Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-04-06PWTC\1998-04-06 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola with all members present, except Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor G. Lorentz. Councillors K. Taylor-Harrison and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. E. Kovacs, D. Snow, J. Bayley, D. Mansell, S. Gyorffy, J. O'Rourke, J. McBride, G. Andersen, J. Gazzola, J. Cicuttin, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND ALIGNMENT STUDY - MIDDLE STRASBURG CREEK TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - HURON ROAD TO BLEAMS ROAD The Committee considered a report dealing with the preferred location of the Middle Strasburg Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer between Huron Road and Bleams Road. The report also suggests that the Class Environmental Assessment Study for this project be filed with the City Clerk for the mandatory 30 day public review period. Mr. D. Mansell advised the Committee that the Huron Community Plan directs that the location of the Middle Strasburg Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer is to be determined in accordance with the Class Environmental Assessment process as contained in the Environmental Assessment Act. The City of Kitchener selected Stanley Consulting Group Ltd. to examine various alternatives. As the result of these evaluations, Alignment "6B" is being recommended. The estimated cost is $4,250,000.00 which includes engineering fees and contingency allowances. The Committee was advised that the preferred alternative provides for the installation of approximately 660 metres of pipeline and will make use of the state of the art trenchless technology. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern that a presentation regarding this proposal was not submitted to the Environmental Committee for comment. In this regard, Mr. Mansell noted that usually, proposals of this nature are brought to the Public Works and Transportation Committee and City Council for acceptance of a preferred location. Once the preferred location has been established the actual details of the work are then open for discussion by all interested parties including the Environmental Committee. Councillor Haalboom expressed the view that a presentation should be made to the Environmental Committee initially so that their input could be received before any report is brought forward and finalized by the Public Works and Transportation Committee and City Council. Mr. Mansell indicated that the process could be revised in order for an earlier presentation to the Environmental Committee but pointed out that what is being considered at the present time is a location study and not the final design. Councillor T. Galloway referred to Options 1 and 6 and suggested that Option 1 would seem to include one less manhole in the wooded area. Mr. D. Mansell confirmed the views of Councillor Galloway but pointed out that it is unlikely that the additional manhole in the wooded area will be required. Mr. Mansell advised that the manhole has been included just in case it should be needed. The Committee was advised that all possible attempts will be made to carry out the micro-tunnelling without creating a manhole in the wooded area. Mr. T. Galloway referred to the micro-tunnelling that will take place under the tributary to Battler Pond and was assured that this work will be considered in detail when the actual design work is completed which will not be until it is time for the subdivision development to proceed. Councillor T. Galloway indicated his support for the report, as presented, in that it will, in his opinion, limit the impact on the environmental aspects of the area. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed the hope that all possible actions will be taken to eliminate the need to establish a manhole within the wooded area. It was agreed that the recommendation regarding this matter would be amended to incorporate wording in this regard. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 1998 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1 CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND ALIGNMENT STUDY - MIDDLE STRASBURG CREEK TRUNK SANITARY SEWER - HURON ROAD TO BLEAMS ROAD (CONT'D) Following further discussion and on motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That Council approve recommended Alignment '6B' as the preferred location of the Middle Strasburg Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer between Huron Road and Bleams Road, subject to all documentation being amended to include assurances that a manhole opening will only be created in the wooded areas if absolutely necessary, and further, That the Schedule 'B' Class Environmental Assessment Study Report for this project be filed with the City Clerk for the mandatory 30 day public review period." Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. DOPWR 98-9 - TRAIL BIKE PROGRAM Mr. J. McBride advised the Committee that due to numerous acts of vandalism, illegal activities and complaints from residents a Trail Bike Program was implemented on a trial basis from mid-August to mid-October 1997. This program resulted in the hiring of 2 individuals who were equipped with trail bikes and patrolled community trails, City parks and joint school sites. The Committee was advised that based on the positive feedback it is being recommended that the Trail Bike Program be implemented again in 1998 and run from May 1st to October 12th. The cost of this program has been estimated at $26,674.00. The Committee was advised that this amount has been included in the Traffic and Parking Division's 1998 Operating Budget. When questioned by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. McBride advised that the hours of operation for this program would be from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, 7 days a week. The Committee noted that staff wish to start this program as of May 1, 1998, however, the Operating Budget will not have been approved by City Council at that time. It was noted that there will be several programs that should be considered for pre-budget approval and these should be dealt with in resolution form by the Finance and Administration Committee. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That, subject to pre-budget approval by the Finance and Administration Committee and City Council, a Trail Bike Program be established to run from May 1 through October 12, 1998." DOPWR 98-10 - HIGHLAND ROAD AT WESTHEIGHTS DRIVE - EASTFOREST TRAIL EXTENSION - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION The Committee was advised that a letter has been received from M.T.E. Consultants Inc. who are working on behalf of the Public Works Department regarding work planned for the extension of Eastforest Trail. This work includes the construction of sanitary sewers, watermains, utility extensions, traffic ducts and new road work. Due to the amount of work required, it will be necessary to close the intersection of Highland Road and Westheights Drive. In order to minimize the disruption to the travelling public, an exemption to the City's Noise By-law has been requested from May 6th through May 22nd. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that an exemption to the City's Noise By-law is being requested on a 24 hour per day basis and suggested that this type of activity could prove to be very disruptive to the adjoining residential property owners. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that all possible attempts are being made to minimize the impact on the community as a whole and, accordingly,, all possible steps are being taken to get the work completed so that the Highland Road/Westheights Drive intersection can be re-opened as soon as possible. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated that he was prepared to support the exemption as requested providing that it would be reviewed if complaints were received from area residents. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 1998 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DOPWR 98-10 - HIGHLAND ROAD AT WESTHEIGHTS DRIVE - EASTFOREST TRAIL EXTENSION - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION (CONT'D) Several members of the Committee were of the opinion that a pre-construction meeting should be held with residents that may be affected by this work so that they are fully informed as to what is going to take place. Mr. E. Kovacs undertook to ensure that such a meeting would be arranged. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, subject to a complete review if complaints are received from area residents, the City of Kitchener and its contractors be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener's Municipal Code, Article 6 - Construction Work, during the construction of all underground services and related work for the extension of Eastforest Trail within the intersection of Highland Road and Westheights Drive (north intersection) from May 6 through to May 22, 1998." TENDER T98-13 - VICTORIA STREET TRUNK SANITARY SEWER AND STORM SEWER OUTLETS Mr. S. Gyorffy advised the Committee that tenders recently closed for the next phase of an ongoing project which will renew storm and sanitary trunk sewers to Victoria Street South. It was noted that the lowest tender is $600,000.00 higher than the estimate received from the Consulting Engineer. It would appear that the primary reason for the high tenders are the concerns of the bidders with the steps that will have to be taken to protect an adjacent property at 135-137 Victoria Street South. Sheet piling will be required to provide this protection but this will not entirely eliminate the risk of damage being caused to the adjacent structure. As a result of the costs involved it is being recommended that the tender not be awarded at this time and that a re-engineering of the project be carried out in an attempt to reduce costs. It is also being recommended that the City acquire 135- 137 Victoria Street South with the entire project being re-tendered in early 1999. Mr. H. Gross appeared before the Committee representing Proctor & Redfern Limited, who had provided the engineering estimate. Mr. Gross advised the Committee that several steps can be taken to reduce the cost of the tender and these are outlined in his letter. Generally stated, reductions could be expected in the following areas: · the purchase of less imported backfill material · the purchase of 135-137 Victoria Street South will eliminate the necessity for sheet pilings · providing contractors with waterflow figures will help them decide the pumping that will be required and it is anticipated that a reduction of $50,000.00 could be achieved. The Committee was advised that restricted site conditions in the area of the Linden Terrace Kitchener Housing complex creates additional damage risks which, no doubt, affected the tender price. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised the Committee that by reducing the number of risks and deleting the requirement for sheet piling it is felt that a substantial reduction in the tendered price will be realized. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That Tender T98-13 not be awarded, and further, That re-engineering of this project be carried out as detailed in Proctor and Redfern Limited's letter of March 30, 1998, and further, 4. TENDER T98-13 - VICTORIA STREET TRUNK SANITARY SEWER AND STORM SEWER OUTLETS (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 1998 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER That the City acquire the property known municipally as 135-137 Victoria Street South, and further, That the project be re-tendered for construction in early 1999 and the requirement for any additional funding be reviewed as part of the 1999 Capital Budget process." BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES In September 1997, Kitchener Council supported the implementation of Best Management Practices which were estimated to result in annual savings of approximately $970,000.00 across the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. As a result of the Regional review, staff from the area municipalities of Waterloo, Cambridge and Kitchener established a Task Force to review cost saving measures which had been identified. The Committee was advised that in the Utilities Division of the Department of Public Works there are 3 areas in which savings can be achieved. The development of a 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. shift on a Monday to Friday basis will better service customer needs and reduce overtime costs. The estimated annualized savings in this regard is $37,000.00. The Committee was advised that arrangements have been finalized to have all water meters in new developments installed by the Builder's Plumbing Contractor. Inspections will still be performed by the City's Plumbing Inspectors and this should create an annualized savings of approximately $10,000.00. In the area of water sampling it has been agreed that this should be contracted to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. It is anticipated that this action would result in an annual savings of approximately $20,000.00. In the Operations and Traffic Divisions of the Department of Public Works similar steps will be taken to add a late day shift which will eliminate the need for overtime. These changes will result in a savings of approximately $192,000.00. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that the savings, as contained in the report, are approximately $259,000.00 which is only about 1/3 of the amount which was included in the original Regional report. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs pointed out that what is being considered at this time are City of Kitchener savings only. Mayor C. Zehr questioned how long it has been since a cost benefit analysis has been undertaken to determine the appropriateness of repairing water meters versus discarding those which are not felt to be functioning properly and replacing them with completely new units. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs suggested that it has been approximately 10 years since any analysis was carried out and agreed that a further review in this regard would seem to be appropriate. Mr. Kovacs acknowledged to the Committee that he would carry out a further cost benefit analysis regarding the repair versus replacement of water meters and file a report with the Committee by the Fall of this year. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised the Committee that discussions have been initiated with other City Departments advising them of the intention to establish a late day shift and it is possible that these employees may be made available to other City Departments and reduce their overtime requirements. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated his support for the changes being recommended which will reduce overtime but questioned why the potential for these savings were not introduced some years ago. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that recent restructurings have created some core complement vacancies which can now be filled to implement the changes being proposed. It was noted that there will not be any additions to the Department's core complement to initiate this program. BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (CONT'D) When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. E. Kovacs advised that consideration of water PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 1998 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER service valves was a local initiative but it did become an item which was considered by the Best Management Practices group. Mr. Kovacs advised Councillor Jake Smola that a report regarding water service valves is being finalized and will be presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee at their next meeting to be held on April 27, 1998. Mr. J. Gazzola advised the Committee that there are likely other areas where similar changes could be considered to reduce overtime and studies in this regard will be undertaken with reports filed with an appropriate Committee once they have been completed. Councillor Jake Smola was of the opinion that the supervision of the snow removal process would be an area that could be considered. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, consistent with Council's resolution of September 22, 1997 respecting implementation of Best Management Practices, the Utilities, Parking & Traffic and Operations Divisions of the Public Works Department enact the Best Management Practices outlined in this report with the objective of realizing approximately $259,000.00 of annualized savings, and further, That the Department of Public Works be instructed to carry out a cost benefit analysis regarding the repair of water meters versus their complete replacement with a report in this regard to be submitted to the Public Works and Transportation Committee by the Fall of 1998." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee received the following information reports: · Speed Advisory Program · busPLUS Taxi Service - Laurentian West & Highland West Neighbourhoods · Bus Trax- Kitchener Transit Customer News · First OCTA Conference to be held in Kitchener · Bus Link Update ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk