ERCA Meeting Minutes BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOD-June-16-2016 Page No. 1 of 6 MINUTES Minutes for Meeting of the Board of Directors held Thursday, June 16, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, Essex County Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex, ON. * Members Present: Steve Bjorkman Terry Burns Al Fazio Fred Francis Rick Fryer Tania Jobin Irek Kusmierczyk Rick Masse Rita Ossington Larry Patterson Hilary Payne Ed Sleiman (Chair) Ron Sutherland Larry Verbeke Absent: Susanne Coghill Regrets: John Jacobs Larry Snively Len Janisse Crystal Meloche Staff: Richard Wyma, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Candice Kondratowicz, Corporate Services: Administrative Associate Tim Byrne, Director, Watershed Management Services Shelley McMullen, Director, Finance & Corporate Services Kevin Money, Director, Conservation Services Danielle Stuebing, Director, Community Outreach Services Corinne Chiasson, Resource Planner Katie Stammler, Water Quality Scientist Mike Nelson, Watershed Planner Guests: Assorted Media Tom Fuerth, Chair, Source Protection Committee (SPC)
1. CALL TO ORDER Good evening, everyone, and welcome. We have regrets tonight from Councillors John Jacobs, Len Janisse, Crystal Meloche and Larry Snively. I would also like to welcome ERCA Staff that have joined us this evening: Corinne Chiasson, Resource Planner, Mike Nelson, Watershed Planner and Katie Stammler, Water Quality Scientist. 2. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST None APPROVAL OF AGENDA Resolution BD41/16 Moved by Fred Francis Seconded by Rick Fryer THAT the Agenda for the Thursday, June 16, 2016, Meeting of the Board of Directors be approved. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES (a). ERCA Board of Directors Resolution BD42/16 Moved by Ron Sutherland Seconded by Al Fazio THAT the Minutes of the Thursday, April 14, 2016, Meeting of the Board of Directors and the recommendations therein be approved as distributed. (b). Conservation Ontario (CO) Resolution BD43/16 Moved by Al Fazio Seconded by Larry Patterson THAT the Minutes of the April 11, 2016, Conservation Ontario Council Meeting be received. 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS (a). Comments from the Chair, Ed Sleiman Despite the very cold, wet start to spring, I m very happy to report that since our last meeting, staff have planted and distributed nearly 100,000 trees, restored over 103 acres of habitat and created six new wetlands in the region exceeding the targets we
had reported on in April. We have also worked with thousands of volunteers over these past two months to plant trees, native wildflowers, and undertake cleanup activities. I was very excited to host the unveiling of the new Waterbirds of Hillman Marsh interpretive sign on Tuesday. Birding is an important tourism driving in our region, and in the spring, the Pelee-Hillman region attracts 40,000 visitors and generates $15 million dollars in economic benefit. This is an important new amenity to complement these activities. Following the successful launch of our Strategic Plan last month, I m very excited about the actions that are already gaining traction, and looking forward to Richard s presentation on one of those action items tonight. There are many more exciting and engaging initiatives planned over the summer months. Most exciting, perhaps, is the planned construction of the Cypher Systems Group Greenway, which we will hear more about later tonight. We have planned a short Board information tour on Thursday, July 21 for members, to showcase our shoreline protection water and erosion control projects. More information will follow, and we hope you can join us. I hope that Board members will be able to enjoy some of our amazing conservation areas and exciting family activities planned for the summer months. I also hope you will all be able to join us for the Essex Region Conservation Foundation s Fundraising Golf Tournament on July 28. Please see Danielle if you are able to join us. 5. DELEGATIONS (a). Greg Nemeth Re: Big Creek 6. PRESENTATIONS (a). Strengthening ERCA s Image (Strategic Plan: Action 14.2) (presentation attached) Richard Wyma, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Resolution BD44/16 Moved by Fred Francis Seconded by Rick Masse THAT the presentation be received.
7. REPORTS FOR APPROVAL (a). Report BD17/16 - Update on Implementation of Big Creek Management Plan Resolution BD45/16 Moved by Hilary Payne Seconded by Fred Francis THAT BD 17/16 be received as information; and further, THAT ERCA Administration continue to undertake work towards implementing the actions identified in the Big Creek Watershed Plan; and further, THAT the Board of Directors receive further report in the Fall regarding any further actions required to protect the natural habitat in the Big Creek Watershed Area. (b). Report BD18/16 Update on New Water Quality Initiatives Resolution BD46/16 Moved by Rick Fryer Seconded by Larry Patterson THAT Report BD18/16 be received for information (c). Report BD19/16 Evaluating Provincially Significant Wetlands Resolution BD47/16 Moved by Rita Ossington Seconded by Al Fazio THAT Administration finalize agreements with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to undertake wetland evaluations on their behalf on a full cost recovery basis (d). Report BD20/16 Cypher Systems Group Greenway Development Update Resolution BD48/16 Moved by Al Fazio Seconded by Steve Bjorkman THAT administration addresses encroachments as described in BD20/16; and further, THAT any significant legal or budgetary issues related to this process would be outlined in a future report for Board consideration (e). Report BD21/16 - Replacement of Cottage at Holiday Beach Conservation Area Resolution BD49/16 Moved by Irek Kusmierczyk Seconded by Tania Jobin THAT administration invite Green Terra Homes, General Coach, and MiniHomes to
submit proposals for the construction of a pre-fabricated rental cottage at Holiday Beach Conservation Area as described in BD21/16. (f). Report BD22/16 - Update on the Conservation Authorities Act Review Resolution BD50/16 Moved by Rick Masse Seconded by Larry Verbeke THAT ERCA review and submit comment on the Proposed Priorities for Renewal by September 9, 2016 supporting an Integrated Watershed Planning model, an interministry approach to program support, provincial funding for provincially mandated programs, and a strengthened one-window service delivery model; and further, THAT Administration share its comments and recommendations contained in BD22/16 with member municipalities and encourage Municipalities to provide comment on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry. (g). Report BD23/16-2015 Draft Audited Financial Statements and Financial Condition Resolution BD51/16 Moved by Hilary Payne Seconded by Irek Kusmierczyk THAT Report BD23/16, 2015 Draft Audited Financial Statements and Financial Condition Review, be received as distributed, for Member s information; and further, THAT the draft audited Financial Statements of the Essex Region Conservation Authority, for the year ended December 31, 2015, be approved and released as final audited statements. 8. REPORTS FOR INFORMATION (a). Financial Statement for activities ending April 30, 2016 Resolution BD52/16 Moved by Hilary Payne Seconded by Fred Francis THAT the Financial Statement for activities ending April 30, 2016, be approved as presented. (b). Report BD24/16 - Review of Watershed Management Services Activities Report for the months of March and April, 2016 Resolution BD53/16 Moved by Al Fazio Seconded by Ron Sutherland THAT the review of Regulations and Planning Applications, as presented in Report
BD24/16, be received. 9. CLOSED SESSION IN CAMERA Meeting move from Board of Directors to Closed Session: Confidential Labour Relation Matters Resolution BD54/16 Moved by Rita Ossington Seconded by Rick Masse THAT meeting move from Board of Directors to Committee of the Whole Meeting moved from Closed Session to Board of Directors Open Session Resolution BD55/16 Moved by Rita Ossington Seconded by Terry Burns THAT actions of the Committee of the Whole be endorsed 10. OTHER BUSINESS (a). The next meeting of the ERCA Board of Directors is the scheduled for Thursday, September 15, 2016 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Essex County Civic Centre, Council Chambers. Please tentatively save Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 8:30-10:00AM for the Board of Directors Tour focusing on Shoreline Protection/Enhancement. 11. ADJOURNMENT Resolution BD56/16 Moved by Rick Fryer Seconded by Steve Bjorkman THAT the Meeting be adjourned. Richard J.H. Wyma General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer
Strengthening ERCA s Image Essex Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors June 16, 2016 Background + July 2015: ERCF Branding and Marketing Committee begins review of ERCF branding and marketing July 2015 Branding & Marketing Committee Established. HCA Mindbox Marketing & Communications Hired Background + July 2015: ERCF Branding and Marketing Committee begins review of ERCF branding and marketing + November 2015: ERCA Strategic Plan Board Engagement Session identified potential in refreshing ERCAs brand Scope of ERCF Branding and Marketing review expanded. Review of other Conservation Authority/Foundation relationships (e.g. TRCA/The Living City Foundation) and Hospital/Hospital Foundation relationships around a shared vision/concept July 2015 Branding & Marketing Committee Established. HCA Mindbox Marketing & Communications Hired November 2015 ERCA Strategic Plan Board Engagement Session identified potential in refreshing ERCA name/brand. ERCF project expanded scope. Background + April 2016: ERCA 2016-2025 Strategic Plan includes goals and actions related to Customer Service 14.2: Strengthen ERCA s image as a customer servicebased, valued, and knowledgeable organization. Enhance integration of extension programs such as the Essex Region Conservation Foundation, Drinking Water Source Protection, Detroit River Canadian Cleanup, etc. July 2015 Branding & Marketing Committee Established. HCA Mindbox Marketing & Communications Hired November 2015 ERCA Strategic Plan Board Engagement Session identified potential in refreshing ERCA name/brand. ERCF project expanded scope. April 2016 ERCA Board of Directors approves 2016-2025 Strategic Plan. Includes actions related to ERCA image. Background + April 2016: ERCA 2016-2025 Strategic Plan includes goals and actions related to Customer Service 14.2: Strengthen ERCA s image as a customer servicebased, valued, and knowledgeable organization. Enhance integration of extension programs such as the Essex Region Conservation Foundation, Drinking Water Source Protection, Detroit River Canadian Cleanup, etc. + May 2016: Preliminary Strategy presented to ERCF Board of Directors for Discussion July 2015 Branding & Marketing Committee Established. HCA Mindbox Marketing & Communications Hired November 2015 ERCA Strategic Plan Board Engagement Session identified potential in refreshing ERCA name/brand. ERCF project expanded scope. April 2016 ERCA Board of Directors approves 2016-2025 Strategic Plan. Includes actions related to ERCA image. May 2016 Preliminary Strategy presented to ERCF Board of Directors for discussion Background + April 2016: ERCA 2016-2025 Strategic Plan includes goals and actions related to Customer Service 14.2: Strengthen ERCA s image as a customer servicebased, valued, and knowledgeable organization. Enhance integration of extension programs such as the Essex Region Conservation Foundation, Drinking Water Source Protection, Detroit River Canadian Cleanup, etc. + May 2016: Preliminary Strategy presented to ERCF Board of Directors for Discussion + June 2016: Preliminary Strategy presented to ERCA Board of Directors for Discussion July 2015 Branding & Marketing Committee Established. HCA Mindbox Marketing & Communications Hired November 2015 ERCA Strategic Plan Board Engagement Session identified potential in refreshing ERCA name/brand. ERCF project expanded scope. April 2016 ERCA Board of Directors approves 2016-2025 Strategic Plan. Includes actions related to ERCA image. May 2016 Preliminary Strategy presented to ERCF Board of Directors for discussion June 2016 Preliminary Strategy presented to ERCA Board of Directors for discussion
Facts/Features Facts/Features + ERCA established in 1973 + ERCF established in 1977 + Unique to the region - watershed based, only environmental foundation in the region + Work with municipalities, landowners, corporate partners and agency partners + Stewards of one of the world s largest freshwater supplies + Over 6 million trees planted and 7,150 acres of land restored. From 3% to more than 8.5% natural areas + 19 Conservation Areas (4,000 acres) and almost 100km of trails and greenways + Over 350,000 students through outdoor education programs Facts/Features Functional Benefits + Over 5,000 homes protected from flooding and erosion + Detroit River named a Canadian Heritage River + Created Western Lake Erie Watersheds Priority Natural Area (as a Canadian response to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge) + Essex Region Source Protection Plan to protect drinking water + Preservation & Enhancement of our local natural environment and cultural heritage + Healthy environment = healthy economy = healthy communities + Leadership doing what s essential for the community + Education how to and why protect the region + Connecting communities Emotional Benefits Personality + Committed to making the region a place of pride + Healthy environment = Healthy family/community living + Action today is critical/necessary for a sustainable tomorrow EMOTIONAL BENEFITS + Caring + Visionary + Knowledgeable + Credible + Committed + Engaging + Collaborative + Protective + Educating + Lively + Trustworthy + Courageous PERSONALITY EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Vision Mission The Essex Region is a sustainable, resilient and vibrant place with healthy and thriving watersheds, Great Lakes and a green culture. VISION PERSONALITY EMOTIONAL BENEFITS Improving our environment to enrich our lives. MISSION VISION PERSONALITY EMOTIONAL BENEFITS Essence ESSENCE The Place for Life Guardian[s] of natural place. MISSION VISION PERSONALITY EMOTIONAL BENEFITS All elements of a place are interconnected our community, its environmental health, healthy lifestyles for our citizens, and our economy. Life recognizes our living, thriving, sustainable natural systems. Life refers to the people of our community; their health and protection, and our shared heritage. We embrace this place and make it our home. For life. Economy Community Environment Health Key Brand Messages The Place for Life Essex Region Conservation + ERCA and ERCF work together to sustain our natural environment and make the Essex Region The Place for Life + The Place for Life recognizes the interconnectivity of our community, its environmental, economic and personal health; and our cultural heritage + The Place for Life celebrates the place we can call home for life. Key Brand Messages Sustaining The Place for Life Essex Region Conservation Authority + ERCA is dedicated to the protection, restoration and management of the local environment + ERCA strives to achieve a sustainable environment with healthy watersheds, living natural areas, productive agricultural lands and vibrant places + ERCA implements sustainable projects in partnership with residents and local communities + ERCA connects communities and people with the environment through owned or managed natural areas, trails and conservation areas + ERCA ensures people and property are safe from risks of flooding and erosion + ERCA is committed to making our region The Place for Life.
Key Brand Messages Enriching The Place for Life Essex Region Conservation Foundation + ERCF inspires people and organizations to support the environmental projects undertaken to create The Place for Life + Since 1977, the ERCF has raised funds for ERCA projects, as well as sites such as LaSalle Woods and Cedar Creek Provincial Park + ERCF acquires and supports the development of trails that link and promote healthy communities + ERCF supports diverse and vibrant sustainable living through public awareness and fundraising + ERCF is committed to making our region The Place for Life. Next Steps + Branding Strategy integrating The Place for Life into ERCA/ERCF logo development + Communications Strategy Messaging Website, signage, graphics, other + September Launch