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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-03-27PWTC\2000-03-27 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor John Smola, commencing at 9:06 a.m., with the following members present: Councillors Jake Smola, J. Haalboom, K. Taylor-Harrison and B. Vrbanovic. Mayor C. Zehr, and Councillors C. Weylie, G. Lorentz and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part for the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Billett, Ms. L. Korabo and Messrs. J. Gazzola, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, J. McBride, G. Melanson and R. Schirm. 1. SEWER SURCHARGE REVENUE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated March 21, 2000 from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, Public Works Department, recommending that surplus sewer surcharge revenues be used to fund general infrastructure projects as opposed to increasing the sewer capital provision. Mr. Gyorffy advised that this report was prepared in response to a request made at the Finance and Administration Committee meeting of January 14, 2000, and provided a brief overview of the report, noting that a shortfall in current infrastructure project is expected in 2000. Staff are recommending that this shortfall be funded from the sewer fund dividend. In addition, he pointed out there is significant opportunity to make use of sewer fund dividend in future for other infrastructure projects such as bridge repair. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if the age of existing structures was the primary factor in determining the need for funding. Mr. S. Gyorffy commented that a needs identification study was carried out and accurately reflects work required for bridges; however, in the area of sewer and water work, the figure provided is more of an estimate. Mr. Gyorffy was confident that the needs identified are reasonable based on the age and condition of municipal infrastructure. Councillor J. Haalboom then questioned when work would be scheduled for the bridge over the Schneider Creek on Huron Road and Mr. Gyorffy pointed out that the type of work required could not be done during winter months; however, now that warmer weather has arrived he expected the work would be scheduled in the near future. Councillor C. Weylie entered the meeting at this time. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That additional sewer surcharge revenues of approximately $556,000.00 annually be used to increase the City dividend to fund infrastructure projects as opposed to the sewer capital provision; and, That revenues in 2000 be used to fund an anticipated shortfall in current infrastructure projects; and further, That future revenues be used to fund additional projects in the Capital Program and the City share of a Federal/Provincial Infrastructure Renewal Program, should one be established." 2. SANITARY SEWER INSTALLATION - 1408-1450 VICTORIA STREET NORTH (BOTH SIDES) The Committee was in receipt of a report dated March 21, 2000 from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, Public Works Department, requesting that Council consider initiating a local improvement petition under Section 12 of the Local Improvement Act for construction of a sanitary sewer and connections on both sides of Victoria Street North, from the westerly limit of 1392 Victoria Street North to Lackner Boulevard. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2000 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. SANITARY SEWER INSTALLATION - 1408-1450 VICTORIA STREET NORTH (BOTH SIDES) (CONT'D) Mr. Gyorffy advised that the property owner at 1408 Victoria Street North attempted to initiate a Local Improvement petition for a sanitary sewer extension on both sides on Victoria Street North; however, was unsuccessful. He pointed out that staff feel it is in the best interest of the City to have the sewer rather than the existing septic bed in view of the heavy industrial uses within the area. Accordingly, staff are recommending the City initiate a petition under Section 12 of the Local Improvement Act which could go forward if the majority of property owners do not object to the sanitary sewer installation. Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Jake Smola requested further clarification concerning the City's plans for sewer expansion work in the area of Forwell Road and Centennial Drive. Mr. S. Gyorffy stated that he had no knowledge of any request for conversion from septic to sewer in this area. Mr. Gyorffy also commented that the Public Works Department will shortly be requesting permission to hire a consultant to conduct flow monitoring of all pumping stations and will provide final recommendations as to future services. Mayor C. Zehr declared a pecuniary conflict of interest as his wife owns property on Victoria Street North and abstained from all discussion and voting with respect to this matter. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That Council initiate a Local Improvement under Section 12 of the Local Improvement Act for the construction of a sanitary sewer and connections on both sides of Victoria Street North, from the westerly limit of 1392 Victoria Street North to Lackner Boulevard." 3. DOPWR 2000-12 - RENEWAL OF LEASE - LOT 23 The Committee was in receipt of a report dated March 21, 2000, from Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking Division, requesting renewal of a lease agreement with Kitchener Dairies Limited for lands at 201 King Street East to be used for public parking. The current lease expires on March 31, 2000, and both the landlord and the City are interested in renewing for a further 5- year term. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison- it was resolved: "That Council enter into a lease with Kitchener Dairies Limited for the use of land at 201 King Street East (Lot 23) for the purpose of providing both metered and monthly parking; and further, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute a lease with Kitchener Dairies Limited satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 4. BIKEWAYS AND ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTHS Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking Division, advised that at the March 6, 2000 Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting, staff introduced a report recommending a City- wide policy respecting road right-of-way widths and funding with respect to implementation of bike lanes. At that time, he pointed out that the recommendations were adopted only with respect to the Grand River South subdivisions and staff were directed to further review issues of concern with respect to a City-wide policy. In this regard, Mr. McBride advised that a number of the concerns raised had been considered during the process undertaken with respect to the PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2000 -21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. BIKEWAYS AND ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTHS (CONT'D) Bikeway Study and staff were asking for direction as to what was expected in further review of the issue of a City-wide policy. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. Councillor J. Haalboom commented that she supported bike lanes in new developments; however, felt that advances made in widening lanes was being impacted by inclusion of bike lanes. Councillor Haalboom further expressed concern with respect to the impact bike lanes will have in the Doon-Pioneer Ward and within ESPA areas. Councillor Hallboom stated that she would like staff to seek additional input from the development industry to determine what compromises could be made where there is potential for conflict between implementation of bike lanes and ESPA lands. Councillor C. Weylie expressed concerns regarding the width of existing roads in the West Ward and lane markings. She felt these markings could be very confusing in certain areas. Councillor Weylie asked that her comments made at the March 6, 2000 Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting, be revisited by staff. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Following further discussion, it was agreed to establish a sub-committee consisting of Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor J. Haalboom and Councillor J. Ziegler, together with appropriate staff. The sub-committee will meet to review issues of concern raised with respect to a City-wide policy to regulate road right-of-way widths and funding respecting implementation of bike lanes. 5. DOPWR 2000-11 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - HIGHLAND ROAD AND EAGEN DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated March 20, 2000 from Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking Division, outlining plans to install a pedestrian signal at the intersection of Highland Road and Eagen Drive, as well as budget adjustments proposed to fund the installation. The report further recommends the establishment of an Adult Crossing Guard facility at the same location effective, September 2000. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed concern that the City will be encouraging pedestrians to cross Highland Road at a point where no sidewalk is available on the west side of Highland Road. He noted that Highland Road is a very busy 2 lane collector and, in his opinion, should be widened to 4 lanes. Mr. J. McBride responded that sidewalks are available on the west side of Highland Road at the crossing point. The realignment of school catchment areas has necessitated the proposed signal to include students on the west side of Highland who will cross at Eagen Drive. Councillor G. Lorentz stressed concern for safety of residents as they were being encouraged to walk where no sidewalks have been installed. Mr. J. McBride advised that he would revisit this section of Highland Road and, if sidewalks were required, will speak with appropriate staff concerning the inclusion of this portion of Highland Road in the year 2000 sidewalk installation schedule. Mr. R. Schirm, Supervisor of Crossing Guards, confirmed that sidewalks are in existence along the portion of Highland Road where students will be crossing in order to attend Southridge Public School. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That an Intersection Pedestrian Signal be installed at the intersection of Highland Road and Eagen Drive; and, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 27, 2000 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. DOPWR 2000-11 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - HIGHLAND ROAD AND EAGEN DRIVE (CONT'D) That the Capital Budget be adjusted to reflect an over-expenditure of no more than $12,000.00 towards the cost of the Intersection Pedestrian Signal; and, That the Operating Budget be adjusted to reflect an over-expenditure of $2,000.00 for the annual maintenance of the Intersection Pedestrian Signal; and, That the Region of Waterloo be pursued to contribute to the capital cost and/or the annual operating cost of the Intersection Pedestrian Signal; and, That an Adult Crossing Guard Facility be established in conjunction with the Intersection Pedestrian Signal, effective September 2000; and further, That the Adult Crossing Guard Operating Budget be adjusted to reflect an over-expenditure of $1,200.00." INFORMATION ITEM The Committee received an information report dated March 23, 2000 from Mr. E. Kovacs, General Manager, Department of Public Works, entitled "Revisions to the Road and Surface Construction Program". Councillor G. Lorentz requested clarification as to what projects were being deferred and for how long. Mr. E. Kovacs advised that projects slated for deferral were in the areas of Belmont Avenue and Driftwood Drive, with the length of deferral expected to be for 1 year. It was pointed out, however, that should the Federal/Provincial Infrastructure Renewal Program be established, the issue of deferral would again be revisited. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 9:32 a.m. Linda Korabo, Executive Assistant