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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1996-09-23PWTC\1996-09-23 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman John Smola, with all members present. Councillor G. Lorentz was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. R. Upfold and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, E. Kovacs, L. Gordon, J. Gazzola and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. WINTER OPERATIONS - ROAD SALT APPLICATION The Committee considered a report which recommends that computerized salting units be purchased immediately which will result in the entire fleet of salters being so equipped for the 1996/97 winter season. It is anticipated that the City of Kitchener will realize an annualized gross savings of approximately $60,000.00 and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo will realize an annual savings of approximately $100,000.00. It was noted that the purchase of this computerized equipment was approved by the Finance and Administration Committee at its meeting held on September 9, 1996. The report presented at this time outlines the operational savings. Mr. C. Drexler was introduced to the Committee. Mr. Drexler is a Supervisor working out of Bramm Street and played a leading role in the review of the salting operations. The Committee was advised that, at the present time, approximately 92% of all salting takes place on Regional and City roads. Over the past 6 years the average annual cost of salt has been approximately $780,000.00. The City of Kitchener spent approximately $806,000.00 on salt during 1995. The Committee was advised that on average, a manually equipped salter would use 26.68 tonnes per 2 lane-km. The computerized equipment will use 18.64 tonnes for the same amount of road. This is a savings of 8.04 tonnes or approximately 30%. The savings could result in nearly $200,000.00 per year. When questioned by Councillor J. Ziegler, Mr. E. Kovacs advised that the Region is not being asked to share in the capital costs for this equipment because they are paying for the service they presently receive. The Committee was advised that the information which has been developed by City staff will be shared with the Region and the other area municipalities. The Committee was advised that the Region is presently charged actual costs for time and materials plus overhead of 7%. Some members of the Committee questioned whether or not the Region should receive an immediate financial benefit when the City will be faced with additional capital expenditures. In this regard, Mr. J. Gazzola pointed out that the charging formula will result in the Region making a contribution toward the additional capital costs. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. S. Gyorffy noted that the co-ordination of snow plowing and street salting is an ongoing process which takes place during the winter months. It was agreed that a report will be developed after 1 full year of experience utilizing the new equipment which will be submitted to the Committee. This report will take into account all savings including any possible reduction in overtime costs. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That additional computerized salting units be purchased immediately to equip the entire fleet of salters in preparation for the 1996/97 winter season, and further, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 - 56 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1 WINTER OPERATIONS - ROAD SALT APPLICATION (CONT'D) That the costs of purchasing the new computerized salting units be funded from the Equipment Reserve Fund, and further, That the estimated City of Kitchener annualized gross savings for winter road salting be reflected in the 1997 Operating Budget of the Public Works Department as part of that Department's cost cutting initiatives relative to the 1997 Pro Forma estimates, and further, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be advised of an anticipated reduction in salting costs of approximately $100,000.00 for the 1997 budget/calendar year." 2. CROSSWALK SALTING The Committee received a report which contains the following suggested guidelines to be provided to workers engaged in the manual salting of crosswalks: Shovel or scrape away accumulated snow before salting; salting should not be used as a substitute for clearing. 2) In snow packed conditions, use only sufficient salt to loosen the packed snow, then scrape away snow or ice. 3) Apply the lightest amount that will achieve melting on the sidewalk surface. 4) Adjust the application rate, based on experience, for temperature and sunny or shady conditions. 5) Avoid salt spilling onto grassed areas. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he agrees with the guidelines as presented, and expressed the hope that their implementation will end the over-salting of crosswalks. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the application guidelines for the salting of crosswalks, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on September 23, 1996, be provided to all appropriate Operating Staff." 3. DOPWR 96-40 - ON-STREET PARKING - WESTHEIGHTS DRIVE The Committee received a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the west side of Westheights Drive from McGarry Drive to a point 65 metres south. It was noted that parking presently taking place in this area does create problems and would also interfere with the implementation of an all-way stop which was recently installed at the intersection of Westheights Drive and McGarry Drive. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the west side of Westheights Drive from McGarry Drive to a point 65 metres south thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." Councillor G. Lorentz left the meeting at this time. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 - 57 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DOPWR 96-41 - PEDESTRIAN REFUGE ISLAND - FRANKLIN STREET AT SUNNYSIDE HOME The Committee was advised that a pedestrian refuge island has been installed on Franklin Street in front of Sunnyside Home. The installation of this island addresses a concern for the pedestrian safety for visitors and residents of Sunnyside Home who must cross Franklin Street at this location. Councillor B. Vrbanovic expressed concern about the location of the refuge island and pointed out that the combination of the refuge island and buses stopped at existing bus stops will result in traffic being blocked in one direction. It was the opinion of Councillor Vrbanovic that either the island or the bus stops should be relocated. Mr. D. Snow agreed that on certain occasions traffic will be blocked, however, it was his opinion that this would only occur for a short period of time and would, in fact, improve things from a pedestrian safety point of view. It was the opinion of Mr. Snow that the refuge island has been located in the best location, however, he was prepared to meet on-site with Councillor Vrbanovic to review the entire matter. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that the refuge island be approved in principle at this time until he can meet on-site with Mr. Snow. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the pedestrian refuge island located on Franklin Street in front of Sunnyside Home be approved, in principle, and further, That parking be prohibited on both sides of Franklin Street between Trafalgar Avenue and Kenneth Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 96-42 - ON-STREET PARKING - WILLIAMSBURG ROAD The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the west side of Williamsburg Road from Westmount Road to the easterly intersection of Dinison Crescent. It was noted that the parking being recommended for prohibition is located on a curve and does create some site obstructions. It was also noted that there are bus stops located in this area. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the west side of Williamsburg Road from Westmount Road to the east intersection of Dinison Crescent, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DOPWR 96-43 - PROPOSED REGIONAL TOURISM AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES SIGNING POLICY The Committee was advised that in 1995 a request was received by the Regional Engineering Committee to support the recommendations of the Kitchener-Waterloo Area & Visitor and Convention Bureau Tourism Signage Task Force. The general intent is to improve directions to tourism products and essential services/facilities through the use of consistent uniform signage. The Committee was advised that staff support the proposed signing policy, however, a request has been received from the staff at the Kitchener Farmers' Market requesting that an exception be made so that unique signage can be used for that facility. Mr. D. Snow displayed the sign which is being recommended for the Kitchener Farmers' Market. DOPWR 96-43 - PROPOSED REGIONAL TOURISM AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES SIGNING POLICY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 - 58 - CITY OF KITCHENER His Worship Mayor R. Christy noted that some facilities and/or events have been in existence for many years and was of the opinion that these should be given special consideration so that their existing logo could be incorporated into the standard signage. Councillor B. Vrbanovic was of the opinion that the signage being proposed is rather bland in nature and suggested that it may be more appropriate to use something that contains a little more colour and life which would better reflect the activities and characteristics of this area. In this regard, however, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that uniformity and consistency is felt to be extremely important in providing information to the travelling public. It is felt that many different signs do not serve a useful purpose and, in fact, create confusion. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener endorse the 'Proposed Regional Tourism & Essential Services Signing Policy', and further, That an exception be made for the Kitchener Farmers' Market to allow for unique signing for this facility in recognition of its historical significance and key role in Downtown Kitchener." DOPWR 96-44 - NON-WARRANTED TRAFFIC SIGNALS The Committee considered a report commenting on information which has been received from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo identifying 31 locations in the City of Kitchener where, based on recent traffic counts, signals are no longer warranted. The list of the locations involved are attached hereto and form part of these minutes. The Committee was advised that staff have already met with Regional staff and 7 intersections have already been removed from the original list. These intersections are as follows: Homer Watson Boulevard at Hoffman Street Wellington Street at Moore Avenue King Street at Central Meat Market Bleams Road at Strasburg Road Charles Street at Gaukel Street Charles Street at Cedar Street Charles Street at Ontario Street. Mr. Snow advised the Committee that it is his opinion that there is good rationale to have all of the existing signals maintained. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo continue to be responsible for the management and maintenance of the 'Municipal Traffic Control Signal System' and all costs associated therewith, and further, That all existing signalized locations be retained as part of the 'Municipal Traffic Control Signal System', and further, That staff continue to monitor all signalized intersections in the City and only support removal of any facilities where it can be clearly demonstrated that such removal will not detrimentally effect the safe and efficient operation of the intersection or negatively impact the community at large." 8. DOPWR 96-45 - PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVER - KINGSWAY DRIVE PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 - 59 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was advised that a pedestrian refuge island has been installed within the pedestrian crossover on Kingsway Drive at the rear of Fairview Park Mall. Councillor J. Ziegler thanked staff for the actions which have been taken and noted that these have gone a long way to resolve pedestrian and traffic problems in the area. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That a pedestrian refuge island be installed within the pedestrian crossover on Kingsway Drive, and further, That an over-expenditure of $4,763.00 of Account #950451 (Sign Placement) be approved for the provision of additional flashing lights and a pedestrian push button in the refuge island." LEAF COLLECTIONS Information regarding the fall Leaf Collection Program will be presented to the members of the Committee at the next meeting. 10. KIWANIS PARK - SIGNAGE The Committee was advised that Mr. D. Snow approached the Province in an attempt to obtain approval to have a directional sign to Kiwanis Park located on the Expressway. The Province has refused this request and has indicated that such a sign would only be approved for a conservation area. Staff will continue to pursue this matter with the Province in an attempt to obtain approval for appropriate signage. 11. VIARAIL His Worship Mayor R. Christy advised of a reception which will be held on this date to introduce a possible new rail service for the community. Test runs will begin at the end of the month. 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk