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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-06-22PWTC\1998-06-22 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 22, 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 Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison and Councillor Jake Smola. Councillor G. Lorentz was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. D. Quinn, D. Snow, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, J. McBride, T. Clancy, J. Shivas, J. Gazzola and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. DOPWR 98-23 - SPEEDING - GLASGOW STREET BETWEEN FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD & BELMONT AVENUE The Committee considered a report recommending that the speed limit on Glasgow Street, between Fischer-Hallman Road and Belmont Avenue, be reduced to 40 km/h. It was noted that during the resident workshops and public information centres, held regarding the Glasgow Street Environmental Assessment Review, pedestrian and cycling safety were identified as major concerns. These concerns are created due to the narrowness of the travelled road allowance and excessive speed. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated his support for the recommendation as presented but noted that road improvements are to be undertaken on Glasgow Street which should be completed in the year 2000. Following the completion of these improvements it was the opinion of Councillor Ziegler that the re-institution of a 50 km/h speed limit should be reviewed. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow indicated that the situation would be monitored, however, he noted that the Environmental Assessment is also recommending a speed limit of 40 km/h. Mr. Snow noted that, as part of the road improvements, bike lanes will be developed. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that bike lanes will be developed on many roads in the future and it is unlikely that the speed limit on each of these roads will be reduced. When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. D. Snow advised that once the 40 km/h speed limit is approved, Regional Police will be notified and asked to undertake appropriate enforcement. It was noted, however, that this type of activity is a Iow priority to the Regional Police. Mr. Snow suggested to the Committee that approval to use photoradar would be a benefit. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the speed limit be reduced to 40 km/h on Glasgow Street, between Fischer-Hallman Road and Belmont Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly, and further, That the reduction of the speed limit on Glasgow Street, between Fischer-Hallman Road and Belmont Avenue, to 40 km/h be reviewed after all the improvements to Glasgow Street have been completed." The Committee directed staff to take steps to have the Courtesy Speed Advisory Program located on this section of Glasgow Street as soon as possible. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. DOPWR 98-21 - COURTESY WARNING PROGRAM - II This matter was originally considered by the Public Works and Transportation Committee on May 25, 1998 and referred back to staff for further consideration, particularly in regard to staffing issues. The Committee was in receipt of a second report recommending that the Courtesy Warning Program in the Downtown area be expanded so that it becomes permanent with appropriate full time staff being hired to accommodate the continuation of the program. DOPWR 98-21 - COURTESY WARNING PROGRAM - II (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 22, 1998 - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENER The report, as presented to the Committee, contained the following staffing options: Option 1 - would use two By-law Enforcement Officers to cover the entire core area. This would result in reduced patrols and lead to an increase in the abuse of free spaces and non-compliance at metered spaces. Option 2 - would result in the Kitchener Downtown Business Association hiring an employee to issue Courtesy Notices. This possibility has been discussed with the K.D.B.A. and they have indicated that they have neither the financial resources nor the staff to allocate to this program. Option 3 - would result in the hiring of two part-time By-law Enforcement Officers, which would maintain the existing level of service. Initially, the hourly wage rate would be less, however, in a matter of approximately 18 months their hourly rate would be the same as a full time By-law Enforcement Officer. There would be little financial savings and this proposal could be in contravention of the existing Collective Agreement. Option 4 - would result in Courtesy Notices being issued under the new Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program is volunteer in nature and may not be able to provide the necessary staffing for 35 hours per week throughout the year. Option 5 - suggests the hiring of a By-law Enforcement Officer at a salary less than that approved through the Collective Agreement. This approach would be in contravention to the Collective Agreement. Option 6 - presented as the preferred solution, would result in the hiring of a permanent full time By-law Enforcement Officer and allow for three distinct routes to be established in the core area. It was noted that three Parking Cashiers will be layed off in the near future and it is intended that one of these would be transferred to the By-law Enforcement Officer vacancy. Funds for the continuation of the Courtesy Warning Program have been included as part of the 1998 Budget. Mayor C. Zehr indicated his support for Option 6, as contained in the report. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that he would like the possibility of the Courtesy Warning Program and By-law Enforcement regarding parking in the core area to be completely reviewed. Councillor Ziegler suggested that both of these activities could be turned over to the K.D.B.A., who would be provided with a grant to allow them to undertake the necessary staffing. Council would establish guidelines for the K.D.B.A. staff to follow when issuing Courtesy Warning Notices or parking violations. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. McBride advised that the Courtesy Warning Program was originally introduced in September 1997 and, at that time, it was agreed that it would be reviewed within a period of one year. Mr. McBride advised the Committee that it was not staff's understanding that they had been directed to review with the K.D.B.A. the possibility of taking over the entire Parking Enforcement Program for the Downtown area. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that the City can contract out services and he could see no legal problems with having parking enforcement looked after by someone other than City staff. In this regard, it was suggested that it would be appropriate to undertake cost benefit analyses regarding having parking enforcement transferred to the K. D.B.A. or tendered out to a private enterprise. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that he would like to see Option 1 given more consideration because it would require less staff and be beneficial from a public relations point of view. 2. DOPWR 98-21 - COURTESY WARNING PROGRAM - II (CONT'D) JUNE 22, 1998 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 46 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor G. Lorentz noted that Conestoga College conducts a Law and Security Course and suggested that possibly a co-op student arrangement could be reached which would provide additional staffing for the Courtesy Warning Program. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the continuation of the Courtesy Warning Program be deferred and referred to the Committee of the Whole of the Council meeting to be held on July 6, 1998, and further, That staff prepare cost benefit information for that meeting dealing with the transfer of parking enforcement to the Kitchener Downtown Business Association; the tendering out of parking enforcement to a private enterprise; or, the continuation of the existing method of operation." DOPWR 98-24 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - GREENFIELD AVENUE AT TRAYNOR AVENUE The Committee considered a report which recommends that an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Greenfield Avenue and Traynor Avenue. It was noted that on-site inspections have been conducted and, due to the amount of pedestrian traffic and the close proximity of Greenfield Park, St. Aloysius Separate School and Wilson Avenue Public School, an all-way stop is being recommended. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Greenfield Avenue and Traynor Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-25 - PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - BELMONT AVENUE BETWEEN GLASGOW STREET AND UNION BOULEVARD The Committee considered a report which recommends that a pedestrian refuge island be installed within the pedestrian crosswalk on Belmont Avenue in the area of Claremont Avenue. The report also recommends that left turn lanes be provided at each intersecting street and driveway along Belmont Avenue between Glasgow Street and Union Boulevard. The report, as presented, suggests that where feasible additional on-street parking should be permitted on the east side of Belmont Avenue with the travel lanes being reduced to a single lane in each direction. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That a pedestrian refuge island be installed within the pedestrian crossover on Belmont Avenue, north of Claremont Avenue; left turn lanes be provided at each intersecting street and driveway along Belmont Avenue, between Glasgow Street and Union Boulevard; where feasible, additional on-street parking be permitted on the east side of Belmont Avenue; and, through the above measures, the travel lanes be reduced to a single lane for each direction; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-26 - TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS - HIGHLAND ROAD AND LAWRENCE AVENUE The Committee considered a report which recommends that the City of Kitchener contribute $13,000.00 towards the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of Highland Road and Lawrence Avenue. 5. DOPWR 98-26 - TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS - HIGHLAND ROAD AND LAWRENCE AVENUE (CONT'D) It was noted that, at the present time, the warrants for traffic control signals have not been achieved JUNE 22, 1998 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER and, accordingly, the Region will not install signals at their costs. The Region convened a meeting of adjacent property owners, who are prepared to provide funding in the amount of $32,000.00 towards the cost of the signals. The total cost of installation is $45,000.00 and the City of Kitchener is being asked to contribute the balance. The Region will look after the ongoing maintenance costs of approximately $3,000.00 per year. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener contribute $13,000.00 to the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of Highland Road and Lawrence Avenue, and further, That the funds be provided from the Capital Contingency Fund." DOPWR 98-27 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - MAYNARD AVENUE AT YOUNG STREET The Committee considered a report which recommends that a stop control be installed on Young Street at its intersection with Maynard Avenue. It was noted that there are no formal controls at the present time and, accordingly, the rules of the road apply which technically means that northbound traffic on Young Street has the right of way. Due to the acute angle of this intersection, confusion is created for motorists and there is a potential for traffic conflicts. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That a stop control be installed on Young Street at the intersection of Maynard Avenue." DOPWR 98-28 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - CLIFTON ROAD AT ARNOLD STREET The Committee was advised that the residents of Clifton Road have been concerned with the traffic conditions on their street, particularly, the amount of heavy truck traffic, speeding and the lack of traffic control. Staff have undertaken site inspections and are recommending the installation of an all-way stop. It is felt that this course of action will assist in reducing speeding and the number of heavy trucks using the road. An all-way stop may also curb the desire of area motorists to use Clifton Road as an access to Arnold Street. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Clifton Road and Arnold Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." BUSINESS TRANSITION UPDATE - GAS ENTERPRISE Mr. D. Quinn reviewed with the Committee his report which was attached to the agenda. Mr. Quinn noted that the Gas Enterprise is a valuable asset, however, due to the deregulation of the natural gas industry, threats and opportunities have arisen. As a result of deregulation, a plan has been formulated which will result in greater control of the City's gas costs and greater independence in determining the future of the enterprise. Mr. Quinn made specific reference to services to the customer, legislative changes, gas and transportation deliveries and gas supplies. Details regarding each of these areas are attached hereto and forms part of these minutes. BUSINESS TRANSITION UPDATE - GAS ENTERPRISE (CONT'D) It was noted that the Ontario Energy Board has imposed a decision which approves a substantial rate increase, retroactive to pre-April 1, 1998. April 1, 1998 was the date on which Kitchener JUNE 22, 1998 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER became independent of Ontario Energy Board retroactive decisions respecting gas supply costs. It was noted that some customers have decided to obtain their gas from Sunoco Gas and the billing system does not allow for selective billing. As a result, it is being recommended that a surcharge of 2.2 cents per cubic metre of natural gas be added to all billing run customers for the months of September through December 1998. This course of action will make up the revenue deficiency for the 1997 gas supply received from Union Gas. When questioned by Councillor J. Ziegler, Mr. Quinn advised that in the future the billing system will allow any possible rebates to be made only to customers of the Kitchener Gas Utility. Mr. Quinn was thanked for his presentation. GAS RATES This report contains a recommendation dealing with modifications to the natural gas rates which must be made because of an Ontario Energy Board decision. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That, effective July 1, 1998, natural gas rates be modified in accordance with the presentation made to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on June 22, 1998, and further, That a surcharge of 2.2 cents per cubic metre of natural gas be added to all billing run customers for the months of September through December 1998, to provide revenue deficiency of 1997 gas supply changes from Union Gas." 10. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY - GLASGOW STREET - KNELL DRIVE TO FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD The Committee was advised that an environmental assessment has been completed on Glasgow Street between Knell Drive and Fischer-Hallman Road. There was extensive public involvement and it has been concluded that there is a need to upgrade Glasgow Street but no need to increase the traffic capacity. Public safety and maintenance of the existing natural character of the neighbourhood were identified as priorities. The following recommendations are contained in the Environmental Study report: reconstruct Glasgow Street as a two lane urban roadway, with designated bike lanes in each direction, and a sidewalk along the south side; raise the profile of Glasgow Street in the cut section, east of Westwood Drive, in order to improve driveway access, reduce wall heights and minimize loss of vegetation; as part of the detailed design, determine the need for flow controls in the storm sewer system in order to prevent surcharging of the Westwood Drive storm sewer immediately east of Knell Drive, and determine the need for a sanitary sewer; as part of the detailed design, prepare a Detailed Landscaping Plan, a Sediment and Erosion Control Plan, an information package for the local residents, and a Staging and Scheduling Plan; post the speed limit of Glasgow Street, from Fischer-Hallman Road easterly beyond Knell Drive, at 40 km/h as soon as possible; and, 10. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY - GLASGOW STREET - KNELL DRIVE TO FlSCHER-HALLMAN ROAD (CONT'D) · as part of the detailed design, address comments generated as part of the second Residents' workshop and the second Public Information Centre. JUNE 22, 1998 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 49 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor C. Weylie advised that the residents would like to see any sidewalk installed along Glasgow Street kept as natural looking as possible with it being more of a pathway than a sidewalk. Councillor Weylie also pointed out that, if bike lanes are to be installed on the City street, then the Region should be put on notice that they will be expected to pay at least part of the costs involved. Councillor Weylie referred to residents in the area who have been advised that it is not practical for them to be hooked to the sanitary sewer which will run along Glasgow Street, but rather they should be hooking into services available from the City of Waterloo. In this regard, Councillor Weylie questioned when negotiations with the City of Waterloo regarding the provision of sanitary sewer services would take place. Councillor Weylie also suggested that discussion should start immediately regarding the installation of underground hydro wires. Mr. J. Bayley appeared before the Committee and noted that the possibility of using alternative sidewalk materials has been discussed with the area residents, however, there could be additional costs and safety concerns involved. This matter will be further reviewed by staff. It was noted that the existing properties are presently serviced by septic systems and there has been a mixed reaction regarding connecting to City sanitary sewer services. In this regard, however, Mr. E. Kovacs noted that the sanitary sewer and lateral connections to the property line must be installed during the reconstruction process. Due to the nature of the area, it would not make sense to tear up the road to install sanitary services at a later date. The Committee was advised that the Study Team involved has agreed that Glasgow Street should be reconstructed as a two lane roadway with a sidewalk on the south side. This will provide an opportunity to improve safety for the residents, cyclists and pedestrians. The maintaining of a two lane roadway minimizes the potential impacts on adjacent properties and vegetation. When questioned by Councillor J. Haalboom, Mr. Bayley advised that the existing roadside ditches will be filled and regraded. Only minor changes will be made to the existing road grade. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern with the number of trees that will have to be removed as part of this project. She expressed the opinion that this work is, in fact, contrary to the City's Environmental Policy. In this regard, Mr. Bayley advised that all trees were reviewed and those which will be removed are creating safety problems and are not felt to be all that healthy. Chairman John Smola pointed out to the Committee that the Environmental Assessment Study is being recommended at this time and the details regarding all aspects of construction will be dealt with when this matter is discussed as part of the Capital Forecast. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Council approve the recommendations of the Environmental Study Report - Glasgow Street, Knell Drive to Fischer-Hallman Road, prepared by McCormick & Rankin Corporation, dated June 1998, and further, That the Environmental Study Report (ESR) be filed with the City Clerk for a review period from June 30, 1998 until August 28, 1998, totalling sixty (60) days, to allow for the summer vacation schedules of the general public, and further, 10. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY - GLASGOW STREET - KNELL DRIVE TO FlSCHER-HALLMAN ROAD (CONT'D) That Council recognize the Glasgow Street Reconstruction Project as a high priority on the basis of the Study recommendations in their next review of the Ten (10) Year Capital Forecast Budget." PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 22, 1998 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. KITCHENER-WATERLOO AFTER HOURS DISPATCH SERVICES The Committee was advised that the City of Waterloo and the City of Kitchener require after hours dispatching and/or call centre services to cover various needs on evenings, weekends and holidays. Due to the nature of the natural gas industry, the City of Kitchener has 24 hour, 7 day a week coverage for call receipt and dispatching purposes. The City of Waterloo has similar needs and, accordingly, it is being recommended that an agreement be entered into so that the City of Kitchener would provide these services for the City of Waterloo. The suggested agreement would have a term of 2 years with the fee being $1.00 per hour of coverage. The City of Waterloo would also be responsible for incremental costs incurred for peak period coverages and for all capital and maintenance costs of communications equipment. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the provision of after hours dispatching services for the City of Waterloo, based upon the business principles outlined to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on June 22, 1998, be approved, and further, That a contract be finalized, with terms and conditions to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute such contract." 12. BUS STOP ADVERTISING BENCHES The Committee considered a report recommending 50 additional advertising benches for bus stops within the City of Kitchener. This would add a royalty of $200.00 annually for each additional bus stop bench. When questioned by Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. E. Kovacs advised that the City has control over the content of all bench advertising. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Kitchener Transit be authorized to approve up to 50 additional advertising benches for Kitchener bus stops during the remainder of our current agreement and further, That the Legal Department, in co-operation with Transit staff, draft an amendment to supplement the existing contract with Canadian Bench Media, which expires on September 30, 1999." 13. SANITARY SEWER OUTLET - 4263 KING STREET EAST The Committee was advised that, as part of the Pioneer Tower West development, there is a requirement to upgrade the intersection of Deer Ridge Drive and King Street East. As a result of this work, there is an opportunity and desire to install a sanitary sewer outlet across 4263 King Street East in a common trench with the Region's storm sewer. The estimated cost to do this work, in conjunction with the Region, is $133,000.00. If the work were done at a later date these costs could increase by 2 or 3 times over the current estimate. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: 13. "That the City install a sanitary sewer outlet across the property at 4263 King Street East, in conjunction with the installation of a Regional Road storm sewer outlet in 1998, and further, SANITARY SEWER OUTLET - 4263 KING STREET EAST (CONT'D) That the cost of the sanitary sewer installation in the amount of $133,000.00 be charged to the Sewer Surcharge Fund, and further, That this amount be recovered as part of Local Improvement assessments for new sewer installations anticipated on King Street East in 1999." JUNE 22, 1998 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 51 - CITY OF KITCHENER 14. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee received the following information items, namely: · Cleaning in the Downtown · ransit Bus Advertising Shelter Agreement 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk