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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1997-03-17PWTC\1997-03-17 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 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 Councillors K. Redman, G. Lorentz and B. Vrbanovic. Others Present: Messrs. E. Kovacs, D. Snow, J. McBride, S. Gyorffy, O. den Ouden and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. DOPWR 97-16 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - BIEHN DRIVE AT BLACK WALNUT DRIVE The Committee considered a report which recommends that an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Biehn Drive and Black Walnut Drive and that the need for an adult crossing guard be further reviewed once the all-way stop has been installed. A petition has been received from area residents requesting an all-way stop at the intersection of Biehn Drive and Black Walnut Drive. This request has been reviewed by staff and, based on existing traffic conditions, it is felt that such an installation would be appropriate. It was noted that there is presently an adult crossing guard at this intersection, however, an adult crossing guard may not be required once the all-way stop has been installed. This matter will be further reviewed by staff once the installation has been completed. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Biehn Drive and Black Walnut Drive, and further, That, after the installation of the all-way stop, the intersection be further reviewed to determine if the adult crossing guard is still warranted, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 97-17 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - CONNAUGHT STREET - FRANKLIN STREET/FIFTH AVENUE The Committee considered a report which recommended that the intersections of Connaught Street and Franklin Street, and Connaught Street and Fifth Avenue, be controlled by all-way stops. It was noted that staff have reviewed these intersections and, based on the severity and number of accidents which have occurred, it is felt that the installation of all-way stops would be appropriate. It was noted that, due to the volume of pedestrian traffic on Franklin Street, the existing adult crossing guard will be maintained. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Connaught Street and Franklin Street, and further, That an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Connaught Street and Fifth Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 97-18 - RIGHT TURN ONLY LANE - WILSON AVENUE AT FAIRWAY ROAD The Committee was advised that in December 1996, a right turn only lane was established on westbound Wilson Avenue at Fairway Road and at Kingsway Drive. This installation has created some operational problems for Kitchener Transit due to a transit stop on Wilson Avenue at Fairway Road which forces the bus to negotiate a straight through movement from the right turn PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 -14- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DOPWR 97-18 - RIGHT TURN ONLY LANE - WILSON AVENUE AT FAIRWAY ROAD (CONT'D) only lane. It is not practical to relocate the transit stop and, therefore, it is being recommended that buses be exempted from the posted regulation designating the lane for right turns only. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That transit vehicles be exempt from the designated westbound right turn only lane on Wilson Avenue at Fairway Road, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. DOPWR 97-19 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - WILLIAMSBURG ROAD AT PINEDALE DRIVE The Committee considered a report which recommends that an all-way stop be installed on a temporary basis at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and Pinedale Drive. The report also recommends that the speed limit on Williamsburg Road be reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. The Committee was advised that there is a high volume of through traffic on Williamsburg Road and this combined with excessive speeding creates problems at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and Pinedale Drive. It is expected that this problem will be relieved once Fischer-Hallman Road has been extended to Westmount Road. This work should be completed within the next couple of years. As an interim step, it is being recommended that an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and Pinedale Drive, and the speed limit reduced. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop be installed on a temporary basis at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and Pinedale Drive, and further, That the speed limit on Williamsburg Road be reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. DOPWR 97-20 - PARKING STRATEGIC PLAN It was noted that the Parking Strategic Plan was presented to the Committee for information purposes on January 27, 1997. At that time, it was noted that the report would be brought back to the Committee for finalization at this meeting. Mr. J. McBride advised the Committee that the Strategic Plan has been presented to various Committees and organizations and all of them, including the Kitchener Downtown Business Association, have been very supportive. Attached to the report was a timetable for undertaking various segments of the Plan and it is proposed that it be completed within a timeframe of 2 years. In response to Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. D. Snow advised that arrangements are being made to have name tags obtained which will be worn by employees indicating their first name. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the Parking Strategic Plan, as tabled with the Public Works and Transportation Committee on January 27, 1997, be adopted." 6. REGIONAL ROADS PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17, 1997 -15- CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that a meeting will take place on this date to discuss road rationalization. In other words, this meeting will discuss the downloading of roads from the Region to the area municipalities. 7. TRANSIT WORKSHOPS The Committee was advised that the final report from Mr. Wayne Hussey, who facilitated the recent Transit Workshops, will be presented to the Committee at their next meeting. Mr. E. Kovacs noted that the result of these workshops may be savings of approximately $150,000.00, however, these potential savings must be reviewed at a staff level. 8. SNOW PLOUGHING In response to Councillor M. Wagner regarding last weekends snow storm, Mr. E. Kovacs acknowledged that there was a delay in getting started with snow removal in the Downtown area due to operator illness and equipment problems. 9. HIGHWAY #8 TRANSFER - STREET LIGHTING AND SIDEWALKS This information report was received by the Committee. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk