Climate Change and Environment Committee

Committee Minutes

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 4:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

Conestoga Room

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407

Present:

• V. Nhio-son, Member
• K. Charlesworth, Member
• S. Davey, Councillor
• S. Stretch, Councillor
• B. Wallis, Chair
• S. Baer, Member
• P. Boot, Member
• P. Nojo, Member
• J. Phan, Member
• A. Hohenadel, Member
• C. Corcoran, Member
• A. Di Battista, Member

Staff:

• N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research
• C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
• A. Cipriani, Corporate Sustainability Officer
• E. Islemecioglu, Committee Administrator
• M. Blake, Committee Coordinator

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1.

Commencement

The Climate Change and Environment Advisory Committee held a meeting this date commencing at 4:02 p.m.

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

3.

Delegations

4.

Discussion Items

4.1

Welcome and Introductions

The discussion began with a welcome and introductions. Staff members were introduced along with their respective roles and responsibilities within the Committee. Committee members received a presentation from C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner, which provided an overview of the history of the Climate Change and Environment Committee (CCEC).

The purpose of the CCEC was outlined as follows:

• To advise the Council on matters of interest related to environmental sustainability.
• To promote environmental stewardship within the community.
• To undertake community outreach related to environmental issues and initiatives.

C. Musselman further outlined the Committee’s mandate, including a two-year work plan designed to address various tasks and projects. This plan will guide the Committee’s activities and priorities for the upcoming term.

4.2

Advisory Committee Training & Orientation

M. Blake, Committee Coordinator provided an overview of the advisory committee training, which covered the operation and policies governing CCEC meetings. The presentation was shared with the committee members, with emphasis on the advisory committee's role in providing advice and recommendations to Standing Committees and Council.

M. Blake also explained the process for motions: a motion is a formal proposal made by committee members and requires a mover, but no seconder. In terms of voting, it was emphasized that all members are required to vote, with failure to vote being counted as a negative vote. Motions will fail in the case of a tie, and the Chair will announce the results of the votes.

The committee was also reminded of the Code of Conduct and the conflict of interest policy, with the clarification that failure to adhere to these policies could result in removal from the committee.

4.3

Selection of Chair and Vice-Chair

The Committee put forward nominations for the position of Chair and Vice Chair.

Veronica Nhio-son, Kim Charlesworth, and Brooklin Wallis were nominated and agreed to stand for appointment.

• Moved by Councillor S. Davey

  It was resolved:

  "That Veronica Nhio-son and Kim Charlesworth be appointed Co-Chairs of the Climate Change and Environment Committee for a term expiring December 17, 2026."

  Carried

4.4

Policy on the Use of Personal Information and Contact Details

C. Musselman noted that the City of Kitchener is not permitted to share any personal information regarding committee members or others. Should any personal information be required for specific purposes, the committee members’ permission will be required prior to sharing such information.

4.5

Discussion of 2025-2026 Work Plan

C. Musselman and N. Goss highlighted the key initiatives presented, which align with ongoing projects and priorities within the City of Kitchener. It was noted that the next meeting will begin the process of drafting the 2025-2026 Work Plan, which will outline the Committee’s initiatives for the upcoming period.

It was further discussed that the work plan could extend beyond the typical two-year term, depending on the scope and timeline of the identified initiatives.

5.

Information Items

6.

Adjournment

On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

 

Eda Islemecioglu
Committee Administrator