Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1996-04-22PWTC\1996-04-22 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 22, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola, with all members present. Others Present: Ms. S. Roberts, Ms. L. MacDonald and Messrs. T. McKay, D. Snow, J. McBride, W. Beck, T. Clancy, J. Shivas and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. BUS BENCH ADVERTISING Mr. G. Rogalla appeared before the Committee representing Canadian Bench Media Inc. Mr. Rogalla suggested to the Committee that a bus bench advertising program would result in the City being able to reduce the costs of providing a service and increase revenues. Miniature models of the benches being proposed were displayed for the information of the members of the Committee. These benches would be installed at various bus stops throughout the City and would include advertising panels. The suggested economic benefits to the City are as follows: no capital outlay to provide benches at various bus stops for the length of the contract; maintenance and additional revenues from Canadian Bench Media Inc.; Transit benches available to the City at half of their original invoice cost at the end of the 36 month contract; and, cost effective advertising for local businesses. Mr. Rogalla advised the Committee that the initial request is to allow the installation of up to 50 benches at various approved locations for a period of 36 months. At the end of this period if the City decides they do not want to continue with the program, the benches will then be made available to the City at one half of their original invoice cost. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that the proposed benches may also attract additional garbage and questioned whether or not appropriate containers could be provided. In this regard, Mr. Rogalla suggested that garbage receptacles could be provided, at cost, as part of the overall installation. The emptying of the garbage receptacles would be the responsibility of the City. Councillor J. Ziegler also expressed concern regarding possible loitering and suggested that abutting property owners, whether they be residential or commercial, should be able to express their concerns and take steps to have a bench removed and/or relocated. Mr. Rogalla indicated that a procedure in this regard could be developed with no problem. Councillor K. Redman referred to the proposed advertising and was advised that any advertising would be approved by Canadian Bench Media Inc. and Transit staff. Mr. Rogalla indicated that he would have no objection to eliminating tobacco advertising, if this is legally possible. It was noted that the location of the benches would be at the discretion of Transit staff. The City will obtain $200.00/year per bench whether or not the bench contains any advertising. Approved advertising would be in place for terms of either 6 or 12 months. Councillor K. Redman expressed concern about having a whole line of benches located within the core area. In this regard, Mr. Rogalla suggested that concerns regarding possible locations could be forwarded to Transit staff and these would be reviewed. It was noted, however, that it is unlikely that King Street would be a major location for the proposed benches. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. Rogalla expressed the opinion that the selling of the advertising space on 50 benches would be no problem. It was also noted that the number of benches to be installed can be increased or decreased as requested by staff and if at the end of the contract period the City does not wish to purchase the benches, they will be removed. Mr. W. Beck advised the Committee that the benches being proposed are acceptable to Transit staff and would be located in locations where staff deem them to be appropriate. Mr. Beck further noted that if Council were to direct that benches are not to be located within the core area, this would not pose PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 22, 1996 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER a problem. BUS BENCH ADVERTISING (CONT'D) The Committee was advised that if bench advertising is approved an agreement would be worked out with Mr. Rogalla so that either he or Transit staff could sell advertising to be used on the benches or on the Transit vehicles. A commission formula would be established for this purpose. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. Beck advised that requests have been received for bus stop benches mostly from the frail and elderly. Mr. Beck also confirmed that at the end of the 36 month period the City will have the option to buy the benches at one half the invoice price or have them totally removed. Councillor G. Lorentz was advised that the City presently has approximately 35 bus stop benches and many of them are in bad repair. In this regard, Councillor Lorentz expressed concern about the potential liability should someone be hurt using a bench which is in bad repair. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated that he was prepared to support the program as presented provided that tobacco advertisements were not permitted and adjacent property owners could request to have a bench removed. Garbage containers may also be required and any agreement could be terminated in less than 36 months if Canadian Bench Media Inc. were not living up to their obligations. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. T. Clancy indicated that he would not support the use of the bench being proposed for the provision of rest areas along King Street. It was suggested that the benches required at bus stops need not be all that comfortable since the people using them only do so for a short period of time. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, subject to a by-law being passed to amend Chapter 680 (Signs) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, the Director of Transit be authorized to negotiate a contract with Canadian Bench Media Inc. regarding the provision of bus stop benches and associated advertising, and further, That the above noted contract contain clauses to cover the following, namely: a maximum term of 36 months; the placement of up to 50 benches; no tobacco advertising with contract wording similar to that included in the bus shelter agreement; the provision of garbage containers if requested by Kitchener Transit; a provision which will allow adjacent property owners to request Kitchener Transit to have a bus stop bench removed and/or relocated; termination of the contract in less than 36 months for cause; and, a restriction prohibiting the placement of these benches in the downtown core area, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a contract which is in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor for the City of Kitchener." Councillor M. Wagner referred to the fact that there is presently advertising on Transit vehicles which includes the name of a cigarette company or a brand name. It was noted that these are sponsorship ads which refer to a specific event which is sponsored by a tobacco company. At the present time, these ads are being allowed to continue. It was the view of Councillor Wagner that it may be necessary to review the continuation of these sponsorship ads in the future. 2. SAFETY-KLEEN - PUBLIC LIAISON COMMITTEE The Committee was advised that Safety Kleen Canada Inc. recently received approval to expand their capacity with a condition of this approval being the establishment of a Public Liaison Committee. This Committee is to include two residents of the City of Kitchener. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 22, 1996 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. SAFETY-KLEEN - PUBLIC LIAISON COMMITTEE (CONT'D) At Safety Kleen's expense, the City has advertised the two available positions, however, only one application was received. Safety Kleen has requested City Council to approve a recommendation regarding this appointment. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he is actively working within the community in an attempt to find another resident who would be willing to be appointed to this Liaison Committee. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Kitchener City Council recommend to Safety Kleen Canada Inc., the application of Audrey Coffey as an appointee to their Public Liaison Committee." 3. DOPWR 96-10 - TWO-WAY TRAFFIC PROPOSAL - GOUDIES LANE The Committee considered a report which recommends that Goudies Lane between Queen Street and Frederick Street be totally converted to two-way traffic. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Goudies Lane between Queen Street and Frederick Street be converted from one-way to two-way traffic operation, and further, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo implement a "No Left Turn" prohibition for vehicles exiting Goudies Lane at Frederick Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. DOPWR 96-13 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - CITY WIDE The Committee considered a report which recommends that stop controls be installed at various intersections. The report also recommends intersections which should be controlled with yield signs. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That stop controls be installed at the following locations: Shuh Avenue at Broadview Avenue (both intersections) Chandos Court at Chandos Drive Carnaby Place at Carnaby Crescent Downey Street at Oxford Street Downey Street at Edwin Street Glenwood Drive at Idlewood Drive Glenwood Drive at Shuh Avenue Idlewood Drive at Shuh Avenue Volta Avenue at Chicopee Terrace Windy Ridge Place at Windy Ridge Drive, and further, That yield controls be updated with stop controls at the following locations: Ahrens Street at Hartwood Avenue Becker Street at Belleview Avenue Carlin Avenue at Cornell Avenue Cornell Avenue at Plymouth Road Donald Street at Ada Street Emerald Avenue at Prospect Avenue PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 22, 1996 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DOPWR 96-13 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - CITY WIDE (CONT'D) Euler Street at Prospect Avenue Plymouth Road at Dixon Street Queen's Blvd. at Mill Street Sereda Road at Arnold Street Spadina Road at Glen Road, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. DOPWR 96-14 - 1995 PARKING STUDY - STUDY RESULTS The Committee received a report which was conducted in late 1995 to determine the volume, type and location of parking in the downtown core area. The report not only took into consideration the new two hour limit free parking spaces but also included all City owned on-street and off-street parking facilities. The Study revealed that the free parking spaces are occupied for most of the day while the on-street parking metres are left nearly empty. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. D. Snow advised that a study is presently taking place to review the rates charged at on-street metres and off-street facilities. This review will consider steps which can be taken to improve usage which has deteriorated with the implementation of a two hour free parking program in parts of the downtown area. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That DOPWR 96-14 - 1995 Parking Study - Study Results, be accepted." 6. DOPWR 96-17 - LEASE OF 44 GAUKEL STREET Councillor G. Lorentz declared a pecuniary interest in regard to this matter, since he is employed by Canada Post Corporation, and abstained from discussion and did not vote. The Committee received a report which recommends that the City enter into a lease with Canada Post Corporation for the use of the rear portion of the lands at 44 Gaukel Street to provide both metered and monthly parking spaces. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Council enter into a lease with Canada Post Corporation for the use of a portion of land to the rear of 44 Gaukel Street for the purposes of providing both metered and monthly parking, and further, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute a lease satisfactory to the City Solicitor with Canada Post Corporation." Councillor G. Lorentz declared a pecuniary interest in regard to this matter, since he is employed by Canada Post Corporation, and did not vote. 7. DOPWR 96-18 - ON STREET PARKING - GAGE AVENUE The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the east side of Gage Avenue from Westmount Road to Belmont Avenue and on the west side of Gage Avenue from Westmount Road to a point 58 metres to the north. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited anytime on the east side of Gage Avenue from Westmount Road to Belmont Avenue, and further, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 22, 1996 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DOPWR 96-18 - ON STREET PARKING - GAGE AVENUE (CONT'D) That parking be prohibited anytime on the west side of Gage Avenue from Westmount Road to a point 58 metres north thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 8. DOPWR 96-20 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - CITY WIDE The Committee considered a report which recommends that stop controls be installed on Forfar Court at Forfar Avenue and on General Drive at General Drive. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That stop controls be installed at the following locations: Forfar Court at Forfar Avenue General Drive at General Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 9. DOPWR 96-21 - PARKING INFRACTION NOTICE - FINE STRUCTURE The Committee received a report recommending an increase in fines for various parking infractions. During budget considerations, it had been agreed that the fines would be increased by approximately $3.00 each. Since the preparation of the budget, staff have undertaken a survey of other Ontario municipalities and have found that a $3.00 increase would result in fines which would still be lower than the average charged by these other municipalities. As a result, increases in excess of $3.00 are being recommended. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. J. McBride advised that unless Council should direct otherwise, it is not anticipated that the proposed fines being recommended would not be reconsidered for quite some time. Several members of the Committee expressed concern about the levels of enforcement which take place on private properties. In some cases, such as smaller malls it would appear that violations such as parking in fire routes are not actively enforced. In other cases, it would be appear that there is an over zealous enforcement policy, particularly in some condominium projects. It was pointed out to the members of the Committee that appropriate signage is required before any tickets can be issued under existing by-laws. It was also pointed out to the Committee that a different set of fines for public versus private property would only create additional confusion. Several members of the Committee expressed the view that the fines for no parking, no stopping, fire routes and handicapped spaces should be increased as proposed, however, possibly only a $3.00 increase should be approved for parking on private property, at expired metres and over the time limit. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That the Municipal Off-Street By-law 88-169, the Private Property By-law 88-170, the Fire Route By-law 88-171, the Handicap By-law 88-172 and the Traffic and Parking By-law 94-101 be amended to reflect the increase in Set Fines as noted in Schedule 'A' of report DOPWR 96-21, and further, That these Fines come into force and effect on October 1, 1996, and further, 9. DOPWR 96-21 - PARKING INFRACTION NOTICE - FINE STRUCTURE (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 22, 1996 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER That the Set Fines, included as Schedule 'A' of report DOPWR 96-21, be adopted for recommendation to the Chief Judge of the Ontario Court (Provincial Division), and further, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to amend the Regional Traffic By-law 94-010 to reflect the approved changes." 10. PARKING VIOLATIONS - TOURISTS Councillor M. Wagner suggested that at a future meeting the possibility of cancelling parking tickets for tourists should be considered. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that it is difficult to tell whether or not a car from Ontario belongs to a tourist, however, in most cases the By-law Enforcement Officers are encouraged to be very lenient with cars with out-of-province or out-of- country licence plates. 11 .ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk