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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-10-16PWTC\2000-10-16 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, commencing at 8:35 a.m., Chaired by Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors C. Weylie, G. Lorentz and Jake Smola. Councillors J. Haalboom, K. Taylor-Harrison, J. Ziegler and B. Vrbanovic were in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, B. Stanley, J. Shivas, L. Lynch, J. McBride, G. Melanson and M. Henderson. 1. PW-00-053 - ACACIA STREET - PETITION The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. L. Lynch, dated October 11, 2000, recommending that closed circuit television inspection of all private sewer service laterals on Acacia Street be carried out and where tree root intrusion is identified as a potential blockade problem the service be relined from the sanitary main to the property line at the City's cost and that the City offer the extension of the lateral lining from the property line to the building structure at a nominal cost of $250 to the homeowner. Mr. T. Eason, a resident of Acacia Street, appeared as a delegation to express his concern with sewage blockade problems along the street. Mr. Eason stated that he was in receipt of the staff report and believed that the course of action to rectify the situation appears to have changed. He stated that problems have been ongoing for approximately 20 years and it now appears that staff are recommending that repairs be undertaken only with respect to two homes on the street. Mr. Eason suggested that all homes on Acacia Street should be provided an opportunity to have their laterals relined and felt this should be treated as a pilot project with the City to absorb all costs, rather than requiring the homeowner to pay $250 for the service. Mr. Eason pointed out that the City had repaired the main sewer system in front of his home in 1995 and he was told at the time that shrubs on his property may have contributed to the problem. He advised that the shrubs were removed; however, problems continue to occur within the system. Mr. Eason stated that City trees have been found to have contributed to the blockade problems in the main line and the homeowner should not be held responsible for problems incurred as a result. Councillor J. Haalboom entered the meeting during Mr. Eason's presentation. In response to questioning, Mr. L. Lynch advised that PVC (Poli Vinyl Chloride) is the most commonly used material for relining mains and laterals; the entire mainline on Acacia Street was assessed by Closed Circuit TV and found to be in poor shape; only the service laterals identified on the Department's data base as having a history of problems were investigated; the main system was relined up to the property line along the street and the service laterals that were found to be candidates for relining were addressed. Mr. L. Lynch pointed out that full replacement cost to the City is $5,800 and staff feel the $250 to be charged to the homeowner is a nominal cost for the service of relining from the property line to the dwelling. Councillor Jake Smola inquired how the City's costs are paid for and was advised that the funds are taken from the Capital-Out-Of Sewer Surcharge, which has approximately $4 million in surplus funds. In reference to how much is generated on an annual basis, Councillor John Smola pointed out that the annual allotment for sewer surcharge is based on approximately 75% of the City's current water rate. Councillor Jake Smola inquired if the water services had also been investigated and Mr. Lynch advised they had not. Councillor M. Yantzi inquired what, if any, difference it would be to complete work on all homes on Acacia Street now as opposed to waiting until problems occur. Mr. L. Lynch stated that there would be no benefit in doing a volume of lateral relining as the cost is the same to do 1 as it is to do 25. Mr. Lynch further pointed out that financing is a concern and staff are already faced with a backlog of services known to have existing problems that should be dealt with first. In response to Councillor Yantzi, Mr. L. Lynch further advised that problems are recorded in the data base system upon the homeowner calling in to report a problem. The only other way this could be PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2000 - 64 - CITY OF KITCHENER accomplished would be to undertake camering on a City-wide basis. Mr. Lynch further pointed out that staff are recommending that camering be done for all homes on Acacia Street. PW-00-053 - ACACIA STREET - PETITION (CONT'D) In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. Lynch advised that work had been done on the mainline in front of Mr. Eason's property in 1995. Mayor Zehr questioned how the work done in 1995 was different from that undertaken recently and Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that the issue in 1995 had been repairs/replacement to the mainline up to the property line, which was done; however, the Committee is now being requested to deal with the issue of lateral relining from the property line up to the house, which has traditionally been the responsibility of the homeowner. Mr. Gyorffy further stated that staff are reluctant to assume responsibility for piping on private property as it is often difficult to determine the origin of rooting problems which could, in fact, be caused by trees/shrubs on private property. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned how the work completed recently would prevent tree roots from causing problems in the future and Mr. Lynch advised that the process involves relining the main system with a seamless lining which should prevent future problems. With regard to service laterals, he pointed out that tree roots may still penetrate through joints; however, while he could not guarantee there would be no further problems, the replacement lining would be far better than what exists now. Councillor Haalboom further inquired if a program was in place to proactively assess older subdivisions and Mr. Lynch advised that staff are focusing on reviewing the sanitary sewer mains City-wide, with half the City already completed. With respect to service laterals, Mr. Lynch advised that this would be an ongoing program for staff and problem areas have already been identified that require work. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. In response to questioning from Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. M. Henderson advised that service laterals had been relined at two property locations on Acacia Street, with a third identified; however, the third service lateral was found to be in good shape with the problem being downstream within the mainline. Councillor Jake Smola inquired who would be responsible for damages to a home in the event a limb from a City tree fell on a roof. Mr. J. Shivas advised that should such a situation occur, the City would most likely have to bear responsibility; however, certain circumstances may dictate otherwise noting that an act of God, such as a violent storm, could be the cause of a healthy tree loosing some of its limbs which may absolve the City from liability. Mayor C. Zehr pointed out that numerous trees exist throughout the City, all of which run the risk of limbs falling; however, just because a risk exists does not mean the City is prepared to take down all trees. The Mayor suggested that provided the City is doing everything it can to mitigate rooting problems in the sewer system the City is meeting its obligation. Mayor Zehr commented that the staff recommendation recognizes the situation on Acacia Street and makes allowance for preventative measures. He further stated that assessing streets where it is only thought problems exist when others in the database are already confirmed as having problems that need to be addressed would be unfair and would result in additional costs being incurred. Councillor M. Yantzi expressed the opinion that the residents of Acacia Street have had poor service for a number of years and that the problems seem to have been created by City trees. In this regard, he suggested that all residents should at least be given the opportunity to have their service laterals relined, even at the nominal cost of $250, as a preventative measure. Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that the recommendation is proposing that all properties on Acacia Street be inspected and if relining is warranted, staff will offer to do so at the cost of $250 per homeowner. Mr. Gyorffy further pointed out that in some instances it may be found that the pipe has sagged/collapsed and relining would then not be possible. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2000 - 65 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Jake Smola advised that a similar policy for water valves existed; however, Council subsequently revised the policy and took ownership of up to a 1 m strip on the homeowners property. In this regard, he suggested that Council could choose to take similar action in these PW-00-053 - ACACIA STREET - PETITION (CONT'D) circumstances. Councillor Jake Smola stated that this would not likely be the last time that such a request would come forward and the City should take responsibility when rooting from City trees is found to be the cause of the problem. Councillor Smola further stated that, in view of the City's monopoly as the majority of homeowners are not permitted to install private wells, the City should consider undertaking relining service laterals in the interest of good customer service. Councillor G. Lorentz inquired on what basis the 5% cost to the homeowner is charged and Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that it is intended to be a token cost to the homeowner and represents less than 5% of the total cost to make the repair. Councillor Lorentz further inquired if this was an isolated incident and Mr. Gyorffy responded that rooting is one of the biggest problems encountered in municipal sewer systems and staff are undertaking through its Trenchless Program to respond to problem areas as they are identified. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. Councillor G. Lorentz further inquired if staff have a proactive program to identify problem areas and Mr. Lynch responded that staff have been actively working over the past 5 years using the CCTV camering; however, with responsibility for over 700 kilometres of roads funding becomes an issue. For example, he pointed out that the Trenchless Program has funding of $100,000 and the cost alone for Acacia Street has already reached $36,000. Accordingly, staff are of the opinion that problem areas already identified should be acted on first. Councillor Lorentz questioned what course of action is taken when relining is found not to be an option. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that staff will work with the homeowner to assist them in identifying the problem and suggest methods for restoration; however, it will be the property owners responsibility to hire a plumber/contractor to replace the pipe from the property line into the home. In response to Councillor M. Yantzi, Mr. Gyorffy advised that staff are prepared to undertake camering of all homes on Acacia Street at no charge to the homeowner; however, staff are requesting that the homeowner be charged $250 for relining of the pipe from the property line into the home. Mayor C. Zehr expressed the opinion that the City is providing good customer service, in that, the staff recommendation is already going beyond the City's obligation by offering to camera service laterals at no cost to all property owners on Acacia Street and is offering to reline any laterals determined necessary at a nominal cost of $250 to the homeowner. Accordingly, Mayor Zehr stated that he was prepared to move approval of the recommendation. In reference to piping where relining is found not to be an option, Councillor Jake Smola inquired if the City is responsible for replacement. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that if the distance onto private property is minimal staff may undertake repairs; however, each incident would need to be assessed and where felt warranted staff would require some contribution from the homeowner. Mr. Gyorffy further advised that staff would not want to commit monies for this purpose as piping on private property is not installed by the City and staff do not wish to assume responsibility for repairs to a defective pipe installed by a private company on private property. Councillor Jake Smola expressed concern with requiring the homeowner to pay the cost of $250. As part of providing good customer service, he suggested that the recommendation be amended to include monies to be set aside per household to cover such repairs. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he did not consider this to be a friendly amendment and felt it should be debated. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he was in support of the staff recommendation and was of the opinion that it does provide acceptable customer service. He further stated that he was not prepared to write a blank cheque to remedy problems that may, in fact, have been caused by the homeowner. He suggested that in the case where relining is determined not to be an option, staff could be directed to investigate such instances and report back to the Committee with a PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2000 - 66 - CITY OF KITCHENER recommended course of action. In this regard, he requested that the staff recommendation be amended. PW-00-053 - ACACIA STREET - PETITION (CONT'D) Councillor C. Weylie stated that tree rooting is a major cause of problems within sewer systems, not just municipally but Country-wide. In this regard, she advised that the FCM has lobbied for grant funding and it is hoped that such funding will become available. Councillor Weylie suggested that it would not be feasible to assume responsibility for everyone within the municipality that encounters sewer problems on their property, suggesting that it may open up other requests for the City to assume costs. In particular, she referred to homeowners requiring hook-ups to City services that previously were on private systems. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed her support for the recommendation; however, suggested that as many subdivisions are reaching 30 to 50 years of age, staff should investigate and prepare a report that will outline the scope of remedial work that may be required, together with contributing factors. Councillor Jake Smola stated that he was in agreement with the amendment proposed by Councillor J. Ziegler as it would provide an opportunity for Council to consider and make decisions on a case by case basis. The amendment as proposed by Councillor J. Ziegler was accepted by Mayor C. Zehr as a friendly amendment. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the Public Works Department carry out closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection of all private sewer service laterals, on Acacia Street, between Ottawa Street and Sydney Street, and where root intrusion is identified as a potential 'blockade' problem, such service will be relined from the sanitary main to the property line at no cost to the abutting owner; likewise, where CCTV inspections identify root intrusion between the property line and the building structure, the City will offer the extension of the lateral lining at a nominal cost of $250, representing approximately 5% of the total cost of the repair; and further, That where problems are identified in service laterals between the property line and the building structure that cannot be addressed by relining, staff investigate and report back with a recommendation for Council's consideration." PW-00-034 - PARKING METER REVENUE - COIN COUNTING The Committee was in receipt of the above Traffic and Parking staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated October 6, 2000, recommending that the current coin counting service provided by Grand River Transit be discontinued and that the City's Traffic and Parking Division assume this responsibility. In addition, staff are requesting funding in the amount of $14,000 for purchase of the required equipment. Mr. J. McBride advised that as a result of restructuring, the Transit system is now operated by the Region of Waterloo and the Region has indicated a desire to discontinue the coin counting service provided by Grand River Transit. Mr. McBride pointed out that staff undertook to assess the viability of performing this function in-house versus contracting out and it was determined that the less expensive alternative would be to operate in-house. In order to assume these duties, it will be necessary to expend up to $14,000 to purchase the necessary equipment and staff are requesting that this funding be provided at this time to allow for a January 1,2001 implementation date. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned the reason the Region wishes to discontinue the service. Ms. P. Houston advised that assumption of the Transit system, which also included Cambridge Transit to whom they will be providing a similar service, now feel that with the increased volume they can no longer accommodate service to the Kitchener Traffic and Parking Division. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2000 - 67 - CITY OF KITCHENER PW-00-034 - PARKING METER REVENUE - COIN COUNTING (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the Traffic and Parking Division discontinue the current coin counting service provided by Grand River Transit; and, That the Traffic and Parking Division assume the responsibility of processing the parking meter coin revenue including sorting, counting and packaging, effective January 1, 2001; and further, That funds in the amount of $14,000 be approved for the purchase of the required coin counting, sorting, and packaging equipment." PW-00-051 - KING STREET UPGRADE - FREDERICK STREET TO GODERICH-EXETER RAILWAY The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. L. Lynch, dated September 26, 2000, recommending that a consultant be retained to develop a streetscape improvement plan for King Street and that funding for this purpose be referred to the 2001 capital budget process. Mr. L. Lynch advised that the existing sidewalks in the Downtown constructed with paved stones have created problems for pedestrians as they have settled randomly, creating potential for pedestrians to loose their footing. Reconstruction of the paved stones to new concrete standards has already taken place in the City's east end, together with a pilot stretch of sidewalk in front of City Hall. Mr. Lynch advised that remedial work must be undertaken for the remainder of the paved stone sidewalk in the Downtown and it is felt that a master plan should be developed by a consultant, with the work to be phased in over a 3 year period. Mayor C. Zehr questioned why a master plan need be developed as work of this nature has already taken place. Mr. Lynch responded that more is involved than simply replacing the sidewalk. He pointed out that a number of Utility companies wish to locate their services under the sidewalk and lighting also needs to be brought into compliance with current standards. By developing a master plan it is hoped to set guidelines that will encompass all into one package and due to limited staff resources/expertise, hiring a consultant is felt to be best. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. Lynch further advised that staff would bring back appropriate terms of reference for the Committee to consider. Councillor J. Haalboom reminded staff that the City has made provision for inclusion of public art and asked that the Public Art Committee be included at the outset to ensure the best return for monies being spent on public art. She further suggested that current development in the downtown, being the Theatre & Co. and the Children's Museum, be consulted for ideas of public art that could be incorporated into the sidewalks in front of their establishments. Councillor Haalboom requested that this form part of the tender for retainment of the consultant. Councillor T. Galloway expressed the opinion that the funding requested seems to be high in comparison to other projects for which a consultant was retained and questioned what the City would receive in return. Mr. Lynch advised that the funding is based on 8 to 10% of the projected cost of the project, which is anticipated to be approximately $1,000,000. Accordingly, staff are requesting funding in the amount of $100,000 and, while this may appear high, he stated that there are areas of uncertainty in dealing with all of the interest groups and staff would prefer to over- estimate rather than under-estimate. He further advised that staff are anticipating a full service contract whereby the consultant will co-ordinate all interest groups, conduct open houses, prepare reports and provide final specs/drawings with an overall cost estimate for the work. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to an agreement with Utility companies for inclusion of their services in the Frederick Street area whereby they were required to pay part of the cost. In this PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2000 - 68 - CITY OF KITCHENER PW-00-051 - KING STREET UPGRADE - FREDERICK STREET TO GODERICH-EXETER RAILWAY (CONT'D) regard, he questioned if the Utility companies requesting similar installation for this project were also prepared to pay part of the cost. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that the City has an obligation to provide Utility companies with locations where their services can be placed. He pointed out that Frederick Street was a restoration project whereas Mr. Lynch is making preparation at a pre- engineering stage when it can be determined where best to locate services. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That a consultant be retained to develop a streetscape improvement plan on King Street from Frederick Street to the Goderich-Exeter Railway north of Victoria Street, in 2001; and further, That funding in the amount of $100,000 for this purpose be referred to the 2001 Capital Budget process." VICTORIA STREET/PARK STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT - UPDATE Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that it has been determined necessary to delay the reconstruction project of Victoria Street and Park Street from the year 2001 to 2002. As a result of undertaking an environmental assessment, major hydro relocation will be required and Hydro has indicated there is not sufficient lead time for them to carry out the necessary planning and construction to accommodate reconstruction in 2001. TRAFFIC ISSUES - LACKNER BOULEVARD Councillor Jake Smola expressed concern with the increase in traffic accidents at various intersections along Lackner Boulevard, largely the result of speeding motorists. In particular, he noted accidents at the intersections of Lackner Boulevard involving Keewatin Avenue, Banbury Street and Zeller Drive. In this regard, Councillor Smola advised that he wished to introduce a motion that would request City and Regional staff to undertake an overall review of Lackner Boulevard and investigate the possibility of reducing the speed limit. In addition, the Waterloo Regional Police would be requested to increase their enforcement and he, together with Councillor B. Vrbanovic, would work with City staff to implement the Speed Advisory Program as an interim measure. Mr. J. McBride advised that staff recently attended a Regional meeting at which traffic concerns relative to Lackner Boulevard were discussed. He pointed out that a report is pending in which the issues raised by Councillor Jake Smola will be addressed and staff will work with him to have the Speed Advisory Program implemented. In addition, staff will undertake data collection to assist in determining an appropriate course of action to deal with these traffic concerns. Councillor T. Galloway requested that the motion put forward by Councillor Jake Smola be amended to include the intersection of Fischer-Hallman Road and Activa Avenue which has become a particular concern to area residents as it is used as a school route. Councillor Jake Smola accepted Councillor Galloway's request as a friendly amendment. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed the opinion that more consideration needs to be given at the outset of new subdivision planning with respect to arterial traffic and pedestrian movement and would like to see co-ordination of staff initiatives during the subdivision stage. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That Council support an overall review along the Lackner Boulevard corridor and associated intersections of traffic related issues resulting from an increased number of PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2000 - 69 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. TRAFFIC ISSUES - LACKNER BOULEVARD (CONT'D) accidents and, as part of this review, also include the intersection of Fischer-Hallman Road and Activa Avenue; and, That staff investigate the possibility of reduced speed limits along the Lackner Boulevard corridor; and further, That the Waterloo Regional Police be requested to increase traffic enforcement along the Lackner Boulevard corridor and, in the interim, Traffic & Parking staff work with Councillors Jake Smola and B. Vrbanovic to implement the Speed Advisory Program." 6. REGION OF WATERLOO - RED LIGHT CAMERA PROJECT In view of the Region's decision to proceed with the red light camera project with Homer Watson Boulevard being identified as a candidate within the City, Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if it was known where on Homer Watson Boulevard the cameras would be placed. Mr. J. McBride responded that he has not yet been advised by the Region as to specifically where the cameras will be placed; however, the project is to commence November 20, 2000. He advised that he would confirm the locations by e-mail to Council when they have been identified. Councillor T. Galloway further advised that it is the Region's intent to wire more locations than there will be cameras operating and, accordingly, the location of the cameras will vary. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 10:00 a.m. Janet Billett Committee Administrator