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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1996-10-21PWTC\1996-10-21 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 21, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola, with all members present, except Councillor M. Wagner. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. D. Snow, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, R. Schirm, J. McBride, K. Currier, R. Parent, J. Gazzola and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. DOPWR 96-46 - TRAFFIC CONDITIONS - BREITHAUPT STREET The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the west side of Breithaupt Street from Ahrens Street to a point 29 metres south. The Committee was advised that parking on the west side of Breithaupt Street reduces the free flow of two-way traffic and restricts ingress and egress for heavy trucks to the Krug Furniture operation. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the west side of Breithaupt Street from Ahrens Street to a point 29 metres (94 feet) south thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2. DOPWR 96-47 - OVERNIGHT PARKING ENFORCEMENT - ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN The Committee was reminded that on November 12, 1995, a recommendation was adopted which eliminated the enforcement of overnight parking regulations between April 1 st and November 30th. It is intended to implement an advertising campaign which will remind City residents that, commencing December 1st, the overnight parking regulations will again be enforced. The period of enforcement will run until March 31 st of next year. When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. D. Snow noted that signs at the entrance to the City indicate that, unless otherwise posted, there is a 3 hour limit on all City streets. Signs will also be erected notifying everyone coming into the City that the overnight provisions will be enforced commencing on December 1 st. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that during the summer months many people parked overnight on City streets. Few complaints were received resulting from this activity. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether or not the enforcement provisions will be relaxed over the Christmas season. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow confirmed that enforcement would be relaxed and problems would only be pursued if complaints were received. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. J. McBride advised that at the present time enforcement personnel work 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday. There is no one working between 5:00 p.m. and midnight on Saturdays or between 8:00 a.m. and midnight on Sundays. It was noted, however, that there will be some shift changes to have more people working at specific times during the winter months. Councillor G. Lorentz noted that the report indicates that flyers will be placed on vehicles found parking on streets overnight between November 1st and November 30th. Councillor Lorentz suggested that, in his opinion, this was not a good use of taxpayers dollars. It would be preferable if these monies were spent to undertake additional advertising. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that if tickets are issued commencing on December 1 st, people will say that they were not aware that the existing regulations were going to be enforced. Attempts are being made to ensure that people are aware that, if they park overnight commencing on December 1st, they will receive a ticket. Mr. Snow also suggested that the flyer program is good from a public relations point of view. 2. DOPWR 96-47 - OVERNIGHT PARKING ENFORCEMENT - ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 21, 1996 -66- CITY OF KITCHENER CO( NT,DI When questioned by Councillor K. Redman, Mr. J. McBride advised that no additional staff will be brought in to work to undertake the issuance of flyers for the month of November. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That both radio and newspaper advertisements commence during the month of November, 1996, and that flyers be placed on vehicles found parked on the street overnight by existing By-law Enforcement staff, notifying residents that the prohibition of parking overnight from December 1, 1996 to March 31, 1997, will be enforced." 3. VIDEO PRESENTATION - STATUS REPORT ON TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY The Committee viewed a video presentation which demonstrated the use of trenchless technology which can be used to undertake repairs to various underground services. It was suggested that, where this technology can be used, savings of approximately 48% can be realized. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs pointed out, however, that, at the present, this technology cannot be used to repair watermains. It is still necessary to dig up the road to undertake repairs to this service. It was indicated that the Committee will receive further updates in the future regarding this technology. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. 4. DOPWR 96-49 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - CHARLES & OTTAWA STREETS A delegation appeared at City Council on October 14, 1996, expressing concern about the safety of approximately 20 children who live on Maurice Street and attend school at Sheppard Public School. These children must cross Ottawa Street, Charles Street, King Street and Weber Street in order to reach school or to return home. All four of these streets are major arterials. The Committee was advised that staff have reviewed this situation and are of the opinion that steps should be taken to eliminate any student crossings at the intersection of King Street and Ottawa Street. In this regard, it is being suggested that the students be directed to Ottawa Street and Borden Avenue and King Street and Borden Avenue, which are by far safer intersections. The Committee was also advised that staff are recommending that an Adult Crossing Guard be establishled immediately at the intersection of Ottawa Street and Charles Street. This recommendation results after review of the existing traffic volumes and patterns at this intersection. The Committee was advised that studies indicate that few, if any, of these children go home for lunch and, accordingly, it is being recommended that the Adult Crossing Guard only be established for the morning and afternoon time periods. Councillor K. Redman expressed concern about the need for intersection improvements at Charles and Ottawa Streets so that trucks do not travel over the existing sidewalks. In this regard, it was noted that intersection improvements are in the Regional budget, however, it will be some years before they are undertaken. Following further discussion and on motion by His Worship Mayor R. Christy - it was resolved: "That an Adult Crossing Guard facility be established at the intersections of Ottawa Street and Charles Street, as soon as possible, for morning and afternoon service only, and further, That the 1996 Operating Budget be adjusted to reflect an over -expenditure of $1,000.00, and further, 4. DOPWR 96-49 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - CHARLES & OTTAWA STREETS (CONT -Dl That this facility be monitored for usage and that its continuance be reviewed for the start of PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 21, 1996 -67- CITY OF KITCHENER the 1997-1998 school year." 5, RALGREEN CRESCENT - UPDATE Councillor G. Lorentz circulated, to the members of the Committee, a written report regarding the ongoing situation and activities surrounding the Ralgreen Crescent problem. As part of his review, Councillor Lorentz indicated that the next meeting of the Task Force will take place on November 14, 1996. 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk