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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1999-09-13PWTC\1999-09-13 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 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: Councillors J. Haalboom, K. Taylor- Harrison, C. Weylie, Jake Smola, B. Vrbanovic and J. Ziegler. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor G. Lorentz were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. P. Houston and Ms. J. Billett, and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, J. McBride, L. Lynch, D. Quinn and J. Gazzola. 1. DETAILED DESIGN PRESENTATION - HIGHWAY NO. 8 WIDENING AND CONESTOGA PARKWAY INTERCHANGE The Committee was in receipt of information from Mr. D. Hoffman, Project Manager, Morrison Hershfield, with the respect to the detailed design for the widening and reconstruction of Highway 8, from the Conestoga Parkway southerly to Fergus Avenue, including reconstruction of the Highway 8 Conestoga Parkway interchange. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that Mr. Hoffman, together with Mr. S. Mclnnis, Project Engineer, Ministry of Transportation, were in attendance to make a presentation with respect to this project. He stated that this phase of improvement would resolve the conflict associated with the existing on/off ramp to Highway 8. He further noted that construction of the project was anticipated to take approximately 3 years and will include removal and replacement of the Franklin Street Bridge. Mr. Gyorffy pointed out that a public meeting would be held on September 22, 1999 at the Auditorium Complex, Subscriber's Lounge, to allow the public opportunity to familiarize themselves with the work to be completed in this phase. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. Mr. D. Hoffman provided an overview of the construction project, noting that Highway 8 will be widened from 4 lanes to 8 lanes from Fergus Avenue to the Conestoga Expressway. He further advised that the project would consist of removal and reconstruction of the Franklin Street Bridge, inclusion of new retaining walls, termination of some streets with cul-de-sacs, a new ramp over Weber Street, a new directional ramp going east to south to replace the existing on/off interchange to Highway 8, lighting improvements, and noise barriers extending to Highway 8 just past Ross Avenue and ending near the retaining wall on the other side. Mr. Hoffman also advised that during construction, traffic on Highway 8 will be maintained at 2 lanes in each direction; however, may be reduced to one lane during the night only to provide access to restricted areas for night time operations such as pile driving. In addition, he noted that the Franklin Street Bridge will be widened to accommodate bike lanes. Mr. D. Hoffman then reviewed each of the 5 proposed stages of construction, as detailed below: Stage 1 - · removal of King Street from west of Franklin Street to Ross Avenue and construction of new retaining wall behind existing retaining wall construction of 2 lane bridge for the new ramp south/east over Weber Street construction of Cul-de-sacs at Ross Avenue, Wilfred Avenue and Dellroy Avenue construction of embankment and road base for the new ramp south/east construction of retaining walls and road base for the southbound approach to the new ramp east/south removal of existing retaining wall from west of Franklin Street to west of Dellroy Avenue and construction of road base for Highway 8 installation of temporary and permanent lighting, placement of asphalt pavement and installation of lane markings for westbound Highway 8 and new ramp south/east During Stage 1, Mr. Hoffman advised that no traffic detours would be required; however, traffic may be reduced to a single lane in each direction on Weber Street during construction of the south/east ramp. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 1999 - 71 - CITY OF KITCHENER DETAILED DESIGN PRESENTATION - HIGHWAY NO. 8 WIDENING AND CONESTOGA PARKWAY INTERCHANGE (CONT'D) Stage 2 - · removal of King Street, east of Franklin Street to east of Fergus Avenue, and construction of new retaining wall behind existing retaining wall construction of cul-de-sacs at Arlington Boulevard and Fergus Avenue removal of existing ramp south/east and construction of piers for new east/south ramp and construction of road base for the King Street detour removal of existing retaining wall, east of Franklin Street to east of Arlington Boulevard, and construction of road base for Highway 8 installation of temporary lighting, placement of asphalt pavement, and installation of lane markings Mr. Hoffman advised that during this stage of construction the new ramp over Weber Street will be in operation and diversion for King Street and some night closure will take place. Stage 3 - removal and replacement of the Franklin Street bridge Construction of retaining walls and road base for the end of the new east/south ramp structure widening of Highway 8 southbound and construction of new median with concrete dividing walls construction of remainder of the piers for the new east/south ramp structure construction of permanent lighting, placement of asphalt pavement and installation of lane markings Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this time. Mr. D. Hoffman advised that the Franklin Street closing would have the most impact with respect to pedestrian and automobile traffic. In this regard, he advised that signage will be put in place to warn of the closure and direct the public to alternate routes. He further commented that discussions have taken place with the Region with respect to emergency service provisions and local School Boards have also been made aware of the closure. Stage 4 - · construction of the bridge for the new east/south ramp over the Conestoga Parkway placement of asphalt pavement and lane markings Mr. D. Hoffman advised that during this stage the new Franklin Street Bridge and Kingsway Drive would be open to traffic. In addition, the new 4 lane section of the northbound Highway 8 will be opened; however, he advised that detours for traffic on King Street will be required until the bridge for the new east/south ramp is completed. Final Stage- · · removal of existing east/south ramp installation of landscaping Mr. D. Hoffman advised that during this stage the new east/south ramp will be opened, the existing east/south ramp will be closed and the new 4 lane section of the southbound Highway 8 will be opened. In addition, he advised that the realigned approach to the existing ramp south/west at King Street would be opened. Mayor C. Zehr questioned the timing for the removal and replacement of the Franklin Street Bridge. Mr. Hoffman responded that this part of the project would take approximately 1 year; however, the exact time has not as yet been determined. Mayor C. Zehr questioned if there would be opportunity to complete this part of the project sooner, similar to the Ottawa Street improvement project. Mr. Hoffman responded that this might be possible and that it was anticipated that this part of the project would be undertaken within one construction season, starting in the spring and ending in the fall. He pointed out, however, that this would be subject to change. Mr. S. Mclnnis further pointed out that timing PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 1999 - 72 - CITY OF KITCHENER DETAILED DESIGN PRESENTATION - HIGHWAY NO. 8 WIDENING AND CONESTOGA PARKWAY INTERCHANGE - (CONT'D) constraints could be considered, and, if necessary, included as a condition within any contract for the project. Mayor C. Zehr stated that timing was important so as not to unnecessarily prolong closure of the Franklin Street Bridge and stated his preference for including the time constraint within the contract. Mr. Mclnnis agreed that the Ministry would look at tighter controls that could include a start date of March 1st with a completion date of November or December 1st. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if timeframes of the various stages were known. Mr. Hoffman responded that this project is anticipated to be completed within 3 years; however, exact timing for the various stages of construction is not known at this time. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if there was any way to shorten the construction time and Mr. Mclnnis stated that this phase of improvement to Highway 8 was more complicated, requiring various stages to be done in sequence. Accordingly, a longer period of construction time is required to complete the project and once the sequencing had begun it would be very difficult to shorten construction time. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if it were possible to award contracts so that 2 areas of construction could be undertaken simultaneously. In this regard, Mr. Mclnnis responded that the areas of construction at any given time were up to the contractor and will be subject to availability of manpower. Mr. Mclnnis stated that placing too many restrictions on the contractors may result in their inability to bid on the project. Councillor B. Vrbanovic also raised concern with respect to the proposed pile driving to take place during night time construction and suggested that this would most likely result in resident complaints. Mr. Hoffman responded that it was intended the Ministry would make application to the City for an exemption under the City's Noise By-law for the purpose of speeding up construction and so as not to restrict work unduly. He stated that such an exemption goes hand in hand with the Committee's request to shorten the construction timing; however, the Committee could consider excluding such things as pile driving from any exemption to the Noise By-law that may be permitted. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to a situation that occurred during previous improvements to Highway 8 in which the highway was temporarily closed at Montgomery Road during late evening for approximately half an hour. He noted that this caused confusion among motorists resulting in traffic congestion. In this regard, he asked that the Ministry ensure that any closures for this project are thoroughly planned and traffic redirected where necessary. Mr. Mclnnis acknowledged the situation referred to, noting that the Ministry plans to take a closer look at any closures that are necessary for this project and will undertake to provide notice of such closures as much in advance as possible. Councillor J. Haalboom pointed out that the grocery store located at the intersection of Franklin Street and Weber Street would be significantly impacted by the closure of the Franklin Street Bridge and questioned if discussions have been undertaken with the owner. Mr. Mclnnis responded that the Ministry has met with the owner of the grocery store and some concerns with respect to the business as well as the amount of property required to accommodate construction were raised; however, the owner made no specific request to the Ministry. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned what the new retaining walls would look like and Mr. Hoffman responded that the retaining wall to be placed along Highway 8 will match the existing wall and any other retaining walls would be in keeping with the current design which is known as "reinforced earth structure". Councillor J. Haalboom then questioned the height of the retaining walls and Mr. Hoffman responded that the wall on the approaching side (Conestoga Parkway) adjacent to Montgomery Creek will start at the same elevation as the existing wall and rise to a point where it crosses over Weber Street, where it will be at its maximum height. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 1999 - 73 - CITY OF KITCHENER DETAILED DESIGN PRESENTATION - HIGHWAY NO. 8 WIDENING AND CONESTOGA PARKWAY INTERCHANGE - (CONT'D) Councillor J. Haalboom referred to fencing along Highway 8 and its unsightly appearance and questioned if it was proposed to replace this fencing during construction. Mr. Hoffman responded that a design concept for landscaping treatments will be presented in the near future for viewing and these concerns could be addressed at that time. Mr. Mclnnis further stated that a portion of the fencing would be removed and replaced; however, replacement of the entire fence would not be undertaken unless the integrity of the structure appeared to be breached. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the grocery store and questioned if any thought had been given to maintaining pedestrian access across the expressway. Mr. Mclnnis responded that discussion had taken place with respect to installation of a temporary structure for pedestrian usage; however, it was felt that such a structure would interfere with construction and would add significant cost to the project. He pointed out, however, that in discussions with City staff it had been suggested that possibly an interim shuttle bus service could be implemented. Mr. D. Snow advised that discussions had been undertaken in which the option of a temporary shuttle bus system had been considered; however, this temporary measure would also require funding which would have to be negotiated between the City and the Ministry. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that the temporary shuttle bus service could lessen the impact on the Franklin Street closure in a more cost effective manner than a temporary pedestrian structure and encouraged further investigation by staff. Councillor B. Vrbanovic then put forward a motion to formally request the Ministry of Transportation to consider including timing controls within the contract for the widening and reconstruction of Highway 8 so as to shorten the time for construction where possible and, in particular to restrict the construction time for removal and replacement of the Franklin Street bridge to no more than 1 year. Mayor C. Zehr requested that the motion include the exclusion of pile driving at night with respect to any application for exemption under the Noise By-law for this project. Councillor B. Vrbanovic agreed to accept this request as part of his motion. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned if restricting pile driving during night time construction would counteract the Committee's request that the Ministry shorten the timeframe for construction. Mr. Mclnnis responded that if pile driving were not allowed during night time construction it would then be done during the day which may cause some traffic congestion. He pointed out that other work during night time hours would be undertaken and he did not see restriction of pile driving at night significantly impacting the timing of construction. Councillor J. Haalboom requested that the motion also include replacement of the fencing along Highway 8. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that the Province has guidelines in place to determine the necessity for removal and replacement of fencing and did not feel that it was necessary to include this in the motion. Mayor C. Zehr stated that this portion of fencing was in particularly bad shape and it made practical sense to replace it. Accordingly, Councillor B. Vrbanovic agreed to add this to his motion. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That Council request the Ministry of Transportation to consider including timing controls within the contract for the widening and reconstruction of Highway 8, from the Conestoga Parkway to Fergus Avenue, so as to shorten the length of time for construction where possible and, in particular, to restrict the construction time for removal and replacement of the Franklin Street bridge to no more than 1 year; and, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 1999 - 74 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DETAILED DESIGN PRESENTATION - HIGHWAY NO. 8 WIDENING AND CONESTOGA PARKWAY INTERCHANGE - (CONT'D) That any request for an exemption to the City's Noise By-law with respect to this project exclude any excessive night time noise construction such as pile driving; and further, That the portion of the existing fencing on Highway 8, located on the Kingsway Drive side within the construction zone, be removed and replaced." Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the next phase of Highway 8 improvements to follow in approximately 4 years time in the area of the Weber Street exit and pointed out that pedestrians some times use an underground sewer trench when walking to retail stores in the area. He asked that the Ministry consider making improvements to the sewer trench at the time of the next phase of improvements to allow pedestrians to safely walk through it or, alternatively, block off the sewer trench as it is unsafe in its present condition. Mr. Mclnnis agreed to take this under advisement. Councillor Jake Smola questioned if the highway improvement projects were being coordinated in conjunction with the Regional Roads Program and budget. Mr. D. Snow responded that meetings have been undertaken with the Region with respect to the 5 year Roads Capital Budget and staff are making serious attempts to coordinate construction projects. He pointed out that this issue would be addressed in a report to be presented at a later date. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that staff ensure that the Weber Street reconstruction between Fergus Avenue to the expressway ramp and Old King Street from Fairway Road to Morrison Road be completed prior to the start of this project. Mr. Snow agreed to take this into consideration and assured that staff will look at all construction and coordinate all projects in such a manner as to minimize their impact. Councillor Jake Smola questioned if the contract would include a mile radius with respect to the distance of travel to bring in aggregate resources. Councillor Smola stated that he would be concerned from an environmental point of view, as well as economical, as this area already has a number of resources that could be used. Mr. Mclnnis responded that this would be left totally to the contractor; however, he anticipated that the contractor would utilize local resources, as there was sufficient supply within the area. He further stated that it would not be something that they would consider including within the contract as, again, too many restrictions may have an impact on the contractors ability to complete the work. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION TRANSFER TO THE REGION (JANUARY 1, 2000) The Committee considered a report date September 2, 1999 from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, outlining a number of recommended actions to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to ensure smooth transition of waste collection services. Mr. S. Gyorffy reviewed the issues with respect to transfer of waste collection to the Region, noting that the Region does not currently have a Waste Collection By-law. In this regard, he pointed out that staff are recommending that the Region assume the City's current Waste Collection By-law for enforcement purposes. In addition, Mr. Gyorffy advised that preliminary discussion has already been undertaken with the Region. Mayor C. Zehr questioned what reaction had been received with respect to discussion that had taken place to date with the Region. Mr. Gyorffy responded that the response to date has been very cooperative and no major issues have been raised. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to take the following actions with respect to the transfer of waste collection services to the Region on January 1, 2000, namely: 2. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION TRANSFER TO THE REGION (JANUARY 1, 2000) - (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 1999 - 75 - CITY OF KITCHENER Assume the current garbage collection contract with Browning Ferris Industries and the administration of it effective January 1,2000. Assume the City's current Waste Collection By-law as a new Regional By-law effective January 1,2000. Commence Regional enforcement of all aspects of the Waste Collection By-law effective January 1,2000. Maintain existing levels of service until the current contract with Browning Ferris Industries expires (September 30, 2001). Continue the City's garbage rebate programme for calendar years 1999, 2000, and 2001, to coincide with the term of the City's present waste collection contract. Undertake a public consultation process if any changes in levels of service are contemplated in a new tender for waste collection services in 2001. Assume the provision and maintenance of all litter containers including those downtown, on streets, in Parks, and at Transit stops and shelters commencing January 1,2000. Undertake an educational programme to inform the public about the changes in jurisdiction for waste collection service." 3. STANDARD CONTRACTS FOR UTILITIES GAS MANAGEMENT The Committee considered a report dated September 8, 1999 from Mr. D. Quinn, Director of Utilities, requesting approval of standard form contracts for the purpose of managing natural gas delivery needs. Mr. D. Quinn advised that the standard contracts would allow staff to manage its inventory of gas. In this regard, he advised that the City receives the same amount of gas each month; however, the consumption varies. Staff are required by legislation to manage stored levels within standard limits and if the standards are not maintained penalties are imposed. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener approve, and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute, the following standard form contracts for the purpose of managing the natural gas delivery needs: Interruptible Service Hub Contract (All Services/All Points) with Union Gas Limited (Revised: Feb. 21/97) Parking and Loan Service (PALS) Contract with TransCanada Pipelines Limited (Date: July 8/97) Multiple Handshakes/Pooling Service (MHPS) Contract with TransCanada Pipelines Limited (Date: Nov. 1/98)." Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested staff to comment on gas pricing. He stated that initially it was anticipated that pricing would increase; however, it now appears that prices have now been lowered. Mr. Quinn responded that the Canadian market is impacted by the North American market. He pointed out that hurricane season within the United States was expected to cause a price increase and, accordingly, the Canadian market experienced its highest increase in 15 years. The anticipated hurricanes were not as bad as originally anticipated and, accordingly, prices decreased somewhat; however, the price of gas still remains at a higher price then it has STANDARD CONTRACTS FOR UTILITIES GAS MANAGEMENT (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 1999 - 76 - CITY OF KITCHENER been in past years. Mr. Quinn advised, however, that the City has not had to increase its price of gas at this time and hopes to manage its costs effectively so as not to increase its price. 4. DOPWR 99-11 - VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM TRANSIT TERMINAL The Committee considered a report dated August 4, 1999, from Mr. D. Snow, Director of Transportation, requesting approval to upgrade the CCTV Surveillance System at the Transit Terminal as part of the continuing efforts to improve levels of security. Mr. D. Snow advised that the upgrade to the surveillance system has been recommended in response to an incident this past spring and is the last phase of improvements with respect to security levels at the terminal. He pointed out that the company that installed the City Hall surveillance system reviewed the system at the Transit Terminal, identifying certain deficiencies and staff are now ready to tender for the work to be done to enhance the surveillance system. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the CCTV Surveillance System at the Transit Terminal be enhanced to cover identified deficiencies; and, That quotations be solicited from qualified suppliers to upgrade the existing surveillance system at the Transit Terminal; and further, That funds from the Capital Budget initially targeted for a new on board radio system be utilized for the CCTV system upgrade." 5. DOPWR 99-32 - ON-STREET PARKING - WHISPERWOOD COURT The Committee considered a report dated August 31, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking requesting approval for a parking prohibition on the west side of Whisperwood Court, from the intersection of Windrush Trail to a point 246 metres north therof. Mr. J. McBride advised the Committee that this parking prohibition was a result of a request from residents of Whisperwood Court who anticipate increased traffic generated by the Rotary Club Dream Home located at 112 Whisperwood Court. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if the parking prohibition extended the length of the crescent and Mr. J. McBride responded that the prohibition was from the intersection of Windrush Trail through to and was including the cul-de-sac bulb. Councillor J. Haalboom also questioned why the west side of the street had been chosen for the parking prohibition. Mr. McBride responded that the west side had been chosen to permit the maximum amount of parking to be retained on this street to lessen the impact to residents. He stated that signage will be posted on the west side and that this parking prohibition is only temporary to accommodate the Dream Home Contest which will conclude at the end of January. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to the report in which it states that the Rotary Club is prepared to hire off-duty Police Officers to enforce parking on Whisperwood Court. In this regard and in the interest of safety, she questioned if the Committee should strongly recommend that the Club consider hiring off-duty Police Officers to enforce the parking. Mr. J. McBride responded that the Rotary Club has indicated that the first 3 or 4 weekends will generate the highest level of traffic, at which time representatives of the Rotary Club will be on site and will request Police services if necessary. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that the recommendation should include the date of the removal of the parking prohibition and Mr. McBride agreed. 5. DOPWR 99-32 - ON-STREET PARKING - WHISPERWOOD COURT - (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 1999 - 77 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the west side of Whisperwood Court, seven days a week, from the intersection of Windrush Trail to a point 246 metres north thereof, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., for a temporary period beginning September 20, 1999 through January 31, 2000; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information reports, namely: · Regional Approval of Area Municipal Traffic and Parking By-laws · Ottawa Street at Senioren Haus 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator