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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-12-11PWTC\2000-12-11 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, commencing at 8:40 a.m., Chaired by Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors C. Weylie, B. Vrbanovic, M. Galloway and G. Lorentz. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. V. Turner-Shoemaker, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, J. Gazzola, D. Mansell, J. McBride, D. Quinn, B. Stanley, G. Melanson, R. Parent and K. Carmichael. 1. PW-00-072 - NATURAL GAS RATES The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. D. Quinn, dated December 6, 2000, recommending that natural gas rates be modified to reflect the National Energy Board approved rate for TransCanada Pipelines tolls. The effective transportation rate will be 4.267 cents per cubic metre. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. In response to Councillor Lorentz, Mr. Quinn stated that he believed increases experienced in recent years are temporary and pointed out that staff are committed to a constant rate through to April 1, 2001. He advised that as of January 1, 2001, Union Gas is applying for another price increase which may have an impact on rates in other municipalities. Mr. Quinn agreed to provide Council with the exact amount of the increase being applied for by Union Gas. Councillor J. Ziegler requested that staff review the billing format and make revisions that will clearly point out to the customer the difference in cost per cubic metre. Mr. Quinn agreed to review and refine the billing forms accordingly. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That in order to uphold the historical practice of charging customers the National Energy Board approved rate for TransCanada Pipelines tolls, natural gas rates be modified effective January 1, 2001, in accordance with the Schedules dealing with the General Service Rate, Firm Industrial and Commercial Contract Rate and Interruptible Industrial and Commercial Contract Rate, listed in Appendix 'A' attached to staff report PW-00-072, with the effective transportation rate being 4.267 cents per cubic metre." 2. PW-00-073 - NATURAL GAS RENTAL WATER HEATER RATE INCREASE The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. D. Quinn, dated December 5, 2000, recommending that rental water heater rates be increased to ensure that there is no cross-subsidization and to guarantee long-term viability of the program. Mr. D. Quinn advised that during a review of the accounting system it became evident that some cross-subsidization was taking place and, in order to honour the City's commitment not to cross- subsidize and to ensure that the program runs without a deficit, staff are recommending an increase of approximately $2.35 per month per customer. In response to questioning, it was pointed out that staff are looking at ways to keep costs down by more effectively managing the maintenance program and incorporating strategic planning into the capital budget. The life span of the units is less than the original estimate of 10 years due to the use of hard water and concern was expressed that the increase should not be incurred by customers having older units. Mr. Quinn stated that it is unlikely that units in use would date back to the 1988 start of the program; however, noted that customers may have units replaced that are no longer repairable. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2000 - 70 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. PW-00-073 - NATURAL GAS RENTAL WATER HEATER RATE INCREASE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City's Utilities Division increase rental water heater rates as outlined in Appendix 'A' to staff report PW-00-073, to ensure no cross-subsidization and guarantee the long term viability of the program." 3. PW-00-074 - KITCHENER PARKING SIGNAGE STUDY- II The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated December 5, 2000, recommending that the design and colours recommended in the Kitchener Parking Signage Study be adopted; that funds in the amount of $150,000. be referred to the capital budget process; and that private parking operators who meet PERC program standards be invited to incorporate the design and colours into their parking facilities. Mr. J. McBride stated that when the original study was presented in June 2000, four areas of concern were raised, being the proposed colour; whether or not the proposed colour was in keeping with the Corporate colours and image; lack of public input; and use of the design and colours by private operators. Mr. McBride advised that he was unable to determine the official colours of the Corporation and, as a result, Mr. Wayne Hussey was hired to conduct a focus group to obtain public input. The data collected as a result of the focus group indicated that parking signage is a key factor which influences the decision of those using City facilities and reflects on the overall image of the Corporation. Mr. McBride noted that 6 different colour combinations were put forward with no clear preference resulting from public input. Accordingly, staff are recommending that the original colours proposed, orange and purple, be adopted. He pointed out that the KDBA is supportive of the design and colours. In addition, private operators who meet the Canadian Parking Association's PERC Program standards (Parking Excellence Recognized in Canada) will be encouraged to use the City's design and colours. Mr. McBride further pointed out that the financing for this project has been reduced from $150,000. to $50,000. Mr. McBride advised that as a result, staff will not be able to fully implement the parking signage program which will have an impact on the uniformity of City facilities. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, it was pointed out that the reduction in funds to $50,000. is for the entire project and Mayor C. Zehr stated that it would be unrealistic to complete the project based on that amount. Councillor J. Smola pointed out that staff are recommending financing be referred to the capital budget process. In this regard, It was agreed that staff would provide Council with further information during budget deliberations. In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. J. McBride advised that discussions have not yet taken place with private operators; however, it is intended that a working group be formed which will include major Downtown facilities such as Manulife and the Cora Group. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the design and colours (purple and orange) recommended in the Kitchener Parking Signage Study by Entro Communications, be adopted as the standard for Kitchener parking facilities; and, That funds in the amount of $150,000. be referred to the Capital Budget process starting in 2001; and further, That private parking operators that meet the standards of the Parking Excellence Recognized in Canada Program (PERC), administered by the Canadian Parking Association, be entitled to incorporate the design and colours into their parking facilities." PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2000 -71 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. PW-00-059 - LACKNER BOULEVARD AND SHIRLEY AVENUE EXTENSION - CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND ALIGNMENT LOCATION STUDY The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. D. Mansell, dated November 8, 2000, recommending that the preferred design and location for Lackner Boulevard and Shirley Avenue Extension be approved and that the Schedule 'C' Class Environmental Assessment Study report be filed with the City Clerk for the mandatory 30 day public review period. Mr. D. Mansell advised that the staff report is intended to deal only with the location study; however, does also provide information with respect to design and financing of the project. He pointed out that staff have conversed with Mr. L. Bingeman, together with all other affected owners, throughout the past two years of planning and provided a copy of a letter dated December 8, 2000 from Mr. Bingeman. Mr. Mansell advised that staff are in agreement with Mr. Bingeman's request to revise Recommendation 4.1 of the staff report, as outlined in Mr. Bingeman's letter. He further advised that staff intend to revise the wording of Recommendation 2.3 of the staff report which will be addressed by the Consultant. Mr. Mansell then introduced Mr. T. Mereu, Consultant, McCormick Rankin. Mr. T. Mereu provided an overview of the study, highlighting the public process; traffic analyzes which conclude estimates of 70% of trips generated by Bingeman Park and adjacent future industrial lands using Wellington Street and Riverbend Drive, 20% use of Lackner Boulevard and 10% use of Shirley Avenue North; design elements for Lackner Boulevard, including four through lanes with a left-turning lane, co-ordinated traffic and rail crossing signals and an at-grade level crossing with gates and signage. Mr. Mereu advised that the two rail crossing alternatives identified, being an at-grade crossing versus grade separation (underpass), both met all design standards. The underpass is not being recommended as it will add an additional cost of approximately $1M. Mr. Mereu then referred to Recommendation 2.3 of the staff report and advised that it is intended to revise the wording to include that all stakeholders will contribute to the cost of the ultimate phase of the Shirley Avenue extension. The Committee then entered into discussion during which issues were raised relating to traffic volumes and patterns; impact of the Highway 7 project; timing of construction; future industrial development; peak demands; traffic forecasting; options for rail crossings; and, the impact on the Kolb Creek. Mr. J. Schuett and his daughter, Christie, appeared as a delegation to express their concern with regard to the alternative chosen for rail crossings. Both were opposed to the at-grade crossing, preferring the underpass alternative for safety reasons. They requested that serious consideration be given to providing a grade separation, the cost of which would be far outweighed by eliminating the possible risks of injury and death. In response to Councillor Vrbanovic, Mr. Schuett stated that the percentage of accidents caused by malfunction of warning systems is Iow with the majority being caused by human error; however, he indicated that studies have shown the actual number of accidents occurring at gated rail crossings are higher than projected. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned if it would be preferrable to residents of Stanley Park to forgo the building of a community centre in preference of a grade separation crossing and Mr. Schuett responded that in the interest of safety, the rail crossing is more important Mr. L. Bingeman, Bingeman Park, appeared and expressed support for the extension project. Mr. Bingeman stated that he was of the view that the proposed extension would have far reaching benefits for the entire community and that timing was important. He maintained that a safe rail crossing was required as this thoroughfare would become a major artery in future. In response to Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Bingeman clarified his land holdings in relation to the railroad and advised that he is working with the Economic Development Division with respect to future development. In subsequent discussion, Mr. Bingeman pointed out that while all options are being left open, future development of his lands may include a hotel and conference centre and felt that the projected number of employee traffic was reasonable in terms of the proposed extension. PW-00-059 - LACKNER BOULEVARD AND SHIRLEY AVENUE EXTENSION - CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND ALIGNMENT LOCATION STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2000 - 72 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. B. Shantz, Shantz Coachlines, appeared and advised that his business operates a number of buses in the area of the proposed extension. He stated that he is also in favour of a grade separation to ensure safe traffic flow, noting that buses are required to stop at all at-grade crossings which could have an impact on traffic. He further noted the potential risk of accidents from mechanical breakdowns and for safety reasons requested Council to consider the grade separation alternative. Mr. Shantz then responded to questioning relative to the distribution of buses; peak periods; and, legislative requirements for buses relative to rail crossings. Mr. E. Keller advised that he owns a landscape business on Shirley Avenue which he believes will be adversely affected by the proposed extension. He stated that an at-grade crossing will create traffic tie-ups resulting in an increase of traffic flow in his area by motorists rerouting to avoid the crossing. Mr. Keller expressed his preference for the grade separation to ensure traffic flows through the area. Mr. L. D'Agnillo appeared and expressed the opinion that consideration of this project was premature as the Ministry of Transportation is still reviewing options for the Highway 7 project which may impact upon Shirley Avenue. Mr. D'Agnillo also stated his preference for the grade separation alternative relative to environmental impacts. Mr. M. Alkier, Victoria Star Motors, appeared and requested that consideration be given to providing an access lane from Lackner Boulevard into his dealership. In response to questioning, Mr. D. Mansell advised that there is no need to purchase lands from Victoria Star Motors to accommodate the Lackner Boulevard extension and Recommendation 4.5 allows for consultation with the dealership relative to the requested access. The Committee then entered into a lengthy discussion during which issues were raised relative to fire protection and response times; predicators for future grade separations; potential funding from development charges; other municipal comparators relative to rail crossings; impact on timing of project if grade separation chosen; cost of land purchase; source of funding if grade separation chosen; legislative options to require landowner contribution for grade separations; and, criteria for Regional road assumption. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that it would be of benefit to defer the recommendation to the December 18, 2000 Council meeting to allow more information to be provided, including fire protection and response times; traffic volumes at other at-grade crossings such as Weber/Lancaster and King/Weber; number of accidents; and, source of funding for the grade separation alternative. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the following recommendation contained in staff report PW-00-059 be deferred and referred to the December 18, 2000 Council meetinq for consideration: 'That Council approve the preferred design and locations for Lackner Boulevard and Shirley Avenue Extension as presented at the Public Information Centre on July 20, 2000 and that the Schedule 'C' Class Environmental Assessment Study Report for this project be filed with the City Clerk for the mandatory 30 day public review period. PW-00-049- PARKING DISCOUNT PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated November 9, 2000, recommending that effective immediately the Parking Discount Program be terminated and no new discounted parking fees be offered to new businesses locating Downtown and that all existing monthly parking discounts be eliminated. 5. PW-00-049 - PARKING DISCOUNT PROGRAM (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2000 - 73 - CITY OF KITCHENER In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. McBride advised that the companies outlined in the staff report have not yet been advised of the discontinuance of parking discounts. Councillor Vrbanovic expressed concern that the companies had not been made aware prior to this meeting and requested staff to make personal contact with each company so they are made aware prior to reports being published in the local newspaper. Mr. McBride advised that he would prepare a letter to be faxed this date to those companies affected. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That effective immediately, the Parking Discount Program be terminated; and, That effective immediately, no new discounted parking fees be offered to new businesses locating Downtown; and further, That effective April 1,2001, all existing monthly parking discounts be eliminated." 6. PW-00-055 - FORSYTH PARKING LOT The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated November 9, 2000, recommending that monthly parking be offered at the Forsyth Parking Lot No. 8. In response to Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. J. McBride advised that monthly parking would be regulated by issuance of a permit to those renting monthly parking spaces. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That effective November 1, 2000, the Forsyth Parking Lot No. 8 offer monthly parking at a cost of $50. per month, Monday to Saturday; and further, That By-law No. 88-169 be amended accordingly." 7. PW-00-056 - ON-STREET PARKING - MARGARET AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated November 3, 2000, recommending that the current corner parking restriction on Margaret Avenue at Maynard Avenue be extended an additional 9 metres east. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the current 15 metre corner parking restriction on the south side of Margaret Avenue at Maynard Avenue be extended an additional 9 metres east; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 8. PW-00-057 - METERED PARKING - DAVID STREET The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated November 7, 2000, recommending that metered parking be removed from the west side of David Street and be replaced with a parking prohibition. 8. PW-00-057 - METERED PARKING - DAVID STREET (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2000 - 74 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That metered parking be removed from the west side of David Street from Courtland Avenue to a point 54 metres north of Courtland Avenue; and, That parking be prohibited on the west side of David Street from Courtland Avenue to a point 54 metres north of Courtland Avenue; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 9. PW-00-058 - FREE SATURDAY PARKING The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated October 18, 2000, recommending that the request of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association to implement free parking within the Downtown on Saturdays through the Christmas season be approved. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That as requested by the Kitchener Downtown Business Association, free parking be provided in all City of Kitchener operated parking facilities within the Downtown on Saturdays commencing on November 18, 2000 and extending through the Christmas season to December 30, 2000, inclusive." 10. PW-00-060 - ON-STREET PARKING - GRUHN STREET The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated November 8, 2000, recommending that the existing 'No Parking Anytime Monday to Saturday' prohibition on the south side of Gruhn Street be replaced with a two-hour time limit between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. In response to Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. J. McBride advised that the two-hour parking limit would be enforced on a complaint basis only. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the existing 'No Parking Anytime Monday to Saturday' prohibition on the south side of Gruhn Street between Agnes Street and a point 122 metres west thereof be replaced with a 'Two (2) hour time limit, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday'; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 11. PW-00-061 - ON-STREET PARKING - ARNOLD STREET The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated December 1, 2000, recommending that the existing 'No Parking Anytime' prohibition on the west side of Arnold Street be replaced with a three-hour time limit. In response to Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. J. McBride advised that existing signage would be revised to reflect the proposed change. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: 11. PW-00-061 - ON-STREET PARKING - ARNOLD STREET (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2000 - 75 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That the current 'No Parking Anytime' prohibition on the west side of Arnold Street between Birch Avenue and Maple Avenue be removed and replaced with a three (3) hour limit; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 12. PW-00-062 - ON-STREET PARKING - AHRENS STREET WEST The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated November 14, 2000, recommending that a parking prohibition be implemented annually from January 1 to March 31 on the north side of Ahrens Street West. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited annually from January 1 to March 31 on the north side of Ahrens Street West from Louisa Street to Blucher Street; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 13. PW-00-067 - ON-STREET PARKING - AVALON PLACE The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated November 22, 2000, recommending that on-street parking be prohibited on the south side of Avalon Place. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That on-street parking be prohibited on the south side of Avalon Place from Southmoor Drive to the easterly limit; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 14. PW-00-069 - ON-STREET PARKING - STRASBURG ROAD The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated November 29, 2000, recommending that various parking prohibitions be implemented and be in effect anytime on both sides of Strasburg Road. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That on-street parking be prohibited anytime on both sides of Strasburg Road in the following areas: · from a point 33 metres east of Selkirk Drive to a point 70 metres west of Selkirk Drive; · from a point 38 metres west of Barwood Crescent (east intersection) to a point 46 metres east of Barwood Crescent (east intersection); · from a point 49 metres west of Blackhorne Drive to a point 318 metres east of Block Line Road; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 15. PW-00-071 - ON-STREET PARKING - AMHERST DRIVE PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2000 - 76 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated December 4, 2000, recommending that parking be prohibited from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on both sides of Amherst Drive. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on both sides of Amherst Drive; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 16. NEW BUSINESS a) ADULT CROSSING GUARD - INTERSECTION OF CONNAUGHT STREET AND TRAYNOR AVENUE Councillor J. Ziegler requested that staff be directed to implement an Adult Crossing Guard facility at the intersection of Connaught Street and Traynor Avenue in the vicinity of St. Aloysius School. Councillor Ziegler pointed out that this intersection is currently monitored by a school crossing guard; however, this is proving to be ineffective. He stated that motorists use this intersection as a shortcut to access Fairview Mall and Fairview Road and speeding is a problem. In this regard, he asked the Committee to consider implementing an Adult Crossing Guard facility to be effective January 1,2001. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that staff would provide a report to Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, December 18, 2000. b) SNOW PLOUGHING -SIDEWALKS - SCHOOL FACILITIES In response to Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that in the fall of this year the School Board reviewed the City's cost for providing snow ploughing of sidewalks in front of their facilities and declined the City's service. Mr. Gyorffy agreed to provide Council with a report outlining the impact this would have on current revenues received from the School Board. c) LEAF PICK-UP PROGRAM In response to Councillor G. Lorentz, staff were directed to prepare a report for review during the Capital Budget process summarizing details of this year's Leaf Removal Program. 17. INFORMATION REPORT For information purposes, the Committee was in receipt of Public Works staff report PW-00-070 entitled "Union Boulevard Reconstruction- Project Update". 18. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 11:10 a.m. Janet Billett Committee Administrator