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PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 10, 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 G. Lorentz and Jake
Smola were in attendance for part of the meeting.
Others Present:
Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, J. O'Rourke, L. Lynch, J.
Gazzola, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse.
This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:45 a.m.
1. LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM
The Committee considered a report dealing with the existing City of Kitchener Leaf Collection
Program. It was noted that, in 1996, 3,330 tons of leaves were recycled.
With the growth of the Leaf Collection Program, the handling of bagged leaves has become a
problem and, as a result, it is being recommended that plastic garbage bags no longer be accepted.
The use of a kraft paper bag for the collection of yard waste and leaves will be required. It was
noted that implementing this change will result in operational efficiencies and reduce costs by
approximately $50,000.00 per year.
A sample of the kraft paper bag was shown to the Committee and it was noted that these bags
stand up very well to the weather.
Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time.
When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that loose leaf collection will
continue and one of the benefits of going to the kraft paper bag is that bagged leaves and loose
leaves can now be picked up by the same truck.
Councillor Jake Smola entered this meeting at this time.
It was suggested that possibly the City could consider purchasing the new paper bags in bulk and
sell them to the public. It was noted that this possibility has been considered, however, it is felt that
there will be sufficient demand and this product will be attractive to the retail market.
Councillor G. Lorentz indicated concern that people will continue to use plastic garbage bags which
will then be tagged indicating that there use is no longer acceptable and the leaves must be re-
bagged in paper bags. Councillor Lorentz suggested that there will be confusion and upset people
and, accordingly, suggested that there be a phase-in period.
Councillor M. Wagner suggested that communications with the public regarding this new program
will be most important. He acknowledged that there will be savings to the City and these savings
must be communicated with the public so that they understand why they are being required to
spend more for bags to handle their leaves.
When questioned by the Committee, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that the leaf collection schedule will be
reviewed, however, he pointed out that there will be some collection delays during those periods
when the leaf fall is the heaviest.
When questioned by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. Gyorffy advised that a report regarding the
handling of yard waste will be presented to the Committee in the near future.
Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether or not four drop-off areas for yard waste and leaves was
sufficient and suggested that consideration be given to establishing sites at all Community Arenas.
His Worship Mayor R. Christy noted that the City of Waterloo has been using kraft bags for some
time and questioned whether they received any objections regarding the cost of the bags and
whether they had a transitional period. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that to the best of
1. LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM (CONT'D)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 10, 1997 - 31 -
CITY OF KITCHENER
his knowledge there was no transition period and he was not aware of any complaints that were
received about the costs of the new bags. Mr. Gyorffy also noted that if people do not want to buy
the new bags they can rake their leaves out to the street and they will be picked up.
Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that the City should make use of Neighbourhood Association
newsletters to advertise this new program. It was also suggested that local retailers should be
advised of the new program so that they ensure that sufficient bags are on hand and, hopefully,
they may consider reduced per unit costs.
It was also suggested that advertising space on City buses could be utilized to advertise this
program.
Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
it was resolved:
"That, commencing in the fall of 1997, only leaves bagged in kraft paper 'yard waste' bags and
loose leaves be collected during our scheduled autumn Leaf Collection Program, and further,
That, in the fall of 1997, each household receiving City waste collection be supplied with one
sample paper bag printed with the promotional material to introduce the Program, and further,
That the Purchasing Department call tenders for the supply and distribution of one kraft paper
bag to each household receiving City waste collection, and further,
That leaves placed in plastic bags not be collected but rather be tagged as a reminder to
residents to use kraft bags, and further,
That the City's Waste Collection By-law be amended accordingly, and further,
That two additional leaf drop-off sites be provided commencing in the fall of 1997 to provide a
total of four leaf drop-off locations, and further,
That the collection schedule be undertaken based on designated areas rather than the day of
garbage collection."
CANADA/ONTARIO INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS PROGRAM
The Committee received a report which recommends streets which could be considered for
resurfacing under the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works Program. These streets are shown on
Appendix 'T' which is attached hereto and forms part of these minutes. Also attached to these
minutes and marked as Appendix "11" is a further list of streets which will be resurfaced if the City's
application for additional funding should be approved.
Mr. L. Lynch advised the Committee that, under the Infrastructure Program, the complete
reconstruction of streets cannot be considered.
When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, it was noted that the Cameron Street reconstruction
between Weber Street and Samuel Street will be the first priority for work to be undertaken under
the Infrastructure Program. This assumes that this work meets the funding criteria. The second
priority will be bridge work on the Iron Horse Trail, again, depending on meeting the criteria. The
remaining monies received under the Infrastructure Program will be spent on street resurfacing.
Councillor
Program is
the opinion
Horse Trail
M. Wagner noted that most of the money being received under the Infrastructure
being spent on road surface improvements to the benefit of all types of vehicles. It was
of Councillor Wagner that consideration should be given to doing more work on the Iron
which will provide a benefit to pedestrians and cyclists.
CANADA/ONTARIO INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS PROGRAM (CONT'D)
The Committee was advised that $165,000.00 has been included in the Capital Forecast over the
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 10, 1997 - 32 -
CITY OF KITCHENER
next three years to complete the Iron Horse Trail. It was further noted that any projects in the
current year of the Capital Forecast are not eligible for Infrastructure monies.
Ms. P. Houston advised the Committee that, if the Cameron Street reconstruction and the Iron
Horse Trail bridge work meet the criteria, it is likely that funds will only be available to undertake
Priorities 1 through 17, as shown on Appendix 'T'.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That $1.68 million dollars allocated under the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works Program
be utilized to resurface the following streets, namely:
PRIORITY STREET FROM TO
1 Homer Watson Blvd Expressway Ramp Ottawa St
2 Water St Duke St Victoria St
3 Lancaster St Victoria St Frederick St
4 Margaret Ave Victoria St Queen St
5 Mill St Ottawa St Stirling Ave
6 Mill St Ottawa St Courtland Ave
7 Wellington St St Leger St Margaret Ave
8 Wabanaki Dr Manitou Dr Wilson Ave
9 Moore Ave Emma Ave City Limits
10 Glasgow St HEPC Entrance Highland Rd
11 Madison Ave King St Charles St
12 Old Mill Rd Mill Park Dr Roos St
13 East Ave Weber St Sherbourne Ave
14 Stirling Ave Highland Rd Homer Watson Blvd
15 Stirling Ave Avalon PI Greenbrook Dr
16 Highland Rd Stirling Ave Hoffman St
17 Kinzie Ave Weber St Rutherford Ave
18 Thaler Ave Kinzie Ave Fairway Rd
19 Traynor Ave Vanier Dr Wilson Ave
20 Traynor Ave Connaught Ave Greenfield Ave
21 Connaught St Traynor Ave Franklin St
22 Mt Hope St King St Park St
23 Mutual Dr Mt Hope St Union Blvd
24 Rockway Dr Doon Rd Dixon Rd
25 Eckert St Dixon Rd Second Ave
26 Doon Rd Floral Cres 300'W of Carwood Cres
And further, that pending approval of additional funding in the amount of $718,966.00, the
following streets be identified for additional resurfacing, namely:
PRIORITY STREET FROM TO
1 Clark Ave Wilson Ave Siebert Ave
2 Siebert Ave Clark Ave Vanier Dr
3 Balzer Rd Courtland Ave RR Tracks
4 Otonabee Dr Bleams Rd Sasaga Dr
5 Sasaga Dr Manitou Dr CNR Railway
6 Gay Cres Conway Dr Conway Dr
7 Jackson Ave Weber St Fairmount Rd
8 Overlea Cres Overlea Dr Overlea Crt
9 Overlea Crt Overlea Dr Cul de Sac
10 Riverbend Dr Bridgeport Rd Arnold St
CANADA/ONTARIO INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS PROGRAM (CONT'D)
PRIORITY STREET FROM TO
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JUNE 10, 1997
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CITY OF KITCHENER
11 Turner Ave Frederick St Victoria St
12 Patricia Ave Queen's Blvd Highland Rd
13 Breithaupt St Duke St Weber St
14 Carson Dr Champlain Cres Natchez Rd"
DOPWR 97-31 - REGION OF WATERLOO PROJECTS - CANADA/ONTARIO INFRASTRUC-
TURE WORKS PROGRAM
The Committee considered a report advising that a letter has been received from the Regional
Municipality of Waterloo which recommends that the resurfacing of King Street between Victoria
Street and the railroad tracks, and the rehabilitation of the bridge over Laurel Creek on Regional
Road 52, be undertaken with funds received from the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works
Program.
Councillor G. Lorentz noted that, while the City of Kitchener pays 48% of the Regional bill, only
$350,000.00 from the Infrastructure Program will be spent in the City of Kitchener. It was noted that
substantial amounts of the available monies will be spent in the rural municipalities.
It was pointed out to the Committee that, because of the works being undertaken under the
Infrastructure Program, certain City of Kitchener works will, possibly, move up in priority.
His Worship Mayor R. Christy requested staff to prepare a report outlining other urgent works which
could be presented to Regional Council for consideration at their next meeting. In this regard, Mr.
S. Gyorffy confirmed that such a list would be prepared but noted that the deadline for funding
under the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works Program is June 13, 1997.
Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That the City of Kitchener endorse the projects proposed by the Regional Municipality of
Waterloo to be completed under the extension of the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works
Program, namely: resurfacing of King Street, between Victoria Street to the railroad tracks,
and rehabilitation of the bridge over Laurel Creek on Regional Road 52."
VOISIN GREENWAY
Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he has been contacted by Mr. Frank Voisin regarding a possible
renaming of the Voisin Greenway to the "Frank Voisin Greenway". Following discussion, it
appeared that there was little support for this proposal and no further action was taken.
CITY OF KITCHENER SPEED ADVISORY PROGRAM
Councillor M. Wagner expressed his personal concern that the City of Kitchener's innovative Speed
Advisory Program has received absolutely no publicity in the local newspaper.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT
Deputy City Clerk