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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1997-09-22PWTC\1997-09-22 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 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 G. Lorentz. Others Present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, T. McCabe, D. Snow, J. McBride, L. Lynch, J. Gazzola, K. Currier, J. Shivas, T. Clancy, R. Pritchard, B. Gulliver and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO - ONE TIER SEWER AND WATER SYSTEM The Committee considered a report prepared by Mr. J. Gazzola, Chief Administrative Officer, regarding the development of a Regional One Tier Sewer and Water System. It was noted that considerable time and effort has been spent over the last three years in an attempt to achieve what appear to be minimal savings with the possibility of reduced accountability and a step backwards in the land development process. The report, as considered by the Committee, pointed out that the studies completed to date have not proven that a move to a one tier system would result in substantial savings, nor has it been proven that all customers would receive worthwhile reductions in their sewer and water rates. The report, as presented to the Committee, contains the following recommendations: "1. That the City of Kitchener supports the immediate implementation of the Best Management Practices outlined in Regional Report E-OTSW-97-004 which are estimated to result in annual savings of approximately $970,000.00 across the Region of Waterloo. And further, that these savings be used to reduce water and sewer rates. That the City of Kitchener supports further co-operative investigation of the Best Management Practices proposal of three areas as outlined in the Regional Report #E-OTSW-97-004. That the City of Kitchener does not support moving to, or considering further, a Regional One Tier Sewer and Water System. And further, that the Area Municipalities and the Region of Waterloo continue to work together to share resources with a goal to reducing rates by 1% annually over the next three years. This would translate into Region-wide customer savings of between $0.8 million and $2.4 million. 4. That, if a Regional One Tier Sewer and Water System is adopted, the transfer of responsibilities occur at the beginning of a fiscal year. And further, that service levels and rates be frozen for six years after the implementation of a one tier system." Mr. M. Charboneau appeared before the Committee representing City of Kitchener Employees in CUPE Locals #68 and #791, who would be affected if the Regional recommendations were adopted. Mr. Charboneau advised the Committee that he supports the recommendations as contained in the report presented by Mr. Gazzola. Mr. Charboneau advised the Committee that the staff working group estimated that 90 Regional staff would be required, however, the report, as presented by the Region, has reduced this figure to 78. It was the suggestion of Mr. Charboneau that, if staff requirements have been estimated too Iow, the end result could be that the actual savings would be reduced and additional costs could be incurred at a later date to return the staff complement to a workable level. It was pointed out to the Committee that the Regional report contains no data to substantiate the suggestion that staff can be reduced to 78 employees. 1. REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO - ONE TIER SEWER AND WATER SYSTEM PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 1997 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER (CONT'D) Mr. Charboneau also pointed out to the Committee that the Regional report contains no information to indicate the effect that the proposed shift to a one tier system would have on industrial and commercial water users. His Worship Mayor R. Christy suggested that the comments made by Mr. Charboneau could be classed as trying to save jobs and have been classed at the Regional level as being obstructionist. In this regard, Mr. Charboneau pointed out that the consultant retained by the Region did not audit any of the figures that they used but reached their conclusions based on information presented by the staff working group. Mr. Charboneau suggested that on paper the projected savings look great but it must be kept in mind that employees transferred to the Region will have dual roles and this in itself creates the possibility for potential delays in dealing with sewer and water maintenance and corrective services. His Worship Mayor R. Christy suggested that we are involved in a public relations war and he would be prepared to support "identifiable" savings and efficiencies. In this regard, Mr. Charboneau suggested that the Regional report identifies savings from a Regional point of view but does not look at potential off-setting additional costs for the area municipalities. When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Charboneau advised that it is his understanding that approximately 50 City of Kitchener employees would be absorbed into the Region and then at least some of them would be offered a severance package. The estimated cost of this undertaking is $750,000.00. If the Region has miscalculated the staff requirements, it may be necessary to hire more people at a later date and, accordingly, any savings could be substantially reduced or lost. Councillor J. Ziegler expressed the opinion that there is not $1.4 million dollars savings to be achieved and efficiencies and economies of scale will be lost by the City of Kitchener and these will be shared with the rest of the Region by way of income distribution. The Committee was advised that a representative of the K-W Home Builders' Association could not be in attendance at this meeting but they asked that their comments contained in a letter addressed to Mayor Christy dated September 11, 1997, be considered. In their letter the Home Builders' Association suggest that a one tier sewer and water system would result in considerable control of growth management issues being vested with the Region. This would impair the ability of local municipalities to plan and budget for their infrastructure needs. Mr. P. Fleming appeared before the Committee, representing I.B.E.W. Local #636, and indicated his support for the report as presented by Mr. Gazzola. It was noted that, at the present time, the City of Kitchener have staff who work in both the Gas and Water Utility areas. The transfer of certain employees from the Water Utility to the Region would result in a decrease and/or loss of this flexibility. Mr. Fleming noted that the City of Kitchener presently has the lowest water rates in the Region, however, this situation would be adversely affected by moving the Water Utility responsibilities to the Region. This course of action would, no doubt, result in increased costs and reduced level of service for Kitchener residents. Mr. Rudy Grosz appeared before the Committee, representing C.A.W. Local #4304. Mr. Grosz suggested to the Committee that the implementation of Best Management Practices will, no doubt, result in some savings, however, if savings of $1.4 million dollars are really available this would seem to indicate that the City of Kitchener has been doing a bad job in this area for many years. Mr. Grosz suggested to the Committee that it is his opinion that the City has been doing a good job and, accordingly, he cannot accept the savings figures which are being suggested. The Committee was advised that the Fleet Mechanics presently look after all types of City vehicles, however, this level of service would have to be decreased if some mechanics were moved to the 1. REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO - ONE TIER SEWER AND WATER SYSTEM (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 1997 -51 - CITY OF KITCHENER Region. Mr. Grosz indicated his support for Mr. Gazzola's report and suggested that a One Tier Sewer and Water System will reduce the level of service and any cost savings will be of a short term nature only. In response to Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. J. Gazzola pointed out that the following factors have been taken into account, namely: change in the Regional levy; change in the local levy; water and waste water rates. The Committee was advised that these three factors combined produced a household rate. In the rural areas available information indicates that Regional and local levies will go up, however, the water and waste water rates will go down. Mr. Gazzola pointed out, however, that many people in Regional areas do not receive sewer and water services and, accordingly, their costs per household will actually increase. When questioned by Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. J. Gazzola advised that the $740,000.00 which the City allocates as the cost of administration compares favourably with the figures submitted for this activity by other municipalities. Councillor T. Galloway noted that the City's infrastructure is presently in good repair and, accordingly, Kitchener residents will be paying so that the underground services in other municipalities can be improved. In this regard, Councillor Galloway questioned whether or not any attempt was made to measure the integrity of the inground infrastructure in other municipalities. In this regard, Mr. J. Gazzola advised that neither time nor money was available to permit the staff working group to carry out an evaluation in regard to existing infrastructure. It was noted, however, that there are big problems in Elmira at the present time and the costs to undertake this work have not been included in the Regional study. Mr. Gazzola further advised the Committee, however, that some have suggested that a parochial view cannot be taken but rather one must view the entire Regional picture. Councillor C. Weylie referred to amalgamations which have taken place in the City of Halifax and pointed out that actual costs far exceeded the original estimates and these costs are still growing. Councillor Weylie also expressed concern regarding the affects a one tier system would have on the City's ability to allow and/or control future development. Councillor Weylie indicated her support for the staff recommendations. His Worship Mayor R. Christy also indicated his support for the staff recommendations and pointed out that, even though attempts are made to work together as urban and rural municipalities, there comes a time when a proposal cannot be supported which will benefit some residents in the Region at the expense of the taxpayers of the City of Kitchener. It was suggested that there are many unknown quantities which must be addressed and, accordingly, any process must proceed cautiously. Councillor M. Wagner indicated his support for the staff report and referred to the comments by the K-W Home Builders' Association regarding development growth management control being shifted to the Region and the problems this could create. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. J. Gazzola advised that everything including Water Utility profits have been taken into consideration. It was noted, however, that in the City of Kitchener profits from the Water Utility are used to reduce taxes which is of benefit to all taxpayers. A similar program does not take place in rural municipalities because most properties are not connected to sewer and/or water services. 1. REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO - ONE TIER SEWER AND WATER SYSTEM (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 1997 - 52 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Jake Smola indicated that, while he supports the recommendations contained in the staff report, he would like some assurances that service levels and rates for City taxpayers would also be frozen for six years if the one tier system was not implemented. In this regard, Councillor T. Galloway pointed out that it is his understanding that the wholesale rate of water is scheduled to decline over the next several years. Mr. E. Kovacs suggested that Recommendation #4 has been included to provide protection against substantial rate increases in future years because the Region has understated the resources which will be required to maintain the underground infrastructure. Mr. Kovacs indicated that, personally, he does not believe the Region can maintain the infrastructure in the manner they have outlined in their report. Mr. J. Gazzola suggested to the Committee that the Region is claiming that $1.4 million dollars in savings are available and he, personally, doubts this figure. Mr. Gazzola did suggest, however, that even if this figure is correct, over 50% of the people in the Region will be worse off than they are at the present time. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener supports the immediate implementation of the Best Management Practices outlined in Regional Report E-OTSW-97-004 which are estimated to result in annual savings of approximately $970,000.00 across the Region of Waterloo, and further, That these savings be used to reduce water and sewer rates." - and - "That the City of Kitchener supports further co-operative investigation of the Best Management Practices proposal of three areas as outlined in the Regional Report #E-OTSW-97-004." - and - "That the City of Kitchener does not support moving to, or considering further, a Regional One Tier Sewer and Water System, and further, That the Area Municipalities and the Region of Waterloo continue to work together to share resources with a goal to reducing rates by 1% annually over the next three years. This would translate into Region-wide customer savings of between $0.8 million and $2.4 million." - and - "That, if a Regional One Tier Sewer and Water System is adopted, the transfer of responsibilities occur at the beginning of a fiscal year, and further, That service levels and rates be frozen for six years after the implementation of a one tier system." This recommendation of the Public Works and Transportation Committee will be referred directly to a special meeting of City Council which will be held later on this date. 2. DOPWR 97-41 - PARKING LOT DEVELOPMENT The Committee considered a report which recommends that capital development funds be included in the 1998 Capital Budget for the potential development of parking lot sites at Frederick and Lancaster Streets, King Street East and Madison Avenue, and 828 King Street West. The report also recommends that two future parking structures be identified in the later years of the Capital Budget. The suggestions are that $4,000,000.00 be included in 2002 for the development 2. DOPWR 97-41 - PARKING LOT DEVELOPMENT (CONT'D) of a Downtown parking structure and $20,000,000.00 be allocated in the 10 year timeframe of 2007 for an underground parking facility at the Centre In The Square. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 1997 - 53 - CITY OF KITCHENER Most members of the Committee expressed concern about allocating any monies in the Capital Budget for the development of a parking garage at the Centre In The Square. It was felt that more study was required before any commitment should be made to such a project. It was noted by Councillor M. Wagner that the development of a parking structure at the Centre In The Square is a recommendation from the Board of Directors of that facility. It was suggested that possibly the Centre In The Square parking garage could be included as a line in the Capital Budget with no monies being allocated at this time. In this regard, staff noted that there is such a line with no dollar value in the Capital Budget at the present time. This matter can be further discussed at the time that the Capital Budget is considered. Councillor Jake Smola indicated that he was opposed to any funds being provided for parking structures because of the City's track record with this type of facility in the past has not been good. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That staff actively pursue the development of potential parking lot sites at Frederick and Lancaster Streets, King Street and Madison Avenue, and 828 King Street West (the former K- W Rotary Centre), and further, That the appropriate capital development funds for these three projects be included in the 1998 Capital Budget, and further, That a Downtown parking structure be identified in the later years of the 1998 Capital Budget." 3. DOPWR 97-42 - ON-STREET PARKING - FIFE AVENUE The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the east side of Fife Avenue from Cambridge Avenue to Bruce Street. It was noted that this section of Fife Avenue is curved and parking impedes the free flow of traffic and creates the potential for head-on collisions. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the east side of Fife Avenue from Cambridge Avenue to Bruce Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. DOPWR 97-43 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - ARNOLD STREET The Committee considered a report which recommends that alternating stop controls be installed along Arnold Street between Lancaster Street and Sereda Road. The report also recommends that existing controls be reversed so that east and west bound traffic on Arnold Street will be required to stop at Clifton Road. The existing controls at the intersection of Arnold Street and Maple Avenue will also be reversed so that east and west bound traffic on Arnold Street will be required to stop. The recommendations contained in this report will assist in addressing the speeding and heavy truck traffic concerns which have been raised by the residents of Arnold Street. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: 4. DOPWR 97-43 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - ARNOLD STREET (CONT'D) "That alternating stop controls be installed on Arnold Street between Lancaster Street and Sereda Road, and further, That the existing controls be reversed to require east and west bound traffic on Arnold Street PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 1997 - 54 - CITY OF KITCHENER to stop at Clifton Road, and further, That the existing controls be reversed to require east and west bound traffic on Arnold Street to stop at Maple Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. DOPWR 97-44 - ON-STREET PARKING - BETZNER AVENUE The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the east side of Betzner Avenue from King Street East to Duke Street, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. It was noted that requests have been received from local residents to have this parking prohibition implemented to eliminate on-street parking which is being abused by area businesses and improve ingress and egress to the existing driveways. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the east side of Betzner Avenue, from King Street East to Duke Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. INFORMATION REPORTS The Committee received the following information reports: a) b) Year to Date Ridership and Revenue; Doon Village Road - Proposed Temporary Closure. 7. INFRA-RED DOOR SENSORS The Committee considered two reports recommending the purchase and installation of an Infra-Red Safety Door System on Kitchener Transit buses. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the capital funds in Index 935015 of $85,000.00, approved in 1997 for security cameras, be used in part ($30,000.00), to fund an Infra-Red Safety Door System on Kitchener Transit buses, and further, That capital funds be approved in 1998, 1999 and 2000 in the amount of $20,000.00, $50,000.00 and $56,000.00, respectively, to outfit Kitchener Transit buses with a no contract Infra-Red Safety Rear Door System." 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk