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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1996-06-10PWTC\1996-06-10 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 10, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola, with all members present. His Worship Mayor R. Christy and Councillors Jake Smola and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. D. Snow, S. Gyorffy, T. Clancy, G. Nixon and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. DOPWR 96-19 - ON-STREET PARKING - QUEEN'S BOULEVARD The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the west side of Queen's Boulevard between Spadina Road and Rex Drive. It was noted that complaints have been received from bus drivers and snow plow operators indicating that parking in this area is creating problems. The proposed parking prohibition has been circulated within the area and no objections have been received. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the west side of Queen's Boulevard from Spadina Road to Rex Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2.DOPWR 96-30 - STREET LIGHT CLEANING AND GROUP RELAMPING The Committee was advised that it is being recommended that Langley Utilities Limited, of Bowmanville, be awarded the contract to undertake street light cleaning and group relamping within certain parts of the City. Area No.3, which includes Chicopee Ward and parts of the Fairview Ward and South Ward, is scheduled to be completed within the near future. The work on Area No.4, which comprises the remainder of the Fairview and South Wards, will be completed during the month of August 1996. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the contract for street light cleaning and group relamping in Area Nos. 3 and 4 of the City be awarded to the Iow bidder, Langley Utilities Limited of Bowmanville." Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. 3.CITY OF KITCHENER WELCOME AND POPULATION SIGNS The Committee was advised that following discussions in 1981, City of Kitchener welcome and population signs were installed in 15 various locations. Some of these signs are now missing or are in poor repair and should be replaced. Mr. D. Snow appeared before the Committee and exhibited a proposed sign which would welcome motorists to the City of Kitchener, display the current population and include symbols for Oktoberfest, Centre In The Square and the new logo for the Kitchener Farmers' Market. Mr. Snow advised that Committee input is requested regarding the design of the proposed sign. Councillor M. Wagner was of the opinion that the words "K-W Oktoberfest" should also be included on the sign as well as the logo. Councillor B. Vrbanovic was of the opinion that a sign with more flare would be appropriate and suggested that staff be requested to provide some examples in this regard. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that, possibly, images of the new City Hall and/or the Clock Tower could be incorporated. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow suggested that sign clutter should be a concern because there is a limit to the amount of information which can be absorbed by a motorist. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 10, 1996 -40 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3.CITY OF KITCHENER WELCOME AND POPULATION SIGNS (CONT'D) Councillor J. Ziegler referred to articles regarding a Road Watch Program and suggested that any new sign should be used to encourage motorists to drive safely and in a less aggressive manner. The municipality of Caledon was provided as an example where this type of signage is being utilized. Mr. D. Snow suggested that the City's Selective Traffic Enforcement Program will assist in this regard and pointed out that in Caledon they are dealing with through traffic and are not asking neighbours to report neighbours for aggressive driving. The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program in Kitchener will look into such matters as speeding in the Forest Heights area which is basically being done by residents of that area. Several members of the Committee indicated the desire to have staff prepare other possible signs to improve on the basic design which is utilized at the present time. Mr. T. Clancy noted that approximately 8 years ago the development of entrance features was considered. An entrance feature would be more than just a sign and would provide a unique entrance to the City of Kitchener. The costs involved with this type of development would be higher than would be the case with a normal sign. In this regard, Mr. G. Nixon displayed an entrance feature which has been designed and could be located at the corner of King Street and Victoria Street. The feature, if developed, would indicate to the motorists that they are entering the downtown area. A similar entrance feature could be utilized at the King/Cedar end of the downtown. His Worship Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting at this time. Councillor G. Lorentz noted that the present sign was designed in 1981 and was of the opinion that it was time to consider the incorporation of some new ideas which would result in an up-to-date eye- catching sign. On the other hand, Councillor Ziegler was of the opinion that the proposed sign was appropriate and served the purpose of providing basic information. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Several members of the Committee were of the opinion that alternative signs should be considered at this time. In this regard, direction was provided to staff to prepare several options for welcome and population signs which will be presented to the Committee at a future meeting. It was noted that any sign replacement program would likely not take place until 1997. 4. IN FORMATION REPORTS The following information reports were provided to the Committee, namely: · STEP Selective Traffic Enforcement Program · 1996 Special Events Log 5.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk