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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1999-10-25PWTC\1999-10-25 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor John Smola, commencing at 8:40 a.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Haalboom, K. Taylor-Harrison, C. Weylie, B. Vrbanovic and G. Lorentz. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, L. Lynch and J. Gazzola. 1. WESTMOUNT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS - SOUTH OF GLASGOW STREET TO JOHN STREET The Committee was in receipt of an information report dated October 21, 1999 from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, outlining the process of review for the Westmount Road improvement project, extending from the south of Glasgow Street in Kitchener to John Street in Waterloo, and recommending Alternative "D" be implemented on a trial basis. Mr. S. van de Keere, Senior Project Manager, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, appeared as a delegation and provided the Committee with an overview of the process undertaken to date with respect to this project and what led to recommendation of Alternative "D". Mr. van de Keere pointed out that this project began in 1998 and since that time several public meetings have been held, during which area residents raised concerns with respect to the proposed widening of Westmount Road to accommodate left turn lanes resulting in a loss of trees and the speed at which traffic travels along this stretch of roadway. During the consultation process, Mr. van de Keere advised that a workshop had been held in which approximately 20 residents had participated, resulting in a number of additional alternatives to be considered. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. S. van de Keere advised that after reviewing all of the public input and technical data collected, three alternatives were presented at a public information meeting held in June. These alternatives included banning left turn lanes; the provision of left turn lanes; or, revision to traffic signals. He pointed out that the Project Team supported Alternative "B", which would involve construction of opposing left turn lanes on Westmount Road at Glasgow Street, as the best alternative to address the collision problem at the intersection while minimizing the negative impacts on the local community. Mr. van de Keere pointed out; however, that residents remained concerned with this alternative because of the need to widen Westmount Road and the impact it would have on the neighborhood. Accordingly, he advised that the Project Team is now recommending Alternative "D" which would not require widening to Westmount Road but will maintain the provision of an opposing left turn lane at the intersection of Glasgow Street by remarking the pavement. In addition, the southbound lanes will be reduced to one through lane, with the second being a left turn lane only, and modifications will be made to the existing traffic signals to provide simultaneously advanced signals for both north and southbound traffic. Mr. S. van de Keere stated that the Project Team believes that Alternative "D" is a good solution as it relates to the residents concerns; however, the Team has concerns with respect to traffic congestion during the afternoon peek periods and is, therefor, recommending that Alternative "D" be implemented on a six month trial basis to allow further evaluation by the Project Team and the public. Mr. S. van de Keere advised that the Project Team's recommendation will be considered by the Regional Engineering Committee at its meeting to be held on Wednesday, November 3, 1999. Councillor C. Weylie questioned if the traffic signals could be altered to allow traffic a longer period of time to go through the intersection during the peek periods. Mr. van de Keere responded that Alternative "D" does include changes to traffic signals for the purpose of optimizing traffic flow. Councillor C. Weylie further questioned if widening Victoria Street to Park Street would help to alleviate the congestion on Westmount Road and Mr. van de Keere responded that he was uncertain of what impact widening of Victoria Street would have. WESTMOUNT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS - SOUTH OF GLASGOW STREET TO JOHN STREET (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 1999 - 79 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mayor C. Zehr questioned what impact Alternative "D" would have on tree removal and Mr. van de Keere stated that he believed only one tree would be required to be removed. Mayor Zehr further questioned that, if Alternative "D" was implemented, would it do operationally what was intended. In this regard, Mr. van de Keere stated that Alternative "D" was not as good as the preferred Alternative "B" from a traffic standpoint as it is believed there will be heavy congestion during the peek periods, resulting in delays for southbound traffic. Mayor Zehr questioned if the delays would result in traffic finding alternative routes and Mr. van de Keere responded that there may be some off-loading on to other streets; however, it was not certain that this would be significant enough to reduce traffic congestion. Mayor C. Zehr stated that Alternative "D", while it may result in some traffic congestion, appears to be the best alternative in meeting concerns of the residents and he would support this alternative. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to staff report BPS 99/159, Municipal Plan Policies and Philosophy, listed as Item #2 (d) on the October 25, 1999 agenda for the Planning and Economic Development Committee and pointed out that this report also has to do with the Westmount Road improvement. In this regard, she suggested that the Public Works and Transportation Committee pass a recommendation to endorse Alternative "D" which could be passed along to the Planning and Economic Development Committee for consideration at its meeting later on this date. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That the following recommendation arising from discussion with respect to staff report DOPWR 1999-10-21 - Westmount Road Improvements, be referred to the October 25, 1999 Planninq and Economic Development Committee for consideration in conjunction with staff report BPS 99/159 - Municipal Plan Policies and Philosophy: 'That the Public Works and Transportation Committee recommends Alternative D for the Westmount Road Improvement Project, from south of Glasgow Street to John Street, be endorsed'." GLASGOW STREET RECONSTRUCTION - FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD TO KNELL DRIVE - SANITARY SEWER INSTALLATION The Committee was in receipt of a report dated September 30, 1999 from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, requesting that Council initiate a local improvement under Section 12 of the Local Improvement Act for construction of a sanitary sewer and connections on Glasgow Street. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that reconstruction on Glasgow Street, from Fischer-Hallman Road to Knell Drive, will be undertaken as part of the Capital Works Program for the year 2000. He pointed out that a major portion of this section of roadway does not have sanitary sewers and it was felt important to include installation of sanitary sewers during the time the roadway will be under reconstruction. In this regard, he pointed out that residents were surveyed with the majority in favour of having this service installed. Mayor C. Zehr referred to the survey results and questioned if the 13 respondents represented the total number of properties affected. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that he was unsure of the total number of properties and believed the 13 respondents to be a majority of property owners. Councillor C. Weylie raised the issue of cost, pointing out that the survey does not indicate to residents the exact cost they would be required to pay for the installation of the sewer and suggested that this may have had an effect on the results of the survey. 2. GLASGOW STREET RECONSTRUCTION - FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD TO KNELL DRIVE - SANITARY SEWER INSTALLATION (CONT'D) Mayor C. Zehr questioned if the survey had referred to residents being required to pay a portion of the main sewer in addition to the cost of individual properties hooking into the main sewer and PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 1999 - 80 - CITY OF KITCHENER suggested that this may not have been clear. Mr. Gyorffy responded that the survey was clear on the issue that residents would be required to pay a portion of the main sewer in addition to the costs to hook into it. In addition, Mr. Gyorffy suggested he could bring back information with respect to the total number of properties and their location prior to Council's next meeting. It was pointed out that the City has never paid for the initial installation of a sewer and, in this regard, Councillor G. Lorentz questioned what payment options were available to the residents. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that the residents could make a one time payment or pay equal installments plus interest over a 10 year period. Councillor Lorentz stated that he believed this work had the potential to increase property values and, in his opinion, the City should not be assisting residents in enhancing their property values by paying for the installation of the sewer. Councillor C. Weylie questioned if a petition had been previously undertaken and raised concerns that the residents who signed such petition may not have done so if they had been aware of the exact cost. Mr. Gyorffy pointed out that a petition had been undertaken several years ago but due to high costs did not proceed. He advised that staff are of the opinion that the process to install the sewer now will be less expensive than it was previously and, accordingly, wish to undertake a new petition. He stated that in order for the work not to proceed it would require the majority of residents to object to the petition. He further pointed out that the residents were given as much detail as possible and, even though they did not have an exact cost, were still supportive of installing the sewer. Councillor C. Weylie raised concern that the residents may not fully realize the financial implications of this project and questioned if they would be provided with cost figures prior to the work being undertaken. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that residents would be provided with cost figures and Councillor John Smola pointed out that residents would be given an opportunity to object to the project by going through the local improvement process. Mayor C. Zehr questioned if the local improvement criteria included a 50/50 split of the cost of the sewer between the City and the residents. In this regard, Mr. Gyorffy pointed out that a 50/50 split of costs applies under Section 12 only in respect to sidewalks. He pointed out; however, if a majority of residents object to the project the City could appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board who, in turn, could rule that the City pay 50% of the cost. He further advised that, if the project proceeds under normal process, residents will be required to pay 100% of the cost as it relates to the frontage of their property and the cost per frontage of any City-owned property within the construction area would be absorbed by the municipality. Mr. L. Lynch advised that under the Environmental Assessment process a number of public meetings were held at which time it was pointed out to the residents that the least expensive time to do this work would be during reconstruction of the roadway. He stated that residents were fully aware of the process during this public consultation and, even without full costs, no objections were received with respect to installation of the sewers. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Council initiate a local improvement under Section 12 of the Local Improvement Act for the construction of a sanitary sewer and connections on Glasgow Street, from a point 80 metres west of Knell Drive to Westwood Drive." 3. DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK SNOW SHOVELLING BY-LAW The Committee was in receipt of a report dated October 20, 1999 from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, requesting an amendment to the City's Downtown Snow Shovelling By-law to include the north side of Joseph Street, from Queen Street South to Ontario Street South, on the list of sidewalks to be cleared by the City. He advised that the City currently clears the sidewalk DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK SNOW SHOVELLING BY-LAW (CONT'D) in front of 150 Queen Street South and the owner of this property has now requested that the portion of sidewalk along the Joseph Street side of the property also be cleared by the City. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 1999 -81 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That Schedule 'A' of Chapter 877, Sidewalks - Downtown Snow Removal, of the City's Municipal Code be amended by adding thereto the following portion of street: the north side of Joseph Street, from Queen Street South to Ontario Street South." 4. SALT/SAND STORAGE DOME The Committee was in receipt of a report dated October 20, 1999, from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, requesting permission to construct a salt/sand storage dome at the Strasburg Road facility (Battler Road). Mr. Gyorffy advised that, as the result of the sale of the Maple Street yard, the City currently has one primary facility at the Bramm Street yard. He pointed out that the Bramm Street facility is too distant to service the Homer Watson Boulevard/Doon area and in the interest of providing a more efficient service a request is being made for a second storage dome at the Strasburg Road facility. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned the size of the dome and what potential impact it would have on the residents of the Huron Road area. Mr. Gyorffy responded that he was not sure of the exact size and location on the site; however, he indicated that staff would take these concerns into consideration prior to construction of the dome. Councillor J. Ziegler asked staff to carefully consider location of the dome and its aesthetics so it would blend in as much as possible with the surrounding neighborhood. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That a salt/sand storage dome be constructed at the Strasburg Yards Facility (Battler Road at Huron Road) at an estimated cost of $41,000.00; and further, That funding be provided by the Future Maintenance Facility Expansion Reserve, which was established through the sale of the Maple Street Yards." 5. WINTER MAINTENANCE The Committee was in receipt of an information report dated October 19, 1999, from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, for the purpose of providing an update with respect to plans for the forthcoming winter relating to past issues of concern. The report summarizes four major categories including communication, the City's snow dump, snow plough tracking, and changes in standards and operating procedures. Mr. S. Gyorffy provided an overview of the report emphasizing the improvements with respect to communication and indicated that further reports will be brought to the Committee with regard to snow plough tracking, salting/sanding in school zones and snow ploughing of cul-de-sacs. Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the report in which it was noted that 2 sites are available for private haulers for the purpose of snow dumping and questioned where these sites are located. Mr. Gyorffy advised that the sites have not yet been finalized; however, it was likely that one would be in the area of Gehl Place and Bleams Road and the other on an industrial site. He advised that when the sites have been confirmed this information will be passed on to the Committee. Councillor G. Lorentz also questioned what was involved in the process of snow plough tracking and Mr. Gyorffy responded that this would involve installing a device in the snow plough trucks, which will track the exact location of the vehicle on its route via satellite. He pointed out that staff 5. WINTER MAINTENANCE (CONT'D) are still investigating this matter and a further report will be brought to the Committee at a future date. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 1999 - 82 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor G. Lorentz referred to previous discussion in which it was requested that ploughs reverse the order of their route so that the last street is not always the last ploughed. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that under normal process primary roads are the first ploughed, with secondary roads being those that are subject to route change so that the last street ploughed the first time around is done first the next time. Mr. Gyorffy stated that he would raise this issue again with the plough operators to ensure that they keep this in mind when ploughing secondary roads. Councillor Lorentz stated that in order to have a fair system plough operators should be required to do secondary roads in reverse order the second time round. Councillor John Smola pointed out that changing a plough route may create problems and felt that the operators should have the capability of determining the most efficient way of ploughing their routes. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to the proposed "snow line" to be installed to answer telephone inquiries and questioned how the public will be directed to access this line. Mr. Gyorffy responded that his staff will be working with the Communications Division to ensure that sufficient advertising is undertaken to notify the public of the "snow line". In addition, it is planned to include information on the City's Home Page. In response to additional questioning, Mr. Gyorffy advised that staff are working toward having public information available prior to the first snow fall in 1999. Mr. E Kovacs advised that the "snow line" will also have messages incorporated that will keep the public informed with respect to the snow ploughing process and staff will be required to frequently change this message as the snow ploughing progresses during a storm. Mr. Kovacs further pointed out that the "snow line" will still not be adequate to meet the demand of telephone inquiries should the City experience another major snowstorm. He advised that alternative methods of telephone communication had been investigated; however, more sophisticated systems were not proceeded with because of the high cost involved. Mr. E. Kovacs also advised that staff are investigating snow plough tracking more to a view with respect to claims and litigation than just being able to determine exactly where a plough is within its route. He pointed out that the information provided by the tracking system could be valuable in providing evidence during litigation that would show exactly when the City had ploughed and/or salted certain streets. Councillor J. Ziegler referred to the rotation of streets and pointed out that during a large snow fall the public tends to be impatient with respect to the ploughing of their street and, in his view, Councillors should not be encouraging the public to be impatient, but rather should be providing them with an explanation of the process. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if staff had looked at upgrading the telephone system and, in particular, implementing a cueing system such as that utilized by the Revenue Division so that callers are ensured their call will be answered. Mr. E. Kovacs responded that this option has been investigated; however, was not proceeded with because of the high cost. He stated that staff would be prepared to investigate further if it was the Committee's wish. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he believed such an investigation would be useful and direction was given to staff to investigate alternative telephone communication options. 6. DOPWR 99-31 - ON-STREET PARKING - GRENVILLE AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated September 21, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting that the 1 hour parking regulation on the west side of Grenville Avenue be converted to 3 hours. It was pointed out that this recommendation was the result of a request from residents of Grenville Avenue to accommodate longer daytime on-street parking for themselves and their visitors. DOPWR 99-31 - ON-STREET PARKING - GRENVILLE AVENUE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 1999 - 83 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That the one (1) hour parking regulation, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the west side of Grenville Avenue be converted to three (3) hours; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 99-35 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - ST. DOMINIC SEPARATE SCHOOL AND J.F. CARMICHAEL PUBLIC SCHOOL The Committee was in receipt of a report dated September 17, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting the establishment of adult crossing guard facilities at the intersection of West Forest Trail and Victoria Street and at the intersection of Marlborough Avenue and North Avenue. Mr. D. Snow advised that, having established the need through consultation with School Boards, the two adult crossing guards have been put in place to ensure the safety of children accessing St. Dominic Separate School and J.F. Carmichael Public School. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That an Adult Crossing Guard Facility be established at the intersection of Westforest Trail and Victoria Street; and, That an Adult Crossing Guard Facility be established at the intersection of Marlborough Avenue and North Avenue on a temporary basis until June 30, 2000; and further, That the 1999 Operating Budget be adjusted to reflect an over-expenditure of $3,500.00." DOPWR 99-36 - REVISED TRAFFIC CONTROL - STRASBURG ROAD The Committee was in receipt of a report dated September 22, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting various traffic calming measures be implemented on both sides of Strasburg Road, between Bleams Road and Ottawa Street, including bicycle lanes, left turn lanes and certain parking prohibitions. Mr. D. Snow advised that resurfacing of Strasburg Road, between Bleams Road and Blackhorne Drive, is currently being undertaken and has provided staff an opportune time to review traffic control along this stretch of roadway. Accordingly, he advised that staff are recommending various traffic calming measures as outlined in the report. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That a 1.5 metre (5 ft.) bicycle lane be provided on both sides of Strasburg Road, between Bleams Road and Ottawa Street; and, That left turn lanes be provided along Strasburg Road at all intersecting roadways, including the entrance to Forest Glen Plaza; and, That through the above measures, the travel lanes on Strasburg Road be reduced to a single lane for each direction; and, That parking be prohibited at anytime on both sides of Strasburg Road, between Ottawa Street and a point 98 m east of Ottawa Street; and, DOPWR 99-36 - REVISED TRAFFIC CONTROL - STRASBURG ROAD (CONT'D) That parking be prohibited at anytime on both sides of Strasburg Road, between a point 50 m west of Kingswood Drive and a point 50 m east of the west intersection of Barwood Crescent; and, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 1999 - 84 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 10. That parking be prohibited at anytime on both sides of Strasburg Road, between Blackhorne Drive and a point 318 m east of Block Line Road; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 99-37 - ON-STREET PARKING - ARCHER PLACE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated September 21, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting implementation of a parking prohibition on the south side of Archer Place, from Lyndhurst Drive to Burbank Road. It was pointed out that this recommendation is the result of a request from a resident and, following site inspection, it was determined that when parking is allowed to occur on both sides of the street the free flow of two- way traffic is impeded. Accordingly, in the interest of traffic safety, staff are recommending implementation of this parking prohibition. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited anytime on the south side of Archer Place, from Lyndhurst Drive to Burbank Road; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 99-38 - DUKE AND ONTARIO GARAGE REPAIRS The Committee was in receipt of a report dated October 7, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting that an additional $140,000.00 be included as part of the 2000 Capital Budget Review to complete repairs to the helix in the Duke and Ontario garage. Mr. D. Snow advised that in 1996 a Structural Monitoring Program was established and a repair program was scheduled for 1999 at an estimated cost of approximately $170, 000.00. Mr. Snow advised that the tendering process was undertaken this past summer and, at that time, it was determined that the project was under-estimated in terms of cost. He stated that he believed that the shortfall resulted from the fact that the estimate was three years old and the tendering process had been undertaken too late in the season. He advised that this work has been delayed for one year but will be required to be undertaken in the year 2000. Accordingly, staff are requesting that the original estimate be revised to $300,000.00. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to the condition of the entrance to the stairwell off Queen Street and questioned if improvements to this area could be included as part of the proposed repairs to the garage. Mr. D. Snow responded that this item would have to be looked at separately as a maintenance issue and could not be included in this proposed project as the repairs deal only with the structure of the garage. Mayor C. Zehr questioned why it was proposed to increase the initial estimate to $300,000.00 as it would appear that if the tender had been undertaken at an earlier time in the year the bids would have been approximately 10% less. Mr. Snow responded that the funding requested is based on current prices and, while the tender could come in at a lower price, there was no guarantee that this would happen. He stated that staff are of the opinion that it would be better to over-estimate at this time rather than experience another shortfall. Mayor C. Zehr referred to the $10,000.00 already spent in preparation of tender documents and questioned if this amount appears in the 1999 Capital Budget and Mr. Snow responded that was correct. Mayor Zehr stated that it appeared the estimated cost for the project should then be lowered to $290,000.00. He pointed out that if the project was budgeted at $300,000.00, any DOPWR 99-38 - DUKE AND ONTARIO GARAGE REPAIRS (CONT'D) surplus remaining as the result of lower bids might be used up by adding to the project rather than putting these funds back into the budget system. He further commented that the tender process should take place early in Spring so as to ensure the best possible price for this work. Mr. D. Snow PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 1999 - 85 - CITY OF KITCHENER responded that staff could look at reducing the estimated cost for this project to $290,000.00 and would undertake to tender as early in the Spring as possible. Councillor B. Vrbanovic pointed out that the estimate does not include engineering fees and questioned if these fees would bring the estimated cost of the project in line with the $300,000.00 requested. Mr. D. Snow responded that the engineering fees would be approximately 10-15% of the cost. Mr. E. Kovacs further advised that the suggestion to lower the estimated cost by $10,000.00 as this amount has already been spent, was a legitimate request and staff would reduce the estimate accordingly. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That an additional $130, 000.00 be included as part of the 2000 Capital Budget Review to complete repairs to the helix in the Duke and Ontario Garage that were originally scheduled for 1999." 11. DOPWR 99-39 - FREE SATURDAY PARKING The Committee was in receipt of a report dated October 18, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting that free parking be provided in all City parking facilities on Saturdays throughout the Christmas season, as requested by the Kitchener Downtown Business Association. Mayor C. Zehr pointed out that the City Hall parking facility is not very busy on any given Saturday and questioned the need to have a parking attendant on duty as opposed to utilizing a $1.00 coin operated machine. Mr. D. Snow responded that several years ago the Department undertook a review of its services and, at that time, it was determined that a parking attendant was required on Saturdays. He stated that staff would be willing to revisit this issue and determine if changes are now appropriate. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That free parking be provided in all City operated parking facilities on Saturdays, commencing on November 20, 1999 and extending through the Christmas season to January 2, 2000 inclusive, as requested by the Kitchener Downtown Business Association." 12. MULTI- PARKING SYSTEMS Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he had an opportunity to converse with the company that specializes in a system for multi-space parking spaces who were prepared to make a presentation to the Committee. Councillor Lorentz provided staff with documentation and requested staff further investigate this product. 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator