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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1999-04-12PWTC\1999-04-12 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors K. Taylor-Harrison, J. Haalboom, C. Weylie and B. Vrbanovic. Councillors G. Lorentz, J. Ziegler, and Jake Smola were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. J. Buckingham and Ms. J. Billett, and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, J. McBride, D. Quinn, J. Cicuttin, B. Allen, J. Gazzola, J. Shivas, and L. Neil. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. WASTE COLLECTION CONTRACT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager of the Department of Public Works, dated April 7, 1999, recommending an extension to the Waste Collection Contract with Browning-Ferris Industries Ltd. for the period February 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001. The purpose of the extension is to permit staff to continue to pursue opportunities for joint contracting of waste collection with neighbouring municipalities to coincide with the end of the extended term. Mr. S. Gyorffy provided the Committee with a brief overview of the report and pointed out that the proposal from Browning-Ferris Industries Ltd. to extend the existing contract offers a number of immediate savings to the City over the 20 month period of the proposed extension. Mayor C. Zehr inquired if any further discussion with Regional Staff had taken place over the past two weeks and Mr. Gyorffy advised that staff continue to be in contact with the Region, who is very supportive of efforts to realign and synchronize waste collection throughout the Region. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Council waive the tendering/request for proposals process with respect to the provision of waste collection services for the period February 1, 2000, to September 30, 2001; and further, That staff negotiate an addendum agreement with Browning-Ferris Industries Ltd. to extend the term of the existing agreement, as amended by agreement dated February 3, 1993, to September 30, 2001, in an effort to achieve synchronization of contract terms with other area municipalities, and to create the potential for a joint tendering or joint request for proposals with other area municipalities for waste collection services at the end of the extended term; and further, That the negotiated addendum agreement be brought before Council at a future meeting for a resolution authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to sign." 2. STRATEGIC PLAN - ENGINEERING DIVISION The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager of the Department of Public Works, dated March 15, 1999, recommending approval of the Department's Strategic Plan for the Engineering Division. Mr. S. Gyorffy provided the Committee with an overview of the plan including details of the Vision and Mission Statements that were developed, together with Action Objectives to be carried out over the next two years. Mr. Gyorffy also pointed out to the Committee that additional Strategic Plans would be forthcoming at a later date with respect to the Operations Division and the Department of Public Works. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. Councillor C. Weylie inquired why the word "social" had been included in the Mission Statement but not in the Vision Statement, as she would hope the Division's future vision would also include public participation. Mr. Gyorffy pointed out that a Mission Statement is intended to reflect what the Division is presently, whereas a Vision Statement reflects where the Division wants to go in PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1999 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. STRATEGIC PLAN - ENGINEERING DIVISION (CONT'D) the future. Public participation is already a part of the operating process and this will continue during implementation of the Engineering Division's future vision. With respect to the Division's objective to participate in the City's Web Page, Councillor C. Weylie inquired if a staff person has been assigned to ensure that the information provided is kept up to date. Mr. Gyorffy advised that this was a concern of staff and, in this regard, a staff person has been assigned to this objective. Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out to the Committee that as part of the Division's objectives, a National Public Works Week will be held during the week of May 17 to May 21, 1999, during which time roadeos will be held at the Auditorium and exhibits will be displayed in the rotunda area of City Hall. Mayor C. Zehr stated that the Division's objective to research how Engineering Divisions from other municipalities promote their image should also focus locally, keeping in mind corporate objectives. Mr. Gyorffy responded that it was intended the Division's image be integrated with that of the Corporations and, in this regard, development of this objective will be pursued with staff of the Communications Division. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Several members of Committee expressed concern with respect to coordination of objectives that require inter-departmental participation and, in this regard, Councillor C. Weylie suggested that another committee should be established to ensure that all overlapping objectives are carried through. Mr. Gyorffy pointed out that all objectives, as outlined in the Engineering Division's Strategic Plan, have been assigned to staff teams. Further, he suggested that in the case of overlapping objectives, they would be brought to Management Committee for further discussion and direction. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned how individual Department's Vision Statements would be incorporated into a vision for the Corporation to ensure a uniform approach throughout. Mayor C. Zehr commented that part of this discussion has already been undertaken by Council and stressed the importance of a coordinated approach between all departments. In this regard, he asked Mr. J. Gazzola to comment on what steps are being taken to ensure that overlapping objectives are implemented. Mr. J. Gazzola responded that this is an important issue to be dealt with and, in this regard, he is in the process of convening a meeting with representatives from all departments to discuss coordination of inter-departmental objectives. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That Council approve the Engineering Division Strategic Plan, as tabled with the Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 12, 1999." 3. DOPWR 99-5 - TRANSIT DETOUR PLAN FOR OTTAWA STREET BRIDGE CLOSURE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. D. Snow, Director of Transportation, dated April 6, 1999, which outlines detour plans for Transit Routes No. 3 - Idlewood, No. 8 - East Avenue, and No. 17 - Heritage Park, as a result of the impending Ottawa Street Bridge closure. The plan, as proposed, impacts the east side of the City as generally bounded by Frederick, Lancaster, Ottawa, and Weber Streets. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that the Ministry of Transportation is reconsidering an earlier closure of the Ottawa Street Bridge to facilitate completion of the work within six months for re- opening of the bridge by the end of December; however, the Ministry has not as yet confirmed this course of action. During development of the Transit detour plan, he noted that staff had considered a number of alternatives within a restrictive budget, including Manchester Road. Manchester Road, however, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1999 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DOPWR 99-5 - TRANSIT DETOUR PLAN FOR OTTAWA STREET BRIDGE CLOSURE (CONT'D) was not felt to be viable as it would result in new service at a cost of approximately $250,000 to $300,000. In addition, other concerns were raised relating to timing of connections and access on to River Road. Mr. Snow advised that the Ministry of Transportation was only willing to cover costs for relocating bus stops and any new service would be at the City's expense. Accordingly, staff are of the opinion that the plan, as proposed, is the most cost effective alternative and will result in the least impact to residents of the affected area. In addition, he advised that staff have developed a marketing plan to advise residents of the proposed detour plans. In this regard, he noted that an Open House is planned on May 5, 1999, for the Weber Street construction project and the plan could be presented for public input at that time. Mr. B. Allen then provided the Committee with an overhead presentation outlining the proposed detour routes for each of the three Transit Routes affected by the bridge closure. Councillor B. Vrbanovic inquired if any discussion with affected residents had taken place prior to this meeting and Mr. Snow responded that no contact has yet been made with the residents. Councillor Vrbanovic stated that he was concerned with making a decision prior to the public being given an opportunity to provide their input. Further, he stated he was surprised that the Manchester Road option was not being pursued in view of resident concerns raised in the area of Ross Avenue. Mr. D. Snow responded that a number of traffic related concerns had been raised during consideration of the Manchester Road option; however, if this option were to be re-visited he suggested that an all-way stop could be located at the intersection of Ross Avenue and Wilfred Avenue to help alleviate some of the traffic concerns. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Concerns were raised with respect to the timing of the bridge closure and the impact this would have on scheduling of the Transit detours. Mr. Snow advised that the Ministry is aware that a quick response is necessary in order for Transit staff to re-adjust the scheduling. Mayor C. Zehr inquired if Weber Street would be open to motorists under the Conestoga Parkway, if closure of the Ottawa Street bridge was undertaken earlier than planned. Mr. Allen responded that most of the work on Weber Street is completed and should be open to traffic. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison commented that she was not in agreement with pursuing the option of detouring buses onto Manchester Road because of the impact this would have in accessing River Road. Councillor C. Weylie questioned how many times per hour a bus would pass along the affected routes and how long each day the buses run. Mr. Allen advised that two buses per hour would run along the affected routes on a daily basis between the hours of 6:30 a.m. until approximately 6:30 p.m. (Bradley, Ottawa, and Franklin Streets), and between 6:00 a.m. until approximately 12 midnight (Ross Avenue and Franklin Street). Councillor B. Vrbanovic again commented that he would have difficulty making a decision prior to any public input and suggested that a public meeting be arranged. In response, Mr. Snow suggested that staff could attempt to notify area residents prior to the Council meeting scheduled for April 19, 1999, and invite them to attend the meeting to provide their input. Councillor J. Ziegler stressed that the detour plan proposed is only a temporary measure resulting from the Ottawa Street bridge closure and it may be misleading to invite public input when, in fact, the only other alternative is to spend up to $300,000 to re-route buses onto Manchester Road. He pointed out that he could not support this option and, in his opinion, the only affordable option is what is being proposed at this time. Councillor B. Vrbanovic responded that the public does have the right to provide input and should be given this opportunity prior to a decision being made. Mr. D. Snow agreed that staff should put out some form of notice to residents of the area to inform them of the plan. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1999 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DOPWR 99-5 - TRANSIT DETOUR PLAN FOR OTTAWA STREET BRIDGE CLOSURE (CONT'D) Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler- "That the detour routing for Route No. 3 - Idlewood and Route No. 8 - East Avenue, as outlined in the report presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 12, 1999, be implemented effective Monday, July 12, 1999; and further, That the routing for Route No. 17 - Heritage Park, as outlined in the report presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 12, 1999, be implemented effective Monday, June 21, 1999, with a subsequent modification to the routing, also outlined in the report, to be implemented effective Monday, July 12, 1999." Councillor J. Haalboom suggested that as part of the marketing plan an article be published in a local flyer, "Community News". Mr. Snow concurred with this request. With respect to the proposed letter to be forwarded to area residents, several suggestions for inclusion in the letter were made including the option of placing an all-way stop at the intersection of Ross Avenue and Wilfred Avenue, a map to show the routes as proposed, and the costs that will be incurred if the option to re-route buses onto Manchester Road is pursued. In this regard, Mr. Snow suggested that, rather than including a lot of detail in the letter, it should be simply stated to inform the residents of the proposed plan, emphasizing that it is a temporary measure resulting from the proposed bridge closure, and staff would then respond in greater detail to any resident inquiries. Councillor J. Ziegler concurred with these comments. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that the motion put forward by Councillor J. Ziegler be amended to include that a letter be forwarded, prior to the Council meeting of April 19, 1999, to residents located on Ross Avenue, Shantz Lane and Bradley Drive, for the purpose of providing an explanation and the reasons for the proposed Transit detour plan. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison put forward a further amendment that residents of Manchester Road also be circulated with the proposed letter; however, following further discussion, Councillor Taylor-Harrison withdrew her amendment to the amendment. Several members of the Committee expressed the opinion that public input was not necessary at this time because of the temporary nature of what is being proposed and indicated they would not support the proposed amendment. The amendment was then voted on and Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor B. Vrbanovic Contra: Councillors John Smola, Jake Smola, K. Taylor-Harrison, J. Haalboom, C. Weylie, G. Lorentz, and J. Ziegler. Motion Lost. The original motion of Councillor Ziegler was then voted on and Councillor B. Vrbanovic again requested a recorded vote. In Favour: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors John Smola, Jake Smola, K. Taylor-Harrison, J. Haalboom, C. Weylie, G. Lorentz, and J. Ziegler. Contra: Councillor B. Vrbanovic Motion Carried. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1999 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DOPWR 99-11 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - ALPINE PUBLIC SCHOOL The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, dated March 31, 1999, recommending that a School Bus Loading Zone be established on Lucerne Drive to accommodate 2 full sized buses. Mr. J. McBride advised that a request had been received from the Alpine Public School to review traffic conditions on Lucerne Drive and, as a result, the loading zone is being recommended to increase safety for all children attending the school On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That a School Bus Loading Zone for two full size buses be established on Lucerne Drive from a point 285 feet west of Selkirk Drive to a point 26 metres west thereof; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. DOPWR 99-12 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - DOON VILLAGE ROAD AND PIONEER DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, dated March 19, 1999, which recommends a number of traffic calming measures on Doon Village Road, including a pedestrian refuge island, a bicycle lane, left turn lanes, lane reductions, and parking prohibitions. Mr. J. McBride noted that traffic conditions along Doon Village Road, from Homer Watson Boulevard to Bechtel Drive, and on Pioneer Drive between Green Valley Drive to Bechtel Drive, continue to raise serious concerns respecting excessive speeding and pedestrian safety. As a result, staff are recommending traffic calming measures, as outlined in the report, to improve safety on both Doon Village Road and Pioneer Drive. Councillor J. Haalboom inquired if residents had been circulated with a copy of the report, and Mr. McBride responded that they had not; however, the report is a public document that could be made available to any interested parties. Councillor Haalboom noted that in the report Doon Village Road is identified as a major collector road and she requested that the words "from its intersection with Homer Watson Boulevard to Anvil Street" be included in the report to clarify that it is only a major collector road along that portion of the roadway. Mr. McBride concurred with Councillor Haalboom's comments. Councillor J. Haalboom further inquired how residents are notified of the proposed changes and Mr. McBride responded that they would be become aware of the changes as work progresses and, in addition, signs will be posted. Councillor Haalboom suggested that an article be placed in the local publication entitled "Community News" as a means of information to residents. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That a Pedestrian Refuge Island be installed in the School Crossing on Doon Village Road at Upper Canada Drive; and further, That a 1.5 metre (5 foot) bicycle lane be provided on both sides of Doon Village Road from Farrier Drive to Bechtel Drive; and further, That left turn lanes be provided along Doon Village Road at Farrier Drive and Millwood Crescent; and further, That through the above measures, the travel lanes on Doon Village Road be reduced to a single lane for each direction; and further, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1999 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. DOPWR 99-12 TRAFFIC CONTROL - DOON VILLAGE ROAD AND PIONEER DRIVE (CONT'D) That parking be prohibited on the north side of Doon Village Road from Homer Watson Boulevard to 82 metres east of Upper Canada Drive; and further, That parking be prohibited on the south side of Doon Village Road from Homer Watson Boulevard to Pioneer Drive; and further, That a 1.5 metre (5 foot) bicycle lane be provided on both sides of Pioneer Drive from Green Valley Drive to Doon Village Road; and further, That a left turn lane be provided on Pioneer Drive at Bechtel Drive; and further, That through the above measures, the travel lanes on Pioneer Drive be reduced to a single lane for each direction; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 99-13 - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION -WEBER STREET RECONSTRUCTION The Committee received a report from Mr. D. Snow, Director of Transportation, dated April 6, 1999, recommending that an exemption to the Noise By-Law be granted to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and its contractors during reconstruction of Weber Street from May 10, 1999, to November 19, 1999, and for all night work to be undertaken for one weekend in August and one weekend in September, 1999. Moved by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and its Contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, Article 6 (Construction Work), during the reconstruction of Weber Street between Montgomery Road and Kinzie Avenue and all related work until 9:00 p.m. weekdays during the period from May 10, 1999, to November 19, 1999, and for all night work for one weekend in August 1999, and another weekend in September 1999." INFORMATION ITEMS As information, the Committee received a report from Mr. E. Kovacs, General Manager, Department of Public Works, dated April 6, 1999, entitled "Utilities Division - Asset Optimization Manager- Unbundled Transportation". ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator