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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-09-14PWTC\1998-09-14 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola, with all members present. Councillors K. Taylor-Harrison, J. Ziegler and Jake Smola were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, L. Lynch, J. McBride, D. Quinn, D. Snow, J. Gazzola, J. Shivas and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. DOPWR 98-37 - DOWNTOWN CORE - ON-STREET PARKING DURATION The Committee considered a report recommending that the two hour free parking limit in the core area at on-street parking spaces, which was implemented in May 1995, be continued. Ms. N. Brawley, representing the Board of Directors of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association, appeared before the Committee and indicated support for the existing two hour free parking program. It was suggested that this program is easy for the merchants to market and eliminates many enforcement problems. Ms. Brawley did suggest, however, that abuse of the program continues to be a problem and attempts to resolve this abuse has created some confusion for the general public. It was suggested, however, that the changes made in an attempt to overcome abuse have been somewhat successful. Ms. Brawley advised the Committee that there is presently a need for short term parking on Gaukel Street in front of the Post Office building and on Ontario Street between King Street and Duke Street. It was acknowledged that creating alternatives to the existing two hours of free parking will make enforcement more difficult and will create confusion for the motoring public. When questioned by Mayor C. Zehr, Ms. Brawley acknowledged that approving alternatives for certain areas may result in additional requests from merchants who feel that they have similar needs. Councillors J. Ziegler and Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Mr. George Karakokkinos appeared before the Committee as the proprietor of a Tailor Shop on Ontario Street. Mr. Karakokkinos advised that he and the other businesses on this section of Ontario Street have a need for short term parking and the existing two hour free parking limit does not result in parking spaces being available as often they are needed. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that he has been working with Mr. Karakokkinos for many years in an attempt to overcome the existing problem. Mr. Snow noted that a 15 minute parking limitation has been suggested, however, this may not be long enough for some customers and the result will likely be additional complaints when a customer gets a parking ticket. Mr. Snow suggested, however, that an appropriately signed 15 minute loading zone may provide the relief requested. Mr. Snow acknowledged, however, that if this action is taken there are other businesses in the Downtown area that will no doubt want the same privileges. This could result in many exemptions to the existing two hour free parking limit which will result in enforcement problems. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned whether or not a loading zone area could be created behind the Duke/Ontario Parking Garage which would provide short term parking for the Ontario Street businesses. In this regard, Mr. Snow advised that these merchants want on-street parking in front of their businesses for the short term convenience of their customers. Mayor C. Zehr acknowledged that the existing two hour free parking limit in the Downtown core has been a successful program but suggested that it would be appropriate to consider some amendments at this time. In this regard, he suggested that, while 15 minute loading zones may create some confusion for the public and enforcement problems, it was his opinion that these types of changes are necessary to accommodate merchants in specific areas. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 1998 - 62 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DOPWR 98-37 - DOWNTOWN CORE - ON-STREET PARKING DURATION (CONT'D) When questioned by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. D. Snow strongly suggested that loading zone spaces should not be established on King Street. Several members of the Committee expressed concern about proceeding in a piecemeal manner because of the problems that may be created. In this regard, it was agreed that, if short term loading zones were created, a report would be submitted within the next 3 to 6 months outlining what, if any, problems the changes created. Following further discussion and on motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the existing two hour free parking limit in the Downtown core at on-street parking spaces be maintained, and further, That appropriately signed loading zone areas be established on the west side of Ontario Street between King Street and Duke Street and the west side of Gaukel Street between Charles Street and Joseph Street, subject to the majority of the property owners in these areas agreeing to the proposed parking changes, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly, and further, That staff be instructed to submit a future report outlining what, if any, problems have resulted from the creation of these loading zone areas." 2. DOPWR 98-41 - TOWING AUTHORITY - TAXI CAB STANDS The Committee received a report requesting approval of a Traffic By-law amendment which would authorize the Regional Police to tow away vehicles that are illegally parked in taxi cab stands on King Street in the Downtown area. Mr. C. Eby appeared before the Committee as a tax cab driver and expressed his support for the recommendation contained in the report. Mr. Eby expressed concern with a situation which recently happened in the Downtown area. It was the understanding of Mr. Eby that a taxi cab parking sign was either sold or rented to the Manager of the Lyric Night Club so that it could be used on King Street to provide parking for a shuttle bus service which was being operated by the local Universities. As a result, space was not available for the taxi operators and a loss of revenue was the result on this particular evening. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that, at the request of the Lyric Night Club, emergency "no parking" signs were erected so that buses from the Universities would have a place to stop rather than use King Street and block traffic. This is something that has been done for the past several years and, in the opinion of Mr. Snow, something which is totally within the authority delegated to parking staff. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that, in future, possibly arrangements could be made so that taxis could use this reserved space when it was not being used by the buses. Mr. Snow concurred and this possibility will be pursued the next time the situation arises. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that staff should take active steps to open more lines of communication with the Regional Taxi Cab Association. The Committee was advised that appropriate signage will be erected so that motorists will be aware that they are parking in a tow away zone. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: 2. DOPWR 98-41 - TOWING AUTHORITY - TAXI CAB STANDS (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 1998 - 63 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That authority be given through the appropriate by-law amendment to the Waterloo Regional Police Service to remove (tow) vehicles that are illegally parked in the taxi cab stands on King Street in the Downtown, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." At some future date, Mr. D. Snow was asked to submit an information report outlining the impact of this by-law change. 3. UNBUNDLED TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT The Committee considered a report requesting authorization for the Mayor and Clerk to sign a Letter of Intent regarding the development and execution of Unbundled Transportation Agreements with Union Gas. Mr. D. Quinn advised that the Utility Division is proceeding with a sophisticated step in the de- regulation of the gas industry. By becoming involved in Unbundled Transportation Agreements, the City will be in a position to assume the primary responsibility and control for the transporting of natural gas to our markets. The Committee was advised that additional staff and computer systems will be required to ensure that the Unbundled Transportation Agreements are administered appropriately. The estimated costs involved are $200,000.00, however, these will be self-funded from the projected savings. It was noted to the Committee that the potential net savings to the Utility will range between $600,000.00 and $1.3 million dollars on an annual basis. The allocation of these savings will be determined at a later date, however, it will be recommended that some of the savings be kept to maintain competitive retail rates. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting at this time. Several members of the Committee expressed a desire to receive future reports to ensure that the anticipated savings were being realized and no additional costs were being developed. In this regard, Mr. J. Gazzola noted that the City Treasurer prepares and issues reports every three months regarding various matters including the Gas Utility. Mr. Gazzola pointed out, however, that the impacts created by executing Unbundled Transportation Agreements will have no impact on the local taxpayer. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a Letter of Intent requesting the development and execution of an Unbundled Transportation Agreement for the Utilities Division with Union Gas, and further, That the Utilities Division have the authority to pursue negotiations with Union Gas on the Unbundled Transportation Agreement and proceed with completion of an implementation plan complete with necessary staffing requirements, and further, That the Utilities Division be authorized to recruit resources to support this initiative as outlined in this report at an estimated annual cost of $200,000.00." 4. NEEDS STUDY - ROAD AND SIDEWALK REPAIR The Committee received a report containing various recommendations regarding changes to the 10 Year Capital Forecast dealing with road construction and road and sidewalk maintenance. It was noted that a report regarding the construction of new sidewalks will be submitted to the Committee in the near future. 4. NEEDS STUDY - ROAD AND SIDEWALK REPAIR (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 1998 - 64 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was advised that, in 1996, funding deficiencies for road maintenance were identified at $14,000,000.00. The report being submitted at this time identifies that this shortfall has now decreased to $9.5 million dollars over the next 10 years. Using the video equipment in the Council Chamber, Mr. S. Gyorffy provided the Committee with details of the Needs Study which consisted of a Pavement Roughness Survey, a Surface Distress Survey and a Pavement Deflection Survey. The Committee was advised that the survey results obtained indicate that the Pavement Quality Index for the City's existing roads will decrease from 6.8 to 6.1 over the next 10 years. During the same timeframe, the percentage of roads below the minimum acceptable level will increase from 8.7 percent to 22.1 percent. The Committee was advised that the completed studies indicate that a total of $41,800,000.00 will be required over the next 10 years to maintain roads at the minimum acceptable Pavement Quality Index levels. Currently, there is $32,252,000.00 in the Capital Forecast leaving a shortfall of approximately $9.5 million dollars. Mayor C. Zehr referred to the documentation as presented and suggested that it would appear that, if we proceed with our actual approved budget or carry out improvements on a "need driven" basis, we will be at the same point in the year 2007. In this regard, Mayor Zehr questioned whether or not some of the budget funds could be reshuffled and thereby eliminate the need to include additional funding on an annual basis. Mr. S. Gyorffy undertook to review this possibility but suggested that to do so would no doubt result in times during the 10 year period when the motoring public would have roads at less than acceptable levels on which to drive. Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the practice of some municipalities of using the Local Improvement process and questioned what would happen if the City of Kitchener should choose to go this route. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs expressed the view that it was likely that repairs would not be undertaken when they were required and the end result could be structural damage to some roads. If structural problems become a reality, the costs involved are much more significant than is the case with carrying out proper maintenance. Mr. L. Lynch provided the Committee with information regarding various studies which have been undertaken regarding sidewalks. It was noted that there is a total of approximately $7.9 million dollars in the Capital and Operating Budgets over the next 10 years. The Committee was advised that the current amounts will cover the required sidewalk repairs. It was noted, however, that the available funding does not address new deterioration which will occur over the next 10 year period. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Lynch advised that staff are continually reviewing road standards and, generally, they are being upgraded. Councillor C. Weylie suggested that in some of the newer areas it would appear that sidewalks are breaking down within the first 5 years. In this regard, Mr. Lynch advised that there are some problems and additional testing is being undertaken in an attempt to improve, not only the sidewalk construction, but the sidewalk base. Mr. J. Gazzola suggested to the Committee that the report as presented at this time should be referred and reconsidered as part of the Capital Budget process. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the Roads and Sidewalk Repair Needs Study report be referred to the Capital Budget process for further consideration." 5. WATERCOURSE IMPROVEMENTS PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 1998 - 65 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee received a report recommending that a study be undertaken to review and prioritize opportunities to undertake improvements to existing watercourses within the City. It was suggested that funding in the amount of $100,000.00 be included in the 1999 Capital Forecast to retain the services of a consultant. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the report dealing with possible opportunities for improvements to existing watercourses within the City be referred to the Capital Budget process for further consideration." 6. WASTE COLLECTION CONTRACT TENDER CALL It was agreed that consideration of this report would be deferred to the September 28, 1998 of the Public Works and Transportation Committee. 7. BUSLINK PROGRAM The Committee was reminded that in December 1997 the BusLINK Program was introduced to provide inner-City transit services between Kitchener and Cambridge for riders on the Trentway- Wagar service. The information presented indicated that BusLINK has been successful and it is being recommended that it be continued indefinitely. Mayor C. Zehr advised that there is still a problem regarding the provision of service to Conestoga College and he has asked Mr. E. Kovacs to become involved in an attempt to achieve an appropriate solution. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the BusLINK Program be continued indefinitely, subject to on-going monitoring." 8. TRANSIT DIVISION - 1998-2000 STRATEGIC PLAN It was agreed that consideration of this report would be deferred and become a part of the discussion which will take place at a special meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, at which time the Strategic Plan for the entire Public Works Department will be considered. 9. DOPWR 98-36 - ON-STREET PARKING - SHELLEY DRIVE The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the west side of Shelley Drive from a point 52 metres south of Hillmount Street to a point 98 metres north thereof. A complaint was recently received from the Regional Police due to a recent collision and the problems created with parked vehicles interfering with pedestrian safety. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the west side of Shelley Drive from a point 52 metres south of Hillmount Street to a point 98 metres north thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 10. CHAPTER 842 - MUNICIPAL CODE (HEDGES - OTHER OBJECTS, TRAFFIC HAZARDS) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 1998 - 66 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee considered a report recommending amendments to Chapter 842 of the Municipal Code to deal with hedges which create traffic hazards and to take the necessary steps required to have a set fine implemented. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Chapter 842 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be amended in accordance with the draft by-law presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on September 14, 1998, and further, That the Set Fines, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on September 14, 1998, be adopted and recommended to the Chief Judge of the Ontario Court (Provincial Division)." 11. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee received the following information items, namely: · Automated Intersection Enforcement Technology Red Light Cameras · Snow Plough Blades · Stanley Consulting Group Ltd. - Letter to Home/Business Owner - Highway 7/8 & K-W Expressway Project - MTO Project 98-05 Councillor J. Haalboom referred to the information report regarding red light cameras. It was noted that a Regional Municipality of Waterloo Engineering Committee report was attached and Councillor Haalboom was of the opinion that the recommendation as circulated should be adopted. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener indicate their support for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo resolution regarding red light cameras and the proposed Private Members Bill 20." 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk