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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1995-05-15PWTC\1995-05-15 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola, with all members present excepting His Worship Mayor R. Christy. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. S. Roberts, Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. R. Freeborn, W. Beck, K. Bowman, J. McBride, E. Kovacs, D. Snow, J. Gazzola, T. McKay, D. Mansell, L. Lynch, T. Clancy, T. McCabe, B. Gulliver and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1. New Transit Sloqan Mr. R. Freeborn advised the Committee that a contest had been conducted to select a new slogan for Kitchener Transit. 694 replies were received and reviewed by a Committee consisting of Mayor R. Christy, Councillor John Smola, Councillor M. Yantzi and Messrs. W. Beck and R. Freeborn. 2 finalists have been selected and the individuals submitting the slogans have been invited to this meeting. The Committee was advised that Mr. T. Hennebry has been selected as the Grand Prize Winner with his submission of "Tommorrows Transit Today". Mr. Hennebry will win a trip to Jamaica including transportation to the airport and a monthly bus pass. The Second Prize Winner was Ms. Jo-anne Van Beek who submitted the slogan "So Much For So Little". Ms. Van Beek will win a propane barbecue and monthly bus pass. 5 random draws took place with those selected winning various prizes: Ghetto Blaster- Cordless Phone - Transit Passes - A. Schatz D. Greenhalgn J. Gopaul K. MacKenzie N. Thompson Mr. Freeborn thanked everyone who had submitted entries to the contest and the Public Works and Transportation Committee for providing an opportunity to make the various prize presentations. 2. DOPWR 95-21 - Traffic Control - Cameo Drive & Hofstetter Avenue The Committee was advised that Hofstetter Avenue and Cameo Drive is a 3 legged intersection with an existing stop control northbound on Hofstetter Avenue. There are 2 unrestricted traffic movements and it has been suggested that safety and operational problems exist. In this regard, it is being recommended that a stop control be installed on Cameo Drive at Hofstetter Avenue. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That an additional stop control be installed at the following location: Cameo Drive and Hofstetter Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3. DOPWR 95-22 - Two Way Traffic - Scott Street The Committee was advised that it is being recommended that Scott Street between King Street and Weber Street be reverted to two way traffic. Concerns have been expressed regarding the restrictions and limitations imposed on traffic in the Downtown area by the present one way street system and this has been further emphasized by the Mayor's Task Force. In this regard, the possibility of reverting Duke Street and Charles Street to two way traffic will be studied by the Region and the City. Staff have reviewed the situation with Scott Street and are recommending that two way traffic be reinstated. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 67 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DOPWR 95-22 - Two Way Traffic - Scott Street (Cont'd) This change on Scott Street has been circulated to all affected property owners and businesses and to date 4 replies have been received, all in support. No objections have been received. The report as submitted to the Committee estimates a total cost of $15,000.00 to undertake the necessary modifications and suggests that these funds be taken out of the Downtown Revitalization Account. Councillor Jake Smola expressed the opinion that this matter should be referred to the Special Council Meeting to be held on May 16th, at which time recommendations from the Mayor's Task Force will be considered. Councillor Smola was of the view that it would be more appropriate to consider all recommendations of the Downtown Task Force at one meeting. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Councillor K. Redman noted that all replies received by staff have been positive and was advised by Mr. Snow that the changes on Scott Street would have no effect on the functioning of the Lower Level of the Market Parking Garage. Mr. T. McKay reminded the Committee that changes to Scott Street have been under consideration for some time and would likely have been recommended regardless of the activities of the Mayor's Task Force. Councillor Jake Smola, however, suggested that the future of the Farmers' Market and the Market Parking Garage should be known before a decision is made regarding Scott Street. Councillor Jake Smola introduced a motion which would defer consideration regarding Scott Street and refer it to the Special Council Meeting to be held on May 16, 1995. This motion was put to a vote and was defeated. Several members of the Committee indicated their support for the staff report but were of the opinion that the proposed expenditure of $15,000.00 and the charging of this expenditure to the Downtown Revitalization Account should be considered by City Council at the meeting to be held on May 16, 1995. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Scott Street, between King Street and Weber Street, be reverted to two way traffic, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law 94-101 be amended accordingly." On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the expenditure of $15,000.00 required to effect the reversion of Scott Street, between King Street and Weber Street, to two way traffic and the charging of this amount to the Downtown Revitalization Account, be deferred and referred to the special meeting of City Council to be held on May 16, 1995." 4. DOPWR 95-24 - Electronic Transfer of Data The Committee considered a report which recommends that an agreement be entered into with the Ministry of Transportation which will make it possible to electronically transfer data required in the processing of unpaid parking infraction notices. 4. DOPWR 95-24 - Electronic Transfer of Data (Cont'd) On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 68 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That the City of Kitchener enter into an agreement with the Ministry of Transportation for the electronic transfer of data which is required to process unpaid Parking Infraction Notices, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor with the Ministry of Transportation with respect to this agreement." 5. DOPWR 95-25 - Pedestrian Crossinq - Kinq Street at Gaukel Street The Committee was advised that concern has been expressed regarding the uncontrolled pedestrian activity which presently takes place at the intersection of King Street and Gaukel Street. The concerns are pedestrian traffic and its interference with traffic and potential impact on Transit service. It was noted that when the Transportation Centre was located on Charles Street, traffic control signals were provided at the intersection of King Street and Gaukel Street, with Gaukel Street being reverted to two way traffic. At the request of Kitchener Transit, pedestrian crossing facilities were only provided on the east leg of King Street. There was concern that pedestrian crossing facilities on the west leg of King Street would create delays for buses making left-hand turns off of Gaukel Street onto King Street. With the opening of City Hall pedestrian activity in the area has increased and safety concerns have been expressed. To overcome these problems it is now being recommended that a designated pedestrian crossing be established on the west leg of King Street and controlled with pedestrian signals. To ensure that established pedestrian crossings are utilized it is also recommended that a rail be installed on the City Hall side of King Street which will, hopefully, deter indiscriminate pedestrian crossings. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. D. Snow advised that the existing street vendor will not be affected by this new pedestrian crossing and his location can be slightly altered if necessary. Councillor G. Lorentz was concerned about erecting a barrier because, in his opinion, it would not be aesthetically pleasing. Councillor Lorentz suggested that the new pedestrian crossing be installed and if problems continued to exist then the installation of the barrier could be considered. Councillor M. Weylie questioned whether or not consideration had been given to allowing diagonal crossings at this intersection. Mr. D. Snow was of the opinion that this type of pedestrian activity would be inappropriate at this intersection. Councillor G. Lorentz, again, expressed his concern with the pedestrian barrier as proposed and expressed the view that people will cross in accordance with the signalization provided. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That a pedestrian crossing facility be provided on the west leg of King Street at Gaukel Street, and further, That a portable railing be installed on the north side of King Street opposite Gaukel Street." Following the consideration of this matter, Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that, as part of the work along King Street, provision will be made for the installation of the pedestrian barrier. Initially, however, only the signalization and new pedestrian crossing will be installed. The pedestrian barrier will only be installed if this proves to be necessary. 6.Sanitary Servicinq Scheme - Pioneer Tower West The Committee was advised that the Pioneer Tower West Community has been designated for development and, in January of this year, Paragon Engineering Limited was retained to conduct an Environmental Assessment of the area regarding the proposed sanitary sewer facility. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 69 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee received a summary of the Consultant's report which outlines that the preferred means of providing a sanitary sewer facility for the Pioneer Tower West Community is by way of the installation of a sanitary pumping station and forcemain which would cross the Grand River to the existing sewage treatment plant. Mr. D. Mansell advised the Committee that the report being presented at this time deals only with the development of a sanitary pumping station and forcemain and does not relate in any way to any planning issues including population densities. If the Pioneer Tower West Community is to develop then the sewage facilities will be developed as outlined in the report being considered at this time. Nothing will be done with this report until such time as the planning process for this area has been completed. Councillor J. Ziegler was of the opinion that approval of the document, as presented, will lead everyone in the area to believe that a decision has been made to allow higher densities. In this regard, it was the opinion of Councillor Ziegler that nothing should be approved until the planning issues have been fully discussed and finalized. Mr. T. McCabe suggested to the Committee that it may be more appropriate to have the planning issues and the Environmental Assessment discussed at one public meeting. Councillor M. Wagner was of the opinion that delaying the approval of the report being presented at this time may delay development, however, the concerns of all citizens, not just the developer, must be taken into consideration. Councillor Jake Smola indicated support for approving the report, as presented at this time, so that there are no further delays when the planning process has been finalized. Mr. Bill Giverin appeared before the Committee and expressed concern that approval of the sanitary sewage facility at this time may provide the developers with an advantage when the planning issues are being considered. Mr. Giverin also expressed concern regarding the possible affect of the forcemain on the existing private wells in the area. Mr. P. Britton appeared before the Committee and suggested that the Environmental Assessment report should be considered at arms length from the planning process. Full services will be required for this area and delaying a decision on their provision will adversely affect the timing of development in the area. Mr. Britton agreed that the issue of density must be dealt with through the Official Plan Amendment and Plan of Subdivision processes, however, he reminded the Committee that what is being dealt with at this time is only the provision of servicing. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That approval of the preferred sanitary servicing scheme for the Pioneer Tower West Community be deferred and referred to the public meeting which will be held as part of the planning process for this area." 7. Proposal for Community Low Floor Bus Demonstration The Committee was advised that the Kitchener and Waterloo Accessibility Implementation Plan adopted in December 1993 was designed to maximize the mobility of all residents in the Kitchener Transit service area using the most cost effective combination of available vehicle technologies and service designs. In this regard, it was noted that staff recognize the necessity to undertake a Iow floor bus demonstration project. It is anticipated that such a project would cost approximately $296,000.00 with the Ministry of Transportation being approached to contribute up 7.Proposal for Community Low Floor Bus Demonstration (Cont'd) to $212,550.00. The balance would be absorbed in the Transit Operating Budgets for 1995 and 1996. Mr. W. Beck advised the Committee that Kitchener Transit currently operates 39 wheelchair accessible Iow floor buses with 25 of these equipped with 2 wheelchair securement positions. The proposed demonstration project would result in one or more community bus routes using Iow floor wheelchair PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 70 - CITY OF KITCHENER accessible buses to link high concentrations of frail, elderly and physically disabled users with major destinations such as shopping malls, hospitals and other institutions. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Beck advised that, if the City of Waterloo should decide they do not wish to participate, the project can be conducted in the City of Kitchener only. Mr. Beck also advised that allowing scooters on the Iow floor buses will be considered as part of this demonstration project. Project Lift will be contacted regarding this demonstration project which will, among other things, identify whether or not there is user acceptance for this type of service. Mr. R. Koop appeared before the Committee and advised that the greatest concern of the disabled is to make sure that Transit services are available which allow them to go where they want, when they want. If regular Transit buses can be used for this purpose, Project Lift will have more available time to service those clients who cannot make use of a regular Transit bus. Councillor G. Lorentz indicated his support for the recommendations contained in the report but questioned why the consultant tendering process would be waived. In this regard, Mr. Beck advised that Techknowledge Consulting of Oakville, Ontario, have been working with the City and the Province regarding this matter. It was noted that there are not a lot of qualified consultants available and waiving the tendering process would provide a certain amount of expediency. Mr. J. Gazzola pointed out to the Committee that an increased level of service is being considered which will result in additional costs which will have to be dealt with in the future. Mr. Gazzola wondered why the Province would not provide 100% funding for a trial project of this nature if they are truly concerned about ensuring that Transit services are available for the disabled. In this regard, Mr. R. Freeborn agreed that getting more wheelchairs and scooters on regular buses may provide an increased level of service but it will also free up time for Project Lift so that more services can be provided for those individuals who cannot use public Transit. A motion was introduced by Councillor C. Weylie to adopt the report, as presented to the Committee. It was agreed that Clause #4 regarding the waiving of the consultant tendering process would be taken individually. Clause #4 was put to a vote and was defeated. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo undertake a Community Low Floor Bus Demonstration program to test various mobility device securement and non-securement systems over a minimum 9 to 12 month demonstration period, and further, That the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo re-allocate operating costs of up to $84,000.00 over the 1995 and 1996 demonstration period, and further, That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario be requested to contribute up to $212,550.00 of the estimated demonstration costs and revenues as identified in Table 2 of this report, and further, That the consultant tendering process be utilized regarding this project, and further, 7.Proposal for Community Low Floor Bus Demonstration (Cont'd) That the City of Kitchener appoint Councillor John Smola as their Council representative to the Accessibility Implementation Plan Committee and request the City of Waterloo to appoint a similar Council representative." It was agreed that the Transit and Finance Departments would discuss the funding for this demonstration project and prepare a report for consideration by City Council on May 23, 1995. 8. Natural Gas Bus Update PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 15, 1995 - 71 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. B. Gulliver appeared before the Committee and, utilizing the Council Chamber audio/visual equipment, reviewed the details of his May 9, 1995 report which was circulated with the agenda for this meeting. The Committee was asked to consider the 1995-96 order of 23 Transit Coaches. This matter has been discussed with the Ministry of Transportation who are willing to fund at 75%, the $60,000.00 premium for the manufacturer's delivery of natural gas equipped buses. The Ministry will assume no responsibility for the reliability of the Detroit natural gas engine since this would be a first in Ontario and they are not aware of the test results in the United States. The natural gas station which is estimated to cost approximately $3,000,000.00 would be eligible for subsidy funding subject to various conditions as outlined in Mr. Gulliver's report. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested the possibility of reducing the number of natural gas buses which would be purchased at this time. In this regard, it was noted that to justify a fill station as many natural gas vehicles as possible are required. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That Council approve, before May 24, 1995, the purchase of 23 Iow floor coaches from New Flyer Industries at the lowest tendered price of $301,676.00 each plus $2,200.00 each for optional heater motors for a total of $303,879.00 each complete to Specification CKF-33, as presented, and further, That the Council of the City of Kitchener pursue a 75% level of subsidy funding, as opposed to 50%, from the Ministry of Transportation towards the purchase and installation of the C.N.G. refuelling station at Kitchener Transit. Further, that upon acquiring the desired subsidy funding, Council approve the installation of C.N.G. engines in the 1995-96 bus order of 25 coaches previously approved from New Flyer Industries no later than August 10, 1995, and further, That the City of Kitchener actively pursue politically the possibility of receiving increased funding for natural gas buses with representatives of the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Environment." 9. Informational Reports The following informational reports were provided to the Committee: · Traffic & Parking Division Report DOPWR 95-23 - Cost of Two Hour Free On-Street Parking · Projects in Progress - Engineering Division 10.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk