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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1994-01-31PWTC\1994-01-31 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 31, 1994 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Smola with all members present. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting after its commencement. Others Present: Councillor B. Stortz, Councillor C. Zehr and Messrs. D. Snow, E. Kovacs, W. Beck, K. Mayer, J. McBride, T. McKay, D. Suzuki, T. McCabe, K. Tribby, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:35 a.m. 1. DOPWR 94-9 - Courtesy Warninq Notices The Committee considered a report in which it was noted that for a number of years Courtesy Warning Notices have been issued to vehicles parked at expired parking meters during Oktoberfest and during the month of December. This program was confined to the Downtown core area. In late 1993, the Downtown Business Association approached City Council to request that this program be extended so that it would start in mid-November and run through to the end of January 1994. This course of action was approved and the Downtown Business Association agreed to pay the costs involved to retain two additional staff whose job it was to issue the Courtesy Warning Notices. Mr. D. Snow appeared before the Committee and advised that the present program will be terminated as of January 31, 1994. In this regard, City staff are recommending that this program be discontinued, however, with the use of electronic meter mechanisms a program can be undertaken which will provide a 10 minute grace period. It was noted that the Downtown Business Association is aware of staff's recommendation and, while they would like to see the existing program continued, they are well aware of this program's impact on the revenue of the Parking Enterprise. It was also noted to the Committee that the Courtesy Warning Program is now being abused and this is one of the reasons that discontinuance is being recommended. These abuses are that people do not put money in the meters knowing that they will not be ticketed if they are only parked for a short term or, on the other hand, courtesy warnings which have been issued are being removed and thrown away so that when the Meter Readers return they do not know whether or not there is a violation. Mr. J. McBride advised the Committee that to continue with the Courtesy Warning Program on a year round basis would result in an annual cost to the City of approximately $200,000.00. Councillor M. Wagner indicated his support for the staff recommendation but noted that over the past number of years a great deal of goodwill has been built up and people have been encouraged to park Downtown. He questioned how this could be maintained with the adoption of the new proposal. In this regard, Mr. McBride suggested that the new program would have to be promoted with the general public so that they are well aware that a grace period is being provided without the issuance of a Courtesy Warning Notice. When questioned, Mr. D. Snow advised that the Downtown Business Association has received a copy of the staff report and are well aware of the recommendations being made at this time. Councillor B. Stortz was of the opinion that a long term program must be developed which, on one hand, will provide a period of grace but yet, on the other hand, will eliminate the parking abuses which are presently taking place at Downtown meters. The possibility of continuing the Courtesy Warning Notice Program was raised, however, it was noted that the Downtown Business Association does not have funding which would allow them to continue to pay two employees and, accordingly, the program must be discontinued. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Councillor B. Stortz had left the meeting and upon his return he advised that he had contacted the Downtown Business Association and has been advised that this organization does not wish to appear before the Public 1. DOPWR 94-9 - Courtesy Warninq Notices (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -7- JANUARY 31, 1994 Works and Transportation Committee regarding this matter. It was noted, however, that the Downtown Business Association will continue to work with City staff to explore possible alternatives. In the meantime, the staff recommendation, as presented to the Committee, is supported. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That, effective January 31, 1994, the Courtesy Warning Notice Program be discontinued, and further, That existing electronic meter mechanisms be concentrated in the core and configured to provide a ten (10) minute grace period, and further, That future purchases of electronic meter mechanisms be continued on an annual basis and located within the Downtown core to expand the areas offering a ten (10) minute grace period." 2. DOPWR 94-10 - Stop Control - Forest Glen Court The Committee considered a report which recommends that a stop control be located on Forest Glen Court at Forest Glen Drive. It was noted that this intersection is presently uncontrolled. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That a stop control be installed at the following location: Forest Glen Court at Forest Glen Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3. DOPWR 94-11 - Stop Control - Riple¥ Crescent The Committee considered a report which recommends that stop controls be erected on Ripley Crescent at both of its intersections with Trailview Drive. It was noted that both of these intersections are presently uncontrolled. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That a stop control be installed at the following intersections: Ripley Crescent at Trailview Drive (south intersection) and Ripley Crescent at Trailview Drive (north intersection), and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. Eastwood Collegiate Situation At its meeting held on January 24, 1994, City Council referred certain problems created by students at Eastwood Collegiate to this meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee for consideration. The areas of concern are problems created by students crossing Weber Street without paying much attention to oncoming traffic and a similar situation with students crossing King Street once they have been let off Kitchener Transit. Mr. D. Snow appeared before the Committee and pointed out that in 1970 a pedestrian actuated traffic signal had been installed which was intended to be for the exclusive use of Eastwood Collegiate students. This traffic signal was never properly utilized and, accordingly, following a complete investigation it was removed in 1985. It was the view of Mr. Snow that the real problem is one of student behaviour and similar problems have been experienced near all High Schools in the Kitchener- Waterloo area. Mr. Snow noted that the possibility of installing pedestrian crosswalks has been suggested, however, it is unlikely that these would be properly utilized and more problems would be created. 4. Eastwood Collegiate Situation (Cont'd) It was the view of Mr. Snow that there is no real answer to the existing problem and what is being done now is probably the best way to handle a very bad situation. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -8- JANUARY 31, 1994 It was noted that in the near future the Region will be repaving this section of Weber Street and the possibility of taking steps to improve these student created problems have been discussed. It was suggested that it is unlikely that anything will be done because there are really no steps which can be taken which will guarantee that the existing situation will improve. When questioned by Councillor C. Zehr, Mr. Snow pointed out that, to the best of his memory, the most recent accident in this area involving a pedestrian occurred approximately 3 years ago. Mr. Snow indicated that he is not aware of any fatalities which have occurred near Eastwood Collegiate. Mr. Snow concurred with Councillor Zehr that vehicles stopping on Weber Street in front of the School just add to the existing problems. Councillor C. Zehr questioned whether or not the Region had given any consideration to installing a layby which would provide vehicles with a place to stop while letting off passengers. In this regard, Mr. Snow pointed out that there is no room to install such a facility and it would really do nothing to overcome the problems created by students crossing the street in an indiscriminate manner. It was noted that when the reconstruction of King Street East commences it is likely that there will be even more traffic using this section of Weber Street. Councillor T. Galloway agreed that there is a problem on Weber Street but also pointed out that a similar problem exists on King Street. The problem on King Street is caused because of the location of a bus stop which forces students to cross 4 lanes of traffic on King Street, trespass across private property and then cross another 4 lanes on Weber Street before they reach Eastwood Collegiate. In this regard, Mr. W. Beck advised the Committee that if the King Street bus stop is to be relocated it would force Kitchener Transit to use a local residential street in order to get buses back onto the main line route. There would also be an impact on the Transit users living on the Rockway side of King Street. It was the view of Mr. Beck that, at this time, no action should be taken to relocate the existing bus stop on King Street. Several members of the Committee agreed that the existing situation is dangerous for the student body, however, it would appear that the only way the situation will improve is if the student body itself changes its habits. In this regard, it was suggested that the existing concerns should be outlined to the School Board, the School Principal and the Student Council so that students are continually encouraged to take care and caution when crossing both Weber Street and King Street. Mr. Snow agreed to co-ordinate a program with the Regional Police and the School Officials. 5.Sidewalk Snow Clearinq Complaints The Committee considered a report from Mr. K. Tribby, Enforcement Co-ordinator, pointing out that for the most part the City's current Sidewalk Snow Removal Policy and Practices are working very well. It was noted, however, that it would be beneficial to have an option which would allow for the prosecution of chronic violators. The staff report, as presented to the Committee, makes such a recommendation. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Tribby pointed out that under the existing policy and, upon receipt of a first complaint, it may take up to 4 to 5 days before City staff would clear a sidewalk. If the recommendation presented to the Committee at this time is adopted then a chronic offender could be issued with a summons immediately, providing there was someone at home. 5.Sidewalk Snow Clearinq Complaints (Cont'd) When questioned by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo, the Committee was advised that Mr. S. Gyorffy will be submitting a separate report outlining the costs involved in order to have City Forces clear all City sidewalks. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Council Policy Resolution 1-620 be amended by adding the following: 'In situations where the Enforcement Staff identifies property owners who routinely are not clearing their sidewalks of all snow and ice in compliance with the by-law, that the City may prosecute PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -9- JANUARY 31, 1994 such chronic violators in accordance with standard City prosecution practices. Any such prosecution shall be in addition to any action to have the sidewalks cleared by the City crews and such work being billed to the property owner."' 6. Frozen Water Services - Status Report The Committee received an informational report from Mr. E. Kovacs outlining the equipment and procedures utilized to deal with frozen water services. It was pointed out that there have been 75 freeze offs this year and, as of the present time, there are 14 that have still not been visited. It was noted that some people were without water for up to approximately one week, however, through one means or another all people are now receiving water. 7.Comparative Costs - Transit Vehicles This informational report provided the Committee with comparative costs between replacing Transit buses after 12 years of use versus maintaining them and replacing them after 18 years of use. 8. Dr. S. Code - 1188 Ottawa Street South Councillor T. Galloway advised that he has been contacted by Dr. S. Code expressing the view that he should not have been charged for the installation of a new sidewalk in front of 1188 Ottawa Street South. It was noted that Dr. Code has agreed to pay for the cost of sidewalk installation in front of the 2 new lots he created but does not agree that he should pay for the sidewalk in front of his office which is located in an existing building. This matter will be placed on the next agenda of the Public Works and Transportation Committee for consideration. 9. Regional Packages - Delivery to Councillors Councillor C. Weylie questioned whether or not it would be possible for Regional packages to be delivered along with the City packages on Friday afternoons. In this regard, Mr. L.F. Parkhouse, Deputy City Clerk, pointed out that if the Regional packages were delivered to the City of Kitchener Mail Room by not later than 2:00 p.m. on each and every Friday then they could become part of the City's delivery. 10. Plowing of Public Walkways Councillor C. Weylie referred to a public walkway off of Stoke Drive and requested an explanation as to how it is determined whether or not a walkway will or will not be plowed during the winter months. Councillor T. Galloway indicated that he was aware of a walkway that is being plowed which, in his opinion, was unnecessary. It was agreed that staff would file a report at the next meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee outlining the rationale for plowing walkways and listing those walkways which are or are not being plowed at the present time. 11 .Parking - 3 Hours It was requested that at the next meeting the possibility of providing 3 hours of parking for a Loonie be placed on the agenda for discussion. 12.Gas Billings Councillor C. Zehr advised that he has been contacted by a resident who has expressed concern over the very little time which people have between the date that a gas bill is received and its due date. It was agreed that this matter would be the topic of discussion at the Finance and Administration Committee meeting to be held later on this date. 13.Sewer Back-Ups -Charqes Councillor C. Zehr advised that he has had concerns expressed to him regarding the different levels of PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -10- JANUARY 31, 1994 charges which exist between Statutory Holidays and regular work days for clearing out sewer back- ups. It was noted that this matter was discussed by the Finance and Administration Committee approximately 2 years ago and, at that time, the present method of charging was considered to be the fairest to the majority of taxpayers. Councillor T. Galloway referred to a situation where an individual had paid to have a sewer back-up cleared away on a Statutory Holiday, however, the sewer plugged again the next day. In this particular situation the individual was told that he would have to pay a second charge if the City crews came out again. In this regard, Mr. T. McKay requested that staff be provided with the appropriate details and this matter would be reviewed. 14.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk