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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-11-23PWTC\1998-11-23 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 23, 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 Councillor J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. D. Arnold and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, J. McBride, J. Gazzola, T. McCabe, D. Mansell, E. Kovacs and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:30 a.m. 1. DOPWR 98-55 - CITY HALL - SUNDAY OPENING HOURS The Committee considered a report recommending that, effective immediately, the City Hall would be opened at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays to accommodate various Church groups and other events utilizing the City Hall and adjacent properties. It was noted that making this change would result in additional annual operating costs of $5,200.00. Reverend N. Carver appeared before the Committee with the request that the City Hall be opened at 8:30 a.m. This change would accommodate people attending various Church activities within the area. Reverend Carver also noted that there is only limited public transit available on Sundays. Councillor C. Weylie noted that the City Hall parking garage was open earlier in the past, however, the facilities were not used. In this regard, Reverend Carver advised that Church goers will be encouraged to make use of the City Hall facilities. When questioned by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. J. McBride advised that one Security Guard will be brought into open the facility, with a second Security Guard being brought in one hour later. The Committee was advised that opening the City Hall at 8:30 a.m. would result in additional annual operating costs of $6,500.00. It was also noted that all parking is free on Sundays. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That, effective immediately, City Hall be opened at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays to accommodate various church groups and other events that take place in this facility, as well as adjacent properties, and further, That funds in the amount of $6,500.00 annually be added to the Security Operating Budget to reflect the additional staffing required to open this facility." 2. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT- HURON ROAD The Committee received a report and were requested to approve the preferred design and location for Huron Road from Trillium Drive to Strasburg Road. It was noted that this proposal was presented at a public open house held on April 7, 1998. The recommendation before the Committee would result in the Class Environmental Study report for this project being filed with the City Clerk for the mandatory 30 day public review period. Councillor J. Haalboom suggested that traffic calming measures should be considered in the area of Huron Court. Mr. D. Mansell agreed to take this suggestion under advisement but noted that the area referred to by Councillor Haalboom was outside the scope of the study being presented at this time. When questioned, Mr. D. Mansell confirmed that the City presently owns all lands required to carry out the proposed realignment of Huron Road. 2. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT- HURON ROAD (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 23, 1998 - 92 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. M. Code appeared before the Committee on behalf of Huron Woods Development Corp., who own 26 acres of land at the instruction of Huron Road and Strasburg Road. Mr. Code advised that all services are in place with the exception of a sanitary sewer. Mr. Code was of the view that the sanitary sewer should be designed and approved so that it could be included as part of the Huron Road realignment. As an alternative, Mr. Code suggested that his clients obtain an easement from the City for the purposes of constructing the sanitary sewer. The easement would be quit claimed when the sewer was handed over to the City. Mr. Code referred to recommendations #10 and #11 in the Consultant's report, which read as follows: "That the City of Kitchener investigate the contributing flows to the existing culvert located on old Huron Road approximately 85 m west of old Huron/Battler intersection, and determine if an upgrade is required to meet future development proposals for upstream lands." - and - "That floodlines within the immediate study area be updated and submitted to GRCA - Grand River Conservation Authority as part of final engineering design and as- constructed conditions." Mr. Code requested the City to distribute all available information to all affected property owners before anything is finalized. In this regard, Mr. D. Mansell advised that the City was obligated to make this information available. Mr. Code then referred to recommendation #2, which reads as follows: "That Street 'A', the future extension of Templewood Drive "T" connection (as identified in the Brigadoon Community Plan and the City of Kitchener's Municipal Plan) be designed initially as a 'right in - right out' road connection at new Huron Road, and further, That a future traffic study(s) be undertaken by the adjacent developers, to identify the possibility for a full movement traffic intersection at new Huron Road, and that funding for all traffic study(s), final design and construction costs thereof, be the responsibility of the development interests." Mr. Code advised the Committee that Templewood Drive has been in the City's Municipal Plan for many years and everyone felt that it would be a full turn movement intersection. The recommendation, as presented, suggests that this intersection be designed initially as a "right in - right out" connection with the new Huron Road. Mr. Code suggested that there are financial responsibilities which belong to his client but was of the opinion that there were also costs which should be shared equitably by all those having development interests. In this regard, Mr. Mansell advised the Committee that Mr. Code and his clients have been advised that, if they want a full intersection to service their lands in the area, the necessary study involved would be at their expense. In regard to Mr. Code's request regarding the sanitary sewer, Mr. Mansell advised the Committee that there are many options available. Staff are prepared to work with Mr. Code and would be prepared to include a notation on the plan included in the Environmental Assessment which would indicate that a section of the proposed Huron Road, west of Battler Road, would be the location of a possible future sanitary sewer. Following further detailed discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That Council approve the preferred design and location for Huron Road, from Trillium Drive to Strasburg Road, as presented at the Public Open House on April 7, 1998, and 2. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT- HURON ROAD (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 23, 1998 - 93 - CITY OF KITCHENER that the Schedule 'C', Class Environmental Study Report for this project be filed with the City Clerk for the mandatory 30 day public review period, and further, That the mapping included as part of the Environmental Study report be amended to indicate a possible future sanitary sewer on the Huron Road extension, west of Battler Road." 3. METRONET COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. - ACCESS TO MUNICIPAL RIGHT-OF-WAYS The Committee considered a report which recommends that the City enter into an agreement with MetroNet Communications Group Inc. regarding the placement of their telecommunication infrastructure within City of Kitchener road allowances and other lands. The Committee was advised that, historically, access to municipal right-of-ways was limited to a few utility companies, providing services such as gas, hydro, cable and telephone. In 1993, the telecommunications industry was de-regulated and there are companies who wish to install new infrastructure along municipal right-of-ways to provide citizens with a wider range of choices in the telecommunications area. These companies are required to obtain the consent of the municipality and, if refused, they can appeal to the C.R.T.C. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the agreement, as presented, and was advised that it provides for an annual licence fee of $10,000.00 plus a fee of $140.00 per installation not exceeding 30 metres and $45.00 per 15 metres, or part thereof, in excess of the first 30 metres. The Committee was advised that staff have reviewed the proposed charges with other municipalities but noted that the fees are limited to the recovery of actual administrative costs. Mr. D. Blahnik appeared before the Committee on behalf of MetroNet and confirmed that the City does have the right to review each application before any action is taken. Mr. Blahnik advised the Committee that all of MetroNet facilities are fibre optic cables which will be buried below ground. Mayor C. Zehr was of the opinion that the agreement, as presented, could have long term effects on the City of Kitchener and could be precedent setting in light of all of the de-regulation which is taking place at the present time. In this regard, Mayor Zehr expressed the view that more information was required and this should be provided to all members of Council in Caucus under solicitor-client privilege. Mayor Zehr suggested that further consideration of this matter be deferred to the meetings to be held on Monday, December 7, 1998. Mr. Blahnik advised the Committee that the deferral, as proposed, would cause some difficulties because installations have already been delayed. Mr. E. Kovacs pointed out to the Committee that, while MetroNet is anxious to proceed, it must be acknowledged that this is the first time that members of Council have had an opportunity to review the details of the proposed agreement. In this regard, Mr. Kovacs suggested that staff could start reviewing the details of the proposed installations on the understanding that, at this time, the agreement has not been approved. The Committee agreed that further consideration of this matter would be deferred to December 7th in order for Council to receive more information in Caucus. If necessary, the matter can be finalized at the Special Council meeting which will be held on that date. 4. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee received the following information reports: · Update of K-W Expressway Improvements - Ministry of Transportation · Street Lighting Photocontrol Switching Time Study 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 23, 1998 - 94 - CITY OF KITCHENER L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk