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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-05-15PWTC\2000-05-15 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor John Smola, commencing at 8:35 a.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors C. Weylie, B. Vrbanovic, K. Taylor-Harrison and J. Haalboom. Councillors G. Lorentz and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. L. Korabo and Messrs. J. Gazzola, E. Kovacs, J. Shivas, J. McBride, D. Mansell, D. Quinn and G. Melanson. 1. PEOPLE'S CAR CO-OPERATIVE Mr. Marc Xuereb, Manager, People's Car Co-operative, appeared as a delegation to provide information on the concept of car sharing. He provided details of the Co-operative's current operation, noting the benefits to members, the community and environment. It was his opinion that an integrated system of car sharing together with a well-run public transportation system would provide residents with a viable alternative to car use. Mr. Xuereb gave a PowerPoint presentation and referred to statistics indicating increased use of car sharing throughout the world. He advised that car sharing has fixed costs per use that may appear to be more expensive than owning a vehicle. This might cause some individuals to turn to other modes of transportation; however, he advised that car sharing is a cheaper alternative to ownership as there are no maintenance costs passed along to Co-operative members. He then listed benefits to local government of car sharing, which included the provision of fewer parking spaces, an increase in transit customers, reduced road maintenance and less traffic congestion. Mr. Xuereb advised that the local People's Car Co-operative was formed in April 1998, and since that time has increased membership by 80% and profits by 70%. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Xuereb observed that expansion of the Co-operative depends upon volunteer efforts, community support and the support of local government. He advised that he was requesting the City of Kitchener work together with the Co-operative to discuss ways in which the City could support car sharing. In response to a question by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Xuereb advised that he had spoken with Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking, about the possibility of locating cars in Downtown Kitchener. Mr. McBride advised that a location could be found in one of the City's monthly parking facilities, subject to availability, and the standard monthly rate would apply. Mr. Xuereb commented he would like to see the City take a proactive approach and meet with him to discuss creative ways in which car sharing might grow. He advised that a similar presentation had been made to the City of Waterloo and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the City of Waterloo had passed a motion endorsing car sharing. Mayor C. Zehr questioned the delegation about the population base required to ensure that car sharing was successful and Mr. Xuereb advised that currently the Co-operative is meeting its budget and is covering costs with 18 members. He felt that the answer to the question was too abstract as exact numbers would be needed to assess any impact on the environment. A simplified response would be that cars should be placed within a few blocks of population densities to ensure maximum availability to Co-operative members. Mayor Zehr questioned whether or not the Co-operative had discussed car sharing with local car dealers and Mr. Xuereb advised that he had not as he felt one of the roles of municipal government would be to bring together various organizations to commence discussions. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 2000 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. PEOPLE'S CAR CO-OPERATIVE (CONT'D) Councillor J. Haalboom questioned the statistics provided by the delegation who responded that he had large amounts of statistics on the success of car sharing. Councillor J. Haalboom requested staff meet with representatives of the People's Car Co- operative to research the viability of car sharing and Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested the matter be referred to the Environmental Committee for further consideration. Councillor Vrbanovic thanked the delegation and stated that he looked forward to the City providing whatever assistance possible. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That City staff be directed to work with representatives of the People's Car Co-operative to research the viability of the City of Kitchener's involvement in their car-sharing proposal; and further, That a report be prepared and presented for consideration at a future Environmental Committee meeting, prior to further consideration by City Council." 2. PW-00-006 - DELIVERY CONTRACT WITH UNION GAS The Committee was in receipt of a report dated May 10, 2000, from Mr. D. Quinn, Director of Utilities, providing an update on contract negotiations with Union Gas which would recognize Kitchener's status as a local distribution utility and requesting permission to proceed with execution of a final contract with Union Gas, anticipated within one week. Mr. D. Quinn gave a verbal update on negotiations, commenting that the City is attempting to ensure the final contact provides sufficient parameters to meet customer needs for a 5-year period and stated that the draft contract is highly endorsed by the City's Ontario Energy Board counsel. In conclusion, Mr. Quinn advised that time is of the essence when executing the contract. Mr. E. Kovacs gave a brief overview of the contract currently under negotiation and commended Mr. Quinn's efforts to ensure that all services previously offered to the City in a bundled format were being extended in the unbundled contract. He advised that negotiations have been difficult but that the Utilities' customers best interests are being looked after. Councillor John Smola left the meeting and Councillor B. Vrbanovic assumed the Chair, and Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. D. Quinn advised that a rate increase, due to an increase in gas supply prices, is anticipated in the early summer and he would be presenting a report for consideration by the Committee in June, 2000. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he had had an opportunity to speak with Union Gas officials while negotiations were in progress, and observed that these negotiations had the ability to cause conflict between the two negotiating parties; however, the excellent efforts of E. Kovacs and D. Quinn prevented possible conflict from occurring. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Carriage Service Contract, dated April 1, 2000, between Union Gas Ltd. and the City of Kitchener, for the purpose of natural gas delivery through the year 2004, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 2000 - 34 - CITY OF KITCHENER MR. RON WYCHERS - CITY ROAD MAINTENANCE Mr. R. Wychers appeared as a delegation and advised members of the Committee that he is a regular cyclist and is concerned with the poor condition of curb lanes utilized by cyclists and advised of many cracks and holes observed, specifically along King Street West between Queen Street and Water Street. Mr. Wychers quoted safety regulations from the Ontario Government Cyclist Handbook and circulated several photos of areas of concern. Mr. Wychers also stated that his main concern is possible injury to cyclists as they negotiate holes along the curb lane and possible conflict with motor vehicles. Councillor John Smola re-entered the meeting and re-assumed the Chair. In response to a question from Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. Wychers commented that he lived within close proximity to his areas of concern but felt there would be similar deterioration of curb lanes throughout the City. He noted that he would like to see the City pay close attention to these holes and ensure that they are repaired at the earliest opportunity. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison stated that she was in agreement with the delegation and appreciated hearing his perspective on this matter. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that it was his opinion that the delegation was requesting the City's road maintenance crews to identify areas requiring repair and undertaking a repair schedule. E. Kovacs stated that the City responds to complaints from citizens regarding potholes and that he would speak with the delegation to determine exact locations and schedule temporary repairs as soon as possible. Mayor C. Zehr requested that the Public Works Department investigate the condition of curb lanes along designated cycle routes within the municipality which experience a heavier use by cyclists. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested it would be beneficial to heighten awareness of employees who drive City vehicles daily and request that they report potholes. E. Kovacs observed that e-mail is sent to staff each spring soliciting assistance of employees in identifying and reporting roadways in need of repair. He advised that this method could be utilized at other times during the year. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That staff of the Department of Public Works investigate the condition of curb lanes along the cycling route specified by Mr. Ron Wychers in his presentation to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on May 15, 2000, in the area of King Street West, from Queen Street easterly to Water Street, and that the same be done with regard to designated cycling routes throughout the municipality, and schedule any necessary repairs." BRIDGEPORT NORTH AND LEXINGTION AVENUE EAST - CROSS BORDER SEWAGE AND WATER AGREEMENT The Committee was in receipt of a report dated May 9, 2000, from Mr. D. Mansell, Manager of Engineering Development, advising an agreement with the City of Waterloo has been reached to provide sanitary sewer service to both the Bridgeport North Community in Kitchener and the Lexington Avenue East Community in Waterloo, with the construction of a pumping station in the Bridgeport North Community having a forcemain and outlet to a receiving sewer already established in the City of Waterloo. The agreement will also provide for a water supply from Waterloo into Kitchener. The report further advises that an agreement between the two municipalities is required under the Municipal Act and the Public Utilities Act. Mr. D. Mansell advised that Engineering and Legal staff in both Cities have agreed to the execution of this agreement and noted the agreement will be approved by the City of Waterloo on May 29, 2000. BRIDGEPORT NORTH AND LEXlNGTION AVENUE EAST - CROSS BORDER SEWAGE AND WATER AGREEMENT (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 2000 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener enter into a Cross Border Sewage and Water Agreement, dated June 1, 2000, with the City of Waterloo, for the transfer of sewage and water between the Bridgeport North Community in Kitchener and Lexington Avenue East Community in Waterloo; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any necessary documentation, as required by the City Solicitor to effect the Cross Border Sewage and Water Agreement." 5. PW-00-001 - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY The Committee was in receipt of a report dated May 8, 2000, from Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking, advising of a request from Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, for a Noise By-law exemption under Chapter 450 of the Municipal Code relating to the construction work for 3 single family homes located on Brembel Court, Wilderness Drive and Bush Clover Crescent. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region 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 between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for the period July 2 to September 30, 2000, during the construction of three (3) single family homes located on Brembel Court, Wilderness Drive and Bush Clover Crescent." PW-00-002- TRAIL BIKE PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of a report dated May 8, 2000, from Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking , requesting consideration of an extension of the City's Trail Bike Program permitting the addition of one person to expand the Program's coverage areas and address chronic problem areas on a more frequent basis. Mr. J. McBride advised that since its inception in the summer of 1997, this program has been very effective and has significantly reduced vandalism throughout the City. Several members of Council expressed their support for the program and Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested an update on the issue of the authority these employees have in dealing with alcohol related situations. For the benefit of members of the Committee, Councillor Vrbanovic advised that previously, while under the jurisdiction of the Waterloo Regional Police, the Trail Bike Program provided Special Constable status to the riders enabling them to lay charges in alcohol related situations. With the program now under the City's administration, the Special Constable designation is no longer available. He suggested that the question of returning the Trail Bike Program to the jurisdiction of Waterloo Regional Police with the City continuing to fund same, should be revisited. In response to Councillor Vrbanovic's concerns, Councillor G. Lorentz noted that the original intent of the Trail Bike Program was to deal with less serious incidents such as loitering, vandalism and misuse of the community trails. Mr. McBride confirmed that the Province will not grant Special Constable status to the Trail Bike Program if under the City's jurisdiction. However, he observed approximately 95% of the Program's work is to be visible within the community and act as a deterrent to possible acts of vandalism. Should a situation involving alcohol arise, a warning would be issued and a request made that the alcohol container be emptied. 6. PW-00-002- TRAIL BIKE PROGRAM (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 2000 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor C. Weylie requested that Trail Bike patrols be made through Monarch Woods on a regular basis as area residents have relayed concerns regarding the frequency of dogs running at large. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the Trail Bike Program be expanded by one person to permit three bikes to patrol City trails and parks from May 1 to October 9, 2000; and that an over-expenditure of no more than $21,000. be approved." PW-00-003 - ON-STREET PARKING - BELMONT LANE EAST The Committee was in receipt of a report dated May 8, 2000, from Mr. J. McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking, requesting approval to establish four parking spaces along Belmont Lane East to accommodate overflow traffic from the Vincenzo's parking lot. Mr. J. McBride advised that providing these parking spaces would not interfere with Vincenzo's parking lot access. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That parking be permitted on the west side of Belmont Lane East for a maximum period of 30 consecutive minutes, from a point 22 m north of Belmont Avenue West to a point 27 m north thereof; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information reports, namely: · PW-00-004 - Public Works Road Resurfacing & Capital Projects - Customer Notification Practices · PW-00-005- Litter Control- Provincial Highways With respect to staff report PW-00-004, Mr. E. Kovacs, General Manager, advised that two processes are in place regarding customer notification for road resurfacing and capital roads projects and referred to the map of the City outlining the 2000 Capital Works Program which can be used as a reference document for Councillors when receiving inquiries from constituents. A brief discussion took place concerning the Capital Works Program during which a request was made for detour signs directing traffic to Victoria Street South during the closure of Glasgow Street for reconstruction work. Councillor John Smola advised that presentations relating to the recently held Public Works Roadeo would be made at the next televised City Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 9:45 a.m. Linda Korabo Executive Assistant