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MINUTES - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20161124 Town of Aurora Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Date: Thursday, November 24, 2016 Time and Location: 7 p.m., Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall Committee Members: Councillor Tom Mrakas (Chair), Irene Clement, Larry Fedec, Jennifer Sault, Melville James, Sara Varty, and Nancy Webb Member(s) Absent: Councillor Paul Pirri (Vice Chair), and Dr. Kristina Zeromskiene Other Attendees: Christina Nagy-Oh, Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives, Jim Tree, Manager, Parks, and Samantha Kong, Council/Committee Secretary The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. 1. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. 2. Approval of the Agenda Moved by Irene Clement Seconded by Larry Fedec That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved. Carried Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 24, 2016 Page 2 of 6 3. Receipt of the Minutes Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2016 Moved by Nancee Webb Seconded by Jennifer Sault That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 2, 2016, be received for information. Carried 4. Delegations (a) Fausto Filipetto, Senior Policy Planner, Town of Aurora Re: Library Square and Town Park Mr. Filipetto presented an overview of the Library Square and Town Park conceptual plans, and provided background, public survey results/feedback, and next steps. Moved by Jennifer Sault Seconded by Irene Clement That the comments of the delegation be received for information. Carried (b) Iris Tufa and John McNally, Windfall Ecology Centre Re: Introduction to the ClimateWise Business Network Ms. Tufa and Mr. McNally presented an overview of the ClimateWise Business Network and explained the benefits it provides to businesses in regards to sustainability. The Committee suggested that this information could be presented to the Economic Development Advisory Committee, as there is a strong link with local businesses. Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 24, 2016 Page 3 of 6 Moved by Irene Clement Seconded by Larry Fedec That the comments of the delegation be received for information. Carried (c) Barry Bridgeford, Resident Re: Invasive Plant Species, Invasive Species Act, Funding for Control Mr. Bridgeford provided an overview of invasive plant species in Aurora, specifically phragmites, dog-strangling vine, and Japanese knotweed. He noted that there is no funding for the control and/or eradication of these species and is requesting that Council authorize such funding for 2017. The Committee expressed support for the request. Moved by Nancee Webb Seconded by Sara Varty That the comments of the delegation be received for information. Carried 5. Matters for Consideration None 6. Informational Items 1. Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives Re: Environmental Programs New Priority Actions Staff provided a brief overview of the environmental programs new priority actions, and the Committee expressed interest in assisting the Program Manager with projects. Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 24, 2016 Page 4 of 6 Moved by Larry Fedec Seconded by Melville James 1. That the memorandum regarding Environmental Programs New Priority Actions be received for information. Carried 2. Extract from Council Meeting of June 28, 2016 Re: Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2016 The Committee inquired whether Council provided input to the objectives of a Community Earth Week Fair. Staff recommended that the Committee discuss objectives at a future meeting and bring them forward to Council for consideration. Moved by Irene Clement Seconded by Jennifer Sault 1. That the Extract from Council Meeting of June 28, 2016, regarding the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 2, 2016, be received for information. Carried 7. New Business New Business Motion No. 1 Moved by Nancee Webb Seconded by Jennifer Sault 1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to Council: (a) That staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of eliminating single-use plastic bottles at all Town facilities, and report back; and (b) That a “bring your own bottle” initiative be implemented at all Town facilities. Carried Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 24, 2016 Page 5 of 6 New Business Motion No. 2 Moved by Irene Clement Seconded by Larry Fedec 1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to Council: (a) That the concept plans for Library Square and Town Park, and removal of the former library and seniors centre, be endorsed; and (b) That green and sustainable development aspects be incorporated in the final designs. Carried New Business Motion No. 3 Moved by Irene Clement Seconded by Melville James 1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to Council: (a) That staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of containment or removal of phragmites, and report back to Council within the first quarter of 2017; and (b) That a public education strategy be developed regarding phragmites, dog- strangling vine, and Japanese knotwood. Carried New Business Motion No. 4 Moved by Jennifer Sault Seconded by Larry Fedec 1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to Council: (a) That staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of joining the ClimateWise Business Network. Carried Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 24, 2016 Page 6 of 6 8. Adjournment Moved by Melville James Seconded by Sara Varty That the meeting be adjourned at 9 p.m. Carried Committee recommendations are not binding on the Town unless adopted by Council at a later meeting.