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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-05-25PWTC\1998-05-25 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 25, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola with all members present. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Ziegler and G. Lorentz were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. E. Kovacs, D. Snow, J. McBride, J. Gazzola and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. DOPWR 98-18 - K-W EXPRESSWAY - COURTLAND AVENUE TO FREDERICK STREET - EXPRESSWAY RECONSTRUCTION - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION The Committee was advised that the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario has requested an exemption to the City's Noise By-law for a period from July 1, 1998 to July 31, 2000. This exemption is being requested in regard to the work required to reconstruct the Expressway between Courtland Avenue and Frederick Street. The work to be undertaken as part of this project includes the following: · placement of temporary concrete barrier; · widening and rehabilitation of the existing Eckert Street, King Street, Weber Street and Krug Street structures; · replacement of the Ottawa Street structure; · excavation and granular base construction; · modifications to storm sewers; · hot-mix paving; · construction of noise barrier at selected locations; · construction of overhead signs and support structures; and, · construction of high mast illumination. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that recently he has received complaints about the noise associated with the existing construction contract. It must be recognized that people living in this area of the City are going to be inconvenienced over the next several years but, hopefully, some limitations can be incorporated so that any inconvenience is kept to a minimum. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that certain operations which involve excessive noise will be limited to the normal daytime hours and will not take place after 9:00 p.m. at night. It was noted that this matter will be discussed further when the report dealing with the Ottawa Street bridge closure is considered. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. The members of the Committee agreed that consideration of the requested Noise By-law exemption would be deferred to later in this meeting. DOPWR 98-16 - COURTLAND AVENUE AND SIEBERT AVENUE TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS The Committee received a report which recommends that traffic control signals not be installed at the intersection of Courtland Avenue and Siebert Avenue. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that recent traffic studies indicate that the traffic control signals are warranted at the intersection of Courtland Avenue and Siebert Avenue. Several requests have been received to have signals installed including several from Steve Scherer Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd., which is the Automobile Dealership located directly opposite Siebert Avenue with direct access to Courtland Avenue. The Committee was advised that the signals, even though warranted, are not being recommended because the proposed extension of Block Line Road will meet Courtland Avenue opposite Shelley Drive. Traffic control signals were installed at the intersection of Courtland Avenue and Shelley Drive in 1988. It is felt that this intersection will provide a safe and efficient access point to the Vanier Drive/Traynor Avenue neighbourhood. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 25, 1998 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DOPWR 98-16 - COURTLAND AVENUE AND SIEBERT AVENUE TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS (CONT'D) The Committee was also advised that, during site development negotiations, Steve Scherer was advised that a median would be installed on Courtland Avenue which would eliminate left-hand turns from the Dealership site. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that, similar to the intersection of Lackner Boulevard and Ottawa Street North, a political decision is required regarding this matter. He suggested that accident levels at the intersection of Courtland Avenue and Siebert Avenue are higher than is the case at Lackner Boulevard and Ottawa Street. He acknowledged that a median is proposed for Courtland Avenue in this area, however, he believes many residents and the Automobile Dealership are now opposed to such a traffic control. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that there are many other locations within the City where there are a series of traffic signals in close proximity to each other and traffic congestion is controlled by the timing of the signals. He suggested that the timing of the signals on Courtland Avenue could be co- ordinated so that the free flow traffic was not unduly affected. Councillor Ziegler advised the Committee that a dangerous situation exists at the present time and was of the opinion that an expenditure of $75,000.00 was warranted to install traffic signals. It was suggested that, due to financial considerations, the extension of Block Line Road may not be developed within the next 10 years. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. D. Snow advised that the Region is of the opinion that this intersection should not be signalized because of the proposed extension of Block Line Road. Mr. Snow pointed out that when the Scherer Dealership was approved the development proposal clearly indicated that a median would be installed at some time in the future. Councillor Jake Smola advised the Committee that he supports the installation of the traffic signals at this time and pointed out that, if in the future they are no longer required, they could be transferred to another location. Several members of the Committee indicated their support for the installation of the traffic signals as quickly as possible. In this regard, Councillor John Smola pointed out that, even if this action is approved by Kitchener City Council, Regional Council will have to be convinced that this installation is a priority. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be instructed to immediately install traffic control signals at the intersection of Courtland Avenue and Siebert Avenue." DOPWR 98-17 - OTTAWA STREET BRIDGE CLOSURE - K-W EXPRESSWAY IMPROVEMENTS The Committee was advised that, as a result of closure of the Ottawa Street bridge over the K-W Expressway, it will be necessary to develop an extensive detour network for traffic which normally uses this interchange. Staff from the Region, the Ministry of Transportation and the City of Kitchener have met on several occasions and have reached an agreement on a detour route. It is intended that Weber Street, Frederick Street and River Road will be the official detour route. It is recognized, however, that many people who are familiar with the local road network will make use of local streets rather than the signed detour routes. The Committee was advised of the following cost estimates involved in establishing the detour routes: 3. DOPWR 98-17 - OTTAWA STREET BRIDGE CLOSURE - K-W EXPRESSWAY IMPROVEMENTS (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 25, 1998 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER Relocate Bus Stops Install Opticom (ie. fire prevention) Sign and Maintain Detour Adjust Signal Timing and Phasing Temporary Traffic Signals on River Road at Krug Street 9,000 26,200 22,000 10,000 $ 42,000 TOTAL COST The purpose of the report being considered by the Committee is to recommend that the Ministry of Transportation reimburse the City of Kitchener and the Region for all costs associated with the closure of the Ottawa Street bridge. Mr. S. Mclnnis appeared before the Committee representing the Ministry of Transportation. Using several maps, Mr. Mclnnis outlined the works which will take place on the Expressway between Courtland Avenue and Frederick Street. The Expressway will be widened, a new interchange at King Street will be developed and noise barriers will be installed and/or relocated. The Committee was advised that the removal of the Ottawa Street bridge will not start until January 1999 and it is expected that this project will be completed by November/December of that year. The Committee was advised that a further part of this project is the widening of the bridges at Eckert Street, King Street, Krug Street and Weber Street. In regard to the requested exemption to the City's Noise By-law, Mr. Mclnnis pointed out that all possible attempts will be made to reduce the impact on the movement of traffic and to ensure the safety of the construction workers. At the same time, it is recognized that people live in this area and, accordingly, the processes with excessive noise will be limited to the daytime and early evening hours. Mayor C. Zehr noted that there is still works to be completed on Krug Street between Sherwood Avenue and River Road and questioned whether or not this work would be completed prior to the detour route being implemented. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow advised that the work on this section of Krug Street will be delayed until the year 2000. Mayor Zehr expressed concern that this section of Krug Street needs restoration and steps should be taken to ensure that it can adequately handle the increased traffic flows. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. Mclnnis advised that no penalty or incentive clauses have been included in the contract for the replacement of the Ottawa Street bridge because there was concern that this course of action could result in too much attention being focused on this one part of the project. The Committee was advised that saws and concrete breakers will be used to demolish the Ottawa Street bridge and this work will be done a section at a time. This work will be noise intensive and, accordingly, will stop by around 9:00 p.m. on a daily basis. Mr. Mclnnis advised that the Ottawa Street bridge must be replaced because it is showing signs of age and space must be provided to accommodate additional Expressway lanes. Mr. Mclnnis advised that sound barriers will be installed as part of the construction process and, accordingly, they will not be stand alone units. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the existing contract and advised that there have been some problems with late night noise. Mr. Mclnnis concurred that there have been a few problems, however, the contractor has been contacted and there should not be a re-occurrence. In this regard, Councillor Vrbanovic questioned whether or not a night time contact number could be provided so that anyone having concerns about excessive noise could contact someone involved 3. DOPWR 98-17 - OTTAWA STREET BRIDGE CLOSURE - K-W EXPRESSWAY IMPROVEMENTS (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 25, 1998 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER in the contract management and have the problem rectified quickly. Mr. Mclnnis advised that such an arrangement could no doubt be finalized. When questioned by Councillor J. Haalboom, Mr. Mclnnis agreed that sound barriers work very well for those people living very close to the Expressway but they do very little for those living further away. Mr. Mclnnis also advised that once the sound barriers have been put in place, additional tree plantings and vegetation will be considered. This would not likely happen until the fall of the year 2000. * Mayor C. Zehr left the meeting at this time. Several members of the Committee suggested that they would like to see the Ottawa Street bridge re-opened as quickly as possible. In this regard, Mr. Mclnnis acknowledged the inconveniences that will be experienced but pointed out that nothing can be done to speed up many of the construction operations. He did confirm, however, that this matter will be reviewed so that the bridge can be replaced and re-opened as quickly as possible. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the Ministry of Transportation reimburse the City of Kitchener and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for all costs associated with the closure of the Ottawa Street bridge, and further, That staff of the City and the Region negotiate cost sharing agreements with the Ministry of Transportation." At this time, the Committee dealt with a recommendation regarding the request for an exemption from the City's Noise By-law regarding the reconstruction of the Expressway between Courtland Avenue and Frederick Street. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and its Contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener's Municipal Code, Article 6 (Construction Work), during the reconstruction of the K-W Expressway between Courtland Avenue and Frederick Street, and all related work during the period from July 1, 1998 to July 31, 2000, for such purposes as erecting temporary concrete barriers, ramp reconstruction, erection of temporary scaffolding and paving, and further, That no jackhammering or pile driving will be permitted between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily." 4. DOPWR 98-14 - COURTESY WARNING NOTICES The Committee received a report which recommends that the Courtesy Warning Program for Parking Infraction Notices issued at expired meters and time limit spaces within the Downtown Core be continued on a permanent basis and that the appropriate permanent staff be hired in this regard. Several members of the Committee indicated their support for the continuation of the Courtesy Warning Program on a permanent basis but they did not support the hiring of additional permanent staff. Councillor J. Ziegler was of the view that part-time staff should be used or arrangements should be made to have the Kitchener Downtown Business Association (K.D.B.A.) look after this program on a contract basis. The Committee was advised that the K.D.B.A. does not have budget funds to look after this type of staffing issue, however, Councillor Ziegler 4. DOPWR 98-14 - COURTESY WARNING NOTICES (CONT'D) suggested that possibly the City could provide them with a grant which would allow them to look after the program. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 25, 1998 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER Other members of the Committee expressed concern that there could be a lack of consistency in the administration of the program if it were not entirely looked after by City staff. Councillor G. Lorentz was of the opinion that consideration should be given to extending the Courtesy Warning Program to all parts of the City. Mr. J. Gazzola suggested that it would appear that the Committee supports the extension of the Courtesy Warning Program but there are some concerns with regard to the staffing requirements. In this regard, Mr. Gazzola suggested that the entire matter be referred back to staff for further consideration and report. Mr. J. McBride advised the Committee that, at the present time, the program is staffed by two full time and one part-time employees. What is being recommended is that the part-time employee be elevated to full time status. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the continuation of the Courtesy Warning Program for Parking Infraction Notices on a permanent basis, and the associated staffing requirements, be referred back to staff for further consideration and report at a future date." DOPWR 98-19 - FRANCIS STREET, KING STREET TO CHARLES STREET - TWO-WAY REVERSION - STREET LIGHTING The Committee received a report which recommends that, in conjunction with work being undertaken on Francis Street between King Street and Charles Street, there is an opportunity to reconfigure and relocate the street lighting system. The estimated cost to relocate the existing system would be $38,500.00. The Committee was advised that there is also an opportunity to introduce the new lighting standard which was recommended in the Kitchener Downtown Lighting Design Study. The meeting of the new design standard would result in an additional expenditure of $26,500.00. This additional cost can be covered by the Street Lighting Capital Budget. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the new Downtown street lighting standard be incorporated in the realignment/construction of Francis Street, between King Street and Charles Street, and further, That funds for these adjustments be provided out of the Street Lighting Capital Budget." 6. EXTENSION OF MUNICIPAL WATERMAIN - OLD KING STREET EAST PROPERTY The Committee was advised that the City has been asked to extend a municipal watermain to service lands on Old King Street East just south of Riverbank Drive. The applicant, Mr. D. Nudyk, has requested the City to retain Schugg Engineering Ltd. to undertake the design and contract administration. The applicant will be front-ending all costs for this work including engineering fees, legal costs and documentation for applicable easements. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: 6. EXTENSION OF MUNICIPAL WATERMAIN - OLD KING STREET EAST PROPERTY (CONT'D) "That the City of Kitchener waive its normal procedure for the selection of consultants and retain Schugg Engineering Ltd. as our engineering consultant to undertake the design and PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 25, 1998 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER contract administration for the extension of the municipal watermain by 395856 Ontario Ltd. for lands to be purchased from Ontario Realty Corporation, being part of Lot 13, Beasley's Broken Front Concession, Old King Street East, just south of Riverbank Drive, Kitchener, Ward 6." 7. BUS RODEO/DRIVING FOR DREAMS The Committee was advised that the annual Bus Rodeo will be held on Saturday, May 30, 1998. For a fee of $5.00 the general public will be given the opportunity to drive a bus with all proceeds going to charity. Mr. E. Kovacs advised that, as a part of the Rodeo, there is traditionally a challenge between a member of Kitchener Council and a member of Waterloo Council. As of this date, no volunteers have submitted their names. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk