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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-05-01PWTC\2000-05-01 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1, 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, commencing at 10:05 a.m., Chaired by Councillor John Smola, and with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors G. Lorentz, B. Vrbanovic, C. Weylie, K. Taylor-Harrison, and J. Haalboom. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. L. Korabo and Messrs. J. Gazzola, J. Shivas, J. McBride, J. Witmer, H. Gross, G. Melanson and L. Lynch. 1. HIGHWAY 8 WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION - HIGHWAY 8/CONESTOGA PARKWAY INTERCHANGE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated April 26, 2000, from H. Gross, Manager of Design and Construction, outlining proposed road closings related to the Highway 8 widening and reconstruction of the Highway 8/Conestoga Parkway Interchange. The report advises that the Ministry of Transportation is seeking confirmation that the City of Kitchener has no concerns with these proposed closings. This confirmation is requested in the event the City's position should be an issue during upcoming Ontario Municipal Board hearings. Mayor Zehr requested further details on the timing of the King Street East closure as it relates to the Kinzie Avenue extension. Mr. Gross advised that the Ministry of Transportation is still pursuing land acquisitions in this area; however, the work is scheduled for completion during the summer of 2000. He confirmed that King Street East would not be closed until the Kinzie Avenue extension is completed. Councillor Vrbanovic expressed concern regarding delays experienced by some property owners in their contacts with Ministry staff concerning land acquisitions. He suggested that it may be appropriate for the City to ask the Ministry to move forward as quickly as possible in this area. Mr. Gross commented that he was not aware of any current delays regarding property matters; however, he asked that members of the Committee advise of issues brought to their attention which would then be passed along to the Ministry. Councillor Weylie commented that presently Highway 8 is congested from the Conestoga Parkway to Sportsworld Drive during the daily rush hour. She requested that staff consider ways to lessen this daily occurrence which she felt, will become more problematic during the scheduled road construction. Mr. Gross advised that the reconstruction is being undertaken to alleviate this congestion problem caused by the fact that Highway 8 is too narrow to handle the peak volumes. He noted that he would take Councillor Weylie's comments under advisement and speak with Ministry officials concerning possible temporary measures which could be implemented during peak periods. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That in connection with the Highway 8 widening and reconstruction of the Highway 8/Conestoga Parkway interchange, and in the event the City's position should be an issue during upcoming Ontario Municipal Board hearings, the City of Kitchener confirms to the Ministry of Transportation that it has no concerns with the proposed road closings as outlined in the report of H. Gross, Manager of Design and Construction, dated April 26, 2000." DOPWR- 2000-16 - LARKSPUR CRESCENT -WALKWAY TO FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD The Committee was in receipt of a report dated April 20, 2000, from J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking, requesting direction regarding the proposed closure of the pedestrian walkway between Larkspur Crescent and Fischer-Hallman Road. Mr. McBride provided background information and noted the $90,000 cost to close the walkway and relocate the signals to Fischer-Hallman and Summit. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1, 2000 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DOPWR - 2000-16 - LARKSPUR CRESCENT - WALKWAY TO FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD (CONT'D) Councillor Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Lorentz provided comments on his experiences over the past 15 years with this location and advised that he had canvassed area residents concerning the proposed closure of the walkway with approximately 95% support. Councillor Lorentz asked for the Committee's support, but stated that he was unsure that traffic signals should be installed at the location proposed by staff. He noted he would prefer seeing the signal installed at the first driveway into the Forest Heights Collegiate parking lot rather than at the intersection of Fischer-Hallman Road and Summit Avenue. Councillor Lorentz also advised that he preferred that a public meeting be held to receive resident input prior to a final decision being made by Council. Councillor C. Weylie questioned if the Waterloo Region District School Board had been requested to pay a portion of the closure/relocation cost as the inappropriate behaviour of students has precipitated the residents' request for closure of the walkway. Mr. McBride stated that the School Board had not been approached to date as historically there has been no contribution to other projects. Councillor Weylie then questioned the close proximity of the proposed signal location to the intersection of Fischer-Hallman Road and Queen's Boulevard and Mr. McBride commented that the Region of Waterloo had approved the proposed location at the intersection of Fischer-Hallman Road and Summit Avenue, noting that these lights would be synchronized thereby limiting traffic delays. Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Ziegler advised that he preferred an immediate trial closure of the walkway with installation of chain link fencing at both ends and the placement of signage advised of the proposed permanent closure. He indicated that this trial closure would quickly provide area residents and the City with information on new pedestrian traffic patterns and residents could then comment on these new routes at the proposed public open house. Councillor Ziegler advised that if the trial closure was favourably received, he could support the permanent closure of the pedestrian walkway. Mayor Zehr questioned Councillor Lorentz concerning neighbourhood use of the walkway and he advised that it is mainly used by residents of area streets, some of whom are hesitant in using it due to the objectionable behaviour of students. Councillor Lorentz noted that he had spoken with the Principal of Forest Heights Collegiate regarding residents' concerns and he, while sensitive to these concerns, advised that he was not in a position to enforce or regulate student behaviour off of school property. Mayor Zehr questioned if an open house is required to close the walkway and it was the view of Councillor Lorentz that this is necessary. He also advised that he was not in favour of a temporary closure as the school year is almost over and due to the likelihood of vandalism. In response to a further question from Mayor Zehr, Mr. McBride advised that, subject to funding approval, it would be possible to complete all the necessary work by September, 2000. Councillor Lorentz questioned if the Region of Waterloo would pay for the installation of new traffic signals at the intersection of Fischer-Hallman Road and Summit Avenue. Mr. McBride noted that installation of traffic signals at this location does not meet the warrants required for subsidization, therefore, the installation would be at City cost. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 1, 2000 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DOPWR - 2000-16 - LARKSPUR CRESCENT - WALKWAY TO FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD (CON'T) On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That a Ward Open House be held to advise of the proposed closing of the pedestrian walkway between Larkspur Crescent and Fischer-Hallman Road to take effect September 2000, and to obtain the input of area residents, with a report on the outcome and any comments received to be considered by the Public Works and Transportation Committee." INFORMATION ITEM The Committee was in receipt of a report dated April 18, 2000, from Mr. H. Gross, Manager Design and Construction, which provided an informational summary of the Tree Protection and Enhancement measures being implemented for the Union Boulevard project. Councillor J. Haalboom extended her thanks to staff for the work undertaken in ensuring the preservation and health of trees located within the Union Boulevard reconstruction zone. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 10:35 a.m. Linda Korabo Executive Assistant