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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1997-06-23PWTC\1997-06-23 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 23, 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 C. Weylie. Councillors J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. E. Kovacs, D. Snow, J. McBride, K. Bowman, S. Gyorffy, T. McCabe, J. Shivas and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. RETROACTIVE CHARGE FOR NATURAL GAS The Committee was advised that, on an annual basis, Union Gas receives approval from the Ontario Energy Board to charge natural gas rates based on projected costs. It was noted that for the period from March 1, 1996 to February 28, 1997, the costs were higher than projected and, accordingly, with the approval of the Ontario Energy Board, Union Gas will be charging their customers a one time charge to cover this variance. The Kitchener portion of the accumulated charge will amount to $1,944,000.00 which must be paid to Union Gas in two payments during the months of June and July 1997. To recover this amount it is being suggested that Kitchener customers be charged a rate rider of $0.05 per cubic metre during the months of September, October and November 1997. The average cost to a Kitchener customer will amount to $30.00. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. E. Kovacs advised that the explanation to Kitchener customers will be that the cost of gas was higher than expected and Union Gas has been authorized to make the additional charge. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That a rate rider of $0.05 m3 be approved for gas consumed during September, October and November, 1997." 2. NATURAL GAS - BUNDLED T-SERVICE CONTRACTS The Committee was advised that, with the de-regulation of the natural gas industry, customers have been given the option of undertaking direct gas purchases. This option provides the customers with the ability to purchase their own natural gas from an agent or broker. There are numerous customers in the City of Kitchener who have selected this option and have entered into a "buy/sell direct purchase" contract. The Committee was advised that several large natural gas customers have requested the implementation of a bundled transportation contract which they would use for buying their own natural gas. It was noted that this type of contract, while administratively onerous, is being recommended, however, it will be necessary to retain the services of a gas industry specialist. The report presented to the Committee contained information outlining the difference between the existing "buy/sell" contracts and the "bundled transportation" contract. This information is attached hereto and forms part of these minutes. The Committee was advised that, in order for existing customers to start using the new system, a contract must be developed by July 25, 1997. It is possible that a final contract may not be finally negotiated by that date. Mr. J. Shivas advised the Committee that, to date, the Legal Department has had no input into the new contract, nor has input been received from a natural gas expert. It was pointed out that, in normal circumstances, a contract would be finalized and then brought to this Committee or City Council for confirmation. Mr. E. Kovacs indicated that he had no objection to following the process as outlined by Mr. Shivas as long as a contract could be finalized prior to the July 25, 1997 date. 2. NATURAL GAS - BUNDLED T-SERVICE CONTRACTS (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 23, 1997 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. E. Kovacs noted that there will be an additional cost to obtain the necessary advisory services and these costs will be a direct charge to the Gas Utility. The exact cost will not be known until the request for proposal process has been completed. Staff were instructed to continue with negotiations leading towards the development of a bundled transportation contract for natural gas. If necessary, a special meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and/or City Council will be called to finalize this matter. It was noted that Regional meetings are scheduled for July 16, 1997, and this was suggested as a good target date. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That City staff be instructed to continue negotiations leading towards the development of a Bundled T-Service Contract which, subject to the approval of City Council, will be offered to large gas use customers effective September 1, 1997, and further, That the Gas Utility proceed with a request for proposal to obtain contract services regarding the administration of the Bundled T-Service Contracts and for advisory services related to direct gas purchase options." Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. 3. DOPWR 97-27 - COURTESY WARNING NOTICES The Committee was advised that for a number of years a Courtesy Warning Program has been used effectively in the Downtown area during Oktoberfest and the month of December. This program assists shoppers and visitors to the Downtown core by ensuring that they do not receive a parking ticket when their meter has expired a short time earlier. It is the intent that a year round Courtesy Warning Program be initiated which would provide a 15 minute grace period for vehicles parked beyond the permitted time limit at an expired meter or in a pay and display lot. Following the 15 minute grace period a parking ticket would be issued. It was suggested to the Committee that this year round Courtesy Warning Program would assist in fighting the negative image which exists as the result of the issuance of parking tickets in the Downtown area. It was noted that there are ample parking spaces in the Downtown but many members of the public feel that there are not sufficient spaces and existing parking regulations are enforced too vigorously. The Committee was advised that the Courtesy Warning Program would result in the loss of fine revenue in the amount of approximately $110,000.00 per year and there would be an additional cost of approximately $40,000.00 to cover the hiring of one additional employee. In this regard, it was noted that the implementation of the Courtesy Warning Program would double the existing workload and, as a result, an additional employee will be required. Once a courtesy warning has been issued the vehicle must be re-visited within about 20 minutes to see if the vehicle has been moved and, if not, a parking ticket issued. Councillor Jake Smola indicated his support for the Courtesy Warning Program but suggested that all options should be considered so that the program could be implemented without the need for additional staff. In this regard, Mr. J. McBride advised that two staff presently cover the Downtown area, however, they will not be able to do a proper job if they are required to issue courtesy warning notices. Councillor M. Wagner questioned whether or not the same objective could not be achieved by adjusting parking meters so that an additional 15 minutes of time was provided and a ticket issued if the meter was expired. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow suggested that the negative image would be continued with the issuance of a parking ticket. People would not be aware that they had 3. DOPWR 97-27 - COURTESY WARNING NOTICES (CONT'D) been provided with additional time. The Courtesy Warning Program goes a long way to create a PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 23, 1997 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER more positive image because it does make people aware that they received 15 minutes of additional free parking time. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested to the Committee that improving the image of the Downtown area is an important consideration but there is also a need for strict enforcement. The courtesy warning notice will make it abundantly clear to an individual that they did receive some additional parking time without receiving a ticket. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested the establishment of a program which would allow everyone to have one parking violation cancelled. After the first ticket, however, everyone would be required to pay for over-parking It was suggested that a program of this nature could be undertaken without the need for additional staff. Mr. D. Snow noted that many parking tickets are cancelled at the present time depending on the circumstances and it must be remembered that the main thrust of the Courtesy Warning Program is to create a positive image in the Downtown. When questioned by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. J. McBride advised that many options have been reviewed regarding the implementation of this program and it has been determined that the level of coverage in the Downtown area will be reduced substantially if only existing staff are used. The end result will be the loss of fine revenue. In this regard, Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that, if a new person is required, consideration be given to making this a contract employee. Mr. McBride accepted this suggestion as being positive since the program would be completely reviewed after the first year of operation. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that steps must be taken to eliminate the abuse of short term parking in the Downtown area, as well as improving the overall parking image. Councillor Lorentz suggested that if people park longer than the grace period provided they will get a ticket, however, under this program they will also know that they were given some additional free time. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that the Downtown Business Association and the City of Kitchener are the major stakeholders in resolving the existing parking perception and questioned whether or not the courtesy warning notices could be distributed by a Downtown Business Association employee. In this regard, Ms. N. Brawley advised that she does not have sufficient staff resources to take on this program but encouraged Council to continue with it because of the extremely positive image which it has created during Oktoberfest and the Christmas seasons. It was also noted that similar programs have been extremely successful in other municipalities. His Worship Mayor R. Christy indicated that the vacancy rate in the Downtown area is presently decreasing and it is important that steps continue to be taken which will attract additional consumers. The positive image created by the Courtesy Warning Program will assist greatly in this regard. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That, effective September 1, 1997, the implementation of a Courtesy Warning Program for Parking Infraction Notices issued at expired meters and time limited parking spaces within the Downtown core be approved, and further, That, to allow for adequate training, a contract employee be hired by August 1, 1997, for a period of one year, and further, That the Courtesy Warning Program be completely reviewed after 11 months of operation with a report dealing with its effectiveness being presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee." 4. DOPWR 97-30 - PEDESTRIAN REFUGE ISLAND - HICKSON DRIVE AT RIVER ROAD The Committee received a report which recommends that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 23, 1997 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER requested to allow the installation of a pedestrian refuge island on River Road at Hickson Drive. The Principal of Stanley Park School requested staff to undertake an investigation regarding the safety of pedestrians at this location. The Committee was advised that following appropriate studies it is being recommended that a pedestrian refuge island be installed. Councillor Jake Smola indicated that the Parents Council at Stanley Park School may have some concerns regarding this installation and suggested that their comments be obtained prior to any installation taking place. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That, subject to discussions with the Parents Council of Stanley Park School, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to permit the installation of a pedestrian refuge island on River Road at Hickson Drive, and further, That its installation be funded by the Public Works Sidewalk Account with the railings and signs being covered by the New Traffic Signs Account." DOPWR 97-32 - TRAFFIC CALMING - HOMEWOOD AVENUE The Committee received a report in which it was noted that a public meeting was held on May 20, 1997, to obtain input regarding the re-installation of the traffic calming chicanes on Homewood Avenue. At that time, it was suggested that a second survey be undertaken and such a survey was conducted on May 27, 1997. As a result of the second survey, 53% of those responding have indicated that they do not want traffic calming chicanes re-installed on this street. Councillor M. Yantzi, Ward Councillor, indicated his support for not re-installing the traffic calming measures. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That no action be taken regarding the re-installation of traffic calming measures on Homewood Avenue, and further, That the Speed Advisory Program be implemented on Homewood Avenue during the summer of 1997." DOPWR 97-34 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - STRASBURG ROAD AND TRILLIUM DRIVE The Committee considered a report which recommends that an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Strasburg Road and Trillium Drive. It was noted that there has been a high number of collisions at this intersection, however, the installation of traffic control signals are presently not warranted. Until such warrants do exist it is being recommended that an all-way stop be installed. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Strasburg Road and Trillium Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." INFORMATION REPORTS The Committee received the following information reports: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 23, 1997 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER a) b) c) d) DOPWR 97-35 - City of Kitchener Speed Advisory Program Cleaning in the Downtown 997 Region of Waterloo Road Works within the City of Kitchener 1997 Special Events Log. 8. DOPWR 97-29 - DOON VILLAGE ROAD - TEMPORARY CLOSING The Committee was advised that the Public Works and Transportation Committee minutes of May 26, 1997, and the City Council minutes of June 3, 1997, must be revised to indicate that the date of the public meeting dealing with the temporary closing of Doon Village Road will be held on Monday, September 29, 1997. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That sub-paragraph e) of Item No.3 of the report of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, as adopted at the City Council meeting held on June 3, 1997, be amended to read as follows: 'e) the scheduling of a Public Meeting in conjunction with Council's regularly scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, September 29, 1997, and further,'." 9. SCHOOL ZONES - REDUCED SPEEDS Councillor M. Wagner requested a report from the Traffic and Parking Division which would outline steps which could be taken to reduce speeding within school zones. It was also suggested that this report examine the problems which are created by the stopping and/or parking of cars dropping students off at a particular school. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk