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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2010-02-02SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p. m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Chair Ms. L. Booth, Ms. M. Hogg, Ms. D. Ahluwalia, Ms. T. Beaulne and Messrs. B. Pegg, B. Larkin and D. Pellerin. Ms. K. Kwiatkowski and Ms. S. Franzen were in attendance for part of the meeting. Staff: L. Palubeski, Manager of Program and Resource Services J. Metzger, Crime Prevention Council L. Korabo, Committee Administrator FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS Ms. T. Beaulne referred to the 2009 Festival of Neighbourhoods' (FofN) summary which had been previously circulated. She reminded members that, for the past several years, the Committee had sponsored the 'Newcomer Award', presented to a neighbourhood registering an event for the first time. The Award is a cash prize of $250. towards an event in the subsequent year. The Settler's Grove neighbourhood was the 2009 winner. The Committee was asked if it wished to continue its award sponsorship in 2010. Ms. Beaulne also requested input on how to further develop the working relationship between the Committee and the FofN to achieve more of the Committee's initiatives. In her opinion, the Committee's involvement is an excellent way to achieve neighbourhood engagement and community inclusion, both of which are key parts of the Committee's mandate. In response to questions from several members, Ms. Beaulne clarified how events are organized and registered, the role played by the Organizing Committee and the Finale event where the capital grant prize is awarded. A suggestion was made that the Committee could develop a 'community safety trunk' to assist with planning children's events stressing safety. Ms. Beaulne noted that the Organizing Committee can provide assistance with hosting events producing specific outcomes. Supt. Larkin agreed to commit resources to work with the Organizing Committee to launch discussions on development of a 'community safety trunk'. Councillor B. Vrbanovic inquired if the Crime Prevention Council's (CPC) Neighbour to Neighbour Toolkit for community capacity building could be utilized during the Festival. Ms. J. Metzger noted that the Toolkit is a great resource and suggested that it could be provided as a prize tied to the Festival award currently sponsored by the CPC. Councillor BV thanked members for their input and asked that Ms. Beaulne bring back a framework of ideas for additional discussion. On motion by Mr. B. Pegg - itwas resolved: "That the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee sponsor the Festival of Neighbourhoods 2010 Newcomer Award with funding to come from the Safe City budget." ALL-COMMITTEE GATHERING -FOLLOW-UP Members were reminded that on October 3, 2009, representatives from all Advisory Committees gathered to discuss work plan objectives and opportunities for collaboration. Ms. T. Beaulne attended on behalf of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee and identified connections with the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) and Compass Kitchener. She noted that while only 2 committees were permitted to be identified, the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee could draw connections with many more advisory committees. Following the meeting, all advisory committees were requested to consider possible collaborations with their identified counterparts and explore opportunities to work together. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2010 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. ALL-COMMITTEE GATHERING -FOLLOW-UP (CONT'D) Ms. K. Kwiatkowski attended an earlier All Committee meeting where discussions were held in an attempt to identify duplication of efforts between Adv Comm. It was suggested that committees arrange for joint meetings to discuss any identified duplications and attempt to resolve them. Ms. T. Beaulne attended the October meeting and advised that all advisory committees made presentations on current work plans /mandates and noted that not a lot of overlapping work was occurring. The Committee currently connects with the Downtown Advisory Committee through a representative attending our meetings. Ms. Beaulne further advised that Compass Kitchener has identified a connection with our Committee along with the Mayor's Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors (MACKS). It was her understanding that efforts should be made to connect with these groups. Ms L. Palubeski advised that Derek Bellamy is awaiting an opportunity to attend a KYAC meeting to discuss possible connections and will report back at a future meeting. Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked if we should be approaching MACKS to set up a joint meeting or if they should, as their reps identified a connection with this Committee. Ms. Palubeski offered to connect with MACKS reps and discuss the possibility of a joint daytime / lunchhour meeting wherein discussion could focus on seniors safety issues and perceptions. Ms. Palubeski advised that a recently completed Environics survey had noted an improvement in residents concerns regarding safety from the survey conducted several years ago. A request was made to schedule a presentation on the Environics survey and its results in the near future. Members of the Committee suggested possible meetings with other advisory committees but were reminded that the Committee's new Terms of Reference narrowed the focus of its work / workplan as it had been felt that the Committee's scope was too broad. It was generally agreed to let advisory committees work on their areas of expertise rather than getting involved in too many initiatives. Staff will arrange meetings with MACKS and KYAC and schedule a presentation on the Environics survey. 3. WORK PLAN Building on the discussions held in January, updates were provided as follows on work plan items: • Derek Bellamy will attend a future KYAC meeting to discuss opportunities for collaboration with youth; • L. Palubeski has met with Corporate Communications on the matter of developing a 'Safe Kitchener' public awareness campaign. A second meeting will be held soon and some preliminary information will be brought to the March meeting. Discussions can then take place regarding the Committee's role, input re additional items /concepts, themes, etc.; • L. Palubeski met with Cory Bluhm of the Economic Development Division concerning opportunities for youth input into Urban Square Design; and, • K. Kwiatkowski is still working on arranging a tour of Working Centre. 4. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:07 p. m. Linda Korabo Committee Administrator