HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRPS-10-003 - Environmental Commmittee AppointmentI
Corporate Services
REPORT
Report To: Mayor C. Zehr and Members of Council
Date of Meeting: January 18, 2010
Submitted By: Randy Gosse, Director of Legislated Services & City Clerk
Prepared By: Colin Goodeve, Committee Administrator - ext 2278
Ward(s) Involved: All
Date of Report: December 22, 2009
Report No.: CRPS-10-003
Subject: APPOINTMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE -
VACANCY
RECOMMENDATION:
That Lindsay Matthews and Marion Thomson Howell be appointed to the Environmental
Committee for a term expiring November 30, 2010.
BACKGROUND:
On December 8, 2008, Council appointed Mr. David Erb to the Environmental Committee as a
community-at-large member. When the Environmental Committee's current complement of
members were appointed, only nine of the community-at-large positions were allocated; thereby
leaving two vacancies to be filled at a later date. On December 12, 2009, staff received Mr.
Erb's letter of resignation, indicating that he is no longer able to dedicate the necessary time to
the Committee. Subsequent to Mr. Erb's resignation, community-at-large membership on the
Environmental Committee now only exceeds the minimum required for quorum by three.
REPORT:
On December 18, 2009, staff were contacted by Ms. Lindsay Matthews who expressed an
interest in being appointed to the Environmental Committee. In addition, on December 22,
2009, staff were notified that Ms. Marion Thomson Howell was also interested in joining the
Committee. Accordingly, both were requested to complete an application, copies of which along
with their resumes have been circulated under separate cover to all members of Council in
accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The Environmental Committee's Terms of Reference states that appointments shall be based
on an applicant's demonstrated interest and participation in environmental matters, academic
qualification, work experience, knowledge and professional expertise. To this, Ms. Matthews is
in the process of obtaining afour-year Honours Geography and Environmental Management
Degree and intends to pursue a Masters Degree in Environmental Science. Her work
experience involves several environmental fields, which include residential water efficiency
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audits and research into sustainable transportation. In addition, she has been a volunteer for
the Waterloo Region Groundwater Festival, EcoFest, KidsPark and other environmental fairs
aimed at teaching children about conservation, pollution and environmental stewardship.
Ms. Thomson Howell is currently the Chair of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board
(WCDSB); and in her role as a trustee and Chair of WCDSB, she has been a member of the
Huron Natural Park Area Cooperative Project, Joint Venture Steering Committee. Ms. Thomson
Howell has also been on the Faculty of the University of Windsor where she taught a course in
Environmental Health. Both Ms. Matthews and Ms. Thomson Howell meet all of the eligibility
requirements provided for in Council Policy I-63 (Appointment to Boards & Committees).
It should be noted that these applications have not been considered by the Environmental
Committee as they were received after the December 2009 meeting, and the next Committee
meeting is not until January 21, 2010. However, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Environmental
Committee have considered both applications and have indicated that Ms. Matthews and Ms.
Thomson Howell would be valuable additions to the Committee. Accordingly, they request that
Council endorse the recommendation contained herein.
These appointments are being brought forward at this time, as the next regularly scheduled
meeting of City Council is February 1, 2010. Waiting until that time would preclude these
members from participating at the January 2010 Environmental Committee meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
N/A
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Troy Speck, General Manager of Corporate Services
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