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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-12-07PWTC\1998-12-07 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 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 Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors Jake Smola and B. Vrbanovic. Others Present: Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, A. Mak, D. Snow, J. McBride, E. Kovacs, J. Cicuttin and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:45 a.m. 1. COST/BENEFIT OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE TO REDUCE INFLOW/INFILTRATION The Committee considered a report which recommends that inflow/infiltration continue to be a major consideration when reviewing sewers for reconstruction and/or rehabilitation. It was noted that inflow or infiltration is best described as ground or stormwater entering the sanitary sewer system through cracked pipes, defective joints, leaking manholes, improper or illegal foundation drains, and downspouts connected to the sanitary sewer. In each of these cases the flow to the Waste Water Treatment Plant is increased which, in turn, increases the cost of sewage treatment. The Committee was provided with data from the years 1995 to 1997, which indicates that infiltration in the City of Kitchener ranged between 6.23% and 17.71%. During the same time period the estimated infiltration rates in the City of Waterloo ranged from 27.88% to 31.13%. The Committee was advised that the Department of Public Works is in the process of implementing an Integrated Infrastructure Management System, which will be used to identify leakage problems. It is expected that this process will be completed in 2001. The Committee was advised that a detailed cost benefit analysis cannot be completed without detailed flow information for each section of sewermain. The adoption of the report, as presented at this time, will assist in the gathering of the required data. It was noted that the City of Kitchener has taken steps to improve the situation by decreasing inflow/infiltration. In the 1970's, all of the combined sewers in the North Ward were separated so that only the sanitary sewers were flowing to the Treatment Plant. In the 1980's and early 1990's, steps were taken in the Jansen Avenue and Royal Orchard Drive areas of the City to disconnect roof and foundation drains and garage catchbasins from the sanitary sewer system. Leaky manholes were also sealed and repaired. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed the opinion that, in future, subdivisions should be designed so that the ground, rather than a treatment center, could be used to filter and/or cleanse the water. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy suggested that such a system may work in outlying communities. It was further pointed out, however, that the use of a central treatment plant has been proven as the most cost effective way of providing waste water treatment for urban areas. When questioned, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that the City is responsible for water collection, however, treatment is a Regional responsibility. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That inflow/infiltration reduction continue to be a major consideration in rating sewers for reconstruction or rehabilitation under our Capital Program, and further, That inflow/infiltration reduction programs be considered for inclusion in the Capital Budget, if required, upon completion of the Integrated Infrastructure Management System (IIMS) implementation, and further, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be approached for additional study funding should major areas of inflow/infiltration be identified in future." PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 96 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. DOPWR 98-57 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - OLD COUNTRY DRIVE AT STRASBURG ROAD The Committee considered a report which recommends that an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Old Country Drive and Strasburg Road. This course of action is being recommended due to concerns raised by area residents and Kitchener Transit Drivers. The heavy volumes and speed of traffic on Strasburg Road make it frustrating for the motorists when trying to gain access to Strasburg Road from Old Country Drive. The amount and speed of traffic on Strasburg Road also creates difficulty for pedestrians. The Committee was advised that a signal warrant is very close for this intersection and an all-way stop is being recommended as an interim measure. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern that the recommendation, as presented, will result in delays being created on a major collector which is meant to move traffic to a specific destination. She acknowledged that these type of streets create problems for pedestrians and, as a result, in future, serious consideration should be given to providing traffic calming measures at the time the street is developed. Councillor C. Weylie suggested that members of Council may have to provide direction to staff about the street patterns which will be approved in the future in order to keep traffic problems to a minimum. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow indicated that staff are aware of the problems created by major arterials and are actively looking at re-design options. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Old Country Drive and Strasburg Road, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-58 - ON-STREET PARKING - ONTARIO STREET BETWEEN KING STREET WEST AND DUKE STREET The Committee considered a report which recommends that the existing 2 hour parking limit on Ontario Street, between King Street West and Duke Street, be replaced with a 30 minute parking limit. This parking regulation would be in effect between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12 midnight, daily. The Committee was reminded that they were recently approached by Ontario Street merchants requesting shorter term parking, which would be more suitable for their businesses. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That on Ontario Street, between King Street West and Duke Street, the existing 2 hour parking limit from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight be replaced with a 30 minute time limit from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-59 - ON-STREET PARKING - GAUKEL STREET BETWEEN CHARLES STREET AND JOSEPH STREET The Committee considered a report which recommends that the existing 2 hour parking limit on Gaukel Street, between Charles Street and Joseph Street, be replaced with a 15 minute loading/unloading zone. This parking restriction would be in place from 8:00 a.m. to 12 midnight, daily. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 97 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DOPWR 98-59 - ON-STREET PARKING - GAUKEL STREET BETWEEN CHARLES STREET AND JOSEPH STREET (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That on Gaukel Street, between Charles Street and Joseph Street, the existing 2 hour parking limit from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight be replaced with a 15 minute loading/unloading zone, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-60 - ON-STREET PARKING - CHANDLER DRIVE The Committee was advised that a request has been received from a resident on Chandler Drive asking that parking be prohibited on the east side of the street from Elmsdale Drive to a point 25 metres north. Staff have considered this request and, in the interest of traffic safety, are recommending that the change as requested be approved. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the east side of Chandler Drive, from Elmsdale Drive to a point 25 metres north thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-61 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - FRANKLIN STREET AT WILSON AVENUE The Committee considered a report which recommends that an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Franklin Street and Wilson Avenue. It was noted that traffic volumes on both streets are relatively equal and, accordingly, there are safety concerns for pedestrians trying to cross the street. The installation of an all-way stop will improve the operation of this intersection while reducing traffic delays, frustration and improve pedestrian safety. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Franklin Street and Wilson Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic by-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 98-62 - ON-STREET PARKING - BETZNER AVENUE The Committee considered a report which recommends that the existing 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, parking prohibition on the east side of Betzner Avenue be amended and reduced to 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on a Monday to Friday basis. It was noted that a change of this nature was requested during the recent consideration of a rezoning for the lands known municipally as 530-550 King Street East. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That the existing 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, parking prohibition on the east side of Betzner Avenue, from King Street East to Duke Street, be reduced to a 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, parking prohibition, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 98 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. DOPWR 98-63 - PARKING DEMAND IN WEST END OF DOWNTOWN KITCHENER The Committee considered a report which recommends that $55,000.00, presently included in the 1998 Capital Budget, be reallocated to allow for the expansion of Lot 3 (Charles and Water Streets) by providing an additional 42 parking spaces. The report also recommends that the monthly rate for this lot be increased to $40.00 per month, effective January 1, 1999. The City's parking mandate has been to provide short term parking and, where surplus spaces exist, to use them to accommodate long term parking requirements. The move of Manulife to the King Centre has created a serious shortage of long term parking in the west end of the Downtown. As a result, it is being recommended that Lot 3 be expanded and the monthly parking rate be increased. Staff are also negotiating to lease a 40 space surface lot on King Street, between Victoria Street and Francis Street, which could be opened very quickly. The monthly rate at this lot would be $40.00 per month. Staff are also recommending that a parking demand/traffic impact analysis study, which is in the 1998 Capital Budget, be expanded to include the west end of the Downtown. Councillor J. Haalboom indicated that she would not support the recommendation, as presented, since she is of the opinion that all parking details should have been finalized before it was agreed that Manulife would move into the King Centre. Councillor Haalboom pointed out that the demand for more parking creates more asphalt areas and more landscaping which will have to be removed. Councillor Haalboom noted that Mutual Life are being encouraged to have their employees use public transit, however, in this case it would appear that Manulife employees are being encouraged to use their own private automobile. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that the reality of the situation is that most people coming to the Downtown area do not use public transit. In this regard, he suggested that is unlikely that anyone attending this meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee used public transit. Councillor Lorentz expressed the opinion that the move of Manulife into the Downtown area has many benefits even though it will mean that steps will have to be taken to solve problems regarding the lack of available long term parking. Concern was expressed regarding two letters which have been received, which seem to indicate that some people who have parked in existing lots for a substantial period of time are now being forced to relocate to accommodate the Manulife employees. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That funds in the amount of $55,000.00 in the 1998 Capital Budget be reallocated for the expansion of Lot 3 (Charles and Water Streets) to provide an additional 42 parking spaces, and further, That the monthly parking rate in Lot 3 be increased to $40.00 per month, effective January 1, 1999, and further, That the City continue to pursue a lease for a 40 space surface parking lot to increase the supply of long term parking, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, and further, That the parking demand/traffic impact analysis study, included in the 1998 Capital Budget, be expanded to include the west end of the Downtown." 9. DOPWR 98-64 - SCHOOL BUS LOADING ZONE - MACKENZIE KING PUBLIC SCHOOL The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the Waterloo Region District School Board requesting that a school bus loading zone be created on Natchez Road to accommodate one school bus serving Mackenzie King Public School. Staff have indicated their support for the request as received. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 99 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. DOPWR 98-64 - SCHOOL BUS LOADING ZONE - MACKENZIE KING PUBLIC SCHOOL 10. (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That a School Bus Loading Zone be established on the south side of Natchez Road, 107 metres east of Carson Drive to a point 13 metres east thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." BRIDGEPORT NORTH COMMUNITY DESIGN AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION - MELITZER CREEK SANITARY SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AND FORCEMAIN 11. 12. The Committee considered a report which recommends that the normal consultant selection process be waived in order to retain Stantec Consulting Ltd. as the engineering consultant regarding the design and contract administration for the Bridgeport North Community, Melitzer Creek Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station and Forcemain. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener waive its normal procedure for the selection of consultants and retain Stantec Consulting Ltd., (formerly Paragon Engineering/Stanley Consulting Group), as our engineering consultant to undertake the design and contract administration for the Bridgeport North Community, Melitzer Creek Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station and Forcemain." INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee received the following information reports: · 1998-2000 Transit Strategic Plan - Executive Summary/Progress Report · Transit Community Events · Overnight Enforcement Mr. D. Snow took this opportunity to thank the members of Council for appointing him as the Director of the new Transportation Division. Mr. Snow then briefly reviewed each of the items contained in the report dealing with the Transit Strategic Plan. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk