Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-09 COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 12:35 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Ioannidis - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington, D. Glenn-Graham, P. Singh and K. Galloway-Sealock 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 T. Beckett, Fire Chief L. Johnston, Director of Communications W. Malcolm, Director of Utilities B. Robinson, Director of Engineering A. Pinard, Director of Planning H. Gross, Director of Asset Management J. Oosterveld, Manager, Site Development and Customer Service S. Allen, Manager, Engineering Design and Approvals T. Gaber, Manager of Operations - Utilities A. Mick, Utilities Engineer H. Holbrook, Senior Planner, Urban Design D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator INS-13-074 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS 1. - HILLCREST LANE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-074, dated August 7, 2013 recommending a parking prohibition on a portion of Hillcrest Lane. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit parking at anytime on the north side (odd number side) of Hillcrest Lane from 69 metres east of Hillcrest Court to a point 43 metres east thereof, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13- 074.” CSD-13-095 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST 2. - CENTRE IN THE SQUARE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-095, dated August 28, 2013 recommending approval of a noise exemption request for The Centre in the Square. It was noted that any recommendation arising from the Committee regarding this matter will be considered at the special Council meeting to be held later this same date. 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 Centre In The Square for their Bandaloop event to be held on September 13 and September 14, 2013, between the hours of 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM each day, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-13-095.” CSD-13-096 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST 3. - VIEN QUANG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF KITCHENER-WATERLOO The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-096, dated August 28, 2013 recommending approval of a noise exemption request for the Vien Quang Buddhist Association of Kitchener-Waterloo. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 - 84 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-13-096 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST 3. - VIEN QUANG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF KITCHENER-WATERLOO (CON’T) 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 September 21, 2013, between the hours of 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, as part of their celebration of their Autumn Festival, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-13-096.” CSD-13-086 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC13/07/O/KA 4. - OLD ZELLER DRIVE - ROCKWAY HOLDINGS LIMITED & GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY - REMOVAL OF HOLDING PROVISION The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-086, dated August 12, 2013 recommending approval of Zone Change Application ZC13/07/O/KA to remove the Holding Provision applied to the Grand River Flats Subdivision (30T-10202). On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That Zone Change Application ZC13/07/O/KA (Old Zeller Drive; Rockway Holdings Limited & Grand River Conservation Authority) for the purpose of removing Holding Provision 62H from the lands specified on the attached Map No.1, in the form shown in the ‘Proposed By-law’ dated July 15, 2013, attached to Community Services Department report CSD-13-086 as Appendix ‘A’, be approved.” INS-13-072 - ARDELT PLACE SNOW DUMP FACILITY LEASE RENEWAL 5. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-072, dated August 6, 2013 recommending approval of a lease agreement with the owner of 75 Ardelt Place for use as a snow dumping facility. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a lease agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor with the current property owner at 75 Ardelt Place in the City of Kitchener, for the use of the lands for the purpose of providing a snow dumping facility for the exclusive use of City staff and their contractors, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-072.” INS-13-076 - MARGARET AVENUE BRIDGE 6. - SHORT AND LONG TERM ALTERNATIVES The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-076, dated September 4, 2013 recommending the removal and replacement of the Margaret Avenue Bridge. In addition the Committee was in receipt this date of a revised recommendation to the one contained in from Report INS-13-076. Ms. B. Robinson and Mr. S. Allen presented the report. The Committee generally agreed that Alternative 2: to remove the existing bridge in the near term and initiate an Environmental Assessment (EA) was the preferred option; however, concerns were expressed with respect to the proposed timeline. Several members commented on the need of addressing the bridge’s current condition and staff were encouraged to identify efficiencies to expedite construction. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 - 85 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-13-076 - MARGARET AVENUE BRIDGE 6. - SHORT AND LONG TERM ALTERNATIVES (CONT’D) In response to questions from Councillor D. Glenn-Graham, Mr. W. Malcolm advised that Kitchener Utilities has retained a consultant to investigate potential options and costs associated with the alternatives for the natural gas main that crosses the Margaret Avenue Bridge. He stated that dependent on the costs associated with the proposed options, staff may be able to go straight to tendering without needing to report back to Council. In response to further questions, Ms. Robinson indicated that it is anticipated that staff would report back to Council on the potential temporary pedestrian crossings that are currently being examined. She added that staff would further investigate temporary crossings that would support cyclists. At the request of Councillor F. Etherington, Ms. Robinson agreed to investigate adding a social service component to the tendering process, to assist with the relocation of the people who seek shelter under the bridge. Mayor C. Zehr questioned whether public consultation was warranted in this situation as feedback would likely relate to the aesthetics of the bridge. He questioned whether a reduction in public consultation would advance the construction schedule earlier in 2014 rather than late 2014 / early 2015. Ms. Robinson advised that subject to Council’s direction, staff would be willing to reduce the amount of public consultation on this matter. In response to questions from Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. Robinson agreed to dialogue with other municipalities who have undertaken similar bridge reconstruction projects. On motion, Councillor B. Vrbanovic brought forward the recommendation contained in Report INS-13-076, with an additional clause directing staff to report back to the October 21, 2013 Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting, on the project timeline as well as identification of where the process could be expedited to advance the construction schedule. Councillor Z. Janecki expressed concerns with Clause 4 of the recommendation to delegate to the Chief Administrative Officer the authority to approve the tender and requested that it be voted on separately. Mayor C. Zehr requested a recorded vote. Carried Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 5 of Councillor B. Vrbanoic’s motion were then voted on and Unanimously on a recorded vote by all members present. Councillor J. Gazzola was absent from the meeting and accordingly did not vote. Carried Clause 4 of Councillor B. Vrbanoic’s motion was then voted on and on a recorded vote with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, B. Vrbanovic, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, F. Etherington, P. Singh and S. Davey voting in favour; and Councillor Z. Janecki voting in opposition. Councillor J. Gazzola was absent and accordingly did not vote. It was noted that any recommendation arising from the Committee regarding this matter will be considered at the special Council meeting to be held later this same date. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That the recommendation to remove the existing Margaret Avenue Bridge in the near term and initiate an Environmental Assessment to replace it, be approved, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-076; and, That the reallocation of funds from existing federal gas tax sources for the removal of the existing Margaret Avenue Bridge ($250,000) and initiation of an Environmental Assessment and predesign to replace it ($150,000), be approved, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report dated INS 13-076; and, COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 - 86 - CITY OF KITCHENER INS-13-076 - MARGARET AVENUE BRIDGE 6. - SHORT AND LONG TERM ALTERNATIVES (CONT’D) That staff be directed to work towards identifying funding sources for a new bridge during the 2014 budget process; and, That the Chief Administrative Officer or designate, be delegated the authority to approve the tender for the removal of the Margaret Avenue Bridge, with a report to be provided on this award at the next regularly scheduled Council meeting; and further, That staff be directed to report back to the October 21, 2013 Community and Infrastructure Services meeting, on a proposed project timeline and identified areas where processes can be expedited to advance the construction schedule for the new bridge.” INS-13-067 - AMENDMENT TO THE BACKFLOW & CROSS CONNECTION PREVENTION 7. - CHAPTER 902 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-067, dated July 23, 2013 recommending approval of an amendment to Chapter 902 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code. Ms. A. Mick was in attendance and responded to questions from the Committee. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock left the meeting at this time. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That Kitchener Municipal Code Chapter 902 (Backflow and Cross Connection Prevention), be amended as outlined in the draft By-law attached as Appendix ‘A’ to Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-067.” CSD-13-093 - ION (RAPID TRANSIT) CORRIDOR STREETSCAPE DESIGN PRIORITIES 8. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-093, dated September 1, 2013 recommending the endorsement of the ION (Rapid Transit) Corridor streetscape design priorities. Ms. J. Oosterveld and Mr. A. Pinard presented the report, highlighting the proposed preliminary functional streetscape design priorities for ION (RT). Several members expressed concerns regarding the standard substation design referenced in the Report, stating that further consideration should be given to using underground substations. It was noted that if underground stations are not an option, the Region should be encouraged to consider designing the substations to be compatible with the urban landscape of the surrounding area. At the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, staff agreed to report back on the hydro substation designs that have been utilized by other municipalities that have rapid transit. In addition, Ms. Oosterveld agreed to follow up with the Regional Rapid Transit Division as to whether noise or vibration studies have been conducted and the mitigating measures that would potentially be required. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that the recommendation could be amended to request the Region to facilitate meetings with affected stakeholders to review the hydro substation design proposals and consider underground substations where possible. In response to further concerns, staff agreed to contact the Region to request a presentation on the proposed substations and the City’s role in the substation designs. At the request of Councillor Y. Fernandes, staff agreed to encourage the Region to incorporate the installation of a multi-use pathway adjacent to the ION (RT) rail lines. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 - 87 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-13-093 - ION (RAPID TRANSIT) CORRIDOR STREETSCAPE DESIGN PRIORITIES 8. (CONT’D) At the request of Councillor D. Glenn-Graham, staff agreed to report back on whether the Region has conducted a cost analysis regarding tax assessment values and potential loss of tax revenue due to the potential lack of redevelopment on lands identified for hydro substations. Councillor D. Glenn-Graham suggested that consideration should be given to concrete heating systems for the sidewalks adjacent to the hydro substations to ensure the platforms are free from encumbrance in the winter months. Mr. A. Pinard advised that the suggestion could be forwarded on to the Region regarding the proposed maintenance features; however, ION (RT) is a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) contract process and likely the successful proponent will have to weigh the cost benefits of installing such system versus with the cost snow removal. In addition, Councillor D. Glenn-Graham suggested that staff should encourage the Region to consider adding accessibility measures for the visually impaired at ION (RT) crossings such as sound signals similar to those used at intersection crossings. Councillor S. Davey questioned whether greater consideration had been given to ensuring that the trains and transit stations would provide publicly accessible Wi-Fi. Mayor C. Zehr noted he would endeavour to report back on whether public Wi-Fi was being considered as part of the project. At request of Mayor C. Zehr, staff agreed to provide a summary of the Committee’s feedback to the Region in advance of the September 10, 2013, ION (RT) Steering Committee meeting. On motion, Councillor F. Etherington brought forward the recommendation contained in Report CSD-13-093, with two additional clauses requesting the Region to organize meetings with affected neighbourhood groups and developers to discuss streetscape proposals, particularly the proposed hydro substations and station-stops along the rapid-transit route; and, to examine the long-term urban-design impacts of the proposed hydro substations. Carried Unanimously The following motion was then voted on and on a recorded vote with all members present. Councillors J. Gazzola and K. Galloway-Sealock were absent and accordingly did not vote. On motion by Councillor F. Etherington - it was resolved: “That the ION (Rapid Transit) Corridor streetscape design priorities identified in Community Services Department report CSD-13-093 be endorsed; and, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo ION (Rapid Transit) Rapid Transit Division be encouraged to organize meetings with affected neighbourhood groups and developers to discuss streetscape proposals, particularly the proposed hydro substations and station-stops along the rapid-transit route; and further, That the Region be encouraged to examine the long-term urban-design impacts of the proposed hydro substations, which should include an investigation of moving them underground or, designing them in a manner that adds to the urban design of the areas where they will be located.” ADJOURNMENT 9. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 2:56 p.m. D. Saunderson Committee Administrator