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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-04-27PWTC\1998-04-27 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 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 K. Taylor-Harrison, C. Weylie and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. S. Roberts, Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. J. Cicuttin, K. Currier, D. Snow, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, K. Mayer, J. Shivas and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:05 a.m. 1. DOPWR 98-11 - CLOSURE OF WOOLWICH STREET The Committee considered a report which recommends that the Council of the City of Waterloo be requested to initiate a closure of Woolwich Street at its intersection with Bridle Trail and to incorporate a cul-de-sac and emergency access to Bridle Trail in conjunction with this road closing. As the result of a subdivision development in 1988, the realignment of Woolwich Street (now Bridle Trail) was incorporated to overcome operational problems and an accident history at the intersection of Woolwich Street/Shirk Place/Bridge Street. In 1991 it was recommended that a traffic signal not be installed at the intersection of Bridge Street and Woolwich Street, however, it was confirmed that a realignment of Woolwich Street in the City of Waterloo would improve traffic safety by providing an alternate route. In January 1996 the Region commissioned a study which also recommended that Woolwich Street be closed between Bridge Street and Bridle Trail and that this intersection be signalized. Kitchener staff have met with representatives of the City of Waterloo with a view to incorporating a cul-de-sac on Woolwich Street at the newly realigned Bridle Trail. Waterloo staff support this proposal and this support has been reiterated during recent discussions regarding the Activa/Southstation development application. It has also been recommended that turn lanes be established on Bridge Street at Bridle Trail. In order to construct a southbound left turn lane on Bridge Street it would be necessary for the Region to prohibit parking on the west side of the street. An objection to this proposal was received and, accordingly, Waterloo Council resolved that Woolwich Street remain open. As an alternative, it was suggested that traffic on Woolwich Street be converted to a one-way flow at Bridge Street on a temporary basis. Due to poor compliance and potential safety problems, two-way traffic was reinstated. The Committee was advised that Kitchener staff continue to support a cul-de-sac road closure on Woolwich Street as the most effective way of resolving the existing traffic concerns. It was noted that Woolwich Street is a boundary road and, if a closure is to be completed, both Kitchener and Waterloo must go through the formal road closing process. Councillor John Smola advised that when this matter was originally considered he undertook a survey and the majority of the residents contacted indicated their support for the closure of Woolwich Street. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. When questioned by Councillor J. Haalboom, Mr. D. Snow advised that once closed, the remain-ing portion of Woolwich Street would not be upgraded and would be left in a narrow condition. Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this time. In response to questioning, Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that adequate signage would be put in place to direct users to the Kiwanis Park. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Council request the City of Waterloo Council to initiate a closure of Woolwich Street at its intersection with Bridle Trail in the City of Waterloo, and that the City of Waterloo PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 1998 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DOPWR 98-11 - CLOSURE OF WOOLWICH STREET (CONT'D) incorporate a cul-de-sac and emergency access to Bridle Trail in conjunction with the road closure." 2. STUDENT SUMMER TRANSIT PASS The Committee considered a report which recommends that Kitchener Transit make available a student summer pass at a cost of $75.00. This pass would be valid for the months of July and August and would be available to secondary and elementary students. The Committee was advised that the suggested price of $75.00 represents a discount of 15% from the regular price of $88.00. It is anticipated that a discounted summer pass will generate additional student ridership during the summer months. The Committee was advised that it is felt that this program is a Iow risk alternative which should generate additional student ridership. It was noted, however, that if the program is not successful, the maximum financial loss would be about $3,900.00. The Committee was advised that, if this proposal is adopted, an evaluation report will be provided to the Public Works and Transportation Committee in September 1998. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether or not a price of less than $75.00 would result in even more student riders. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs suggested that more riders might be attracted, however, no formal research in this regard has been undertaken. Several members of the Committee congratulated staff for presenting this innovative suggestion and expressed the hope that it would be successful. The Committee was advised that, if implemented, the program would provide transit facilities not only to recreational facilities but also existing historical sites. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mayor C. Zehr questioned whether or not there was any way of providing assistance to individuals who are in need of transportation to get to job interviews. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs pointed out that such a proposal was discussed with the Region approximately 9 months ago, however, nothing further has been heard from them. When this matter was originally discussed, it was noted that the Region purchases transit tickets which they then pass on to unemployed individuals who need transportation to get to a job interview. The Region's inquiry was whether or not Kitchener Transit were prepared to offer a lower price. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Kitchener Transit be authorized to introduce a summer pass valid for the months of July and August 1998, which will be made available to secondary and elementary student riders at a price of $75.00." Councillor C. Weylie entered the meeting at this time. 3. TRANSIT - ADVERTISING GUIDELINES The Committee received a report in which it was noted that Kitchener Transit has been involved in the bus advertising business for over 100 years. The success of this program is evident in that the sale of shelter, bench and busboard advertising generates average revenues of $300,000.00 per year. The Committee was advised that the following categories of advertising have been considered legally acceptable and permitted by Kitchener Transit, namely: · General Advertising (ie. national/local brand products and businesses) · Liquor (defined as beer, wine and spirits) · Tobacco Sponsorship · Consumer Drugs PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 1998 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. TRANSIT - ADVERTISING GUIDELINES (CONT'D) · Political (all levels of government) · Religious Advertising · Non-Profit Associations (Catholic Women's League, Right to Life, Core Literacy, etc.). The Committee was advised that the Advertising Standards Canada - Canadian Code of Advertising Standards is the principle instrument of self-regulation of the advertising industry. This Code does not supersede any municipal regulations which may be established. Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that, to the best of his knowledge, only two areas of concern have ever been raised regarding Kitchener Transit advertising. One had to do with alcohol and the other with tobacco. It was noted that, as a result of Council's March 2, 1998 resolution, no further tobacco advertising contracts will be accepted. The Committee was advised that, in future, requests may be received for advertising which may involve areas which could be politically contentious. These items will be brought to the Public Works and Transportation Committee and City Council for discussion and direction. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to advertising for Non-Profit Associations and questioned whether any steps are taken to ensure that such things as hate propaganda are not allowed. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that advertising of this nature is covered by the Code of Advertising Standards. Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the recent controversy regarding tobacco advertising and suggested that the same type of thing could occur in the future in regard to a totally different product or service. In this regard, it was suggested that staff advise members of Council of any potentially controversial piece of advertising so that steps can be taken to avoid future problems. Councillor Jake Smola expressed the view that empty advertising space should be made available for the advertising of City-supported services and/or events. In this regard, Mr. Kovacs pointed out that advertising has always been looked at as a revenue generator but suggested that vacant space could be made available as long as the user Department were paying to have the advertising panels produced. The Committee was advised that when an advertising contract is signed all attempts are made to keep the advertisers message in front of the public as much as possible. If a situation does arise where a bus will be off the street for three or more days the panels are then transferred to a different vehicle. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the advertising guidelines for use by the Transit Division of the Department of Public Works for administering advertising and promotional contracts, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 27, 1998, be approved." The Committee provided direction to Transit staff to make all possible efforts to ensure that empty space is used to advertise City-sponsored events and/or programs. 4. WATER SHUT-OFF VALVES - REPAIR POLICY The Committee received a report dealing with the cost to the Water Utility if they were to assume the responsibility for carrying out water service repairs on both sides of the shut-off valve similar to the action which was taken on Misty Crescent. It was noted that on Misty Crescent there were technical problems which resulted in the premature failure of the shut-off valves in a new subdivision. In addition, there were customer relation problems because the residents resisted accepting the financial obligations, particularly for leaks that were located at the shut-off valve. To address the technical problems new water valve standards were adopted. To address the specific customer relation concerns for the WATER SHUT-OFF VALVES - REPAIR POLICY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 1998 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER residents on Misty Crescent, Council agreed to reimburse the homeowners for repairs to the water shut-off valve and for driveway restorations. This matter was tabled with a staff group who were looking at Best Management Practices. This group developed five possible options for handling the shut-off valve problem and these options are attached hereto and form part of these minutes. The Committee was advised that Option III would apply to the steps taken in regard to Misty Crescent on a City-wide basis and would have an annual cost of approximately $60,000.00. The Best Management Practice Working Group is recommending the following policy: "Assume full repair responsibility for all residential water and waste water service laterals to within 1 metre of the foundation wall and impose a $3.85 per year fixed charge." It was noted that the immediate annual cost of this policy would be approximately $170,000.00. Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that, if either of the above noted solutions are adopted, it means that there will be an increased level of service and additional cost to the water customers. Mr. Kovacs also advised that he has a further concern because the Water Utility will be accepting responsibility for over 225 miles of piping which, in the past, has been the responsibility of the customer. Concern was expressed, in that, repair costs would escalate and the underground piping would become a liability. Mr. Kovacs suggested to the Committee that technical measures have been taken to overcome the premature leakage of water shut-off valves and, accordingly, the existing policy should be maintained. If a site specific problem should arise, as was the case on Misty Crescent, then appropriate measures can be taken to address that situation. It was also suggested that a customer education and awareness program should be developed. Councillor Jake Smola indicated his support for Option III which would make the Water Utility responsible for all leaks within 1 metre of the shut-off valve. Councillor Smola noted that in 1997 the Water Utility had revenues over expenditures of $1.8 million dollars with this amount being used for other budget purposes. It was the view of Councillor Smola that it would be appropriate to use part of this profit to improve customer service by repairing leaks which occur near the shut-off valve. Councillor Jake Smola advised the Committee that he also supports the implementation of Option III retroactive to January 1, 1997. The retroactive costs would amount to $15,000.00 to $20,000.00. Several members of the Committee expressed support for the approval of Option III. It was suggested that with the steps that have been taken to overcome the technical issues, the problems in the future should be reduced. It was also suggested that consideration be given to establishing a reserve fund which could be used to carry out any required repairs. It was suggested that the monies for such a reserve fund could be taken from the Water Utility profits. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That, retroactive to January 1, 1997, the City of Kitchener implement a policy whereby they assume full repair responsibilities for all water leaks within 1 metre of the shut-off valve on the customer side and retain the current policy on waste water practices." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee received the following information reports: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 1998 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER · Speed Advisory Program · Best Management Practices- Additional Information. 6. OTTAWA STREET NORTH AND LACKNER BOULEVARD Councillor Jake Smola advised that another serious accident had taken place at this intersection over the past weekend. In this regard, Councillor Smola requested that, for the next meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, staff provide information regarding the traffic warrants for the installation of traffic signals and the costs involved to the City if they were to front-end the costs of installing these signals. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that the entire report dealing with traffic activities, the number of accidents at the intersection of Ottawa Street North and Lackner Boulevard, and the information requested by Councillor Jake Smola, will be available for consideration at the Committee's next meeting. 7. DOWNTOWN - CLEAN-UP Mr. S. Gyorffy undertook to provide Councillor J. Haalboom with a report outlining the steps which are taken to clean-up the Downtown area. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk