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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1995-06-26PWTC\1995-06-26 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 26, 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. Councillors Jake Smola and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Councillor T. Galloway and Messrs. B. Seifried, S. Gyorffy, E. Kovacs, D. Snow, L. Lynch, T. McKay, K. Bowman, T. Clancy, J. Shivas and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. 1 .Correction - June 12th Minutes The June 12, 1995 minutes of the Public Works and Transportation Committee relating to DOPWR 95-26 - School Safety - Ad Hoc Student Safety Patrol Review Committee - Interim Report, must be corrected so that the words "School Boards" appearing at the end of the second paragraph are deleted and replaced with "Waterloo Regional School Traffic Safety Committee". 2.DOPWR 95-30 - Monthly Parking - Lot No.23 - King Street East The Committee considered a report which recommends that Lot No.23 - King Street East be utilized for monthly parking at a rate of $40.00 per month plus taxes. This parking lot is located beside Fiedler's Deli on King Street East. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That monthly parking be permitted in Lot No.23, King Street East, with a monthly rate of $40.00 per month plus taxes, effective July 1, 1995, and further, That By-law No.88-169 be amended accordingly." 3. DOPWR 95-31 - Traffic Control - Erinbrook Drive - Ashley Court/Thistledown Drive The Committee considered a report dealing with traffic concerns in the general area of Erinbrook Drive. The report identifies various improvements which will take place near the intersection of Erinbrook Drive and The Country Way. This area will be further reviewed in the fall of 1995. The Committee was advised that Erinbrook Drive at Ashley Court/Thistledown Drive has also been reviewed and an all-way stop is being recommended. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop control be installed at the following location: Erinbrook Drive and Ashley Court/Thistledown Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4.Waterloo Region Review - Solid Waste & Recycling The Committee considered a report from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Assistant General Manager, regarding a report which has been received as a result of the Waterloo Region Review dealing with solid waste and recycling. This report has been reviewed at a staff level and the report, as presented, contains the following recommendations: 1)That the responsibility for all facets of garbage collection remain the total responsibility of local municipalities. 2)That we not support the principles of limits on curbside residential garbage pick-up or the concept of user-pay for residential garbage at this time. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 26, 1995 - 82 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4.Waterloo Region Review - Solid Waste & Recycling (Cont'd) 3)That local municipalities exercise their option to co-op tender waste collection contracts if the municipalities tendering feel that cost savings and operational efficiencies can be obtained through this process. Dr. J. Kay appeared before the Committee representing the Environmental Committee, who have also reviewed the Regional report regarding solid waste and recycling. Dr. Kay pointed out that the pros and cons for the various recommendations were considered in detail and it is felt that the cons far out-weigh the pros. It was also noted that companies in the business of hauling waste have been contacted and have indicated that there will be no significant cost savings if the Region were to take over the responsibility for all garbage collection within the area. Dr. Kay also expressed the opinion that if the Region had been looking after waste management when the Blue Box Program was first implemented it is unlikely that this program would have ever gotten off the ground. Dr. Kay suggested to the Committee that the report from the Regional Review Committee is contradictory because in one area it will make a particular argument then later in the report there will be something that is totally contrary to the original statement. When questioned by Councillor K. Redman, Dr. Kay suggested that if additional flexibility were provided so that area municipalities could continue to decide what they want to do in regard to waste management, then many of the concerns of the Environmental Committee would be overcome. Councillor M. Wagner noted that City staff support the position taken by the Environmental Committee and the position of the Environmental Committee was strong and unanimous. In this regard, Dr. Kay acknowledged that he would support the recommendations as contained in the staff report. Councillor K. Redman expressed the view that, if the recommendations of the Review Committee are supported, the City of Kitchener must lobby, at the Regional level, in the strongest possible terms in order to maintain flexibility regarding waste management. Councillor T. Galloway indicated his support for the staff recommendations but expressed concern that the review Committee is considering operational issues. As an example, it was noted that the possible limitation of curbside garbage was addressed and, in the view of Councillor Galloway, consideration of operational details was inappropriate. Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the responsibility for all facets of garbage collection remain the total responsibility of local municipalities, and further, That we not support the principles of limits on curbside residential garbage pick-up or the concept of user- pay for residential garbage at this time, and further, That local municipalities exercise their option to co-op tender waste collection contracts if the municipalities tendering feel that cost savings and operational efficiencies can be obtained through this process." On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener advise the Waterloo Region Review Committee of its concerns regarding the undertaking of reviews of operational issues rather than confining its deliberations to areas of function." 5.Adopt-A-Road Program PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U N E 26, 1995 - 83 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee received a report which, if adopted, would lead to the implementation of an Adopt-A-Road Program in the City of Kitchener. It was noted that such a program presently exists at the Regional level and the terms and conditions for the proposed Kitchener Plan are based on the Region's requirements. It was noted that the City's Legal Department has not reviewed this matter and, accordingly, any terms and/or conditions should be subject to their approval. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. E. Kovacs pointed out that the proposed program is intended to cover roads in the rural areas and, while it could apply to roads in urban areas, this is not anticipated at the present time. Councillor T. Galloway expressed concern that the proposed program may create confusion with the existing Adopt-the-Environment Program. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Kovacs advised the Committee that the Adopt-A-Road Program will be designed to undertake a manual pick-up of roadside litter. Councillor G. Lorentz noted that there are a number of "Adopt-A" Programs which usually start off with a bang but then seem to peeter out. In this regard, it was suggested that, if a program is to be started, steps must be taken to ensure that people remain interested and involved. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that the Adopt-the-Environment Program has experienced difficulties because of the vagueness of the name. In this regard, it was suggested that names such as "Adopt-A-Park" would be more appropriate and may maintain the interest of the public. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that people do identify with the roads on which they live or work and, if appropriate recognition is given, people will take an active role in maintaining its appearance. Councillor G. Lorentz indicated that, as Chairman of the Community Services Committee, he will be requesting Mr. T. Clancy to provide a report regarding the Adopt-the-Environment Program so that this program can be considered in more detail. In this regard, Councillor M. Wagner encouraged all members of Council to submit their comments and ideas to Mr. Clancy so that they can be considered as part of the overall review of this program. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener implement an 'Adopt-A-Road' Program based upon the criteria outlined in the report, and further, That the terms and conditions of the City's 'Adopt-A-Road' Program be subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." 6. Demand Side Management Programs Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that the Gas Utility has been given the autonomy to match, if possible, the level of service provided by private sector gas utilities. In this regard, it was noted that at recent rate hearings, Union Gas had sought approval which would allow them to recover the costs associated with Demand Side Management Programs. Kitchener supported the position of Union Gas on the condition that such costs would not be imposed upon the City's wholesale cost of gas. Demand Side Management Programs may contain initiatives such as the following: · Low Flow Shower Heads · Furnace Efficiency Program · Programmable Thermostats 6. Demand Side Management Programs (Cont'd) · Wise Energy Use Kits · Vertical Subdivision Options PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 26, 1995 - 84 - CITY OF KITCHENER · Green Community Initiatives · Conservation Dealer Network · Consumer Education The Committee was advised that the criteria for a City of Kitchener program would have to be developed and then taken through the budget process. Financial details of a proposed program are not available at this time. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Kovacs advised that a Vertical Subdivision Option allows a highrise apartment to be serviced with gas in such a way so that each tenant can be charged for the amount of gas they use. Councillor J. Ziegler expressed concern that the Utilities Division may start duplicating programs which are presently being offered by the Region. In this regard, however, Mr. Kovacs pointed out that the intent is not to duplicate existing programs, particularly in the areas of water conservation. Mr. Kovacs suggested to the Committee that programs of this nature are seen to be desirable as a means to enhancing the customer/utility alliance necessary at a retail level. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the Utilities Division formulate criteria for a Demand Side Management Program in Kitchener, consistent with private sector utilities, and further, That funding be allocated to the 1996 budget proportional to increased margins anticipated from Ontario Energy Board rulings for Union Gas for Demand Side Management initiatives, and further, That Utilities staff develop the Demand Side Management initiatives in consultation with the Environmental Committee." 7. Informational Reports The Committee received and considered the following informational reports: · Waste Collection Contract - Savings · Proposed Program for 1995 Resurfacing, Road Construction and Various Sidewalk Works · Up-date on Kitchener Utilities Marketing Initiatives 8.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk