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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1997-02-24PWTC\1997-02-24 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 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. His Worship Mayor R. Christy and Councillors J. Ziegler and Jake Smola were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. J. Gazzola, S. Gyorffy, J. Bayley, O. den Ouden, J. Shivas, B. Stanley, T. McCabe, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. REGIONAL ENGINEERING REPORT E-97-006 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE ASSUMPTION OF WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES The Committee considered a staff report providing commentary regarding the Regional implementation plan for the assumption of waste collection services. The staff report suggested that a smooth transition is a must for the assumption of waste collection responsibilities by the Region on May 1, 1997. In this regard, it was suggested by Mr. S. Gyorffy that from a City of Kitchener staff point of view, it is not appropriate to have two levels of service which could be created by the implementation of various options as suggested. The report considered by the Committee suggested that it is important that the following areas be considered by the Region: · waste collection by-laws · service levels · leaf collection · rebates. In response to Councillor K. Redman, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that there is no consistent policy across the Region regarding the servicing of apartment buildings and the provision of rebates for those locations which are required to make use of private services. It was suggested, however, that providing collection services to apartment buildings may be more costly than providing a rebate. Mr. J. Gazzola reminded the Committee that, as of May 1, 1997, the City will be totally out of the garbage business and, accordingly, he suggested that there would seem to be no reason for the City to provide a rebate when the Region will be assuming the responsibility for providing this service. His Worship Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting at this time. The Committee was advised that, at the present time, there is less than one full time staff equivalent utilized to undertake various garbage related responsibilities. As a result, staff reductions because of the transfer of garbage collection responsibilities to the Region would not be anticipated. Councillors J. Ziegler and Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Councillor K. Redman expressed the hope that the existing enhanced pick-up service provided to Downtown Kitchener would not deteriorate when this service is transferred to the Region. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned whether or not the proposal presented by the Region is a good deal for the Kitchener taxpayer. Will the associated costs be the same, less or more? In this regard, Mr. J. Gazzola pointed out that, to the best of his knowledge, no detailed analysis has been undertaken. The City of Kitchener presently has the highest level of service and, if the rest of the Region is brought up to this level, there is no doubt that the Region-wide costs will be higher. The City of Kitchener would then be required to assume 47% of these new higher costs. Councillor Lorentz questioned whether or not the cost to the City of Kitchener would be reduced if there is less service provided by the Region. In this regard, Mr. J. Gazzola pointed out that the decision to provide garbage collection services on a one tier level has already been approved in pirnciple and discussions regarding cost implications should have been considered prior to that decision being taken. REGIONAL ENGINEERING REPORT E-97-006 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 1997 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER ASSUMPTION OF WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES (CONT'D) Councillor G. Lorentz indicated that he has questions regarding the existing yard waste and Christmas tree programs and suggested that it would appear that insufficient information is available at this time in order for Kitchener Council to make a final decision. Councillor M. Wagner indicated that, as a Kitchener Councillor, he is not prepared to accept any level of service which would be less than is provided to Kitchener taxpayers at the present time. In this regard, it was suggested that the City of Kitchener may retain the same level of service but they may have to pay extra for some components which are presently included in the base service. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated that it is important to note that the City of Kitchener has very minor staff costs to administer the existing garbage collection program. Mr. S. Gyorffy noted that the Region has suggested that savings will be realized because a large garbage collection contract will be considered. Mr. Gyorffy suggested that he was not sure that the Region will be able to negotiate a contract that is all that much better than the one presently in effect in the City of Kitchener. Councillor C. Weylie suggested that it is necessary for the Region to be very clear regarding how they will handle the collection and disposal of leaves. Councillor Weylie also indicated that she does not support the user pay concept and suggested that while this may be fine for smaller municipalities, it would likely create problems in the larger cities. His Worship Mayor R. Christy suggested that before the City provides any type of approval it should be made clear whether or not the Region intends to provide extended service to Downtown Kitchener as part of the basic service or as an option at an additional cost. The Regional report, as considered by the Committee, seems to indicate that existing levels of service will be maintained until existing contracts expire. At that time, it would appear that a decision will be made regarding basic services and additional charges will be incurred for optional extras. Several members of the Committee again suggested that more specific information must be provided before this matter can be finalized. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that, while the City has an existing contract, there should be no limit on the number of bags of garbage per household and no user fees implemented in the City of Kitchener. Councillor K. Redman suggested to the Committee that the base service for the City of Kitchener must be maintained at the same level it is today but she could see no reason why the base service for the City of Kitchener must be the same base service which is implemented for each of the other area municipalities. In this regard, Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that it is neither necessary nor practical to increase the level of service of the rural areas to the same level that is required in the urban areas. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed the view that the City of Kitchener should advise the Region that, if they can provide the same level of service at a lesser cost to the taxpayers of the City of Kitchener, then the City would support the transition of collection services to the Region. If the existing level of service cannot be maintained at a lesser cost then the City of Kitchener should indicate that they are not interested in the proposal as presented. Following further discussion and on motion by His Worship Mayor R. Christy - it was resolved: "That the staff of the City of Kitchener and the Region be instructed to develop a mutually acceptable agreement within 6 to 8 weeks which demonstrates that the assumption of waste collection services by the Region can ensure that the City of Kitchener taxpayer will receive the same level of service, as they do at the present time, at a lesser cost." 1. REGIONAL ENGINEERING REPORT E-97-006 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE ASSUMPTION OF WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 1997 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be advised that the City of Kitchener would prefer if waste collection responsibilities were not transferred until such time as the City's existing contract with Browning Ferris Industries has expired, which will take place on January 31, 2000." PD 97/18 - TENDER PROCESS - ACQUISITION OF DIGITAL AERIAL ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY FOR GIS AND IIMS PROJECTS The Committee considered a report which recommends that the tendering process be waived and a contract awarded to Northway Map Technology Limited regarding the acquisition of digital aerial orthophotography. It was noted that Northway Map Technology Limited has been the virtual sole provider of aerial photography in the area for a number of years. As a result, they have in place the necessary ground control required to undertake the project. The Committee was advised that the project, as presented, is a cost effective way to capture accurate spacial and infrastructure data for the GIS project and the Infrastructure Management System. Councillor Jake Smola questioned when a report will be presented regarding the GIS and IIMS projects which will provide Council with information regarding the size and scope of these programs. It was suggested that a report could be presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee within approximately 3 months. Councillor John Smola suggested that such a report could be presented at a meeting where this would be the only item on the agenda. Councillor J. Ziegler requested that any report presented provide information regarding costs and what such a program would cost today, if it was just being started. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That Kitchener City Council waive the tendering process for acquisition of digital aerial orthophotography for the City GIS and IIMS Projects and award the contract to Northway Map Technology Limited for a fee of $73,540.00 plus PST and GST, and further, That the cost of the acquisition be allocated to the GIS Capital Account #345141, with a 97 allocation of $250,000.00." ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk