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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1996-04-01PWTC\1996 -04--01 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 1, 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 K. Redman. His Worship Mayor R. Christy and Councillor J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. S. Roberts, Ms. D. Arnold, Ms. L. MacDonald and Messrs. D. Snow, W. Beck, E. Kovacs, R. Pritchard, B. Stanley, S. Gyorffy, T. Clancy, J. McBride, J. Cicuttin and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. DOPWR 96-15 - BICYCLE RACE - HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD The Committee was advised that Ziggy's Cycling Club Inc. has requested permission to hold a bicycle race on Hidden Valley Road and Hidden Valley Crescent on June 9, 1996. It was noted that there have been no problems with this event over the past several years. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener approve the bicycle race on Hidden Valley Road and Hidden Valley Crescent on Sunday, June 9, 1996." 2. REVISED AGREEMENT - GOULD OUTDOOR ADVERTISING The Committee was advised that there is an existing agreement with Gould Outdoor Advertising and Kitchener Transit dealing with the provision of bus shelters and associated advertising. It is being recommended that the existing agreement be extended for an additional 3 years which will result in the inclusion of the following enhancements in the new agreement: · annualized savings to the City of up to $14,000 to $16,000; · increased guaranteed annual revenues by $5,000; · accessibility improvements in support of Kitchener Transit's marketing strategies; and, · prohibition of cigarette advertising on bus shelters. Mr. D. Clark be appeared before the Committee representing Mediacom. Mr. Clark noted that, just last week, Mediacom became aware of negotiations which have resulted in the recommendation to extend the existing agreement with Gould Outdoor Advertising. Mr. Clark was of the view that to be fair to all interested parties and to ensure the best possible deal for the City, staff should be directed to proceed to a tender call prior to a new agreement being finalized. His Worship Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Clark suggested to the Committee that the new enhancements which have been suggested are good but do not maximize the possibilities and should be used as a starting point for the competitive bidding process. It was suggested to the Committee that the existing contractor is trying to extend the existing agreement and, thereby, eliminate the need for participating in the competitive bid process. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. Clark expressed the opinion that the City could install more bus shelters and obtain additional advertising revenue. Mr. Clark also suggested that it is possible to negotiate for bus shelters in areas even though advertising would not be included. Mr. W. Beck advised the Committee that it is felt that there is a financial advantage to the City to extend the existing agreement. The Committee was advised that if bids were requested it is possible that between 3 to 5 responses would be received. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether or not any comparisons have been undertaken to determine whether or not the City of Kitchener is getting a fair return from the existing agreement. In this PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 1, 1996 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER regard, it was noted that the returns in each market are different. 2. REVISED AGREEMENT - GOULD OUTDOOR ADVERTISING (CONT'D) Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. E. Kovacs noted that under normal circumstances the existing agreement would be allowed to run its full term and then tenders would be called. At this time, however, staff is suggesting an extension to the existing agreement because the extension includes a better financial package and allows cigarette advertising to be completely prohibited. It was suggested that the existing agreement does contain a clause which allows objectionable ads to be removed, however, it is felt that stronger language in this regard would be beneficial. Councillor M. Wagner expressed the view that additional information was required in order for the Committee to make an informed decision. In this regard, however, Mr. W. Beck advised that all available information has been placed before the Committee. Several members of the Committee indicated that they would be prepared to support an extension of the existing agreement but were concerned about doing so for a period of 3 years. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That City staff be directed to carry out further negotiations with Gould Outdoor Advertising in an attempt to achieve a 1 year extension to the existing agreement while maintaining the enhancements as contained in the report presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 1, 1996." 3. BUS BENCH ADVERTISING The Committee received a report outlining that Kitchener Transit has maintained a program to enhance bus stop waiting areas by addressing safety, comfort and accessibility concerns. Bench advertising programs have been developed which help absorb some of the costs involved in providing this amenity. In this regard, it is being recommended that the City enter into a 3 year agreement with Canadian Bench Advertising Inc. for up to 50 benches for which the City will receive a semi-annual fee of $200.00 per bench. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that litter usually goes with benches and, therefore, appropriate garbage containers should be provided. It was also the view of Councillor Ziegler that before any bench is installed input should be received from the abutting property owner(s). Mr. W. Beck advised that benches containing advertisements would not be located in single family areas and consideration could be given to incorporating concrete garbage containers as part of the installation. His Worship Mayor R. Christy indicated that he was opposed to the proposal as presented because the service will do little to add to the comfort of the transit user and is being considered more for the advertising revenue that can be gained. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. W. Beck advised that the locations to be used for these advertising benches would be at the discretion of the City. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that staff have been instructed to find new ways to enhance revenues and was of the opinion that the proposal, as presented, was one that should be approved. Following further discussion, Councillor G. Lorentz introduced the following motion: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a 3 year agreement with Canadian Bench Advertising Inc. to provide for the provision of benches (maximum of 50) for Kitchener bus stops at no cost to the City and on which advertising will be displayed for a semi-annual fee PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 1, 1996 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. BUS BENCH ADVERTISING (CONT'D) of $200.00 per bench payable to the City, subject to a by-law being passed to amend Chapter 680 (Signs) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code to permit such advertising." This motion was put to a vote and was LOST. 4. REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO DOWNTOWN KITCHENER TRANSPORTATION STUDY Mr. Graham Vincent, Manager, Corridor Planning, appeared before the Committee representing the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to present the Downtown Kitchener Transportation Study. Mr. Arnold presented the highlights of the study which had been circulated to the members of the Committee as part of the Public Works and Transportation Committee agenda. The Committee was advised that the major recommendations are as follows: 1.Revert Duke Street from Cedar Street to Francis Street, Francis Street from Duke Street to Charles Street, and Charles Street from Francis Street to Stirling Avenue, from one-way to two- way traffic. 2. Delete the proposed extension of Duke Street between Cedar Street and Madison Avenue (South Ring Road Connector) from the Regional Official Policy Plan. 3.Abandon the proposed Queen/Benton Diversion subject to detailed evaluation of the Queen Street and Victoria Street corridors and development of an alternative to address future traffic volumes. The Committee was given a block by block overview showing the existing situations and the changes which would be required to implement the conversion to two-way traffic. Due to funding constraints it was noted that the works will have to be undertaken in stages. The stages as outlined in the report are as follows: Stage 1: Traffic Signal Modifications $500,000 1996 Stage 2: Entrance and turning radius revisions $100,000 1997 Stage 3: Intersection modifications including reversion $600,000 1998 to two-way traffic and modification to parking garage egress/access - Charles Street/Stirling Avenue - Francis/Charles Streets - Francis/King Streets Stage 4: Longer term intersection modifications after 1998 - Francis/Duke Streets $200,000 - Cedar/Duke Streets $200,000 Ms. S. Frenette appeared before the Committee and suggested that the reversion to two-way traffic on Duke and Charles Streets will have certain economic benefits for the downtown. These may include: · good for retail because of improved accessibility and visibility; · will encourage infill development; · will improve current land use; · will strengthen retail activities by encouraging impulse shopping; · will reduce accessibility frustrations; and, · will improve safety and emergency responses. 4. REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO DOWNTOWN KITCHENER TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 1, 1996 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER STUDY (CONT'D) Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the existing traffic congestion on Queen Street from the west side of the City and questioned how reverting Charles Street to two-traffic would alleviate this problem. In this regard, Mr. Vincent suggested that all existing problems with traffic congestion on Queen Street will not be overcome but it is felt that more options will become available. It is also felt that some intersection improvements will also improve the traffic mobility. It was noted that the study recommends that the Queen/Benton diversion be abandoned at this time. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether or not any research has been undertaken which would indicate that the economic conditions in the downtown area will improve because traffic will now flow in both directions. In this regard it was pointed out that no statistics in this regard are available, however, it was also noted that for the most part downtowns which have one-way street systems are having problems. His Worship Mayor R. Christy referred to Stage 4 of the Work Program and suggested that this should be included for 1999 completion so that the date is more specific. Councillor C. Weylie expressed concern about problems which would be created with the development of new traffic patterns. In this regard, it was suggested that an extensive public education program would be required to advise the public of the changes to the traffic patterns. Councillor Jake Smola expressed concern that the reversion to two-way traffic may create problems for emergency vehicles trying to reach the downtown areas. In this regard, Mr. Vincent pointed out that the study team had relied on input received from the Fire and Police Departments, who indicated their support for the changes as proposed. Following further discussion and on motion by His Worship Mayor R. Christy - it was resolved: "That the recommendations as contained in the Downtown Kitchener Transportation Study, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 1, 1996, be adopted, and further, That Stage 4 of the Work Program be scheduled for completion during 1999." A recorded vote was taken. IN FAVOUR: His Worship Mayor R. Christy, Councillor M. Wagner, Councillor J. Ziegler, Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor C. Weylie. CONTRA: Councillor G. Lorentz, Councillor Jake Smola, Councillor John Smola. 5.GARBAGE REBATE PROGRAM REVIEW The Committee received a report reviewing the City's existing Garbage Rebate Program. The report identified 6 possible options. These options are as follows: 1. Elimination of rebates in total. 2.Elimination of all retroactive rebates. 3. Elimination of retroactive rebates for all but the prior year. 4. Eliminating service and providing rebates to the remaining multi-family dwellings over 6 units that are currently serviced. 5.Servicing all multi-family dwellings. 6. No changes at this time. 5.GARBAGE REBATE PROGRAM REVIEW (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 1, 1996 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That the City's Garbage Rebate Program be continued without change." 6. REQUESTS FOR REPORTS For the next meeting, the Public Works Department was requested to provide a report regarding any operational problems which were encountered during the winter months with snow removal and whether or not this activity resulted in expenditures which were under or over budget. A further report was requested regarding the condition of roads in the City of Kitchener, particularly in light of complaints which have been received regarding potholes. 7.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk