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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1997-04-21PWTC\1997 -04-21 APRIL 21, 1997 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES 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 K. Redman. Councillors J. Ziegler and Jake Smola were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. S. Kennedy and Messrs. D. Snow, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, J. McBride, D. Mansell, T. Konstantinidis, J. Gazzola, L. Lynch, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY - EXTENSION OF EASTFOREST TRAIL AND DETWEILER GREENWAY Mr. D. Mansell appeared before the Committee and advised that in August 1996 a Class Environmental Assessment Study was initiated for the proposed extension of Eastforest Trail and the Detweiler Greenway in the Highland West Community. This study was undertaken by MTE Consultants Inc. who, on behalf of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, also looked at turning lane requirements for Highland Road. The Committee was advised that it is being recommended that the extension of Eastforest Trail, from Bankside Drive to Highland Road, be undertaken. The report also recommends the construction of the Detweiler Greenway, however, it was noted that this project can only be totally finalized if negotiations are successfully completed to purchase the required portion of the Kniess property. The Committee was also advised that the report recommends that opposing left turn lanes be developed on Highland Road and a right turn lane be developed from Highland Road onto Eastforest Trail. Traffic lights are proposed for the Westheights Drive/Eastforest Trail/Highland Road intersection. Councillor C. Weylie noted that it would be preferable if the extension of the Detweiler Greenway could be totally completed at this time and encouraged staff to take all possible steps to finalize negotiations for the Kniess property. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed concern with the amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic which utilize this area with varying pavement widths and the lack of sidewalks. Apparently the lack of sidewalks was introduced as a problem at the public meeting and staff have indicated that sidewalk installation will be further reviewed. The Committee was advised that the installation of the sidewalks is a question of financing and it was noted that there are no processes available which allow the City or the Region to obtain funds from the developer for their installation at this time. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the preferred methods of extending Eastforest Trail and the Detweiler Greenway, from Bankside Drive to Highland Road in the Highland West Community, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 21, 1997, be adopted, and further, That the Schedule 'B' Class Environmental Study report for this project be filed with the City Clerk for the mandatory 30 day public viewing period." TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY Mr. D. Snow introduced this report by displaying slides which illustrated permanent and temporary traffic calming measures which have recently been undertaken. The slides showed the permanent steps taken on Heritage Drive, between Lorraine Avenue and Oakhurst Crescent, as well as the temporary measures which were introduced on Homewood Avenue and Water Street. In regard to the Homewood Avenue installation, it was noted that the temporary measures were accepted very well by some residents while others were adamantly opposed to them. If these measures are re-installed in 1997, a better evaluation can be undertaken to determine the PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21, 1997 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY (CONT'D) effect of these measures on traffic volumes and speeding. Mr. Snow advised the Committee that, in hindsight, it would have been preferable to conduct a public meeting regarding the Homewood Avenue installation prior to proceeding. In regard to the permanent facilities installed on Heritage Drive, Mr. Snow suggested that, while initially these measures were not totally supported by some residents, it would now appear that they have been accepted. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. E. Kovacs reminded the Committee that the policy being presented at this time attempts to differentiate between permanent and temporary traffic calming measures. Staff feel that it is necessary for direction to be provided regarding the steps that should be taken prior to traffic calming being introduced in the future. It was the view of Mr. Kovacs that direction for the future is more important at this time than a review of what has happened in the past. Mr. Kovacs noted, however, that experiences from the past can and will be used to develop a better process for the future. Councillor C. Weylie expressed concern about the introduction of traffic calming measures and expressed the opinion that the purpose of a street must be kept in mind, which is to move traffic even though this activity may create concerns for some residents on that street. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that the policy, as presented, may be premature and expressed concern that its adoption may result in pleasing some residents on a street but create many problems for the general motoring public. In this regard, Councillor Wagner suggested that many residents may accept increased traffic on their street if speeding was controlled. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs pointed out that the policy, as presented, establishes criteria to deal with all of the issues to which Councillor Wagner has referred. Councillor Wagner, however, expressed the view that controlling speeding is an important issue which is not being addressed adequately. Councillor C. Weylie indicated that she was opposed to the policy as presented and, if a group of residents want traffic calming measures undertaken on their street, the costs involved should be borne by them. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed the opinion that common sense cannot be legislated and enforcement is the only way to consistently control speeding. Councillor Lorentz indicated his support for the policy as introduced, but suggested that an informal meeting should be arranged with the Police Services Board and the Police Administration so that areas of concern, including speeding, can be addressed. On behalf of the members of Council, His Worship Mayor R. Christy undertook to contact the Police Services Board to arrange an informal meeting at which round table discussions could take place. Councillor Jake Smola expressed concern that no formal survey has been undertaken to determine how the traffic calming measures installed on Heritage Drive have affected all residents in the general area. Councillor Jake Smola indicated that he did not support the policy as presented and suggested that it may be more appropriate if traffic calming measures were introduced at the time a subdivision is developed. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he supports the policy as presented because without restrictions there will be requests for this type of activity all over the City. Councillor Vrbanovic also suggested that consideration should be given to having those that live on a particular street pay for the traffic calming measures which they have requested. 2. TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21, 1997 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor M. Wagner referred to Item No.4 of the proposed policy and suggested that this should be re-worded to read as follows: "That, as a matter of policy, the integrity of annual funding for reconstruction and maintenance of surface facilities be maintained and supplementary funding be provided to meet all incremental costs of implementing temporary/portable traffic calming measures with permanent installations being supported as a local neighbourhood improvement and paid for by the residents if no reconstruction has been planned." Councillor Wagner noted that, in some cases, there will be unique circumstances which could lead to the City absorbing the costs for a permanent installation. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated his support for the policy as presented and noted that it is impossible to keep people off of certain streets, however, traffic calming measures will slow them down. When questioned by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. D. Snow advised that staff could review the possibility of having traffic calming measures introduced at the time a subdivision is developed, however, Mr. Snow also pointed out that, if streets are properly designed initially, traffic calming measures should not be required. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the following be adopted as the City of Kitchener Traffic Calming Policy, namely: That traffic calming be endorsed as an effective way of reducing traffic impacts on residential neighbourhoods in the City of Kitchener, based on the following criteria: That traffic calming be considered principally on local residential streets or minor collector roadways where the results of a comprehensive traffic study demonstrates all of the following traffic conditions: (a) where an unreasonable portion of the daily traffic on the street is through traffic, through traffic being defined as traffic that is not community/neighbourhood based and is purely driving through the area (ie. short cutting); (b) where speed studies reveal an 85th percentile of 10 to 15 km/hr over the posted speed limit (the 85th percentile is the speed at or below which 85% of the vehicles are moving); (c) where the motor vehicle collision history demonstrates a driver behaviour problem; and, (d) where there is a real problem and not a perceived problem supported by the comprehensive traffic study. That a request supported by a petition from the residents of the street be received and that a public meeting be held with all affected property owners to obtain support of the proposed measures. That, to the extent possible, the physical implementation of permanent traffic calming measures be undertaken in conjunction with road reconstruction and maintenance programs. That, as a matter of policy, the integrity of annual funding for reconstruction and maintenance of surface facilities be maintained and supplementary funding be provided 2. TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY (CONT'D) 4. (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21, 1997 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER to meet all incremental costs of implementing temporary/portable traffic calming measures with permanent installations being supported as a local neighbourhood improvement and paid for by the residents if no reconstruction has been planned. That temporary traffic calming measures may be considered based on the criteria and would be re-installed annually based on a traffic impact analysis that illustrates positive effect and with the support of the affected property owners. and further, That traffic calming WILL NOT be considered: (a) on streets that are designed or intended to carry through traffic; ie. arterial roads, collectors and connectors; (b) on Transit routes; Traffic calming measures by their design are intended to slow traffic which would impact transit schedules and the ability to maintain headways. (c) on Emergency Service routes. · Traffic calming measures: will detrimentally affect life saving emergency response times; can jeopardize the safety of personnel riding on fire apparatus; can jeopardize the safety of patients and cause trauma for those being transported by ambulance." When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. D. Snow advised that future requests for consideration of traffic calming measures will be considered by staff on a first come, first serve basis. Councillor Jake Smola expressed the view that reducing the speed limit in residential areas is a traffic calming measure which should be considered. 3. DOPWR 97-21 - ON-STREET PARKING - COLLEGE STREET The Committee considered a report which recommends that the parking meters on the east side of College Street, between Ahrens Street and Weber Street West, be removed and be replaced with a 2 hour on-street parking limit. The Committee was advised that since the majority of the area residents support this change it is being recommended, however, it was noted that controlling long term parking is more difficult with a 2 hour limit than it is with parking meters. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the parking meters on the east side of College Street, between Ahrens Street and Weber Street West, be removed and replaced with a two (2) hour on-street parking limit, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. DOPWR 97-22 - ON-STREET PARKING - DAVID STREET The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking meters on the west side of PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 21, 1997 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER David Street, between Joseph Street and Courtland Avenue, be extended so that the maximum will become 3 hours rather than the present 2 hours. It was noted that this change would address the longer on-street parking needs of the Victoria School Centre. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the parking meters on the west side of David Street, between Joseph Street and Courtland Avenue, be extended from a two (2) hour maximum time limit to a three (3) hour maximum time limit, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 97-23 - DUKE/ONTARIO GARAGE - STRUCTURAL REPAIR PROGRAM The Committee considered a report which recommends that the consultant selection process be waived so that Morrison Hershfield Ltd. can be retained to undertake the 1997 Duke and Ontario Parking Garage Structural Repair Program. It was noted that this company has been doing the structural monitoring of this garage, as well as overseeing repairs, since the early 1980's. It is felt appropriate to retain this organization since they are familiar with the structure, the history of repairs and monitoring programs, and can undertake the new work with minimal start-up costs. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That City Council waive the consultant selection process and award the 1997 Duke and Ontario Garage Structural Repair Program to Morrison Hershfield Ltd." DOPWR 97-24 - STREET LIGHTING CLEANING AND GROUP RELAMPING The Committee considered a report which recommends that Langley Utilities Limited of Bowmanville be awarded the contract for Street Light Cleaning and Relamping in Area 5. Area 5 is the final area of the City to be serviced in this manner and consists of the Forest Ward and West Ward areas of the City. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the contract for Street Lighting Cleaning and Group Relamping, in Area 5 of the City, be awarded to the Iow bidder Langley Utilities Limited of Bowmanville." 1997 STREET LIGHTING BUDGETS The Committee considered an information letter received from Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro regarding the 1997 Street Lighting Budgets. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk