MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
COMMITTEE
2008-10-02
YORK ROOM, MARKHAM
MEETING NO. 2
MembersDeputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor T. Wong Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero B. Mersey, Chair, Advisory Committee Regrets: Councillor L. Kanapathi |
StaffM. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership V. Sawler, Manager, Office C. Marsales, Manager, Waste Management B. Wiles, Manager, By-Law Enforcement and Licensing B. Nicholson, Manager, Business & Technical Services V. McGrath, Acting Manager, Executive Operations/ Green Print Office N. Takata, Parks Planner C. Smith, Environment Assistant K. Burns, Sustainability Coordinator J. Kee, Committee Clerk |
The Environmental Issues Committee convened at the hour of
1.
“COMMUNITY APPLICATIONS”:
a) THORNHILL
SOLAR INITIATIVE REQUESTING $10,000 FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
AND VENUES TO PROMOTE SOLAR
TECHNOLOGY
IN THE COMMUNITY
Mr. Jonathan Maister, Thornhill resident, Mr.
Lloyd Helferty, Thornhill resident, Mr. Ken Traynor, Our Power, and Mr. Paul
Charbonneau, Energy Consultant, were in attendance, and gave a presentation on their
project to encourage Thornhill (Markham) residents and businesses to undertake
Solar Renewable Energy retrofits to their buildings by providing information,
including: costs, procedures, contacts, options and incentive programs. Committee was advised that the information
provided will be based on the experience of a group of residents in the City of
Copies of a handout were distributed
providing details of the primary benefits and objectives of the project, and
also the expectations of the Town. A map
illustrating areas within the City of
Staff noted that MESF funding must be spent
in
Committee was advised that the project will
inform local citizens in various ways, including community meetings, flyers,
and newspaper/newsletter articles, and then those that are interested would be
guided to the appropriate resources, procedures and costs to complete the
retrofit project.
Members queried the following matters:
- clarification regarding specific location
of the project & number of households to be targeted
- other potential sources of funding, i.e.
PowerStream, Trillium funding, Ministry of the Environment – Go Green Fund; and
Community Power Fund
- technology recommendations: photo voltaic;
solar thermal
- benefits to the community; return on
investment
- education and outreach
- original purpose of the MESF fund - more
citizens should benefit
- mandate of the spearheading volunteer
group, i.e. to obtain discounts?
- proposed process regarding RFP’s, bids,
models to be used; vendor packages
- expectations of partnership with the Town
of
Following some discussion, Committee agreed
that more information was required and it be requested that the application be
revised, and re-submitted within the next month.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the request from York Region Solar
Initiative for $10,000 for the first stage of the Thornhill Solar Initiative be
referred back to staff to work with the group to revise the application to
provide further information on the following items:
· updated budget required, including
correct number of homes in Thornhill to be targeted
· funding from other sources –
details; list of potential businesses/organizations/other levels of government
· vendor technology available;
models pursued
· RFP process and options; marketing
of providers; package options for homeowners
· alternate processes as well;
industrial/commercial/institutional
· clarification of area in
· provide specific targets for the
· details of “results oriented
process”
· partnership development
· details of process in the City of
· lessons learned from prior
experience in City of
· public forum process to raise
awareness
· safety requirements; inspections
required; building permit requirements
· specific role of the volunteer
group
· importance of connection to the
local municipality
· provide suggestion of how to
“sweeten the pot” as per handout provided
· potential collaboration with
PowerStream and Markham District Energy Inc.
And that a further meeting be held within one
month to reconsider the application.
CARRIED
b) YOUTH
ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK OF
REQUESTING $10,000 FOR A
Ms. M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, reviewed an application from Mr. Vino Jayapalan, CEO and President of The Youth Environmental Network of York Region (YENYR). The application was requesting MESF funding in the amount of $10,000 to assist in the organization of the first Markham EcoFest, the purpose of which is to create a strong awareness of how to achieve “zero waste” in the community.
Committee discussed the following matters related to the request:
- some concern expressed regarding high cost for speakers, stage lighting, YRT/VIVA transit
- potential location of the event
- feasibility of using Civic Centre and erecting stage in centre of Council Chambers
- queried other partners involved
- queried food vendors and suggested that there be the promotion of local food;
- water bottle usage queried
- suggestion that there should be some guidance with respect to the “green” printing of flyers for the event
- request for more details regarding prizes - they should not be over-packaged
It was suggested that the request be referred back and that staff work with YENYR to review their budget and to provide more details, as discussed above.
There was also some discussion regarding the feasibility of, in the future, of holding a “zero waste” meeting for organizers of Celebrate Markham festival, such as the Thornhill Festival and the Milliken Mills Children’s Festival, and that staff may wish to consider creating a video relating to zero waste that could be part of such a meeting.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by B. Mersey
That the application from the Youth Environmental Network of York Region requesting MESF funding in the amount of $10,000 to assist in the organization of the first Markham Eco Fest be referred back to staff;
And that staff be requested to work with YENYR to review their budget and provide more detailed information on issues raised this date;
And that a further meeting be held within one
month to reconsider the application.
CARRIED
c)
Ms. M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership, reviewed an application from Swan Lake Village requesting MESF funding in the amount of $2,000 for natural heritage signage, relating to the geese in Swan Lake and similar to the signage that is currently in place at Berczy Park Pond.
Members discussed the number of signs required; the cost of producing the signs and installation by staff.
Moved by Councillor V, Burke
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the application by Swan Lake Village requesting MESF funding in the amount of $2,000 for natural heritage signage at Swan Lake be approved.
CARRIED
d) SOUTH UNIONVILLE COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION STOLEN SIGN - REQUESTING USE OF $900 IN REMAINING FUNDING FOR SIGN
REPLACEMENT
Ms. Mavis Urquhart, Manager, Manager, Environmental Leadership, advised that a request has been
received from the members of the South Unionville Community Association for
MESF funding in the amount of $900 to replace signage, (showing pathways and
wildlife commonly found in the area), that has been stolen.
Members were advised that $2,000 of previously
unused MESF funds, for signage and community planting, had been returned to the
Town by this group, and that the $900 request could be obtained from this
balance.
The matter of how signs are attached was
raised, and Members were advised that Town staff will ensure that extra steps
are taken to more securely install signs in the future.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the request by the South Unionville
Community Association for MESF funding in the amount of $900.00 to replace
stolen natural heritage signage be approved, subject to it being more securely
attached to a larger metal plate;
And that any future natural heritage signs
approved by this Committee, be similarly secured.
CARRIED
2.
“STAFF APPLICATIONS
a) VICKY MCGRATH, SUSTAINABILITY
OFFICE, REQUESTING
$14,140 FOR ONLINE YOUTH
ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
Ms. M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership,
reviewed an application from Ms. Vicky McGrath, Sustainability Office. The application is requesting MESF funding in
the amount of $14,140 for a project to develop a youth website that will engage
Ms. McGrath was in attendance and provided additional information on the
project.
In response to a query respecting promotion of the project, Members were
advised that a video has already been created for posting on YouTube. Some concern was expressed that the video had
been completed prior to MESF approval, however, it was noted that if MESF
funding was not approved, the cost of the video would come out of the Sustainability
Office budget. Members were advised that
one of the criteria for external applications was that prior expenditures are
not to be included in MESF funding requests, and it was suggested that this
should also be a requirement of internal applications in future.
Committee discussed the following matters:
- process for winning prizes; criteria involved; try to award as many
prizes as possible; perhaps more prizes
– smaller amounts; and include honourable mention
- involvement of many schools preferred
- the feasibility of designing a plaque that could be hung in the school
It was suggested that the budget be revised to divide the prizes up further, so that there would still be enough incentive, and also to include the creation of a school plaque.
Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the application from Ms. Vicky McGrath, Sustainability Office, requesting MESF funding for the Online Youth Engagement Program be approved in the amount of $9,400;
And that staff adjust the value of the prizes as discussed this date;
And that a suitable plaque be designed for presentation to the schools;
And that the guidelines for internal applications be amended to include the requirement that prior expenditures are not to be included in MESF applications.
CARRIED
b) VICKY
MCGRATH, SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE, REQUESTING $2,000 FOR SUSTAINABILITY SERIES
WITH
Ms. M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership,
reviewed an application from Ms. Vicky McGrath, Sustainability Office. The application is requesting MESF funding in
the amount of $2,000 to conduct a series of eight (8) “Sustainability Series”
sessions/workshops that will complement the initiatives of the Sustainability
Office, hosted by the Markham Public Library.
Ms. Vicky McGrath and Ms. Katie Burns, of the Sustainability Office were
in attendance and provided additional information. Members were advised that the purpose of the
project is public education, and panel discussions and hands-on workshops would
be held from January to May, 2009.
Committee requested that staff ensure that this Series would also be
made available to the multi-lingual community.
In addition, it was suggested that members of the Mayor’s Youth Task
Force be contacted regarding the possibility of video-taping the sessions and
posting them on YouTube. This could be
considered part of the students’ community hours.
Staff was requested to include, if possible,
the topic of “zero waste” in one of the sessions. Mr. Brent Mersey, Chair of the Markham
Environmental Advisory Committee (MEAC), asked that staff contact members of
MEAC as they would be very interested in this series and may wish to be
involved.
Ms. Viive Sawler, Manager, Markham Energy
Conservation Office, also advised that she would be pleased to assist with this
project, and Regional Councillor Tony Wong asked that staff contact both he and
Councillor L. Kanapathi once the project is ready to be promoted.
All Members of Council will be advised of the dates of the sessions,
once the project is confirmed.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the application from Ms. Vicky McGrath, Sustainability Office, requesting MESF funding in the amount of $2,000 for the Sustainability Series with Markham Public Library be approved.
CARRIED
c) BILL
WILES, MANAGER OF BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT AND
LICENSING REQUESTING $22,000 FOR
Ms. M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership,
reviewed an application from Mr. Bill Wiles, Manager, Enforcement and
Licensing. The application is requesting
MESF funding in the amount of $22,000 for a Markham Environmental Kick-Start
Project. The purpose of the project is
to provide field resources to support and undertake local community clean-ups
that otherwise go unaddressed.
Mr. Bill Wiles was in attendance and provided additional information on
the project, including the proposed budget and noted that the proposed
timelines are May to August, 2009. The
project will facilitate community groups undertaking environmental clean-ups in
their area and then taking ownership for ongoing maintenance. He noted that the project will include an
education and communication component for community awareness.
Mr. N. Takata, Parks Planner advised that he would be pleased to assist and noted that he is in contact with numerous community groups that may be interested in being involved. It was suggested that staff should be very aggressive regarding education.
Committee expressed its enthusiasm regarding the project, but suggested that staff may wish to consider a more exciting project title to catch the interest of the public, such as “Markham Make Over”. Staff noted that this will be considered by the project team.
Following discussion of the project, Committee was advised that no resources should go to “graffiti” cleanup, as “graffiti” currently comes under the Property Standards By-law. It is staff’s intention to create a stand-alone graffiti by-law as soon as possible, and in addition, York Regional Police are working on a graffiti diversion program.
Committee
discussed the use of gloves, and requested that staff should ensure that heavy
duty, puncture-proof, non-disposable, re-usable gloves be provided rather than
disposable gloves. In the interest of
cost reduction, it was suggested
that staff consider alternatives to leasing right-sized vehicles for the staff
involved in this project.
Mr. Brent Mersey, Chair of the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee (MEAC), advised that members of MEAC would like to be involved in this project, and suggested that Mr. Wiles attend one of their up-coming meetings to make a presentation on this project.
Ms. Claudia
Marsales, Manager, Waste
Management, noted that appropriate recycling and garbage bags would have to be
used, and that Mr. Wiles and the project team should liaise with the Waste
Management Department to ensure proper sorting and recycling of collected
materials.
It was pointed out that clean-up programs are good, but they should
address the cause through education and community awareness. It was suggested that it would be beneficial,
once the project is completed, to have staff prepare a report with
recommendations/options to be considered for the future.
The matter of the clean-up of lands within
Committee requested that the application be revised to include a list of
deliverables, including a staff report with recommendations; the use of appropriate
garbage bags; suitable gloves; connection to the “Zero Waste Initiative; and
also the posting of mobile “A-Frame” signs with wording such as “We Are
Cleaning Up”.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the application from Mr. Bill Wiles, Manager, Enforcement and
Licensing, requesting MESF funding in the amount of $22,000 for a Markham
Environmental Kick-Start Project be referred back to staff to be revised to
include a list of deliverables, as discussed this date;
And that consideration be given to doubling the amount requested;
And that a further meeting be held within one
month to reconsider the application.
CARRIED
3. OTHER
MATTERS
a) TREES FOR TOMORROW
Mr. Bob
Nicholson, Manager, Business &
Technical Services, was in attendance and presented a draft of the “Markham
Trees for Tomorrow Fund – Applicant’s Guide and Application Form” for
Committee’s consideration and approval.
It was noted that it is similar to the MESF Form, but it is a much more
streamlined process.
Staff was requested to amend the Form by adding the following statements
to the first paragraph, entitled “What is the Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund
(MTTF)?”:
·
“climate
change”
·
wording that refers to the amount of
greenhouse gases each tree sequesters and that impact on human health
In addition, Committee requested that staff consider the following
suggestions:
·
ensure
compliance with all relevant policies
·
under
“Trees For Tomorrow”, add a second line stating: “Re-foresting Markham’s Public
Domain”
·
one major
fund, with 3 smaller funds
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor V. Burke
That the Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund – Applicant’s Guide and Application Form be approved, as amended.
CARRIED
b) PRESENTATION ON MESF
This matter was referred to the next meeting.
c)
(OCETA) -
UPDATE
This matter was referred to the next meeting.
4. NEW BUSINESS
a) WATER BOTTLES/PLASTIC BAGS - CORPORATION
It was requested that the matter of the use
of water bottles and plastic bags by the Corporation of the Town of
5. NEXT MEETING
Staff was requested to schedule a meeting within the next month and advise Members. Subsequent to the meeting, the following date was scheduled:
ADJOURNMENT
The Environmental Issues Committee adjourned at