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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1997-08-11PWTC\1997-08-11 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 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. Councillors B. Vrbanovic, Jake Smola and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. S. Kennedy, Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. E. Kovacs, D. Snow, R. Schirm, J. Gazzola, K. Bowman and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. DOPWR 97-36 - ON-STREET PARKING - OVERLEA DRIVE The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited at any time on the north/east side of Overlea Drive (inner circle) from a point 51 metres south of Lombardy Court to a point 98 metres south/east thereof. It was noted that parking along this section of Overlea Drive creates safety problems and inhibits the use of the driveway at 269 Overlea Drive. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited anytime on the north/east side of Overlea Drive (inner circle) from a point 51.0 m south of Lombardy Court to a point 98.0 m south/east thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2 .DOPWR 97-37 - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - EASTFOREST TRAIL EXTENSION The Committee was advised that the construction of the Eastforest Trail extension includes sanitary sewers, watermains, utility extensions, traffic ducts and new road work. In order to minimize the disruption to the travelling public and nearby businesses, an exemption to the City's Noise By-law is being requested so that extended working hours can be utilized from August 20, 1997 to August 29, 1997. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener and its Contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, Article 6 (Construction Work), during the construction of all underground services and related work for the extension of Eastforest Trail within the intersection of Highland Road and Westheights Drive (north intersection) from August 20, 1997 through August 29, 1997." DOPWR 97-38 - SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY - MODIFICATIONS FOR THE 1997-98 SCHOOL YEAR The Committee considered a report outlining the 1997-98 School Traffic Safety Action Plan. The report includes the following: · the establishment of a second Adult Crossing Guard on Jansen Avenue at Fairway Road; · the reduction of noon hour service so that only one Adult Crossing Guard is provided at that time at the intersection of Ottawa Street at Midland Drive; · the elimination of the noon hour service of an Adult Crossing Guard on River Road at Bradley Drive; · the elimination of the noon hour service of an Adult Crossing Guard on Biehn Drive at Black Walnut Drive; · the establishment of a School Bus Loading Zone on Wilson Avenue at the western limit of the school property; · the establishment of a Student Safety Patrol Assisted School Crossing on Byron Avenue at Maywood Road; · further development of co-operative School Traffic Safety Plans and the distribution of School Route Maps. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DOPWR 97-38 - SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY - MODIFICATIONS FOR THE 1997-98 SCHOOL YEAR (CONT'D) It was noted that the development of the School Bus Loading Zone must be included in the Uniform Traffic By-law. On motion by His Worship Mayor R. Christy - it was resolved: "That a School Bus Loading Zone be established on Wilson Avenue from a point 65 metres west of Franklin Street to a point 13 metres further west to accommodate one full size school bus, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 97-39 - INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS - WESTMOUNT ROAD AND BLOCK LINE ROAD/HIGHBROOK STREET The Committee was advised that a condition of development of the Laurentian West community requires the developers to pay the full cost for the installation of a traffic control signal at the intersection of Westmount Road and Block Line Road/Highbrook Street. It was noted that Max Becker Enterprises have not received draft plan approval for their area and, accordingly, have not contributed their share of $19,200.00 to the cost of the traffic signal. The report presented to the Committee recommends that the City of Kitchener provide this funding to the Region which will be reimbursed by the Region once they have received the money from Max Becker Enterprises. On motion by His Worship Mayor R. Christy - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener provide funding in the amount of $19,200.00 to complete the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of Westmount Road and Block Line Road/Highbrook Street, such installation to be completed in September 1997, and further, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo reimburse the City of Kitchener the full sum on receipt of payment from the developer, Max Becker Enterprises." DOPWR 97-40 - BLOCK LINE ROAD - TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES The Committee considered a report which indicates that there continue to be serious concerns regarding the existing operating conditions along the entire length of Block Line Road from Westmount Road to Homer Watson Boulevard. Speeding is prevalent and this creates problems for pedestrians trying to cross the street. In order to address the existing concerns it is being recommended that a pedestrian refuge island be installed at Country Hill Drive and a bicycle lane be provided on both sides of Block Line Road. It is also being recommended that left turn lanes be provided at each intersecting street with the through travel lanes being reduced to a single lane in each direction. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That a Pedestrian Refuge Island be installed in the School Crossing on Block Line Road at Country Hill Drive, and further, That a 1.5 metre (5 foot) bicycle lane be provided on both sides of Block Line Road in its entire length, and further, That left turn lanes be provided at each intersecting street along Block Line Road, and further, DOPWR 97-40 - BLOCK LINE ROAD - TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER That through the above measures, the travel lanes be reduced to a single lane for each direction." NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - KING STREET EAST - CEDAR STREET TO MADISON AVENUE The Committee was advised that Steed & Evans Limited have been awarded the contract to carry out the work on King Street East between Cedar Street and Madison Avenue. Due to the complexity of the work involved, the contractors have requested that they be provided with an exemption to the City's Noise By-law between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. from August 12, 1997 to October 31, 1997. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener and its Contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, Article 6 (Construction Work), between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily, from August 12, 1997 to October 31, 1997 in regard to the completion of work on King Street East from Cedar Street to Madison Avenue." REDUCED SPEED - SCHOOL ZONES In response to Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. D. Snow advised that the entire matter of reducing speeds in school zones is being discussed on a Province-wide basis. It was noted that, while this would seem to be an appropriate course of action to take, there are implementation problems which must be carefully considered before any action is taken. It was pointed out to the Committee that a report in regard to this matter will be available to the Committee within the next couple of months. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. VOISIN GREENWAY REPAIRS The Committee was advised that Council has approved the funding for various projects on Voisin Greenway, with the latest approval being for the section of the Greenway from Westmount Road to the Forest Hill Plaza. When this work was approved the resolution neglected to make provision for the retention of a consultanting engineer. It was noted that Totten, Sims, Hubicki was previously approved for designing the emergency repairs and it is now suggested that they be retained as the consultanting engineer. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the consulting firm of Totten, Sims, Hubicki be retained to undertake additional engineering design and construction supervision on the Voisin Greenway at an upset cost of $38,750.00, and further, That these costs be allocated to the Voisin Greenway project within the allocation previously approved by Council for this project." RESURFACING PROJECT - WELLINGTON STREET - MARGARET AVENUE TO ST. LEGER STREET The Committee was advised that the resurfacing of Wellington Street between Margaret Avenue and St. Leger Street is a project being undertaken under the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works Program. When the existing asphalt was stripped away it was found that the base beneath the asphalt was totally inadequate to support the levels of vehicular traffic being accommodated. It was determined that to carry out the resurfacing without improving the base would be a waste of money since the street would rapidly deteriorate. RESURFACING PROJECT - WELLINGTON STREET - MARGARET AVENUE TO ST. LEGER STREET (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was also advised that, since substantial base work is required, it is now being proposed that a substandard watermain be replaced. This will negate the need to tear up the road surface within the next couple of years. The Committee was advised that the sewers in the area are felt to be adequate at the present time and can be replaced in the future using the trenchless technology which will avoid the need to rip up the street surface. Funding for the additional works will be taken from the Water Utility and from future 1997 Capital Surplus. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. When questioned by Councillor John Smola, Mr. E. Kovacs confirmed that during this construction process the existing sidewalks and curbs will also be replaced. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That additional expenditures required for unforseen road base reconstruction, as well as watermain replacement, on Wellington Street from Margaret Avenue to St. Leger Street, be appropriated as follows: $125,000.00 from the Water Utility ($80,000.00 from Index 871681 - Uncommitted Watermains, and $45,000.00 from Index 872127 - Replacement Watermains), and a further $50,000.00 from future Capital Surplus." 10. CTAP (COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN) AGREEMENT On February 3, 1997, City Council approved a Community Transportation Action Plan which included various short and long term activities. It was noted that the funding for the CTAP initiatives will be coming from the Provincial Government, and accordingly, an appropriate agreement must be executed prior to the release of the funds by the Province. It was noted that the City Solicitor has reviewed this agreement and has no objection to it being executed. The Committee was also advised that an agreement in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor must be entered into with TechKnowledge Consulting, who will be providing the consulting services in regard to the Action Plan. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. E. Kovacs explained that a brokerage unit is a group that would receive and allocate calls to all of the various transit agencies. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Community Transportation Action Plan (CTAP) Agreement between the Province of Ontario and the City of Kitchener, dated May 1, 1997, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor between the Corporation and TechKnowledge Consulting to undertake consulting services regarding the Community Transportation Action Plan." 11. CEBU DELEGATION Ms. S. Tranter appeared before the Committee and introduced Messrs. Alan Gaviola and Guy Unabia who are visiting from Cebu for the next couple of weeks. 12. NATURAL GAS RATES The Committee was advised that recently the Ontario Energy Board has reduced Union Gas' PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 - 46 - CITY OF KITCHENER eligible rate of return to better reflect the prevailing interest rates. As a result of this decision, gas rates to consumers will be reduced and the profit margin to Gas Utilities will also decline. The Committee was advised that to a typical residential gas customer this will result in an annual savings of approximately $8.37. The reduction in the gross margin felt by Kitchener Utilities is estimated to be $800,000.00. It was noted, however, that an appeal has been launched with the Ontario Energy Board in regard to $150,000.00 of this estimated $800,000.00 reduction. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That, effective July 1, 1997, the modified natural gas rates, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on August 11, 1997, be implemented." 13. BAGGED LEAF COLLECTION On June 23, 1997, City Council approved the use of kraft paper bags for the collection of bagged leaves. At that time, a further report was requested regarding the feasibility of the City selling these kraft paper bags from various facilities. The Committee was advised that this matter has been reviewed and it has been determined that there would be a savings of approximately $.30 per bundle, with each bundle containing 5 bags if these were sold by the City. The downside of this proposal is that the City would enter into direct competition with the private retail sector. It was also noted that there is a large retail distribution network already in place to handle the sale of these bags. The report, as presented, recommends that the City purchase on a one time basis 68,000 bags. One bag will be distributed to each household with the remaining bags being used for promotional purposes. When questioned by Councillor J. Ziegler, Ms. P. Houston advised that the cost of these bags would come out of the budget allocated for leaf pick-up. Councillor T. Galloway expressed concern that by giving out a free bag the public may feel that the City is encouraging the bagging of leaves. In this regard, it was suggested that very clear information must be provided to all property owners to advise them that they are encouraged to mulch or compost their leaves. Collection should clearly be the last alternative. It was agreed that a flyer would be developed which will attempt to encourage people to mulch or compost their leaves. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City purchase 68,000 kraft paper bags, with 47,000 City households to be supplied with one sample bag each, and 21,000 bags to be used in various promotional activities, and further, That the supply of additional bags occur through the private retail sector, and further, That City staff prepare and circulate a flyer in which all residents are encouraged to compost or mulch their leaves." 14. YARD WASTE COLLECTION 14. On May 12, 1997, City Council directed staff to investigate the policies and procedures used by the City of Waterloo with respect to the collection of yard waste. The Committee received a report advising that the options available at the present time are as follows: · providing a program using City forces as in the Waterloo model; YARD WASTE COLLECTION (CONT'D) · undertaking a program by negotiating a price with the City's current contractor; · calling tenders for separate yard waste collection in 1998; · including an option for yard waste in the City's next tender call in 1999; PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER · taking no action with respect to initiating a yard waste collection program at this time. The Committee was advised that to implement a City of Waterloo type program, at least three additional trucks would have to be purchased at a total cost of $450,000.00. If these trucks were amortized over a two year period, the net annual operating cost for this program would be $295,000.00. If the trucks were amortized over a period of seven years this annual operating cost would drop to $135,000.00. The report, as presented, to the Committee suggested that a 30 year program of this nature may extend the life of the existing landfill site by 4 months and the total cost to the City would be $4.5 million dollars. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener take no action to implement a City of Waterloo type collection of yard waste." Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that possibly the City of Kitchener could consider developing various locations where grass clippings could be dropped off rather than requiring people to take them to the landfill site. In this regard, it was noted that this type of drop-off point has been tried in the past and rapidly became a general garbage disposal area. 15. RECYCLING Various complaints regarding the pick-up of recyclable materials were referred to Mr. Kovacs for review with B.F.I. 16. INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM - UPDATE Mr. E. Kovacs circulated an update for the information of the members of the Committee. A copy of this update is attached hereto and forms part of these minutes. 17. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk