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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-26COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 26. 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:01 p. m. Present: Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. loannidis, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington and P. Singh. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services J. Witmer, Interim Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services L. MacDonald, Director of Legal Services & City Solicitor K. Kugler, Director of Enterprise J. McBride, Director of Transportation Services S. Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement D. Campbell, Manager, Community Resource Centres L. Palubeski, Manager, Programs & Resource Services G. Hummel, Manager Park Planning, Development and Operations K. Carmichael, Manager of Transportation Planning N. Gollan, Manager, Stormwater Utility K. Woodcock, Manager, Service Coordination & Improvement D. Ritz, Supervisor of Design & Development R. Schirm, Supervisor of Crossing Guards W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect J. Joseph, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator CSD-12-152 -NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST -JEAN STECKLE PUBLIC SCHOOL - 130 WOODBINE AVENUE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-152, dated November 20, 2012 recommending approval of a noise exemption request. As noted in the agenda, any recommendation from this Committee concerning this matter will be considered at the special Council meeting to be held later this same date. On motion by Councillor P. Singh - itwas resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to TRP Construction for 2 evenings between November 27th and December 7th, 2012, between the hours of 7:00 PM and 4:00 AM, for necessary construction work on Jean Steckle Public School, located at 130 Woodbine Avenue." INS-12-087 -CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL UPDATE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-087, dated November 15, 2012, regarding an annual update on the Kitchener Cycling Advisory Committee (KCAC). Ms. M. Sehl, Chair, Cycling Advisory Committee, presented the KCAC Annual Update which included a status report on each of the KCAC Top 5 priorities for 2012; the 2012 accomplishments; Annual Report Card as was suggested in the Cycling Master Plan; and, top priorities for 2013. The KCAC Top 5 Priorities for 2012 included: Iron Horse Trail Rail Crossing Upgrade; Cycling Master Plan Sign Pilot Project; Wilson Avenue Trail Head Improvements; Nyberg Street Contra-flow Bike Lane; and, Margaret Avenue Bike Lanes. Ms. Sehl advised that under the 2013 Top Priorities, KCAC has identified the Iron Horse Trail Rail Crossing as the No. 1 bicycle safety issue. She indicated that the Committee's goal is to advocate for cyclists and work with the Region of Waterloo to have safety improved at the crossing. She advised that barriers at trail /road crossings pose safety risks to cyclists. Accordingly, the Committee has suggested that all trail /road crossings could be improved by COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 26. 2012 - 87 - CITY OF 2. INS-12-087 -CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL UPDATE ICONT'D investigating alternatives to barriers. She stated that improving the cycling culture is part of the KCAC mandate for 2013, particularly in Downtown Kitchener. She noted that improvement to the Manitou-Wilson Trail, as a primary commuter link, has been identified as a top priority, and added that the Bicycle Rack Request Program, through community engagement, will allow individuals, businesses and schools to request racks where the need has been identified. Mayor C. Zehr inquired as to the perspective of KCAC on multi-use trails. Ms. Sehl indicated that issues surrounding speed have been identified and those walking need to be aware that cyclists will be travelling at faster speeds. Mayor Zehr questioned, if, in her experience, there are places where cyclists should dismount, such as at the Courtland Avenue East and Stirling Avenue South intersection, to ensure safe crossing of roads. Ms. Sehl responded that too often cyclists are being asked to dismount and suggested KCAC and the City examine safety options so that unsafe crossing or riding on the sidewalk does not occur. Councillor Z. Janecki noted that the railway /trail crossing has been stalled and inquired if the City could undertake any action to ensure the crossing improvement takes place. Mr. W. Sleeth responded that it is his understanding it is a jurisdictional issue between Rail America and CN Rail and that the City has approached legal staff for advice on how to proceed. With regard to the Nyberg Street Contra-flow bike lane being cancelled, Councillor Janecki inquired if use on the Nyberg Street Boulevard had been explored. Mr. Sleeth responded that as there is no right-of-way on the Nyberg Street Boulevard, an alternate route on Bedford Road has been identified. Councillor F. Etherington inquired as to whether KCAC was aware of a trail connecting to the Boathouse, as he was under the impression the trail was part of the Boathouse improvements. Mr. Sleeth agreed to obtain that information and respond to Councillor Etherington. Councillor J. Gazzola requested that the Cycling Advisory Committee Presentation be made available on the City's website and inquired if the barriers identified at trail /road crossings could be removed to improve safety. Mr. J. Witmer responded that the barriers are installed to provide safety to both drivers and cyclists and to serve as a warning to cyclists that a road crossing is imminent. He agreed to obtain information on the implications of removing the barriers and report back to the Committee at a future meeting. Based on the status of the KCAC Top Priorities of 2012, Councillor Fernandes indicated she would like to put forward a motion to ensure the 2012 Priorities are completed as soon as possible. Mr. Sleeth indicated that staff is working on having the priorities completed and acknowledged that the projects identified remain as priority. Mr. Witmer elaborated that the 2012 Priorities were identified after the budget had been completed, and suggested that the priorities for 2013 can be accommodated in the 2013 budget deliberations. Councillor Fernandes acknowledged that projects are dependent upon budget approval and withdrew her motion. Councillor K. Galloway requested a staff report be submitted regarding solving the issues identified by the KCAC related to the Nyberg Street Contra-flow bike lane, Victoria Street and West Avenue trail / road crossing improvement, and the agreement with CN Rail for improvement to the Iron Horse Trail Rail Crossing. 3. CAO-12-047 -SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - FUTURE DIRECTION The Committee considered Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-12-047, dated November 19, 2012, requesting Council comments on the future direction of the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee (SHCAC). Mr. J. Willmer advised that a review of SHCAC`s focus and future is prudent at this time as Committee vacancies are high, which may demonstrate that interest is waning; and suggested that the Committee be re-evaluated. He indicated that across-section of stakeholders were interviewed, including: SHCAC members; community partners; elected officials; and, staff who COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 26. 2012 - 88 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CAO-12-047 -SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - FUTURE DIRECTION (CONT'D) work with the Committee. Their concerns included the inability to provide tangible results through Committee meetings, and acknowledged that, although crime prevention is important, the City is appropriately connected to community safety without a dedicated advisory committee. He indicated that a change in focus from community safety to healthy community living could be warranted rather than discontinue the Advisory Committee. He noted that projects such as the Leisure Facilities Master Plan could utilize the Advisory Committee to complete the project internally with reduced reliance on consultants. Councillor B. Vrbanovic agreed with staff's recommendation to transfer budget allocations to the Tier 2 Community Grant application and review process. He expressed concern with moving funding away from projects such as Graffiti Buster and the Working Centre. Mr. Willmer explained that the funding history indicates that funding has not been sought in recent years for these projects, which demonstrates that other funding sources are available, and SHCAC funding was not relied upon consistently. He added that, should funding be required in future, the Tier 2 review and application process would be available. Upon request, Mr. Willmer agreed to determine where the Clean Team received funding and to provide this information prior to the next Council meeting. Councillor Z. Janecki referred to the staff recommendation contained within the report and questioned whether current membership would be extended; and, if approved, would the Committee advertise for appointments. Mr. Willmer confirmed that the assumption is an extension for cone-year term for existing members, with the focus of Committee work and value to be re-evaluated by Council. Several members who have sat on the SHCAC expressed appreciation of staff's re-evaluation of the Committee and are in favour of retaining the Committee with revised funding criteria. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, the recommendation contained in report CAO-12-047 was brought forward for the Committee's consideration with the following amendments: the addition of "together with" and deletion of "rather than" in the first paragraph; that "should the Committee continue to exist" be added to the first sentence in the third paragraph; that the fourth paragraph be amended to read "that existing Committee structure continue and that staff advertise and report back to Council"; that the fifth paragraph add "prior to 2014 Committee Appointments being advertised, and, delete "in six to twelve months". Councillor D. Glenn-Graham brought forward an amendment to Councillor Vrbanovic's motion, which was considered friendly, requesting that $2,500. be set aside from the Tier 2 grant program for 2013 to allow the organizers for the Henry Sturm Festival to meet the time limitations necessary to apply for funding through the SHCAC. Councillor P. Singh brought forward a further amendment to Councillor Vrbanovic's motion, which was accepted as friendly, that $10,000. of the budget for the Safe & Healthy Committee be utilized for meeting expenses and the remainder of the budget allocation be transferred to the Community Grants Tier 2 budget and application review process. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock requested voting separately on advertising for new members and further requested a recorded vote clause-by-clause. The following motion was then voted on in six separate clauses, by recorded votes, with the first clause Carried with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors, B. loannidis, B. Vrbanovic, K. Galloway-Sealock, F. Etherington and P. Singh voting in favour and Councillors D. Glenn- Graham, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki, S. Davey and Y. Fernandes voting in opposition. The second clause Carried with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. loannidis, B. Vrbanovic, K. Galloway-Sealock, F. Etherington, S. Davey, Y. Fernandes and P. Singh voting in favour and Councillors D. Glenn-Graham, J. Gazzola and Z. Janecki voting in opposition. The third, fourth and fifth clauses Carried with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. loannidis, B. Vrbanovic, K. Galloway-Sealock, F. Etherington, S. Davey, Y. Fernandes, D. Glenn-Graham, J. Gazzola and P. Singh voting in favour and Councillor Z. Janecki voting in opposition. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 26. 2012 - 89 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CAO-12-047 -SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - FUTURE DIRECTION (CONT'D) The sixth clause Carried with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. loannidis, B. Vrbanovic, K. Galloway-Sealock, F. Etherington, S. Davey, Y. Fernandes, J. Gazzola and P. Singh voting in favour and Councillors Z. Janecki and D. Glenn-Graham voting in opposition. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee's 2013 work plan focus on matters related to healthy community living together with community safety and crime prevention as needed; and, That $10,000. be earmarked within the 2013 budget for the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee to respond to community requests, with the remaining funds being used to cover meeting expenses and a portion of contract staff costs associated with this committee; and, That should the Committee continue to exist, the 2014 budget for the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee be reduced to $10,000., and that the remaining budget allocation be transferred to the Community Grants Tier 2 budget and associated application and review process; and, That the existing structure of the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee continue; and, That staff be directed to advertise for new members; and further, That the effectiveness of the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee be re- evaluated prior to 2014 Committee appointments being advertised." CSD-12-151 -LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN -UPDATE AND OPTIONS TO PROCEED The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-151, dated November 21, 2012, recommending staff proceed with the development of a new Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) for consideration by Council in the third quarter of 2013. Ms. K. Woodcock advised that a number of measureable successes have been achieved since the implementation of the 2005 LFMP. She stated that 92% of the actions contained within the LFMP have been completed, are on track for completion or have been included in subsequent master plans, with the remaining 8% delayed due to project reprioritization and / or budget availability. She presented two options for the Committee's approval, including remaining status quo with projects each coming forward on an as needed basis for Council approval; and, the development of a new LFMP utilizing primarily internal staff resources and approximately 30% of the workload to be completed by a consultant. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the Deliver Strategies and inquired as to the status of the Grand River Corridor. Mr. G. Hummel responded that the Corridor Plan identified parcels of land for future acquisition for the purpose of developing a waterfront park along the Grand River. He elaborated that the parcels have been identified in the Parks Strategic Plan and are funded through the Natural Area Acquisition Fund, which provides funding for land acquisition as the parcels become available. Councillor Y. Fernandes inquired as to the significant differences between the existing Plan and the new Plan as recommended. Mr. M. May responded that the major differences exist in that the 2005 Plan identified a number of capital projects which have either been completed or reprioritized due to budget availability; whereas, the new LFMP will focus on coordinating funding and staff resources that reflect the new culture of business planning. He elaborated that projects identified in 2005 that are outstanding have been identified in the latter part of the COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 26. 2012 - 90 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CSD-12-151 -LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN -UPDATE AND OPTIONS TO PROCEED (CONT'D) 10-year Capital Forecast and will be evaluated as part of the 2013 Development Charges Background Study. He added that as part of the new LFMP, growth will be used to determine how projects will be funded. Upon request by Councillor Fernandes, Mr. May agreed to provide the current balance in the Natural Area Acquisition Fund capital account prior to the December 3, 2012 Council meeting. Councillor F. Etherington requested clarification on the leisure trends, as referred to in the report, specifically how the LRT would affect recreational service delivery. Ms. K. Kugler responded that parking needs and transportation loads can have an impact on the determination of the use and location of a site which can be built in to the scope of a project. Councillor Z. Janecki requested clarification on whether the new LMFP would be an update to the existing 2005 plan. Mr. G. Hummel explained that the new ratios and statistics would be used to establish the required levels of service for leisure facilities. Councillor J. Gazzola requested a list of completed projects from the 2005 LMFP. Ms. Woodcock agreed to provide this list which was previously provided as an Appendix to Community Services Department report CSD-12-097 prior to the next Council meeting. In response to questions, Mr. May confirmed that the new LMFP would be completed prior to the Development Charges review in 2013. He noted that the LMFP has already established the project, subject to Council approval, as a top priority in the business plan with funds allocated for the consultant included in the existing capital budget. The following motion was Carried on a recorded vote with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. loannidis, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, B. Vrbanovic, S. Davey and F. Etherington voting in favour. Councillor P. Singh was absent at the time of voting. On motion by Councillor B. loannidis - itwas resolved: "That staff proceed with the development of a new Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) for consideration by Council in the third quarter of 2013." INS-12-089 - STRASBURG AND HURON ROAD ROUNDABOUT The Committee was in receipt this date of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12- 089, dated November 23, 2012, regarding safety concerns at the Huron and Strasburg Road roundabout. Mr. K. Carmichael advised that at the Council meeting of November 19, 2012, Council directed staff to put forward proposals to address safety concerns at the Huron Road and Strasburg Road roundabout. He reviewed the process for implementation and approach prior to the construction and opening of the roundabout on the 2011 Labour Day Weekend. He indicated that staff have put forward the recommendation from data collected regarding the speeds at exit points; traffic volume; pedestrian conditions; number of collisions; and, the impact of installing speed reduction measures. With regard to utilizing adult Crossing Guards, Mr. Carmichael stated that this provision does not instil safety, as the onus is removed from the pedestrian to make eye contact with the driver and that adequate gaps in traffic exist to allow for safe pedestrian crossing. He noted, however, that increased development at the Huron and Strasburg Roads area will serve to increase pedestrian traffic at this location. Regarding the installation of rumble strips, Mr. Carmichael advised that the Region of Waterloo was contacted regarding their warrant for installation, as the City does not install rumble strips at any of its roadways. He advised that rumble strips are typically utilized in rural settings to COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 26. 2012 - 91 - CITY 5. INS-12-089 - STRASBURG AND HURON ROAD ROUNDABOUT ICONT'D advise drivers of unexpected change and conditions on the roadway. He added that the strips are not recommended in proximity closer to 200 meters of residential neighbourhoods due to the noise generated when vehicular traffic passes over them. In response to questions, Mr. Carmichael indicated that permanent cautionary signs are not being recommended as the current challenges are presented due to the newness of the roundabout. He added that the Region and City are working together on an education plan for proper use of roundabouts. With regard to whether there has been a commitment for enforcement of speed reduction at the intersection, Mr. Carmichael stated that there is a meeting with Waterloo Regional Police in January 2013 to establish enforcement locations and that a high degree of support has been demonstrated in the past. Councillor B. Vrbanovic indicated he would like to move the recommendation contained within the staff report, with amendments to include beginning the education plan in early 2013; and, the requirement for staff to return to the August 12, 2013 Committee meeting with follow-up information related to safety improvements as implemented. In response to questions, Mr. Carmichael indicated that oversized signs are typically used in rural settings but could also be considered at this intersection. Councillor Davey put forward an amendment that was accepted as friendly, requesting staff to consider the use of oversized speed limit signs. Councillor J. Gazzola agreed that although crossing guards and rumble strips are not being recommended at this location, it is important to include their consideration at this time in the recommendation being presented by staff. Councillor Gazzola indicated he would like staffs recommendation to be amended accordingly. This amendment was accepted as friendly by Councillor Vrbanovic. Councillor Y. Fernandes inquired as to why there were no school crossing signs at this location given the proximity to Huron Heights Secondary School. Mr. Carmichael responded that school crossing signs are only posted at designated school crossings. Councillor Fernandes indicated she would like the motion to be amended to request school zone signs be installed at the intersection. Mr. Carmichael responded that he would like the opportunity to follow up with a response after the review is complete. Councillor Fernandes indicated she would be satisfied with follow-up information and agreed to withdraw her amendment. The following motion was then voted on and Carried Unanimously. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - itwas resolved: "That Transportation Services are to consider utilizing oversized speed limit signs when implementing a 50 km/h speed limit on Huron Road from a point 400 metres north of Strasburg Road to a point 400 metres south of Strasburg Road; and , That Waterloo Regional Police Services be requested to enforce speeding on Huron Road and Strasburg Road effective immediately; and, That City of Kitchener staff provide on-site educational support on the safe and proper use of roundabouts by pedestrians in early 2013 and at the beginning of each school year at the Huron Road / Strasburg Road roundabout, in conjunction with the Waterloo Region District School Board and Huron Heights Secondary School; and, That Portable Variable Message Signs (PVMS), with the message of "Stop For Pedestrians At Roundabout", be posted in advance of the Huron Road / Strasburg Road roundabout on the two Huron Road approaches for a two (2) week period; and, That Transportation Services continue to monitor the traffic speed, volume and pedestrian conditions at this roundabout; and That rumble strips and crossing guards were considered at this location, will not be implemented at this time, and, COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE INS-12-089 - STRASBURG AND HURON ROAD ROUNDABOUT (CONT'D) That staff review this implementation and report back to the Community and Infrastructure Committee on August 12, 2013. That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly." ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:33 p. m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator