MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
COMMITTEE
2007-10-01 –
CANADA ROOM, MARKHAM
MEETING NO. 2
MembersCouncillor E. Shapero Regional
Councillor T. Wong ( Councillor V.
Burke ( Councillor L. Kanapathi B. Mersey, Chair, Committee P. Ling, Committee |
StaffAlan Seabrooke,
Director, M. Urquhart,
Manager, Environmental Leadership L. Mele, TDM Coordinator K. Boniface,
Technical Coordinator, Parks L. Duoba, Project
Coordinator, Environmental Planning & J. Tsien, Community Resource Coordinator C. Smith, Environment Assistant J. Kee, Committee
Clerk |
The Environmental Issues Committee convened at the hour of
1.
A) TOWN INTERNAL APPLICATIONS – NO APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
B) COMMUNITY
APPLICATIONS
1) Youth Environmental Network of
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, reviewed the application by the Youth Environmental Network of York Region, which has non-profit status. The group is requesting $10,000 for a Youth Environmental Conference for local secondary school students in April of 2008.
Mr. Jason Tsien, Community Resource
Coordinator, advised that he would act as a supervisor in an advisory capacity
to ensure that all criteria are met, and it was noted Alan Seabrooke, Director,
Committee queried the process regarding obtaining proposed speakers, and suggested that the group consider the Town’s “tree-planting initiative” when gifts are being discussed for the speakers.
Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi
Seconded by Mr. Brent Mersey
That the application by the Youth Environmental Network of York Region requesting $10,000 for a Youth Environmental Conference for local secondary school students in April of 2008, be approved.
CARRIED
2)
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental
Leadership, reviewed the application by
a) Schoolyard Restoration Phase 2 - $9,397.61 for the planting of seven (7) shade trees; and the construction of a 9’ by 13’ stage; and
b) Waste Reduction Project - $2,380.00 for a school set of reusable plates, glasses and cutlery
It was noted that, in staff’s opinion, the cost of the Schoolyard Restoration project to plant seven (7) large shade trees would cost considerably more than estimated by the School. Issues were raised with respect to the size of the trees, on-going watering and maintenance; and the educational value of the project. It was noted that the project exceeds the $5,000 maximum, and that the School received Environmental Sustainability funding in 2006.
Committee discussed the importance of community engagement; the MESF general principals and guidelines; the funding cycles; the number of applications received from schools in the past two years; possible need to require consultation with the applicants; and the feasibility of partnering with the local school boards for co-funding such projects.
It was agreed that the project to plant the trees did not meet the MESF criteria; however, staff was requested to speak with the School to discuss other options, including involvement in the Town’s tree planting initiative. Members also agreed that the proposal for the construction of a stage did not fall within the MESF funding criteria.
Committee discussed the Waste Reduction project and agreed that it was an excellent idea to do a waste reduction project, however, it was directed that the matter be referred back to staff to speak to the School to discuss the feasibility of working with the Town’s Waste Management Department as a joint pilot project.
Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the application by Unionville Meadows Public School requesting $9,397.61 for seven large trees and a stage as part of Phase 2 of their schoolyard restoration project be denied;
And that staff be requested to discuss other options for the School’s tree project, including involvement in the Town’s Tree Planting Initiative;
And that the application by
CARRIED
3)
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental
Leadership, reviewed the application by
Committee queried the source of information on geese habitat, behaviour etc. and who would be responsible for the placements of the signs. Staff advised that some information would be from the Ministry of Natural Resources and that Town staff would be installing the signage. Concern was expressed regarding the high cost of the posters, and staff advised that arrangements will be made to produce them internally if possible
Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the application submitted by Stonebridge Public School requesting $4,767.09 for a goose awareness program including signage (2), poster campaign, and an educational video be referred back to staff to obtain revised budget information.
CARRIED
4) Smart
Commute 404-7
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, reviewed the application by Smart Commute 404-7 requesting $4,185.00 for continuation of the Lunch Express from March 2007-September 2007. Members were advised that the application is not consistent with the criteria of the MESF fund.
Regional Councillor Tony Wong declared a conflict of interest in this application, as he is a member of the Smart Commute 404-7 Committee, and did not take part in or vote on the matter.
Mr. Lorenzo Mele, TDM Coordinator, provided background information on the Smart Commute 404-7 initiative to encourage people to use public transport.
Members agreed that this application did not meet the MESF funding criteria, and suggested that staff be requested to contact the Markham Board of Trade to encourage other partners in the private sector to be involved in this initiative and provide funding to enable this project to go forward.
Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the application submitted by Smart Commute 404-7 requesting $4,185.00 for the continuation of the Lunch Express for another six months, be denied.
CARRIED
5) Unionville
BIA
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, reviewed the application by the Unionville BIA requesting $9,000.00 for 6 large shade trees, heritage style benches and bicycle racks for Main Street Unionville. Staff expressed some concern that the project to plant six (6) large shade trees on Main Street Unionville would cost considerably more than estimated by the UBIA. The proposal for bicycle racks would fall within the MESF funding criteria.
Committee discussed the proposal and raised the following concerns: size of trees proposed; planting trees on a street/sidewalk area is very complex; environment around the tree is crucial – appropriate bed and irrigation; cost of sidewalk repair; feasibility of Evergreen Foundation funding; Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee plan to install bicycle racks – a possible pilot project with UBIA; Town’s Tree-Planting Initiative; and feasibility of other funding available to UBIA.
It was suggested that the application be referred back to staff to obtain more information and plans for a long term strategy.
Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the application submitted by the Unionville BIA requesting $9,000 for 6 large shade trees, heritage style benches and bicycle racks for Main Street Unionville be referred back to staff to obtain more information and plans for a long term strategy.
CARRIED
2. NEW BUSINESS
Committee queried the status of a Town Tree
By-law, and staff advised that a report is being prepared and will be brought
forward recommending that a by-law be adopted by Council in the late Fall.
3. NEXT MEETING
As a number of the applications reviewed this date had been referred back to staff, and due to the time constraints relating to the MESF Funding criteria, it was suggested that a further meeting be scheduled to consider the additional information required.
Staff will meet with the applicants, as directed this date, obtain the necessary data, and advise Members of the date of the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Environmental Issues Committee adjourned at