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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1994-02-28PWTC\1994-02-28 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 28, 1994 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Smola with all members present. Councillor T. Galloway and Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting after its commencement. Others Present: Councillor G. Leadston, Councillor M. Yantzi and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, L. Lynch, T. McKay, D. Suzuki, B. Liddle, J. Shivas, D. Snow, J. McBride, J. O'Rourke, Ms. V. Gibaut and Ms. D. Gilchrist. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:45 a.m. 1.Delegation - Request for Overniqht Parkinq Exemption Councillor G. Leadston introduced the two delegates, Mr. K. Mielke and Mr. D. Gesterling who live on Tupper Crescent. Councillor Leadston advised that both gentlemen are experiencing the same problem at their respective homes due to the steep slope of their driveways; which are steeper than the other driveways on that street. They have experienced the problem that during the extreme cold, the asphalt freezes and cars on the driveway have slid into the garage door. The insurance company paid the claim with the understanding that they would not cover a similar claim in future. Since that time, on nights when the temperature has been very Iow, they have parked on the approach to their driveways; however, in recent weeks they have been ticketed by By-law Enforcement Officers. They are requesting permission from Council to park on the approach to their driveways when the weather is extremely cold. They are prepared to inform Parking Authorities when this situation arises. Mr. Mielke then addressed the Committee advising that their situation is unique on that street as they have single driveways leading to single car garages, so it is not possible to park both cars in the garage. He reiterated the explanation given by Councillor Leadston. He advised that he has spoken to the neighbours on the street, who are sympathetic to their need and who have signed a petition in support of this request, which was submitted to the Committee. Mr. Mielke advised that they are requesting permission to park on the driveway apron only on nights when it is not safe to park in the driveway and that are prepared to phone the Parking Authority and advise them and give any information necessary. Mayor Cardillo questioned whether the delegates had used sand or any other means to treat the driveway and was advised that they had, but to no avail. Councillor Weylie questioned why they had not come before now and was advised that it was only recently that they started getting parking tickets. Mr. D. Snow advised that the tickets are just normal enforcement. He stated that staff have visited the site and acknowledge the potential hazard, but they also have concerns with the request. The driveway apron is 9' x 14' which is not large enough to park on without overhanging the street or completely blocking the sidewalk. This may also interfere with snow removal. It may be possible to park parallel to the street on the driveway apron. Mr. Snow said that he appreciated the problem but staff could not give an exemption. The Committee generally agreed not to pass a resolution in this regard but that they were in agreement with allowing these gentlemen to park on the approach to their driveways, parallel to the street and that staff take this under advisement. 2.DOPWR 94-13 - Parkinq Rates - Downtown Garaqes The Committee was in receipt of Staff Report DOPWR 94-13 recommending a change in the parking rates at the 3 City-owned parking garages in the Downtown. Ms. N. Brawley was in attendance on behalf of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association advising that the Association generally supports the recommendation. She advised that there are some concerns, questioning what type of advertisement would take place to advise of the changeover and expressing the need for clear signage in the parking garages. She also suggested that the Committee look at the pay and display surface lots in the Downtown; requesting that they be looked at in light of this PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -12- FEBRUARY 28, 1994 2. DOPWR 94-13 - Parkinq Rates - Downtown Garaqes (Cont'd) revised parking rate structure. She advised that she would like the opportunity to discuss with staff the potential to charge for parking at other City-owned parking facilities such as the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium and the Belmont Shopping District and other ideas that the K.D.B.A. has for increasing revenues. Discussion then took place on the pay and display lots and whether it was feasible to change the parking rates at these lots with emphasis on the Duke Street and Eby Street lot, due to its proximity to the Market. When questioned as to when this new rate would take effect, Mr. Snow advised that By-laws would first have to be amended, among other things and he anticipated that the new rates would take effect on May 1, 1994. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the first hour free parking program at the Market Square, Duke/Ontario and City Hall Garages be replaced with a rate structure based on $1.00 for the first three hours and .75 for each half hour thereafter to a maximum of $7.00, and further, That this new rate structure apply to the surface parking lot at Duke and Eby Streets on Saturdays only." 3. Traffic & Parkinq Division - Various Reports The Committee reviewed the following reports from the Traffic and Parking Division: DOPWR 94- 6, DOPWR 94-12, DOPWR 94-14 and DOPWR 94-15. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That a stop control be installed on Hofstetter Avenue at Cameo Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." - and - "That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Thaler Avenue at Kinzie Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." - and - "That parking be prohibited at any time on the west (odd numbered) side of Siebert Avenue, from Clark Avenue to Vanier Drive, and further, That parking be prohibited from January 1 to March 31 (Winter Prohibition) on the north/east (even numbered) side of Siebert Avenue, from Clark Avenue to Woodhaven Road, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." - and - "That the school bus loading zone on Prueter Avenue in front of Prueter Public School be extended 10 metres southward to accommodate a total of 4 van sized school buses, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -13- FEBRUARY 28, 1994 Winslow Drive Curbing The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. L. Lynch, Manager of Roads and Engineering Services, dated February 16, 1994, outlining the need for concrete curbs along both sides of Winslow Drive. Winslow Drive Curbing (Cont'd) On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Council proceed on the initiative plan, under Section 12 of the Local Improvement Act, to undertake such works to install a concrete curb, both sides, of Winslow Drive, between Highland Road and Spadina Road, and further, That the City Clerk be directed to publish a notice of intention of Council to undertake the works, by service of it upon the owners of the lots liable to be specially assessed." Preliminary 1994 Street Lighting Capital Budget The Committee reviewed the report from Mr. D. Suzuki, Commissioner of Public Works, dated February 22, 1994, recommending the Capital Budget for Street Lighting in 1994. A discussion took place in this regard. Mr. Suzuki explained that staff had no control over Sections 1, 3 and 4 and that reductions have been made in Sections 2, 5 and 6. Further, he advised that Section 3, dealing with Regional road work, has been deleted as it is part of the Federal/Provincial Infrastructure Program. Councillor T. Galloway raised the issue as to why the City pays for street lighting on Regional roads and was advised by Mr. Suzuki that there has always been an agreement with the Region, since its inception, that the local municipality would pay for street lighting on Regional roads. Councillor T. Galloway also questioned Item #94-6-1 dealing with lighting in the lower Doon Heritage Area. He questioned whether the residents in the area have been consulted as he was of the opinion that standard luminaires are not suitable in this Heritage Conservation District and that, perhaps, the residents would not wish for any increase in street lighting at all. It was noted, however, that this item has been removed from the 1994 Capital Budget. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That we approve the Preliminary 1994 Street Lighting Capital Budget as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on February 28, 1994." January/February Expense Comparison for Winter Maintenance The Committee reviewed this report which was distributed at the meeting. Videos The Committee then viewed 2 videos prepared by the Public Works Department: Winter Works 1993 and Effective Road Maintenance. Adiournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -14- FEBRUARY 28, 1994 Dianne Gilchrist Committee Secretary