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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-02-07PWTC\2000-02-07 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor John Smola, commencing at 8:40 a.m., with the following members present: Councillors J. Haalboom, K. Taylor- Harrison, C. Weylie, G. Lorentz, Jake Smola, and B. Vrbanovic. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, J. Gazzola, J. Shivas, J. McBride, K. Carmichael and D. Quinn. 1. PRESENTATION - HIGHWAY 401 WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION - REGIONAL ROAD 8 TO HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated January 24, 2000 from Mr. K. Carmichael, Traffic Project Co-ordinator, advising that the Ministry of Transportation is proposing to undertake the widening and reconstruction of Highway 401 between Regional Road 8 (King Street East) and Homer Watson Boulevard during the 2000 construction season. Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, advised that representatives from the Ministry of Transportation and the Consulting Engineering Firm of Delcan Corporation were in attendance this date to provide the Committee with a presentation respecting this project. In this regard, Mr. J. McBride introduced Mr. B. Kope, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. H. Huotari, Project Engineer, and Mr. R. Rinne, Senior Project Manager, Delcan Corporation. Mr. B. Kope appeared before the Committee and provided an overview of the Highway 401 widening project. He pointed out that the project involves a 4.5 km portion of Highway 401 located between Regional Road 8 (King Street East) and Homer Watson Boulevard. He stated that the project will include the widening of Highway 401 to 6 lanes, the rehabilitation of the Regional Road 8 interchange structure and the resurfacing of all ramps at the Regional Road 8 and Homer Watson Boulevard interchanges. He noted that it is intended to keep the traffic flowing through the construction area at all times with two lanes being open during daytime construction and reduction to single lanes during off-peak night time construction. At this time, Mr. Kope turned the presentation over to Mr. Huotari, Project Engineer, Delcan Corporation. Mr. Huotari provided an overhead presentation during which he outlined proposed improvements to Regional Road 8 which include reconstruction of the interchange ramps both westbound toward London and eastbound toward Toronto. This will require closure of the ramps; however, Mr. Huotari pointed out that temporary ramp connections will be put in place to maintain traffic flow during construction. He also noted that Regional Road 8 will be resurfaced within the construction area and guardrails will be installed. Mr. Huotari further noted that the interchange ramps at Homer Watson Boulevard will be resurfaced and that the east-north south ramp will be reconstructed to two lanes and realigned to improve traffic operation. In connection with the construction work, Mr. Huotari advised that a request for an exemption to the City's Municipal Code with respect to noise is also being requested to allow construction to take place during off- peak night time hours. Councillor J. Haalboom inquired if the Ministry of Transportation intended to place signage along Highway 401 to alert the public to this construction project and Mr. Huotari advised that signage would be placed in accordance with Ministry protocol and safety regulations to allow advanced notice to the public. He further pointed out that flashing message boards may also be used throughout the construction project. Councillor J. Haalboom pointed out that the Pinegrove Neighbourhood Association, whose residences are relatively adjacent to this construction project, would be holding a meeting the following week and inquired if information could be provided to her to be presented to the residents at that meeting. Mr. H. Huotari concurred with this request. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2000 - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. PRESENTATION - HIGHWAY 401 WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION - REGIONAL ROAD 8 TO HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD (CONT'D) Councillor J. Haalboom then referred to the interchange at Homer Watson Boulevard and Highway 401 and, in particular, with respect to traffic congestion on the 2 lane bridge going over Highway 401 and questioned when it was intended to make improvements to this bridge. Mr. B. Kope advised that, as part of this project, the reconstruction of the westbound ramp has been designed to accommodate future interchange improvements. He advised that there are several options for improvements to the bridge that would include widening the bridge or adding another bridge. With respect to timing for these additional improvements, he pointed out that the Ministry has identified the need for cost sharing partnerships, particularly in cases such as this, where the need for improvement has resulted from an increase in capacity due to development in the area. Accordingly, he indicated that discussions will have to be undertaken between the Ministry and the Region to resolve cost sharing arrangements prior to additional improvements being undertaken. He further advised that he would expect that the earliest these improvements could take place would be within the next 5 year period which would allow time to negotiate cost sharing arrangements, preparation of a detailed design and undertaking of the tendering process. In response to further questioning, Mr. Kope stated that the Ministry views the improvements to be directly related to development that has taken place in the area and, as such, it is the Ministry's position that a cost sharing partnership with the municipality that has a vested interest is warranted. Councillor J. Haalboom further enquired if the Ministry has conducted any studies with respect to the access lane underneath the bridge going onto the eastbound ramp, noting that because of poor visibility and the volume of traffic utilizing this ramp, motorists are often placed in a dangerous situation. Mr. H. Huotari pointed out that the current project does provide for this situation to be improved by lengthening of the access lane and other improvements, which will bring the interchange up to current standards. Councillor G. Lorentz referred to bridgework over the Grand River and proposed widening of lanes and questioned if this work was part of the upcoming project. Mr. B. Kope responded that this work had been completed during the last contract and gave assurance that the improvements undertaken have been designed to accommodate 6 lanes in the future. Councillor Lorentz further inquired if it was the Ministry's policy to negotiate cost sharing arrangements with other municipalities along road construction routes. Mr. B. Kope responded that was correct and provided examples of earlier cost sharing projects, in particular, along Highway 400 which involved the City of Barrie and the Town of Innisville. He stated that the Ministry recognizes that development must proceed and where possible will accelerate road improvements to accommodate such development; however, he pointed out that the timing of such improvements is often difficult to meet in terms of funding and, accordingly, cost sharing partnerships have been entered into. Councillor Jake Smola referred to the Highway 8 construction project in the area of the Conestoga Expressway and the Franklin Street bridge and questioned if consideration has been given to the timing of both projects. Mr. B. Kope advised that the timing for each of these projects has been planned independently; however, it is believed there is enough separation between the two projects so as not to have a negative impact on the travelling public. Councillor Jake Smola further requested information with respect to the specific source of funding for this project. In this regard, Mr. B. Kope advised that he was unable to provide specific sources of funding; however, he stated that the Program Management Branch of the Ministry works to establish Provincial priorities for road construction and based on these priorities allocates funding for each project. Councillor Jake Smola requested that information with regard to the specific source of funding be provided and Mr. B. Kope agreed to make inquiry through the Program Management Branch and relay back their response. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2000 - 11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. PRESENTATION - HIGHWAY 401 WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION - REGIONAL ROAD 8 TO HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD (CONT'D) Councillor Jake Smola also inquired if the Province has implemented a plan for any remaining revenue generated by the toll Highway 407 and, again, Mr. Kope agreed to make inquiries and provide a response at a later date. Mr. E. Kovacs suggested, in light of the inquires made, that Mr. K. Carmichael, Traffic Project Co- ordinator, be utilized as liaison between the Ministry and the City, with Mr. J. McBride to assist. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the noise exemption request and inquired what type of work was intended to be done during evening hours and, specifically, if it would involve pile driving. Mr. B. Kope advised that during night time operations it was intended to undertake road resurfacing on Highway 401. He noted that the resurfacing will include widening which will assist in maintaining access to 2 lanes during daytime construction. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the Ministry's cost sharing partnerships and noted that when a developer wishes to expedite aspects of a proposal the City will sometimes front-end the cost, with the monies then to be paid back by the developer. In this regard, Councillor Vrbanovic inquired if the Ministry's partnerships were similar or if the City was now being required to pay monies previously paid by the Ministry. Mr. B. Kope responded that the funding provided by the municipality is a portion of the cost of construction to cover improvement required as a direct result of development. He noted that, while no money is given back, the municipality benefits from the improvements made to the roadway. In response to further questioning, Mr. Kope advised this was not a new way of doing business and that partnerships have existed since the late 1980's. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Councillor John Smola thanked Mr. Kope and Mr. Huotari for their presentation and requested that Mr. Kope provide the additional information requested this date to Mr. K. Carmichael. DOPWR 2000-9 - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - HIGHWAY 401 WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION - REGIONAL ROAD 8 TO HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD The Committee was in receipt of a report dated January 24, 2000 from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting an exemption from Chapter 450 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code (Noise) with respect to construction work to be undertaken by the Ministry of Transportation on Highway 401, between Regional Road 8 (King Street East) and Homer Watson Boulevard during the period from May 1,2000 to December 31,2001. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and its contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 450 (Noise) of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code, Article 6 (Construction Work), during the widening and reconstruction of Highway 401 between Regional Road 8 (King Street East) and Homer Watson Boulevard and all related work during the period from May 1,2000 to December 31,2001 ." RAYLENE DRIVE - CLOSURE OF ACCESS TO 50 WESTMOUNT ROAD WEST The Committee was in receipt of a report dated February 2, 2000 from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manger, outlining the preferred method for closing off pedestrian access to Raylene Drive. As noted in the report, the recommendations allow for Raylene Drive to remain open, a permanent concrete barrier fence to be erected and remnant parcels of land remaining from the closure of Filsinger Road to be disposed of to abutting owners. 3. RAYLENE DRIVE - CLOSURE OF ACCESS TO 50 WESTMOUNT ROAD WEST (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2000 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that, following direction at the Committee's January 10th meeting, staff met with the residents who provided detailed history with respect to this area. He pointed out that several attempts to close Raylene Drive have been undertaken in the past which residents have always opposed. He stated that the residents remain opposed to closing Raylene Drive and are requesting that a barrier be put in place to restrict pedestrian access. In this regard, he advised that staff are of the opinion that the only viable option is to install a permanent concrete barrier. Mr. Gyorffy further advised that remnant parcels from the former Filsinger Road still exist in the City's name at the end of Raylene Drive to the rear of 109 Hearth Crescent. In this regard, he advised that the residents are willing to acquire these remnant parcels but are not willing to accept the land resulting from the closing of Raylene Drive. Mrs. B. Berry appeared before the Committee, pointing out that she had been present at the December meeting when the Committee had allowed the construction of a fence barrier and was somewhat surprised that the closing of Raylene Drive was again an issue. She stated that, based on planning information at the time, her house and that of her neighbour had been oriented onto Raylene Drive which was to have been extended to Westmount Road; however, this did not take place. As a result, she advised that two attempts to close Raylene Drive had been undertaken by the City. In each instance, the closing was successfully opposed and the closing subsequently abandoned. She pointed out that she remains opposed to the closure for the same reasons given in the past which relate to the location of her driveway and minimal side yard of the property. Mrs. Berry stated that acquiring part of the road would not enhance her situation but rather would add extra expense to relocate her driveway and to maintain additional property. She further stated that the City would be setting a dangerous precedent by closing the road and, as the costs to the City to maintain the road are minimal, felt that the barrier should be installed. Mrs. Berry also noted that vandalism continues to remain a problem and, accordingly, she would like to see the barrier installed as soon as possible and the issue of closing the road laid to rest. Councillor J. Ziegler inquired if Mrs. Berry had seen the recommendations outlined in the staff report and if she was satisfied with them. Mrs. Berry responded that she had reviewed the recommendations and that she was in agreement with them. Councillor C. Weylie thanked the delegation for providing background history respecting Raylene Drive and stated that she felt that the recommendations before the Committee were the best solution to alleviate all concerns. For information, Councillor C. Weylie further noted that the condition of the City-owned property located to the rear of 109 Hearth Crescent has been passed along to Property Standards to investigate and take appropriate action. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested clarification as to which street Mrs. Berry's home fronts onto and Mrs. Berry responded that her front door faces Hearth Crescent; however, the door is never used. She advised that her driveway access is from Raylene Drive and, accordingly, all access to and from the home is from this roadway and the same applies to her neighbour. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he had been contemplating the possiblility of developing a new building lot through closure of Raylene Drive; however, in view of the existing orientation of 93 and 103 Hearth Crescent it did not appear to be a viable option. Councillor Jake Smola inquired of Mrs. Berry the distance from her rear lot line to the back portion of her driveway and Mrs. Berry responded that it would be approximately 20 to 25 feet. Councillor G. Lorentz inquired of staff if it would be possible to construct the barrier at this time and Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that staff could proceed to tender and attempt to construct the barrier as soon as possible. Ms. P. Houston requested that the recommendation include wording to the effect that the source of funding would be taken from the Capital Contingency Fund and the Committee concurred with this request. 3. RAYLENE DRIVE - CLOSURE OF ACCESS TO 50 WESTMOUNT ROAD WEST (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2000 -13- CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Jake Smola inquired as to the length of barrier to be installed and Mr. Gyorffy responded that the barrier would begin at the corner of 60 Westmount Road and continue along the rear of the properties of Hearth Crescent, to and including 109 Hearth Crescent, for a total of 205 feet. Councillor Jake Smola inquired if any cost sharing arrangements had been made with the homeowners and Mr. Gyorffy responded that this had not been discussed with the residents. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he had difficulty supporting the recommendations as he was still of the opinion that in order to eliminate pedestrian access the lands should be privately owned. He noted that the City could not legally stop pedestrians from going over the barrier; however, if the lands were owned privately, actions could be taken under the Trespass to Property Act. In addition, he felt that a chain link fence would be sufficient as opposed to constructing a concrete barrier if the lands were privately owned. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that the City- owned property at the end of Raylene Drive, being the former Filsinger Road allowance, is intended to be privately owned by the residents who have indicated that they would acquire these lands approximately six months following construction of the barrier wall. Councillor Jake Smola indicated that he would still have difficulty supporting the recommendation unless the proposal for the residents to acquire the City-owned lands at the end of Raylene Drive were included. In this regard, Councillor C. Weylie pointed out that the third recommendation in the report addresses disposal of the remnant parcels to the residents. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the roadway known as Raylene Drive not be closed; and, That a permanent concrete barrier fence be erected from the corner of the property at 115 Hearth Crescent to the corner of the property at 60 Westmount Road West, at an estimated cost of $31,000.00 to be taken from the Capital Contingency Fund; and further, That the City dispose of the remnant parcels of land remaining from the closure of Filsinger Road in this area to abutting owners." 4. INFORMATION ITEM For the purpose of information, the Committee received a report dated February 2, 2000 from Mr. D. Quinn, Director of Utilities, entitled "Utilities Division Status Report". 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 9:35 a.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator