. Mr. T. Potworka and Mr. Richardson advised that volunteers of the Walter Biehn Foundation will assist in this event, limiting the number of staff required and accordingly, it is anticipated overtime costs will be minimal. In response to a further question of Ms. Fernandes, Mr. Richardson agreed to approach the Grand River Conservation Authority to determine if they have interest in participating in this event. Mr. Richardson advised that a further update will be provided at the Committee's April meeting. PRESENTATION - PROPOSAL FOR FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS TO ENCOURAGE CONVERSION OF TURF AREAS TO DROUGHT TOLERANT AND PEST RESISTANT ALTERNATIVES The Committee was in receipt of a request from Mr. Derek Lippert, Committee member, to consider development of financial incentives for residential / commercial property owners to encourage conversion of grass landscaping to alternative methods which are less reliant on water usage and which are pest resistant. The Committee was also in receipt of the following background material promoting alternative landscaping known as "Naturescaping" or "Xeriscaping": Region of Waterloo website information pertaining to "Naturescaping" and pamphlets prepared by the Region's Water Efficiency Section, entitled "Naturescaping", "Naturescaping Plant Guide", and "Naturescaping Plant & Mulch Guide"; · Southern Nevada Water Authority and City of Albuquerque, USA Internet website information concerning financial incentive programs for "Xeriscaping" initiatives. Mr. Lippert advised that professionally he operates a landscaping business which specializes in alternative landscaping methods and has an educational background in environmental technology. He reviewed key aspects of drought tolerant landscaping, noting the importance of plant selection, use of mulch for water retention, Iow-volume drip irrigation systems and potential environmental benefits. He outlined US incentive programs which provide a credit, applied to water bills, based on per square footage of area converted. He suggested that US incentive programs, while primarily based on water conservation, could be used as a guide in developing similar programs within the Region. He pointed out that the Region is considering phasing out ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 6~ 2003 -10 - CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - PROPOSAL FOR FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS TO ENCOURAGE CONVERSION OF TURF AREAS TO DROUGHT TOLERANT AND PEST RESISTANT ALTERNATIVES (CONT'D) comestic use of pesticides and expressed the opinion that promotion of drought tolerant landscaping would complement this objective, demonstrate commitment to the landscape industry and provide citizens with an environmentally beneficial alternative to grass landscaping. The Committee was generally supportive of the proposal; however, raised issues concerning criteria development, operational constraints and funding availability. It was suggested that it may be more appropriate for the City to take a leadership role by using alternative landscaping methods on City-owned lands prior to implementing a program for residential / commercial property owners. Mr. Ted Potworka, Supervisor of Horticultural Services, outlined various City- owned lands which have been landscaped using alternative methods including the Fire Headquarters at Strasburg Road and the center median at the Regional Road 8 entrance to the City. He also advised that the City has a Community Gardening Policy which provides financial incentive to neighbourhood groups to convert private or public property for community gardening. He suggested that while this policy might be used to tie in with a turf conversion program, budget funding under the City's policy is limited. Ms. Barbara Steiner advised that potential funding might also be explored through the City's Environmental Stewardship Program. Mr. Manfred Aulich put forward a motion to request the Region of Waterloo to undertake distribution of its "Naturescaping" pamphlets to all households, Region-wide. It was pointed out that these pamphlets are available upon request from the Region's Water Efficiency Section and information on how to obtain copies is contained on the Region's website. The Committee then entered into discussion concerning the financial implications and effectiveness of such an undertaking, following which Mr. Aulich agreed to withdraw his motion. The Committee considered establishment of a sub-committee to develop an incentive program and appropriate criteria; however, it was suggested this may be premature pending determination of available funding sources. Accordingly, it was suggested that City staff be directed to further investigate the feasibility of proceeding with Mr. Lippert's proposal and report back to the Committee at a future date. On motion by Mr. D. Lippert - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of developing municipal financial incentives for residential / commercial property owners to encourage conversion of turf areas to drought tolerant and pest resistant alternatives and report back to the Environmental Committee at a future date." 2002-2003 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE STRATEGIC WORK PLAN Due to time constraints, this item was deferred to the next meeting of the Environmental Committee to be held on April 10, 2003. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator