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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-01-10PWTC\2000-01-10 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 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, C. Weylie, G. Lorentz, Jake Smola, B. Vrbanovic and J. Ziegler. Officials Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, J. McBride, L. Lynch, D. Mansell and J. Shivas. 1. 2000 REGIONAL ROADS PROGRAM AND CAPITAL FORECAST The Committee was in receipt of a report dated December 17, 1999 from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, requesting endorsement of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's 2000 Roads Capital Program subject to a request to the Region to accelerate the widening of Victoria Street South by one year and the resurfacing of King Street East, south of Stonegate Drive to north of Morrision Road, being moved from 2002 to 2000 to coincide with other work on King Street East. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that staff of the Public Works Department and the Planning Department, in consultation with Regional staff, have reviewed the Regional Roads Program and are prepared to endorse it subject to two revisions. The first relates to the widening of Victoria Street South, which staff are asking be moved ahead one year so that design work will commence in 2001 rather than 2002 in keeping with Council's resolution of November 29 ,1999, to accelerate this project as a result of the findings of the West Side Connection Study. The second relates to resurfacing of King Street East from south of Stonegate Drive to north of Morrision Road which staff are recommending be moved from 2002 to 2000 so that this work would coincide with other work to be undertaken on King Street East during the same time frame. He pointed out that a large percentage of the work included in the Regional Program has to do with City of Kitchener work, mainly on King Street East from Fairway Road to River Road, which has been in the planning stages for some time. He further pointed out that a considerable amount of work along Victoria Street is proposed which will assist in resolving staff concerns related to underground servicing. Mr. Gyorffy noted that Mr. R. Gallivan, Region of Waterloo, was in attendance to answer any questions. Councillor C. Weylie voiced concern with respect to Victoria Street and Westmount Road, in that, at a recent Regional meeting City of Waterloo representatives suggested that they would like to see two lanes with various calming measures, such as bicycle lanes, in this area. Councillor C. Weylie stated that she felt this to be inappropriate and wished to emphasize strongly to the Region that four lanes are needed on Victoria Street, from Patricia Avenue to Lawrence Avenue, and that the report should indicate when exactly this work would be undertaken. In this regard, Mr. J. McBride stated that, as a result of the West Side Connection Study, Victoria Street will become four lanes and this work is to be undertaken in 2001. Councillor C. Weylie requested that she be notified when the public meeting was to be held with respect to this project and Mr. McBride concurred. Councillor C. Weylie then referred to Westmount Road between Glasgow Street and John Street, which is still under study and advised that she would like this issue to come back to the Committee prior to any work being undertaken. She stated that she and area residents had concerns with respect to traffic issues in this area and questioned if any accidents had occurred since implementation of the temporary measures. Mr. J. McBride responded that he believed one accident has occurred since the temporary measures were implemented. He further pointed out that detailed study has not yet taken place, which must be undertaken prior to any additional improvements taking place. Councillor J. Ziegler disclosed a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting in respect to matters relating to King Street East listed within the 2000 Regional Roads Program and Capital Forecast Report as he owns property on King Street East. Councillor Jake Smola inquired if any consideration had been given to scheduling improvements on Homer Watson Boulevard between Bleams Road and Block Line Road. Mr. S. Gyorffy PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 2000 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. 2000 REGIONAL ROADS PROGRAM AND CAPITAL FORECAST (CONT'D) responded that this area is currently scheduled for design in 2001 with construction to be undertaken in 2003. Councillor Jake Smola further inquired if any work was proposed for Ottawa Street between Heritage Drive and Old Chicopee Drive, as there is concern with respect to traffic volume. Mr. R. Gallivan, Region of Waterloo, advised that City staff had relayed these comments during review of the Regional report and this information has been passed along to the Regional Traffic Division for further investigation. He pointed out that the Region does not feel there is a capacity problem; however, an operational review will be concluded this year and, based on any recommendations forthcoming, this area could be included in the program. Councillor Jake Smola inquired if a traffic study had been undertaken with respect to the need or justification for traffic control signals at the intersection of Ottawa Street and Old Chicopee Drive. Mr. R. Gallivan advised that he was not aware of any particular study having been undertaken to this date; however, advised that the proposed review will look at all measures, including warrant investigations with respect to traffic control signals. He stated that if the review reveals a need for signals they will be included in the program. Councillor Jake Smola then inquired with respect to the area of Lackner Boulevard and Shirley Avenue; however, Mr. D. Mansell pointed out that Lackner Boulevard is not classified as a Regional road past Victoria Street. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern with the number of accidents resulting from trucks/cars proceeding through red lights at the intersection of Pioneer Drive and Homer Watson Boulevard and requested an update on the proposal to install red light cameras. Mr. R. Gallivan advised that installation of cameras has been put on hold because costs for such installations have proven to be significantly higher than originally anticipated. Councillor Haalboom questioned if any studies have been undertaken, as she would like to know the number of accidents that have occurred in this area and whether or not there are other ways to increase safety. For example, she stated that it is difficult for motorists to see when turning left from Highway 401 onto Pioneer Drive and suggested that for safety reasons consideration should be given to an advanced green light or an arrow. Mr. R. Gallivan stated that he was not aware of any studies being done in the area of Pioneer Drive and Homer Watson Boulevard; however, he advised that he would follow up with the Regional Traffic Division and provide Councillor Haalboom with the information at a later date. Councillor J. Haalboom then referred to the area along Homer Watson Boulevard, Conestoga College and New Dundee Road with respect to the bridge over Highway 401 and questioned if Regional staff were working with the Province to undertake this project earlier. Mr. Gallivan advised that improvements are planned to realign the interchange for the westbound ramp, together with widening of the right turn lane. He pointed out that the Ministry of Transportation does plan to widen this area in the future; however, a specific date has not yet been set. He advised that this area has been identified as a need and the Region will work with the Province when their timeframe is known. He further pointed out that realignment of New Dundee Road has also been identified as a need in the area of Conestoga College and stated that relocation of traffic signals at the interchange ramp is proposed. He stated that this work will be scheduled; however, it will be undertaken over a number of years. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if there were any immediate plans for the area of Conestoga College, New Dundee Road and Homer Watson Boulevard and Mr. Gallivan responded that, at this time, only the realignment of New Dundee Road was proposed. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he was pleased with the progress for plans on King Street East which have been a long time coming and, in particular, the need for sidewalks. With respect to Weber Street East, from Fergus Avenue to Old King Street, Councillor B. Vrbanovic expressed concern with traffic congestion and asked that, if the final design does not already address these issues, that Regional staff take this into consideration. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 2000 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. 2000 REGIONAL ROADS PROGRAM AND CAPITAL FORECAST (CONT'D) Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the Traffic Signal Modernization Program with respect to the signalized crosswalk on Fischer-Hallman Road and questioned if the Region would consider relocating the crosswalk closer to Forest Heights Collegiate. Mr. Gallivan stated he was familiar with the area and felt that relocation was possible; however, he advised he would have to refer the matter to the Region's Traffic Division for further investigation and report back. Councillor Lorentz inquired if it was less costly to relocate the signalized crosswalk as opposed to installation of full signalization and noted that his intent is not to remove the crosswalk but to relocate it. Mr. Gallivan responded that the cost would be less than installation of full signalization; however, he cautioned that the amount would still be significant as it does involve signalization of the crosswalk. Councillor J. Haalboom again referred to the area of the Conestoga College, New Dundee Road and Homer Watson Boulevard and requested that Regional staff provide information with respect to any studies that may have been undertaken within the previous six months, together with the type, number and time of accidents that have occurred in the area and any alternative means of alleviating the traffic problems. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener request the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to revise the Region's 2000 Regional Roads Program to include the resurfacing of King Street East, (Regional Road #8), south of Stonegate Drive to north of Morrision Road, be moved from 2002 to 2000 to coincide with other work on King Street East in the same timeframe." Councillor J. Ziegler previously disclosed a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and did not vote in respect to matters relating to King Street East listed within the 2000 Regional Roads Program and Capital Forecast Report as he owns property on King Street East. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener endorse the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's 2000 Roads Captial Program with the following adjustment: That the widening of Victoria Street South be accelerated by one year with design work commencing in 2001 as opposed to 2002, in accordance with Kitchener Council's resolution of November 29, 1999 to accelerate this project as a result of the findings of the West Side Connection study." 2. RAYLENE DRIVE - CLOSURE OF ACCESS TO 50 WESTMOUNT ROAD WEST The Committee was in receipt of a report dated December 20, 1999, from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, outlining three alternatives to close off pedestrian access at the dead-end of Raylene Drive. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that, as a result of the decision by Council at it's meeting held in December 1999 to close pedestrian access at the end of Raylene Drive, three alternatives have been costed which are as follows: replacement of the section of fencing previously installed by the former property owner at 93 Hearth Crescent which was removed to provide the current access; installation of a new ten foot chain link fence across the entire 66 foot right-of-way; and, installation of a new eight foot concrete wall across the entire 66 foot right-of-way. Mr. Gyorffy advised that the first alternative would be the least costly method; however, it is felt that the higher cost alternative, being the concrete wall, would be the most successful in achieving the desired result. 2. RAYLENE DRIVE - CLOSURE OF ACCESS TO 50 WESTMOUNT ROAD WEST (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 2000 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Jake Smola inquired if any consideration had been given to declaring these lands as surplus so that they could be taken over by abutting property owners and become privately owned lands as opposed to City-owned lands. He suggested that pedestrian access over these lands would continue to be a problem unless they became privately owned, in which instance, unauthorized access could then be pursued through trespassing enforcement. He further suggested that the City could consider assisting the property owners with construction of a fence; however, the responsibility of maintenance would be that of the property owner. Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that consideration of declaring these lands as surplus and selling them to abutting property owners has been investigated in previous years; however, due to the configuration of this strip of land and the cost involved to the property owner to purchase the lands this matter was not pursued. He pointed out that it could potentially cause access problems with respect to the driveway and garages of the abutting properties. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that there were other methods that could be undertaken to resolve the access issue with respect to driveways and questioned why the City should incur the expense to close off the pedestrian access given that the City is acting on the request of the abutting property owners. In this regard, he suggested that costs to maintain these lands (i.e. snow removal, grass cutting) versus the sale of the lands should be investigated. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he felt pursuing the sale of these lands to abutting property owners was worth considering and agreed that issues of access to driveways could be resolved either through relocation of the driveways or an easement agreement between the property owners. He stated that the property owners should be approached to determine their interest in purchasing these lands. Councillor J. Ziegler also inquired if staff had given any consideration to constructing the fence using pressure treated lumber. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that it was not the City's normal practice to use wood in constructing fences because of costs involved to maintain such a fence and pointed out that the desired result in closing off access to Raylene Drive is to have a secure closure which a wooden fence would not necessarily provide. Councillor John Smola inquired of staff if it were possible to pursue the matter of closing and selling these lands to the abutting property owners. Mr. J. Shivas reiterated the fact that this option had been investigated in the past and due to costs to the property owners was not pursued; however, he stated that staff could undertake to investigate this option again and possibly assist the property owners with the costs involved. Councillor John Smola referred to the costs to the City to maintain these lands and suggested that, when taken into consideration, selling of these lands may be a more viable trade off. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he would like to direct staff to investigate the closing and selling of these lands, with a report to be brought back to either Council or the Public Works and Transportation Committee. He recognized that previous costing to purchase these lands may have been substantial and, if it were decided not to pursue this option, he indicated his preference that staff install the concrete wall. Councillor Jake Smola pointed out, however, that he remained of the opinion that pedestrian access would continue to be a problem unless these lands became privately owned. Councillor G. Lorentz agreed that a more creative approach should be taken in resolving this issue and suggested that staff should speak with the residents to determine if there were alternative methods that would be less costly and more aesthetically pleasing. He pointed out that work could not be undertaken until Spring, which allows several months for further investigation to take place and felt that a better solution could be arrived at. Councillor John Smola inquired when staff would be prepared to report back to the Committee on this matter and Mr. S. Gyorffy suggested that the first meeting in February would be appropriate. 2. RAYLENE DRIVE - CLOSURE OF ACCESS TO 50 WESTMOUNT ROAD WEST (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 2000 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor C. Weylie inquired if it was intended that the lands be purchased at cost to the home owners and Councillor Jake Smola responded that his intent was that there be no cost or very minimal cost to the property owners. The Committee directed staff of the Department of Public Works and the Legal Department to investigate additional methods of closing off pedestrian access to Raylene Drive, including the possibility of declaring the City-owned lands located at the end of Raylene Drive as surplus for the purpose of closing and selling these lands to the abutting property owners, with a report to be brought back to the Public Works and Transportation Committee at its meeting to be held on Monday, February 7, 2000. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY REPORT - PREFERRED DESIGN AND LOCATION FOR WABANAKI DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated January 5, 2000 from Mr. D. Mansell, Manager of Engineering Development, outlining the preferred design and location for Wabanaki Drive, from Fairway Road to Manitou Drive. The report further requests 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. Mr. D. Mansell advised that the report before the Committee this date was the Executive Summary of the Class Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design Study for Wabanaki Drive, as prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd. He pointed out that a public open house was held on March 30, 1999, followed by an overall review of the alternative alignment concepts and options. Public notification of the recommended design concept was presented in a detailed public information package issued in August 1999 and 21 recommendations are now proposed for consideration. Mr. Mansell advised that Mr. G. Leveck, Stantec Consulting Ltd., was present to answer any questions. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he had understood that Stages 1 and 2 were to be constructed at the same time. Mr. G. Leveck responded that it was not intended to undertake both stages at this time as it had been determined that Stage 2, being the south portion of the project, was not warranted until the future River Road extension was undertaken. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned the timing for scheduling and Mr. D. Mansell responded that, in terms of development charges, the project would be undertaken in two parts with the first to be scheduled for 2003 and the second in 2008. He further provided explanation as to the allocation of funding with respect to development charges. Councillor J. Ziegler referred to a letter he had received from Mr. P. Dietrich, Wright-Dietrich, in which it is requested that Council reconsider the 15 building permit limit for Vace Investments Inc. with respect to the Bridle Path Estates development as soon as possible in view of the fact that the matter of a route for a second means of access has now been determined. Councillor Ziegler pointed out that Vace Investments has sold its limit of 15 lots and is now at a standstill in terms of selling, pending reconsideration by Council with respect to issuance of building permits. He further noted that Vace Investments has pledged $500,000.00 towards construction of the new road link on the basis that up to 5 additional permits be issued per year until the road is constructed. In this regard, Councillor J. Ziegler inquired if the City has already received the pledge of $500,000.00 or if this was still to be made. Mr. D. Mansell responded that he believed these were new funds yet to be collected as a contribution towards construction of the second access. Councillor J. Ziegler requested that staff investigate this matter and confirm that these monies were yet to be paid in view of the request of Vace Investments for issuance of additional permits. Councillor John Smola inquired if the intent was to have staff speak with Vace Investments to confirm if the pledge of $500,000.00 was yet to be paid and to report back to the Committee. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that this was a sensitive issue for residents of the Hidden Valley ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY REPORT - PREFERRED DESIGN AND LOCATION FOR WABANAKI DRIVE (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 2000 -6- CITY OF KITCHENER area and, should Council consider Vace Investments' request for additional building permits, he would like the residents to have prior notification. Mr. D. Mansell pointed out that the report before the Committee this date deals with the ESPA and suggested that the Committee approve the recommendation and proceed with the filing of the Environmental Assessment Report with the City Clerk for the 30 day public review. Following such action, he suggested it would then be appropriate to deal with the request of Vace Investments for additional building permits. Councillor J. Haalboom inquired if the City's Heritage Planner had been consulted with respect to the study and Mr. D. Mansell responded that staff had consulted with the Heritage Planner throughout and would continue to involve the Heritage Planner when the actual design was to be undertaken. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That Council approve the preferred design and location for Wabanaki Drive from Fairway Road to Manitou Drive, as was sent to all interested parties, 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." The Committee then entered into a brief discussion with respect to the request for additional building permits from Vace Investments Inc., during which it was pointed out by Councillor J. Ziegler that prior to this matter being brought back for discussion and decision, the area residents should be contacted to provide an opportunity for any concerns they may have to be voiced. The Committee directed that staff of the Department of Public Works, the Building Division and the Traffic and Parking Division, review the request of Vace Investments Inc. with respect to the issuance of additional building permits for the Bridle Path Estates development, including confirmation with respect to the payment of the pledge of $500,000.00, with a report to be provided to Councillor J. Ziegler for review with area residents prior to consideration by Council. DOPWR 2000-02 - SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION - GLASGOW STREET BETWEEN FISCHER- HALLMAN ROAD AND BELMONT AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 29, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting that the speed limit on Glasgow Street remain posted at 40 km/h from Fischer-Hallman Road to Belmont Avenue until such time as installation of a pedestrian sidewalk and cycling facilities along Glasgow Street are undertaken. Following implementation of these improvements, further review is proposed to measure the impact on operating speeds. Councillor C. Weylie expressed her concerns, together with those of area residents, with respect to speeding along this portion of Glasgow Street and stated that she would prefer the 40 km/h limit remain in place on a permanent basis. In this regard, she inquired of staff if they would agree to amend the recommendation to reflect that the speed limit be permanently posted as 40 km/h. Mr. J. McBride responded that the intent was to determine if there were any significant changes in traffic patterns following implementation of the improvements proposed; however, he stated that he had no difficulty in revising the recommendation to provide that the 40 km/h limit remain in effect on a permanent basis. 4. DOPWR 2000-02 - SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION - GLASGOW STREET BETWEEN FISCHER- HALLMAN ROAD AND BELMONT AVENUE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 2000 -7- CITY OF KITCHENER "That, in conjunction with the installation of a pedestrian sidewalk on the east side of Glasgow Street and cycling facilities on both sides of Glasgow Street, between Knell Street and Fischer-Hallman Road, scheduled for the year 2000, the 40 km/h posted speed limit remain in place on a permanent basis." DOPWR 2000-03 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - LAURENTIAN DRIVE AT HOWLAND DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated December 1, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting that an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Laurentian Drive at Howland Drive. Councillor John Smola advised that Councillor T. Galloway has requested that this matter be deferred and referred to the Council meeting of January 17, 2000, as he was unable to attend the meeting this date due to a prior commitment and wishes to make comment on this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the following recommendation contained in staff report DOPWR 2000-03 be deferred and referred to the January 17, 2000 Council meeting for consideration: 'That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Laurentain Drive at Howland Drive; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly'." DOPWR 2000-05 - TURNING RESTRICTION - DUKE STREET EAST AT SCOTT STREET The Committee was in receipt of a report dated December 16, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting prohibition at any time for eastbound right turns on the red signal phase from Duke Street East onto Scott Street. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That eastbound right turns on the red signal phase from Duke Street East onto Scott Street be prohibited anytime; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 2000-06 - AUTOMATION OF PARKING GARAGES The Committee was in receipt of a report dated December 22, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting that automation of cashier functions not be pursued at this time for the Duke and Ontario and/or the City Hall parking garages. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That no automation of the cashier functions be pursued at this time for the Duke and Ontario or the City Hall parking garages." 8. DOPWR 2000-07- RIGHT-TURN-ON-RED PROHIBITIONS - LORRAINE AVENUE AT RIVER ROAD AND KRUG STREET AT RIVER ROAD PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 10, 2000 -8- CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of a report dated January 4, 2000, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting that the right-turn-on-red prohibition for the southbound Lorraine Avenue at River Road be revised to be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and that the right-turn-on-red prohibition on the northbound Krug Street at River Road be eliminated. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he has received positive comments from area residents respecting this matter and was in support of the recommendation. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the right-turn-on-red prohibition on southbound Lorraine Avenue at River Road be revised to be in effect 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday; and, That the right-turn-on-red prohibition on northbound Krug Street at River Road be eliminated; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 9. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 9:35 a.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator