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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1995-03-06 SPWTC\1995 -03 -06 -S P E PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 6, 1995 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee held a special Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola with all members present. meeting after its commencement. meeting on this date under the Councillor C. Weylie entered the Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Councillor T. Galloway, Mrs. V. Gibaut and Messrs. D. Snow, J. McBride, D. Suzuki, T. McCabe, T. McKay, J. Shivas, L. Proulx and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 4:00 p.m. 1. DOPWR 95-9 - Market Square Garage Repair Strategy Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that the report attached to the agenda for this meeting outlines existing problems with the Market Square Parking Garage and possible repair scenarios. Mr. Snow introduced Messrs. J. Warren and D. Vella representing Morrison Hershfield Limited Consulting Engineers. Messrs. Warren and Vella have been monitoring the Market Square Parking Garage for approximately 10 years and their input was provided in the preparation of the report to be considered by the Committee at this time. Mr. J. McBride then reviewed the staff report with the members of the Committee. It was noted that the Market Square Garage was opened in 1974 and contains 510 cashier controlled spaces on the upper levels and 68 metered spaces located on the ground level. There are 2 distinct circuits within the garage and a double helix ramp provides an exit from each of these circuits to a single exit lane to Duke Street. The Committee was advised that deterioration of this structure started to show up almost immediately and, as a result, in 1979 and 1980 large areas of concrete deck which had delaminated were removed, a waterproofing membrane installed and a fibre reinforced concrete product (Gemcrete) was installed on the exposed levels of the parking structure and the upper Market level. Councillor C. Weylie entered the meeting at this time. The report as presented to the Committee provided detailed information regarding repairs which were undertaken from 1989 to 1994. Mr. McBride reviewed these repairs with the Committee. In 1994 a decision was made to concentrate repair efforts on levels 4B, 5B and 6B. Once this repair program was commenced it became evident that not only had large areas of Gemcrete debonded from the slab but there was also extensive amounts of delamination. It was suggested that the true rate of deterioration was somewhat hidden by the Gemcrete. Because of the problems found with levels 4B, 5B and 6B, a decision was made to close these levels to all vehicular and public access. This resulted in a loss of approximately 120 parking spaces. The Committee was advised that in consultation with the structural engineers (Morrison Hershfield Limited) various repair scenarios were developed. The Committee was advised that, regardless of what action is taken to deal with levels 4B, 5B and 6B, the following repairs will be required: Upper Market Level - entrance and exit ramp $ 331,000.00 Helix Ramps $ 232,000.00 Repair of Levels 1,2, 3 & 4 (A & B levels) $1,568,000.00. In addition, the report, as presented to the Committee, contains 5 repair scenarios for dealing with levels 4B, 5B and 6B. These scenarios, which are detailed in the report, range from various levels of repair, the removal of certain slabs and the complete demolition of the entire Market Square Garage, including the Farmers' Market area and the reconstruction of a new facility. The Committee was advised that the total replacement of the existing facility would require approximately 2 years for demolition and rebuilding. This would cause major disruptions to Market Square, as well as other businesses in the area. It would be necessary to relocate PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 6, 1995 - 58 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DOPWR 95-9 - Market Square Garaqe Repair Strateq¥ (Cont'd) approximately 300 monthly parkers. The Farmers' Market would essentially be eliminated from this location during the reconstruction period. The Committee was advised that due to the large initial capital investment and the major disruption that would be created this option was dropped from further consideration. Mr. McBride referred to the report and reviewed with the Committee the details of the other possible repair scenarios. Mr. McBride advised that staff and the consultants are recommending the total replacement of levels 4B, 5B and 6B. The cost of implementing this program, along with the other repairs which must be undertaken and outlined earlier, would be $3,313,000.00. In conclusion, Mr. McBride suggested that the City has been trying to operate and maintain a parking garage which was poorly designed and constructed. Deterioration has been an ongoing problem and repairs have been taking place on a regular basis since the early 1980's. It was suggested to the Committee that major structural repairs are required at this time to ensure the integrity of the garage and protect the investment of the City. It was also noted that, even by following this course of action, further minor repairs will be required from time to time. As an example, it was noted that in approximately 15 to 20 years it will be necessary to replace the waterproofing membrane as it reaches its life expectancy. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. McBride advised that it would cost approximately $350,000.00 to demolish the entire parking garage. Mr. J. Warren advised the Committee that, while not impossible, it would be difficult to demolish the parking garage and save the Farmers' Market. Councillor Lorentz noted that the Market Garage is presently running at 80% capacity and was advised that this is similar to what is presently taking place in the Duke and Ontario Garage. The Committee was advised that the Market Square Garage is now approximately 20 years old and about 2.4 million dollars has been spent in structural repairs. The Duke and Ontario Garage is 30 years old and about half of that amount has spent on repairs. Mr. McBride advised the Committee that a repair program was recommended because it was felt that it was more appropriate to spend approximately 7.4 million dollars and replace the top floors versus spending 11.5 million dollars and totally replace the structure. In this regard, however, Councillor G. Lorentz expressed concern that, in future, there may be more surprises which will result in additional repair costs of a substantial nature. In reply to questioning, Mr. McBride advised that, if the entire structure were demolished, parkers could be accommodated in other facilities if they were willing to walk the additional distances. He did suggest, however, that there is no doubt that some monthly parkers would be lost to private facilities and there would be an impact on Market Square and possibly the office building at 22 Frederick Street. When questioned by Councillor Lorentz, Mr. McBride advised that staff have looked at the possibility of providing some form of shuttle service, however, on the rare occasions when it has been provided in the past, it has not been very well used. Councillor K. Redman questioned whether the Regional review of the existing Ring Road System was taken into consideration when looking at the Market Garage. In this regard, Mr. McBride advised that this had not been considered and if Duke Street should be converted to 2 way traffic, it is likely that the replacement of the parking garage would be the only viable option. The parking garage with its present configuration would not work with 2 way traffic on Duke Street. When questioned by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. McBride advised that some of the repair costs incurred in the early 1980's were partially covered by the original developer and contractor. Mr. McBride pointed out that when repairs were made in the early 1980's it was thought that they 1. DOPWR 95-9 - Market Square Garaqe Repair Strateq¥ (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 6, 1995 - 59 - CITY OF KITCHENER would resolve any existing problems on a long term basis. It was noted, however, that in the early 1980's little was known about parking garage restoration other than that the waterproofing membrane would have to be replaced. Large scale deterioration of concrete, as is now being experienced, was not expected. In reply to Councillor Vrbanovic, Mr. McBride acknowledged that if the existing 300 monthly parkers were removed from this facility the upper 3 levels could be totally removed and the needs of the hourly parker could be accommodated Monday to Friday. There would be some problems on Saturdays during Market hours. When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. Warren advised that the corrosion of the reinforcing steel actually causes delamination to take place. Mr. Warren also pointed out that there is more delamination on the upper floors than on the lower floors because of the type of waterproofing membrane which was used. Councillor Jake Smola requested copies of all available background reports dealing with the repairs to this structure and the legal activities which have taken place. It was agreed that available information would be provided to all members of Council. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that regardless of the amount that is spent now, there will be further ongoing expenses over the next 20 years. In this regard, he questioned what the ongoing expenses would be if the existing structure were demolished and rebuilt. Mr. J. McBride pointed out that repair costs would be substantially reduced, however, it must be noted that there will always be repairs required. Councillor Wagner also suggested to the Committee that serious consideration must be given to whether or not a Farmers' Market in this particular location in the Downtown area is a viable and logical option for the next 20 years. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that if the upper 3 slabs were removed and replaced, there may still be problems with the lower levels and if deterioration in those areas should commence then the City has really spent a large sum of money which would be wasted. In reply to a question by Councillor Ziegler, Mr. McBride advised that consideration has not been given to the construction of a new facility in another location with the demolition of the existing structure being delayed until the new facility has been completed. When questioned by Councillor M. Yantzi, Mr. McBride advised that, if the monthly parkers and the Farmers' Market are taken out of the scenario, approximately 250 spaces would be required to satisfy the needs of the hourly parkers. In response to Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. McBride advised that approximately 110 Regional employees form part of the 300 monthly parkers which presently use the Market Parking Garage. Exact figures are not available as to the number of spaces which are rented on a monthly basis by people working at Market Square. Councillor T. Galloway questioned how many surface spaces could be created if the existing structure were demolished. It was estimated that approximately 140 surface spaces could be developed. Councillor Galloway suggested that approximately 390 spaces would be available over the next 18 month period if nothing was done to the existing facility. The Committee was advised that there are approximately 400 spaces in the King Centre Parking Garage, however, the condition of that structure is unknown. His Worship Mayor R. Christy pointed out that members of Council have now received information outlining the magnitude of the problems which presently exist at the Market Parking Garage along with possible options for future action. Mayor Christy advised that the Mayor's Task Force 1. DOPWR 95-9 - Market Square Garaqe Repair Strateqy (Cont'd) dealing with the Downtown would like to meet with Council, in caucus, to discuss a number of items including comments which have been made to them regarding the Market Parking Garage. Mayor Christy pointed out that there may be some difficulty in discussing this matter in caucus, however, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 6, 1995 - 60 - CITY OF KITCHENER he will be reviewing this situation with the Legal Department. Mayor Christy did suggest, however, that it was important that the comments which have been received by the Task Force are made known to all members of Council. The members of the Committee agreed that further consideration of the Market Parking Garage would be deferred to allow input to be received from the Mayor's Task Force on the Downtown. 2.Adiournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk