HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 23, 2008
City 00 Minutes I Meeting Summary
Sustainable Pickering Advisory Committee
Thursday, October 23, 2008
PICKERING 2-4 pm
Pickering City Hall, Main Committee Room
One The Esplanade
Attendees: Doug Dickerson,- Chair
Jennifer O'Connell, City Councillor, Ward 1
David Pickles, City Councillor, Ward 3
Bill McLean, Regional Councillor, Ward 2
Tom Melymuk, Director, Office of Sustainability
Neil Carroll, Director, Planning & Development Department
Shawna Mutton, Coordinator, Community Sustainability
Jack McGinnis, Durham Sustain Ability
Renee Michaud, Councillors' Office, Recording Secretary
Guest: Lynn Winterstein, Manager, Marketing & Business Development
Item / Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items / Status
Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as
appropriate)
1. Welcome 'Doug Dickerson
2. Website Tom Mel mulk
Tom mentioned that they have completed the preliminary Lynn Winterstein -
research for website consultants for the proposed redesign. guest
The main issues were finding consultants who are
knowledgeable on the new legislation dealing with
accessibility and familiar with municipal government. The
next step is to start the RFP process.
Councillor O'Connell enquired if the Councillors would have
an opportunity to view the new proposed website pages
before the final selection is made.
Lynn advised that the consultants would provide a few
samples before proceeding with the concept and that we
would be able to submit comments. It was noted to ensure
that this be included in the consultant's contract. It was
suggested that Staff and members of council would like to
have more interaction with the web designers to provide
comments as site pages are developed.
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Lynn indicated that all the pages will be redesigned and that
the consultants will work directly with them to gain feedback.
At this time, we are considering a consulting firm with a bid of
$18,000 which includes costs for staff training, design hours,
and up to 40 pages of content, etc. Content writing is
optional. Councillor Dickerson suggested that costs could
be saved by doing the content writing internally.
It was noted that enhancements can be done once the
upgrade is completed as well.
The regular updates will be done by the Website Coordinator.
Tom mentioned that the funding for the website redesign will
be done via sponsorship.
3.~ S onsorshi ~ Shawna"<Mutton4
Councillor Pickles joined the meeting in progress.
Shawna circulated a Sponsorship Criteria sheet which
outlines the criteria used to evaluate potential sponsors.
Potential sponsors would be selected from a list of
recognizable leaders committed to one of the five
Sustainable Pickering. objectives:
- Healthy environment
- Healthy Society
- Healthy Economy
- Responsible Development
- Responsible Consumption
Councillor Dickerson. mentioned that we must ensure that
the companies listed /chosen as sponsors represent good
corporate partners in the community.
Councillor O'Connell agreed that the sponsors should be
thoroughly screened to ensure that they meet the criteria
established by the city and that the public also supports their
activities in our community. For example, OPG as a
nuclear plant may not necessarily be perceived to be a good
community partner by the average person as many
residents oppose nuclear energy but are not aware of their
involvement in the community.
Shawna also circulated the Sponsorship Proposal package
which would be given to companies that are interested.
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The three proposed sponsorship levels are:
- Platinum - $10,000 +
- Gold - $5,000 - $9,999
- Silver - $1,000 - $4,999
The various levels of sponsorship would include benefits
such as placing their company logo with link on our site, logo
placement on printed materials , visual recognition as a
sponsor at city events and on our website sponsor page.
Councillor Pickles suggested that all sponsors be made
equal; say one level at $2,000. This would create greater
opportunity for all local businesses.
NOTE: Councillor McLean joined the meeting at this time.
Councillor O'Connell supports the one level sponsorship
The website could show a list of sponsor companies
recognized by individual categories with their logo and a link
to their site.
Shawna indicated that this time of the year is the best time
to canvass companies as they are developing their 2009
budgets.
The website sponsorship would be for a one year period
only. Tom Melymuk suggested that $2,500 would be a
comfortable level to generate sponsorship interest.
The committee discussed opportunities to promote the
sponsorship program, i.e. Mayor's newsletter (View on
Business), add a e-bulletin on the Ajax-Pickering Board of
Trade website.
Councillor McLean enquired if there were any grants from
the province or FCM available for these types of projects.
Tom advised that the province does not offer any grants and
that FCM is now focusing on loans rather than grants.
Councillor O'Connell suggested approaching charities and
non-profit organizations for partnerships under the healthy
society criteria. She mentioned that many of these groups
and associations are looking for ways to get more involved Councillor O'Connell
and participate in projects to promote their presence in the to provide contact
community. The committee members agreed that this may information to
be a good idea. Councillor O'Connell to provide contact Shawna to pursue
information to Shawna to pursue this matter further. this further.
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i
Councillor McLean enquired if the Committee members
have a "key phrase" or quick definition to tell people what we
mean by "Sustainability".
Jack indicated that the definition means different things to
different people and that is why the City adopted five
objectives to assist in defining its goals.
Global definition would be to find new ways of doing
business to lessen impact on the environment, our footprint.
Councillor McLean suggested that a "tag line" would be the
best idea. A simple one liner; such as:
"Quality of life for us and future generations"
The committee agreed to adopt a definition as part of the
website redesign.
Councillor McLean left the meeting.
4. Eastern Power All
Tom advised that he had a number of d.iscussions with
Eastern Power over the last few weeks and advised that they
should schedule a Community Open House in Ward 3, for the
area residents to attend and ask questions on their project.
It was suggested that a list FAQ's be added to the notice so Shawna to check
that residents understand what the project is about. the Eastern Power
Councillor Pickles asked if they have a list of FAQ's on their website to find
website. FAQs.
The Community Open House notice would be issued by Shawna to discuss
Eastern Power with no reference to the City. with Councillor
Pickles and
Shawna to discuss with Councillor Pickles and coordinate the coordinate the
postal walk with Council EAs. postal walk with
Council EAs.
6. Energy M4eting All,
As discussed at previous meetings, many developers are
conducting their own energy studies and it may be a good
opportunity for us to hold some type of forum to gain a better
understanding of these studies.
Councillor Pickles mentioned that site visits could be
coordinated with Marshall Homes, Duffins, etc.
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Councillor O'Connell agrees that it could be beneficial to hear
from the builders on energy studies in order to determine the
city's guidelines, i.e. LEEDS.
Neil mentioned that the Planning & Development Department
has to determine a list of basic essential energy standards for
the City.
Tom Melymuk mentioned that some research and education
is required before we adopt a list and noted that some items
would be mandatory and others would be optional.
The standards should be implemented before future
developments are approved. This will have to be done by
council resolution.
Jack suggested that the City should offer some incentives to
encourage builders and developers to follow the city's
guidelines.
Neil mentioned that some municipalities provide a grant
program for development charges, built into the tax system,
which has proven to be very successful.
An energy forum would provide an opportunity to meet with
developers to discuss these issues, educate ourselves as a
committee, and establish guidelines for consideration for city
approved energy standards.
Tom suggested that this could also be done on a
neighbourhood basis.
Councillor Pickles advised that the city should focus on
establishing guidelines for houses and buildings at this time,
then move on to the neighborhood standards.
Neil mentioned that Duffin Heights and Seaton are two
unique areas and would need to be treated differently.
Neil recommended that the committee consult with the City
Clerk prior to scheduling the meeting to ensure that it
conforms to the meeting requirements under the Municipal
Act.
Tom to schedule a meeting to discuss possible dates for the
workshop in November.
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6. Other Business All
Jack mentioned that the Sustainable Pickering Challenge will
be starting up soon.
7. Next Meeting All
To be scheduled within the next 3 weeks.
Meeting Adjourned: 4 pm
Copy: Mayor
Members of Council
CAO
Directors
Division Heads
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