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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-02-23PWTC\1998-02-23 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 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 His Worship Mayor C. Zehr. Others Present: Ms. D. Adams, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. A. Cole and Messrs. B. Stanley, M. Hausser, J. Bayley, D. Snow, B. Musselman, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, L. Lynch, T. Clancy, B. Arnot, T. McCabe and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. GIS PROJECT, CORPORATE DATABASE & INTEGRATED INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IIMS) Mr. B. Stanley advised the Committee that at this meeting Ms. Dianne Adams and Messrs. M. Hausser and J. Bayley would be making information presentations regarding GIS, the Corporate Database and the Integrated Infrastructure Management System (IIMS). Each of these presentations were made making use of the Council Chamber audio/visual equipment. Ms. D. Adams advised that the Committee that GIS is a computer based system for capturing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing and displaying data which is spatially referenced to the earth's surface. The details of the information presented by Ms. Adams was included in the written material which was submitted to each member of Council as part of their agenda package. During her presentation, Ms. Adams undertook demonstrations to show how the various features of the GIS project can be used and the information that is available. Mr. M. Hausser undertook a presentation regarding the Corporate Database and provided an overview as to how information is currently being managed and what is anticipated for the future. It was suggested to the Committee that "Corporate Database" is a term which is used to describe the existing databases available in the City of Kitchener. Typically, these databases operate independent from each other but there is a mechanism which allows for the passing of information. The details of the presentation made by Mr. Hausser were attached to the agenda in hard copy form. Mr. J. Bayley appeared before the Committee to make a presentation regarding the Integrated Infrastructure Management System (IIMS). It was noted that Infrastructure Management provides for the protection of the City's valuable public assets. It was also noted that IIMS is a computer based system which provides the tools necessary to carry out Infrastructure Management. The goal of IIMS is "cost effective maintenance and replacement of the City's assets, leading to a sustained infrastructure system". The Committee was advised that IIMS commenced in 1996 and it is anticipated that this project will be completed by the end of the year 2000. The details of Mr. Bayley's report were attached to the agenda in hard copy form. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned whether or not the City will ever have a system which will provide the Fire Department with site plan information as well as an indication of chemicals which may be stored on a specific site. In this regard, Mr. B. Stanley advised that such a system will be developed in the future. In the presentation it was noted that the City of Kitchener has a great deal of GIS information regarding the City of Waterloo. In this regard, Mr. B. Stanley noted that this information became available as part of the study regarding joint fire dispatch and has been funded almost exclusively by the City of Kitchener. Ms. Adams pointed out, however, that the City of Kitchener did not start from scratch and much information regarding the City of Waterloo was available through the Region. 1. GIS PROJECT, CORPORATE DATABASE & INTEGRATED INFRASTRUCTURE PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 1998 -17- CITY OF KITCHENER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IIMS) (CONT'D) When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. J. Bayley advised that approximately 25% of the approved budget has been spent on IIMS at the present time. Of these expenditures, approximately 40% have been for temporary labour. Mr. Bayley also advised the Committee that the IIMS project is on schedule even though there were some start up problems. Mr. Bayley expressed confidence that the project will be completed within the 4 years which was originally allocated. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether or not discussions have taken place with users to determine what information is required on a daily basis versus information that may be rarely used. In this regard, Mr. M. Hausser pointed out that a database is being developed that will support many different programs. As a result, a system is being designed which can be expanded in the future but presently is concentrated on current needs. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. B. Stanley advised that the original budget for the GIS project was $3.3 million dollars. Approximately 15% of this amount has been spent at the present time. It was also noted that there is a GIS Steering Committee who review costs and timing on an annual basis and it was agreed that a report in this regard could also be submitted to Council yearly. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern about demolition permits being issued for buildings located in heritage areas. In this regard, it was suggested that as a result of the new building permit system, problems of this nature are less likely. Councillor John Smola thanked all involved staff for the role they played in making each of the presentations. 2. OTTAWA STREET NORTH BRIDGE Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that last week staff met with representatives of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the Ministry of Transportation. It was noted that the Ministry of Transportation officials were very non-committal but indicated that, at the present time, no funding for the expressway project has been approved. It is still anticipated, however, that the Ottawa Street bridge will be removed in October 1998 with replacement taking approximately 1 year. Mr. Snow advised the Committee that he has requested Ministry of Transportation officials to make a detailed presentation to members of Council once the funding for this project has been approved. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that further discussions take place with the Province to determine whether or not the 1 year replacement for the Ottawa Street bridge can be reduced. One of the main areas of concern is the provision of fire protection and possibly the hours of work could be expanded so that the project could be completed sooner. Mr. D. Snow advised that all possible options will be reviewed with the Province and the Region so that the Ottawa Street bridge can be replaced as quickly as possible. 3. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk