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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-03-23PWTC\1998-03-23 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date with all members present, except Councillor John Smola. Councillors J. Ziegler and G. Lorentz were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. S. Kennedy, Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. D. Snow, J. Bayley, D. Quinn, S. Gyorffy, T. McCabe, J. McBride, J. Gazzola, L. Lynch, T. Clancy, J. Shivas and L.F. Parkhouse. In the absence of Councillor John Smola, this meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee was Chaired by Councillor B. Vrbanovic and commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. DELEGATION - FEDERAL DYNAMIC ADVERTISING INC. - ILLUMINATED STREET SIGNS The Committee was advised that the delegation regarding this item will not be in attendance at this meeting. It was agreed that, if the delegation wishes to appear at a future meeting, they should discuss their proposal with staff prior to addressing the Committee. REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO PRESENTATION - DUKE & CHARLES STREETS - TWO-WAY CONVERSION The Committee was advised that, in 1996, the Downtown Transportation Study was approved in which it was agreed that the existing Ring Road System would be abandoned and Duke and Charles Streets would be converted back to two-way traffic. In this regard, Messrs. G. Vincent and G. MacDonald were in attendance representing the Regional Municipality to make a presentation regarding the works to be undertaken. Mr. G. MacDonald advised the Committee that a public information centre will be set up on March 31st in the Rotunda at Kitchener City Hall, at which time the work to be completed and the scheduling for this work will be presented. It is felt that reverting Charles and Duke Streets to two-way traffic will increase pedestrian and cyclist friendliness, improve traffic circulation in the Downtown area and encourage new developments on these streets. The work to be undertaken will include pavement markings which will improve traffic flows and parking, intersection improvements and access to some existing properties. For example, existing ingress and egress points from the King Centre, Market Square and Duke Street parking facilities will be modified. There will also be major reconstruction work at the Duke, Francis, King and Charles Streets intersections. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. The Committee was advised that the work in the Downtown area will commence in late June 1998, with completion being anticipated during September 1998. During the construction process there will be a number of road closures and detours required and the details in this regard will be circulated to all affected property owners/tenants. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. It was noted that, in addition to the various road works, there will also be a number of other projects which will be taking place in Downtown Kitchener during the summer of 1998. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison noted that the re-implementation of two-way traffic in the Downtown area has been a contentious item and congratulated all of those involved for the roles they have played in bringing this matter to a conclusion. Councillor Taylor-Harrison noted that every idea which has been presented has been considered in detail at a staff level. When questioned by Councillor J. Haalboom, Mr. MacDonald advised that the exit ramp from the Market Square Parking Garage will be altered so that traffic can leave this facility at nearly a 90 degree angle to Duke Street. This will improve visibility for exiting vehicles even though they will be prohibited from making right hand turns. Traffic exiting the Market Square Parking Garage will be required to turn left and cross one lane of on-coming traffic. Once implemented the changes will be monitored and, if necessary, additional signage will be installed. It was the view of Mr. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 -19- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO PRESENTATION - DUKE & CHARLES STREETS - TWO-WAY CONVERSION (CONT'D) MacDonald that existing traffic signals at Scott Street and Frederick Street will create sufficient gaps in the traffic to allow for appropriate traffic movements out of the garage. Mr. MacDonald advised the Committee that there will be problems of a similar nature at other locations but they will not have the magnitude of the problems which must be corrected at the Market Square Garage. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that the situation at the Market Square Garage will have to be monitored closely because, in his opinion, traffic congestion will be created and if remedial steps are not taken it could mean that people will discontinue their use of this parking facility. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether or not consideration had been given to reversing the in and out access points at the Market Square Parking Garage. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that such a proposal had been considered in detail and is not possible due to the helix ramps located within the facility. It was noted, however, that if the Cora Group ever redevelops this site the entrance and entrance options will be reviewed very closely. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. MacDonald advised that the elimination of two-way traffic on Duke Street, between Frederick Street and Scott Street, could be looked at in the future. This option would only be considered as the last means of alleviating traffic congestion. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that the potential closure of Duke Street is presently on hold. In this regard, Councillor Jake Smola suggested that a great deal of money should not be spent to change the egress from the Market Square Parking Garage until a final decision has been made about the future use of this facility. Mr. D. Snow pointed out that the reversion to two-way traffic on Duke Street will not eliminate future options for improvements. Mr. G. Vincent acknowledged that the Region has purchased 3 properties which would have been used for Duke Street improvements which are no longer required. These properties have been put back on the market and a total revenue of approximately $150,000.00 could be realized. Several members of the Committee expressed concern that cars parked on the Market Square side of Duke Street may create visibility problems for cars leaving the parking garage. Staff ensured the members of the Committee that this situation will be closely monitored. Messrs. MacDonald, Vincent and Snow were thanked for their presentations regarding the conversion of Duke and Charles Streets to two-way traffic. DOPWR 98-1 - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - TENDER T98-25 - KING STREET EAST AND CEDAR STREET RECONSTRUCTION The Committee was advised that the King Street East/Cedar Street reconstruction project will be tendered in mid-March with construction scheduled to commence near the end of April. It is anticipated that this project will take approximately 4 months to complete and will be undertaken concurrently with the reversion of Charles and Duke Streets to two-way traffic. In order to have all work completed as quickly as possible an exemption is being requested from the City's Noise By- law so that construction can take place until 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Contractor(s) for the King Street East, (Scott Street to Cedar Street), and Cedar Street, (Charles Street to King Street), reconstruction, City of Kitchener Contract T98-25, be exempted from the provisions of Chapter 450, Noise, of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, Article 6, Construction Work, for the duration of reconstruction of King Street East and Cedar Street, plus other related activities, beginning April 27, 1998 and concluding September 30, 1998, and that the exemption apply from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding Statutory Holidays." PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DOPWR 98-7 - ON-STREET PARKING - BANKSIDE DRIVE The Committee was advised that requests have been received from area residents and a school bus operator to review the existing parking regulations on Bankside Drive, between Fisher-Hallman Road North and Westforest Trail. At the present time, parking is permitted on both sides of the street for a maximum period of 3 consecutive hours. Staff of the Traffic and Parking Division have reviewed this area and, in order to provide for the safe two-way flow of school buses and local traffic, it is being recommended that parking be prohibited anytime on the west side of Bankside Drive, from Fischer-Hallman Road North to Oprington Drive. When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. D. Snow advised that the owners of Bankside Terrace are aware of this proposal and are reviewing their own plans in an attempt to improve their on-site parking situation. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited anytime on the west side of Bankside Drive, from Fischer-Hallman Road to Oprington Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNING - PROPOSED POLICY The Committee considered a report recommending that a policy be adopted to deal with construction and work area traffic control signage. The policy, as proposed, would strengthen the City's enforcement authority for contractors that violate safety standards when working on public right-of-ways. It was noted that there are adequate controls for large capital projects because of the contractual obligations involved. The problems are created by smaller contractors who do things which expose the public to unsafe conditions which, in turn, puts the City in a vulnerable liability position. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. D. Snow advised that the proposed policy has not been discussed with the small private contractors, however, the standards being suggested are clearly set-out when any permits are issued. The report presently before the Committee merely formalizes policy requirements which have been in existence and have been imposed for some time. The Committee was advised that, where appropriate, the Police could stop a particular job, however, they are not in a position to issue a Stop Work Order. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener adopt the policy, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on March 23, 1998, regarding construction and work area traffic control signing, and further, That the City of Kitchener develop a 'Stop Work Order' process, empowering designated staff to enforce the requirements of the 'Traffic Control Manual for Roadway Work Operations' at construction work sites on municipal rights-of-way within the City of Kitchener, and further, That the following City of Kitchener staff, or their designates, have the authority to issue 'Stop Work Orders' to any City crew or private contractor not providing traffic control signing in accordance with the 'Traffic Control Manual for Roadway Work Operations', namely: · General Manager, Public Works · Assistant General Manager, Public Works · Director, Traffic and Parking; and further, TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNING - PROPOSED POLICY (CONT'D) That the following City of Kitchener staff be designated to issue 'Stop Work Orders' to any City PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 -21 - CITY OF KITCHENER crew or private contractor working on a project under his/her responsibility not providing traffic control signing in accordance with the 'Traffic Control Manual for Roadway Work Operations', namely: · Manager of Operations, Utilities · Manager of Operations, Public Works · Managerof Parks Operations · Managerof Engineering Rehabilitation · Manager of Design and Construction · Design and Construction Engineer · Supervisor of Traffic Operations · Traffic Project Co-ordinator; and further, That Chapter 827, Excavations Within Highways, of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be amended as required." 6. LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM The Committee considered a report which recommends that 2 self-contained vacuum leaf loaders be purchased at an estimated cost of $100,000.00. It was noted that the amount of leaves collected increased from 3,330 tons in 1996 to 4,835 in 1997, which is an increase of approximately 45 percent. Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that to maintain the existing level of service, regarding leaf collection, a budget increase of approximately $100,000.00 is required. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. Gyorffy advised that leaves have been collected by the City for many years, however, it has only been the last 4 or 5 years that the City has tried to organize and formalize a collection process. Councillor Jake Smola was of the opinion that, since picking leaves up at the curb is a costly undertaking, consideration should be given to establishing more drop-off areas with the public being encouraged to make use of these locations. Another alternative may be to have Browning Ferris Industries (B.F.I.) do a leaf pick-up. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that B.F.I. did undertake a leaf pick-up in the past, however, the debagging from plastic bags was a costly undertaking. It was suggested that, even if pick-up schedules are established, there is no control over when the leaves will fall and people will rake their leaves at a time that is convenient to them. It was also noted that in 1997 the number of drop-off locations was increased and they were well used. One problem which has come to light is that many small contractors are now using these sites to dump their leaves rather than taking them to the landfill site where they are required to pay a tipping fee of $30.00 per ton. Mr. S. Gyorffy advised the Committee that the recommendation being presented at this time would result in the purchase of 2 leaf loaders which would be used in conjunction with existing trucks. Councillor G. Lorentz indicated his support for the purchase of new equipment which would allow leaves to be picked up off the boulevard rather than making it necessary for leaves to be raked out onto the street. Councillor Lorentz suggested that the City must provide some form of leaf pick-up for its residents and possibly consideration should be given to the City developing its own large compost site. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that bagging should be encouraged and questioned what additional costs would be involved if plastic bags were permitted. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that past experience would indicate that debagging costs are substantial and, in fact, on a unit basis the cost of debagging was more than the cost to collect loose leaves. The Committee was advised that the life expectancy of the blowers being recommended would be at least 10 years. Councillor Jake Smola was of the opinion that what is being dealt with at the present time is really a budget issue and, accordingly, the entire matter should be referred to Council for consideration on Budget Day. 6. LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM (CONT'D) Councillor Jake Smola did suggest, however, that there are alternatives which should be considered but, nevertheless, the purchase of new equipment should be considered along with all other budget PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER items. Councillor Jake Smola introduced a motion which would have this matter referred to the Budget meeting for further consideration. This motion to refer was put to a vote and was defeated. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That, subject to no action being taken prior to the finalization of the 1998 Budget, 2 self- contained vacuum leaf loaders be purchased for leaf collection purposes at an estimated cost of $100,000.00 to be charged to the Equipment Reserve Fund, and further, That Council endorse the operation of an evening shift for leaf collection, if required, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. during peak leaf collection periods, and further, That the staff of the Department of Public Works be directed to investigate other options which would improve the overall Leaf Collection Program in the City of Kitchener." TRANSIT ROUTE 2 - FOREST HILL - RELOCATION The Committee considered a report which recommends that Route 2 - Forest Hill be relocated from Forest Hill Drive and Birchcliff Avenue, and now use Fischer-Hallman Road and Greenbrook Drive. It was noted that staff have reviewed this matter and approval should have a minimal impact on passenger revenues. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Route 2 - Forest Hill be relocated from Forest Hill Drive and Birchcliff Avenue to Fischer- Hallman Road and Greenbrook Drive, and that such change be implemented coincidental with summer sign-ups." NATURAL GAS DIRECT PURCHASE - DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS The Committee was reminded that on September 15, 1997, City Council approved business rules complete with disclosure forms for use by agents, brokers and marketers who are actively soliciting customers for the direct purchase of natural gas. It is now being recommended that 2 forms be developed, one of which would be used for residential customers, with the other being used for commercial/industrial customers. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Utilities Division implement the revised disclosure requirements, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on March 23, 1998, for agents, brokers and marketers soliciting customers for direct purchase arrangements for their natural gas provisions." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee received the following information reports: · Status Report - Block Line Road Extension, Homer Watson Boulevard to Courtland Avenue · Status Report- Community Transportation Action Plan INFORMATION ITEMS (CONT'D) · DOPWR 98-3 - "Early Completion Bonus" - Tender T98-25 - King Street East & Cedar Street Reconstruction · DOPWR 98-8- Parking Strategic Plan Update PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER There was a discussion regarding the provision of an "Early Completion Bonus" and it was suggested that, if a bonus was to be provided, there should also be a penalty clause to deal with those who fail to meet the completion dates. In this regard, it was noted that penalty provisions are presently available, however, they are rarely used. The development of a bonus provision will increase the possibility of imposing existing penalty requirements. Staff indicated that they will monitor the bonus/penalty situation during the Downtown construction process and file a report with the Committee later in 1998. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk