Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1996-10-07PWTC\1996-10-07 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 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 K. Redman and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Ms. R. Upfold, Ms. D. Arnold and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, L. Lynch, W. Beck, J. Bayley, E. Kovacs, R. Pritchard and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:00 a.m. 1. MR. DAVID GOWLAND - TIMING & PLANS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF DUKE STREET EAST Mr. David Gowland appeared before the Committee and congratulated the City for the good things which have taken place in the Downtown area. Specifically, Mr. Gowland referred to the work which has taken place on the Goudie property. Mr. Gowland referred the Committee to Duke Street East and, in particular, the section between Pandora Avenue and Cedar Street. It was noted that the section of Duke Street East between Cedar Street and Madison Avenue has paved boulevards while the boulevards have been totally removed from the section of the street running between Madison Avenue and Cameron Street. The Committee was advised that the remaining portion of the street between Cameron Street and Pandora Avenue has boulevards which are only 16" wide and Mr. Gowland encouraged the City to ensure that these boulevards are maintained or widened at the time that Duke Street East is reconstructed. Mr. Gowland suggested that the boulevards should be treated with inter-locking stone or, preferably, with landscaping. Mr. Gowland suggested to the Committee that it is important that existing trees in the area be maintained. The Committee was advised that many homes in this area of the City have been totally renovated which would seem to indicate that the residents care very much about their part of the City. Mr. Gowland displayed photographs of broken or missing curbs which, in his opinion, would seem to indicate that the City is less caring about improving the property which comes under its jurisdiction. Mr. Gowland suggested to the Committee that he is requesting 3 things. When the time comes to reconstruct Duke Street East, Mr. Gowland suggested that extreme care and consideration must be given so that this process is completed in a manner which will be suitable for the area. It was also suggested that the City must ensure that steps are taken to maintain and/or improve their properties and a staff person is identified who can be contacted by the residents for liaison purposes. His Worship Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting at this time. Mr. L. Lynch appeared before the Committee and indicated that he has discussed these issues with Mr. Gowland on several occasions. Mr. Lynch pointed out that there is approximately $10,000,000.00 in the 10 Year Capital Forecast for road reconstruction. In this regard, however, Mr. Lynch pointed out that many of the streets in this area have only 40' rights-of-way which limit the options for redevelopment. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Lynch noted that it is difficult to establish trees on a narrow boulevard and have them grow properly. In regard to the repair and/or replacement of curbing, Mr. Lynch indicated that it is difficult to justify the expense involved when it is known that this work will be totally removed in the year 2,003. Councillor C. Weylie noted that work has taken place along Belmont Avenue where paved boulevards have been removed and replaced with landscaping. Councillor John Smola suggested that public meetings would be held as part of any process which would lead to the redevelopment of the streets in the area being discussed. 1. MR. DAVID GOWLAND - TIMING & PLANS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF DUKE STREET EAST PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1996 - 62 - CITY OF KITCHENER (CONT'D) When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Lynch pointed out that it is difficult to increase the boulevard width when you only have a right-of-way of 40'. Mr. E. Kovacs also noted that when establishing priorities for work to be done one of the considerations is the maintenance problems which would be created if improvements were not undertaken. It was also noted that the funding available in the 10 Year Capital Forecast is the major limiting factor. Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out to the Committee that another significant consideration is the directional flow of the underground services. It is necessary to start any work at the Iow point and work uphill. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That staff of the Department of Public Works be instructed to review the 10 Year Capital Forecast and consider the possibilities of moving the work scheduled for Duke Street East and the surrounding area to a date earlier than 2,003, and further, That consideration be given to the installation of grass or some other suitable surface in the boulevards along Duke Street East, and further, That Mr. S. Gyorffy be designated as the staff contact person to meet with representatives of the area." Councillor K. Redman left the meeting at this time. 2. WATER SERVICE LEAKS - EMERALD HILLS ESTATES SUBDIVISION The Committee considered reports from Messrs. E. Kovacs and J. Bayley addressing problems which have and are being experienced on Misty Crescent with the premature leakage of water service valves. It was noted that an investigation was undertaken to determine the cause of these premature leakages and to identify an action plan which would minimize the re-occurrence of problems of this nature. The study has been concluded and it is felt that the primary cause of the water leakages are inferior workmanship and/or poor construction practices by the homebuilder and/or the homebuilders trades and sub-trades. The Committee was advised that as a result of the recently completed investigations, it is being recommended that flared fittings no longer be used for water services. It was noted that compression fittings are an approved alternative and are much more forgiving. Flared fittings require more skill and care of workmanship during the installation process. The Committee was advised that it is also being recommended that the water and sanitary sewer laterals be extended to a minimum of 2 metres past the property line during subdivision servicing. This will create more options for the subdivider and homebuilder which will, hopefully, result in fewer problems. The report suggests that curb stops be relocated to a point that would position the valve in line with the sidewalk. Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that the adoption of this recommendation will no doubt create additional operating costs for the City because, in fact, the valve will now be located totally on City property. The recommendations in the report would result in the modification to the specifications for water service boxes to include a minimum adjustment range and would more specifically define blocking requirements. The protection of curb stops would be improved during the construction process. The Committee was advised that the first and last recommendations, if adopted, will do the most to overcome premature leakage in water services. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Kovacs suggested that it would be hard to estimate the additional costs which would be created by relocating the curb stops but a guess would be approximately $50,000.00 per year. 2. WATER SERVICE LEAKS - EMERALD HILLS ESTATES SUBDIVISION (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1996 - 63 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was advised that the adoption of the second recommendation could result in additional costs for the developer, however, there would be less costs for the builder and, accordingly, the net effect would be a break-even situation. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that if services are installed properly in the future it would seem that the question of additional costs should become a non-issue. If the services are installed properly it should be many years before there are any possible leakage problems. Councillor Jake Smola was of the opinion that implementing the recommendations, as presented, will result in fewer leaks and, accordingly, there will be less costs for the City and the homeowner. In this regard, Mr. Kovacs pointed out that because dissimilar metals are utilized in the process there will always be corrosion which ultimately will lead to service leaks. Mr. Kovacs did acknowledge, however, that these leaks should be many years down the road. When questioned by Councillor J. Ziegler, Mr. Kovacs indicated that records are not available to indicate how many leaks have occurred on the property owners side of the curb stop and, accordingly, it is not possible to estimate what new costs will be created in the future. Councillor J. Ziegler expressed the opinion that the City should start paying to repair all leaks at the curb stop regardless of whether they are on the City's or property owners side. The Committee directed staff of the Department of Public Works to try to obtain information regarding the potential costs which would be involved to take on the additional responsibility of fixing leaks on the homeowners side of the curb stop. This information will be presented to the Committee at a later date. Councillor Jake Smola thanked staff for their work in undertaking the investigations which led to the report submitted to the Committee on this date. Councillor Jake Smola noted that 10% of the connections in the Misty Street area have had to be repaired and, if the leak was on the City side of the curb stop, the costs involved are approximately $1,900.00 per repair. Councillor Jake Smola expressed the view that the major reason for all of the problems on Misty Crescent was because proper curb stop blocking was not installed. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That, in order to mitigate future risks of inferior workmanship and poor construction practices related to water services to residential homes, the City of Kitchener modify its existing standards and specifications as follows: - flared fittings will be deleted as an approved fitting for water services; water and sanitary sewer laterals are to be extended a minimum of 2 metres past the property line during subdivision servicing; - curb stops will be relocated to a point that will position the valve in line with the sidewalk; - site specific certification will be instituted for engineering consultant inspection services; the specifications for water service boxes will be modified to include a minimum adjustment range and to more specifically define blocking requirements; - the protection of curb stops during construction will be improved." 3. INFORMATION REPORTS For information purposes, the Committee received the following reports: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1996 - 64 - CITY OF KITCHENER · Community Transportation Action Program · 1996 Leaf Collection Programme 4. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk