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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-20COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 20, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:56 p.m. Present: Councillor K. Galloway - Chair Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, P. Singh and F. Etherington. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer J. Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development C. Fletcher, Director, Facilities Management S. Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement G. Murphy, Director of Engineering S. Ross, Assistant City Solicitor J. Young, Manager of Special Events B. Korah, Manager, Development Engineering N. Gollan, Stormwater Utility Manager K. Carmichael, Supervisor, Traffic and Parking L. Cooper, Supervisor Development client Services-Engineering S. Weare, Strategic Planning Associate A. DeWitt, Landscape Architect C. York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator 1.CSD-11-084 - EXEMPTION TO CHAPTER 450 (NOISE) - K-W OKTOBERFEST EVENTS The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-11-084, dated June 8, 2011, recommending an exemption from Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code for a series of events to take place at various locations, from October 1 to October 15, 2011 as requested by K-W Oktoberfest Inc. The question was raised as to how the residents can have concerns addressed if Council approves this noise exemption prior to staff communicating with them. Mr. Turner advised that staff will address any concerns the neighbours may have and will report to this Committee if there have been any. He also advised that many of the events that caused concerns for residents in the past have been discontinued. Respecting the new location for the Transylvania Club, he stated that he can bring a report to this Committee once it has been determined. On motion by Councillor S. Davey- it was resolved: “That an exemption from Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to K-W Oktoberfest Inc. for a series of events being held at various clubs between October 1 and October 15, 2011, as outlined in the letter from K-W Oktoberfest Inc., dated July 14, 2010, attached to Community Services Department report CSD-11- 084.” 2.CSD-11-083 - DOWNTOWN KITCHENER RIBFEST & CRAFT BEER SHOW AGREEMENT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-11-083, dated June 8, 2011, recommending an agreement with Impact Events Group Inc. for the downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show. Mr. J. Young advised that the residents’ concerns from the previous year have been addressed by the operator. Councillor Etherington advised that staff have done an excellent job in addressing the concerns of the Victoria Park residents and many of these resolutions have been included in the agreement. He then questioned why the City does not charge a fee for use of the park. Mr. Young advised that the City does not charge for use of the park so that as many events as possible will take place there. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 20, 2011 - 51 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2.CSD-11-083 - DOWNTOWN KITCHENER RIBFEST & CRAFT BEER SHOW AGREEMENT (CONT’D) On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the City of Kitchener enter into an agreement with the Impact Events Group Inc. for the purposes of hosting the Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show for 2011; and further, That the Deputy CAO of Community Services be authorized to execute an agreement with the host of the downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show each year, on terms agreeable to the Deputy CAO of Community Services; said agreement to be satisfactory to the City Solicitor.” 3.CAO-11-015 - DOWNTOWN BANNER POLICY - MODIFICATIONS TO COUNCIL POLICY I-1185 The Committee was in receipt of Chief Administrative Officer report CAO-11-014, dated June 2, 2011, recommending modifications to Council Policy I-1185, Downtown Banner Policy. Mr. R. Regier presented the report and advised that the digital kiosks will be located as follows: 1- th 2 at Civic Square, 1 at King and Frederick Streets and the 4 one is still being planned but may be located at The Kitchener Market. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the modifications to Council Policy I-1185 be approved in the form shown in Chief Administrative Officer report CAO-11-015, which generally include: • permitting the use of banners for City-related lifestyle marketing and brand development; • permitting the placement of banners for specific events, lifestyle marketing and brand development in excess of 3 weeks at a time; • establishing an application fee for new banner requests in the amount of $250; and, • establishing guidelines for the placement of new banner requests.” 4.INS-11-049 - OLD CARRIAGE DRIVE - TRAFFIC CALMING – FOLLOW UP REVIEW The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-049, dated June 7, 2011, recommending that the existing traffic calming measures on Old carriage Drive and the pedestrian refuge island on Pioneer Drive remain in place. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the traffic calming measures (four (4) speed humps) on Old Carriage Drive between Pioneer Drive to Homer Watson Boulevard remain in place; and further, That the pedestrian refuge island on Pioneer Drive approximately 50 metres north of Old Carriage Drive remain in place.” 5.INS-11-050 - KINZIE AVENUE - TRAFFIC CALMING - FOLLOW UP REVIEW The Committee was in receipt of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-050, dated June 7, 2011, recommending that the existing traffic calming measure son Kinzie Avenue, between Weber Street and River Road remain in place. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 20, 2011 - 52 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5.INS-11-050 - KINZIE AVENUE - TRAFFIC CALMING - FOLLOW UP REVIEW (CONT’D) On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the traffic calming measures (four (4) speed humps) on Kinzie Avenue between Weber Street East and River Road East remain in place.” 6.CAO-11-011 - AMENDMENTS TO POLICY I-125 (TERMS OF REFERRENCE) - SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND - NEW APPOINTMENTS The Committee was in receipt of Chief Administrative Officer report CAO-11-011, dated June 14, 2011, recommending appointments to the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee and a change in the committee’s terms of reference. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That Aimee Polevoy be appointed to the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee (Inner City representative) for a term ending November 30, 2012; and, That Jacinda Cloutier be appointed to the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee (at large representative) for a term ending November 30, 2012; and further, That Council Policy I-125 (Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee – Terms of Reference), be amended to add a representative of the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council as a permanent member of the Committee.” 7.CSD-11-071 - KITCHENER PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION DONATION The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-11-071, dated April 26, 2011, recommending the acceptance of the donation of an additional piece of public art from the Kitchener Professional Fire Fighter Association, which is an artefact from the Twin Towers/911. This artefact is to be located in Civic Centre Park in addition to the existing artwork titles “Protecting the Memory”. Mr. K. Schmalz, Kitchener Fire Memorial Committee was in attendance to present the report. He advised that this artefact will likely be unveiled on the Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That the proposed donation of an artefact by the Kitchener Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (KPFFA) be endorsed as an addition to the existing monument “Protecting the Memory” in Civic Centre Park; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with a representative of the Kitchener Professional Fire Fighters’ Association regarding the donation of the artefact as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-11-071.” 8.INS-11-061 - SIDEWALK INSTALLATION - OLD MILL ROAD FORCEMAIN REPLACEMENT The Committee was in receipt of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-0061, dated June 15, 2011, recommending the installation of a 200m sidewalk on Old Mill Road as part of the Old Mill Road Forcemain Replacement Project. Mr. G. Murphy presented the report noting that this sidewalk is a key link in the neighbourhood. Mr. J. Carnegie addressed the Committee speaking in opposition to installation of the sidewalk for reasons including the heritage significance of this area and its rural feel; and, the fact that the traffic in the area is no longer a concern since the greatest amount of traffic in the area goes to Conestoga College via Homer Watson Boulevard. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 20, 2011 - 53 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8.INS-11-061 - SIDEWALK INSTALLATION - OLD MILL ROAD FORCEMAIN REPLACEMENT (CONT’D) Mr. Nuntes addressed the Committee in support of the proposed sidewalk as recommended by staff. He stated that there are no homes in this area having a heritage designation and the most historic aspect of the area is the view of the river. He then spoke of the safety aspect of the area which will be addressed by the installation of the sidewalk, noting that this road is a secondary access to the college and vehicles are always speeding. Mr. Nuntes then requested the results of the City’s traffic study which he has not been able to obtain. In response to a question from the Committee, Mr. Willmer advised that the heritage significance in this area is the view but there are no designated properties on this road. Following discussion, Councillor Fernandes put forward a motion not to adopt the staff recommendation but instead to install curb and gutter along with some form of delineation on the street for pedestrians. She spoke of the heritage importance of this are and stated that pedestrians on the street are a natural traffic calming measure. Councillor Vrbanovic spoke in opposition to the motion, noting that the residents have 2 divergent points of view; however, this is a connection point for the trail network and the City’s core approach is to support the Pedestrian Charter and curb and gutter alone will not provide safety. Councillor Janecki spoke in support of the motion stating that heritage preservation over rides concerns about safety. Councillor Ioannidis stated that the most important factor is safety and the thought of using pedestrians as a means of traffic calming is beyond comprehension. Councillor Gazzola spoke in support of the motion stating that safety is important but sidewalks do not make everything safe. lost Councillor Fernandes motion was voted on by a recorded vote and was on a tied vote, as follows: In favour: Councillors Y. Fernandes, P. Singh, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki and D. Glenn- Graham; In Opposition: Councillors B. Ioannidis, K. Galloway, S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic and F. Etherington. Councillor Vrbaniovic then moved the staff recommendation to install the sidewalk, which was Carried voted on by a recorded vote and : In support: Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn- Graham, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, K. Galloway, S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington, and P. Singh; In opposition: Councillor Y. Fernandes; resulting in the following: On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That the proposed 200 meter sidewalk on Old Mill Road from Sydenham Street to Pinnacle Drive be approved as part of the Old Mill Road Forcemain Replacement Project to provide safe pedestrian passage.” 9.CSD-11-046 - REGIONAL GRAFFITI STRATEGY UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-11-046, dated June 8, 2011, providing an update on what has taken place with respect to graffiti control in the City of Kitchener and Waterloo Region. Mr. S. Turner presented the Regional Graffiti Strategy, as outlined in the report and noted that the strategy came about following discussions with Regional Police, when it became evident that a larger perspective was necessary. Following a substantial amount of work on the part of the municipalities and other public agencies, the Waterloo Region Anti-graffiti Alliance was formed. The Alliance’s action plan revolves around 3 key factors: “Recognize It” – understanding what graffiti is and its negative impacts; “Report It” – reporting helps facilitate quicker removal; and, “Remove It” – understanding the importance of quick removal as well as neighbourhood engagement. Mr. Turner then explained the use of murals as a prevention strategy and provided information about the upcoming communications effort. Mr. Turner concluded by advising of next steps, including: continue to build awareness, messaging into schools, proactive approach to removal, encouraging neighbourhood clean ups and more mural opportunities. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 20, 2011 - 54 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9.CSD-11-046 - REGIONAL GRAFFITI STRATEGY UPDATE (CONT’D) Several members of the Committee spoke in positive terms about the strategy and the staff effort behind it and offered to become involved with messaging and other aspects of the strategy. 10.INS-11-047 - DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY TRAILS The Committee was in receipt of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-047, dated June 9, 2011, recommending the alignment of the community trail in the Doon South Community. Mr. J. Witmer presented this report. In response to a question concerning an on-site environmental manager, Ms. DeWitt advised that the Grand River Conservation Authority is available during the construction. Councillor Fernandes thanked Councillor Galloway for keeping the residents informed, noting that no concerns have been heard from the residents. Councillor Galloway thanked staff for their hard work, noting that we can now move forward with the best option. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: “That the proposed alignment of the Community Trail located to the rear of lots 51 through 123 fronting on Pine Valley Drive, in the Doon South Community, referenced as Option E in Infrastructure Services Department report No: INS-11-047, be approved.” 11.INS-11-022 - CONSOLIDATED MAINTENANCE FACILITY PROJECT STATUS UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-022, dated providing an update on the Kitchener Operations Facility (formerly Central Maintenance Facility). Ms. P. Houston and Ms. C. Fletcher were in attendance to present this information report. Councillor Singh question whether a work of public art will be installed at this facility and was advised that staff will report to Council in this regard in September, also noting that the maximum amount of money that can be spent on public art for this facility is $200,000. A discussion took place on the Percentage for Art Policy with the suggestion being made that artists will charge what they know the City will pay. Following further discussion, staff was directed to bring forward a report to this Committee, this fall, with options to redress the policy including, among other matters, the range of costs and the feasibility of looking at local artists. Councillor Galloway asked staff to educate this Committee on what public art is. 12.INS-11-052 - STORMWATER BY-LAW HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENT The Committee was in receipt of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-052, dated June 10, 2011 recommending amendments to By-law 2010-113, Storm Water Charges By-law. The Committee was in receipt this date of the draft amending by-law and Schedule “A” to the by-law. Mr. N. Gollan presented this report. On motion by Councillor P. Singh - it was resolved: “That the proposed by-law attached to Infrastructure Services Department report INS- 11-052, amending By-law 2010-113, Storm Water Charge By-law, be adopted; and further, That Schedule “A” “Storm Water Charges” to By-law 2010-113, be amended to reduce the Storm Water Charges by 10 % effective July 1, 2011.” COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 20, 2011 - 55 - CITY OF KITCHENER 13.INS-11-056 - 37 SPRINGDALE DRIVE - SANITARY FORCEMAIN CONNECTION The Committee was in receipt of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-056, dated June 7, 2011, recommending installation and maintenance of a sanitary forcemain connection for 37 Springdale Drive. Mr. G. Murphy presented this report. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor for the installation and maintenance of a sanitary forcemain connection for 37 Springdale Drive.” 14.INS-11-055 - SIDEWALK WINTER MAINTENANCE REVIEW 2011 The Committee was in receipt of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-11-055, dated June 6, 2011, in response to a direction received at the Council meeting of May 9, 2011, to review the sidewalk snow removal processes relating to Operations and By-law Enforcement Division. This direction included: review all issues and make recommendations for improvements to ensure sidewalks are cleared; using best methods for snow clearing proactively rather than reactively, within the context of enforcing by-laws and balancing costs with customer service and accessibility requirements. Mr. J. Witmer presented this report and noted that attached to the current report are 2 other reports on this matter from 2007 and 2008. Following the Committee’s questions to staff, a discussion took place amongst the members as to whether another comprehensive review should be undertaken. It was generally agreed to defer any further review for 1 year to determine any benefits that may result from the first year of operation of the Kitchener Operations Centre and objectives can be discussed at that time. 15.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Dianne Gilchrist Committee Administrator