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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2000-06-26PWTC\2000-06-26 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 26, 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 J. Haalboom, C. Weylie and B. Vrbanovic. Councillors K. Taylor-Harrison, G. Lorentz and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. J. Gazzola, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, J. McBride, G. Melanson, K. Carmichael and R. Parent. 1. PW-00-016 - PARKING METER UPGRADE The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride dated June 14, 2000, requesting approval of an over-expenditure in the amount of $22,000.00, for the upgrading of electronic parking meters and pay and display equipment to accommodate new coins which are being introduced July 1,2000. Mr. J. McBride advised that the Canadian Mint will be introducing new coinage effective July 1, 2000 and, accordingly, in order for these new coins to be recognized it is necessary to upgrade the electronic meters and the pay and display equipment. In response to questioning, Mr. McBride advised that circulation of the new coins is anticipated in early fall, September/October, and over the summer months staff will undertake to complete the necessary conversion. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That Council approve the upgrading of electronic parking meters and pay and display equipment to accommodate new coins which are being introduced July 1, 2000, at an unbudgeted cost not to exceed $22,000., to be charged as an over-expenditure to the Parking Meter Maintenance Account." Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. PW-00-019 - PROPOSED CLOSURE OF PUBLIC WALKWAY - FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD TO LARKSPUR CRESCENT The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride dated June 16, 2000 requesting closure of the public walkway linking Fischer-Hallman Road to Larkspur Crescent directly opposite Forest Heights Collegiate Institute, with the lands involved to be sold to the abutting property owners, subject to their agreement; and that the existing pedestrian signal on Fischer-Hallman Road directly in front of Forest Heights Collegiate Institute remain in its existing location, subject to further review of the affect on pedestrian patterns. In addition, should the abutting property owners not purchase the lands involved and the walkway remains open, staff are recommending that the walkway be cleared of all growth and the Waterloo Regional Police be requested to continue enforcement. Mr. J. McBride advised that following public meetings, a general consensus in support of the proposed closure was reached with area residents. It is anticipated to have the closure in place for the start of this years school season in September; however, Mr. McBride advised that the closure is subject to the property owners agreeing to purchase the lands involved. Mr. McBride pointed out that staff have estimated a cost of $2,600. per property owner should they decide to purchase their portion of the walkway; however, additional costing alternatives have been provided should the Committee wish to consider providing incentives for the owners to purchase the property. Councillor G. Lorentz thanked staff for their efforts in resolving on-going problems with this particular walkway, largely created by the student population. Councillor Lorentz commented that PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 26, 2000 - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER he felt the pedestrian signal should be left in its present location and only relocated if the closure of the walkway creates an adverse affect on pedestrian traffic. In addition, he PW-00-019 - PROPOSED CLOSURE OF PUBLIC WALKWAY - FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD TO LARKSPUR CRESCENT (CONT'D) suggested that should it become necessary to relocate the pedestrian signal, the Region of Waterloo should be approached for support of any necessary upgrades. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the public walkway linking Fischer-Hallman Road to Larkspur Crescent directly opposite Forest Heights Collegiate Institute be permanently closed and sold to the abutting property owners, subject to the property owners' agreement; and, That, if the consensus of the abutting property owners does not permit the closure of the public walkway, the walkway be cleared of all growth (trees, shrubs, etc.) and that the City of Kitchener and Waterloo Regional Police continue enforcement of any inappropriate and/or illegal activities within the walkway; and further, That the existing pedestrian signal on Fischer-Hallman Road directly in front of Forest Heights Collegiate Institute remain in its existing location and, should the walkway closure adversely affect pedestrian patterns, that the pedestrian controls be reviewed at that time." PW-00-020 - SPEEDING - MCGARRY DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride dated June 15, 2000 advising that following a review of the existing traffic conditions on McGarry Drive in response to a recent motor vehicle collision, staff are recommending that speeds continue to be monitored through the Speed Advisory Program and the Automatic Data Recorders. In addition, the results of monitoring speeds on McGarry Drive will be forwarded to the Waterloo Regional Police Service for enforcement. Mr. J. McBride advised that, while unfortunate, the recent accident on McGarry Drive was not caused by road design or driver error, but rather by a child running out into the roadway. In reviewing the traffic conditions on McGarry Drive, Mr. McBride pointed out that it is a major collector roadway designed to distribute traffic between local streets, other collector roads and the arterial road network system and, as such, staff feel it is inappropriate for physical changes such as stop controls to be implemented along this stretch of roadway. Mr. McBride advised that staff acknowledge that speeding is a problem along McGarry Drive and, accordingly, are recommending that speeds be monitored over the summer months and staff will work with Waterloo Regional Police to ensure enforcement. Councillor G. Lorentz commented that he was in agreement with staff's recommendation that no physical changes be made to McGarry Drive as it is a major collector road and that enforcement of the posted speed limit would be more appropriate at this time. Later on, perhaps in the spring, Councillor Lorentz suggested that the Committee may wish to look at some form of traffic calming measures. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern with the creation of collector roadways within subdivisions and suggested that staff should consider traffic calming measures to reduce speeding along major collector roadways from the outset. Councillor C. Weylie also expressed concern and, while she agreed stop signs were not the most appropriate traffic calming measure on major collector roadways, suggested that there are alternative steps that could be taken. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 26, 2000 - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. PW-00-020 - SPEEDING - MCGARRY DRIVE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That speeds continue to be monitored on McGarry Drive through the Speed Advisory Program and the Automatic Data Recorders, with results sent to the Waterloo Regional Police Service for enforcement." 4. PW-00-023 - CURB TREATMENT AT TRAIL CROSSINGS The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride dated June 21, 2000 requesting approval of the preferred option for trail crossing design, being 'Option C', and for funding to be allocated annually for implementation of the recommended treatment. Mr. J. McBride advised that in conjunction with the Bikeway Study, staff reviewed the alternatives for design standards for the treatment of trail crossings and three alternatives are provided for the Committee's consideration. Mr. McBride commented that Option A represents full retrofitting of all crossings to include curb cuts, paved ramps, paved trail approaches, gates, bollards, rumble strips on the pavement, stop signs, rules signs and pavement markings. The cost to implement Option A City-wide is $464,000. Option B represents the basic treatment that would include providing curb cuts and paving of the ramp. This option would be the least costly at $43,200.; however, staff have concerns with this option as it does not clearly define the area between the end of the trail and the beginning of the street and does not give a clear indication to trail users of traffic interaction conditions ahead at the road crossing. Option C represents a compromise between the full treatment of Option A and the minimal treatment of Option B which would include all of the features of Option A with the exception of gates and bollards. Mr. McBride advised that staff are recommending Option C for a total cost of $162,000. implemented City-wide. In response to a request from Ms. P. Houston to amend the recommendation so as to refer the requested funding to the 2001 budget review process, members of the Committee agreed subject to staff agreeing to give this matter high priority status during budget considerations. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That Council approve the trail crossing design 'Option C' for all trail crossings, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee at its meeting held on June 26, 2000; and further, That funding be referred to the 2001 Capital Budget Review to consider allocation of $40,500., annually over the next 4 years for the implementation of the recommended treatment 'Option C'." 5. PW-00-024 - ON-STREET PARKING - CEDAR STREET SOUTH The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated June 19, 2000 requesting that the on-street parking regulations on both sides of Cedar Street South between Charles Street and Courtland Avenue be converted to 'No Stopping Anytime'. Mr. J. McBride advised that this request is in response to concerns raised by neighbourhood residents with respect to illegal activities involving prostitution and drug trafficking taking place on Cedar Street South. Staff, together with Waterloo Regional Police, are of the opinion that instituting a 'No Stopping Anytime' restriction along this stretch of roadway will make it more difficult and act as a deterrent to those who engage in such illegal activities. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 26, 2000 - 49 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. PW-00-024 - ON-STREET PARKING - CEDAR STREET SOUTH (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That the on-street parking regulation on both sides of Cedar Street South between Charles Street and Courtland Avenue be converted from 'No Parking Anytime/No Stopping Between 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.' to 'No Stopping Anytime'; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. PW-00-025 - DUKE & ONTARIO PARKING GARAGE REPAIRS The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works information report from Mr. J. McBride dated June 19, 2000 advising that during the months of July and August the Duke and Ontario Parking Garage will be closed to facilitate needed repairs to the helix (exit ramp). Mr. J. McBride advised that as a result of the closure, 219 monthly parkers will need to be relocated to alternate parking areas. In this regard, Mr. McBride advised that all monthly parkers have now been relocated to other City parking facilities, as well as facilities owned by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and the Forsythe property on Duke Street. In response to questioning by Councillor J. Haalboom, Mr. McBride advised that the areas on the helix which show rust from the cabling will be cleaned up as part of the repair process and will involve implementation of new water proofing measures that should address this problem for up to 20 to 30 years. 7. PW-00-018 - ON-STREET PARKING - OLD CARRIAGE DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride dated June 14, 2000 requesting that parking be prohibited at any time on the west side of Old Carriage Drive from Homer Watson Boulevard to a point 110 metres south. It was pointed out that this request is in response to concerns raised by Grand River Transit who have experienced difficulty in manoeuvering transit vehicles because of on-street parking generated by the tenants/visitors of 225 Old Carriage Drive. Issues of concern also related to the efficiency of emergency vehicle access and the inability to undertake appropriate snow removal during the winter months. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited anytime on the west side of Old Carriage Drive from Homer Watson Boulevard to a point 110 metres south thereof; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 8. PW-00-021 - LOT 17 - LEASE The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride dated June 19, 2000 requesting Council to enter into a lease with Ziggy Martuzalski for use of a portion of land to the rear of 417 King Street West to provide monthly parking. It was pointed out that the City currently has a lease with Wittington Properties Ltd., current owner of 417 King Street West, for 39 parking spaces and as Mr. Martuzalski is in the process of purchasing the property, staff are recommending that a lease be entered into to ensure continued operation of the monthly parking. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 26, 2000 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. PW-00-021 - LOT 17 - LEASE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That Council enter into a lease with Ziggy Martuzalski for the use of a portion of the land to the rear of 417 King Street West for the purpose of providing monthly parking; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any necessary documentation as required by the City Solicitor to effect the lease with Ziggy Martuzalski." 9. PW-00-026 - KITCHENER PARKING SIGNAGE STUDY The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride dated June 20, 2000, requesting adoption, in principle, of the results of the Kitchener Parking Signage Study, together with funding to be included in the Capital Budget beginning in 2001 and investigation of alternate materials and minor modifications to minimize or reduce the costs. Mr. J. McBride advised that the City currently has a variety of signs identifying parking facilities. It was pointed out that lack of consistency has hindered marketability and created confusion within parking facilities with respect to directional and information related signage. Recognition of the importance of proper signage for parking facilities as an essential component to continued success and support of the Downtown resulted in the retainment of Entro Communications to undertake a signage study. Mr. McBride introduced Mr. Randy Johnson, representing the Consulting Firm, who was in attendance this date to make a presententation to the Committee. Mr. R. Johnson, Entro Communications, appeared before the Committee and provided a PowerPoint presentation highlighting various aspects of the parking signage study to date, including: · purpose of the study: to develop a unique/recognizable uniform image for all City-owned parking facilities · survey of existing sites: found to be inconsistent with respect to signage · design process including entrance identifier, together with interior directional and information signs · initial concepts including the preferred standard for entrance signs (vertical/pylon style), wording (stacked lettering), colour (orange/purple), font sizes (universe), historical markers · product types and comparisons to existing signage · sign scheduling/costing including a rudimentary budget of approximately $250,000., for contracting of services versus $150,000., for in-house production · implementation plan with lot entrance signs to be first priority and location based on site conditions; a budget for on-going maintenance and/or additions to be developed; a six month timeframe for completion of installations. Discussion was then entered into with respect to the colours chosen for the signs during which concerns were expressed that the official City colours were not to be used and appear to deviate from the City's intention to develop a common logo and design features. Other comments in favour of the colours chosen related to marketability and their display prominence. Mr. J. McBride pointed out that the orange/purple colour contrast was chosen as it was felt it stood out, providing easy identification from surrounding downtown environments and was best suited in relaying a uniform and consistent message to customers. He further noted that the proposed design has been reviewed and unanimously supported by the Kitchener Downtown Business Association. Councillor B. Vrbanovic posed several questions respecting consumer testing of the product; development of partnerships with privately owned facilities for use of the City's design; and, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 26, 2000 - 51 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. PW-00-026 - KITCHENER PARKING SIGNAGE STUDY (CONT'D) contact with the tourism industry to discuss development of similar directional signs. In response, Mr. Johnson pointed out that testing of the new design is proposed by installing one or two signs to begin with to determine acceptability. With respect to allowing privately owned facilities to use the City's design, Mr. McBride cautioned that maintenance practices of such facilities may not be up to City standards which could detrimentally affect the City's reputation and, accordingly, it is staff's intention that it be used only for City facilities. The latter question respecting tourism signage was taken under advisement by staff. Mayor C. Zehr also posed several questions respecting co-ordination with the Communications Division on a uniform approach to style/colours for municipal identification signs/logo; how changes in parking rates will be handled on signs displaying such information; and, what constitutes the difference in cost between contracting out versus in-house production. Mr. McBride responded that discussions were undertaken with the Communications Division who advised that decisions with respect to a uniform colour has not yet been made and is currently on hold. Accordingly, it was decided to proceed with the proposed design for parking facilities. Mr. Johnson advised that a vinyl material will be used to place parking rate information on pay and display signs which can be removed and replaced by City staff as required. With regard to the cost difference, Mr. McBride advised that staff planned to make minor changes in materials to be used to produce the signs without compromising the design and this, together with using the City's Sign Shop to produce the signs, achieves substantial cost savings. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that the recommendation be amended to include direction for staff to further review the design standard in keeping with the trend toward a uniform City logo and design features. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if discussions had been undertaken with appropriate staff regarding the City's policy on Design Guidelines and Mr. McBride advised that discussions had taken place with staff of the Zoning Division and those responsible for Urban Design Guidelines and was advised that the design proposed for parking facilities meets all guidelines. Councillor Haalboom then referred to signage in Europe in which only symbols are utilized and suggested that staff investigate simplifying the proposed design in a similar manner. Mr. McBride responded that staff had investigated North American counterparts and the design proposed is more in keeping with U.S. and Canadian customs. He pointed out that Europe has many different cultures to deal with and, accordingly, they have a different approach. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed the opinion that it would be worthwhile to investigate a simplified approach and requested staff to include information in this regard when this matter comes back for further consideration by the Committee. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he was prepared to move approval of the recommendation subject to including direction to staff to further review the proposed design to ensure consistency with the developing Corporate design and image, and that further investigation with respect to possible partnerships for use of the City's design also be undertaken. The recommendation was further amended to include that funding in the amount of $150,000., would be referred to the Capital Budget process starting in 2001. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That Council adopt, in principle, the results of the Kitchener Parking Signage Study; and, That funds in the amount of $150,000. be referred to the Capital Budget process starting in 2001; and, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 26, 2000 - 52 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. PW-00-026 - KITCHENER PARKING SIGNAGE STUDY (CONT'D) That alternate materials and minor modifications in design be investigated to minimize or reduce the costs; and, That further review be completed to ensure that the final design and colours be consistent with the developing Corporate design and image; and further, That staff further investigate the possibilities of bringing other parking partners into this program as part of a Parking Facility Standards Program." 10. PW-00-027 - PARKING GARAGE FEASIBILITY STUDY The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works information report from Mr. J. McBride dated June 21,2000 advising that initial data has been collected and a public workshop completed with respect to the feasibility study for the development of a new parking garage. Mr. McBride advised that the purpose in bringing this matter forward was to provide a status report and, in this regard, Mr. McBride introduced Mr. Brenton Toderian of MHBC Planning Ltd. and Mr. Phil Grubb of Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd., who were in attendance to provide a presentation to the Committee. Mr. B. Toderian appeared and advised that Phase 1 of the study, involving collection of the data to determine the need for an additional parking facility, has now been completed. Mr. Toderian further advised that a survey had been conducted with experts/agents in the leasing business and a public meeting had also been held with key stakeholders in the Downtown area. It was pointed out that in reviewing the information collected, it has been determined that on-street parking has a high volume of use with 95% occupied consistently throughout the Downtown. Off-street parking is distributed effectively with 60% being public facilities and 40% privately owned. In comparing off- street parking to density most blocks have an average of 2 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. which is below the preferred ratio of leasing experts whose expectation is 3 to 4 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. for purpose of marketability. Off-street parking is on average 68% occupied versus 95% for on-street parking. In determining need for additional parking facilities, the base rate of 85% capacity is considered. While 68% usage for off-street parking is well under the 85% capacity rate, suggesting that current facilities are adequate, consideration should also be given to assessing facilities on a block by block basis, examining existing vacancy rates and the effect new development will have on user demand. Mr. Toderian advised that the data collected also determined a greater demand for long term versus short term parking. He pointed out that long term parking involves monthly leases utilized by employees working in the Downtown, while short term parking is customer based. Long term parking capacity is currently at 74%, bringing it closer to the 85% capacity rate, while short term use is 49%. Mr. Toderian advised that the data collected is still being reviewed and study participants will be looking closely at all information so as to understand what the numbers really mean. He noted that the ratio of 3 to 4 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. is difficult to provide in the Downtown; however, leasing experts have indicated their ability to lease long term parking is adversely affected because of lack of supply, location, price and visibility. Mr. Toderian also noted that the study addressed the issue of transportation demand management; however, responses from the leasing industry indicated that attempts to promote alternatives to vehicle use have not been widely accepted. Accordingly, improvements to long term parking is preferred at this time with transportation demand management being something to work towards. Results of the public workshop also showed a majority support an increase in long term parking in combination with phasing in of transportation demand objectives and a desire for any new supply of parking to be located in benefit to the Downtown with a high level of design. Mr. Toderian advised that the next step will involve a preliminary report to the Committee followed by an evaluation of alternatives based on criteria to be developed. If it is decided to proceed with a new supply of parking, Mr. Toderian advised that Phase 3 of the study would determine the best location and Phase 4 would deal with traffic impacts, design and an PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 26, 2000 - 53 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. PW-00-027 - PARKING GARAGE FEASIBILITY STUDY (CONT'D) implementation plan. In conclusion, Mr. Toderian advised that he and Mr. Grubb would answer any questions the Committee may have. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison commented that she had attended the workshop and was pleased to see the positive level of participation, noting that participants were eager to work together toward finding solutions. Mr. Toderian further pointed out that area residents have brought a different perspective to the study team in how parking affects the surrounding neighbourhoods within the Downtown area. Councillor John Smola thanked Mr. Toderian for his presentation this date. 11. E-BOLl OUTBREAK - WALKERTON Mr. E. Kovacs provided an update on staff support to the residents of Walkerton, noting that 2 City crews are currently working in the area. Additional help is expected from other municipalities and, accordingly, it is anticipated Kitchener crews will conclude their work by weeks end. Mr. Kovacs advised that the crews have performed well at all tasks assigned. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information reports: · PW-00-015- Watermain Leak Detection · PW-00-017- Natural Gas Leakage Control · PW-00-022 - College Street & Mansion Street Reconstruction Projects and Tree Protection 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 9:55 a.m. Janet Billett Committee Administrator