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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-28COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 28, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10 p.m. Present: Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Vrbanovic, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington and P. Singh. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services J. Witmer, Interim Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services L. Johnston, Director of Communications S. Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement K. Carmichael, Interim Director of Transportation Services J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor D. Ross, Manager of Development Review P. McCormick, Manager, Parking Enterprise C. Bluhm, Manager of Downtown Community Development C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator CSD-13-004 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC12/22/E/MV 1. - 317 EDWIN STREET Councillor P. Singh declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the subject Demolition Control Application as a member of his family owns property within the boundaries of the circulation area; and accordingly, he abstained from all discussion and voting regarding this matter. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-004, dated January 4, 2013 recommending approval of Demolition Control Application DC12/22/E/MV for the property municipally known as 317 Edwin Street, subject to conditions. In response to questions, Ms. D. Ross advised that tree management agreements cannot be applied to properties that are under an acre. She commented that if it was identified that the proposed demolition would impact a boulevard tree or a tree on a neighbouring property, then the owners would need to implement measures to mitigate the effect of the demolition and/or replace the tree. She confirmed that the applicant plans to construct two new semi-detached dwellings, which is permitted under the property’s existing zoning. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That Demolition Control Application DC12/22/E/MV requesting permission to demolish one (1) single detached dwelling located at 317 Edwin Street, owned by William O’Neil, be approved with the following condition: That the Chief Building Official may authorize and issue a demolition permit under Section 33(6) of the Planning Act subject to the following: That in the event that construction of the new dwelling unit is not substantially complete within two years from the day demolition of the existing residential property is commenced, 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.” CSD-13-005 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC12/21/M/MV 2. - 164 MORGAN AVENUE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-005, dated January 4, 2013 recommending approval of Demolition Control Application DC12/21/M/MV for the property municipally known as 164 Morgan Avenue, subject to conditions. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 28, 2013 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-13-005 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC12/21/M/MV 2. - 164 MORGAN AVENUE (CONT’D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That Demolition Control Application DC12/21/M/MV requesting permission to demolish one (1) single detached dwelling located at 164 Morgan Avenue, owned by Octavian and Florica Rosu, be approved with the following condition: That the Chief Building Official may authorize and issue a demolition permit under Section 33(6) of the Planning Act subject to the following: That in the event that construction of the new dwelling unit is not substantially complete within two years from the day demolition of the existing residential property is commenced, 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.” CSD-13-006 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC12/24/R/MV 3. - 11 REINHARDT STREET The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-006, dated January 4, 2013 recommending approval of Demolition Control Application DC12/24/R/MV for the property municipally known as 11 Reinhardt Street. In response to questions, Ms. D. Ross confirmed that the Region of Waterloo has requested the proposed demolition to facilitate the construction of a multi-purpose trail along the Waterloo Spur from Weber Street to King Street. She acknowledged that the demolition would allow for the removal of a dwelling that has been identified as being unsafe for use as a Regional rental property and would add greenspace between the adjacent lands and the trail. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That Demolition Control Application DC12/24/R/MV requesting permission to demolish one (1) single detached dwelling located at 11 Reinhardt Street, owned by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, be approved.” CSD-13-007 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC12/23/L/ATP 4. - 316 LOUISA STREET The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-007, dated January 9, 2013 recommending approval of Demolition Control Application DC12/23/L/ATP for the property municipally known as 316 Louisa Street, without conditions. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That Demolition Control Application DC12/23/L/ATP requesting permission to demolish one (1) single detached dwelling located at 316 Louisa Street, owned by 1841362 Ontario Inc., be approved without conditions.” CSD-13-013 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST 5. - VIEN QUANG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF KITCHENER-WATERLOO - 23 CAMPBELL AVENUE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-013, dated January 21, 2013 recommending approval of a noise exemption request to the Vien Quang Buddhist Association of Kitchener-Waterloo. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 28, 2013 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-13-013 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST 5. - VIEN QUANG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF KITCHENER-WATERLOO - 23 CAMPBELL AVENUE (CONT’D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, be granted to the Vien Quang Buddhist Association of Kitchener-Waterloo at 23 Campbell Avenue, on February 9, 2013, between the hours of 5 PM to 1 AM, as part of their Lunar New Year’s Celebration.” INS-13-002 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS 6. - HIGHLAND ROAD EAST The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-002, dated January 16, 2013 recommending a parking prohibition on a portion of Highland Road East. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit parking on both sides of Highland Road East from Stirling Avenue to a point 60 meters west of Stirling Avenue, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-005.” INS-13-005 - PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ON FAIRWAY ROAD AT PEBBLECREEK DRIVE 7. AND SIMS ESTATE DRIVE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-005, dated January 11, 2013 recommending the Region of Waterloo Traffic Services be requested to investigate pedestrian operations at the intersections of Fairway Road at Pebblecreek Drive as well as Fairway Road and Sims Estate Drive. Mr. K. Carmichael reviewed the report, advising that as the subject intersections fall under the jurisdiction of the Region of Waterloo, the review undertaken by City staff was primarily focused on school pedestrian safety and the crossing guard installation on Fairway Road and Pebblecreek Drive. He stated that the utilization of a crossing guard during school crossing times has enhanced pedestrian safety at that intersection. He commented that to address pedestrian safety issues outside of those times, measures would need to be implemented by the Region. He indicated that the Region will be conducting traffic studies at the intersection of Pebblecreek Drive and Fairway Road in the spring of 2013 to determine if a traffic signal is warranted. He further advised that based on previously collected traffic volume statistics, traffic signals were not warranted at the intersection of Fairway Road and Sims Estate Drive. He added that since the opening of the bridge across the Grand River and the Fairway Road extension, traffic volumes have increased in that area. Accordingly, the Region intends to undertake a study in March 2013, to determine if a traffic signal should now be installed at that location. On motion, Councillor Y. Fernandes brought forward the recommendation contained in Report INS-13-005, with revisions to strongly urge Region of Waterloo Traffic Services to undertake the proposed investigation, which should include, but not be limited to, the installation of pedestrian refuge islands as interim measures until traffic signals are warranted. Councillor B. Vrbanovic brought forward several amendments to Councillor Fernandes’ motion, which were accepted as friendly, to expand the investigation to include both pedestrian and vehicular operations as well as the intersection of Fairway Road and Thaler Avenue; and, to add a further clause encouraging the Region to undertake the subject investigations during the winter months to coincide with the operation of Chicopee Ski Hill. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 28, 2013 - 5 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-13-005 - PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ON FAIRWAY ROAD AT PEBBLECREEK DRIVE 7. AND SIMS ESTATE DRIVE (CONT’D) “That the Region of Waterloo Traffic Services be strongly urged to investigate pedestrian and vehicular operations, which should include but not be limited to the installation of pedestrian refuge islands as interim measures until traffic signals are warranted, at the intersections of Fairway Road at Pebblecreek Drive, Fairway Road at Sims Estate Drive and Fairway Road at Thaler Avenue; and, That the Region of Waterloo Traffic Services be encouraged to undertake the subject investigations during the winter months to coincide with the operation of Chicopee Ski Hill; and further, That Transportation Services staff report to a future Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting on the response received from the Region of Waterloo.” INS-13-010 - ROTARY CENTRE PARKING LOT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT 8. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-010, dated January 22, 2013 recommending new management agreements with the Waterloo Regional District School Board (WRDSB) and Grand River Hospital for the operation of two parking lots. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a revised financial comparison between the current and proposed new agreements for 2012-2013. Mr. P. McCormick reviewed the report, advising that the previously established agreement with WRDSB for the operation of Lot 13 Rotary Centre expired in June 2010. He added that in conjunction with the Lot 12 Green Street redevelopment, the WRDSB have proposed new ten year agreements for the City to continue to manage those parking lots on their behalf. He indicated that the terms of the new agreements would be slightly different from what was in place previously, whereby both parties would share a 50:50 split of net revenue. In response to questions, Mr. McCormick advised that under the terms of the old agreement WRDSB was provided $40,000. annually from the City comprising their share of the revenues. He pointed out that there were no inflationary increases to the fee structure paid to WRDSB for over ten years, with the City receiving all additional revenue. In reference to the circulated financial comparison, he identified that with the proposed split, the Parking Enterprise is projected to receive $161,423. in revenue from those lots in 2013. He compared this to the $163,058. the City received in 2012. He indicated that the new contract would take effect as of January 1, 2013. Mr. D. Chapman clarified that the difference in revenue is attributed to the parking rate increase implemented for 2013. He added that while the City would be providing WRDSB with a large portion of the net revenue, due to the fee increase, this should not have a significant impact on the Enterprise’s overall financial position. He confirmed that as this relates to an enterprise, there is no impact on the tax levy as a result of the proposed agreements. Mr. K. Carmichael responded further that a number of the parking lots the City manages in the Downtown are privately owned. He added that similar agreements are in place for those lots, providing a 50:50 split of net revenues with the private property owners. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Management Agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Waterloo Region District School Board to operate public parking at 828 King Street West; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Management Agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Grand River Hospital to operate public parking at 850 King Street West; and further, COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 28, 2013 - 6 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-13-010 - ROTARY CENTRE PARKING LOT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (CONT’D) 8. That the approved hourly rate for the subject locations as of January 1, 2013 be continued at $2.65 per hour with a $13.25 daily maximum, Monday to Saturday on a 24 hour basis and on Sunday from noon until midnight and a monthly rate of $127.30 per month, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-010.” CSD-13-010 - PRESENTATION - KITCHENER-WATERLOO HUMANE SOCIETY 9. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-010, dated January 22, 2013, recommending the development of a Responsible Pet Ownership Strategy in collaboration with the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society. Mr. S. Turner reviewed the report. Mr. Jack Kinch, Executive Director, Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society was in attendance and presented an update on the role and current challenges being faced by the Humane Society. He advised that as a municipal business partner, in 2013 the City of Kitchener will be allocating $505,053. for shelter and animal control services as well as an additional $30,000. to support the Humane Society’s spay/neuter program. He indicated that annually, the Humane Society provides shelter space for over 6,500 abandoned, orphaned or homeless pets. He noted that each year, medical care for these animals costs approximately $250,000. He further advised that the development and enforcement of by-laws encouraging responsible dog ownership led to greater awareness of the need for spaying/neutering; thereby producing fewer unwanted litters. He pointed out that cats are twice as likely as dogs to be abandoned, noting that approximately two thirds of all animals admitted to shelters are cats. He estimated that annually the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society takes in 4,500 cats; most do not possess any form of identification, which prevents the animals from being returned to their owners. Accordingly, less than 1% of cats are re-united with their owners, compared to 45% of dogs. He added that the only offsetting revenue the Humane Society receives is from the sale of dog licenses, even though two thirds of their costs go toward cats. Mr. Kinch proposed the implementation of by-laws supporting responsible pet ownership, which may include extending licensing to cats. He spoke to the issue of feral cats and the possible introduction of a trap/spay/neuter release program as a means of addressing their growing population. He also suggested licensing retailers to restrict their supply of cats to local shelter or rescue animals; thereby discouraging the sale/adoption of unaltered animals. He added that to improve efficiency of operations, it would be preferable to more closely align the wording contained in the Cities of Waterloo and Kitchener’s animal control by-laws. In response to questions, Mr. Kinch advised that approximately 80% to 85% of the cats taken in by the Humane Society come from the City of Kitchener; he suggested that this discrepancy could be addressed by aligning the language of the two Cities animal control by-laws. He estimated that it took approximately 20 years for people’s attitudes to change with respect to the necessity of dog licences and anticipated push back from cat owners if licensing was extended to those animals. He stated that a number of the cats that come to the shelter are obviously well cared for, but due to the lack of identification, 99% of those animals cannot be reunited with their families. He suggested that cat licences could be established to act as an incentive, similar to the ones implemented by the Cities of Calgary and Stratford. He added that the licences would not be aimed at generating revenue, but rather to increase the number of cats that are returned to their owners. He estimated that each spring, the shelter takes in approximately 100 cats per week. He confirmed that dog owners are effectively subsidizing the treatment and care the Humane Society provides to cats. He clarified that a feral cat is a second generation cat that has never been exposed to humans. He estimated that there are approximately 30,000 feral cats in Kitchener. He commented that a factor that contributes to the increase in the feral cat population, are the groups within the community that take an active role in feeding those animals. He reiterated the need for the establishment of a trap/spay/neuter release program to address the growing number of feral cats in the City. Mr. Turner responded to further questions, advising that at this point it is premature to assign a potential value on how much the City would charge for cat licences. He stated that the goal would be to encourage the community to participate in a licensing program, as a means of decreasing the number of cats that end up at the Humane Society. He indicated that this issue would be examined by City staff and the Humane Society as part of the development of a COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 28, 2013 - 7 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-13-010 - PRESENTATION - KITCHENER-WATERLOO HUMANE SOCIETY (CONT’D) 9. Responsible Pet Ownership Strategy. He spoke to the difficulty of enforcing the existing By- law’s ‘no running at large’ provisions as it relates to cats. He commented that most people recognize their neighbour’s dog, but it is harder to identify someone’s cat; thereby adding to the challenge of returning the animal to its owner. He confirmed that an invitation would be extended to the City of Waterloo to participate in the development of the proposed Strategy. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That staff be directed to work in collaboration with the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society and the City of Waterloo, where appropriate, to develop a Responsible Pet Ownership Strategy, and report back at a future Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting.” ADJOURNMENT 10. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m. C. Goodeve Committee Administrator