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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-05-29PWTC\2000-05-29 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29, 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, commencing at 9:07 a.m., Chaired by Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors Jake Smola, J. Ziegler, C. Weylie, G. Lorentz, and J. Haalboom. Councillors K. Taylor-Harrison and B. Vrbanovic were in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. L. Korabo and Messrs. F. Pizzuto, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, J. McBride and G. Melanson. 1. PW-00-009 - SERVICE LEVELS FOR GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-00-009 (S. Gyorffy), requesting approval of a recommendation in support of the Region of Waterloo's proposed service levels for garbage and recycling collection, with some exceptions. Mr. Gyorffy provided a brief summary of several outstanding issues which City staff would like to see resolved. Specifically, he advised that the Region has not passed a waste collection by-law to permit its staff to enforce by-law provisions. Instead, City staff are being asked to enforce the Kitchener by-law, which is still in effect. Mr. Gyorffy also advised that with regard to litter containers in parks, it was the view of staff that maintenance, ownership and emptying of these containers should be the responsibility of the Region. In response to a question, Mr. Gyorffy advised that collection by City crews would continue until the end of the current contract with BFI in 2002. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that it was the intent in transferring this service that all waste collection and disposal would be undertaken by the Region. He suggested that the Region should be accepting all responsibility in this regard. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned when the yard waste program would be implemented in Kitchener and Mr. Gyorffy noted this would be included in the new tender to come into effect in February 2002. He further advised that at present Kitchener's yard waste goes directly to the landfill site. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. Mayor C. Zehr stated that in regard to the transfer of responsibility to the Region, the intent was to maintain the current arrangements at the municipal level until the existing contract expires. As discussions to date have been at the staff level, Mayor Zehr suggested that this should be discussed at the Regional and local Committee levels. Mayor Zehr advised that he would be willing to speak with the Regional Chair to bring this matter forward. Councillor Jake Smola questioned what would happen with the City's recently purchased leaf collection equipment as leaf collection has now become a Regional responsibility. Mr. Gyorffy noted that under the Region's proposal, leaf collection may stay as a City responsibility. He further advised that the City's comments, as well as those of other municipalities, would be discussed when the service level issue comes before Regional Engineering Committee in June, 2000. With regard to the City's leaf collection equipment, Mr. Gyorffy stated that, if the City continues to provide loose leaf collection services on the Region's behalf, it should be compensated for doing so. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the cost of the leaf collection program and Mr. Gyorffy noted that the budgeted amount was approximately $200,000.00. In response to an additional question from Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. Gyorffy informed the Committee that the Region intends to continue the garbage rebate program presently offered by the City of Kitchener and is considering expanding this program to other area municipalities. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29, 2000 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. PW-00-009 - SERVICE LEVELS FOR GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION (CONT'D) With regard to the matter of enforcement of the by-law, Councillor C. Weylie questioned Mr. G. Melanson concerning the status of the City of Kitchener by-law. Mr. Melanson advised that the City's by-law is still in effect and will be until it is repealed by City Council. Councillor Weylie expressed concern regarding houses in her Ward that are being regularly missed during recycling pick-ups. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned who should be contacted regarding concerns or inquiries having to do with garbage pick-up or recycling. Mr. Gyorffy stated that the contact would be Mr. Brad Whitelaw. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener support the proposed service levels for garbage and recycling services, as presented to Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 10, 2000, with the following exceptions: 1) That used oil continue to be collected. 2) That all litter containers, including those in parks, be supplied and maintained by the Region. 3) That bulk container collection from municipal facilities be continued by the Region. 4) That the Region assume all responsibility for all leaf collection as part of its yard waste collection program." 2. PW-00-010 - ON-STREET PARKING - OLD CHICOPPE DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-00-010 (J. McBride), advising of a request from the owner of 787 Old Chicopee Drive to review existing parking regulations along Old Chicopee Drive from Morrision Road to the east limit. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited anytime on both sides of Old Chicopee Drive from Morrison Road to the east limit; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3. BICYCLE SAFETY The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum dated May 17, 2000, from Councillor J. Ziegler requesting consideration of joint use by bicycles and pedestrians of City sidewalks, as a method of providing safer cycling conditions on certain streets. At its May 15, 2000 meeting, the Committee heard a presentation by Mr. R. Wychers in which he expressed concern over the poor condition of curb lanes utilized by cyclists. Mr. Wychers advised that he had observed many cracks and holes in the roadway and was concerned regarding the possibility of injury as cyclists negotiate holes along curb lanes and possibly come into conflict with motor vehicles. Councillor Ziegler advised that it was his view that cycling on the sidewalk, although in contravention of City of Kitchener By-law 94-101, would provide a safer method of transportation. He advised that he is requesting Committee support to consider the possibility of designating certain sidewalks for use by both cyclists and pedestrians, providing cyclists signal as they approach pedestrians and appropriate signage is placed to advise of joint usage. Councillor Ziegler suggested streets to be considered should include Fairway Road, Courtland Avenue and Ottawa Street, as the speed and volume of traffic along these roadways makes it extremely dangerous for cyclists to ride on the road surface. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29, 2000 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. BICYCLE SAFETY (CONT'D) Councillor Jake Smola made reference to the recently approved City of Kitchener Bikeways Study and suggested that Mr. T. Boutilier be involved in the review of Councillor Ziegler's suggestion. He also pointed out that the Region of Waterloo has a similar bike study and indicated he was unsure that it was appropriate for the Public Works and Transportation Committee to be reviewing this matter. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that this specific issue had not been dealt with in the Bikeways Report and that only designated cycle routes had been specified. He observed that, in many instances, cyclists have no choice but to use major routes with the associated safety hazards. He stated that he was requesting the Committee to direct staff to investigate proposed routes in commercial areas only for use by both cyclists and pedestrians. He further stated that these designated routes would only include roads having high speeds and significant volumes of traffic. Councillor C. Weylie expressed concern over permitting bicycles on sidewalks as she felt, in many instances, cyclists do not stop and dismount at intersections, but simply ride through. Councillor Ziegler suggested small stop signs placed on the sidewalks along designated routes. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that only arterial roads where designated cycle lanes do not presently exist be reviewed. He requested that this matter be referred back to staff of consideration of conditions and circumstances warranting the designation of joint use sidewalks and further investigation of Councillor Ziegler's suggestion. He also advised that he would prefer to see cyclists' use of sidewalks controlled rather than banned. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed strong opposition to the presence of bicycles on sidewalks noting that he would rather see implementation of bicycle lanes on busy streets rather than allowing cyclists on sidewalks. He expressed concern regarding the City's possible liability should it encourage the use of sidewalks by cyclists. He also expressed concern for those individuals who may be hard of hearing, visually impaired or elderly as they may be unable to hear, see or step out of the way of cyclists. He felt the Committee must be careful before providing endorsement and suggested that Legal staff investigate any possible concerns. Councillor B. Vrbanovic felt that the proposal merits investigation and agreed with Councillor Lorentz's suggestion that Legal staff be requested to investigate further. In response to a suggestion by Councillor Zeigler that City staff utilize bicycles when investigating road conditions, Councillor Vrbanovic was of the view that this was not necessary. Councillor J. Haalboom noted that bicycles and pedestrians co-exist favourably in the Netherlands and suggested that something needs to be done to get the message out that alternative modes of transportation are favoured over car usage noting that education is the key. Councillor Haalboom suggested that Manitou Drive be included in staffs' investigation of sidewalks where bicycles could be permitted. Councillor Weylie then requested that Westmount Road also be added to the list of roadways under consideration. Mr. G. Melanson advised that the letter of Mr. R. Wychers, attached to Councillor Ziegler's May 17, 2000 memorandum advised that the fine pursuant to By-law 94-101, for cycling on the sidewalk was $20.00; however, Mr. Melanson noted that this referred to the fine for parking a bicycle on the sidewalk. The fine for riding on the sidewalk has a maximum limit of $5,000.00. Councillor Lorentz requested that staff contact other area municipalities as well as the Region of Waterloo and gather information on what has been done in those municipalities. Councillor John Smola stated that he did not support the concept of bicycles on sidewalks and felt that other alternatives such as a parallel trail system should be investigated. Councillor Ziegler advised that, in some instances, there is no room for a trail to run parallel to the roadway. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29, 2000 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. BICYCLE SAFETY (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That staff investigate and report to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on the possibility of designating sidewalks along certain arterial roads for joint use by pedestrians and cyclists, with appropriate signage, the report to include how this initiative could be implemented." 4. PW-00-008 - USE OF ROAD SALT The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-00-008 (S. Gyorffy), providing an update with respect to progress made to reduce the use of road salt. The Committee was also circulated with a copy of a letter received, dated March 7, 2000, from Mr. Henry Bloos, expressing concern with the City's use of road salt over the past decade. Mr. Gyorffy noted that the purpose of this informational report was to update the Committee on consumption improvements that have been made by the Public Works Department and noted that he had included a copy of a newsletter entitled 'Primer' published by the Transportation Association of Canada which includes many excellent ideas for the storage and use of road salt. Councillor J. Haalboom noted that she was impressed with the reduction the City had achieved, commenting that this was an environmentally friendly approach. She questioned staff regarding the dollars saved as a result of this reduction and Mr. Gyorffy noted that annual savings are conditional on the winter weather noting that there can be substantial savings if there is no significant snowfall; however, he estimated the savings to be in the range of $35.00 to $40.00/tonne. He also indicated that the Department will be looking at improved weather forecasting and data which will translate into a more timely application of salt. Councillor B. Vrbanovic left the meeting at this time. Mayor C. Zehr noted that there was no benchmarking of the information and thus no comparison to salt usage in other area municipalities. Mr. Gyorffy noted that it was difficult to compare Kitchener's salt usage with other area municipalities as each municipality has different mileage, different elevations and different application methods. Mayor Zehr questioned if statistics and general information are available from a Provincial association on salt usage in other municipalities and felt that if available, it would be timely to share this with the Committee. With regard to the City's use of computerized equipment to distribute road salt, Mr. Kovacs noted that Kitchener's fleet was the first in the Region to make use of the equipment and that the City's salt application is the lowest in the Region. 5. SUMP PUMP HOOK-UPS Councillor J. Haalboom advised of several properties in her Ward where sump pumps drain onto the sidewalks and street creating dangerous conditions during the winter when the water freezes. She asked staff for suggestions on how to correct this situation. Mr. Gyorffy advised that the City has a program in place whereby sump pumps are hooked directly into City services. He noted that this process is undertaken by the City at no charge to the homeowner; however, the owner must make application to the Public Works Department to have arrangements made. He asked that he be advised of any addresses where sump pump discharge is problematic. 6. SPEED ADVISORY EQUIPMENT Councillor G. Lorentz requested a report on the use of the City's speed monitoring equipment by the Forest Heights Community Awareness Council. Specifically he would like information on the impact of the use of this equipment and the possible purchase of another unit. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29, 2000 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER SPEED ADVISORY EQUIPMENT (CONT'D) Mr. McBride noted that the City has 2 units, one used by City staff and the other loaned to community organizations. He advised that he would provide Council with an update report on use and an estimated cost to purchase a new unit prior to the Council meeting scheduled for Monday June 5, 2000. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Delcan Corporation dated May 19, 2000, advising of a Transportation and Environmental Study Report undertaken along Highway 401 from Homer Watson Boulevard to King Street. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 10:00 a.m. Linda Korabo Executive Assistant