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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2004-02-16DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 167 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date commencing at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chair Councillor C. Weylie, Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors J. Smola, J. Gazzola, M. Galloway and G. Lorentz Staff: G. Sosnoski, Acting Chief Administrative Officer G. Stewart, General Manager of Development and Technical Services R. Shamess, Director of Engineering Services J. Willmer, Director of Planning Services L. Masseo, Manager of Development and Design J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning B. Steiner, Environmental Planner B. Sloan, Planner K. Stork, Planner F. McCrea, Assistant City Solicitor R. Gosse, Committee Administrator 1. DTS-04-020 - COUNTRY HILL DRIVE ON-STREET PARKING FAIRVIEW - GATEWAY WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 020 dated February 2, 2004 dealing with prohibited parking on the south side of Country Hill Drive. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That on-street parking be prohibited at anytime on the south side of Country Hill Drive from a point 90 metres east of Coach Hill Drive to a point 50 metres east thereof; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2. DTS-04-026 - PESTICIDE WORKING GROUP UPDATE AND BUDGET REQUEST The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 026 dated February 13, 2004 dealing with the Regional Pesticide Use Reduction Working Group's Pesticide Education budget request. Attached to the report was the presentation of the Area Municipality / Regional Pesticide Working Group budget request dated February 16, 2004 and, Regional staff report titled "Kitchener - Waterloo Metropolitan Area Survey Pesticide Module Results", dated November 18, 2003. Mr. Ryan Kennedy, Ms. April Eby and Ms. Cathy Egan, representing the Region of Waterloo Health Department, attended to give a presentation on the Regional Pesticide Working Group budget request. Mr. Kennedy explained that the Area Municipality / Regional Pesticide Working Group was established in January 2003 to develop a region-wide approach to reducing the non- essential use of pesticides. The Working Group conducted local surveys which showed that 66.9% of respondents think chemical pesticides have a negative effect on the environment and that 70.1% think chemical pesticides have a negative effect on health. The survey also showed that 57.1% of the respondents reported using chemical pesticides or hiring a company to apply chemical pesticides. Mr. Kennedy further explained that following the survey, the Working Group established a focus group that discussed pesticide use, advantages and disadvantages of pesticide use, perceptions of alternatives, motivators to increase the use of alternatives and communication vehicles, messages and activities to promote reduced pesticide use. The focus group results showed the need for communicative effective messages about health and environmental effects of pesticide use, that changes in behaviour were required in order to reduce pesticide use and the need to prove that alternatives do work. The focus group concluded that in order to reduce the amount of non-essential pesticide use, an educational and promotional campaign was required. Mr. Kennedy concluded his presentation showing the DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 16, 2004 -16- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DTS-04-026- PESTICIDE WORKING GROUP UPDATE AND BUDGET REQUEST (CONT'D) proposed budget and the requested amount from the City of Kitchener of $50,640 in 2004 and, depending on the option chosen, another $25,425 - $28,801 in 2005. Councillor G. Lorentz commented that the proposed program was very important and should proceed but questioned why a Regional program would require funding from the participating Municipalities of the Region. He pointed out that the Region is already receiving funding from the residents of Kitchener through their property taxes. Mayor C. Zehr reminded the Committee that the City has been part of this joint project from the beginning, contributing funds in 2003 and the City asked that this program be undertaken on a region-wide basis. Councillor J. Gazzola agreed that the program was an excellent one but suggested that being region-wide shows that it should be a Regional expense. B. Steiner advised that the survey results from the Regional Pesticide Working Group were presented to the Environmental Advisory Committee and the Committee agrees that public education is essential in reducing non-essential pesticide use within the Region. Ms. Steiner explained that the Committee also feels that adopting a By-law to restrict pesticide use will not be effective without the public education component. The Environmental Advisory Committee also suggested the use of local companies and industries who support this pesticide reduction in providing information to the public and that demonstration plots should be established to show healthy lawns without the use of chemical pesticides. Ms. Steiner pointed out to the Committee that the recommendation contained in the staff report has been revised so that any contribution from the City for the budget request would be contingent on cost sharing by all area Municipalities and final approval through the 2004 budget process. Councillor Gazzola asked if there were opportunities to share information and resources across the Province as a means of reducing cost for the program. Ms. Eby explained that information including the results of the Region's Working Group survey and focus group have been shared with other communities across the Province. Ms. Steiner pointed out that there may be opportunities to share resources across the Province but no specific framework has been developed to do so. She added that other municipalities in the Province have taken different approaches to this problem and in some cases have passed By-laws regulating the use of pesticides whereas it is the intent of the Working Group to development a made-in-Kitchener / Waterloo solution. Councillor Gazzola suggested that the program should be funded by the Region and made a motion to defer the matter to the regular Council meeting of February 23, 2004 to allow Mayor Zehr an opportunity to discuss with the appropriate Regional Committees the Regional adoption of the proposed budget for the Working Group. The motion was voted on and was lost. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports public education as a key initiative in efforts to encourage the reduction of the non-essential use of pesticides in our community; and, That the City participate in cost-sharing with the other area municipalities and the Region, and approve the request of the Pesticide Use Reduction Working Group for a financial contribution in the amount of $50,640 in 2004 for a public education program; and, That a portion of Kitchener's share be an in-kind contribution of Kitchener Communications Division staff time in the amount of $15,000; and further, That Kitchener's contribution is contingent on cost-sharing by all area municipalities and approval through the 2004 budget process." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 16, 2004 -17- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-04-013 - DOON VILLAGE ROAD TRAFFIC CONTROL SOUTH WARD AND FAIRVIEW - GATEWAY WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 013 dated February 2, 2004 dealing with traffic controls on Doon Village Road. J. McBride provided a brief synopsis of the staff report, noting that a survey was conducted of the area residents asking if they were in favour of reinstating two-way traffic on Doon Village Road. Mr. McBride advised that 108 of 130 respondents to the survey are in favour of reinstating two-way traffic, therefore staff are recommending two-way traffic on Doon Village Road and to continue monitoring the traffic conditions. Mr. McBride suggested that the respondents may want the two-way road as a way of shortening travel time through the area and he estimated the time savings of 5 minutes. Ms. Sheila Kinzie, a resident on Doon Village Road, attended expressing concern regarding the increase in traffic volume along Doon Village Road and the issue of speeding vehicles as a result of the increase in volumes. Ms. Kinzie noted that there are no sidewalks on Doon Village Road and many children including her own use the road to walk to school. Ms. Kinzie suggested that if the road is reinstated as two-way traffic that traffic calming measures be used in order to reduce speed, such as speed bumps or 'Local Traffic Only' signs. J. McBride responded, informing the Committee that Waterloo Regional Police do enforce the speed along Doon Village Road, as resources permit and, that staff will be undertaking a traffic calming review and suggested that no traffic calming measures such as speed bumps be considered at this time until the review is completed. Mr. Richard Haalboom, area resident, attended advising that a By-law was passed in 1988 to establish the Doon Heritage Conservation District and that the one-way traffic on Doon Village Road was a means of maintaining Iow traffic volumes and in turn maintaining the scenic heritage designation. Mr. Haalboom also advised that the current road is approximately 20 feet narrower than a normal 66 foot wide road and is used by children in the area. He pointed out to the Committee that the survey that was recently undertaken included new subdivisions south of the Doon Village Road area where traffic on Doon Village Road would not affect them. Councillor J. Gazzola raised concerns with respect to increased traffic flows should the road be reinstated as a two-way traffic and questioned the need for the area residents using Doon Village Road as a means of saving time when they can use Homer Watson Boulevard. Councillor M. Galloway advised that the road was open for many years as two-way traffic pending the completion of the diversion road and that of the 29 residents on Doon Village Road who responded to the survey, 20 were in favour of reinstating the two-way traffic. He added that the cul-de-sacs at each end of Doon Village Road has reduced traffic but suggested should two- way traffic be reinstated that 'Local Traffic Only' signs be erected to deter cut-through vehicular traffic. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That two-way traffic on Doon Village Road from the west limit of the first single lane bridge to Doon South Drive be reinstated; and, That 'Local Traffic Only' signage be appropriately placed on Doon Village Road; and, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly; and further, That Transportation Planning continue to monitor the traffic conditions on Doon Village Road." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 16, 2004 4. DTS-04-001 - -18- CITY OF KITCHENER ZC 03/18/K/DR 2600 KING STREET EAST, 1191 & 1221 WEBER STREET EAST MCCRORY ASSOCIATES LTD. CHICOPEE - GRAND RIVER WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 001 dated January 29, 2004 dealing with a Zone Change Application submitted by McCrory Associates Ltd. for the properties at 2600 King Street East, 1191 and 1221 Weber Street East. L. Masseo briefly outlined the purpose of the application and advised that the Region of Waterloo has raised a concern with respect to potential contamination of the property and as such will require a record of site condition prior to the zone change. He also advised that concerns from the neighbouring properties dealt mainly with traffic and parking, but that these should be addressed through the consolidation of the 3 properties and site plan process. Mr. Steve McCrory, the applicant, attended to answer any questions from the Committee. Mayor C. Zehr asked if Mr. McCrory was aware of the Region's request for a record of site condition and that this condition would need to be met prior to receiving 3 readings of the Zone Change By-law. Mr. McCrory responded that he was aware of the request and feels they can satisfy the Region and move forward in developing the site. L. Masseo advised that the proposed By-law referenced in the recommendation requires a correction with respect to the wording of the zone change and requested that the recommendation be amended to show the proposed By-law dated February 16, 2004. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC 03/18/K/DR (McCrory Associates) to change the zoning on the subject lands from Arterial Commercial Zone (C-6) and Arterial Commercial Zone (C-6) with Special Use Provision 3U to Arterial Commercial Zone (C-6) with Special Use Provision 3U and Special Use Provision 335U on lands legally described as Part 4 and Part Lot 5, Plan 267, municipally known as 2600 King Street East and 1191 and 1221 Weber Street East, in the City of Kitchener, be approved in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law", dated February 16, 2004 subject to the following condition: That the zoning by-law not receive three readings until a Record of Site Condition is completed for the property at 2600 King Street East and the City has been notified by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo that the Record of Site Condition satisfies Regional requirements." DTS-04-015 - ZC 03/21/F/KS PENRETAIL II LTD. 655 FAIRWAY ROAD SOUTH FAIRVIEW- GATEWAY WARD The Committee was considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 04-015 dated January 21, 2004 dealing with Zone Change Application ZC 03/21/F/KS on the lands known as 655 Fairway Road South. K. Stork briefly outlined the purpose of the application, advising that no issues were raised from the commenting agencies. Mr. Robert Blacklock, representing the applicant, attended to answer any questions from the Committee. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That zone change application ZC03/21/F/KS, to change the zoning on the subject lands, legally described as Part of Lot 2, Registrar's Complied Plan 1525, for the City of Kitchener, from Commercial Campus Zone C-8 with Special Use Provisions 112U, and DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 16, 2004 -19- CITY OF KITCHENER 5. DTS-04-015 ZC 03/21/F/KS (CONT'D) Special Regulation Provision 297R to Commercial Campus Zone C-8 with Special Use Provision 112U, Special Regulation Provision 297R, and Special Regulation 413R, be approved, in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law" attached to Development and Technical Services Department Report DTS-04-015 dated February 16, 2004. DTS-04-019 SUBDIVISION 30T-01205 ZC 01/02/G/SV DC 03/01/G/BS GLASGOW STREET / UNIVERSITY AVENUE / IRA NEEDLES BOULEVARD SUNVEST DEVELOPMENT CORP. AND GLASGOW HEIGHTS COMMUNITY PLAN ZC 03/22/U/BS CITY OF KITCHENER WEST - VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-019 dated February 2, 2003 (Note: report date should be February 2, 2004) dealing with a draft plan of subdivision application and various other development applications submitted by Sunvest Development Corp. for the lands in the Glasgow Street - University Avenue / Ira Needles Boulevard area. The report also dealt with the Glasgow Heights Community Plan and the City initiated Zone Change ZC 03/22/U/BS. B. Sloan provided an outline of the proposed applications to develop a new subdivision in the area of Glasgow Street - University Avenue / Ira Needles Boulevard which will result in approximately 400 new residential units of various types. He advised that an environmental assessment with respect to the Henry Strum Greenway was completed and no appeals were received during the mandatory appeal period. Mr. Sloan added that staff have been working with the developer in redesigning the original plan to eliminate the requirement of a noise barrier at the University Avenue / Ira Needles area. Mr. Tom Hardacre, representing the applicant, attended advising that his client, Sunvest Development Corp., did not oppose the recommendation of staff and requested the Committee's support in the applications. Councillor G. Lorentz asked if the CN Rail Line posed any problems with respect to potential noise. Mr. Hardacre responded that a noise study was completed and the Region has endorsed the study which will require berming and tree planting along the CN Line. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the recommendation contained in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-019 dated February 2, 2003 regarding draft plan of Subdivision Application 30T-01205, Zone Change Application ZC 01/02/G/SV, Demolition Control Application DC 03/01/G/BS, Glasgow Heights Community Plan and Zone Change Application ZC 03/22/U/BS, be approved." 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. R. Gosse, Deputy City Clerk