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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1999-01-11PWTC\1999-01-11 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 11, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola, with all members present, except Mayor C. Zehr. Councillors B. Vrbanovic, G. Lorentz, J. Ziegler and J. Haalboom were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. D. Arnold, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. D. Snow, S. Gyorffy, E. Kovacs, J. McBride, J. Gazzola and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. DOPWR 99-1 - ON-STREET PARKING - EAGEN DRIVE The Committee was advised that the Transit Division has requested that the existing parking regulations on Eagen Drive be reviewed. It is being recommended that parking be prohibited any time on the north side of Eagen Drive, from Highland Road to Queen's Boulevard. Presently, parking is prohibited on the north side of Eagen Drive, between Highland Road and Ralgreen Crescent, and on the south side of the street from Highland Road to a point 85 metres east. Parking is permitted on the remainder of the street for a maximum period of three (3) consecutive hours. The Committee was advised that a site inspection reveals that parking on both sides of the streets impedes the free flow of two-way traffic. This parking also hampers the use of existing driveways and makes it difficult for emergency vehicles and snow removal during the winter months. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited any time on the north side of Eagen Drive, from Highland Road to Queen's Boulevard, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2. DOPWR 99-2 - ON-STREET PARKING - EASTFOREST TRAIL AND WESTFOREST TRAIL The Committee considered a report which recommends a variety of parking prohibitions on Eastforest Trail and Westforest Trail. It was noted that, in 1998, all-way stops were approved for the intersections of Bankside Drive and Eastforest Trail, and Bankside Drive and Westforest Trail. Various traffic calming measures were also implemented along with bike lanes, parking and left- turn lanes. In the interest of traffic and pedestrian safety, and as a result of the traffic calming measures, it is now being recommended that various parking prohibitions be approved. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the following parking prohibitions be approved, namely: Eastforest Trail North Side from Highland Road West to a point 65 metres west thereof from Bankside Drive to a point 51 metres east thereof from Bankside Drive to a point 203 metres west thereof from Victoria Street South to a point 65 metres east thereof Eastforest Trail South Side from Highland Road West to a point 64 metres west thereof 2. DOPWR 99-2 - ON-STREET PARKING - EASTFOREST TRAIL AND WESTFOREST TRAIL (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 11, 1999 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER Eastforest Trail (Cont'd) from Bankside Drive to a point 50 metres east thereof from Oliver Court to a point 34 metres east thereof from Oliver Court to a point 55 metres west thereof from the east leg of Wildlark Crescent to a point 14 metres east thereof from Victoria Street South to a point 49 metres east thereof Westforest Trail North Side from Highland Road West to a point 55 metres west thereof from Bankside Drive to a point 55 metres east thereof from Bankside Drive to a point 51 metres west thereof from the east leg of Hidden Creek Drive to a point 19 metres west thereof from Victoria Street South to a point 111 metres east thereof Westforest Trail South Side from Highland Road West to a point 190 metres west thereof from Westmeadow Drive to a point 34 metres west thereof from Victoria Street South to a point 102 metres east thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 99-3 - ON-STREET PARKING - CLIFTON ROAD BETWEEN ARNOLD STREET AND LANCASTER STREET The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited at any time on the south side of Clifton Road, between Arnold Street and Lancaster Street, and that a three (3) hour parking limit be implemented for the north side of this street. In November 1998, Clifton Road was converted from two-way traffic to one-way traffic westbound. Presently, there is a parking prohibition on the north side of Clifton Road, however, with the temporary node extensions, which were installed at Arnold Street and Lancaster Street, a traffic hazard now exists. As a result, it is being recommended that the no parking prohibition on the north side of Clifton Road be moved to the south side of the street. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited any time on the south side of Clifton Road, between Arnold Street and Lancaster Street, and that a three (3) hour time limit be implemented on the opposite side of the street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. DOPWR 99-4 - ON-STREET PARKING - SPADINA ROAD EAST BETWEEN QUEEN STREET SOUTH AND WINSLOW DRIVE PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 11, 1999 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the north side of Spadina Road, from a point 18 metres east of Queen Street South to a point 30 metres east thereof. It was noted that parking generated by St. Mary's Hospital has become a great concern to the residents of this area. As a result, the parking restriction, as outlined in this report, is recommended. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the north side of Spadina Road from a point 18 metres east of Queen Street South to a point 30 metres east thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. METRONET COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. - ACCESS TO MUNICIPAL RIGHT-OF-WAYS Mr. D. Blahnik appeared before the Committee, representing MetroNet Communications Group Inc. Councillor John Smola pointed out that Mr. Blahnik will be making a brief presentation to the Public Works and Transportation Committee, however, final consideration of a Municipal Access Agreement will take place in caucus later on this date, with the matter being finally ratified in open Council at the special Council meeting also scheduled for later this date. Mr. Blahnik advised the Committee that MetroNet still supports the staff recommendations which would provide access to City of Kitchener right-of-ways and accommodate the installation of new infrastructure which would provide citizens with a wider range of choices in the telecommunications area. It was noted that the Access Agreement, as presented, would allow the City to control access to its right-of-ways and also collect reasonable fees and costs. Councillor B. Vrbanovic and G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Blahnik advised the Committee that MetroNet's requirements are different from those of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and, therefore, joint installations are not possible. The Committee was advised that a one (1) year interim agreement is acceptable as MetroNet feels that there are sufficient safeguards in the agreement to allow for it to be extended. It was also noted that similar agreements have been signed with other municipalities across the Province of Ontario and the Dominion of Canada. When questioned by Councillor J. Haalboom, Mr. Blahnik confirmed that, in some cases, installations by MetroNet may require some digging within the street right-of-way. The Committee thanked Mr. Blahnik for his presentation and it was again noted that this matter will be dealt with later on this date in caucus and, if necessary, at a special meeting of City Council. 6. SNOW REMOVAL STANDARDS Mr. S. Gyorffy provided the Committee with information outlining the current snow removal standards in the City of Kitchener. A general outline of the information presented by Mr. Gyorffy is attached hereto and forms part of these minutes. Councillor J. Ziegler entered and Councillor J. Haalboom left the meeting during Mr. Gyorffy's presentation. 6. SNOW REMOVAL STANDARDS (CONT'D) Mr. E. Kovacs then presented detailed information to the Committee regarding the handling of the recent snow storm. It was noted that all crews were deployed by 3:00 a.m. on January 3, 1999, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 11, 1999 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER with these crews working until 6:00 p.m. on that date. After a suitable rest break, these crews went back to work at 3:00 a.m. on January 4th. The sidewalk crews were deployed at 2:00 a.m. on January 4th. The Committee was advised that the snow loading and removal process started at about midnight on January 5th. Snow removal activities continued on January 6, 7 and 8. At the present time, depending on any more snowfall, the planned work program is to further open narrow streets and start removing snowbanks. The Committee was advised that the costs associated with the recent storm amount to approximately $286,000.00. Over $400,000.00 has been spent to date on snow removal this winter. The Committee was advised that there were some problems at the snow dump site, which were basically caused by private haulers. The entire operation of the snow dump will be reviewed and changes implemented as deemed necessary and appropriate. The Committee was advised that staff have identified certain weaknesses in the snow removal process and these will considered with any recommendations for change contained in a report which will be presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee at a future meeting. All members of Council in attendance when the Snow Removal Standards were discussed, expressed their appreciation to staff for the way in which they handled the snow removal process following the most recent storm. Staff was also congratulated for their work in looking after sewer and water problems and the re-lighting of pilot lights. Most members of the Committee expressed concern about the inability of the public to talk to anyone or leave a message dealing with snow removal complaints. It was acknowledged by staff that communications were a problem as the phone system does not have sufficient capacity to handle the volume of calls. It was suggested that all possible attempts should be made to ensure that the public gets some sort of response, even if it is a recorded message. It was suggested to staff that information could be sent to members of Council by way of E-Mail. The use of the Internet was also suggested as a way of making information available to the general public. It was noted that many Neighbourhood Associations and Community Groups make use of newsletters and possibly these publications could be used to circulate the snow removal standards in advance. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Gyorffy advised that he is very happy with the condition of the snow removal equipment, however, it is inevitable that there will be some breakdowns. The Committee was advised that, in the past, money was spent to have stand-by equipment available and it was hardly ever used. As a result, stand-by equipment is no longer available, however, private carriers can be contracted, if necessary, to assist during the loading and removal process. Several members of the Committee expressed concern regarding the clearing of cul-de-sacs. In this regard, it was noted that this is a time consuming undertaking, even following a small snowfall. These streets are normally the last to be cleared and, as a result, many calls are received. It was acknowledged that routes are changed so that the same street is not always the last to be cleared, however, it was noted that cul-de-sacs will always be looked after late in the process. SNOW REMOVAL STANDARDS (CONT'D) In regard to cul-de-sacs in subdivision, it was noted that there are design guidelines and the Public Works Department has input in this regard. It was noted, however, that cul-de-sacs are a desirable feature in most subdivisions. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 11, 1999 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER Staff will review the problems and possible solutions to snow removal on cul-de-sacs and courts. Councillor C. Weylie suggested that staff should also consider providing priority for the cleaning of sidewalks which are used by the disabled. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that the use of computerized sander/salter spreaders have resulted in cost savings and match the amount of material used to the road conditions. Staff will also monitor any new techniques or products and implement their use if this should prove to be cost effective. The Committee was advised that, while there are standards for snow removal, a street is normally ploughed if the operator feels that this activity is warranted. It was noted that during the recent storm, few, if any, comments were made about problems created by cars parked on the street. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that it may be advantageous to install satellite equipment on the snow removal vehicles so that there location and progress can be tracked. Councillor Smola indicated that he would like a report regarding this possibility. A final area of concern to a number of members of the Committee was the use of the snow dump facility. Most members of the Committee were of the opinion that it should be available to private contractors providing the snow being trucked in is from properties located within the City of Kitchener. It was noted that the City of Waterloo no longer provides a snow dump for private carriers and, as a result, these carriers were bringing snow from Waterloo properties to the City of Kitchener snow dump. Staff will bring forward reports of recommended changes to the snow removal standards at future meetings of the Public Works and Transportation Committee. 7. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee received the following information reports: · 1998 Stuff-A-Bus Campaign · New Year's Eve Free Ride Service 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk