Sudbury Soils Study

Public Advisory Committee - Meeting #6

September 17, 2002 – 7:00 p.m.

Cambrian College - Room 1408

 

 

Attendees:                Joe Cimino             Ivan Filion            John Hogenbirk            Aino Laamanen                        

                                   Paul St. Jean

 

Regrets:                    Norris Artuso          Gary Hrystak        Larry McGregor          Rubina Nebenionquit                                                             

 

TC Members:            Marc Butler            Max Kasper          Cory McPhee

            Ido Vettoretti          Glen Watson         

 

Process Observer :  Franco Mariotti

Chair:                          Ivan Filion

Recorder:                  Julie Sabourin

 

 

1.0       CALL TO ORDER

 

The Chair welcomed the new members to the Committee as well as the guest from EarthCare and everyone introduced themselves.   The new members were asked to give a brief biography and it was noted that the other two new members were unable to make this meeting.  Marc explained to the group the process of selection which was based on the same criteria as the original selection of members. The PAC then noted for the record that they were pleased to accept these new members as recommended by the TC.

 

2.0            DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

 

            2.1            Legal Interpretation

 

Members of the Committee were asked to review the TC minutes of Meeting #12 wherein the explanation provided by Dr. Hall was recorded.  It was felt that the most significant area of concern was for those that would make personal financial gain and be involved in the decision making process.  It was noted that the role of the PAC was not to make decisions but to advise and therefore not terribly relevant.  It was agreed that should there be a potential conflict declared, the member would remove themselves from the discussion, but can remain as a member of the public.

 

For this meeting, there were no conflicts declared.

 

3.0            ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

 

There were no additions to the agenda.

 

4.0            APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

            4.1            Minutes of Meeting #5 – July 16, 2002

 

            Minutes were approved as distributed.

 

5.0            BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

 

            5.1            Relationship with EarthCare     

 

            The Chair noted that he had today spoken with Mr. Graham and invited him to this evening’s meeting to provide the group with an historical background of this initiative.  Mr. Graham informed the group that EarthCare was launched in May 2000 and involves close to 40 organizations that signed a declaration to work together to develop a local community environmental action plan.  He indicated that this plan deals with issues such as air, land, water, waste and energy and involves numerous initiatives - the most recent of which is the wind farm project.  He stated that it is expected this implementation plan would be completed in the fall and an additional request for support from the community partners would be solicited.  He also informed the group that EarthCare has not met for a period of time, but believes the Sudbury Soils Study is an initiative that would fit within their parameters and they would be interested in helping to facilitate the study.  He also suggested that it might be prudent that a member of EarthCare be sitting on the PAC.

 

            Following this presentation, this raised several questions with regard to the selection of members if there was a direct association with EarthCare, the relationship and involvement with and by EarthCare.  It was suggested that this be tabled with the TC and there should be further discussion at the PAC and a decision made as to whether the Terms of Reference for the PAC need to be revised to further cement the relationship with EarthCare.

Action:  Chair to bring discussion to TC.

Julie to place on next agenda for further discussion.

 

            5.4            Report of CSC

 

            i)            Role of CSC

            Cory reported that the TC accepted the recommendation from the CSC to recruit an advertising firm to assist with projects. PG Communications were the successful bidders. 

 

ii)            Open House Activities

Cory reported on the feedback from this event which was very positive.  He indicated that the first Process Observer Report was issued and remarked on the significant media coverage leading up to the event. 

 

iii)            TC Identity/Brand

The Committee has been working with PG Communication on the development of a “brand” and the formal name of the Committee.  Sudbury Soils Study was presented along with the logo and was approved with minor changes at the last TC meeting.  The next focus will be the development of the website at sudburysoilsstudy.com within the next couple of months.  Mr. Graham suggested that he would like to create a link to EarthCare also at this website.  As well a brochure needs to be developed.

 

            iv)            Next Public Communication/Event

            A decision in this regard has yet to be made.

 

            v)            PAC Role in Public Information Forums

It was felt that there should be more focus on the PAC, both for public interest and recruitment of new members.

 

It was suggested that the Open Houses may need to be more local (ie. Going into the communities at schools, etc.).  All agreed that this initial event achieved what we wanted by providing an opportunity for the public to become aware of the project.  It was also noted that we needed to be prepared to deal  with issues similar to that which arose during the Q and A period regarding blood tests and why we would not doing them at this time.

 

            5.2            PAC Relationship with TC

 

Ivan provided the group with the background of the discussion he had at the last TC meeting regarding his role on that Committee.  He felt that by being a participant and noted as a member, he is able to influence discussions which could be perceived as compromising his position as Chair of the PAC.  The PAC understood his position, but noted that this was a position of trust and were comfortable with the arrangement.  They also agreed that his presence (or designate) is necessary to provide continuity with the TC.  At this point it was agreed to defer further discussion to the next meeting and that he would continue his participation at the TC until such time as a final decision has been made.

Action: Ivan to continue to participate on TC.

Julie to add to next agenda.

 

5.3            Report of TC

 

i)            Update on Request for Proposal

The RFP was issued to seven groups selected as a result of their response to the Request for Intent.  On September 24^th there will be a public opening of the actual proposals.  The Working Group (WG) are meeting to develop the evaluation criteria to make the final selection, for TC approval, at their next meeting.  Following approval of this document the TC will meet with their individual members and develop their ratings.  The TC will then meet as a group and are expected to come to agreement as to the successful bidder.

 

ii)            Steve Hilts Presentation

Copies of this presentation were distributed to members of the PAC for their information.  They were informed that Steve also had meetings with INCO and Falconbridge during his visit.

 

6.0       NEW BUSINESS

 

7.0       TC MEETINGS

 

7.1            Minutes of Meeting #12 - August 27, 2002

 

Tabled for information.

 

7.2            Draft Minutes of Meeting #13 September 9, 2002

 

Tabled for information.

 

8.0            ADDENDUM

 

9.0       NEXT MEETING

 

 

 

9.1            Dates/Place for Meetings in Upcoming Year

 

It was noted that the Terms of Reference for this Committee indicate that meetings are to be held quarterly or as required as opposed to monthly which has been occurring in the past.  To this end the following schedule of meetings was proposed:

 

            November 19, 2002

            February 18, 2003

            May 20, 2003

            September 16, 2003

 

It was also agreed that supper would be provided for the group at 6:00 p.m. with the public forum beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Meetings would continue to be held in Room 1408 at the College and should public participation warrant, the Chair would arrange for a larger room on short notice.

 

9.2            Advertisement of Meetings

 

It was agreed that a ½ page ad promoting the meetings of the PAC should be prepared.  It was also suggested that the TC be invited to the next PAC meeting in November to allow an opportunity to meet one another.

Action: CSC to prepare ad to promote meetings of the PAC.

TC to attend November meeting.

 

10.0            ADJOURNMENT

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

 

 

            _______________________________                      _____________________________

                        Chair, Ivan Filion                                                        Recorder, Julie Sabourin