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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-11-02 COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 2. 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:20 p.m. Present: Councillor B. loannidis-Chair Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, K. Gal loway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh, D. Schnider and P. Singh. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance and Corporate Services M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services A. Pinard, Director, Planning J. Readman, Director, Transportation Services D. Locke, Interim Director, Operations S. Berry, Interim Associate Director, Operations J. Joseph, Project Manager, Multi-Use Pathways &Trails J. Oosterveld, Manager, Site Development& Customer Service B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range & Policy Planning D. Ritz, Supervisor, Design & Development L. Nelson, Planning Analyst D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator Pursuant to Chapter 25 (Procedure) of the Municipal Code, a motion was brought forward by Councillor J. Gazzola to discuss Consent Items 1 and 3, which was then voted on and was Carried. 1. INS-15-093 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS -COLLEGE STREET The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-093, dated October 15, 2015 recommending a parking prohibition at any time from January 1 to March 31, and parking be permitted for two hours from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, April 1 to December 31 on College Street between Weber Street West and Duke Street West. Mr. J. Readman was in attendance and responded to questions from the Committee. On motion by Councillor K. Gal loway-Sealock- it was resolved: "That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibited parking on the west side of College Street between Weber Street West and Duke Street West at any time from January 1 to March 31; and further, That on-street parking be permitted on the west side of College Street between Weber Street West and Duke Street West for two (2) consecutive hours from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, April 1 to December 31, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-093." 2. INS-15-095 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS -KATHERINE CRESCENT The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-095, dated October 12, 2015 recommending a stopping prohibition from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30 on the east side of Katherine Crescent. On motion by Councillor K. Gal loway-Sealock- it was resolved: "That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit stopping from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30, on the east side (odd numbered) of Katherine Crescent from Dunbar Road to Brandon Avenue, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-095." 3. CSD-15-083 - URBAN DESIGN AWARDS PROGRAM UPDATE The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-083, dated November 2, 2015 recommending the endorsement of the Urban Design Awards Program. Ms. J. Oosterveld was in attendance and responded to questions from the Committee. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 2. 2015 -55- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CSD-15-083 - URBAN DESIGN AWARDS PROGRAM UPDATE (CONT'D) Mayor B. Vrbanovic brought forward the motion contained in Report CSD-15-083 with an amendment that the Awards Program be held every two years rather than the proposed four- year timeframe. Mr. M. May stated that staff do not have any objections to the proposed amendment provided it includes an acknowledgement that in the event the award program was held every two-years rather than the proposed four, that some of the award categories may not be recognized in each award cycle. Mayor Vrbanovic agreed to the proposed suggestion and requested that the acknowledgement be included as part of his amendment. Councillor S. Marsh brought forward a motion to amend the title of Category 4 from `Urban Elements Award' as outlined in Report CSD-15-083 and substitute with `Place Making Award'. Councillor Marsh's motion was then voted on and was Carried on a recorded vote with, Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. loannidis, S. Davey, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Marsh, D. Schnider and P. Singh voting in favour; and, Councillors F. Etherington, J. Gazzola and Z. Janecki voting in opposition. The following motion was then voted on and was Carried on a recorded vote with, Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. loannidis, S. Davey, F. Etherington, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Marsh, D. Schnider and P. Singh voting in favour; and, Councillor Y. Fernandes voting in opposition. On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the Urban Design Award Program outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-15-083, be endorsed with the following amendments: • that the title of Category 4 `Urban Elements Award' as outlined in Report CSD- 15-083, is substituted with `Place Making Award', and, • the Urban Design Awards program be conducted every two-years rather than the proposed four years, recognizing awards may not be granted in all categories in each award cycle." 4. CSD-15-085 - DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-085, dated October 14, 2015 regarding initiatives and programs aimed at improving affordable housing. Mr. Jeffrey Schumacher, Region of Waterloo, presented and overview on affordable housing in the Region including current trends, the scope of services that the Region provides and the current initiatives and tools that the Region uses to provide affordable housing. He indicated that housing costing 30% or less of gross household income is considered affordable. He further advised that some of the future initiatives that the Region will be investigating include: developing affordable housing targets; expanding Ontario Renovates to Secondary Suites; exploring opportunities for land banking/surplus lands; identifying new policies and incentives for creation of new affordable housing; and, revitalizing Community Housing sites. Ms. L. Nelson and Mr. B. Sloan presented the Report, advising through the Budget and Business Planning process, staff were directed to prepare a background / discussion report that reviewed relevant municipal programs across Ontario and identified the potential positive and negative implications. Ms. Nelson provided an overview of the results of that research and summarized existing and upcoming Regional programs. She indicated that staff are recommending continued support for Region of Waterloo housing programs but are seeking further direction on which incentive initiatives should be considered further, noting the options include: parkland dedication reductions; waiving application fees; exempting, deferring or reducing Development Charges; reducing parking requirements; surplus lands policies; property tax exemptions or grants, and, expanding density bonusing to nodes. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 2. 2015 -56- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CSD-15-085 - DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING (CONT'D) A motion was brought forward by Councillor F. Etherington to approve the recommendation as outlined in the Report, with an amendment to include an additional Clause directing staff to focus the primary efforts on investigating development incentives that include: reducing parking requirements; surplus lands policies; property tax exemptions or grants; and, expanding density bonusing to nodes; secondary efforts should be focused on: waiving application fees or exempting, deferring or reducing Development Charges; and, that no action be taken on parkland dedication reductions. Questions were raised regarding the amount of work required to undertake a review on the individual incentives. Mr. M. May advised that Planning staff already have a significant workload on their business plan, and investigating the individual incentives is a considerable addition. He noted that if there are any incentives listed that are considered non-starters they should be removed from consideration. Mr. Sloan further advised that the list of development incentives selected would be referred to the 2016 Business Plan process for further priority setting. In response to questions, Mr. Sloan advised that staff are of the opinion that establishing development incentives around surplus land would be too controversial and staff would prefer to have that initiative removed. Councillor Etherington acknowledged the concerns raised by staff and agreed to remove surplus lands policies from the initial primary area of focus in his amendment and placed it under the category of take no action. It was requested and agreed that incentives outlined in the following motion should be voted on separately, on recorded vote. On motion by Councillor F. Etherington - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener reaffirms its support to the Region of Waterloo regarding housing programs and requests that the City continue to be involved or notified of upcoming initiatives and programs aimed at improving the provision of affordable housing (all types), as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-15-085; and, That any further City initiative to develop a program and final report on a specific development incentive for affordable (rental) housing be identified in the 2016-2019 Corporate Business Plan; and, That staff be directed to focus their primary efforts investigating development incentives in the following areas: • reduced parking requirements; • property tax exemptions or grants; • expanded density bonusing to nodes; and, That secondary effort should be focused on investigating development incentives in the following area: • waiving application fees; and further, That no action shall be taken in regards to investigating development incentives in the following areas: • surplus land policies; and, • parkland dedication reduction incentives." Reduced Parking Requirements — Carried on a recorded vote. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 2. 2015 -57 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CSD-15-085 - DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING (CONT'D) In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. loannidis, K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Marsh, F. Etherington, P. Singh, D. Schnider and S. Davey. Contra: Councillors J. Gazzola, Y. Fernandes and Z. Janecki. Property Tax Exemptions or Grants — Carried on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Marsh, F. Etherington, P. Singh,Y. Fernandes and D. Schnider Contra: Councillors J. Gazzola, B. loannidis, K. Galloway- Sealock, Z.Janecki and S. Davey. Expand Density Bonusing to Nodes — Carried on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. loannidis, K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Marsh, F. Etherington, P. Singh, D. Schnider and S. Davey. Contra: Councillors J. Gazzola, Y. Fernandes and Z. Janecki. Waive Application Fees—Carried on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. loannidis, K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Marsh, F. Etherington, P. Singh and D. Schnider. Contra: Councillors J. Gazzola, S. Davey,Y. Fernandes and Z. Janecki. Exempt, Defer or Reduce Development Charges - LOST on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Marsh, F. Etherington and D. Schnider. Contra: Councillors J. Gazzola, B. loannidis, K. Galloway- Sealock, S. Davey, P. Singh,Y. Fernandes and Z. Janecki. Surplus Lands Policies and Parkland Dedication Reductions —Carried on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. loannidis, K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Marsh, J. Gazzola, P. Singh, D. Schnider and S. Davey. Contra: Councillors F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes and Z. Janecki. Clause 1 —Carried on a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. loannidis, K. Gal loway-Sealock, Y. Fernandes, S. Marsh, F. Etherington, J. Gazzola, P. Singh, D. Schnider and S. Davey. Contra: Councillor Z.Janecki. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 2. 2015 -58 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CSD-15-085 - DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING (CONT'D) A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Marsh to acknowledge that, given the number of incentive options available to municipalities within Ontario is limited, that staff be directed to draft a letter to the satisfaction of the Mayor that urges the Provincial and Federal governments to demonstrate their commitment to affordable housing with more program options and financial commitments. The following motion was then voted on and was Carried unanimously on a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor S. Marsh - it was resolved: "That as the number of incentive options available to municipalities in Ontario is limited, staff be directed to draft a letter, to the satisfaction of the Mayor, to urge the Provincial and Federal governments to demonstrate their commitment to affordable housing by providing more program options and financial commitments." 5. INS-15-058 - IRON HORSE TRAIL IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-058, dated October 14, 2015 regarding the Iron Horse Trail (IHT) Improvement Strategy. Messrs J. Joseph, D. Ritz and D. Locke were in attendance and responded to questions from the Committee. Mr. Ted Parkinson addressed the Committee in support of the IHT Strategy. He expressed concerns with the trail connection across Victoria Street South near the West Avenue intersection as referenced on page 43 of the Report, indicating that he felt it would be beneficial for a crossing to be installed at that location. He noted that he was aware Victoria Street was a Regional Road, but it is one location that demands a safe crossing. Mr. David Cain, Kitchener Easy Riders Bicycle Club, addressed the Committee in support of the IHT Strategy. Mr. George Abraham addressed the Committee in support of the Strategy and requested the opportunity to complete a Public Art Component as part of the trail upgrade. In response to questions, Mr. Joseph advised that staff have not made any final decisions regarding Public Art for the IHT. He noted as the project moves forward and further consideration is given to public art features Arts and Culture staff would be included in the discussions regarding potential art features. Ms. Lorraine Greiner, addressed the Committee expressing concerns with the current state of the trail and potential public health and safety concerns. Ms. Gwyneth Mitchell and Mr. Peter Dedes, Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee, addressed the Committee in support of the IHT Strategy, noting that a letter on behalf of the Committee was appended to the Report for the Committee's reference. Ms. Dana Christiaen and Ms. Ruth Cameron, AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area, addressed the Committee in opposition to the IHT Strategy, noting concerns with the establishment of a `Trails Watch Group' that would add increased regulation which may potentially restrict access/use of the trail. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned, and Mr. Ritz agreed, where possible in the Summary of Recommendations chart on located on pages 66-69 of the Strategy to include a cost break down for the various recommendations. In response to questions about the cost estimates, Mr. J. Joseph advised that there was a clerical error on page 73 of the Strategy with regards to lighting. He noted that the figure currently references $2.5M for lighting; however, it should read $1.5M. Questions were raised regarding the proposed budget to implement the IHT Strategy. Mr. Ritz advised that the estimated cost for the overall re-development and construction of the Trail is COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 2. 2015 -59 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. INS-15-058 - IRON HORSE TRAIL IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY(CONT'D) estimated at$2.5M, indicating that the re-development has been separated into three themes/ priorities. He noted that Priority `A' has been referred to and included in the 2016 Capital Budget for consideration. The following motion was then voted on and was Carried on a recorded vote with, Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors B. loannidis, S. Davey, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, Z. Janecki K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Marsh, D. Schnider and P. Singh voting in favour; and, Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition. On motion by Y. Fernandes- it was resolved: "That the Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy, including the project goals, themes and recommendations, be approved; and further, That the funding for the project priorities be referred to the 2016-2025 capital budget process for consideration, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS- 15-058." 6. INS-15-092 - PROACTIVE TRAFFIC CALMING IN NEW SUBDIVISIONS The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-092, dated October 20, 2015 regarding updates to the City of Kitchener Development Manual to reflect appropriate measures and criteria for implementation of traffic calming in new subdivisions. It was noted that due to the time constraints, any discussion regarding this item should be deferred to a future Committee meeting. On motion by Councillor K. Gal loway-Sealock- it was resolved: "That consideration of the following recommendation be deferred to December 7, 2015, Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting: `That the existing City of Kitchener Development Manual be updated to reflect appropriate measures and criteria for implementation of Traffic Calming in New Subdivisions, as outlined in Appendix A' of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-092. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m. D. Saunderson Committee Administrator