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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-08-10PWTC\1998-08-10 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 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, B. Vrbanovic and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. S. Gyorffy, D. Quinn, D. Snow, R. Schirm, E. Kovacs, J. Cicuttin, J. Shivas, J. Gazzola and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. BUNDLED TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENTS - CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION AUTHORIZATION The Committee considered a report which recommends that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute various standardized natural gas agreements on behalf of the City. It was noted that with the City of Kitchener now purchasing their own natural gas, it is necessary to have agreements with Union Gas and the City's individual customers. The Committee was advised that the need for these agreements will create new administrative circumstances which were handled by Union Gas in the past. The Committee was also advised that more changes will be forthcoming in the future which will provide natural gas customers with even more flexibility than is the case at the present time. This flexibility will relate to how customers can purchase their natural gas. When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Quinn advised that there is a growing demand for natural gas across all of North America. As a result, natural gas will be piped from Canada to the United States and prices in Canada will fluctuate because of this demand. Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this time. Mr. E. Kovacs noted that at the beginning of the de-regulation process restrictions on the exporting of natural gas were reduced. These changes have and will influence natural gas prices. Councillors K. Taylor-Harrison and B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. Mr. J. Shivas advised that he has reviewed the various contracts with Mr. Quinn and presented a recommendation for the Committee's consideration. Mr. Shivas did note, however, that before a resolution is finalized he would like to have an opportunity to discuss the matter further with Mr. Quinn. In this regard, the Committee agreed that finalization of this matter would be deferred to later in this meeting so that Messrs. Shivas and Quinn could finalize their review of the various agreements and a resolution. DOPWR 98-30 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - MODIFICATIONS FOR THE 1998-99 SCHOOL YEAR The Committee received a report containing an action plan dealing with various modifications which will be made to the School Pedestrian Safety Plan for the 1998-99 School Year. The changes to be considered are as follows: the Adult Crossing Guard facility at the intersection of Ottawa Street North and Midland Drive will be discontinued; the Adult Crossing Guard facility at the intersection of Ottawa Street South and Charles Street will be discontinued; an Adult Crossing Guard facility will be installed at the intersection of Block Line Road and Westmount Road; an Adult Crossing Guard facility will be installed at the intersection of Queen's Boulevard and Spadina Road; PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 1998 - 56 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DOPWR 98-30 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - MODIFICATIONS FOR THE 1998-99 SCHOOL YEAR (CONT'D) consolidation of two Student Safety Patrol assisted school crossings into one at Trillium Public School; · the new fluorescent yellow green school signs will be installed; the use of pylons to delineate "no stopping" areas in school zones will continue with set guidelines; and, · school route maps will be distributed to all school age children. Councillor C. Weylie referred to the use of pylons to delineate "no stopping" areas in school zones and questioned whether or not this procedure could be utilized on Glasgow Street in front of Westmount Public School. In this regard, Mr. R. Schirm expressed reluctance to use pylons in this area because of the nature of the street, the amount of traffic involved and the need to provide for the parking of a school bus. Staff did agree, however, that they would review the potential use of pylons on Glasgow Street. Councillor J. Haalboom suggested the use of various pavement markings to delineate student crossing areas and student drop-off areas. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that approved student crossing points are already properly signed and marked. It was also pointed out that there is an ongoing program to identify student drop-off areas. When questioned by Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. D. Snow advised that, while there was a delay in obtaining the necessary materials, he is confident that all of the new fluorescent yellow signs will be in place by the start of the school year. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the modifications to the School Pedestrian Safety Plan for the 1998-99 School Year, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on August 10, 1998, be accepted." DOPWR 98-31 - ON-STREET PARKING - BRUBACHER STREET BETWEEN LANCASTER STREET AND SAMUEL STREET The Committee considered a report which indicates that between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, there is a 1 hour parking limit on the west side of Brubacher Street between Lancaster Street and Samuel Street. It is being recommended that this parking limitation be replaced so that 2 hours of parking would be allowed. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That the one (1) hour, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on-street parking limit on the west side of Brubacher Street between Lancaster Street and Samuel Street be replaced with a two (2) hour, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on-street parking limit; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-32 - TRUCK ROUTE - WELLINGTON STREET FROM THE K-W EXPRESSWAY TO KING STREET WEST The Committee received a report advising that local residents have requested a review of the existing truck route on Wellington Street North. It was noted that with the improvements which have taken place at the intersection of King Street West and Victoria Street it is no longer PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 1998 - 57 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DOPWR 98-32 - TRUCK ROUTE - WELLINGTON STREET FROM THE K-W EXPRESSWAY TO KING STREET WEST (CONT'D) necessary to continue with the routing of heavy vehicles onto Wellington Street North. As a result, it is being recommended that the existing truck route be modified to prohibit heavy truck travel. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the existing 24 hour permitted heavy truck route on Wellington Street North from Lancaster Street to King Street West be modified to prohibit heavy truck travel, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-33 - REVERSION TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC - FRANCIS STREET (CHARLES STREET TO JOSEPH STREET) - CHARLES STREET (VICTORIA STREET TO FRANCIS STREET) The Committee was advised that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo is currently in the process of reverting Duke Street traffic, between Cedar Street and Victoria Street, and Charles Street traffic, between Stirling Avenue and Victoria Street, to two-way traffic. It is being recommended that Francis Street, between Charles Street and Joseph Street, and Charles Street, between Victoria Street and Francis Street, be reverted to two-way traffic immediately so as to properly accommodate access to businesses in this immediate area. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That Francis Street, between Charles Street and Joseph Street, and Charles Street, between Victoria Street and Francis Street, be reverted to two-way traffic, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-34 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - SCENIC DRIVE AND NORTH HILL PLACE The Committee considered a report which recommends that a stop control be installed on Scenic Drive at its intersection with North Hill Place. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That a stop control be installed at the intersection of Scenic Drive and North Hill Place, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-35 - BIKE LANES - FRANKLIN STREET BRIDGE OVER HIGHWAY #8 The Committee received a report containing a recommendation which would have the City of Kitchener commit to placing $200,000.00 in the 2001 Capital Budget to accommodate the provision of bike lanes as part of the new bridge structure which will be constructed by the Ministry of Transportation to replace the existing Franklin Street overpass of Highway #8. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that a price tag of $200,000.00 would seem to be somewhat high. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow noted that extra bridge width is required to provide bike lanes and the Ministry of Transportation will not accept this additional cost. The actual costs involved will only be known once the design details for the bridge have been finalized. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. 7. DOPWR 98-35 - BIKE LANES - FRANKLIN STREET BRIDGE OVER HIGHWAY #8 (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 1998 - 58 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mayor Zehr questioned whether or not a similar situation will exist with the Ottawa Street bridge. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow advised that while no provision is being made for exclusive bike lanes on the Ottawa Street bridge, there should be sufficient width to accommodate this use. Mayor Zehr suggested that the additional financing required to provide bike lanes on the Franklin Street bridge should be discussed with local M.P.P.'s, Leadston and Wettlaufer, in an attempt to have the Provincial Government accept the additional costs involved. Mr. E. Kovacs questioned whether or not the need to include additional dollars in the Capital Budget to accommodate bike lanes will require other expenditures to be bumped back. In this regard, Councillor John Smola suggested that if an additional $200,000.00 is required in 2001 to install bike lanes on the Franklin Street bridge it is likely that other projects in the Capital Budget will have to be juggled. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that $200,000.00 may appear like a large sum of money at this time, however, it is probably relatively small in comparison to what the cost would be if attempts were made to add the bike lanes at a later date. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed the opinion that if the Provincial Government has any commitment towards the use of alternate modes of transportation they would include bike lanes on this bridge without question. Following further discussion and on motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener commit $200,000.00 in the 2001 Capital Budget to accommodate the provision of bike lanes on the new bridge structure to be constructed by the Ministry of Transportation to replace the existing Franklin Street overpass of Highway #8, and further, That Mayor C. Zehr implement discussions with local M.P.P.'s, Leadston and Wettlaufer, in an attempt to have the additional expenses involved in providing these bike lanes, included as part of the Franklin Street bridge costs, borne by the Province of Ontario." EMPLOYER PROVIDED TRANSIT PASSES AND TAX EXEMPTION The Committee received a report which indicates that staff are reviewing the development of incentive based transit passes/rates which, hopefully, will attract additional ridership from new and existing businesses. It was noted that the Canadian Urban Transit Association has launched a National Task Force who will be lobbying the Federal Government so that employer provided transit passes would become an income tax exempt benefit. It was noted that the provision of employee parking facilities is presently an exempt benefit but the same does not apply to transit passes. Councillor C. Weylie suggested that any recommendation regarding this matter should also be forwarded to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (F.C.M.). On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener endorse the Canadian Urban Transit Association's position promoting a tax exemption for employer provided transit oasses, and further, That Mayor C. Zehr correspond with Karen Redman M.P., requesting her support in obtaining a tax exemption for employer provided transit passes, and further, That this resolution be forwarded to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for their endorsation." COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ACTION PROJECT (CTAP) - PHASE I1: MED-LIFT NON- EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECT PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 1998 - 59 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. The Committee received a report outlining that in early 1997 the City of Kitchener became involved in a Community Transportation Action Demonstration Project. Subsequently, the City of Kitchener entered into an agreement with C.T.A.P., wherein the City played a role as a project proponent for various initiatives. Mr. Dave Smith appeared before the Committee and provided a verbal report on the progress of the Med-Lift Project. Mr. Smith noted that this project is intended to divert non-emergency transportation calls so that they use other means of transportation and not ambulances. In this regard, it was noted that the ambulance providers have handled 940 less calls and without the existence of Med-Lift it is unlikely that they would have been able to handle all of the calls they received. Mr. Smith provided verbal information regarding staffing and budgetary concerns and how each of these were handled. It has been recommended to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo that the Med-Lift Project should continue after 1998. It has also been suggested that the expansion of the Med-Lift services to a larger geographical area should be considered. In conclusion, Mr. Smith advised the Committee that the mandate for C.T.A.P. has been extended through 1999 and, accordingly, there is a possibility that the City of Kitchener will be asked to become involved in additional projects. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. Smith advised that the Operating Budget for Med-Lift was approximately $90,000.00 which resulted in financial and time savings for the regular ambulance service. Councillor T. Galloway noted that, at some time in the future, the Region will have a say in the provision of ambulance services, however, at the present time, they simply pay the bill they receive from the Province. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That, subject to the approval of the City Solicitor, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement dated July 31, 1998, with the Province of Ontario, authorizing the City of Kitchener to act as 'Project Proponent' for Phase II of the Community Transportation Action Project." BUNDLED TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENTS - CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION AUTHORIZATION This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting with final disposition deferred so that Messrs. Shivas and Quinn could finalize their review of the agreements and a recommendation. Mr. J. Shivas returned to the Committee and presented a recommendation for their consideration. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute, from time to time, on behalf of the City of Kitchener, the following: (1) Standard Bundled Transportation Agreements and Standard, Temporary Transportation Contract Assignments - Partial, with Union Gas Ltd., and Standard Agency Agreements with the City's agents, as required by, and to deal with, Union Gas Ltd.; 10. BUNDLED TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENTS - CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION AUTHORIZATION (CONT'D) (2) Standard Bundled Transportation Agreements with the City of Kitchener's individual PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 1998 - 60 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. 12. customers (and that the City require Standard Agency Agreements between its individual customers and their agents); and, (3) Standard Conversion Authorization/Direction and consent agreements, with Union Gas Ltd. and the City's individual customers, all standard agreements referred to above as attached to the report of the City's Director of Utilities dated August 7, 1998; and further, That minor changes may be made to the standard agreements referred to above to accommodate specific contractual needs of the City of Kitchener or its individual customers, at the discretion of the Director of Utilities and subject to the approval of the City Solicitor." It was noted that the resolution regarding standardized agreements for natural gas would be referred to, and ratified at, the special Council meeting to be held later on this date. INFORMATION REPORTS The following information reports were provided to the members of the Committee, namely: Transit Newsletter Route 61 - BusPLUS Update Accident Free Driving Recognition -Transit Bus Operators Construction Projects - Status Update Centre for Advancement of Trenchless Technologies - September Conference and Field Exposition. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk