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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1996-01-08PWTC\1996-01-08 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 8, 1996 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. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. V. Gibaut and Messrs. J. Cicuttin, W. Beck, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, R. Schirm, T. McKay and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1 .GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY PROJECTS Mr. S. Gyorffy advised the Committee that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo has established a G.R.C.A. Priorities Committee to review projects submitted by area municipalities. In this regard, Mr. Gyorffy advised that he has prepared the following list of projects, arranged in order of priority, for consideration by the Committee, namely: 1 .Schneider Creek - Channel Improvements (Manitou Drive to Balzer Road) 2.Laurel Creek - Erosion Control Works (Shirk Place to Grand River) 3.Schneider Creek - Erosion Control Works (Old Mill Road Bridge to Grand River) 4.Schneider Creek- Erosion Control Works - Doon Properties Pioneer Drive Rockway Golf Course other various locations 5.Stonegate Drive Outlet- Erosion Control Works (Stonegate Drive to Grand River) 6.Grand River Boulevard - Erosion Control Works along Grand River 7.Henry Sturm Greenway - Erosion Control Works 8.Voisin Greenway - Erosion Control Works 9. Homer Watson Park- Erosion Control Works The Committee was further advised that the Grand River Conservation Authority has been hit by Provincial cutbacks and, accordingly, it is unknown how much financial assistance will be available. In this regard, it was suggested that only projects dealing with flood control structures may be available for financial assistance. If this should be the case then it was suggested that all projects mentioned above would have to be incorporated into the City of Kitchener Capital Forecast. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the erosion control works on Grand River Boulevard and the erosion control works on Stonegate Drive and suggested that the priority of these two items should be reversed. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. The members of the Committee agreed that a priority list should be submitted to the Grand River Conservation Authority so that, if funding becomes available, the City of Kitchener projects can be considered. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the following list of projects, arranged in order of priority, be submitted to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for inclusion in the Region's 'Grand River Conservation Authority Special Benefit Projects' list for 1996 and the following years, namely: 1. Schneider Creek - Channel Improvements (Manitou Drive to Balzer Road) $2,365,000.00 2. Laurel Creek- Erosion Control Works (Shirk Place to Grand River) $1,470,000.00 3. Schneider Creek - Erosion Control Works (Old Mill Road Bridge to Grand River) $ 25,000.00 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 8, 1996 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER 1 .GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY PROJECTS (CONT'D) Schneider Creek - Erosion Control Works - - Doon Properties - Pioneer Drive - Rockway Golf Course - other various locations $ 350,000.00 5. Grand River Boulevard - Erosion Control Works along Grand River $1,110,000.00 6. Stonegate Drive Outlet- Erosion Control Works (Stonegate Drive to Grand River) $ 507,000.00 7. Henry Sturm Greenway Erosion Control Works $ 220,000.00 8. Voisin Greenway- Erosion Control Works $ 526,000.00 9. Homer Watson Park- Erosion Control Works $ 135,000.00 TOTAL $6.708.000.00" PROJECTS 2.TRANSIT ROUTES - RESTRUCTURING OF ROUTE 10 (CONESTOGA COLLEGE/CHICOPEE) AND ROUTE 16 (BRIGADOON/HURON) The Committee was advised that the reduction of Transit Operating Subsidies by the Province has prompted staff to evaluate whether or not the restructuring of routes implementing the Timed Transfer System could be accelerated. It is staff's opinion that, rather than recommend service cuts, it is more prudent to restructure routes and, if possible, obtain a financial savings. This course of action will allow existing ridership to be maintained or increased. The report submitted to the Committee dealing with the restructuring of Route 10 and Route 16 results in sustainable annual savings of approximately $48,000.00. Transfers will be guaranteed through the introduction of the Timed Transfer System and the choice of destinations will be improved. Overall, it is felt that a better level of service will be provided to the Huron Industrial area. Councillor M. Wagner questioned whether there will be further recommendations regarding service cuts in the future. In this regard, Mr. W. Beck, Director of Transit, pointed out that other service options will be considered, however, before any recommendation is put forward to the Public Works and Transportation Committee, public input will be received. Staff will look at the possibility of increasing revenue first, however, service cutbacks will also be considered. Councillor M. Wagner expressed the view that future changes to levels of service should be submitted to the Transit User Group so that their input can be received prior to a report being presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee. Mr. Beck confirmed that the User Group will be kept updated regarding potential changes. Regarding the restructuring of Route 16, Mr. Beck advised the Committee that the users of this route, having destinations in the Huron Industrial area, were advised of the proposed changes. It was reiterated that it is felt that these changes enhance rather than reduce existing services. Ms. V. Gibaut suggested that the Economic Development Department should be advised in advance of proposed changes in Transit service if it will impact industrial areas. In this regard, Mr. Beck acknowledged that he will work with Ms. Gibaut to advertise and promote changes of this nature. Councillor Jake Smola expressed concern that changes of this nature, to the Transit service, may have an adverse affect on the marketability of lands in the Huron Industrial Park. In this regard, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 8, 1996 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER 2.TRANSIT ROUTES - RESTRUCTURING OF ROUTE 10 (CONESTOGA COLLEGE/CHICOPEE) AND ROUTE 16 (BRIGADOON/HURON) (CONT'D) it was suggested that changes in Transit service should be referred to the Business and Industry Advisory Committee for comment. Mr. E. Kovacs pointed out to the Committee that the report being presented at this time results in an improved level of service and a cost savings. It also leads towards the implementation of the Timed Transfer System, which has many pluses for the City and Transit ridership. Councillor M. Wagner expressed concern regarding the possible long range effects involved with the reduction of Transit services. In this regard, it was noted that a complete budget package is being prepared by staff which will include possible service reductions on a City-wide basis. This package will be presented to City Council for their consideration and possible implementation. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the restructuring of Route 10 (Conestoga College/Chicopee) and Route 16 (Brigadoon/Huron) and the levels of service, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on January 8, 1996, be adopted, and further, That these changes be implemented as of March 11, 1996." 3. DOPWR 96-4 - TRAFFIC CONDITIONS - HUBER STREET The Committee was advised that complaints have been received from area residents regarding the parking of vehicles on both sides of Huber Street between Kinzie Avenue and Jansen Avenue. This problem is created by parking generated by TJ's Roadhouse at 1458 Weber Street East. It was suggested that there is limited on-site parking and, accordingly, adjacent streets are used as an alternative. The report presented to the Committee recommends that parking be prohibited on the south side of Huber Street from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., daily. It was also noted that steps will be taken to allow parking on the west side of Kinzie Avenue between Weber Street and Huber Street. Mr. T. Ferguson appeared before the Committee as part owner of TJ's Roadhouse and a property on Huber Street. Mr. Ferguson noted that the on-site parking provided by the Roadhouse is more than adequate according to the City's zoning requirements. It was the view of Mr. Ferguson that a parking prohibition on Huber Street may force the problem to another location, however, additional parking on Kinzie Avenue would be of assistance. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. Ferguson expressed the view that only on a few special occasions, such as New Year's Eve, would the existing parking lot be inadequate. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily on the south side of Huber Street from Kinzie Avenue to Jansen Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. DOPWR 96-1 - TRAFFIC CONDITIONS - ROLLING MEADOWS DRIVE The Committee considered a report recommending that parking be prohibited on the west side of Rolling Meadows Drive from Newbury Drive to Tradewinds Place. At the present time problems are created by vehicles stopping and parking on Rolling Meadows Drive to pick-up and/or deliver students to John Darling Public School. These activities affect the free flow of two-way traffic on the street and the view of school crossings are obstructed. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 8, 1996 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DOPWR 96-1 - TRAFFIC CONDITIONS - ROLLING MEADOWS DRIVE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the west side of Rolling Meadows Drive from Newbury Drive to Tradewinds Place, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. DOPWR 96-2 - TRAFFIC CONDITIONS - AHRENS STREET WEST The Committee considered a report outlining that the current parking on both sides of Ahrens Street West between Breithaupt Street and the C.N.R. right-of-way is creating problems with the free flow of two- way traffic and the visibility from Breithaupt Street. The parking is also causing difficulties for heavy trucks trying to access the loading bays in the area. Councillor John Smola suggested that, in addition to on-street parking, there is also boulevard parking which is further aggravating the problem in this area. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow recommended that the on-street parking prohibition be implemented and staff will further review the problems created by the boulevard parking. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the south side of Ahrens Street West from Breithaupt Street to the C.N.R. right-of-way, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. DOPWR 96-3 - SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY - DOON VILLAGE ROAD AT PIONEER DRIVE The Committee was advised that a request has been received from both the Pioneer Park Public School and Blessed Kateri Separate School, as well as from concerned parents, regarding the conditions at the intersection of Pioneer Drive and Doon Village Road. This intersection has been reviewed in detail by staff and it is being recommended that an Adult Crossing Guard be installed to enhance the safety for the Pioneer Park students who must use this intersection. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That an Adult Crossing Guard facility be established at Doon Village Road and Pioneer Drive, effective January 8, 1996, and further, That the 1996 Operating Budget be adjusted to reflect this additional service." 7. DOPWR 96-5 - TRAFFIC CONDITIONS - CHERRY HILL DRIVE The Committee received a report recommending that parking be prohibited on the north side of Cherry Hill Drive from Country Hill Drive to the east leg of Coach Hill Drive. A complaint has been received from the area residents indicating that parking on both sides of Cherry Hill Drive obstructs the free flow of traffic and restricts the use of driveways in the area. This parking problem is generally caused by the lack of a visitor parking area for the apartment complex located at 54 Country Hill Drive. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the north side of Cherry Hill Drive from Country Hill Drive to the east leg of Coach Hill Drive, and further, 7. DOPWR 96-5 - TRAFFIC CONDITIONS - CHERRY HILL DRIVE (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 8, 1996 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 8. DOPWR 96-6 - POLICY FOR SPECIAL EVENTS ON REGIONAL ROADWAYS The Committee considered a report recommending the endorsement of a Regional Policy for Special Events on Regional Roadways, subject to the City of Kitchener maintaining the responsibility for all signing and barricading for events taking place within the City of Kitchener. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener endorse the proposed Policy for Special Events on Regional Roadways, and further, That the Traffic and Parking Division maintain the responsibility of all signing and barricade service for all City of Kitchener special events." 9.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk