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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-04-10PWTC\2000-04-10 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 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: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors C. Weylie, J. Haalboom, K. Taylor-Harrison, B. Vrbanovic and G. Lorentz. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. L. Korabo and Messrs. J. Gazzola, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, H. Gross, J. McBride, J. Witmer, G. Melanson, K. Carmichael. 1. REGION OF WATERLOO PRESENTATION - AREA MUNICIPAL INPUT ON SERVICE LEVELS FOR GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION The Committee was in receipt of an information report dated March 30, 2000, from Mr. J. Archibald, Director of Waste Management, Region of Waterloo, outlining proposed service levels and tendering considerations for garbage and recycling collection in the City of Kitchener. Regional Engineering staff are presenting draft service level standards to each area Municipal Council for comment on local preference. Once all input has been received, a consolidated tendering strategy will be presented to Regional Engineering Committee in September 2000 for approval prior to advertisement of the tender. The Region-wide contract would come into effect when the existing contracts expire on February 28, 2002 and would be in force until 2009. Mr. J. Archibald appeared and highlighted the proposed service levels affecting the City, namely: the discontinuation of used oil collection; the extension of the apartment rebate program to include the City of Cambridge; the addition of a bi-weekly yard waste collection and the proposed transfer to the City of service and funding respecting garbage collection at City parks and facilities. He noted that the used oil collection is being recommended for discontinuation due to lack of storage capacity in trucks and the potential for spills. The bi-weekly yard waste collection is proposed as a cost effective program which is easy to implement and has proven itself an effective method of diverting tonnage from landfill and reducing the number of vehicle trips to the landfill site. The transfer of service and funding for garbage and recycling collection in City parks and facilities to City of Kitchener would be consistent with the practice of other area municipalities. Mr. Archibald asked that Kitchener submit any comments on the proposal by early June of 2000. Mayor Zehr questioned if the formula calculating apartment rebates in Cambridge would be the same as that used in Kitchener and Mr. Archibald commented that it would vary slightly over the next two years; however, eventually a standard formula would apply throughout the Region. Mayor Zehr then questioned if Kitchener staff have had an opportunity to consider the implications of the proposed transfer of garbage and recycling collection in City parks and facilities. Mr. Gyorffy advised that this matter had been discussed at Management Committee; however, staff still require time to study the proposed changes prior to providing written comment. It was noted that the Region of Waterloo would continue to collect garbage and undertake recycling at City parks and facilities until the expiration of the current contract in February 2002. Councillor Taylor-Harrison requested clarification concerning cardboard collection in the Downtown area noting that she understood this service is currently provided, and would not want to see a reduction in service. Mr. Archibald advised that there is presently no cardboard collection in Downtown Kitchener and that this service is not being proposed. Councillor Haalboom questioned who would be emptying the garbage receptacles located on Downtown streets and Mr. Archibald noted that this could be included in the tender document; however, he felt that the Region would likely continue to empty street receptacles. Mr. Archibald was requested to explain the method to be used to notify residents of the proposed bi-weekly yard waste collection. He informed the Committee of the City of Waterloo program which operates from April to November where a separate vehicle collects yard waste and diverts material to compost sites at the landfill. A brochure outlining the pick-up schedule REGION OF WATERLOO PRESENTATION - AREA MUNICIPAL INPUT ON SERVICE LEVELS FOR GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 10, 2000 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER is circulated throughout the municipality with a colour-coded schedule of pick-up dates as well as a list of materials accepted for collection. Councillor Weylie questioned the assumption that savings of 10% - 20% could be achieved with no changes in current service levels by combining all garbage and recycling services into one comprehensive tender. She noted that the report referenced experiences of other regions that have moved to one-tier waste management systems and which are experiencing savings of between 17%-34% and questioned why the Region's estimates are lower. Mr. Archibald clarified that the existing package of services would provide savings of between 10% - 20% and that he did not wish to suggest higher anticipated savings as he felt these may have been overstated by the other regions. Staff were directed to prepare a report, before the end of May, for discussion at the Public Works and Transportation Committee outlining the City of Kitchener's comments concerning the proposed transfer of services and funding for garbage and recycling collection at City parks and facilities from the Region to the City. Councillor Lorentz requested that Mr. Archibald provide members of Council with a list of telephone numbers to be used when responding to complaints from constituents regarding garbage and recycling services. Mr. Archibald advised that any complaints could be forwarded to his office or a general line (883-5100) to be staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 2. LAUREL CREEK SLOPE STABILIZATION - UPSTREAM OF THE GRAND RIVER The Committee was in receipt of a report dated March 21, 2000, from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, requesting approval of various proposed actions required to stabilize the slope along Laurel Creek from a point commencing at Bridge Street to upstream of the Grand River. Mr. Gyorffy advised that work in this area had been included in the City's capital budget for 1999; however, had been subsequently deferred to 2005. Earlier this Spring the slope began collapsing and the safety of a home on Hillcrest Lane is now in jeopardy due to continuing erosion. Staff are recommending stabilization of the entire bank in 2000 to minimize the disturbance to private property in the area. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if there was any other method available to halt the erosion on the slope other than installing a wall. Mr. Gyorffy advised that the wall proposed would be constructed of armour stones which are very large and are ideal for installation on the steep bank. The armour stone wall would only be installed where necessary to halt erosion of the steep bank. The remainder of the stablization would be achieved through bio-engineering involving the planting of vegetation. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That a Bank Stabilization Project be undertaken on Laurel Creek, from a point commencing at Bridge Street to upstream of the Grand River; and, That the stabilization be undertaken in accordance with the preferred solution recommended in an Environmental Study Report completed in 1995 for the Grand River Conservation Authority; and, That the required capital funding of $792,000.00 be provided from: · Sewer Surcharge Dividend- · Capital Surplus- · Development Charges - $556,000.00 $157,000.00 $ 79,000.00; and further, 2. LAUREL CREEK SLOPE STABILIZATION - UPSTREAM OF THE GRAND RIVER (CONT') PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 10, 2000 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER That Braun Consulting Engineers Ltd. be retained to provide engineering services at an upset cost of $86,500.00." 3. 2000 CAPITAL BUDGET SHORTFALLS The Committee was in receipt of a report dated March 31, 2000, from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, requesting consideration of proposed funding to cover the 2000 Capital Budget shortfalls, as identified in his report. Mr. Kovacs advised that the budget shortfall is due to significant price increases in crude oil prices and to more, detailed engineering information now available for various projects. He also commented that the deferral of projects in the past and budget tightening over the years is now having an adverse effect on capital works projects. Mr. Gyorffy advised that staff are recommending a one year deferral of the Church Street Reconstruction Project as it is questionable whether staff workload would allow the required design phase to be completed and construction completed before year end in any case. Councillor Taylor-Harrison advised that residents of Church Street have been waiting for many years to have the street upgraded as the present infrastructure is deteriorating rapidly. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mayor Zehr requested clarification on details of the Gravel Royalty Fund, and Ms. P. Houston advised that the Fund is listed in the capital budget under 'roads' and is not shown as a reserve fund. Mr. Gyorffy explained that annual royalties from the Ministry of Natural Resources are payed to municipalities with gravel pit operations within their boundaries to compensate for road deterioration. At present there is $140,000.00 in the account and has been used in the past to fund unanticipated road work. Mayor Zehr noted that he discussed this matter with residents of Church Street and advised they have been anticipating roadwork for approximately 10 years. He requested that if the project is deferred, the City should indicate an absolute commitment that the Church Street reconstruction work would be done in 2001 and will not be pushed back any further. He asked staff whether the design work could be undertaken in 2000, possibly combining this with the Eby Street/St. George Street design work. Mr. Gyorffy commented that the design process could be commenced this year and Mr. Gross noted that the two projects could be done simultaneously, suggesting that the Church Street reconstruction project could commence as early as possible in the construction year. Mr. Kovacs expressed concern with project deferrals during the budget process noting that these deferrals eventually lead to a shortfall in funding to address overall infrastructure demands. He asked that Council direct staff to make the Church Street Reconstruction Project the first priority during the 2001 construction season. With regard to the underfunding of infrastructure works, he advised that the Integrated Infrastructure Management System (IIMS) will soon be able to provide a forecast of infrastructure work requiring attention, and at that time a more accurate budget figure will be available. Councillor Weylie questioned if this project work would qualify for funding under the proposed Federal Infrastructure Program and Mr. Gyorffy advised that no information has been received on the Province's participation; however, he noted that the project would likely qualify if the Program was put in place. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that staff ensure an appropriate number of projects are design ready in 2000 for immediate commencement should the Federal Infrastructure Program be approved. He was asked for a report in this regard as soon as possible. 3. 2000 CAPITAL BUDGET SHORTFALLS (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 10, 2000 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER it was resolved: "That the reconstruction of Church Street, from Cedar Street South to Benton Street, be deferred to 2001, with the 2000 Church Street funding allocation being redistributed to provide additional funding for other scheduled infrastructure projects in 2000; and, That the Gravel Royalty Fund be debited in the amount of $140,000.00, and be used as an additional source of funding for the Glasgow Street Reconstruction Project." On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That as the Church Street and St. George Street reconstructions have been deferred for several years, staff be directed to complete the design phase of these projects in 2000 and schedule road reconstruction for 2001 ." RIVER ROAD PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated April 3, 2000, from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, requesting replacement of the pedestrian bridge over the Goderich-Exeter Railway at River Road due to significant deterioration of the structure. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That the pedestrian bridge over the Goderich-Exeter Railway at River Road be replaced with funding for replacement of the structure, estimated at $78,500.00, provided from the Capital Surplus Fund; and further, That Muir Tech Inc. be retained to provide engineering services at an estimated cost of $7,500.00." DOPWR 2000-8 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - QUEEN'S BOULEVARD AND WESTHEIGHTS DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated March 31, 2000, from Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking, requesting permission to install an all-way stop control at the intersection of Queen's Boulevard and Westheights Drive. He noted that both Westheights Drive and Queen's Boulevard are four lane collectors and a traffic control device is needed to reduce hazards in the area. He observed that traffic patterns have changed significantly with the construction of various facilities in the immediate area, and all required warrants have been met. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned if a traffic signal could be installed at this intersection at some point in the future and Mr. McBride advised that this would be unlikely as traffic volumes have not increased significantly enough to warrant installation. Councillor Lorentz also questioned if staff have spoken to affected residents who have driveways located in the intersection regarding their concerns about the proposed all-way stop control. Mr. McBride stated that he had spoken with two of the three affected residents. Councillor Lorentz noted that one of the residents had concerns regarding the possibility of vehicles sliding through the stop control and coming to rest on his front lawn. Should this continue to occur after the all-way stop control is installed, Councillor Lorentz advised that he would request that a boulevard barrier be installed. Councillor Haalboom questioned if bicycle lanes would be included along Queen Street and Westheights Drive as she felt these were an effective method of traffic calming. Mr. McBride pointed out that they are not included; however, this could be looked at in connection with design work. DOPWR 2000-08 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - QUEEN'S BOULEVARD AND WESTHEIGHTS DRIVE (CONT'D) Councillor Lorentz stated that the 4 lane road width allows for on-street parking and that this acts as a form of traffic calming; therefore, he could not support the inclusion of bicycle lanes. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 10, 2000 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Queen's Boulevard and Westheights Drive and the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 2000-13 - CITY OF KITCHENER NOISE BY-LAW - CONSTRUCTION WORK - REVISION OF PERMITTED TIMES The Committee was in receipt of a report dated April 3, 2000, from Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking, requesting an amendment to Chapter 450 (Noise), Article 6 (Construction Work) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the sound or noise arising from construction activity be prohibited between the hours of 7:00 p.m. of any day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day; and further, That Article 6 (Construction Work) of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be amended accordingly." DOPWR 2000-14 - ON-STREET PARKING - KINGSBURY DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated April 4, 2000, from Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking, requesting approval to prohibit parking along portions of Kingsbury Drive. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited anytime on the west side of Kingsbury Drive, from King Street East to the south limit, and from a point 150m south of King Street East to a point 25m south thereof; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 2000-15 - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - WEBER STREET/KING STREET RECONSTRUCTION - FERGUS AVENUE TO MORGAN AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated April 10, 2000, from Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking, requesting permission to provide a Noise By-law exemptions for work undertaken during the reconstruction of Weber Street/King Street between Fergus Avenue and Morgan Avenue. The extension would permit construction work to continue until 9:00 p.m. weekdays during the period May 8 to August 31, 2000, and also would permit all night work for one weekend scheduled for either May, June or July, 2000. Councillor Vrbanovic requested that staff ensure that all business owners in the area are notified once the weekend dates for 24-hour per day construction are determined. 8. DOPWR 2000-15 - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - WEBER STREET/KING STREET RECONSTRUCTION - FERGUS AVENUE TO MORGAN AVENUE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 10, 2000 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and its Contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of Article 6 (Construction Work) of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, during the reconstruction of Weber Street and King Street between Fergus Avenue and Morgan Avenue and all related work until 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, during the period May 8 to August 31, 2000, and for all night work for one weekend in May, June or July, 2000." LITTER AND DEBRIS ALONG PROVINCIAL HIGHWAYS Councillor Weylie expressed concern regarding the accumulation of garbage and litter along roadways and questioned what the City policy was regarding the clean-up of debris. Mr. Gyorffy advised that additional work crews are being dispatched to collect litter and debris along City roadways; however, he was unclear as to the Ministry of Transportation policy relating to litter pick-up along highways. He advised that, in the past, the Ministry has been advised of the City's concerns regarding litter collection on an ongoing basis; with little or no response. Councillor Vrbanovic noted that he had observed crews from a private contractor working along stretches of the Conestoga Parkway in the City of Waterloo but had not observed this along the Kitchener portion. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That staff correspond with the Minister of Transportation, advising of Kitchener City Council's concern that litter and debris along Provincial highways is not being picked up in a timely manner, and requesting that this be scheduled more frequently; and further, That a copy of the correspondence be circulated to the local MPP." 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 9:37 a.m. Linda Korabo Executive Assistant