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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1997-01-27PWTC\1997-01-27 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 27, 1997 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 B. Vrbanovic. Councillors Jake Smola, G. Lorentz and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, J. McBride, O. den Ouden, K. Bowman, W. Beck, J. Cicuttin, D. Snow, J. Gazzola and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:30 a.m. 1. DOPWR 97-7 - PARKING STRATEGIC PLAN The Committee received a report regarding the development of a Parking Strategic Plan. It was noted that, while the report is an information report at this time, it outlines a review process and presents the direction the Parking Division will be taking over the next 12 months to 2 years. It was noted that in mid-March 1997, the Parking Strategic Plan will be re-presented to the Committee and hopefully finalized at that time. Mr. J. McBride appeared before the Committee and reviewed the "Action Items" which are being considered by the Strategic Planning Group. These action items, which are outlined in detail in the report, include the following: · Image · Research & Development · Human Resources · Finance · Partnerships · Products & Services · Facilities Councillors Jake Smola, G. Lorentz and J. Ziegler entered the meeting during the presentation made by Mr. McBride. When questioned by Councillor K. Redman, Mr. McBride advised that the report regarding the Strategic Plan could be presented to the Downtown Advisory Committee. It was also pointed out that, in light of the various audits being undertaken by the Safe City Committee, appropriate staff will be contacted for any input they may wish to provide regarding the provision of parking services. The Committee was advised that, while there is not a lot of vandalism at the present time, staff will work with Regional Police and local business people in an attempt to reduce this vandalism experience to as close to 0 as is possible. Councillor M. Wagner referred to parking problems at the Centre in the Square and suggested that the development of an underground facility would seem to be the only answer. In this regard, Mr. McBride advised that staff are working with the Board of Directors of the Centre in the Square regarding the development of new facilities. It was also noted that, while parking problems at the Library are not specifically addressed in the Strategic Plan, the Plan, once developed, will in a general way address these concerns. The Committee thanked staff for the presentation of this information report which will be brought back to the Committee for finalization in March 1997. 2. TRANSIT SERVICES - FISCAL CONTROL PLAN The Committee received a report containing a proposed Fiscal Control Plan which will be used to formulate cost control initiatives. It was noted that reductions in revenues from subsidies and contract services have led to a need to re-evaluate appropriate measures to address fiscal pressures. 2. TRANSIT SERVICES - FISCAL CONTROL PLAN (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 27, 1997 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was advised that, in 1997, it is estimated that Provincial subsidies in the amount of approximately $290,000.00 will be lost. Negotiations with the City of Waterloo has led to a shift in how transit services will be provided and how Kitchener will charge for these services. As a result, there will be a loss in revenue from the City of Waterloo in 1997 of approximately $450,000.00. The total financial impact in 1997 from these two issues will be approximately $740,000.00. It was pointed out to the Committee that the report does not include deadline dates nor specific amounts but does outline various areas of possible cost containment and revenue enhancements. These areas are outlined in Schedule 'T' of the report and this schedule is attached hereto and forms part of these minutes. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned how staff will or have been involved in this process to date and whether or not they will be asked for any input. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs acknowledged that the report will be discussed with the Union Executive on January 28, 1997, and future employee involvement will be discussed at that time. Councillor Lorentz expressed the opinion that it is very important that possible changes be discussed at all staff levels so that input is received on possible improvements. This course of action may lead to the presentation of worthwhile suggestions and will also keep staff morale at a high level. The members of the Committee agreed with the comments presented by Councillor Lorentz and directed staff to ensure that there is staff involvement and input as part of the process leading to the Financial Control Plan. The Committee was advised that as part of the process a review will be undertaken regarding administrative costs. Councillor C. Weylie questioned the provision of transit service to newly developed areas and was advised that there are some areas of the City which, at the present time, must be considered for new service. Mr. Beck outlined the steps which are normally taken in new areas which ultimately result in full transit service. Councillor M. Wagner was of the opinion that there should be a date included in the report to indicate when the Control Plan will be completed. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs noted that the report will be brought back at a later date with time lines and priorities included. Mr. Kovacs did point out, however, that it is hoped that all matters can be considered during the current fiscal year. The Committee was advised that, at the present time, no consideration has been given to bringing in external people to do any part of the review, with the additional costs that would be involved. It is felt that this can be undertaken at a staff level. Councillor M. Wagner referred to student transportation alternatives and suggested that if School Boards charged a fee for student parking it would, no doubt, lead to an increased use of public transit. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that one area that must be seriously considered is the increase of revenues. In order for revenues to be increased it was suggested that existing non-riders must be encouraged to use the transit system. Councillor Wagner suggested that a creative marketing strategy will be required if in-roads are to be made into the area of attracting new users. Councillor G. Lorentz was of the opinion that, not only was it necessary to evaluate the existing administration but, serious consideration must be given to the restructuring of administrative and management services. In this regard, Mr. Kovacs advised that this matter will be reviewed as part of the overall process, however, senior staff have tried to avoid anything that would appear to indicate something was preconceived before the review was completed. Councillor Jake Smola referred to bus advertising and requested a report outlining the revenues which have been received over the last 5 years from this activity. Councillor Smola also requested 2. TRANSIT SERVICES - FISCAL CONTROL PLAN (CONT'D) information regarding the amount of space which is presently rented out to outside agencies versus PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 27, 1997 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER the amount of space which is used for internal purposes. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated that, from a personal point of view, in 1998 he would not support increased funding for transit coming from the General Tax Levy. In this regard, Councillor Ziegler suggested that if staff cannot reach this point on their own then it may be necessary to retain the services of an external organization to carry out such an evaluation. Councillor Ziegler suggested that it was important to have any evaluation done as early as possible in 1997 so that the effects on 1998 can be taken into consideration. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the Transit Services Fiscal Control Plan, which will serve as a guide for the pursuit of cost containment and revenue generation initiatives for Kitchener Transit, be adopted subject to suggested time lines for the completion of this plan being presented to City Council on February 3, 1997, and further, That the direction given to staff by the members of the Public Works and Transportation Committee on January 27, 1997, be included in the staff report dealing with time lines." TRANSIT SERVICES - FISCAL CONTROL PLAN - ROUTE RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVE The Committee considered a report which recommends that the Milk Run Route be discontinued as of March 1997. The Milk Run operated in the general area of Union Street, between Margaret Avenue and Union Lane, and provided a service to Participation House. In light of existing fiscal pressures, it is being recommended that the Milk Run be eliminated because it is the poorest performing route in the City and the cancellation would result in annual savings of approximately $120,000.00 per year. It was noted that the patrons using this service will have other alternatives available to them. These alternatives include the use of Iow floor buses. It was pointed out to the Committee that, while alternatives are available, the convenience of service provided by the Milk Run will no longer be available. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, effective March 1, 1997, the Milk Run Demonstration Project be discontinued, and further, That the Community Transportation Action Program explore alternative service delivery strategies." COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ACTION PROGRAM (CTAP) The Committee received a report recommending support of a Community Transportation Action Program as a demonstration proposal. It was noted that this project would establish a brokerage and better co-ordination of the transportation demands in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, with existing resources. It was noted that the proposal as submitted consists of a short term phase and a long term phase. The short term phase is designed to establish a brokerage of interested groups and undertake pilot projects. In the short term, consideration will be given to transportation services for the handicapped and working with the local School Boards to develop a co-ordinated transportation plan. In the long term, it is hoped that a self-supporting brokerage would be established which would be responsible for dispatching and the scheduling of community transportation services in Kitchener, Waterloo and the surrounding area. COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ACTION PROGRAM (CTAP) (CONT'D) The report, as presented to the Committee, contained the following regarding the establishment of a Community Transportation Action Plan: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 27, 1997 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER "There is a recognition that overlap exists in the provision of public transportation services within the community. There is also a recognition that, given the reduced funding available and, more recently, the announced shifts in local responsibilities, a more co-ordinated approach in the supply of community transportation is needed. The establishment of a brokerage will assist the community through an unprecedented concerted effort that will involve several government agencies, the private sector and the service users. The ultimate objective is to improve the use and quality of service at a reduced cost to the taxpayer. This can only be attained by removing existing barriers and changing the way we do business." When questioned by Councillor K. Redman, Mr. W. Beck advised that the City will be one of the players in the proposed brokerage. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener support the Kitchener and Waterloo Transportation Action Program (CTAP) demonstration proposal, and further, That the Province of Ontario be requested to provide up to $50,000.00 in funding to cover the first phase of this demonstration proposal, and further, That the involvement of transit and other City staff, as required, be supported, and further, That the selection of TechKnowledge Consulting as the project demonstration consultant and advisor be supported." 5. NATURAL GAS RATES The Committee considered a report which recommends that natural gas rates be modified in accordance with the recent rulings of the Ontario Energy Board. It was noted that for a typical residential customer the proposed new rates will result in increased charges of approximately $13.50 per year. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That, effective January 1, 1997, and consistent with the recent ruling of the Ontario Energy Board, natural gas rates in the City of Kitchener be modified in accordance with the report presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on Monday, January 27, 1997." 6. INFORMATION REPORTS The Committee received the following information reports: · Stuff-A-Bus Campaign · DOPWR 97-1 - Hedge By-law 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 27, 1997 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk