The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.

John Birchall in the Chair.

Additions & Corrections to the Agenda

None.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

a)

John Birchall declared an interest in Item 1 of the agenda being a Presentation by Mr. Robert Shirkey, Executive Director, Our Horizon regarding climate change and air pollution warning labels on gas pumps as he was employed by and receives a pension from a large petroleum company.  He advised that he would take no part in the discussion of the foregoing matter.

Dayna Laxton assumed the Chair.

Presentations

1.

Mr. Robert Shirkey, Executive Director, Our Horizon regarding climate change and air pollution warning labels on gas pumps.

Mr. Robert Shirkey, Executive Director, Our Horizon provided an overview of the gas pump warning label program.  He summarized the program endorsements, fundamentals of the program and gasoline consumption impacts on the global climate.  Discussion ensued regarding timelines for the initiative being made law in other areas, including British Columbia and California, costs to the municipality and retailer, feedback from the fuel industry and corporate partnership opportunities.

Moved by:       Doug Jagger

Seconded by: Phillip Breault

THAT the presentation by Mr. Robert Shirkey, Executive Director, Our Horizon regarding climate change and air pollution warning labels on gas pumps be received;

AND THAT Mr. Robert Shirkey be invited to provide an update to the Newmarket Environmental Advisory Committee on the Climate Change and Air Pollution warning labels initiative at a later date.

Carried

John Birchall took no part in the discussion of the foregoing matter.

John Birchall assumed the Chair.

Approval of Minutes

2.

Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes of June 4, 2014.

Moved by:      Dayna Laxton

Seconded by: Geoff Shore

THAT the Environmental Advisory Committee Minutes of June 4, 2014 be approved.

Carried

Correspondence

3.

Moved by:       Dayna Laxton

Seconded by:  Geoff Shore

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

Carried

Items

4.

Review of the Ian Gray Award Review and related Action Items.

G. Shore provided an overview of the revised Ian Gray Award documents.  The application and informational brochure have been simplified.  Discussion ensued regarding the program name in recognition of two separate programs, awards brochure, electronic distribution methods and timing of the applications.  Communications staff to be approached to assist in the creation of forms that can be completed electronically and brochure design.

Moved by:  Phillip Breault                    

Seconded by:  Doug Jagger

THAT the Ian Gray Award Review be received;

AND THAT the Award information be forwarded to Communications staff for their design and format review.

Carried

5.

2014 E-Waste Event.

John Birchall provided an update on the E-Waste Event which is taking place at Upper Canada Mall on Saturday, September 27.  Tim Hortons locations in Newmarket will be circulating information about the event in advance of the date.  Public Works Services will provide support by supplying safety vests, traffic cones, blue bins and green bins.  John Birchall advised that volunteers are still required for assistance at the event. 

6.

Discussion of NEAC Priorities to the end of November, 2014.

John Birchall advised that the following matters remain outstanding and suggested that they be noted as action items for the next Committee:

·         appointment of a dedicated staff resource to coordinate environmental matters and priorities for the Town;

·         expansion of the existing Community Garden and review of opportunities for new Community Gardens within the Town;

·         preparation of a draft Community Environmental Plan

New Business

a)

The Director of Public Works Services advised that the Town is currently recruiting for a Solid Waste Coordinator contract position.  The role will be shared between other York Region municipalities and the role includes performing a general review of the solid waste contractor’s performance levels, ensuring that solid waste is appropriately sorted and education on waste sorting and collection.   

b)

The Director of Public Works Services advised through the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, solar panels have been installed at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex and an additional installation for the Magna Centre was approved by Council on September 8, 2014. 

c)

The Director of Public Works Services provided an update on street lighting retrofit program.  Approximately 1100 LED lights have been installed to date, saving the Town approximately 30,000 kilowatt hours.  Discussion ensued regarding the retrofit process and payback period.

d)

The Director of Public Works Services provided an update on the Town’s Emerald Ash Borer treatment and eradication initiatives.

e)

The Director of Public Works Services provided an update on the Community Gardens.  Staff in Recreation and Culture has circulated throughout the community to obtain feedback regarding construction of additional Community Gardens.  A report will be circulated to NEAC on the feedback received through the survey.  Town Staff and representatives from the York Region Food Network met on site at the existing Community Garden to review the request for the construction of two additional rows.  As water servicing will be required, the Town is willing to donate resources and equipment to complete the installation.  Staff has requested that the York Region Food Network cover the cost of materials for water servicing.  A grant application for Healthy Living has been submitted by the Recreation and Culture Department with the York Region Food Network as a partner. 

f)

The Director of Public Works Services advised that complaints have been received regarding Tim Hortons waste, specifically at two restaurants in Newmarket.  With NEAC endorsement, it is being suggested that additional refuse containers be placed in the areas where the most complaints have been received at Tim Hortons expense.  Staff will prepare a letter to Tim Hortons and circulate to NEAC for comment.

g)

The Director of Public Works Services advised that the Town has implemented a pilot e-bike share project that provides e-bikes for staff use to attend off-site meetings and conduct errands in Town.

h)

The Traffic Technician advised that the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is providing a grant of up to 75% to eligible homeowners through the Landowner Environmental Assistance Program (LEAP) for the installation of rain gardens. 

i)

The Director of Public Works Services advised that the Public Works Services staff is reviewing their practices in order to implement low impact designs, particularly for stormwater management. 

j)

Doug Jagger requested an update on the Silken Laumann development.  Planning staff to provide a written update to the Committee on the status of the application.

k)

John Birchall advised that the Regional Environmental Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2014.

l)

John Birchall advised that the Town is currently undertaking a Committee review.  He will be meeting with the staff member responsible for the review and has prepared a feedback document for the Committee’s review. 

Adjournment

Moved by:       Dayna Laxton

Seconded by: Doug Jagger

THAT the meeting adjourn.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.