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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-22 COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:47 p.m. Present: Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington and P. Singh. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance and Corporate Services M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services L. Johnston, Director of Communications S. Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and Services K. Carmichael, Interim Director of Transportation Services S. Allen, Manager, Engineering Design and Approvals D. Lupsa, Design and Construction Project Manager D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator INS-13-031 - DIXON STREET/CARWOOD AVENUE 1. - TRAFFIC CALMING FOLLOW-UP REVIEW The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-031, dated March 14, 2013, recommending that existing traffic calming measures on Dixon Street and Carwood Avenue remain in place. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: That the existing traffic calming measures (five speed humps, one intersection narrowing, one raised crosswalk and one all-way stop control at the intersection of Dixon Street and Carwood Avenue) on Dixon Street and Carwood Avenue remain in place. INS-13-033 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - HOFFMAN STREET 2. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-033, dated April 10, 2013, recommending an amendment to the parking regulations for Hoffman Street to prohibit parking on the east side of the street from a point 54 meters north of Meinzinger Avenue to 37 meters north thereof. 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 inner curve (east side - odd numbered houses) of Hoffman Street from a point 54 meters north of Meinzinger Avenue to a point 37 meters north thereof, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-033 INS-13-035 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - ANDREW STREET 3. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-035, dated April 8, 2013, recommending an amendment to the parking regulations on Andrew Street. This amendment would prohibit parking from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday on the west side (even number side) of Andrew Street from Shanley Street to Braun Street. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit parking from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday on the west side (even number side) of Andrew Street from Shanley Street to Braun Street, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-035 COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-13-036 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - MACVILLE AVENUE 4. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-036, dated April 10, 2013, recommending an amendment to the parking regulations on Macville Avenue by prohibiting parking on both sides of the street from Woolwich Street to the east terminus. Councillor S. Davey inquired if parking could be accommodated on one side of the street to provide additional parking to residents. Mr. K. Carmichael responded that Fire Services has indicated that due to the minimum width requirements to accommodate fire apparatus, parking on both sides of the street should be eliminated. At the request of Councillor S. Davey it was agreed to defer consideration of this matter to allow additional time to discuss with residents the impact on-street parking elimination would have on Macville Street. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: That the following recommendation contained in Infrastructure Services Department be referred to the April 29, 2013 Council meeting report INS-13-036 pending additional information: That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit parking on both sides of Macville Avenue from Woolwich Street to the east terminus. INS-13-037 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - PANDORA CRESCENT 5. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-037, dated April 10, 2013, recommending an amendment to parking regulations to prohibit parking at all times on the east side of Pandora Crescent, as outlined in the staff report. 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 (odd number side) of Pandora Crescent from Pandora Avenue North to a point 45 meters north thereof, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13- 037 CSD-13-040 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST - 4295 KING STREET EAST 6. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-040, dated April 12, 2013, recommending approval of a noise exemption request at 4295 King Street East. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to SG Cunningham Ltd. for purposes of concrete pouring and curing on 3 nights between April 29, 2013 and May 8, 2013, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m DELEGATION - CONNECTING DOON TO THE REST OF KITCHENER 7. The Committee was in receipt this date of a presentation outline by Mr. Duncan Class, dated April 22, 2013, requesting improvements to the trail and cycling initiatives in the Doon area of the City. Mr. Class reviewed the presentation, detailing transportation issues faced by motorists and cyclists in the Doon area. He indicated that the area is isolated due to two large business parks, separated by a 2.3km distance between the sidewalks located at Fairway Road and the Doon area. He encouraged the City to honour the Pedestrian Charter, endorsed in 2005, by COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER DELEGATION - CONNECTING DOON TO THE REST OF KITCHENER 7. connecting the Doon area with the rest of Kitchener with improvements to sidewalks and multi- use trails. He reviewed a number of issues related to the Wilson Avenue Trail and the Schneider Creek Trail which, if solved, would improve connectivity. He stated that the east trail-head of the Wilson Avenue Trail remains narrow and is unmaintained. Mr. Class requested that the City maintain and improve the east trail-head, and encouraged the installation of signage to ensure safety and way-finding at the west entrance of the Wilson Avenue Trail. He referred to the planned repaving of the Schneider Creek Trail in 2013, noting that its current condition is not safe as it has mud-covered lengths and is dangerous. He acknowledged the planned implementation of bike lanes on Wilson Avenue and the planned repaving improvements of Schneider Creek Trail, but stated that issues such as nameless trails in the Doon area exist and should be standardized to ensure connectivity. Councillor Y. Fernandes commended Mr. Class on his presentation and passion for connectivity of the trail system in the City. She inquired if Mr. Class was aware of the 2013 budgetary allotment to improve the trail system. Mr. Class acknowledged that he was aware of . in funds for trail improvements in 2013, as well as the opening of the continuous multi-use pathway at the junction of the former Wilson Avenue at Huron Road, which will be completed in Spring 2013. Mr. J. Willmer suggested, and it was agreed, that the item be referred back to staff to confer with the effected Divisions and report back to the Committee at a future date. INS-13-019 - STIRLING AVENUE NORTH - FLOOD MITIGATION 8. - SCHEDULE B ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-019, dated April 16, 2013, recommending the Stirling Avenue North Flood Mitigation Schedule B Class Environmental Assessment (EA) be filed with the Ministry of the Environment. Ms. D. Lupta addressed the Committee, advising that the City retained the WalterFedy Partnership as consultants to complete a Class B Environmental Assessment in July 2012, to identify cost effective solutions to mitigate flooding on Stirling Avenue North. Mr. Stuart Mitchell, WalterFedy, presented the Environmental Study Report (ESR) as outlined in Report INS-13-019. He identified the area of impact on Stirling Avenue North and reviewed the existing conditions, as well as the alternatives that have been evaluated to mitigate the flooding. He stated that the frequency of flows in this area exceeds the design criteria of the storm sewers on Stirling Avenue North, which cross beneath the Conestoga Parkway and continue downstream to the outlet at Montgomery Creek. He indicated that during the EA process, six alternatives were evaluated using the following criteria: social impacts; economic impacts; and, overall flood mitigation benefits. The alternatives that were presented were: Alternative 1 - Do nothing to mitigate the flooding; Alternative 2 - Acquire the impacted private properties; Alternative 3 - Upgrade the downstream storm sewers at a capital cost of approximately $3.7M; Alternative 4 - Divert flows and upgrade infrastructure to eliminate flooding at a capital cost of $2.7M; Alternative 5 - Divert flows and utilize existing south Conestoga Parkway crossing; and improve storm sewers on Stirling Avenue at a capital cost of $500,000 to eliminate the flooding of the basements and reduce surface flooding; and, Alternative 6 - Implementation of a two phase mitigation plan to divert flows, utilize existing south crossing and improve storm sewers in phase 1; and develop storage on the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium lands in phase 2 at a capital cost of $875,000. Mr. Mitchell indicated that the preferred alternative, based on the evaluation criteria, is the implementation of Alternative 6 which would eliminate flooding at the lowest capital cost with COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-13-019 - STIRLING AVENUE NORTH - FLOOD MITIGATION 8. - SCHEDULE B ENVIRONMENTAL ASSES the least social impact. In response to questions, Mr. S. Allen stated that the City has been aware of the flooding on Stirling Avenue North for approximately 40 years; and although the Operations Division has attempted to alleviate the problem, there has been no significant reduction on the impact of the excess flows. In reference to Alternative 2, he stated that there are two residential properties located at the end of Stirling Avenue that experience basement flooding in a 5 to 10 year cycle that could be acquired but would have a significant social impact due to the resident relocation. Ms. Lupta responded to further questions, stating the affected property owners on Stirling Avenue North have been kept informed during the EA process but were not invited to attend the presentation at this date. Councillor D. Glenn-Graham requested clarification on the difference between Alternatives 5 and 6, as the capital cost of the former is $500,000. compared to $875,000. for the latter. Mr. Mitchell explained that both Alternatives 5 and 6 would eliminate basement flooding and are the same in terms of flow diversion. He added that both Alternatives utilize the south 750mm diameter outlet, and improve the storm sewers on Stirling Avenue to 1,350 mm diameter; however, he stated that Alternative 6 differs, in that it proposes a second phase of implementation which would eliminate flooding by providing storage for excess flows on the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium lands. He noted that the phased-in option provides an opportunity to evaluate the location and type of storage during the determination of the development of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium lands. Councillor Glenn-Graham indicated that the timing for the development of the Auditorium lands is not immediate and would provide time for storage capacity to be evaluated once Alternative 5 has been implemented. Councillor D. Glenn-Graham brought forward a motion to approve Alternative 5, as outlined in Report INS-13-019, with the understanding that implementation of storage could be evaluated in the future. Mr. Willmer addressed the Committee, advising that the timing of development of the Auditorium lands is anticipated to be incorporated into the Business Plan later this year. He added that part of the discussions will include use of the Auditorium site, which may be determined over the course of several years. In addition, he referred to the Council Orientation of the EA Process and recalled that once an ESR is tabled, Council is asked to make a determination on the preferred Alternative as presented in the Report. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock suggested re-wording the motion to approve the first phase of Alternative 6 with staff to report back with information on the impact of the implementation of storage on the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium lands. Councillor Glenn-Graham then modified his motion to approve the recommendation within the staff report with implementation of the first phase of Alternative 6, with direction to staff to report back on whether storage for excess flows is required, and the impact the storage would have on the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium lands. Mr. Allen responded to questions regarding public consultation, advising that the affected residents have been communicated with several times over the years. He indicated that although they were not notified of the ESR being presented at the Committee meeting this date, he will endeavour to notify the residents of Stirling Avenue North of the April 29, 2013 Council meeting so that they may register as a delegation if they so choose. He added that the Ward Councillor has been kept apprised of the progression of the ESR as part of the EA process. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-13-019 - STIRLING AVENUE NORTH - FLOOD MITIGATION 8. - SCHEDULE B ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: That Alternative 6 of the Stirling Avenue North Flood Mitigation Schedule B Class Environmental Study Report (ESR), prepared by The WalterFedy Partnership, dated April 16, 2013, be implemented with the understanding that Stage 2, off road storage within the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (Auditorium) lands, will only be utilized if required and pending consideration during the annual Capital Budget deliberations; and, That staff be directed to report back on the impact the proposed storage for excess flows, as outlined in Stage 2 of Alternative 6 of the ESR, may have on the future development of the Auditorium lands; and further; That the Stirling Avenue North Flood Mitigation Schedule B Class Environmental Study Report (ESR) be filed with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for the mandatory thirty (30) day review period as required by the Environmental Assessment Act INS-13-029 - HURON ROAD BRIDGE - SPEED LIMIT AND TRAFFIC CONTROL 9. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-029, dated March 14, 2013, recommending speed limit reduction and signage be installed on the section of Huron Road approaching the Huron Road Bridge. On motion by Councillor P. Singh the recommendation contained in Report INS-13-29 was brought forward for consideration. Councillor J. Gazzola expressed concern with implementation of the speed control measures on the section of Huron Road, stating that the C Highway Bridge Design Code, indicated that consideration should be given to additional speed measures. He added that as consideration has been given to the matter, he would not be in support of staf implement a 40 km/h speed limit and install signage on Huron Road approaching the Huron Road Bridge. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock ruled the motion out of order. Carried The following motion was then voted on and on a recorded vote with Councillors D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, B. Vrbanovic, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, F. Etherington, P. Singh and S. Davey voting in favour; and Councillors Z. Janecki and J. Gazzola voting in opposition. Mayor C. Zehr did not vote as he was not in attendance at this time. On motion by Councillor P. Singh - it was resolved: That a 40 km/h speed limit be implemented on Huron Road from Homer Watson Boulevard to Mill Park Drive; and, approach to the bridge; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 22, 2013 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER ADJOURNMENT 10. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:53 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator