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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2003-05-12DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 12~ 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date commencing at 7:15 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M. Galloway, G. Lorentz, J. Smola and J. Gazzola. Officials Present: Ms. L. MacDonald, Ms. J. Given, Ms. S. Adams and Messrs. J. Fielding, G. Stewart, J. Willmer, R. Shamess, R. Browning, G. Mann, J. McBride, L. Lynch, G. Borovolis, L. Masseo, S. Turner and L.W. Neil. Councillor C. Weylie congratulated Fire Chief Rob Browning on his appointment as President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. 1. DTS-03-080 - KESTREL PLACE / 254 WOOLWICH STREET NORTH REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE TO OLD COTTAGE PLACE BRIDGEPORT - CENTRE WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 080 dated April 29, 2003 dealing with a proposal to rename Kestrel Place to Old Cottage Place. It was noted in the report that a group of residents in the Bridgeport North Community who front a private laneway known as 54 Woolwich Street North had requested a street name change following development of an adjacent subdivision as these residents now obtain access from Kestrel Place which is the closest road allowance to the lane. It is requested that Kestrel Place be renamed to a name that more accurately reflects the history of the area. However since Kestrel Place is a street name on a registered plan of subdivision, the City must undertake a formal street name change. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. Mr. J. Willmer briefly summerized the purpose of the staff report. Ms. Luella Kains attended representing several residents who have requested a name change and support the recommendation. She did indicate she had questions as to how residences would be numbered but would discuss these concerns with staff. No other delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That the renaming of Kestrel Place to Old Cottage Place be approved; and further, That Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary by-law and proceed with the legal name change process." DTS-03-058 - 301 SPADINA ROAD EAST DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 031031SlCB COOK HOMES LIMITED WEST - VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-058 dated April 30, 2003 dealing with a demolition control application submitted by Cook Homes Inc. with respect to the property known municipally as 301 Spadina Road East. The subject property is located along the southern frontage of Spadina Road East between Mill Street and Russell Street in the Mill - Courtland - Woodside Park Community. The applicant requests permission to demolish a single detached dwelling in order to allow for the redevelopment of the site, which also contains a large construction yard, as a 52 unit townhouse complex. It was noted in the report that a site plan application was submitted and approval in principle granted subject to Council approval of the demolition application. Mr. J. Willmer explained the purpose of the application and pointed out that most neighbourhood DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 12~ 2003 - 59 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DTS-03-058 - 301 SPADINA ROAD EAST DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 03/03/S/CB COOK HOMES LIMITED WEST - VICTORIA PARK WARD (CONT'D) concerns related to the six issues listed in the report under the section identified as community feedback. Mr. Willmer noted that as a result of the various concerns that were expressed, Cook Homes made a number of revisions to its proposal. He also pointed out that because the staff report was just completed May 2, 2003 it was delivered to affected property owners but a few of the reports were mailed because they were not deliverable. He indicated that the owner of an apartment building that received one of the mailed reports had contacted him today to express concerns. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. J. Willmer advised that the apartment owner was advised that a recommendation concerning this matter would be presented to City Council at its May 20, 2003 meeting should the owner wish to attend as a delegation. Finally, he pointed out that Transportation Planning staff had given detailed considerations with respect to the access issues relating to the site plan. Mr. J. McBride advised that the original site plan provided for only a single access to the site and following staff review the site plan was revised to allow for 2 access points. He commented that it was the opinion of Traffic staff that the size of the development did not present a significant traffic issue. Mr. lan Cook, Cook Homes Ltd. attended in support of the recommendation in the staff report. He commented that he was confident the site was appropriate for the development which had been designed having regard to the site elevation. He noted that the site met current zoning requirements and commented that while the development was 52 units, in reality it was not as significant as it sounds given that 26 of the units were one bedroom apartments in the basements of the dwellings. Mr. Cook also pointed out that he was very aware of the need to preserve existing vegetation where located on the boundaries of the site. Mrs. Andrea Thiessen-Regehr attended to advise that she and her husband objected to the demolition on the basis that the character of the existing home would be lost to the neighbourhood. She questioned if the character of the townhouses would be such as to maintain the character of dwellings in the neighbourhood if the project was to proceed. The delegation advised that their property backs onto the proposed development and that their concern was a loss of privacy which she suggested could be addressed by planting a double row of trees along the rear boundary as well as erecting a solid wood fence instead of a chain link fence. She also expressed concerns that the units were rental rather than owner occupied and that visitors would be parking on the street. In response to the delegation, Mr. J. Willmer commented that staff saw the proposal as beneficial to the neighbourhood given that land use compatibility was being achieved with the entire property becoming residential rather than it remaining in its present condition as a large construction yard. Further, he noted that the present zoning would allow for an apartment building up to 8 storeys in height. On the fencing issue, Mr. Willmer advised staff do not see a need to require solid wood fencing and on the issue of parking, he advised that the parking requirement for the site was Iow because of the size of the units but that the amount of parking being provided was more than the zoning by-law requires. No other delegations were registered regarding this matter. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 03/03/S/CB (Cook Homes Limited) requesting permission to demolish one single detached dwelling located at 301 Spadina Road East, legally described as Plan 434 Lot 3 To Lot 6 Pt Lot 2 Pt Lot 14 To Pt Lot 18 Closed Sts And Lanes Pt Lot 91 Plan 224, be approved. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 12~ 2003 - 60 - 3. DELEGATION - DUKE STREET EAST RECONSTRUCTION TIMING - BRIDGEPORT - CENTRE WARD CITY OF KITCHENER Messrs. David Gowland, Kyle Urech and Jeff Gordon attended to address what they considered to be a mis-understanding on the part of the City in regard to the timing for the reconstruction of Duke Street East. The delegation first made a point of thanking Council for decisions that have been beneficial to the immediate area, including; reversion of traffic from one way to two way, development of the new Kitchener Market, the Centre Block redevelopment initiatives, Downtown infrastructure improvements and strong support from City enforcement staff. The delegation advised that about 4 years ago they had attended a Committee meeting to address reconstruction timing for 2 blocks of Duke Street East and the work had been listed in the Capital forecast at that time to proceed in 4 years. However, they recently found out that the work had been put off until 2010. Accordingly they requested that the work be re-instated on the priority list but if it could not be, that curbing and pavement be done as a temporary improvement at this time. Mr. L. Lynch confirmed that improvement negotiations have gone on for some years and that the area roads need reconstruction. He noted that when improvements to streets in the area were first proposed, the City was in receipt of Provincial road subsidy funding which is no longer the case. He advised that some remedial work has been done and that Pandora Avenue surfaces had to be rebuilt before other adjacent streets. He commented on infrastructure assessments that have been made and that staff have now included the section of Duke Street East from Cameron to Cedar Streets within the reconstruction which more than doubled the cost of the project. Mr. Lynch also referred to the challenges faced by the City on budget issues to address needed / required work. He noted that while the Duke Street project was moved to 2010, staff will be considering re-assessment as part of the annual budget process and indicated that reconsideration for 2004 was unlikely but there was a possibility that half the project could be done in 2005. Mr. Lynch did not support the cost of temporary improvements pending full reconstruction but agreed to develop cost estimates for Duke Street improvements between Pandora Avenue and Cameron Street as requested by the delegation. DELEGATION - MARTIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION TIMING, AND - ENFORCEMENT ISSUES AT 63 COURTLAND AVE. E. - WEST - VICTORIA PARK WARD Mr. Burnie Root and Ms. Renate Fischer attended along with Martin Street residents to give an overhead powerpoint presentation on the condition of Martin Street and request reconstruction which has been postponed until 2009, as well as request review of the issue of unnecessary access to Martin Street from 63 Courtland Avenue and it's legality. Such access has created problems related to parking violations and disregard of the one-way traffic signage on Martin Street resulting in Martin Street residents requesting a barrier be installed at the rear of 63 Courtland Avenue to prevent access to Martin Street. In summary, the delegation requested Martin Street be reconstructed and access to/from 63 Courtland Avenue be prohibited. Mr. L. Lynch advised that reconstruction of Martin Street was introduced into the 10 year Capital Forecast during the 2002 Budget Deliberations with the intent of undertaking improvements of some of the streets in the area including Martin Street. He noted infastructure review had shown that water, sewer, sidewalks and pavement were in bad shape and that the work currently was slotted to be done in 2009. Meetings have been held with Martin Street residents to discuss their concerns. Before making further remarks, he asked that the Committee hear from S. Turner concerning property issues relating to 63 Courtland Avenue. Mr. S. Turner, Director of Enforcement, advised that Enforcement staff have had continuous problems with 63 Courtland Avenue pertaining to parking along the Martin Street frontage, outstanding property standards and outstanding lot maintenance issues. He suggested a change to the Martin Street streetscape would improve the enforcement issue and limiting access to Martin Street from 63 Courtland Avenue should be investigated. Mr. Lynch then continued his presentation and pointed out 200-300 feet of the Martin Street frontage of 63 Courtland Avenue had no curbing as it was totally broken down. He advised that staff had planned to do an overlay on Martin Street at a cost of $20 - 25,000. to improve the street in the DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 12~ 2003 - 61 - CITY OF KITCHENER DELEGATION - MARTIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION TIMING, AND - ENFORCEMENT ISSUES AT 63 COURTLAND AVE. E. - WEST - VICTORIA PARK WARD (CONT'D) short term. At this point Mr. J. Fielding, CAO, recommended and the Committee agreed that before further consideration of this issue took place, staff investigate the access issue to Martin Street from 63 Courtland Avenue and report back to City Council at it's meeting to be held May 20, 2003. 5. DELEGATION DETAILED TRANSPORTATION NETWORK REVIEW OF THE CAMBRIDGE AREA CAMBRIDGE AREA ROUTE SELECTION STUDY (CARSS) PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS OF THE PHASE ONE STUDY AND RECOMMENDED DIRECTION TO BE TAKEN IN PHASE TWO The following Regional documents were distributed with the Committee agenda this date: · Detailed Transportation Network Review (DTNR) April 2003 · DTNR Project Update - Completion of Phase One Study · DTNR Public Information Centre #2 Comment Form It was noted in the documents that in September 2002, the Region retained Marshall, Macklin, Monaghan Ltd. to undertake a Detailed Transportation Network Review (DTNR) for the City of Cambridge and area. The purpose of the study was to investigate opportunities and resulting impacts of transportation network solutions in and around Cambridge relating to a 'No Bridge' option across the Grand River. The objectives of the study were listed in the April 2003 document. Regional Cambridge Councillor Jane Brewer who is Chair of the Cambridge Carss Study attended the meeting along with Mr. Dave Durant, Senior Transportation Engineer, Region of Waterloo in regard to the above referenced Regional documents. Regional Councillor J. Brewer introduced the subject by reviewing its commencement one year ago and referenced the consultation processes that have taken place. She suggested that the Development and Technical Services Committee may just wish to receive their presentation this date as information or refer the matter back to staff for response. Mr. D. Durrant, Region of Waterloo gave a overhead presentation. He made reference to the DTNR and Environmental Assessment processes and summarized input received from public consultation meetings. He noted that there has been a mixed response from the public on a 'No Bridge' option. Mr. Durrant commented on: travel behaviour in Cambridge for both north - south and east - west traffic issues, existing traffic congestion affecting Kitchener at Shantz Hill leading to King Street and Blair leading to Homer Watson Boulevard, high volume long distance type truck movements within Cambridge conflicting with local traffic and a need to improve Cambridge north - south links leading to the highway system, opportunities for creating a more balanced transportation land use system, broad acceptance to preserve the natural environment and support for transportation improvements that avoid environmentally sensitive areas. He summarized potential opportunities for improvement of the transportation network under the categories of roads, transit and other ideas Mr. Durrant noted that the DTNR study was moving into Phase 2 which is focused on assessing and identifing the appropriate short term transportation solution in and around the Cambridge area. A brief discussion took place during which Mr. Durrant responded to several questions from the Committee. He indicated that it was his understanding the Homer Watson Boulevard / 401 Bridge was scheduled for widening in 2006 / 07 by the Ministry of Transportation but that the MTO was concerned about the no bridge solution and may revisit the bridge widening issue. Councillor M. Galloway pointed out that the original transportation improvement plan within Cambridge had a number of bridge options which would allow access within Cambridge and improve traffic flow. He agreed that what was taking place was a short term solution but not DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 12~ 2003 5. DELEGATION (CONT'D) - 62 - CITY OF KITCHENER DETAILED TRANSPORTATION NETWORK REVIEW OF THE CAMBRIDGE AREA CAMBRIDGE AREA ROUTE SELECTION STUDY (CARSS) PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS OF THE PHASE ONE STUDY AND RECOMMENDED DIRECTION TO BE TAKEN IN PHASE TWO really helpful in the long run. It was his opinion that the study had taken a wrong turn and he was not sure if Kitchener Council would like to comment in this regard. DTS-03-083 - KING STREET EAST REHABILITION PROJECT FROM STIRLING AVENUE TO OTTAWA STREET WEST - VICTORIA PARK WARD AND BRIDGEPORT - CENTRE WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 083 dated May 6, 2003 dealing with the King Street East rehabilitation project from Stirling Avenue to Ottawa Street which is being undertaken as part of the annual road rehabilitation program and a request of staff that they be directed to investigate the possibility of incorporating enhanced streetscape elements as part of the design process. Reference was made in the report to the Central Neighbourhoods Residential Incentive Program and urban design guidelines. It was noted that the King Street East Mixed Use Corridor is a primary entrance way to the City and major transportation corridor from the Provincial highway system to the Downtown. The project being undertaken provides an opportunity to incorporate streetscape elements to significantly improve the main approach to the Downtown. The financial implications of enhancements were discussed in the report with the notation that the City had options which if incorporated into the road reconstruction would allow for streetscape improvements in the future. Mr. L. Masseo provided a summary of the purpose of the report, explained the issues and the range of opportunities that were available for consideration at this time. Mr. L. Lynch illustrated the improvements to the section of King Street East on a large scale engineering map pointing out: intersection improvements, where the road would shift slightly from its present location, possible creation of a boulevard in King Street as it approaches Stirling Avenue and removal of on-street parking which is infrequently used except on Sundays. He pointed out that the parking issue has not been discussed with officials of a nearby church and that the engineering enhancements were within the existing project budget. Mr. L. Masseo advised that staff were seeking direction to investigate options including decorative lighting of any kind, whether to maintain the existing light standards or simply provide piping for conduit to be easily installed in future to enhance streetscape. He indicated that staff would explore costing and prioritization issues. Mayor C. Zehr requested an opportunity to review revenue sources that might support the potential cost of the possible streetscape enhancements. For the record, a copy of an e-mail dated May 12, 2003 from Mr. Glenn Scheels supporting streetscape improvements and a response by Mr. L. Lynch was circulated to the Committee. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That consideration of the following staff recommendation in Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-03-083 be deferred and referred to the May 20, 2003 Council meetinq and staff be directed to submit costing information respecting possible streetscape enhancements: 'That staff be directed to investigate the possibility of incorporating enhanced streetscape elements as part of the King Street East design process in keeping with the general concepts outlined in the Urban Design Guidelines for the King Street East Mixed Use Corridor; and further, DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 12~ 2003 - 63 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. DTS-03-083 - KING STREET EAST REHABILITION PROJECT FROM STIRLING AVENUE TO OTTAWA STREET WEST - VICTORIA PARK WARD AND BRIDGEPORT - CENTRE (CONT'D) WARD That staff report back to Council with alternative streetscape plans and detailed cost estimates.'" 7. SSD-03-069 - ONTARIO WASHBURN DRIVE, SITE 147, HURON BUSINESS PARK, PHASE 3 RE-PURCHASE BY THE CITY (OFFER TO SELL FROM 2006479 LTD.) SOUTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of Strategic Services Department report SSD-03-069 dated April 15, 2003 dealing with City re-purchase of Site 147 on Washburn Drive in the Huron Business Park. Mr. G. Borovilos advised that the purchasers business had experienced a slow down and that they were not prepared to construct a building at this time. Accordingly, the purchaser has offered to sell the land back to the City at 90% of the original purchase price in accordance with a clause in the original offer to purchase. On motion by Coucnillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City accept an Offer to Sell from 2006479 Ontario Limited for the lands described as Part of Lot 12 Registrar's Compiled Plan 1471 being Parts 16 and 29 on Reference Plan 58R-7426 (Site 147, Washburn Drive, Huron Business Park) having an area of about 1.84 acres for the sum of $132,487.20; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any necessary documentation required by the City Solicitor." DTS-03-078 - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REQUEST FOR DIRECTION TO CONTINUE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-078 dated April 29, 2003 requesting Council support and direction to staff to continue development of the City's emergency management program as described in the staff report. It was noted in the report that the Emergency Management Act proclaimed on April 15, 2003 was mandatory legislation that requires all municipalities and designated provincial ministrys to have an Emergency Management Program. The staff report generally outlines the responsibilities of the municipality as defined in the Emergency Management Act. It was pointed out that the program had 3 components being: essential, enhanced and comprehensive. The tasks to be completed within one year of the date of proclamation were listed in the report as well as the activities that must be accomplished to achieve those tasks. Also, work that has been undertaken to date and in various stages of completion was itemized in the staff report along with an action plan broken down into what has to be completed within 2 months, within 2 - 8 months and within 12 months. Fire Chief Rob Browning and G. Mann, Acting Platoon Chief provided an overhead PowerPoint presentation describing the Emergency Management Act and its implications. Their presentation focused on the essential components of the emergency management program as they relate to the City of Kitchener. Following a question from Councillor J. Gazzola, Mr. J. Fielding, CAO commented that there were a lot of unanswered political questions with respect to the relationship between the City and the Region and ultimate responsibility for co-ordination in a local emergency that had implications Region wide. Mayor C. Zehr agreed that clarity was needed with respect to the communication role and in response Chief Browning pointed out that staff would be meeting with other DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 12~ 2003 - 64 - CITY OF KITCHENER municipalities to further define roles. Mr. J. Fielding commented that another aspect of this DTS-03-078 - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REQUEST FOR DIRECTION TO CONTINUE DEVELOPMENT (CONT'D) issue was to point out how the Regional Emergency Centre was used by the City until such time as the Region activated its emergency program at which time City staff would have to relocate. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - It was resolved: "That staff be directed to continue developing the City's 'Emergency Management Program' as set out in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 078." DTS-03-077 - CEDAR HILL SOCIAL ISSUES STUDY WEST - VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 077 dated May 7, 2003 entitled Cedar Hill Social Issues Study. It was noted in the report that staff from several City departments have been involved in initiatives to identify and address some of the issues raised by the Cedar Hill Neighbourhood as attributable to the proximate location of a large number of social services, supportive and / or assisted housing. At this time staff were requesting clear direction from Council to have undertaken a comprehensive study to address the issue in a broader perspective. It was pointed out in a background section of the report that in February 2002 City Council adopted a Downtown Action Committee recommendation to consider the issue of perceived concentration of social services in the inner city and the Downtown both immediately and through a long term planning strategy. Ms. J. Given briefly summarized the purpose of the report and commented on the establishment and activity of the Cedar Hill Action Plan team which was later followed by the establishment of the Kitchener Downtown Community Collaborative. She advised that notwithstanding the level of involvement and effort made to date, limited progress has been made and actions taken have not shown measurable improvement. Ms. Given then introduced the recommendation in the staff report and commented that it was hoped the study would foster positive change to take hold in the Cedar Hill Area. Mr. J. Willmer, Director of Planning advised that if the Committee was to support the recommendation in the staff report, staff propose that it be referred to the Special Council meeting this date for ratification following which staff proposed to introduce for Council consideration an interim control By-law under Section 38 of the Planning Act that would establish a one year moratorium on certain development in Cedar Hill. He advised that copies of the proposed by-law have been given to the Clerk and were available for distribution to interested parties. Mr. Willmer noted the intent of staff was to complete the study within one year but if necessary Council could extend an interim control by-law to 2 years. Mayor C. Zehr commented that City Council has heard repeated concerns regarding the Cedar Hill Area for some time and that there were issues that needed to be addressed to foster change in the area. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That City staff be directed to undertake or have undertaken, a comprehensive study of the neighbourhood bounded by Charles Street East to the North, the rear of those properties fronting the west side of Madison Avenue South, Courtland Avenue East to the south, and Benton Street to the west to include the following: · Description of the neighbourhood, including a determination of the housing mix (single family dwellings, rental properties, social housing, lodging houses, and homes operated by social service organizations). · An analysis of the impact of the various forms of housing on the neighbourhood. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 12~ 2003 - 65 - CITY OF KITCHENER · Identification and characterization of any cycles or trends impacting the neighbourhood DTS-03-077 - CEDAR HILL SOCIAL ISSUES STUDY - WEST - VICTORIA PARK WARD (CONT'D) and a consideration of how these trends influence community well-being. · Analysis of the health of the neighbourhood relative to relevant models, such as the Healthy Communities Model. · Recommendations for subsequent action based on findings." The Committee directed that this recommendation be referred for consideration and ratification to the Special Council meeting of this date which is being reconvened immediately following the conclusion of the Development and Technical Services Committee meeting. 10. DTS-03-082 - TRAFFIC CONTROL IN NEW SUBDIVISIONS The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-082 dated May 2, 2003 pertaining to traffic controls in new subdivisions. The report describes processes involved with the implementation of and responsibility for traffic controls in new subdivisions on the part of both the developer and the City. 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk