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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1999-12-06PWTC\1999-12-06 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor John Smola, commencing at 8:45 a.m., with the following members present: Councillors G. Lorentz, K. Taylor-Harrison and C. Weylie. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Haalboom, B. Vrbanovic and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. C. Ladd, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, H. Gross, D. Quinn, R. Parent, J. Gazzola and B. Stanley. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee began without a quorum present. 1. NATURAL GAS RATES The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 29, 1999 from Mr. E. Kovacs, General Manager, requesting that natural gas rates be modified in accordance with schedules attached to his report and that the new rates become effective January 1,2000. Mr. E. Kovacs advised that the City's natural gas rates have been very attractive and competitive as the result of successful negotiations; however, he pointed out that the City is now in a position where it is necessary to modify these rates to remain competitive. It was noted in the report that with the proposed 7% increase effective January 1, 2000, the resulting supply rate would be approximately 10% less than that of Union Gas and one of the best in Eastern Canada. Councillor C. Weylie inquired if there was any intention to apply these rates retroactively and Mr. Kovacs responded that the rates would be effective January 1, 2000 with no retroactive payment to be applied. He advised that, as staff are now able to negotiate their own supply arrangements, retroactive payments would most likely no longer be a factor. Councillor J. Haalboom entered the meeting at this time and a quorum was now present. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That, in order to sustain the natural gas supply program without cross-subsidization, effective January 1, 2000, natural gas rates be modified in accordance with Appendix 'A', as attached to the report dated November 29, 1999 prepared by Mr. E. Kovacs, General Manager, Department of Public Works, and presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee at its meeting held on December 6, 1999, with the implicit supply rate being 12.36 cents per cubic metre." 2. RAYLENE DRIVE - INSTALLATION OF WALKWAY The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 24, 1999 from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, requesting that an asphalt pathway be installed from the internal walkway from 50 Westmount Road West to the end of pavement on Raylene Drive, together with street lighting and snow clearing of the pathway by the owners of 50 Westmount Road West. Mr. S. Gyorffy provided an overview of the area, noting that Raylene Drive dead-ends at the rear of properties fronting onto Westmount Road. He stated that residents of 50 Westmount Road, a townhouse complex, currently access Raylene Drive through an opening in a fence that was constructed on City property a number of years earlier. He pointed out that this access provides a shorter route for children going to and from schools in the area. Mr. Gyorffy advised that, as a result of concerns from area residents with respect to this access, staff are now proposing to improve the area by installing a paved walkway, together with lighting and appropriate barriers/railings. He further advised that the L-shaped design proposed will discourage bicycle speeding and encourage walk-through traffic. He stated that the improvements proposed would serve to clean up the area and a sign identifying Raylene Drive as a dead-end street will be installed. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 1999 - 99 - CITY OF KITCHENER RAYLENE DRIVE - INSTALLATION OF WALKWAY (CONT'D) Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. N. Thiele appeared as a delegation and provided the Committee with a brief history of development in the area, noting that when the townhouse complex was developed there had been a number of resident concerns with respect to parking and appropriate buffers which he felt had not been adequately addressed. Mr. Thiele advised that a number of residents in the Hearth Crescent area were not in support of the proposed walkway and, in fact, a petition was circulating throughout the neighborhood. He stated that resident concerns relate to vandalism and crime in the area and advised that the owner of 93 Hearth Crescent had installed the existing fence to counteract such incidents. He stated that installing a new fence as a one time expense would be better than the City spending funds to install the proposed walkway, which will require ongoing maintenance. Mr. Thiele pointed out that safety was a factor as it was felt such access would encourage more vandalism and crime to take place and suggested that there were a number of alternate access points available. He further stated that he believed that the proposed improvements would encourage abuse of parking by tenants and/or visitors of the townhouse complex. In conclusion, he stated that installation of a new fence would be a better alternative, with no legal liability to the City, and would ensure the privacy of area residents. Mr. A. Slade appeared as a delegation and advised that Ms. L. Barker, who had been registered as a delegation, was unable to attend the meeting this date as she had recently given birth. He advised that Ms. Barker was his daughter and a resident of 50 Westmount Road and had intended to appear in support of the proposed walkway. Mr. Slade advised that, while he is not an area resident, he was appearing with regard to safety issues respecting children and, in particular, his grandchildren who do live in the area. In addition, he stated that the area in question was public property and as such all residents should have access to it. He further pointed out that he was not aware of excessive crime in the area and did not feel that this was sufficient reason to close off access. He stated that his main concern was safety of children who, if access was closed off, would have to access schools from Westmount Road and Highland Road. These roads are high traffic areas which could pose a danger to children going to and from their schools and he reiterated the right of public access to public lands. Mr. R. Clarke appeared as a delegation and advised that he was the superintendent of the townhouse complex located at 50 Westmount Road. He stated that he also did not believe crime to be an issue and stated that his concerns relate to safety of children and the right of access to public lands. He advised that the existing opening in the fence had been there for some 20 years and the owners of the townhouse complex do not have any concerns with public access through the fence to Raylene Drive. He further advised that the owner of the complex intends to maintain clearing of snow along the pathway, maintenance of lighting on the townhouse side and clean-up of garbage. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. Mr. L. Ertel appeared as a delegation and advised that he had been a resident of 50 Westmount Road for approximately 3 ½ years and had not experienced any difficulties with crime relating to the neighboring property at 60 Westmount Road. In addition, he advised that he had no concerns with children going through the townhouse complex to access Raylene Drive, and in fact, had good repore with them. Mr. Ertel advised that he was in support of the proposed walkway as he suffered from epileptic seizures and for safety reasons used side streets such as this to limit potential bodily harm. He pointed out that children use this access to go to and from a number of schools in the area and stated his belief that the public has the right to access public lands. Councillor M. Yantzi advised that, while he recognizes resident concerns on both sides, he was in support of the proposed walkway. He stated that the pedestrian use of this walkway was high and that it provided a linkage to the interior neighborhood. He pointed out that the proposed walkway was to be installed entirely on a public right-of-way and the design concept, being an L- shape with a fairly large embankment, does not bring pedestrian traffic into close proximity with private property. He stated that there are other options to address safety issues relating to RAYLENE DRIVE - INSTALLATION OF WALKWAY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 1999 - 100 - CITY OF KITCHENER vandalism/crime and that provision of the walkway would encourage more walking through the area as opposed to bicycle/small motor vehicles. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison stated that she was in agreement with Councillor Yantzi's position of support and was prepared to move approval of the recommendation as contained in the staff report. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that she agreed that promoting walking and the provision of the pedestrian linkage was important; however, she inquired if an attempt had been made to address resident concerns between the opposing sides. Councillor M. Yantzi indicated that numerous discussions had been undertaken with respect to the concerns raised and pointed out that he was willing to arrange to hold a neighborhood meeting between members of the local Police Force and area residents to further explore issues of vandalism and crime. He stated that he felt this would be a better forum to discuss these concerns and did not believe they were directly related to the installation of the walkway. Councillor J. Haalboom further inquired if there would be a clear delineation of where pedestrians were to walk once the walkway was installed and Councillor Yantzi pointed out that the design concept of the walkway will direct pedestrian traffic away from private homes which are located higher up the embankment. He further stated that this area has been used as a walkway for a number of years. Councillor G. Lorentz inquired if there were any other areas within the municipality where the City had provided a walkway and if it was intended that the City would maintain the area in question. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that, in fact, this situation was an exception rather than the rule. He noted that Raylene Drive dead-ends at City-owned lands upon which the walkway is to be installed and it would be the City's responsibility to maintain. Councillor Lorentz referred to the recommendation, which suggests that the owner of 50 Westmount Road will provide snow clearing of the path and questioned if staff had anything in writing from the owners of the townhouse complex. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that staff were not in receipt of written agreement from the owners from the townhouse complex. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that he agreed that issues relating to vandalism/crime should be dealt with through a neighborhood meeting to include members of the Police Force; however, suggested that the City does not want to create an area to encourage students and others to hang out. In this regard, he stated that the area should be well maintained together with good lighting, and would like some form of written agreement obtained from the owners of 50 Westmount Road with regard to maintenance issues. He further suggested that the recommendation include an opportunity of mediation between opposing area residents and that the entire matter be monitored and revisited within a 6 month period. Councillor C. Weylie questioned if the original site plan had been looked at to determine whether or not a walkway was to have been placed in this area. Councillor M. Yantzi responded that the site plan had been looked at but it appeared that pedestrian linkages were not a factor at that time as they were not clearly delineated. He noted that interior access had been cut-off by a fence erected illegally on City property. Councillor C. Weylie then referred to concerns with respect to parking and Councillor Yantzi stated that, while there may be parking concerns, this was an enforcement issue and possibly staff could enhance its enforcement of this area. Councillor B. Vrbanovic inquired if fencing without openings was a requirement of todays development with respect to townhouse complexes. Ms. C. Ladd responded that fencing is not necessarily a requirement and depended on the area in which the townhouse was to be developed. She stated that where parking areas for such developments were to be located adjacent to residential properties staff would require appropriate buffers; however, if the townhouse development was constructed adjacent to open space fencing would not necessarily be a requirement. 2. RAYLENE DRIVE - INSTALLATION OF WALKWAY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 1999 - 101 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he would have difficulty supporting the recommendation, citing an example in his Ward where such access has resulted in vandalism, and felt that mediation of the opposing views should have been undertaken prior to the Committee considering the matter. Councillor M. Yantzi again stated that numerous discussions had taken place and it had been difficult to reach a compromise that was agreeable to both sides. In his view, he felt it would be better to make a decision now as to the opening or closing of the access and then mediation could take place with respect to other issues of concern. He further stated that, while mediation could take place first, the issues of concern were really contingent upon whether or not the access remained opened or was to be closed. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he was in agreement with monitoring and review of the situation within a 6 month timeframe. In addition, he pointed out that the access was really intended for residents of 50 Westmount Road and measures could be taken to discourage other use. He further suggested the area could be part of the Neighbourhood Watch Program to alleviate concerns of vandalism and loitering. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy further advised that the area could be monitored through the Trail Bike Program. Councillor J. Haalboom requested clarification that the original records had been reviewed and whether not they had indicated this area be open to public access. Mr. S. Gyorffy responded that research of past planning documents indicated that there is no requirement to close this area and, accordingly, staff felt they were not in a position to close off public access. Following further discussion, Councillor Yantzi stated that he wished to clarify that construction of the walkway was to take place entirely on City-owned property and not on private property. By general consent, it was agreed to amend the recommendation to include that the walkway be monitored for a period of 6 months following its installation, with a report back to the Committee at the end of the monitoring period. In addition, direction was given to staff to ensure that maintenance issues were addressed and that the 3 hour parking limit be enforced. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That a street light be installed on Raylene Drive adjacent to 103 Hearth Crescent, at an estimated cost of $2,100.00; and, That an asphalt pathway be installed from the internal walkway at 50 Westmount Road West to the end of pavement on Raylene Drive; and, That the owner(s) of 50 Westmount Road West provides snow clearing of the path connecting to Raylene Drive; and further, That, following installation, the walkway area be monitored for a period of 6 months with a report back to the Public Works and Transportation Committee at the conclusion of the monitoring period." Councillor John Smola advised the delegations in attendance this date that the Committee's recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, December 13, 1999, commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. 3. OTTAWA TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - CAPACITY EVALUATION STUDY The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 30, 1999, from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, proposing various recommendations with regard to undertaking further study to evaluate ultimate capacity of the City's trunk systems within east Kitchener. 3. OTTAWA TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - CAPACITY EVALUATION STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 1999 - 102 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. E. Kovacs advised that a presentation respecting this matter had previously been given at the Committee's November 8th meeting to outline the proposed study, which relates to servicing capacity and future growth in the Grand River South, Victoria North and Township of Woolwich areas. At that time, staff were directed to meet with stakeholders and Mr. Kovacs advised that these discussions have now been completed. He pointed out that the recommendations previously presented to the Committee basically remain unchanged; however, during discussions it became apparent that the original population figure of 11,200 for the Grand River South area has the potential to exceed this amount and, accordingly, the study should take into consideration the implications to service levels if, in fact, population figures were to reach in excess of 11,200. In this regard, he pointed out that Recommendation 3 has been re-worded to address this concern. He further stated that review, to date, indicates sufficient capacity levels; however, provision of service may not solely be undertaken through the Ottawa Trunk with potential to partially divert Township services through the Victoria Trunk. He noted that the understanding has always been that capacity allocations would apply to Kitchener first and advised that staff are still complying with this principle. Mr. Kovacs concluded that service to the area in question appears to be feasible, albeit with substantial effort, and advised that staff are now asking concurrence to proceed with the next phase of study. Councillor C. Weylie inquired what financial costs would be involved in the next stage and Mr. Kovacs advised that additional information with respect to costs would be forthcoming. Mayor C. Zehr referred to the population figure for Grand River South and questioned what has changed since the report was first presented that might have the impact of increasing the population beyond 11,200. Ms. C. Ladd responded that the original estimate had been based on previous development trends and maximum zoning yields which have changed over the last 5 years to include more density in zoning with smaller lot sizes. Through more formalized planning concepts she advised that it has now been determined that the population within Grand River South could potentially be as high as 14,000 to 16,000. She pointed out, however, that it is rare that any development reaches its maximum yield from zoning but this will not be known until development takes place. In addition, she pointed out that the study could show sufficient capacity levels can be reached through different engineering means and, accordingly, the study should not be restricted to false population figures but rather focus on what the maximum capacity that can be accommodated will be. Mr. Paul Puopolo, Planning & Engineering Initiatives Limited, appeared on behalf of Mr. B. Forwell and Mr. T. Forwell, owners of property in Breslau, and other owners in the Grand River South area. He advised that he had met with staff of the Public Works Department earlier this date and was in support of proceeding with the study which would allow owners of land in Grand River South and Breslau to proceed to the development stage. He stated that he understands allocation of capacity was to be in favour of Kitchener first, then branch out to Breslau. Mr. Puopolo further stated that he supported the recommendations in the report subject to clarification of Recommendations 2 and 3. He noted that he is now satisfied with Mr. Kovacs explanation as to the change in wording, in that, it was a technical solution as to whether servicing would take place through the Ottawa Trunk or the Victoria Trunk and he had no concerns with this issue. With respect to Recommendation 3, his concerns related to the fact that staff had previously been very specific as to the population figure of 11,200 and this had been the basis upon which his clients had worked towards in community planning. He stated that, if the study were to go beyond the 11,200, he would have no concerns if allocation was given to Grand River South. He advised that he would like an opportunity to meet further with staff with respect to other issues relating to sanitary servicing aspects. Mr. P. Britton, MHBC Planning Limited, appeared on behalf of his clients, Hallman Brierdale Limited, North Lake Homes, and Teakwell Limited, and advised that he was in support of the recommendations to proceed with the study. He noted that he has previously made known his concerns relating to capacity allocation to the Township of Woolwich and, through detailed review, it was his opinion that exceeding the 11,200 population figure would be a worst case scenario. He stated that he believed the City should proceed with consideration of the Community Plan as a first step to clearly define expectations of population and then deal with OTTAWA TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - CAPACITY EVALUATION STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 1999 - 103 - CITY OF KITCHENER issues of capacity allocation. In this regard, he suggested that the Recommendation 2 to be qualified by adding that when the Community Plan is considered in February 2000 the issue of sewer capacity be revisited in respect to timing for Breslau. Mayor C. Zehr stated that this would appear to be contrary to what staff are proposing who wish to proceed with the study to deal with the issue of capacity. Mr. Britton pointed out that the population figure of 11,200 was identified for lands in Kitchener and that the Township also has a population of approximately 3,500. He stated that both figures should be looked at to determine if there is sufficient capacity for Kitchener. At this stage, he stated that preliminary population figures could potentially create problems and that by considering the Community Plan first these figures would be fine-tuned. Mayor Zehr suggested that the revisions already made to Recommendation 3 address the matter of population and Mr. Britton agreed, pointing out that his proposed revision was intended only to serve as a trigger mechanism; however, would not affect his clients interest if not included. Mr. B. Green, Green Scheels Pidgeon, appeared on behalf of his clients, Thomas Field Homes, and advised that he was also in support of proceeding with the study. He indicated that he was also satisfied with the explanation given with respect to concerns raised and noted that elimination of artificial population limitations would not compromise primary allocation capacity to Kitchener. He advised that more innovative means of providing sanitary servicing were to be applauded and good planning may, in fact, dictate higher density. He pointed out that the area is much broader than just Grand River South and may have the potential of other development such as industrial uses. He noted that his client's interest lies in Breslau and that any proposed solution will be tied to servicing in Kitchener. In this respect, he stated that there has been a consistency of development between lands in Breslau and lands in the Victoria North area of Kitchener. He stated that he did not agree that any further change to the recommendations proposed was required and, while the study may take additional time, he was in support of proceeding with study as planning aspects will be allowed to continue. Councillor G. Lorentz requested staff to comment on Mr. Britton's proposed amendment to Recommendation 2 to include that in February 2000 when the Community Plan is considered sewer capacity with respect to Breslau be revisited. Ms. C. Ladd responded that staff were aware that the Community Plan would more clearly define population figures and, through discussion with Mr. Kovacs, it has been agreed that both the Community Plan and Engineering Study be dealt with simultaneously. She stated that, in her opinion, the proposed revision would be neutral in its effect. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That a further study be undertaken to address the ultimate receiving capacity of the City trunk systems in east Kitchener and to determine the measures that are required to maximize capacity in those sewers, with such study to evaluate and make recommendations on: (a) Locations for the installation of permanent flow monitoring facilities at pumping stations and in key sewers along with the preliminary evaluation of flow monitoring results from those locations. (b) The monitoring of flows and an evaluation of the capacity of the Montgomery Trunk Sanitary sewer and the identification of any improvements that may be required in future to maximize its capacity. (c) The preliminary design of control systems (SCADA) to integrate the operation of pumping stations and storage facilities in the area to ensure that gravity sewer capacity is not exceeded in any location. 3. OTTAWA TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - CAPACITY EVALUATION STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 1999 - 104 - CITY OF KITCHENER (d) The identification of modifications required at existing pumping stations (Forwell and Springmount) to reduce their peak discharge rates. (e) An estimate of the required time schedule and costs for system improvements; and, That developments proposed to be serviced by sanitary sewers in the Grand River South, Victoria North and possibly designated areas of the Breslau Community in Woolwich Township be allowed to proceed during the study and that specific conditions related to sanitary servicing be applied to the relevant subdivision agreements; and, That the study be based on assigning to the capacity of the Ottawa Trunk sewer the maximum development potential of the Grand River South area firstly and, secondly, the development of the Breslau area to a maximum of 1250 units and 3 ha. of commercial development; and, That such study and improvements, as outlined above, be funded from Development Charges and that the Public Works Department commence the selection process for the hiring of a Consultant; and, That the City own and control all pumping stations in the City that will eventually discharge to the Ottawa Trunk Sanitary Sewer; and, That the Victoria North and Breslau North lands be directed to the Manchester Trunk system; and further, That City staff proceed to negotiate an agreement with Woolwich Township staff with respect to the servicing of Township lands and that the draft agreement be brought back to Council for ratification." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information reports: · Victoria Street Storm and Sanitary Sewer Outlets- Project Update · Overnight Enforcement- On-Street Parking ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 10:00 a.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator