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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-12-05 COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 9:36 a.m. Present: Councillor B. Ioannidis - Chair Councillors S. Davey, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh, P. Singhand D. Schnider. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance and Corporate Services M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services J. Readman, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services C. Fletcher, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services J. Miller, Executive Director, Office of CAO K. Carmichael, Interim Director, Transportation Services D. McGoldrick, Director of Operations, Environmental Services K. Woodcock, Manager, Service Coordination & Improvement B. Cronkite, Interim Manager Transportation Planning S. Allen, Manager Engineering Design & Approvals R. Willms, Supervisor, Administration J. vonWesterholt, Senior Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator T. Brubacher, Committee Administrator 1.CSD-16-079 – 2017 COMMUNITY GRANTS The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-16-079, dated November 24, 2016 recommending the allocation amounts for the 2017 Community Grants budgets. It was noted the proposed recommendation would be subject to Council’s 2017 Budget deliberations process. Councillor Z. Janecki declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the 2017 Tier 1 Grant to the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra Inc. as he is a member of that organization; accordingly, he did not take part in any discussions or voting regarding that grant request. Ms. Lisa O’Connell and Mr. Alan Fliewod, Pat the Dog Theatre Creation were in attendance in support of the appeal filed by their organization to the recommendation to only allocate a Tier 1 grant in the amount of $4,040. Ms. O’Connell addressed the Committee requesting approval of her organization’s original grant request of $10,000. She stated the requested funds would be used to support their continued, planned expansion of programming in Kitchener, with an emphasis on their National Text + Tech Initiative (T+T). She added the T+T is partnered with the University of Waterloo Games Institute, Communitech and the Playwrights’ Guild of Canada to explore the digital narrative on the creation of gaming and gaming culture. She noted the request of $10,000 reflects the amount her organization was previously given by the Creative Enterprise Initiative (CEI). Responding to questions, Ms. O’Connell advised that approximately 65% of Pat the Dog’s overall budget is expended in Kitchener. She added the organization’s total budget for 2016- 2017 was $225,000. She agreed to circulate to Council copies of her 2016 actual figures. She noted Pat the Dog is the only theatre creation incubator in Ontario open to playwrights/theatre creators at all stages of their careers. Mr. David Marskell, THEMUSEUM addressed the Committee seeking approval of the organization’s original Tier 1 grant request of $266,895 (cash $150,000; in kind $116,895), rather than the recommended amount of $236,949 (cash $121,200; in kind $90,773 maintenance, $24,976 parking). He gave a presentation highlighting some of the current and future initiatives at THEMUSEUM, noting that while attendance continues to increase; their payroll is $70,000 less than it was five years ago. He indicated from 2010 to 2016 THEMUSEUM received $120,000 annually in arts and culture sustainability funding from CEI with no inflationary increases. He added with the elimination of the sustainability funding, the cash grant of $120,000 was transferred to the Tier 1 grant effective 2017. He noted their requested amount includes a proposed inflationary increase retroactive to 2010. Additionally, the City provides an annual in kind maintenance grant that is managed through Facilities management staff. He estimated that annually approximately $29,000 of that in kind grant is not spent and suggested that going forward any unused portion be paid out to THEMUSEUM instead of being transferred into a capital account. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2016 - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-16-079 – 2017 COMMUNITY GRANTS (CONT’D) Responding to questions, Mr. Marskell advised that while it is the goal of THEMUSEUM to become sustainable, they continue to experience annual shortfalls in revenue. He noted the additional $30,000 being requested would assist with closing the gap toward sustainability. In response to questions, Mr. J. Readman advised that $62,164 of the in kind maintenance grant is applied to an operating account to cover such things as mandatory inspections, preventative maintenance and any repairs requested by THEMUSEUM staff. He indicated the remaining portion of that grant, approximately $27,710, is transferred into a capital account used for larger expenses such as, flooring, roofing or accessibility upgrades. He stated that any unused capital funds are carried forward annually to ensure adequate funds are available for larger projects. He estimated the balance of the capital maintenance account at approximately $85,000. Messrs. Devin Sivill and Nathan Pike, Social Development Centre of Waterloo Region (SDC), gave a presentation highlighting the work of the Centre, indicating it helps people to be better informed, more involved and able to act on what is important to them. They stated with the reduced funding provided in 2016, SDC lacked the ability to provide free and in-kind services to the community and partners. They requested the SDC’s Tier 1 grant be restored to the 2015 funding level, or retained at the 2016 level, with the ability to work toward increases for a total investment target of $100,000. It was noted this funding would be applied toward building the Neighbourhood Connections Program, which aligns with the City’s Neighbourhood Strategy. Responding to questions, Mr. C. Goodeve advised that a motion to reconsider would be required to restore any previous Community Grant funding to the Social Development Centre of Waterloo Region, as at the December 14, 2015 Council meeting, a motion had been approved to eliminate their grant funding after 2016. A motion to reconsider the December 14, 2015 decision was brought forward by Councillor S. Marsh, which was voted on and LOST as it failed to receive support by the required two-thirds of members present. Responding to further questions, Mr. J. Willmer advised that since 2011, Community Grant allocations have increased by approximately 9.89% A motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Marsh to have the former arts sustainability funding, now Tier 1 grant, for THEMUSEUM, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery be increased by 9.89%, which is equivalent to the increases received by other Tier 1 arts groups from 2011 to 2017. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock commented that prior to 2010, THEMUSEUM, Kitchener- Waterloo Symphony, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art gallery did not receive any other cash grant from the City of Kitchener. She asked that information be provided prior to Final Budget Day on the grant amounts provided to those organizations prior to receiving the arts sustainability funding to identify the percentage increase they received by virtue of being allocated those funds. She commented it might be possible that those increases were greater than the 9.89% received by other arts organizations since 2011. Councillor S. Marsh agreed to withdraw her motion. Mr. Myran Steinman indicated that he had registered as a delegation this date to speak in support of SDC and asked that he still be given leave to address the Committee. A motion was brought forward by Councillor P. Singh to permit Mr. Steinman to address the Committee, which was voted on and was Carried. Mr. Steinman reviewed his correspondence, which was previously circulated to the Committee, and outlined his support for restoring funding to the SDC. He stated the SDC provides an opportunity for members of the public to become engaged in social development activities within this community. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2016 - 49 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-16-079 – 2017 COMMUNITY GRANTS (CONT’D) A motion was proposed by Councillor Y. Fernandes to allocated $10,000 to the Social Development Centre of Waterloo Region from the former arts sustainability funding that was previously administered by CEI. Responding to further questions, Mr. Goodeve advised that as the former arts sustainability funding has been incorporated into the Community Grants, the proposed allocation would not be in order given the result of the vote taken on the motion to reconsider. In accordance with his previously declared pecuniary interest, Councillor Janecki did not participate in the voting related to the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra Inc. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock - it was resolved: “That, subject to final 2017 budget approval, the 2017 budget for Community Grants Tiers 1 and 2, in kind facility grants and travel assistance grants be set at $2,303,448 and allocated as follows: That 2017 Community Grants Tier 1 in the amount of $1,905,591 as outlined in Appendix A attached to Community Services Department report CSD-16-079 be approved for community groups; and, That 2017 Community Grants Tier 1 in the amount of $210,363 as outlined in Appendix B attached to Report CSD-16-079 be approved for minor sports organizations; and, That the 2017 budget for Community Grants Tier 2 be set at $160,554; and further, That the 2017 budget for In Kind Facility Grants and Travel Assistance Grants be set at $7,940.” The Committee recessed at 11:23 a.m. and reconvened at 1:37 p.m. chaired by Councillor B. Ioannidis with all members present except Mayor B. Vrbanovic. 2.CSD-16-078 – REMOVAL OF HOLDING PROVISION – ZC16/010/V/JVW The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-16-078 dated November 4, 2016 recommending the Zone Change Application be approved. Councillor P. Singh declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the removal of the holding provision as his parents own property next to the development and accordingly, did not participate in any discussion or voting regarding that matter. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That Zone Change Application ZC16/010/V/JVW for 98, 100, 100 ½, 110 Victoria Street South and 55 Bramm Street (2373074 Momentum Development) for the purpose of changing the zoning by removing Holding Provision 72H from the lands specified in the attached Map No.1, in the form shown in the “Proposed By-law” dated December 5th, 2016, attached to the Report CSD-16-078 as Appendix A, be approved, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-16-078.” 3. INS-16-088 – SANITARY FORCEMAIN AND WATERMAIN INSTALLATION CONTRACT NEW DUNDEE ROAD – CONTRACTOR P.O. EXTENSION The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-088, dated October 26, 2016 recommending that an extension of the purchase order issued to Regional Sewer and Watermain for construction services be approved. Mr. J. Readman responded to questions and noted that there are no additional costs to the City for this work. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2016 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. INS-16-088 – SANITARY FORCEMAIN AND WATERMAIN INSTALLATION CONTRACT NEW DUNDEE ROAD – CONTRACTOR P.O. EXTENSION (CONT’D) On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That an extension of the purchase order issued to Regional Sewer and Watermain for construction services related to the construction of the linear works associated with the new Doon South Sanitary Pumping Station located on New Dundee Road in the amount of $ 37,344.00, be approved, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-088.” 4. INS-16-076 – ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS – FALLING GREEN CRESCENT The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-076, dated November 1, 2016 recommending that the on-street parking regulations on Falling Green Crescent be amended accordingly. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended to prohibit on-street parking on the south- west corner (odd-numbered side) of Falling Green Crescent from a point 52 meters west of Falling Green Crescent to a point 30 meters west thereof, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-076.” 5. INS-16-090 - REMOVAL OF PROHIBITED MOVEMENTS – BREITHAUPT STREET AT MARGARET AVENUE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-090, dated November 8, 2016 recommending the removal of prohibited movements on Breithaupt Street at Margaret Avenue. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended for left turns and through movements to be reinstated southbound on Breithaupt Street at Margaret Avenue at all times, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-090.” 6. INS-16-091 – ALL-WAY STOP CONTROL – OLD ZELLER AND PEBBLECREEK DRIVE/WATERVALE DRIVE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-091, dated October 28, 2016 recommending an all-way stop control at Old Zeller and Pebblecreek Drive/Watervale Drive. . On motion by Councillor S. Davey – it was resolved: “That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended for an all-way stop control to be installed at the intersection of Old Zeller Drive and Pebblecreek Drive/Watervale Drive, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-091.” 7.INS-16-095 – ALL-WAY STOP CONTROL – ACTIVA AVENUE AT ISAIAH DRIVE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-095, dated October 28, 2016 recommending an all-way stop control at Activa Avenue and Isaiah Drive. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2016 - 51 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7.INS-16-095 – ALL-WAY STOP CONTROL – ACTIVA AVENUE AT ISAIAH DRIVE (CONT’D) “That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended for an all-way stop to be installed at the intersection of Activa Avenue and Isaiah Drive, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-095.” 8. INS-16-089 - LEVEL 2 PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVER (PXO) IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-089, dated November 3, 2016 recommending the approval of a Level 2 pedestrian crossover (PXO) implementation strategy. Mr. K. Carmichael responded to questions and noted that the number of incidents that have occurred at City roundabouts have been negligible and that this work is being done to maintain consistency with the other municipalities in the Region. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the City of Kitchener, in conjunction with the Region of Waterloo’s Traffic Engineering Section, conduct an educational outreach program to provide the public with information related to the proper use of Level 2 Pedestrian Crossovers, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-089; and; That Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) signing requirements be implemented at all City of Kitchener roundabout locations through winter 2016/17; and, That staff monitor compliance and pedestrian safety at new Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) locations in 2017; and, That staff develop an implementation priority list for midblock and non-roundabout intersection related locations in 2017; and further, That staff begin implementing midblock and non-roundabout intersection priority locations in 2017, based on funding availability.” 9.INS-16-081 – 2017 SIDEWALK INFILL THROUGH ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-081, dated October 12, 2016 recommending that Aberdeen Road and Kehl Street be approved for sidewalk infill. Ms. V. Gohl appeared before the Committee in opposition to the staff recommendation. She expressed concerns with the lack of notification that was provided by City staff. She also contended that the project should have been rated as a priority 3 rather than a priority 2 due to the fact that Economical Insurance currently has fewer than 500 employees. Mr. B. Duench, Westmount Golf and Country Club, expressed his concerns that the Westmount Golf and Country Club was not directly informed about the proposed sidewalk. He stated that the sidewalk will decrease safety by bringing people closer to the golf course and the increase in foot traffic could result in damage to the golf course. Councillor P. Singh left the meeting at this time. Mr. B. Ruby appeared before the Committee to express his opposition to the proposed sidewalk. He stated that the sidewalk could result in a fence being constructed on the golf course which would be a visual detraction from the neighbourhood. He also expressed concerns with the possibility of increased flooding issues if a sidewalk is installed. He noted that the majority of the residents do not want a sidewalk. Mr. J. Matheson stated that he would not like the visual appearance of a sidewalk and that the proposed location of the sidewalk provides a number of challenges such as landscaping and drainage. He encouraged the Committee to not spend the money. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2016 - 52 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9.INS-16-081 – 2017 SIDEWALK INFILL THROUGH ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION (CONT’D) Mr. P. Hodson read an email from Ms. Lynn Forbes opposing the sidewalk. He noted his own issues with the project and stated that this sidewalk could decrease public safety and will only add more concrete to the City. Ms. D. Schwan encouraged the Committee to consider the pros and cons of the project and to not spend money on an unwanted project. Mr. B. Cronkite responded to questions from the Committee and explained that staff applied the Sidewalk Infill Policy with respect to the recommended sidewalk for Aberdeen Street. He noted that in the review, Economical Insurance was deemed a major employer due to the fact that they currently have just shy of 500 employees and have the capacity to surpass that threshold. Councillor P. Singh re-entered the meeting at this time. Mr. J. Readman advised the Committee that the City of Waterloo is currently waiting for the outcome of the City of Kitchener’s decision before undertaking community engagement on their portion of the project. A motion was brought forward by Councillor F. Etherington to defer consideration of the staff recommendation until after December 12, 2016 to allow time for more community consultation through the Aberdeen Road Reconstruction Public Input Centre. Councillor F. Etherington’s deferral motion was then voted on and was Lost on a recorded vote with Councillors F. Etherington, S. Marsh, and P. Singh voting in favour and Councillors B. Ioannidis, S. Davey, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki, and D. Schnider voting in opposition. The following motion was voted on and was Carriedon a recorded vote with Councillors B. Ioannidis, S. Davey, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh, P. Singhand D. Schnider voting in favour and Councillor F. Etherington voting in opposition. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the following streets be approved for sidewalk infill as per the Sidewalk Infill Policy attached to Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-051 approved by Council June 1, 2015; • Kehl Street.” Councillor Z. Janecki left the meeting at this time. 10.INS-16-093 – ZELLER DRIVE BIKE LANE IMPLEMENTATION The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-093, dated October 28, 2016 recommending the installation of bike lanes on Zeller Drive. Mr. O. Cronk appeared before the Committee in opposition to the staff recommendation. He stated that Zeller Drive is a residential street with schools on both ends and should have traffic calming measures installed instead of bike lanes. He contended that traffic calming would make it safer and not require reductions of parking. In response to questions, Mr. Cronk stated that he would support speed bumps and currently sees very few cyclists. Ms. W. Gassler circulated a petition signed by 139 residents of the area opposed to the staff recommendation. She stated that if the bike lanes are installed there will be a lack of room for on street parking and no space for parents to drop off children at the two schools. Councillor Z. Janecki re-entered the meeting at this time. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2016 - 53 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10.INS-16-093 – ZELLER DRIVE BIKE LANE IMPLEMENTATION (CONT’D) Mr. M. Boos, Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee (CTAC), appeared before the Committee in support of the staff recommendation. He advised the Committee that CTAC has reviewed this project and noted that based on the provincial guidelines some cycling infrastructure is warranted on Zeller Drive. He explained that CTAC has passed a resolution supporting the reinstatement of the bike lanes that were not maintained. He further noted that CTAC members expressed concerns with the effectiveness of sharrows but that it is a reasonable compromise based on the limited space. Mr. Carmichael responded to questions and noted that bike lane markings can have a traffic calming effect on their own. He further stated that, if approved, staff will review the impact of the cycling infrastructure in 2018 and determine if further traffic calming measures are warranted. The following motion was voted on and was Carriedon a recorded vote with Councillors B. Ioannidis, S. Davey, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh, P. Singhand D. Schnider voting in favour and Councillor J. Gazzola voting in opposition. On motion by Councillor S. Marsh it was resolved: “That on-street bicycle lanes be installed on both sides of Zeller Drive from Pebblecreek Drive to Wild Meadow Street and sharrows be installed on both sides of Zeller Drive between Wild Meadow Street and Lackner Boulevard, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-093; and, That on-street parking be prohibited on the north/west side of Zeller Drive between Wild Meadow Street and Pebblecreek Drive; and, That on-street parking be prohibited on the west side of Zeller Drive between Lackner Boulevard and a point 90 metres north thereof; and further, That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly.” 11.INS-16-087 – WINTER SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-087, dated September 20, 2016 recommending that the existing winter sidewalk maintenance practices be maintained. Ms. D. McGoldrick provided a presentation on the report and advised the Committee that the majority of municipalities have a winter sidewalk maintenance policy that is similar to Kitchener’s. Those municipalities that provide city wide service noted an increase in complaints after they implemented their service. She also noted that the snow angels program implemented through the neighbourhood strategy will be helpful for those who cannot clear their sidewalks. Ms. McGoldrick further advised that the province is currently considering changes to the Minimum Maintenance Standards which may result in new legislative requirements for the City. Ms. D. Clelland appeared before the Committee on behalf of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC). She stated that GRAAC has significant concerns with accessibility issues caused by snow on sidewalks. She thanked staff for the consultation during the review of the process and was pleased to note that it would only cost $26 per household to provide this service. She explained that for many people with mobility or vision impairments it is essential to know the condition of the sidewalk ahead if they are to be able to utilize the sidewalks. In response to questions from the Committee, D. Clelland explained that for someone with impaired vision, if a sidewalk is not cleared in a consistent manner there is never a safe time to travel. Ms. C Fletcher responded to questions and advised that staff are anticipating potentially significant changes to the Minimum Maintenance Standards in the first quarter of 2017. She stated that staff will report back to Council on the impacts that these changes may have on sidewalk clearing once the changes are confirmed. COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE DECEMBER 5, 2016 - 54 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11.INS-16-087 – WINTER SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE (CONT’D) The Committee discussed the possibility of putting the question of winter sidewalk maintenance on the ballot for the 2018 election. It was noted that the deadline for a question would be March 1, 2018. The following motion was voted on and was Carried Unanimously on a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That the existing sidewalk snow clearing practices are maintained and improvement opportunities continue to be explored and implemented where feasible, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-087; and, That staff continue to review and evaluate impacts of any proposed changed to O. Reg. 239/02 (Minimum Maintenance Standards) and report back to Council at a future date.” 12.INS-16-094 – DOON VILLAGE ROAD TRAFFIC CALMING REVIEW The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-094, dated October 28, 2016 recommending the installation of traffic calming measures for Doon Village Road. In response to a question from the Committee, Mr. Carmichael stated that staff will review options to mitigate potential issues related to the proposed turning lane and the existing bus stop at Doon Village Road and Pioneer Drive. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: “That a Pedestrian Refuge Island be installed at the intersection of Doon Village Road and Anvil Street, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-16-094; and, That the exclusive right turn lanes be removed from all four approaches at the intersection of Doon Village Road and Pioneer Drive and replaced with exclusive left turn lanes; and, That the exclusive right turn lane be removed from the north approach at the intersection of Doon Village Road and Bechtel Drive and replaced with an exclusive left turn lane; and, That the exclusive left turn lane be removed from the south approach at the intersection of Doon Village Road and replaced with an exclusive right turn; and, That a multi-use path be implemented on the east side of Doon Village Road between Farrier Drive and Homer Watson Boulevard; and further, That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly.” 13.ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. C. Goodeve T. Brubacher Committee Administrator Committee Administrator