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MINUTES - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20180614 Town of Aurora Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Date: Thursday, June 14, 2018 Time and Location: 7 p.m., Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall Committee Members: Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair), Councillor Tom Mrakas (Vice Chair), Irene Clement, Jennifer Sault, Sara Varty, and Nancee Webb Member(s) Absent: Larry Fedec, Kristina Zeromskiene, and Melville James Other Attendees: Christina Nagy-Oh, Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives, and Ishita Soneji, Council/Committee Secretary The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. 1. Approval of the Agenda Moved by Councillor Mrakas Seconded by Irene Clement That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, be approved: Carried 2. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. 3. Receipt of the Minutes Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 1, 2018 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 14, 2018 Page 2 of 5 Moved by Nancee Webb Seconded by Sara Varty That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February 1, 2018, be received for information. Carried 4. Delegations (a) Mark Bassingthwaite, Cole Engineering Group Ltd. Re: Aurora Wildlife Park Design Status Mr. Bassingthwaite presented an overview of the Aurora Wildlife Park Design including a brief history of the project and the study area, changes made to the project over time, and details of the current masterplan including refined wetland grading, trail alignment and watercourse crossings. He further provided an overview of the project challenges and milestones, next steps regarding the trail construction and wetlands detailed design, and further clarifications on the project. Moved by Jennifer Sault Seconded by Sara Varty That the comments of the delegation be received for information. Carried 5. Matters for Consideration 1. Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives Re: Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) Terms of Reference Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum. The Committee and staff discussed and suggested revisions to the terms of reference including the possibility of creating sub-committees for selected prioritized projects, establishing priorities to achieve over the term, and means of tracking project deadlines effectively. The Committee further emphasized the need for communication from staff, which allows the Committee to provide comment on planning projects where necessary. Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 14, 2018 Page 3 of 5 Moved by Irene Clement Seconded by Nancee Webb 1. That the memorandum regarding Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) Terms of Reference be received; and 2. That the comments provided by Committee be referred to staff for consideration and action as appropriate. Carried 6. Informational Items 2. EAC18-001 – Feasibility of the Containment or Removal of Phragmites Staff provided a brief overview of the report. The Committee and staff discussed the need for an invasive species program and staff initiated efforts to mitigate invasive species, and the parameters of implementing targeted approaches for public awareness and outreach. Moved by Jennifer Sault Seconded by Sara Varty 1. That Report No. EAC18-001 be received for information. Carried 3. Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives Re: Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) Progress Report 2017 Staff provided a brief overview and noted that the Corporate Environmental Action Plan Progress Report will be distributed to all Members of Council. Moved by Irene Clement Seconded by Councillor Mrakas 1. That the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) Progress Report 2017 be received for information. Carried Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 14, 2018 Page 4 of 5 4. Memorandum from Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives Re: Wildlife Park Project Update Moved by Nancee Webb Seconded by Sara Varty 1. That the memorandum regarding Wildlife Park Project Update be received for information. Carried 5. Extract from Council Meeting of March 27, 2018 Re: Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 1, 2018 and Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2018-03 Moved by Jennifer Sault Seconded by Councillor Mrakas 1. That the Extract from Council meeting of March 27, 2018, regarding the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 1, 2018, and Summary of Committee Recommendations Report No. 2018- 03 be received for information. Carried 7. New Business The Committee referred to Item 2 and emphasized the need for staff initiated efforts to help mitigate invasive species within Town. New Business Motion No. 1 Moved by Nancee Webb Seconded by Irene Clement 1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee recommend to Council: (a) That the Parks Department be directed to appoint a Co-op student specializing in invasive species in the 2019 calendar year. Carried Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 14, 2018 Page 5 of 5 The Chair and Vice Chair extended their regards to all the Committee members and staff for their contribution and efforts throughout the term. The Vice Chair referred to resident’s concern regarding increase in fire ants on residential properties backing onto Sheppard’s Bush and inquired about the mitigation efforts, and staff provided a response. The Committee referred to the Great Lake Cities initiative committed to restrict the use of coal tar sealants, and suggested the need for more awareness for environmental friendly alternatives within Town. The Committee referred to the Florida Microplastic Awareness Project, and noted that valuable awareness information and strategies to reduce plastic can be found on plasticaware.org. 8. Adjournment Moved by Jennifer Sault Seconded by Sara Varty That the meeting be adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Carried Committee recommendations are not binding on the Town unless adopted by Council.