The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m.

Michelle Bourdeau in the Chair. 

Additions & Corrections to the Agenda

None.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

None.

Approval of Minutes

1.

Newmarket Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes of April 5, 2016.

Moved by:      Cathie Ethier

Seconded by: Nicole Hamley

THAT the Newmarket Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes of April 5, 2016 be approved.

Carried

Correspondence

Moved by:      Nicole Hamley

Seconded by: Cathie Ethier

THAT the correspondence items, previously distributed by e-mail, be received.

Carried

Items

2.

Discussion regarding the Municipal Energy Plan and NEAC Recommendations.

J. Birchall and C. Ethier provided an overview of the development of the draft plan to date.  Discussion ensued regarding the purpose and drivers of the plan, plan approval and associated timeframes, feasibility and financial impacts to property owners.

Moved by:      John Birchall

Seconded by: Councillor Sponga

THAT NEAC supports in principle the Draft Municipal Energy Plan and that the following comments be forwarded to staff:

a) THAT a clearer analysis and understanding of how the plan implementation will occur be provided, through a presentation from either Staff or the Consultant to NEAC;

b) AND THAT NEAC be consulted as part of the feasibility study and included in the implementation group.

Carried

3.

Public Engagement and Environmental Events

a)

Community Cleanup Day - Saturday, May 7, 2016

N. Hamley advised that she will be in attendance with her children and will be distributing the Trail Guide and will be obtaining brochures from York Region for distribution. 

b)

Community Garage Sale - Saturday, May 28, 2016

P. Vollmerhausen advised that ads will run in the Era on May 5 and May 26.  Discussion ensued regarding sign permits, sign placement and collection and event volunteers.

c)

Discussion regarding the Newmarket Farmer's Market.

N. Hamley provided an update on efforts to obtain feedback from members on their availability to participate in a booth at the Farmer’s Market.  Discussion ensued regarding the number of weekends that the Committee would be present at the Market, potential dates and partnerships with other Town groups and/or York Region. N. Hamley to email members for their availability and contact York Region to determine whether there are any potential partnership opportunities. 

4.

Discussion regarding informal summer meetings of NEAC.

J. Birchall provided an overview of the meeting structure to date.  Discussion ensued regarding work that needs to be conducted over the summer months.

5.

Committee and Working Group Updates

Discussion ensued regarding the Council Workshop that was held on April 11, 2016 and feedback from that workshop, including review of Got Milkweed and other monarch friendly programs and the boulevard enhancement program.

6.

Verbal Report from the Senior Environmental Coordinator regarding an environmental projects update.

J. Slykhuis provided an overview of current environmental projects being two grant applications, commencement of the stormwater pond maintenance and inventory program, low impact development pilot project on Forest Glen, yellowfish program and rain garden educational projects.

New Business

a)

P. Vollmerhausen requested further information on an upcoming Public Information Centre regarding the Tom Taylor Trail.  Discussion ensued regarding the purpose of the meeting. 

b)

P. Vollmerhausen requested an update from Councillor Sponga on the gateway feature at Main Street and Davis Drive.  Discussion ensued regarding sign materials and future landscape plans. 

c)

Councillor Sponga advised that the Urban Hens Pilot Project has been expanded to include Ward 5 and provided an update on applications to date. 

d)

J. Birchall provided an overview of the process for meeting minute approval. 

Adjournment

Moved by:     Councillor Sponga

Seconded by: Cathie Ethier

THAT the meeting adjourn.

Carried

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.