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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11-19ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:01 p.m. Present: Mr. B. McColl -Chair Ms. S. Smith, Ms. J. Young and Messrs. G. Lehman, G. Zador, D. Ryrie and M. Peterson. Staff: L. Bensason, Interim Manager of Long Range Policy Planning P. Albrecht, Accessibility Standards Trainer C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator D. Saunderson, Administrative Clerk 1. ACCESSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING The Committee was in receipt of a presentation entitled "Accessible Customer Service", dated November 19, 2009 regarding the legislated training required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Ms. P. Albrecht provided training on the accessible customer service standards to the members of the Environment Committee. She advised that the AODA has introduced five sets of standards for accessibility, being: customer service; transportation; information and communication; built environment; and, employment. She stated that customer service is the first standard being implemented throughout Ontario and will come into effect on January 1, 2010. She added that the Province has mandated this training for anyone who provides a direct service or has influence over policy, with a goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025. Accordingly, all staff, volunteers and third parties associated with the Corporation are receiving AODA training. In addition, all of the City's policies, practices and procedures are being reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure compliance. This review should make certain that the policies governing the provision of goods and services adhere to principles of dignity, independence, integration and equality of opportunity. She noted that the process of identifying gaps is ongoing with the launch of the revised policies scheduled for December 3, 2009, in conjunction with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. In response to questions, Ms. Albrecht reviewed the definition of disability, as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code. She noted that it is important not to make assumptions when providing customer service to individuals with disabilities and to remember that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Mr. M. Peterson requested clarification as to whether the AODA standards would be applicable to the City's trails. Ms. C. Musselman advised that the Trails Master Plan contains a hierarchy which indicates the level of accessibility for all trails. Accordingly, if a trail has been identified as being suitable for all users, then it needs to be in compliance with the AODA. Ms. Albrecht added that the Province has yet to finalize the AODA built environment standards and therefore nothing is officially in place regarding trail accessibility. She noted that members can review the draft built environment standards at www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/en~ lish/. TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW The Committee considered the draft revisions to Council Policy I-100 Environmental Committee Terms of Reference, dated November 19, 2009, which were being put forward in accordance with the recommendations arising from the all Advisory Committee Review conducted by Compass Kitchener. Ms. C. Musselman and Mr. C. Goodeve reviewed the draft Terms of Reference, advising that it was developed based on an identification of the best practices employed by other municipal environmental advisory committees. Members generally expressed support for the draft Terms of Reference and provided input on the following items: re-word section 3.3 to read, "optimally two-thirds of the Committee shall have formal training in an environmental discipline"; and, add the word "consecutively" following the term "six years" in section 3.5. Mr. G. Zador questioned whether the Chair and Vice-Chair could be named ex-officio members on all sub-committees. Mr. Goodeve advised that sub-committee membership should not ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2009 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW (CONT'DI exceed the five member quorum set for the Environmental Committee as a whole. He stated that if this were to occur, it could present the appearance that some decisions were being made behind closed doors. In addition, some members might feel that they were not given a fair opportunity to voice their opinions, as a majority of the Committee would have already made a decision. He suggested that if the Committee thought it were appropriate, the Chair and Vice-Chair could be identified as "alternative members" on all sub-committee; thereby, enabling them to attend asub-committee meeting if one of the appointed members were absent and it was crucial to the progress of the Committee's business. Ms. Musselman noted that staff would undertake the requested changes and present the final draft of Terms and Reference at the December 17, 2009 Committee meeting. CYCLING MASTER PLAN WORKSHOP UPDATE Ms. C. Musselman advised that on November 10, 2009 a Cycling Master Plan Workshop was held to gain input from local stakeholders on the long-term plan for making cycling more comfortable and safe for residents /visitors of Kitchener. She commented that the Workshop was widely attended by representatives from the Region of Waterloo, the Cities of Waterloo, Cambridge and Kitchener, as well as members from the various advisory committees. She added that the Workshop provided an opportunity for debate and discussion on the proposed Cycling Master Plan, noting that it is anticipated that the draft Plan would be presented in early 2010. 4. 2010 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE The Committee was in receipt this date of a draft copy of the 2010 Environment Committee meeting schedule. Mr. C. Goodeve advised that the schedule has not yet been finalized as the Province has proposed possible changes to the Municipal Election date. 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m. Dianna Saunderson Colin Goodeve Administrative Clerk Committee Administrator