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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-12COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 12. 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 6:05 p.m. Present: Councillor K. Galloway -Chair Councillors S. Davey, J. Gazzola, Y. Fernandes, P. Singh, B. loannidis, F. Etherington, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Vrbanovic and Z. Janecki. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer J. Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services S. Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement G. Murphy, Director, Engineering Services J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning R. Gosse, Director, Legislated Services A. Pinard, Director of Planning M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs D. Ross, Manager, Development Review B. Cheyne, Supervisor of Athletics C. York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator J. Billett, Committee Administrator 1. INS-11-068 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - BRITTON PLACE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-068, dated August 15, 2011, recommending certain parking prohibitions on Britton Place. Mr. J. McBride advised that area residents were notified of the proposed parking prohibitions and staff did not receive any objections. Mr. McBride clarified that generally, parking is not permitted around an inner circle of a cul-de-sac; however, in this instance it is being allowed due to the density of the street. He added that Fire Services and Operations staff has indicated their support of the proposed parking arrangements. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited at anytime on the east side of Britton Place from a point 39 metres south of Fallowfield Drive to the south limit of Britton Place; and, That parking be prohibited at anytime on the west side of Britton Place from a point 46 metres south of Fallowfield Drive to the south limit of Britton Place; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2. INS-11-069 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - RIVERBEND DRIVE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-068, dated August 15, 2011, recommending a parking prohibition on Riverbend Drive. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited at anytime on the south side of Riverbend Drive between Lancaster Street to a point 350 metres west of Guelph Street; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3. CSD-11-112 -DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC11/10/O/ATP - 196 OLD HURON ROAD - KNUT & JUDIT SCHILLING The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-112, dated August 23, 2011, recommending approval of a Demolition Control Application for 196 Old Huron Road, with conditions. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 12. 2011 - 65 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-11-112 -DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC11/10/O/ATP - 196 OLD HURON ROAD - KNUT & JUDIT SCHILLING (CONT'D) Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned how impact of the demolition process would be mitigated relative to Strasburg Creek and pedestrian safety. Ms. D. Ross advised that the contracted company is responsible to ensure the safety of the demolition process and to ensure road access is not blocked. She added that construction of the new single detached dwelling will be contained on site as it is to be constructed further back from the roadway. Ms. Ross confirmed that the Grand River Conservation Authority will be consulted relative to Strasburg Creek through the building permit process and agreed to follow-up with Building staff in regard to how the Creek would be monitored during the demolition process. On motion by Councillor B. loannidis - it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC11/10/O/ATP requesting permission to demolish one (1) single detached dwelling located at 196 Old Huron Road, owned by Knut and Judit Schilling, be approved subject to the following conditions: 1) That the Applicant obtains a building permit for the proposed residential dwelling unit; and, That upon satisfaction of condition 1, the Chief Building Official may authorize and issue a demolition permit under Section 33(6) of the Planning Act subject to the following condition: In the event that construction of the new dwelling unit is not substantially complete within 2-years of the date of issuance of the demolition permit, the City Clerk may enter on the collector's roll, to be collected in like manner as municipal taxes, $20,000 for each dwelling unit contained in the residential properties in respect of which the demolition permit is issued and such sum shall, until the payment thereof, be a lien or charge upon the land in respect of which the permit to demolish the residential property is issued." 4. CSD-11-124 -AFFILIATION OF THE KITCHENER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S GAMES (KICG) DELEGATION COMMITTEE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-124, dated September 6, 2011, recommending approval of the KICG Delegation Committee as an affiliated minor support group. In response to questions from Councillor J. Gazzola, staff advised that direction was previously given to formulate a new structural model consisting of staff and volunteers to oversee the process involved in sending delegations to the games each year. The intent is to build a local community group that could take over the process and is a joint venture with the City of Waterloo, with volunteers consisting of both Kitchener and Waterloo residents. Affiliation will afford the Delegation Committee the same support and privileges as other affiliated sports groups, including being added as an insured group to the City's insurance program. The group does not receive automatic grant funding and any requests for funding must be pursued through the City's normal grant process. In response to Councillor Y. Fernandes, Mr. M. Hildebrand advised that the City is required to participate in order to accept an invitation to the games and may send either a staff or volunteer representative, the latter of whom would be part of the affiliated group. He stated that the reason for establishing the group is to redirect the amount of work involved from City staff to volunteer support. He added that discussions with the K-W Sports Council determined that undertaking this process is not within their mandate nor do they have the capacity to do so. Councillor Fernandes questioned the impact if the proposed affiliation is not approved. Mr. Hildebrand advised that the process would fall back to the City's Athletic Section to oversee which will add more pressure to the Section's workload if community interest in participating continues. Councillor Fernandes questioned the impact of approving affiliation without provision of the $2,500 to cover expenses to send a City representative to the games. Mr. Hildebrand advised that the $2,500 is already budgeted and if removed the associated COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 12. 2011 - 66 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CSD-11-124 -AFFILIATION OF THE KITCHENER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S GAMES (KICG) DELEGATION COMMITTEE (CONT'D) expenses with sending a City representative to the games would fall to the ICG Delegation Committee to raise. He pointed out that the Committee is already raising funds associated with the costs to send the delegation of sports groups and dependent on where in World the games are being held they may have difficulty in raising the additional funding. Councillor B. Vrbanoic spoke in support of the proposal, commenting that community volunteers are dedicating their time to offload work that allows staff to focus on other areas and was of the opinion affiliation makes sense. He added that whether staff or volunteer run, having a small budget to off-set expenses for the City's representative is not unreasonable. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the K-W International Children's Games (ICG) Delegation Committee be approved as an affiliated minor sport group with the City of Kitchener, as per the City's Minor Sport Affiliation policy; and, That the K-W ICG Delegation Committee be added as an insured group to the City of Kitchener's Minor Sports third party liability insurance program; and further, That, in cooperation with the K-W ICG Delegation Committee, the City of Kitchener registers annually to attend the games, subject to the approval of the Deputy CAO of Community Services." 5. FCS-11-173 -REQUEST FOR MIDWAY DURING OKTOBERFEST - OCTOBER 7-10, 2011 The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Committee report CSD-11-173, dated September 2, 2011, concerning a request to operate a midway in downtown Kitchener during Oktoberfest Celebrations. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That GTA Midways Inc. be granted permission to operate a Midway in downtown Kitchener during Oktoberfest from October 7-10, 2011 subject to the following: Hours of operation: Date Start Close Friday, October 7 Noon 11:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8 11:00 a. m. 11:00 p. m. Sunday, October 9 11:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. Monday, October 10 9:00 a. m. 5:00 p. m; and, That the music at the Midway be turned down at 9:00 p.m.; and, That the music be turned off one hour before closing time; and, That GTA Midways Inc. be granted an exemption from Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code in conjunction with the midway from October 7 at noon until October 10 at 5:00 p.m.; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor with Kitchener Downtown Business Improvement Area and/or GTA Midways Inc. with respect to use of the Forsyth lot for a midway from October 6 until October 10, 2011; and further, That the required licence be obtained prior to operating the Midway." COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 12. 2011 - 67 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-11-121 -KITCHENER OPERATIONS FACILITY PUBLIC ART The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-121, dated August 23, 2011, concerning commission of art work for the Kitchener Operations Facility (KOF). In response to Councillor D. Glenn-Graham, Ms. C. York confirmed that the Art Policy requires that the 40% ($80,000) to be held must be put back into the pooled fund to support future public art projects. Councillor S. Davey inquired if individual costing had been received for each of the two pieces of art and Ms. York advised that she has contacted the artist who is taking the request under consideration. Councillor P. Singh inquired if the $80,000 being held could be used for the City Centre art project rather than new funding. Ms. York advised that the policy does not address substitution of funding. Councillor K. Galloway added that the policy stipulates the $80,000 would be used for other under-funded projects, whereas, the City Centre project is fully funded. Councillor Z. Janecki inquired if statistics on the number of visitors to KOF is known since its opening. Ms. P. Houston advised that approximately 300 persons per week come to the facility for various reasons, some of which included obtaining a blue box, to conduct financial business and/or sign contracts for new Utility accounts. Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned how the outdoor artwork would be protected from vandalism. Ms. P. Houston advised that staff could look at installing security cameras in the area and noted that while there is no dedicated evening security personnel, the City's Security staff do undertake visitation to all facilities. Councillor S. Davey reiterated earlier concerns that he has raised regarding the location for this artwork, commenting that it was his opinion the KOF is not public enough and too few citizens will actually see the art, making it a poor choice. A motion by Councillor S. Davey to defer consideration of the recommendation contained in report CSD-11-121 to the September 19, 2011 Council meeting, pending receipt of individual costing for the two pieces of art, was brought forward for consideration. Councillor S. Davey advised that he would like opportunity to consider the option of proceeding with only 1 of the 2 pieces of art. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested clarification of the intent of the deferral, noting that Council recently unanimously confirmed continued support of the 1 % for Art Policy. Councillor Davey noted that the resolution passed included an amendment to consider separating the location of public art projects from its contributing capital project site where appropriate to ensure maximum public exposure. He reiterated the opinion the KOF is not public enough and too much is being spent for art on the site; adding that he is requesting deferral to allow receipt of the individual costing as an opportunity to be more frugal in the decision making for this art project. Councillor J. Gazzola expressed the opinion that there is no reason for deferral given approval to proceed with the art project was given and the question of the over-arching policy has been dealt with. The motion of Councillor S. Davey to defer consideration of the matter to the September 19, 2011 Council meeting was then voted on, by a recorded vote, and Lost, with Councillors S. Davey and Y. Fernandes voting in support and Councillors D. Glenn-Graham, B. loannidis, Z. Janecki, K. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington, J. Gazzola and P. Singh voting in opposition. Councillor Vrbanovic spoke in support of the staff recommendation, suggesting that to contemplate renegotiation at this point in the process jeopardizes the City's credibility. He added that he was surprised at the volume of traffic to the facility each week, which would equate to approximately 15,000 per year, expressing the opinion that is significant. Councillor Davey commented that his concerns are not representative of art in general but rather are specific to this location which in his opinion is not an appropriate site. He added that unanimous support of the policy was conditional on an amendment to review location placement for art and his intent in regard to this art project was to potentially take a more frugal approach. Councillor J. Gazzola expressed an appreciation for public art, commenting that over time it becomes more valuable. He added that schools are encouraged to visit to tour City facilities at which students will be exposed to the art work. Councillor D. Glenn-Graham COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 12. 2011 - 68 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-11-121 -KITCHENER OPERATIONS FACILITY PUBLIC ART (CONT'D) noted that the 1 % allocation was $200,000 but the cost of the artwork is less at $120,000, suggesting that there has been an effort to contain costs and while not as public a site as others, over time many of the community's own citizens will have visited the site. Councillor F. Etherington commented that as the policy specifies a "high profile location" that the City take care in future to ensure a location is in fact high profile. Councillor Davey also clarified that there is no specific savings on this project, in that, the $80,000 was an automatic deduction from the overall allocation in accordance with requirements of the policy and the maximum amount that could be spent on the artwork is being spent. On motion by Councillor B. loannidis - it was resolved: "That the commission and installation of art work at the Kitchener Operations Facility, titled "Space Moire" as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-11-121, be approved; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorised to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Steven Beites and Christian Joakim outlining the obligations of the public art commission." 7. CSD-11-123 -CITY CENTRE PUBLIC ART The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-11-123, dated August 24, 2011, concerning commission of art work for the City Centre Courtyard. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham, the staff recommendation in report CSD-11-123 was brought forward for consideration to approve the commission and installation of art work for the City Centre development. Councillor J. Gazzola noted that the art work is not anticipated to be installed until 2015 and questioned if approval of this project is premature. Mr. J. Willmer advised that under an agreement with Andrin Investments Limited, approvals for the development are in place and delivery is dependent on pre-sales of the condominiums. He stated that staff are planning on the basis the project is a go and the artwork project is part of the planning process. Councillor Y. Fernandes also questioned the prematurity of approval, raising concerns as to prudent use of finances and inquired as to the current debt load. Mr. D. Chapman advised that the City's long term debt load is approximately $8M and Council will be receiving presentations on how the City's finances sit in terms of benchmarks and other mitigating factors. Councillor Fernandes questioned why the expense is being forecast when the outcome of the development at this time is unknown. Mr. Willmer advised that plans for the development and parking garage have been in progress for a number of years and Andrin is now actively marketing the site. He stated that it is important to plan in expectation of the development going ahead, of which the City will be required to provide 1 % funding for art for the portion it will own of the parking garage that is to be built. Councillor Fernandes suggested that it is presumptuous to approve the art project when it is not known how the site will be layed out. Mr. Willmer advised that the development has gone through site plan approval and the lay out is known; adding that at this stage proceeding with the development is only a question of timing and forecasting is used to anticipate costs rather than have them come unexpected. Councillor Fernandes suggested that it is unfair to hold the next Council committed to the funding. Mr. Willmer reiterated that it is a requirement of the art policy to provide the funding. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that he understood the concerns regarding prematurity but also the importance of keeping this project moving along and suggested that the second paragraph of the motion be amended to provide that signing of the agreement be subject to the City Centre development proceeding in accordance with the agreement entered into with Andrin. Councillor Glenn-Graham agreed to accept the amendment to his motion. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 12. 2011 - 69 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-11-123 -CITY CENTRE PUBLIC ART (CONT'D) Councillor Z. Janecki requested clarification that if the development does not proceed then the art installation would not go ahead either. Councillor K. Galloway confirmed that there would be no cost incurred for the artwork if the development did not proceed. Councillor B. loannidis spoke in support of the motion, commenting that steps taken by staff to be prepared should not be questioned as it is an expectation of Council that staff will plan ahead and be prepared. Councillor P. Singh suggested that it is not a new practice to pre-plan for art work given planning for the KOF art work was also done in advance. Councillor J. Gazzola commented that while he would support the proposal he still had concerns that the development should proceed before the funding is committed in the forecast. On motion by Councillor B. loannidis - it was resolved: "That the commission and installation of art work at City Centre Courtyard, titled "Shaping Residency", as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-11- 123, be approved; and, That subject to the City Centre Courtyard development proceeding in accordance with the City's agreement with Andrin Investments Ltd., the Mayor and Clerk be authorised to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Stephen Cruise outlining the obligations of the public art commission." 8. INS-11-066 -TRAFFIC CALMING REQUEST -GLASGOW STREET FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD TO BELMONT AVENUE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-068, dated August 23, 2011, recommending a traffic calming review in 2012 for Glasgow Street, between Fischer-Hallman Road and Belmont Avenue. Mr. J. McBride advised that the recommendation stems from review of a request from area residents to consider implementation of traffic calming measures on Glasgow Street. Updated analysis of volumes and speed were consistent with previous data and the review indicates that all-way stops are not warranted at this time. Notwithstanding, staff is recommending a traffic review in 2012 to take advantage of scheduled road reconstruction in 2013-2014 that will provide opportunity to incorporate traffic calming measures in a cost effective manner. Mr. Andrew McLeod, representing area resident's Glasgow Street Calming Committee, advised that while the group is in agreement with the staff recommendation they ask that enhanced police monitoring be implemented in the interim as the traffic calming measures are not proposed for installation until 2013-2014; and contrary to report INS-11-066 which stipulates that vertical deflections cannot be considered due to the negative impact on emergency response times, they ask that all options including vertical deflections be considered for this review. Mr. McLeod referred to staff report DTS-09-016 relative to traffic calming on Greenbrook Drive, which approved the installation of vertical deflections on that street, which suggests an inconsistent approach in application of the policy. In response to Councillor J. Gazzola, Mr. McLeod stated that he raises the issue of the vertical deflection to highlight that through the review of Greenbrook Drive they were evaluated and deemed acceptable for emergency services and therefore, Glasgow Street residents are asking that all options be on the table. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to a type of speed hump used in Europe that allows larger vehicles, such as a Fire truck, to go through as opposed to over and asked if these have been investigated. Mr. McBride advised that these are known as speed cushions and this type of speed hump is being considered for Pioneer Drive traffic calming. He stated that the cushion effect allows larger trucks and buses to drive over the speed hump with less impact and will be considered as part of the Glasgow Street review. Councillor Gazzola questioned if any concerns had been received with regard to the speed humps installed on Greenbrook Drive. Mr. McBride advised that originally a variety of styles were tested resulting in a decision to install vertical deflections with a modified design and traffic speeds have dropped significantly. He pointed out, however, that they do still present issues for emergency vehicles that have COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 12. 2011 - 70 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. INS-11-066 -TRAFFIC CALMING REQUEST -GLASGOW STREET FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD TO BELMONT AVENUE (CONT'D) fixed frames and staff is trying not to install this type of speed hump on major collector roads used by emergency vehicles. Councillor K. Galloway inquired how this review impacts the number of studies to be done in 2012. Mr. McBride advised that if approved, this will be one of 4 studies in 2012 and a report will come forward at a later date with a priority list for consideration of the three other studies to be done. He reiterated that this review is being recommended to take advantage of pending road reconstruction. Councillor K. Galloway expressed concerns that notwithstanding guidelines are in place, the priority listing has potential to be skewed on the basis of resident complaints; however, she agreed that in this case, it made sense to proceed with this review due to the advantages to be achieved in combining installation at time of the road reconstruction. Councillor Z. Janecki concurred that timing of this review in anticipation of the pending road reconstruction was most appropriate and regardless of the design chosen, it was his opinion that calming measures on Glasgow Street will be beneficial. On motion by Councillor B. loannidis - it was resolved: "That a traffic calming review be executed in 2012 for Glasgow Street between Fischer Hallman Road and Belmont Avenue, with recommended measures incorporated into the roadway design for the reconstruction of these sections of roadway in 2013 (Knell Drive to Westmount Road) and 2014 (Westmount Road to Belmont Avenue)." 9. KITCHENER OPERATIONS FACILITY (KOF) -CHANGE MANAGEMENT SURVEY Councillor Y. Fernandes requested information concerning the survey being conducted. Ms. P. Houston advised that the survey is specific to staff at KOF and has been designed by Metrics at Work, the same consultant used in design of the City's Employee Culture Survey. The consultant will analyse the data collected and KOF staff will review the results, from which they will design action plans. Ms. Houston noted that a final report on the KOF project is to provide a measure of success and the survey will help provide that information. Ms. Houston added that the cost of the survey is $40,000 and agreed to provide interested members of Council with a copy of the survey questions. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Janet Billett Committee Administrator