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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1995-01-30PWTC\1995-01-30 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 30, 1995 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola with all members present. Councillor J. Ziegler and Councillor G. Lorentz were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. T. McKay, S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, D. Suzuki, B. Liddle, D. Mansell, L. Lynch, T. McCabe, J. McBride, T. O'Brien, B. Arnot and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. Public Works & Transportation Committee Minutes - January 16, 1995 The Committee was advised that the minutes of the Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting held on January 16, 1995, have been corrected to reflect that Councillor B. Vrbanovic was in attendance for part of the meeting. 2.Quail Ridqe Subdivision Mr. J. Vernhout appeared before the Committee representing Monarch Construction Limited regarding a part of the Quail Ridge Subdivision. Mr. Vernhout pointed out that this subdivision which contains approximately 300 lots is located in the area of Victoria Street and Fischer- Hallman Road. The subdivision was approved in 1988 and it is the opinion of Mr. Vernhout that the engineering drawings were approved in 1989. Construction did not commence at that time due to unfavourable market conditions. The Committee was advised that during 1994 Monarch Construction Limited have applied to the City for a re-lotting which would create slightly smaller lots. The developer has now been advised that, in accordance with an existing City policy, sump pumps connected to the storm sewer will be required for all the remaining undeveloped lots within this subdivision. It was suggested to the Committee that this course of action would create an additional development cost of approximately $215,000.00. The Committee was advised that the developer has proposed an alternative in which he would not develop storm sewers nor connections at this time but would post a Letter of Credit which would cover the cost of such installations if they should be required in the future. It was suggested that on many lots sump pumps would not be required and, in some cases, the discharge would take place into the rear yard. In this regard it was noted that, in the past, water from sump pumps have created problems with ice on sidewalks and soggy front and rear yards. Because of these problems a City policy was approved requiring sump pumps to be connected with the storm sewer system. The Committee was also advised that staff are concerned with this compromise because of the precedent which would be established. When questioned by Councillor K. Redman, Mr. Vernhout advised that, if necessary, the developer would provide the City with a Letter of Credit in the amount of $215,000.00 which would then be held for a period of three years and used as required by the City. Councillors G. Lorentz and J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. In reply to questioning, Mr. Vernhout agreed that the developer did not comply with the procedures which were in effect in 1989 but continued to express the view that the engineering drawings had been approved by the City, the Region and the Province prior to the implementation of the new policy. In this regard, Mr. B. Liddle advised the Committee that sump pumps were required as early as 1979 and led to problems with accumulations of ice on the street, sidewalk and driveways, as well as soggy front and rear yards. Because of these problems, in 1988 the City developed a program to connect sump pumps to the storm drain. Approximately 40,000 to 50,000 dollars per year is spent on this program. It was further noted that, in April of 1989, a new policy was adopted which required sump pumps to be connected to the storm drain system. Mr. Liddle advised the Committee that the City did not approve the engineering drawings for the lands in question at this time in 1989. These drawings were submitted to the Region and the Province at the request of the developer and were subsequently approved. These drawings were not approved by PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 30, 1995 - 6 - CITY OF KITCHENER the City of Kitchener at that time. 2.Quail Ridqe Subdivision (Cont'd) Mr. D. Mansell advised the Committee that there are no other subdivisions with similar circumstances to those involving the Quail Ridge Subdivision being addressed at this time. It was noted that in most cases, engineering drawings are not submitted until the developer is ready to commence construction. Mr. Mansell also pointed out that staff are concerned that if sump pumps are allowed to discharge into the rear yards there will be problems because of the soggy conditions which will result and eventually the water will drain into a City park. In this regard, Mr. Mansell also noted that the developer does not have the approval of the City's Chief Building Official to allow this rear yard discharge. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That no action be taken regarding the request from Monarch Construction Limited to relieve them from their obligations to install a storm sewer and sump pump connections in Registered Plan 1689." 3. DOPWR 95-5 - 1995 Reqional Roads and Traffic Capital Proqram and 10 Year Capital Forecast The Committee considered a report prepared jointly by the Engineering Division and the Traffic and Parking Division of the Department of Public Works. This report comments on the 1995 Roads and Traffic Capital Program and 10 Year Capital Forecast developed by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Mr. D. Snow reviewed the report with the Committee and noted that the Highway 8/Fairway Road off-ramp should be included as an intersection improvement. When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Snow noted that intersection improvements at Victoria Street South and Fischer-Hallman Road will be undertaken as part of the Fischer-Hallman widening project. When questioned regarding the Cedar-Duke-King Street improvements, Mr. Snow advised that the only funds available at this time are to undertake a study which, hopefully, will be completed by the Fall of 1995. It is hoped that the physical improvements can be advanced to 1996. In this regard, His Worship Mayor R. Christy suggested that if there are any monies left over from the Infrastructure Program that those monies should be allocated to the Downtown area and used to complete the ring road system. Mr. Snow also advised the Committee that the City will be working closely with the Downtown Business Association so that all involved are kept fully informed of the work that is to be done on King Street and the timing involved. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. T. McCabe pointed out that the extension of Fischer- Hallman Road from Ottawa Street South to Westmount Road is required to provide a secondary access for subdivisions in that area. For this purpose, the extension could be developed on a piecemeal basis, however, there are already traffic problems at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and Ottawa Street South which must be considered. Councillor J. Ziegler declared a conflict of interest because the report being considered deals with works to be carried out on King Street East between Fairway Road and River Road and, since he owns property in this area, he abstained from all discussion and did not vote. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener endorse the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's 1995 Roads Capital Program and 10 Year Capital Forecast, and further, That the Region include in the 1995 Traffic Signal Program the provision of Traffic Control Signals at the intersection of Kingsway Drive and Wilson Avenue." 3. DOPWR 95-5 - 1995 Reqional Roads and Traffic Capital Proqram and 10 Year Capital Forecast PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 30, 1995 -7- CITY OF KITCHENER (Cont'd) Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he has a conflict of interest in that he owns property on King Street East between Fairway Road and River Road and abstained from discussion and did not vote. 4. DOPWR 95-6 - Additional Parkinq Meter Spaces - Kinq Street between Benton/Frederick Streets and Water Street The Committee was advised that, in 1992, 7 existing bus bays were utilized to create 24 metered parking spaces. These spaces are well used and the businesses in the Downtown area have indicated their support and appreciation and the Downtown Business Association has now suggested that the program be expanded. In this regard, it is now being proposed that an additional 28 spaces be developed on King Street between Benton/Frederick Streets and Francis Street. Mr. Snow displayed plans of the area illustrating the location of the proposed new parking spaces, as well as the location of street furniture and plantings. The Committee was advised that the new parking spaces will not impact on existing fire hydrants but some planters will have to be relocated and new ones will be added. It was noted that the addition of new parking spaces will have a minor impact on the flow of traffic buses and general traffic. Outdoor patios and hotdog vendors have been taken into consideration and will not be impacted by the development of these new parking spaces. The Committee was advised that the installation of the new meters will be done at the same time as King Street is resurfaced. Ms. Nancy Brawley appeared before the Committee representing the Downtown Business Association to indicate her support for the proposed new meters. Ms. Brawley did suggest, however, that there was space for additional meters in front of the Purple Turtle Restaurant and Stars Mens Wear. Ms. Brawley also encouraged the Committee to consider more planters on the north side of the street between Water Street and Francis Street. In regard to the parking spaces suggested by Ms. Brawley, Mr. D. Snow advised that these have been considered by staff and are felt to be inappropriate because the locations involved may have a greater impact on the movement of transit vehicles. The Committee then entered into general discussion regarding the installation and maintenance of trees with and without appropriate lighting. It was indicated that the present plans do not include the installation of additional wiring. The Committee also discussed the need for parking in excess of 1 hour and there was a discussion regarding the provision of free parking along King Street. In this regard, it was noted that the City has a substantial investment in the Downtown area which includes over 3,000 parking spaces. It was suggested that the proposal presently being presented would create more activity because of the vehicle turnover. Free parking, if not strictly enforced, would no doubt be abused. His Worship Mayor R. Christy expressed the view that meters are an unnecessary irritant and if free parking were established and abuses became obvious, they would have to be dealt with at that time. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. J. McBride suggested that the annual income from the existing and proposed meters would amount to approximately $100,000.00. Figures were not available as to the amount of revenue which could be expected from parking fines if the meters were removed from King Street. When questioned by the Committee, Ms. Brawley suggested that the cost of all parking in the Downtown area should be reviewed in conjunction with the possibility of free parking along King Street. 4. DOPWR 95-6 - Additional Parkinq Meter Spaces - Kinq Street between Benton/Frederick Streets and Water Street (Cont'd) Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JAN UARY 30, 1995 -8- CITY OF KITCHENER "That up to thirty-two (32) additional metered parking spaces be created on King Street between Benton/Frederick Streets and Francis Street." 5. DOPWR 95-7 - School Bus Loadinq Zone - Blueridqe Avenue at St. Francis Separate School The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the Waterloo Regional Roman Catholic Separate School Board to expand the School Bus Loading Zone on Blueridge Avenue for St. Francis School so that it will accommodate 3 school buses. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the school bus loading zone on the south side of Blueridge Avenue be extended to accommodate a total of three (3) full sized school buses, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. M.T.O. Standard of Maintenance - K-W Expressway The Committee received a report noting that Highway 8 and the K-W Expressway provide the primary access to the City of Kitchener. In recent years, the aesthetics have deteriorated due to funding cutbacks which means that routine litter pick-up is no longer provided on the Expressway. It was also noted that only minimal grass mowing is undertaken. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the Ministry of Transportation be requested to improve the service levels for grass cutting and litter pick-up on the K-W Expressway, particularly at exit ramps and on the access ramps to Highway 8 at Fairway Road South in the City of Kitchener." 7.Bicycle Parkinq & Lock-up Facilities Councillor M. Wagner requested that this matter be placed on the agenda for the February 13th meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee. 8.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk