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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1999-11-08PWTC\1999-11-08 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor John Smola, commencing at 9:00 a.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Haalboom, K. Taylor-Harrison, C. Weylie, Jake Smola, B. Vrbanovic, G. Lorentz and J. Ziegler. Officials present: Ms. J. Buckingham, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, J. McBride, D. Quinn, D. Mansell and J. Gazzola. 1. OTTAWA STREET RE-OPENING The Committee was in receipt of an information report dated November 2, 1999, from Mr. J. Cicuttin, Manager of Transportation Planning, advising that the Ottawa Street North bridge over the expressway is tentatively scheduled to be re-opened during the week of November 15, 1999. Mr. D. Snow pointed out that staff have reviewed the detour routes that were used during the time the bridge has been closed and a new service plan has been developed which will be implemented at the time the bridge is re-opened. The proposed changes in routes will affect Route 3 - Idlewood, Route 8 - East Avenue, and Route 17 - Heritage Park. Mr. Snow advised that copies of the plan may be obtained from the Traffic & Parking Division. Mayor C. Zehr stated that the process in getting the Ottawa Street bridge opened much earlier than first anticipated had worked very well and suggested that staff remind the Ministry of Transportation that the City would like to see similar results with regard to the Franklin Street bridge closing. In this regard, he asked that staff reconfirm the City's position with the Ministry with respect to the Franklin Street bridge closing. Several members of the Committee expressed their thanks to staff for their involvement in seeing this project through to an earlier conclusion. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to traffic controls that were implemented at the intersection of Krug Street and River Road with respect to prohibiting right turns on a red signal and advised that he had received several complaints with respect to this issue. In this regard, he questioned if this traffic control would be left in place or be reverted back to allow right hand turns on a red signal. Mr. Snow responded that, as part of the detour plans for the Ottawa Street bridge closing, right turns on red signals were prohibited at Krug Street and River Road and also at Lorraine Avenue and River Road. He advised that staff intend to review these traffic controls after the bridge is re- opened to determine if it is necessary to continue to have them in place. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that staff consider limiting the prohibition of right hand turns on red signals to rush hours only as it would not seem necessary, particularly during evening hours, for this prohibition to be in place. Mr. D. Snow advised that staff were of the opinion that it was best to evaluate these traffic controls prior to discontinuing them and staff would take into consideration concerns raised this date. 2. OTTAWA TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - CAPACITY EVALUATION STUDY The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 3, 1999, from Mr. E. Kovacs, General Manager, requesting that draft recommendations and the Ottawa Trunk Sanitary Sewer Capacity Evaluation Study, prepared by Earth Tech (Canada) Inc., be tabled at this time to allow further consultation with key stakeholders. Mr. E. Kovacs provided an overview of the study pointing out that the main concerns addressed relate to the capacity of the sewer system, servicing concepts relative to future growth, implementation of a dynamic pumping station scheme and financial implications of the project. He pointed out that the original design of the trunk was based on a gravity system; however, development of the area has evolved to approximately 4 times that of the original capacity expectations. He stated that over past years the situation has been addressed through installation of pumping stations and it is again necessary to determine measures that will maximize capacity for sewer service on the City's east side. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 1999 - 87 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. OTTAWA TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - CAPACITY EVALUATION STUDY (CONT'D) Mr. S. Gyorffy then reviewed, through illustration, the original trunk system and location of pumping stations at Ottawa Street, Forwell Road, Springmount Place and Lackner Boulevard. Reference was also made to a pumping station not yet completed at Veronica Drive. Mr. Gyorffy advised that staff are now proposing additional pumping stations for the area of Grand River South, Victoria Street and partial flows from Breslau into the City. He advised that this will result in a more complex system than was originally planned for the area. Mr. Gyorffy then introduced Mr. H. Gross and Mr. L. Mason from Earth Tech (Canada) Inc., consultants for the study. In addition, he advised that Mr. H. Gross has also recently been hired to fill the position of Manager of Engineering Design and Construction and will be joining the City's staff complement in this capacity in the very near future. Mr. H. Gross reviewed, through illustration, the original service area for the Montgomery Trunk system and pointed out the areas utilizing gravity and those using pumping stations. He advised that the service area proposed for the Manchester Trunk was significantly larger and would also be serviced by both gravity and pumping stations. He stated that the original design was for a smaller service area; however, with the advent of development the need for additional pumping stations has become evident to address issues related to capacity. In this regard, re-adjustment to existing pumping stations will be required; for example, the capacity of the Forwell and Springmount pumping stations may be reduced to make way for new pumping station installations. He further pointed out that the study recommends review of the Montgomery Trunk as part of the overall proposal for service expansion. Mayor C. Zehr referred to the proposed downsizing of the Forwell and Springmount pumping stations and questioned if they had been over-built. Mr. Gross responded that these pumping stations were originally constructed so that their combined capacity would fill the Ottawa Trunk. He advised that the study now recommends that an additional pumping station be installed within the Grand River South area which is proposed to be pumped into the Ottawa Trunk and, in order to be accommodated, flow capacity from the Forwell and Springmount pumping stations must be reduced. Mayor Zehr requested clarification that the reduction refers to pressure rather than volume and Mr. Gross responded that the reduction is related to the flow, which is measured in volume per time. Mr. E. Kovacs further advised that the end result would be forced flow into the trunk rather than through gravity and, while this is not in keeping with the original design, it can be done provided that it is carefully managed. Councillor Jake Smola referred to the recommendation to review the Montgomery Trunk and questioned if the intent was to determine if upgrades are necessary with these upgrades to be addressed at a later time. Mr. Gross responded that was correct. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the Ottawa Trunk in relation to odor problems experienced in the area of Graber Place and questioned if increasing the capacity would also increase this type of problem. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that the odor problem is caused by not enough flow and the flow present not moving fast enough through the system which can result in sewage standing still for long periods of time. He advised that it is anticipated that the increase in capacity will help to alleviate odor problems as it will result in more flow running through the system which will keep things moving along rather than allowing sewage to stand idle for a long period of time. Mr. Gyorffy further advised that in order for staff to be sure that this is occurring monitoring of the system through testing will need to take place, as well as general maintenance through cleaning and swabbing of the lines. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned if the individual lines will be by gravity flow into there respective pumping stations and Mr. Gross responded that the service areas will be gravity into the pumping stations with discharge ultimately to gravity into Montgomery Trunk. In this regard, Councillor Ziegler questioned if it was intended to place a surcharge on the gravity flow into the Montgomery Trunk and Mr. Gross responded that may be the case. Councillor Ziegler further questioned that if the new proposed service expansion was not handled carefully what would happen and Mr. Kovacs responded that if the system is not managed well the end result could be overflows and/or back flows. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 1999 - 88 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. OTTAWA TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - CAPACITY EVALUATION STUDY (CONT'D) Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the parameters of the study area and questioned why servicing of Breslau was included. Mr. E. Kovacs responded that 2 areas in Breslau were identified to be serviced in Kitchener; however, it is intended to ensure that the City's needs will be satisfied before acceptance of flows from Breslau are introduced. Councillor Lorentz questioned that if Breslau is not serviced, if it would still be necessary to continue with such an elaborate servicing scheme. Mr. Gross responded that plans for expansion will be required regardless of inclusion of the Breslau area and, as an example, he advised that the Victoria Street North is largely made up of commercial and industrial businesses whose waste capacity is higher than that of the Breslau area which is mostly residential. In order to service the Victoria Street North area, a pumping station will be required to be installed. Councillor into place. Township, G. Lorentz referred to reference of a surcharge and questioned how this would be put Mr. E. Kovacs advised that the City would have to negotiate an agreement with the which would address compensation for acceptance of flows from the Breslau area. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if there would be a more natural process through the Grand River area that could be implemented to take the load off the existing system. Mr. E. Kovacs responded that it was originally proposed that a major trunk along the Grand River utilizing a gravity system be implemented; however, because of the high cost it was ultimately decided to develop what was in existence now. Mr. Gross also advised that, while other forms of smaller communal treatment systems could be implemented, a municipally owned and operated treatment system is less expensive and easier to maintain and control. Mr. Gross stated that what is being proposed is probably the best that can be expected, as it would not be desirable to have multi- communal systems not under the control of the municipality. Mr. D. Mansell further advised that there is a Regional order of preference which looks to a fully owned and operated system first and the Region is not in favour of introducing smaller communal systems. Mayor C. Zehr referred to short and long term strategies relative to future industrial development, particularly north of Cambridge, Highway 7 and into Wellington County, that will be discussed at the Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting this date and questioned if it was premature to include the Breslau area in Kitchener's trunk system as it may be determined at some point in future that it would be more appropriate to flow through Cambridge. Mr. D. Mansell responded that the original concept calls for additional lands in Breslau to flow towards the Grand River and cautioned that the proposed Pioneer Tower pumping station will have to accommodate all lands on the west side which may not leave room to accommodate Breslau. Mr. Gross further advised that the study of the lands north of the airport is recommending these lands be serviced by gravity to a proposed pumping station in Breslau. Mayor Zehr stated that this issue should be further investigated with a view to long term planning and the feasibility of flow into the Cambridge/Township side of the Grand River. Councillor C. Weylie stated that the airport will draw development and questioned how future development would affect the capacity within Kitchener if Breslau lands are included. Mr. Gross responded that it would be very difficult without further study to determine if there would be a need to include additional lands from Breslau. Mr. E. Kovacs then provided a summary of the proposal pointing out that additional pumping stations will be required to achieve a balance of hydraulics and variables throughout the entire network. He pointed out that the Ottawa Trunk is crucial and the City must maintain total control over this system. In addition, the Montgomery Trunk will require engineering evaluation and if found to be inadequate modifications will be addressed at a later date. He advised that funding is proposed to be achieved through Development Charges and, in respect to Breslau, an agreement will be entered into with the Township. Mr. Kovacs concluded that staff are asking that these reports be tabled at this time so that input may be obtained from key stakeholders following which recommendations pertaining to an action plan would be put forward for consideration. 2. OTTAWA TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - CAPACITY EVALUATION STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 1999 - 89 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Jake Smola referred to Breslau and questioned the current sewage capacity on the Woolwich side. Mr. D. Mansell responded that the Regional Official Policies Plan allows a maximum of 1,215 units or equivalent population and a total of 3 hectares of commercial land. Councillor Jake Smola referred to lands from the end of Ottawa Street, up to the river and adjacent to ESP lands, and questioned if these were developable or considered in the floodplain. Mr. D. Mansell advised that it was a combination of both developable and floodplain lands and all of these lands are north of the proposed system. In this regard, Councillor Jake Smola questioned if the proposed golf course development had been included and Mr. Mansell responded that the golf course lands are located within the floodplain and have been included for flow into the Forwell pumping station. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that in her opinion, the question of inclusion of the Breslau lands and future development concerning the area surrounding the airport demonstrates the need for one level of government to oversee the magnitude of such a project. Councillor Jake Smola questioned the cost per metre of installation with respect to the Grand River Trunk and Mr. Mansell responded that previous rough estimates were approximately $55,000,000.00; however, this did not take into consideration all lands up to the Forwell pumping station. In this regard, he suggested that the cost today would be higher than the original estimate. Councillor Jake Smola further questioned the cost of installation of the pumping stations and Mr. Mansell responded that the cost to install the Grand River South and Victoria Street pumping stations would be approximately $6,000,000.00. He further advised that, at this time, the cost for the Breslau pumping station is unknown. Councillor Jake Smola then questioned the operating costs per pumping station and Mr. Mansell responded that the cost is approximately $25,000.00 per year, per station. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That draft recommendations as contained in the report dated November 2, 1999, from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, and the Ottawa Trunk Sanitary Sewer Capacity Evaluation Study, prepared Earth Tech (Canada) Inc., be received and tabled by the Public Works and Transportation Committee; and, That the Public Works Department be directed to present these reports to key stakeholders to receive and consider feedback; and, That these reports be given final consideration by the Public Works and Transportation Committee at its regular meeting held on either November 22, 1999 or December 6, 1999." OPERATIONS DIVISION - TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 2, 1999 from Mr. E. Kovacs, General Manager, requesting an allocation of funds in the 2000 budget for the purpose of developing a comprehensive Technical Training Program for all field personnel within the Operations Division of the Department of Public Works. Mr. E. Kovacs advised that technical training needs of the Operations Division are not currently being met and attempts to negotiate a resolution to this concern with the Union did not result in full support of all staff. The approach taken to address training needs was to develop a new classification system which would reduce the number of roles; linkage of technical training to the classification system; and, mandatory training. Mr. Kovacs advised that it is anticipated substantial benefits could be gained by implementing this criteria which would offset the funding requirements. Mr. Kovacs further advised that management has an obligation to ensure that all employees receive appropriate levels of training and lack thereof could result in situations of negligence against the City. Accordingly, he stated that it would not be appropriate to continue with existing practices; however, in order to proceed with development of a training program additional funding is needed. OPERATIONS DIVISION - TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAM (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 1999 - 90 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he supports the request of staff for additional funding; however, he questioned if there was opportunity for transfer of funds from other areas of the budget. Mr. Kovacs responded that he would not be able to identify specific funding that could be taken from other areas of the budget at this time. Councillor G. Lorentz referred to difficulty in negotiations with staff and questioned if long term employees were resistant to change. Mr. Kovacs advised that trust was a major factor and questions had been raised as to the ulterior motives of management. Mr. Kovacs assured that managements only interest is in developing a proper training program that will result in improved efficiencies and productivity and have no ulterior motives. Councillor G. Lorentz stated his support for the development of a training program and questioned how monitoring and measuring the success of such a program would be undertaken. Mr. Kovacs responded that the Department has already implemented a Work Management System, as part of its Integrated Management System, which was developed to measure reasonable expectancies and is used to measure units of work rather than dollars. Councillor G. Lorentz further questioned if it was necessary to negotiate implementation of a training program and Mr. Kovacs responded that it is included in the Collective Agreement and, accordingly, must be negotiated. Councillor John Smola referred to situations that would require staff training on multiple pieces of equipment and suggested that a new category be considered for inclusion in the program that would provide financial incentives and, ultimately, help to foster a trusting relationship between staff and management. Mr. Kovacs agreed that this may be a good alternative approach. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That $70,000.00 be allocated to the Public Works Operations Division Year 2000 budget specifically for the development of a comprehensive technical training program for all field personnel." REPLACEMENT OF RELINED GAS MAINS AND SERVICES The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 2, 1999, from Mr. K. Currier, Manager of Operations, requesting approval to replace all relined gas mains and services over a period of 10 years. Mr. D. Quinn advised that, while the need is not urgent, relined gas mains and services will be required to be replaced and staff are suggesting this take place over a ten year period as road construction or sewer work is undertaken. Councillor J. Ziegler referred to the last paragraph on page 1 of the report and, in particular, to reference that road excavation contributes to increased road maintenance costs over the life of the road service and questioned if the proposed replacement program will substantially increase road maintenance. Mr. D. Quinn responded that was correct. Councillor J. Ziegler raised concern that roads will be continually opened and closed, resulting in patchworking and cited recent work along King Street East as an example. In this regard, he questioned if this work could be devised in such a way that the gas lines go under the roadway to meet new development across the road so that when connections from new developments are required the road would not have to be re-opened. Mr. D. Quinn responded that, in most cases, re-opening the road would not be required as tunneling could take place; however, Councillor Ziegler pointed out that unknown obstacles can be encountered during tunneling which result in the need to re-open the road. Mr. Quinn responded that this does occur in some instances; however, he advised that because of safety it is not the practice of staff to place underground servicing which will be left dead-ended across a roadway. 4. REPLACEMENT OF RELINED GAS MAINS AND SERVICES (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 1999 - 91 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That all relined gas mains and services be replaced over a period of 10 years in conjunction with the Public Works Capital Works Program; and, That a new capital project be created specifically for the relined gas mains and services to be funded at $2,500,000.00 over 10 years; and, That the existing replacement gas mains project be continued at reduced funding of $500,000.00 over 10 years; and further, That leak surveys of relined areas on a semi-annual basis be continued and replacement strategy be adjusted, if required." DOPWR 99-26 - PARKING TIME LIMIT - YORK STREET The Committee was in receipt of a report dated July 22, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, requesting that a 15 minute parking time limit be implemented on York Street. It was pointed out that owners of 81 York Street, Park Place Apartments have constructed a drop- off area to facilitate dropping off and picking up of seniors from this building. Accordingly, a 15 minute parking time limit is being requested for this area to discourage long term parking. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That a 15 minute parking time limit be implemented on York Street, from a point 65 metres east of Union Street to a point 20 metres east thereof; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information reports namely: · Public Notice of Study Commencement- Highway 401 Improvements · Ottawa Street Bridge Re-Opening TRANSITION TEAM REPORT - TRANSFER OF KITCHENER TRANSIT TO THE REGION Councillor John Smola advised that the Transition Team has reviewed issues relating to the transfer of Kitchener Transit to the Region and following its next meeting on November 18, 1999 staff are proposing to present a report to the Public Works and Transportation Committee to obtain comments and formulate a response. Councillor John Smola suggested that due to the complex nature of this issue that a special meeting of the Committee be held which would include an in- camera session to consider personal matters relative to Transit staff. In this regard, he advised that such a meeting would need to take place between November 18 and November 30, 1999 so that a response can be forwarded prior to consideration of the issues by Regional Council early in December. Further discussion took place relative to the need for a special Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting, in conjunction with an in-camera meeting. 7. TRANSITION TEAM REPORT - TRANSFER OF KITCHENER TRANSIT TO THE REGION (CONT'D) On motion, it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 1999 - 92 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That the Public Works and Transportation Committee hold a special meeting on Monday, November 29, 1999, commencing at 12:00 noon with the intent that the Committee immediately recess and meet in-camera to deal with personnel issues relative to the transfer of Kitchener Transit to the Region; and further, That following the in-camera meeting, the Committee reconvene to hold an advertised public meeting, commencing at 1:30 p.m. with delegations invited to be heard at 2:00 p.m." 8. HEARTHWOOD SUBDIVISION - SEWER/ROAD WORK Councillor J. Haalboom advised that residents in the Caryndale Drive area have expressed concern with the proposed sewer and road works to be undertaken within the Hearthwood subdivision and requested that she be provided with a staff contact. Mr. E. Kovacs requested clarification with respect to the concerns and Councillor Haalboom stated that they consist of the routing of traffic, the safety of children accessing Brigadoon Public School and the safety in general of children accessing the Caryndale Drive area. Mr. J. McBride was requested to respond directly to Councillor J. Haalboom. 9. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator