That Mr. Sutherland be elected as Chair of the Rural Advisory Committee. Carried

Transcription

1 City Of Kingston Rural Advisory Committee Meeting Number Confirmed Minutes Monday, February 6, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Glenburnie Fire Station, 1485 Unity Road Committee Members Present Mr. Sutherland, Chair Councillor Boehme Ms. Conway Mr. Tolls Mr. Wolfe Regrets Staff Members Present Mr. Armstrong, Fire Chief Ms. Bolton, Senior Planner Ms. Eusebio, Intermediate Planner Ms. Jones, Chief Training Officer Mr. Linnen, Operations Manager, Public Works Mr. Newman, Manager, Policy Planning Ms. Salter-Keane, Manager, Community Projects Mr. Thompson, Committee Clerk Others Present Members of the public were present Election of Officers Moved by Mr. Wolfe Seconded by Councillor Boehme That Mr. Sutherland be elected as Chair of the Rural Advisory Committee.

2 Moved by Mr. Tolls Seconded by Councillor Boehme That Ms. Conway be elected as Vice-Chair of the Rural Advisory Committee. Page 2 of 9 Meeting to Order Mr. Sutherland, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Approval of the Agenda Moved by Councillor Boehme Seconded by Mr. Tolls That the agenda be amended to include the addendum, and as amended, be approved. Confirmation of Minutes Moved by Mr. Wolfe Seconded by Ms. Conway That the Minutes of the Rural Advisory Committee Meeting Number held August 22, 2016 be approved. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest There were none. Delegations a) Representatives from the Mountain Bike Club of Kingston were present to speak to the Committee regarding the Mountain Bike Club of Kingston in relation to Clause 1. of the Committee s mandate. Mr. Frank was present to speak to the Committee regarding the MTB Kingston mountain bike club. He mentioned that the club has over one thousand members of which one hundred seventy five members are families. He noted that MTB Kingston has produced several world class athletes. He stated that the land is leased from local land owners and indicated that the proper insurance is in place. Mr. Frank provided the Committee with background information regarding the mandate and mission statement of MTB Kingston. He mentioned that MTB Kingston offers a kids club,

3 Page 3 of 9 clubhouse and race training on Sunday mornings. He noted that MTB Kingston hosts a race series at the provincial level and stated that a race cup will be held at the facility in the future. He commented that MTB Kingston has an economic benefit as many bikes and bike parts are bought in Kingston and significant business is conducted at the Glenburnie Store following the Friday night race. Mr. Frank noted that the trail system is also utilized for skate skiing during the winter. Mr. Frank requested that MTB Kingston be provided with notice regarding possible developments in the area. Briefings a) Chief Armstrong, Kingston Fire & Rescue, was present to speak to the Committee regarding response strategies related to solar voltaic installations. Chief Armstrong and Chief Training Officer Jones were present to speak to the Committee regarding response strategies related to solar voltaic installations. Chief Training Officer Jones informed the Committee that Kingston Fire & Rescue has been working with both the Association of Fire Chiefs as well as the solar farm industry regarding this matter. She indicated that a manual has been produced regarding solar firefighting strategies for both residential areas and solar farms. She stated that all career fire fighters have received the training and noted that the volunteer fire fighters will receive the training moving forward. Chief Armstrong stated that the protocols are now included in the training curriculum and within Kingston Fire & Rescue Policy. Mr. Tolls questioned if Kingston Fire & Rescue have the necessary equipment to fight fires of this nature. Chief Training Officer Jones responded that fighting a solar fire is similar to an electrical fire. She indicated that fire fighters cannot be sent into a charged area. Mr. Wolfe questioned if there is criteria that the City should consider regarding fire suppression when reviewing solar farm proposals. Chief Armstrong responded that Kingston Fire & Rescue would be happy to discuss new installations as part of the site plan review process. He indicated that Kingston Fire and Rescue preplans responses to ensure that the necessary resources are available. Chief Armstrong indicated that Kingston Fire & Rescue could make the manual and documents available to the Committee if requested.

4 Page 4 of 9 b) Mr. Linnen, Operations Manager, Public Works, was present to speak to the Committee regarding Vegetation Management. Mr. Linnen conducted a Powerpoint presentation regarding Vegetation Management. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is attached to the original set of minutes located in the City Clerk s Department. Mr. Wolfe questioned if Public Works Services took any steps to address the weeds along the K&P Trail. Mr. Linnen replied that staff receive several complaints regarding noxious weeds along the K&P Trail corridor. He commented that Public Works Services plans to do more work utilizing the wet-blade system along the K&P Trail. Mr. Wolfe mentioned that invasive species such as garlic mustard are running wild. Mr. Linnen responded that staff is examining invasive species and noted that staff are staying up to date on recent plants added to the invasive species and noxious weeds list. Ms. Conway sought further explanation regarding vegetation management. Mr. Linnen responded that vegetation management normally refers to the removal of a dead tree or branch in a park or the clearing of brush along a roadway. Ms. Conway questioned if the City has agreements in place regarding the clearing of utility corridors. Ms. Linnen explained that the utility would be responsible for vegetation management within utility easements. Ms. Conway asked staff if utilities are required to follow City policies and procedures. Mr. Linnen responded that the utility would have their own protocols. He reiterated that Public Works Services primarily deals with roadside maintenance and does not have significant dealings with utilities. c) Ms. Bolton, Senior Planner, was present to speak to the Committee regarding Estate Residential Review. Ms. Bolton conducted a Powerpoint presentation regarding Estate Residential Review. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is attached to the original set of minutes located in the City Clerk s Department. d) Ms. Eusebio, Intermediate Planner, was present to speak to the Committee regarding Revisions to the City of Kingston Tree By-Law and Site Alteration By-Law. Ms. Eusebio conducted a PowerPoint presentation regarding Revisions to the City of Kingston Tree By-Law and Site Alteration By-Law. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is attached to the original set of minutes located in the City Clerk s Department.

5 Business Page 5 of 9 a) Estate Residential Review Ms. Conway sought further information regarding projected growth rates for the rural area. Ms. Bolton responded that the initial purpose of the review was to examine estate residential subdivisions from a supply and demand perspective. She commented that the City has heard from the development community that there is demand for estate residential subdivisions, however, they have not been developed in the right locations in the past. Mr. Newman stated that staff would like to place some constraints on estate residential subdivisions to ensure that it would occur in an appropriate area. He elaborated that some of the focus of the Study is to examine whether developments near the waterfront should be encouraged rather than on farm land. Mr. Wolfe questioned if the estate residential designation exists currently in the Official Plan. Ms. Bolton responded that the Study must be completed before the Official Plan is amended to remove the estate residential subdivision designation. Mr. Wolfe sought clarification that this matter is dealing with rural designated properties that could become a waterfront designation. Ms. Bolton responded that this is correct and commented that the policy can be very specific regarding where a waterfront designation would be allowed. She spoke to severance opportunities. In response to a question from Mr. Tolls, Mr. Newman provided the Committee with information regarding the rural-urban boundary. He indicated that the ultimate goal of the Study is to try to facilitate rural development in areas that is appropriate. Mr. Sutherland indicated that the Committee would be pleased to hold a public meeting regarding this matter in the future. He suggested that residents be informed of the public meeting by mail. Mr. Wolfe emphasized protecting the heritage character of the Rideau Canal and commented that a thirty metre setback may not be appropriate in all areas. He mentioned that a subdivision located at the end of a dead-end road would alter traffic flows and stated that this situation should be examined. He indicated that local schools could also be impacted by a subdivision. The Chair provided members of the public with an opportunity to provide comment. Ms. Pagratis sought further information regarding the Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight subdivision applications. Ms. Bolton responded that the applications have gone through an

6 Page 6 of 9 Official Plan amendment, Zoning By-Law amendment and Plan of Subdivision process. Ms. Bolton indicated that this matter was settled at the OMB. b) Revisions to the City of Kingston Tree By-Law and Site Alteration By-Law Mr. Newman spoke to the mapping regarding significant woodlands. He provided information regarding permitted use in relation to significant woodlands. Mr. Tolls sought clarification regarding whether wood can be cut for personal use in a significant woodland. Mr. Newman referenced the current By-Law. He stated that staff would like feedback from the Committee regarding this matter. He indicated that staff do not believe that residents should be required to get a permit to cut wood for personal use. Mr. Wolfe commented that it appears that the Committee is concerned regarding the operation of property while staff is concern with the development of property. He indicated that the Committee does not support the clear cutting of land. He noted that residents should be able to cut down trees within reason on significant woodlands without going through a permit process. Mr. Sutherland mentioned that people want their lots to be covered with trees when they purchase property in the rural area. Mr. Sutherland requested that Ms. Conway assume the role of Chair. Mr. Sutherland stated that he was a member of Council when the By-Law was created. He commented that at the time developers were clear cutting land in the rural area. He noted that the original intention was that the rural area was to be exempt from the By-Law with the exception of hamlets. Mr. Sutherland suggested that the Committee should hold a public meeting regarding this matter when the next draft of the report is prepared. Mr. Sutherland sought further explanation regarding the definition of normal farm practice. Mr. Sutherland noted that some farmers sell small amounts of wood when they are starting their farm operations. He reiterated that the whole rural area should be exempt from the By-Law. He indicated that this matter can be sufficiently addressed during the severance process. He commented that just because trees are present does not mean that they are significant. Mr. Sutherland spoke to the survey requirement outlined on page 10 of the Report and indicated that he does not believe that a survey should be required.

7 Page 7 of 9 Mr. Newman stated that staff would be pleased to arrange to hold another public meeting regarding this matter. He mentioned that a public meeting will be held on March 2, 2017 at the Planning Committee. He indicated that the by-law will be updated based on the feedback received. He commented that staff will review the section of the by-law regarding normal farm practices to ensure clarity. He stated that in regards to someone selling small amounts of wood staff will review what the practice is in other municipalities. He indicated that staff are in agreement that a large process is not required to permit cutting small amount of wood. Councillor Boehme stated that the definition of normal farm practice must be clear. He mentioned that farmers must be able to clear farmland. He commented that the terminology in the by-law must be in basic terms and offer examples. He stated that staff should review the rural applications of tree by-laws in other municipalities. He noted that the rural and urban areas required different rules. Mr. Wolfe encouraged staff to focus on what would make sense for the rural area rather than creating numerous exemptions. He commented that the by-law needs to clearly articulate what residents can and cannot do in the rural area. He stated that he supports the Committee holding a public meeting regarding the rural aspects of the tree by-law. Ms. Conway indicated that she is in agreement with Mr. Wolfe and stated that there is a need to capture the differences between the rural and urban areas. She mentioned that most people living in the rural area want to be surrounded by trees and stated that she does not believe the by-law is reflective of the needs of the rural community. She indicated that resident should be able to cut some amounts of trees for fire wood. Mr. Tolls indicated that people should not lose sight that wood cutting is renewable. He stated that there is currently more tree coverage in the rural area than there was in the 1960s. He commented that the problem with a by-law is that the contents are enforceable even if there is a desire for the by-law to be used in a relaxed fashion. He stated that the by-law should be reasonable for today s needs rather than future concerns. He reiterated that the by-law should not be written where there is room for interpretation. The Chair provided members of the public with an opportunity to provide comment. Mr. Hovenberg noted that cutting down trees leads to the regrowth of forested areas. He spoke to the bond required for cutting down trees and stated that the requirement is absurd. Mr. Newman indicated that staff will conduct some scenario testing of the by-law. He stated that staff will examine the applicability of the by-law from an urban and rural perspective. He noted that staff will also consider situational criteria.

8 Page 8 of 9 Mr. Newman provided clarification in regards to compensation for the removal of trees as per the current by-law. He commented that staff will examine this matter further. Ms. Carey commented that farmers are often the best stewards of the land. She stated that better public notice is required regarding meetings related to rural by-laws. She commented that the material should be provided well in advance of the meeting. Councillor Boehme commented that there is a definite distinction between the rural and urban area related to this matter. He commented that there is a desire to double the urban canopy. He questioned if it would be possible to have two separate by-laws. He stated that the rural farm practices should not be governed by a by-law and mentioned that the by-law is mainly applied to the urban area. Mr. Newman stated that staff will consider this suggestion. Mr. Sutherland questioned if the solar farm projects would be covered by the by-law. Ms. Eusebio responded that a permit would be applied for as part of the application process. She indicated that a tree inventory would be required to be completed. Mr. Sutherland suggested that the section related to significant woodlands should be reviewed. Mr. Sutherland sought further clarification regarding removing top soil in relation to the Site Alteration By-Law. Mr. Newman responded that a permit is required in order to move soil to ensure that drainage is not impacted. Moved by Mr. Wolfe Seconded by Councillor Boehme That staff report back to the Rural Advisory Committee regarding the City of Kingston Tree By-Law and Site Alteration By-Law; it being understood that additional consideration and clarification be provided but not be limited to the following definitions and associated concepts: compensation, normal farm practices, significant woodlands and personal use ; and That the Rural Advisory Committee host a public meeting coinciding with the aforementioned report regarding the implications to the rural area with respect to proposed revisions to City of Kingston Tree By-Law and Site Alteration By-Law. c) Rural Advisory Committee Work Plan - Update Ms. Salter-Keane informed the Committee that the work plan can be updated at the next meeting.

9 Page 9 of 9 Mr. Wolfe suggested that there is a need to consolidate the work plan. He stated that there is a need for an annual report regarding the community benefit fund. Motions There were none. Notices of Motion There were none. Other Business There was none. Correspondence There was none. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Rural Advisory Committee will be at the call of the Chair. Adjournment Moved by Councillor Boehme Seconded by Ms. Conway That the Rural Advisory Committee meeting adjourn at 8:54 p.m.