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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1996-05-27PWTC\1996-05-27 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola, with all members present. Councillors J. Ziegler, B. Vrbanovic and G. Lorentz were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi and Messrs. W. Beck, D. Snow, O. den Ouden, S. Gyorffy, L. Lynch, J. Shivas, E. Kovacs, T. McKay and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1 .DOPWR 96-23 -WOOLWICH STREET TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES The Committee received a report dealing with existing traffic hazards at the intersection of Bridge Street and Woolwich Street, as well as operating and safety concerns on Woolwich Street between Hillcrest Lane and Bridle Trail. It was noted that recent subdivision development in both the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo have substantially increased traffic volumes and it is felt that corrective measures are required at this time. Mr. E. Lockwood appeared before the Committee and expressed the view that Woolwich Street should be closed at Bridle Trail. It was the view of Mr. Lockwood that this would be a more appropriate way to proceed rather than the implementation of a one-way system which would allow traffic to proceed only northbound. Councillors J. Ziegler, B. Vrbanovic and G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. The Committee was advised that the closure of Woolwich Street at Bridle Trail was considered but had to be abandoned. A condition of a plan of subdivision for development in the City of Waterloo which would have implemented this traffic control measure, was withdrawn. It was noted that the intersection of Woolwich Street and Bridle Trail is located in the City of Waterloo. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Woolwich Street, at its intersection with Bridge Street, be limited to entry only by restricting traffic to one-way northbound from Bridge Street to a point 52 metres north thereof, and further, That southbound traffic be physically prohibited through the installation of a temporary island extended the length of the one-way restriction, and further, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to prohibit eastbound left turns from Bridge Street onto Woolwich Street, and further, That the appropriate warning signs be installed to advise motorists of these restrictions, and further, That these traffic control measures be reviewed after a one year trial period to determine their effectiveness and whether they should be made permanent, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2.DOPWR 96-29 - TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES - HOMEWOOD AVENUE & WATER STREET The Committee received a report recommending the installation of traffic calming measures on Homewood Avenue for a trial period of 6 months. The report also recommends temporary steps for Water Street South in an attempt to overcome speeding and volume problems which exist in this area. Mr. W. Dahms appeared before the Committee and advised that the residents of the Water Street South area support the recommendations as contained in the report. Mr. Dahms also pointed out, however, that the residents of that part of Water Street, which is commonly referred to as Frank's Lane, would like to see right turns prohibited from Water Street to the lane. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 - 34 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2.DOPWR 96-29 - TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES - HOMEWOOD AVENUE & WATER STREET (CONT'D) In this regard, Mr. D. Snow suggested to the Committee that staff would prefer to see all existing conditions remain so that the proposed traffic calming measures can be appropriately evaluated. Councillor C. Weylie noted that requests for traffic calming measures are increasing in frequency and it may be necessary to consider charging at least a part of the costs involved to the residents who would benefit by the implementation of these programs. In this regard, it was noted that a policy paper is being developed and it is likely that staff will recommend that permanent calming measures only be undertaken in conjunction with other reconstruction projects on a particular street. Mr. J. Shivas indicated that he had concerns with the development of speed bumps and chicanes because they may create a liability to the City. The City is obligated to keep their roads in good repair and Mr. Shivas would like to compare these obligations with the obligations and authority available to allow the control of traffic. Councillor M. Yantzi noted that trial periods are being proposed for both Homewood Avenue and Water Street South and it was his hope that these projects would not be delayed pending the receipt of further staff reports. It was suggested that the temporary projects will allow valuable data to be gathered which will hopefully assist in the development of long term solutions to existing problems. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that the residents of Homewood Avenue should be made aware that if permanent traffic calming measures are developed on their street, they may be liable for at least part of the costs involved. In this regard, however, the Committee was advised that the City may not have any legal authority to pass costs of this nature on to the abutting property owners. Concern was expressed regarding the installation of speed bumps, particularly in regard to their durability. In this regard, it was noted that summer time speed bumps are being recommended for Water Street and would be in place for approximately 8 months of the year. They would be removed during the winter months to facilitate snow removal. If speed bumps should be recommended as part of a permanent solution to the existing problems, then these bumps would have to be developed in such a manner so as to accommodate snow removal activities. It was suggested that some of the problems in the Water Street South area may be created by the timing of the traffic signals at the intersection of Joseph Street and Victoria Street South. Mr. Snow undertook to contact the Region in this regard to determine whether or not additional green light time could be provided to the Joseph Street traffic. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. D. Snow advised that a policy paper would be developed by staff regarding the entire question of traffic calming measures and this would be presented to the Committee for consideration prior to the end of 1996. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That temporary 'traffic calming' measures be installed on a 6 month trial basis on Homewood Avenue, and further, That 'summer time speed bumps' be installed on a 6 month trial basis on the one-way section of Water Street between Water Street and Heins Avenue, and further, That a temporary 'traffic calming' diversion be installed on a 6 month trial basis at the intersection of Water Street and Heins Avenue, and further, That an over-expenditure of the new traffic sign placement budget in the amount of $6,800.00 be approved for the introduction of the proposed temporary devices, and further, 2.DOPWR 96-29 - TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES - HOMEWOOD AVENUE & WATER STREET (CONT'D) That a thorough review of these temporary measures be undertaken to determine their effectiveness, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER and further, That, based in part on the results of these experiments, criteria be developed for the possible use of temporary and/or permanent 'traffic calming measures' and a policy be established on the possible future use of these facilities." 3. DOPWR 96-26 - NOISE ENFORCEMENT The Committee received an information report indicating that effective June 3, 1996, City staff will be in a position to provide enforcement of the Noise By-law during most hours of the day. This will be an improvement to the existing situation which provided little enforcement due to the limited manpower of the Regional Police and the Iow priority assigned to noise complaints. Members of the Committee were assured that, where necessary, City staff will be able to issue tickets as the result of Noise By-law infractions. In potentially dangerous situations, the assistance of the Regional Police will be available. 4. DOPWR 96-27 - MONTHLY PARKING RATES - LOTS NOS. 3 & 18 The Committee received a report which recommends a decrease in the monthly parking fee for Lots 3 and 18. Lot 3, which is located at the corner of Charles Street and Water Street, will have the monthly rate reduced from $50.00 to $30.00 per month. Lot 18, which is located behind the Post Office on Gaukel Street, will have the monthly rate decreased from $40.00 to $35.00. In both cases, the new rates will become effective on June 1, 1996. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the monthly parking fee in Lot No.18, Joseph Street, be decreased from $40.00 to $35.00 per month, plus taxes, effective June 1, 1996, and further, That the monthly parking fee in Lot No.3, Water Street, be decreased from $50.00 to $30.00 per month, plus taxes, effective June 1, 1996, and further, That By-law No.88-169 be amended accordingly." 5.WATER SHUT-OFF VALVES Councillor Jake Smola recently tabled concerns regarding problems which are created by the location of water shut-off valves in the middle of paved driveways. Councillor Smola provided a video tape to illustrate the types of problems which have been created for homeowners within his Ward. Councillor Jake Smola noted that a staff report has been received which recommends that the current practices regarding the positioning of sewer and water laterals to residential properties be continued. It was the opinion of Councillor Smola that maintaining the status quo is not appropriate and consideration should be given to locating lateral services along the side property lines. Councillor Smola agreed that in order to achieve this goal it may be necessary to develop a policy which would limit driveway widenings out to the side property lines. Several members of the Committee supported the position advanced by Councillor Jake Smola and also suggested that steps should be taken to avoid conflicts with all other services. Quite often a developer sells a lot to a builder who then develops the property in a manner which develops conflicts with the services which have already been installed. In situations of this nature, it was suggested that the developer and/or the owner should be responsible for the relocation of these services to avoid future conflicts. At the present time this responsibility comes back to the City. 5.WATER SHUT-OFF VALVES (CONT'D) The Committee agreed that further consideration of the location of services in residential areas would be deferred and referred to staff for the development of a further report reviewing the possibility of locating all underground utilities adjacent to the side property lines. This report will then be brought back to the Public Works and Transportation Committee for consideration at a future date. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6.TRANSIT SERVICE - SPORTSWORLD DRIVE The Committee considered a report which recommends that transit service on Route #10 - Chicopee be reduced from 30 minutes to 60 minutes during the mid-day, week-day summer period. This reduction in service will allow hourly bus service to be provided on week-days to Sportsworld Drive. It was noted that, at the present time, it is not possible to provide week-end service since the Chicopee Route only provides service once every hour. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the bus service provided on Route #10 - Chicopee be reduced from 30 minutes to 60 minutes during the mid-day, week-day summer period which will allow hourly bus service to be provided to Sportsworld Drive." 7.1996 PROPOSED PROGRAM - RESURFACING, ROAD CONSTRUCTION & VARIOUS SIDEWALK WORKS The Committee received an information report outlining various resurfacing and road construction projects which have been identified for completion during 1996. The report also identifies major sidewalk repairs, bus pads, curb ramping and new sidewalks which will be developed this year. 8.WINTER OPERATIONS UPDATE The Committee received an information report indicating that approximately 75% of the approved 1996 winter operations budget was spent during the months of January to April. Should the end of the 1996 winter season be "normal" the City could be faced with an over-expenditure of 5% or approximately $90,000.00. The report, as presented, indicates that 5 of 12 spreader trucks are currently equipped with automatic controls and it is anticipated that the balance of this equipment will be retro-fitted prior to the next winter season. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that the salting and sanding of crosswalks should be reviewed. It was the opinion of Councillor Lorentz that excessive amounts of both salt and sand are being applied to crosswalks in an attempt to avoid future liability. It was suggested that a common sense policy should be developed for the treatment of crosswalks. It was agreed that a staff report would be prepared regarding the treatment of crosswalks and presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee in the Fall of 1996. 9. IN FORMATION REPORTS The Committee received the following information reports: 1 )1996 Annual Bus Roadeo 2)Transit Route 16 (Forest Glen/Conestoga College) - Service to Brigadoon via Biehn Drive 10.C.N. RAIL The Committee was advised that recent negotiations were successful in convincing C.N. Rail to relocate the crossing signals which presently are located in the middle of Manitou Drive. 11 .ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 27, 1996 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk