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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-10COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 3:31 p.m. Present: Councillor K. Galloway - Chair Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, S. Davey and P. Singh. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services Department J. Witmer, Interim Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services L. MacDonald, Director of Legal Services & City Solicitor R. Gosse, Director of Legislative Services & City Clerk J. McBride, Director of Transportation Services D. Ross, Manager, Development Review C. Bluhm, Manager Downtown Development L. Palubeski, Manager, Programs & Resource Services N. Gollan, Manager, Stormwater Utility D. Ritz, Supervisor of Design & Development C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator CSD-12-116 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC12/16/V/MV 1. - 1188 VICTORIA STREET NORTH - 1869522 ONTARIO LTD. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-116, dated August 20, 2012, recommending approval of a demolition permit, for 1188 Victoria Street North. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That Demolition Control Application DC12/16/V/MV requesting permission to demolish a single detached dwelling located at 1188 Victoria Street North owned by 18699522 Ontario Ltd., be approved.” INS-12-058 - MARGARET AVENUE ROAD DIET 2. - TRAFFIC AND PAVEMENT MARKING PLAN The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-058, dated July 11, 2012, recommending changes to the on-street parking regulations and the installation of cycling lanes on Margaret Avenue. In response to questions, Mr. J. McBride reviewed the report, outlining the locations for the new cycling lanes. Councillor J. Gazzola expressed concerns regarding the depiction of the details on the black/white maps and photographs included in the staff report. It was suggested that in the future staff endeavour to provide colour maps for these kinds of reports. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That Schedule 1 - No Parking of the Uniform Traffic By-law, be amended to change the on-street parking regulations for specified sections of Margaret Avenue, as outlined in Appendix ‘A’ of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-058; and, That on-street cycle lanes be installed on the south side of Margaret Avenue from Victoria Street North to the City limits; and, That on-street cycle lanes be installed on the north side of Margaret Avenue from a point fifty (50) metres west of Victoria Street North to the City limits; and, That on-street parking areas be defined through on-road pavement markings; and further; That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 - 76 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-12-069 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS 3. - LORRAINE AVENUE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-069, dated August 16, 2012, recommending a parking prohibition on a portion of Lorraine Avenue. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit parking at any time on the east side of Lorraine Avenue from Montcalm Drive to a point seventy (70) metres north thereof, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-069.” INS-12-071 - U-TURN PROHIBITION 4. - BAXTER PLACE AND PIONEER TOWER ROAD The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-071, dated August 22, 2012, recommending a prohibition on U-turns at the intersection of Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road. In response to questions, Mr. J. McBride indicated that this matter was brought forward in response to a request from the Region of Waterloo regarding the allowable turning movements at Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road. He stated that presently, vehicles are bypassing the southbound left turn from Sportsworld Drive to King Street East by driving through to Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Drive and completing a U-turn. He advised that to address traffic safety at this location, it is proposed that U-turns be prohibited at all times on Baxter Place at the King Street East signalized intersection. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit U-turns at any time for the southbound approach to Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-071.” INS-12-072 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS 5. - DUKE STREET WEST The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-072, dated August 22, 2012 recommending a stopping prohibition on a portion of Duke Street West. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit stopping at any time on the south side of Duke Street West from Ontario Street North to a point thirty-five (35) metres east thereof, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12- 072.” FCS-12-152 - REQUEST FOR MIDWAY DURING OKTOBERFEST 6. - OCTOBER 5-8, 2012 The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-12-152, dated August 30, 2012, concerning a request to operate a midway in Downtown Kitchener during the 2012 Oktoberfest celebrations. At the request of Councillor Z. Janecki, staff agreed to provide additional information as to whether GTA Midways Inc. would be leasing the entire Forsyth parking lot and if this was included as an in-kind service. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 - 77 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-12-152 - REQUEST FOR MIDWAY DURING OKTOBERFEST 6. - OCTOBER 5-8, 2012 (CONT’D) “That GTA Midways Inc. be granted permission to operate a Midway in Downtown Kitchener during Oktoberfest from October 5-8, 2012, subject to the following: Hours of operation: Date Start Close Friday, October 5 Noon 11:00 p.m. Saturday, October 6 11:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. Sunday, October 7 11:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. Monday, October 8 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 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 4 until October 8, 2012; and further, That the required licence be obtained prior to operating the Midway.” PRESENTATION - KITCHENER-WATERLOO WOODWORKING AND CRAFT CENTRE 7. UPDATE Messrs. Tom Gloade, President and Lee Hishon, Past President, Kitchener-Waterloo Woodworking and Craft Centre, were in attendance and presented an update on the activities of their organization. Mr. Gloade reviewed their various community outreach work; such as, assembling birdhouses for Earth Day as well as contributing hand crafted furniture and raised planter boxes for a new outdoor area at Breithaupt Community Centre. He then extended an invitation for the Committee to attend the official unveiling of the new outdoor area at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Several members expressed appreciation for the work being done by the Kitchener-Waterloo Woodworking and Craft Centre, commenting on how the organization continues to exceed its mandate through its valuable outreach activities. FCS-12-153 - 2013 COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEE SCHEDULE 8. The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-12-153, dated September 4, 2012 concerning the proposed schedule for the 2013 Council and Standing Committee meetings. Mayor C. Zehr reviewed the two options that have been put forward for the 2013 meeting schedule. He advised that Option 1 proposes to have eight meetings in the first half of the year and seven in the second half; whereas Option 2 divides the meetings at nine and six. He expressed support for Option 2, commenting that Council typically has a larger workload prior to its annual July break. In response to questions regarding the possibility of rescheduling the first proposed Budget st meeting to November 21, Mr. R. Gosse advised that he was unaware of anything that might prohibit the suggested rescheduling. th On motion Mayor Zehr brought Option 2 forward for consideration, with the November 28 st Budget meeting being rescheduled to November 21. Councillor Y. Fernandes expressed a preference for Option 1, indicating that it provides a more balanced alternative. She stated that it is not uncommon for a meeting day to start at 11:00 a.m. and not end until 11:00 p.m. She suggested that perhaps the overall number of meetings COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 - 78 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-12-153 - 2013 COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEE SCHEDULE (CONT’D) 8. should be increased as a means of more effectively dispersing the workload of Council and the Standing Committees. Councillor J. Gazzola also spoke in support of Option 1 and questioned why Council does not meet during the month of July. Councillor B. Ioannidis advised that he would not be in support of increasing the number of meeting dates, noting the difficulties that it could pose for those members with careers outside of being on Council. Councillor K. Galloway expressed concern with holding additional meetings during the summer months, noting past difficulties the City has had in engaging the public during that time. She added that should the need arise, additional meetings could be called to deal with a specific issue. CARRIED The following motion was voted on and by a recorded vote, with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Ioannidis, K. Galloway, S. Davey, Z. Janecki, and P. Singh voting in favour; and, Councillors J. Gazzola, Y. Fernandes and D. Glenn-Graham voting in opposition. Councillors F. Etherington and B. Vrbanovic were not in attendance this date. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: “That Option Number 2 outlined in Finance and Corporate Services Department Report FCS-12-153 dated September 4, 2012, be approved as the 2013 schedule of Council th and Standing Committee meetings, save and except that the November 28 Budget st meeting being re-scheduled to November 21.” INS-12-074 - SOUTHWEST OPTIMIST PARK SKATEPARK LOCATION 9. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-074, dated August 20, 2012, regarding the proposed development of a skatepark at Southwest Optimist Park. It was noted that the President of the Southwest Optimist Club had planned on addressing the Committee this date, but was not in attendance. Mr. D. Ritz presented the report, advising that over the summer staff met with representatives from the Optimist Club. He stated that the Club expressed concerns related to vandalism and the possible removal of one of the baseball diamonds if a skatepark were installed at Southwest Optimist Park. He added that various plans were presented, but the Club expressed general opposition to the skatepark. He indicated that staff are proposing that this matter be deferred to allow time for further dialogue with the Optimist Club. On motion, Councillor Y. Fernandes brought the recommendation contained in Report INS-12- 074 forward for consideration. In response to questions, Mr. Ritz reviewed the four designs that were proposed to the Optimist Club for the skatepark. He noted that a key aspect for the designs was to ensure good visibility and frontage for the skatepark on the adjacent streets. He commented that the baseball diamonds at Southwest Optimist Park are underutilized in comparison to other fields in that area. He clarified that as this is a City facility any liability associated with the skatepark would rest with the City and not the Southwest Optimist Club. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: “That the approval of the Southwest Optimist Park skatepark, be deferred and that staff continue dialogue with the Southwest Optimist Club regarding the proposed on-site location of the Southwest Optimist Park skatepark.” COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 - 79 - CITY OF KITCHENER CAO-12-036 - LEASE FOR CHARLES AND BENTON PARKING GARAGE RETAIL SPACE, 10. UNIT 1 The Committee considered Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-12-036, dated August 31, 2012, regarding a lease agreement with The Tannery School of Music for space at the Charles and Benton Parking Garage. Mr. C. Bluhm reviewed the report. In response to questions, Mr. Bluhm advised that the term of the lease would be for 10 years, at market rate, with annual rent increases. He stated that the Tenant would be responsible for utility costs as well as the extensive leasehold improvements; accordingly, the lease agreement presents little risk to the Corporation. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a lease agreement with The Tannery School of Music, for the Retail Unit 1, located at 4 Charles Street East (future address will be 26 Benton Street), subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.” INS-12-033 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (SWM) ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT & POLICY 11. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-033, dated August 29, 2012, regarding the 2011 Stormwater Management (SWM) annual audit report, which evaluates and proposes modifications to the City’s existing SWM practices. Mr. N. Gollan advised that Council Policy I-1135 (SWM) was approved in 2001 and directs staff to conduct an annual stormwater monitoring program and audit to review SWM redevelopment / infill charge (cash-in-lieu) fees collected, stormwater works completed and to prioritize future rehabilitation projects to restore or enhance the existing stormwater infrastructure to meet legislative requirements. He stated that the audit and monitoring program is carried out annually by a steering committee consisting of staff from the City of Kitchener, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), the Region of Waterloo and the City’s consultants; being Aquafor Beech Ltd. He noted that in addition to the audit results, staff are proposing to present recommendations by the end of 2013 to update the SWM Policy to bring it into context with the implementation of the City’s Stormwater Utility and Credit Policy. Mr. Chris Denich, Aquafor Beech Ltd. presented the 2011 water quality monitoring results. He advised that the purpose of the annual audit report is to indicate whether the SWM measures provide the necessary water quantity control and water quality treatment of stormwater resulting from infill / redevelopment sites. He advised that based on the results from the 2010 audit, seven water quality, biological and physical monitoring sites were selected for 2011 being: 1. Kolb Drain (KD1) - Otterbien Road and Misty Street; 2. Montgomery Creek (MG1) - Shelley Drive (Wilson Park); 3. Sandrock Greenway (SR2) - Queen’s Boulevard & Westheights Drive; 4. Schneider Creek (SC5) - Manitou Dr. between Bleams Road & Fairway Road South; 5. Schneider Creek (SC2) - Homer Watson Boulevard (Homer Watson Park); 6. Strasburg Creek (SB13) - Strasburg Road & Trillium Drive (Huron Business Park); and, 7. Strasburg Creek (SB2) - Marl Meadow Drive & Biehn Drive (Brigadoon Pond). Mr. Denich noted that several years of data are required to identify trends and the SWM system elements that need rehabilitation. He stated that while overall water quality has decreased for Strasburg Creek 13, it has improved for Kolb Drain as well as Strasburg Creek 2 downstream of Brigadoon Pond; and, Schneider Creek 2 in the area of Homer Watson Park. He noted that this provides visible benefits resulting from the Wards/Brigadoon rehabilitation works. He stated that six sites are being recommended for the 2012 audit, being: continued monitoring at KD1, SB2, SB13, SR2, and MG1 to build on historical data sets; and a new site, Henry Sturm 3 (HS3). He added that it is also recommended that the program continue to include winter sampling as well as continuous temperature and flow monitoring should be undertaken at KD1 and SB13. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 - 80 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-12-033 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (SWM) ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT & POLICY 11. (CONT’D) Questions were raise regarding provincial reporting requirements and Mr. Denich advised that all biological sampling was undertaken in accordance with the provincial water quality guidelines (PWQ). He added that these samples provide water quality information for a distinct moment in time. He stated that when examining and analysing concentrations of a particular substance, trending is important to identify a possible source. Mr. Gollan responded further that due to its widespread use, it is not possible to identify the cause of the higher than normal levels of zinc. He indicated that the City does not have the necessary expertise or resources to undertake the audit internally. Mr. Denich added that such findings are common for most urban areas, given increased construction activities. He noted this is partly why continued monitoring has been recommended for a number of these sites. He indicated the audit found that further stormwater improvements are still required; however, winter events are providing additional insight into the impacts of road salts. In response to further questions, Mr. Denich confirmed that one Brook Trout was captured at SB2 just downstream of the former dam. He commented that this is significant as that species is very sensitive to pollution and has not been recorded in that area for approximately 20 years. He suggested that this is a sign that the waterway is responding to the measures implemented as part of previous SWM audits. Councillor Y. Fernandes advised that while she would like to endorse the proposed recommendations, she would have preferred to see them go further. She suggested this could include recommendations for more actionable measures, showing how the water quality data is being used to improve the City’s stormwater infrastructure. Questions were raised regarding how the annual SWM priorities are determined. Mr. Gollan advised that the audit is completed in conjunction with a review of the capital budget and an assessment of the following year’s budget. He noted that the review considers which projects would produce the greatest benefits to improve overall water quality. He responded further that the $100,000. expenditure proposed for the 2012 program through the cash-in-lieu account is for an oil grit separator. He agreed to provide additional information as to the number of units that are proposed to be installed. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That the 2011 Stormwater Management Annual Audit Report, prepared by Aquafor Beech and City staff be received and endorsed by Council; and further, That staff continue to review the Stormwater Management Policy I-1135, dated December 10, 2001 and present recommendations to Council on or before December 31, 2013.” NOTICE OF MOTION - INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 12. Councillor K. Galloway gave notice that she intended to introduce a motion at the September 17, 2012 Council meeting regarding the International Day of the Girl Child. ADJOURNMENT 13. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. C. Goodeve Committee Administrator