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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1997-05-26PWTC\1997-05-26 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 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. His Worship Mayor R. Christy and Councillors Jake Smola and B. Vrbanovic were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. S. Kennedy, Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, J. Gazzola, T. McCabe, T. Clancy, J. Shivas and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. CAMERON STREET RECONSTRUCTION - WEBER STREET TO SAMUEL STREET The Committee was advised that there is a proposal to redevelop the former Smiles & Chuckles property located at the intersection of Weber Street and Cameron Street. The developers have requested that consideration be given to reconstructing Cameron Street between Weber Street and Samuel Street during 1997. Mr. H. Rotberg appeared before the Committee representing Townhomes of East Ward Ltd. This company has purchased the former Smiles & Chuckles site and are proposing the development of 23 townhouse units and a park site. The park site would consist of approximately .65 acres. His Worship Mayor R. Christy and Councillors Jake Smola and B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting during Mr. Rotberg's presentation. The Committee was advised that the timing of the on-site construction is dependent upon the reconstruction of Cameron Street. In this regard, Mr. Rotberg urged the Committee to undertake this reconstruction project during 1997. Councillor M. Wagner suggested to Mr. Rotberg that he should contact staff and obtain information regarding the Urban Design Guidelines which are presently being finalized. Several members of the Committee expressed support for the project, as presented, in that it will result in the development of a parcel of land which has been vacant for many years and provide additional housing units. Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that the reconstruction of Cameron Street is in the Capital Budget for the 2000-2001 timeframe. There are concerns regarding timing and it was noted that, if the normal process is followed, there would be a shortage of approximately 2 months to have the project completed during 1997. Staff have carried out further reviews and it is felt that by incorporating certain shortcuts into the process, the reconstruction could be completed during 1997 but not without some risks. In this regard, it was noted that the requirements of the Purchasing By- law would have to be waived regarding the consultant selection process and the interim C.A.O. would have to be authorized to execute the required construction contract. In regard to funding, it was suggested that the project may qualify under the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Program. Other options are over expending the 1997 Capital Budget or making this item as the first priority in the 1998 Capital Budget. Mr. J. Gazzola expressed concern about trying to rush this project because, if everything does not fall into place, the end result could be a roadbed which is not properly completed prior to the winter months. Mr. Gazzola recommended that the project be advanced as a priority item in the 1998 Capital Budget. Mr. Gazzola referred to the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works Program and noted that the City has been allocated approximately 1.7 million dollars. The reconstruction of Cameron Street was considered and, while it is felt that this project may meet the program criteria, the concern is whether or not the work can be properly completed within the time available. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated his support for the project, as presented, but due to the timing concerns suggested that it would be better if the reconstruction were to proceed as a 1998 priority item. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER CAMERON STREET RECONSTRUCTION - WEBER STREET TO SAMUEL STREET (CONT'D) Councillor G. Lorentz expressed support for advancing the timing of the reconstruction as long as the timelines which have been proposed are feasible. In this regard, it was again noted that it is felt that the work can be completed but there will be some uncertainties based on such things as weather conditions. Ms. P. Houston advised the Committee that it could take up to a month to have this project approved for financing under the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works Program. In this regard, it was noted that, if a further month were lost, then timing would become a critical concern. When questioned by Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. Rotberg indicated that if the street reconstruction cannot be completed in 1997 then construction would not start until 1998. Mr. Rotberg did indicate that he was concerned that the present Council could not make a decision that would bind next years Council to proceed with this project. In this regard it was noted that, in most cases, projects which have been included in the Capital Budget as priority items are not delayed. Councillor M. Wagner indicated his support for the project because it is the first to come along in many years dealing with a vacant property in the Downtown area. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that if timing is a significant factor then possibly consideration could be given to including incentives and/or penalties in the construction contracts to ensure that the work is completed. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener waive its normal procedure for the selection of consultants and retain Dillon Consulting Limited to perform design, inspection and contract administration for the reconstruction of Cameron Street from Weber Street to Troy Street, subject to negotiating terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager of Public Works, and further, That the Interim Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute the tender contracts, and further, That, subject to the receipt of all necessary approvals, the funding for this project be provided from the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works Program." 2. DOPWR 97-28 - CITY OF KITCHENER SPEED ADVISORY PROGRAM The Committee received a report which recommends the implementation of a Speed Advisory Program that will advise motorists of their travel speed and, at the same time, provide a message indicating that speeding is a concern. Hopefully, this program will have the effect of reducing the incidents of speeding and speed related problems in the City. In this regard, it is intended to purchase two speed advisory units at a cost of approximately $3,000.00 per unit. The proposal is that the speed advisory units would be manned by volunteers from the Citizens On Patrol (COPs) Program, who have been trained by the Waterloo Regional Police. These volunteers are equipped with properly marked vehicles and direct radio contact with the Regional Police. This is an important consideration should any cases involving an emergency or unusual behaviour arise. The Committee was advised that the Regional Police strongly support the proposal as a further way of dealing with the ongoing speeding problems within the municipality. Sargeant K. Chaulk, of the Waterloo Regional Police, appeared before the Committee as the COPs Co-ordinator. It was noted that COPs presently has approximately 80 volunteer members who work in conjunction with uniformed Officers, generally in the Downtown area on weekends. It is anticipated that, with the commencement of the Speed Advisory Program, more volunteers will be forthcoming to serve in various areas of the City. 2. DOPWR 97-28 - CITY OF KITCHENER SPEED ADVISORY PROGRAM (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER Ms. J. Marsh appeared before the Committee as the President of COPs and indicated her support for the proposal which, in her opinion, will provide friendly advice to the motoring public regarding their rate of speed. The Committee was advised that once Council's approval has been obtained it is expected that the program can be up and running in approximately one month. When the project is initiated there will, hopefully, be media publicity to make the citizens aware of what is taking place. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz it was noted that, at the present time, COPs basically deal with the Downtown area, however, it is intended that the Speed Advisory Program be established in all parts of the City. Councillor M. Wagner indicated his support for this program but questioned what it would accomplish. Councillor Wagner noted that everyone knows where speeding takes place, however, little is being done to eliminate it. It was the view of Councillor Wagner that increased fines are required. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that the Speed Advisory Program will initially be operated on neighbourhood streets where speeding is a perceived problem. In the future, it may be appropriate to expand the program to major arterials, however, this will not be an initial priority. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that the real impact on a motorist would take place if information was provided indicating the amount of the fine that would have been levied if the speed advisory unit was being manned by the regular Police Force. In this regard, it was noted that the program has not been finalized and the suggestion of Councillor Jake Smola will be taken into consideration. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that if the initial program proves to be successful then, in future, consideration could be given to having one of the units available for each Ward. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener in co-operation with the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) and their volunteer group 'COPs' (Citizens on Patrol) implement a Speed Advisory Program, and further, That two (2) speed advisory units be purchased with funds from the Capital Contingency Account, Index Code 345314, at a cost of $3,000.00 per unit." 3. DOPWR 97-29 - DOON VILLAGE ROAD - TEMPORARY CLOSING The Committee considered a report in which it was noted that on March 17, 1997, a Planning Committee recommendation, dealing with the Doon South Community Plan, was amended to provide for the temporary closing of Doon Village Road with the impacts of such a closure to be reviewed at the end of one year. The recommendation presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on this date, suggested that a public meeting be scheduled in the Committee of the Whole at the Council meeting to be held on Monday, August 18, 1997. It was requested that this public meeting be rescheduled to September 25, 1997, so that it would not fall during the summer months. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the second phase of the formal process for the temporary closure of Doon Village Road at Doon South Drive be initiated including: 3. DOPWR 97-29 - DOON VILLAGE ROAD - TEMPORARY CLOSING (CONT'D) a) the preparation of a reference plan ($1,000); PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER b) the preparation of a by-law for first and second reading of Council; c) the required advertising of the proposed closure in the K-W Record for four consecutive weeks ($1,200); d) the placement of signs at both entrances to the Heritage District on Doon Village Road advising users of the facility of the proposed closure; e) the scheduling of a Public Meeting in conjunction with Council's regularly scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, September 25, 1997, and further, That $5,000.00 be provided from the Capital Contingency Account - Index Code 345314 to accommodate the temporary closure." RETENTION OF CONSULTANT - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - SEWAGE FACILITY - BRIDGEPORT NORTH COMMUNITY The Committee considered a report in which it was noted that the Activa Group, a major developer in the Bridgeport North area, has requested the City of Kitchener to retain Paragon Engineering Limited as the consultant to undertake an environmental assessment for a sewage facility in the community. It was noted that this consultant has already undertaken extensive work in the area. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener waive its normal procedure for the selection of consultants and retain Paragon Engineering Limited as our Engineering Consultant to undertake an environmental assessment for determining the preferred method of providing a sanitary sewage facility for the Bridgeport North Community." PIONEER TOWER WEST DESIGN & CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION SEWAGE PUMPING STATION, FORCEMAIN & WATERMAIN RIVER CROSSING The Committee considered a report in which it was noted that J.H.S. Properties Inc. and Krizsanderson Developments Limited have requested the City to retain Paragon Engineering Limited as the consultant to undertake the design and contract administration for the pumping station, forcemain and watermain river crossing that are necessary to provide municipal services to the Pioneer Tower West area. It was noted that Paragon Engineering Limited was hired by the City to undertake the environmental assessment for this area and, accordingly, they have extensive background knowledge regarding the present projects. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener waive its normal procedure for the selection of consultants and retain Paragon Engineering Limited as our engineering consultant to undertake the design and contract administration for the Pioneer Tower West Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station, Forcemain and Watermain river crossing." KITCHENER TRANSIT - YEAR TO DATE RIDERSHIP AND REVENUE The Committee received an information report regarding Transit ridership and revenues for the first four months of 1997. CANADA/ONTARIO INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS PROGRAM The Committee considered a report from Mr. J. Gazzola, Interim CAO, advising that the City of Kitchener has been allocated $1,681,034.00 for Phase II of the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 1997 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER Works Program. It was noted that, based on a decision made earlier today, $350,000.00 from this allocation will be used for the reconstruction of Cameron Street, providing the necessary approvals for this project are received. It is proposed that approximately $100,000.00 be used for a bridge repair on the Iron Horse Trail, with the remaining $1,231,034.00 being used for various street resurfacing projects. The Committee was advised that staff will prepare a prioritized list of streets to be resurfaced and these will be presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee at the meeting to be held on June 10, 1997. The Committee was advised that the City has projects totalling approximately $2,400,000.00 and it is proposed that applications for this amount be made. There may be additional funds available if other municipalities across the Province are not prepared to make use of their full allocation. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener apply for an allocation of $2,400,000.00 under the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works Program, and further, That the reconstruction of Cameron Street between Weber Street and Samuel Street be established as the Number 1 Priority for the use of funds received through this program." BUS RODEO The Committee was advised that the City of Kitchener Bus Rodeo was held on May 25, 1997. Councillor K. Redman was successful in retaining the Challenge Trophy for the City of Kitchener. It was noted that Mr. N. Mattu, who won the Rodeo last year, was the winner again this year. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk