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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1996-06-24PWTC\1996-06-24 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 24, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date with all members present. Councillors John Smola, J. Ziegler, G. Lorentz and B. Vrbanovic were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. S. Kennedy and Messrs. W. Beck, J. Cicuttin, G. Nixon, E. Kovacs, R. Schirm, D. Snow, J. McBride, S. Gyorffy, K. Bowman, T. McKay and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. DOPWR 96-33 - ON-STREET PARKING/STOPPING - ROTHSAY AVENUE AREA The Committee considered a report which recommends that stopping be prohibited on both sides of Natchez Road from Victoria Street to Carson Drive, both sides of Rothsay Avenue from Matthew Street to Natchez Road and on both sides of Rothsay Avenue from Natchez Road to 30 Rothsay Avenue. The report also recommends that parking be prohibited any time on the east side of Rothsay Avenue from Matthew Street to Smetana Drive and on both sides of Matthew Street from Rothsay Avenue to Sunrise Drive. It was noted that ongoing complaints are received from residents of the Rothsay Avenue area regarding on-street parking. The parking causing the problems is generally created by patrons of Whiskey Jack's which is located at 1271 Victoria Street North. MFS. S. Rodiques appeared before the Committee as a resident of Rothsay Avenue. Mrs. Rodiques noted that one proposal is to prohibit parking on the east side of Rothsay Avenue, which is the side of the street containing residential dwellings. Mrs. Rodiques suggested that it would be more appropriate to prohibit parking on the other side of the street which abuts the Kolb Drain. In this regard, Mrs. Rodiques pointed out that her husband is partially disabled and when he comes home during the daytime hours he parks on the street in front of their house. This is required because the babysitter parks in the driveway. Not being allowed to park in front of the house would create problems for Mr. Rodiques. The Committee was also advised that the patrons of Whiskey Jack's ignore the existing parking prohibitions. If parking prohibitions are required, Mrs. Rodiques suggested that consideration be given to allowing on-street parking during the daytime hours. Councillor Jake Smola noted that Whiskey Jack's has become a successful night spot which does have sufficient off-street parking to meet the Zoning By-law requirements. They have also leased an additional parking lot across Natchez Road from their location. There are still problems in the area created by illegal parking and there are additional problems created by the patrons as they leave this establishment at closing time. Councillor Jake Smola advised that he attended this area over the Easter weekend and noted that there was a great deal of illegal parking. This parking which takes place on both sides of the street could create problems for emergency vehicles. Councillor Smola referred to the request from Mrs. Rodiques but suggested that allowing parking on the residential side of the street would make access to the existing driveways more difficult and unsafe. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. D. Snow confirmed that patrons of Whiskey Jack's are ignoring the existing parking prohibition and it is felt that the present $10.00 parking ticket may, in fact, be considered as a cheap way to obtain a parking space for the evening. The "no stopping" regulation being recommended would carry with it a more substantial fine. Ms. S. Kennedy advised that staff have spoken to some residents in the area who have questioned the need for a total parking prohibition when the problem only exists at certain times on certain days. It was noted that the problems created by parking can occur anytime after 8:00 p.m. but they are usually the worst between 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Councillor K. Redman expressed the opinion that a parking prohibition for a specific time period would seem to be in the best interests of everyone. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. 1. DOPWR 96-33 - ON-STREET PARKING/STOPPING - ROTHSAY AVENUE AREA (CONT'D) Mr. D. Snow acknowledged that time limited restrictions could be implemented, however, he cautioned PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER that there would still, no doubt, be some problems because there would be vehicles parked legally prior to the prohibition and the owners would not move them at the required time. Councillor Jake Smola indicated that he was prepared to support the report as submitted with the parking prohibition on the east side of Rothsay Avenue between Matthew Street and Smetana Drive being limited to the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Councillor J. Ziegler initially indicated that he would be prepared to introduce an amendment to any motion which would restrict the parking prohibition on Rothsay Avenue to the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Councillor J. Ziegler then indicated that he would not proceed with such an amendment. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That stopping be prohibited anytime on both sides of Natchez Road from Victoria Street to Carson Drive, and further, That stopping be prohibited anytime on both sides of Rothsay Avenue from Matthew Street to Natchez Road, and further, That stopping be prohibited anytime on both sides of Rothsay Avenue from Natchez Road to 30 Rothsay Avenue, Kenmar Incorporated, and further, That parking be prohibited on the east side of Rothsay Avenue from Matthew Street to Smetana Drive, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, and further, That parking be prohibited anytime on both sides of Matthew Street from Rothsay Avenue to Sunrise Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." Councillor John Smola left the meeting at this time and Councillor M. Wagner assumed the Chair. 2. DOWNTOWN ENTRANCE SIGN - KING AND VICTORIA STREETS Mr. B. Stanley advised the Committee that the development of a Downtown entrance sign to be located at the intersection of King Street and Victoria Street was discussed by the Downtown Advisory Committee on June 13, 1996. The Downtown Advisory Committee supported the development of such a sign and expressed the opinion that it should contain something which would be clearly identifiable with the downtown area. In this regard, it was decided that the image of the City Hall Clock Tower should be included. The Downtown Advisory Committee also discussed various construction materials and it was agreed that brick would be more suitable than a timber construction. Mr. G. Nixon pointed out that using brick will create an additional expense initially of approximately $3,000.00. It was noted, however, that if timber were used there would be additional maintenance costs during the life of the sign. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was noted that the proposed bronze finish will not tarnish for many years and then only minimal maintenance will be required. When questioned by Councillor J. Ziegler, Mr. Nixon advised that the estimate of approximately $3,500.00 for electrical work is based on information received from Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and an electrical consultant. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. 2. DOWNTOWN ENTRANCE SIGN - KING AND VICTORIA STREETS (CONT'D) When questioned by the Committee, Mr. D. Snow advised that when City entrance signs are being developed one option will include lettering similar to that to be used on the Downtown entrance PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER sign. The various options for the City entrance signs will be presented to the Committee at a future meeting. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That the design of the Downtown entrance sign comprising a masonry base with a bronze plaque containing an icon of the Clock Tower and the statement 'Welcome to Downtown Kitchener', as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on June 24, 1996, be approved, and further, That the estimated cost of $15,000.00 for the sign and installation be charged to the Downtown Capital Projects Account." 3. DOPWR 96-32 - SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY - CROSSING GUARD EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS The Committee considered a report which points out that all school crossing guards are laid off at the end of June and re-employed at the beginning of the new school year. Each year as a condition of employment, the crossing guards are required to undergo a medical examination and a hearing/vision test. They are also required to submit a Police Record Request Form. In the past, the crossing guards have been responsible to pay for their own medical examination. There is also a $20.00 charge to obtain the Police Record Request Form. The Committee was advised that crossing guards are the only employee group that are required to pay for their own medical examinations on an annual basis. In this regard, it is being recommended that the City assume these costs providing that the crossing guards use the Urgent Care Clinic on Fairway Road in this regard. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That each crossing guard continue to be required to have a medical examination on an annual basis as a condition of employment, and further, That the costs incurred by said medical examinations be covered by the City, if and only if, the examinations are carried out in conjunction with Quotation Q95-19 at the Urgent Care Clinic, and further, That the 1996 Operating Budget be adjusted to reflect an overexpenditure of $2,650.00 to accommodate this additional expense." 4. DOPWR 96-34 - COST SHARING - KITCHENER DOWNTOWN TRANSPORTATION STUDY The Committee was advised that the City entered into an agreement with the Region in 1995 to participate in, and share the cost of, a Downtown Traffic Conditions Study. The recommendation presented to the Committee at this time would approve the final payment on behalf of the City for this study. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the final payment of the City of Kitchener share of the Downtown Transportation Study in the amount of $24,431.20, be approved, and further, That these funds be taken from the General Downtown Improvement Account #345146." 5. DOPWR 96-35 - DUKE AND ONTARIO PARKING GARAGE - MONITORING PROGRAM The Committee was advised that monies have been included in the 1996 Capital Budget to undertake a structural monitoring program in the Duke and Ontario Parking Garage. It was noted that Morrison Hershfield Ltd. have undertaken such a program every 3 years since the early 1980's. Since this PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER company is familiar with the structure, the history of repairs and the monitoring program, it can undertake the required works with a minimal of start-up costs. For this reason, it is being recommended that the Consultant Selection Process be waived and Morrison Hershfield Ltd. retained to carry out the work. Councillor K. Redman expressed concern about the number of requests which are contained on the agenda for this meeting in which it is being recommended that the Consultant Selection Process be waived. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that in every case the consultants being recommended have a great deal of experience with the particular project involved. It is the opinion of staff that it would be in the City's best interest to maintain the existing consultant. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed the view that a knowledgable consultant could probably take information from the existing consultant and get themselves up to speed in a short period of time. In this regard, Mr. T. McKay noted that, if a new consultant is retained and a problem does come up, there is usually finger pointing when it comes to accepting responsibility. Councillor John Smola returned to the meeting at this time and re-assumed the Chair. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That City Council waive the consultant selection process and award the 1996 Duke and Ontario Garage Monitoring Program to Morrison Hershfield Ltd." 6. DUKE STREET CLOSING Councillor J. Ziegler introduced this matter which does not appear on the agenda. Councillor Ziegler referred to a letter, which Mr. D. Snow has sent to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, regarding the processing of a road closure for Duke Street between Scott Street and Frederick Street. Councillor Ziegler was of the opinion that it would have been appropriate for Mr. Snow to obtain a Council resolution supporting this road closure prior to corresponding with the Region. In this regard, it was noted that the letter involved deals strictly with process and the ultimate closing of the street will be dealt with by Council at a later date. 7.VOISIN GREENWAY REPAIRS The Committee considered a report which recommends that 4 sections of the Voisin Greenway require emergency repairs immediately. In this regard, it is being recommended that the normal Consultant Selection Process be waived in order that the engineer who undertook a recent study to examine the areas of failure and recommend repairs could be retained. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City's normal selection procedure be waived and that the firm of Toten, Sims, Hubicki be retained to undertake a design for emergency repairs to walls in four locations on the Voisin Greenway at an upset cost of $20,000.00, and further, That total funding for engineering services and construction in the amount of $192,000.00 be allocated from surplus capital funding available under Index #855210, Breithaupt Street Reconstruction, for $82,000.00 and Index #855276, Dekay Street Reconstruction, for $110,000.00." 8.STONEGATE WATERCOURSE EROSION CONTROL AND SLOPE STABILIZATION The Committee considered a report which recommends that the normal Consultant Selection Process be waived in order that CH2M Hill Engineering Ltd. of Waterloo can be retained to undertake the construction supervision and contract administration of works along the Stonegate Watercourse. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the City's normal consultant selection procedure be waived and that the firm of CH2M Hill Engineering Ltd. of Waterloo be retained to undertake the construction supervision and contract administration of the above mentioned project; the upset limit of the consultant's fee will be approximately $35,200.00? 9.TERM PASS PRICE The Committee was advised that, due to Provincial funding cuts, the Waterloo Region Catholic School Board has been forced to look at ways of reducing their transportation costs. In this regard, it is being recommended that the term pass price be reduced from $39.60 per month to $35.00 per month with associated user restrictions. This will result in reduced revenues to Kitchener Transit of approximately $220,000.00 per year. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that not recognizing these passes after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays may create problems for some students. In this regard, it was pointed out that students will be given the option of paying an additional $9.00 per month which will allow them to expand the services they can receive. It was noted that the students do not pay for the basic pass as this is paid for by the Catholic School Board. It was noted that both the Public and Separate School Boards are discussing the possibility of merging their transportation system in an attempt to reduce costs. In this regard, Mr. W. Beck advised that Kitchener Transit would work closely with both Boards in an attempt to satisfy their transportation needs. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the following new price and conditions for the term pass be made available to the Waterloo Region Catholic School Board for September 1996, namely: PRICE: $35.00 per month TERM: Two five month term passes for students beyond 4.8 km. Two four month term passes for students between 3.2 km and 4.8 km. CONDITIONS: Not valid on weekends, after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and, March and Christmas breaks." 10.INFORMATION REPORTS The Committee received the following information reports: · Dealer Network · Route 8 Service Changes · Route 20 - Sportsworld Service Councillor K. Redman referred to the Dealer Network report and declared a possible pecuniary interest in that her husband manufactures and sells gas burning units. In regard to the service changes on Route 8, Mr. W. Beck advised that these will not be implemented prior to a public meeting being held. 11. NATURAL GAS BARBECUES AND APPLIANCES Councillor M. Wagner advised that for the next meeting he would like to receive a report dealing with the possibilities of converting existing propane barbecues so that they can be connected to natural gas. In this regard, Mr. K. Bowman pointed out that it may be costly for the homeowner to extend the natural gas line to a location close to a barbecue. It was also noted that it was illegal to convert some propane barbecues to natural gas. It was also noted that the profit margin on gas sold for barbecue use would be very small. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 24, 1996 - 46 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Jake Smola indicated that he would like to receive information regarding the use of gas ranges and gas dryers. Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that the Gas Utilities marketing plan is presently being updated and this will be presented to the Committee in the near future. It may not, however, be available for the August meeting. The members of the Committee agreed that the issues raised by Councillors Wagner and Jake Smola at this meeting could be considered as part of the consideration of the marketing plan. 12.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk