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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1994-01-17PWTC\1994-01-17 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 17, 1994 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Smola with all members present. Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Ms. J. Woodhall and Messrs. W. Beck, J. Cicuttin, R. Miller, B. Allen, D. Snow, J. McBride, D. Suzuki, T. McKay, R. Freeborn, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:35 a.m. 1 .DOPWR 94-7 - On-Street Parkinq Meters - Ontario Street - Kinq Street to Duke Street The Committee considered a report which recommends that four on-street metered parking spaces be developed on the west side of Ontario Street between King Street and Duke Street. It was noted that the approval of this proposal would result in the development of four short term parking spaces in this area of the Downtown core. The proposal also addresses the mandate of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association to increase the amount of high visibility parking within the core area. Messrs. George Karakokkinos, Andreas Panaydes and Lucas Limisis all appeared before the Committee to express their concern with the development of these metered parking spaces. The concerns expressed were that these metered spaces would have a negative impact on their businesses. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that presently illegal parking is taking place on this section of Ontario Street and the development of short term metered spaces would appear to fulfill an existing need. Mr. Snow suggested that meters providing a maximum of one half hour would not encourage long term parking. His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo expressed the view that a maximum time of 15 minutes may be more appropriate, however, it was the view of Mr. Snow that this amount of time would not be sufficient for anyone wishing to visit any business in the Downtown area. Mr. Snow also pointed out that a motorist can park for less than 30 minutes by putting less money in the meter. When questioned by the delegations, Mr. Snow advised that adequate space will remain to provide loading and unloading facilities. It was also noted that if it should prove that these meters do create a major problem, they can be removed. Councillor J. Ziegler was of the view that the report as presented should be approved with a one half hour maximum limit. If problems are created the delegations can then ask that this matter be referred back to the Committee. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That four (4) on-street metered parking spaces having a maximum time limit of one half (½) hour be implemented on the west side of Ontario Street between a point 27 metres north of King Street and a point 30 metres north thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly, and further, That, if the installation of these parking meters create problems for the Ontario Street Merchants, the matter can be brought back to the Public Works and Transportation Committee for further review." 2.DOPWR 94-1 - City of Kitchener/CHYM Skating Party The Committee received an informational report outlining steps which will be taken to provide for parking and traffic controls during the City of Kitchener/CHYM Radio Annual Skating Party. This event will be held in Victoria Park on January 30, 1994 between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. It was noted that similar restrictions were approved last year and worked very well. It was pointed out to the Committee that the parking prohibitions established for this event are strictly enforced. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -2- JAN UARY 17, 1994 2.DOPWR 94-1 - City of Kitchener/CHYM Skatinq Party (Cont'd) Councillor M. Yantzi advised the Committee that it was his opinion that keeping parking off of the local streets during this event was a benefit to all concerned. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that the parking facilities in the new City Hall should be advertised as a location with available parking for this event. When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Snow advised that it will cost his Division approximately $500.00 to do the necessary set-up for this event. 3. DOPWR 94-2 - Traffic Control - Cait Avenue The Committee considered a report which recommends that stop controls be installed on Cait Avenue at its intersections with Woodhaven Road and Ninth Avenue. It was noted that these intersections are presently uncontrolled. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That stop controls be installed at the following locations: Cait Avenue at Woodhaven Road; and, Cait Avenue at Ninth Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. DOPWR 94-3 - Traffic Control - Wren Crescent The Committee considered a report which recommends that a stop control be installed on Wren Crescent at its intersection with Wayne Drive. It was noted that this is presently an uncontrolled intersection. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That a stop control be installed at the following location: Wren Crescent at Wayne Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. DOPWR 94-4 - Traffic Control - Hillsborough Crescent and Pinedale Court The Committee considered a report which recommends that stop controls be installed on Hillsborough Crescent at both of its intersections with Pinedale Drive and on Pinedale Court at its intersection with Pinedale Drive. It was noted that these intersections are presently uncontrolled. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That stop controls be installed at the following locations: Hillsborough Crescent at Pinedale Drive (both intersections; and, Pinedale Court at Pinedale Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. DOPWR 94-5 - On-Street Parking -Strasburq Road The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the south side of Strasburg Road from Blackhorne Drive to Block Line Road. Parking in this area presently creates problems for traffic wishing to make a right hand turn from Strasburg Road onto Block Line Road. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he has received concerns from the Condominium Corporation looking after 634 Strasburg Road. In this regard, it has been suggested that any parking prohibition should only be 6. DOPWR 94-5 - On-Street Parking -Strasburq Road (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -3- JAN UARY 17, 1994 during the daytime hours from Monday to Friday. This would mean that parking would be permitted in this area during the evening and weekend hours. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the south side of Strasburg Road from Blackhorne Drive to Block Line Road from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 7.DOPWR 94-8 - Lease of Parking Lot #26 - 59 Frederick Street The Committee considered a report which recommends that the City enter into a lease with Mr. Wolfgang Reischl so that the lands located to the rear of 59 Frederick Street can continue to be used for the purpose of providing monthly parking. It was noted that any lease in this regard would be satisfactory to the City Solicitor. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Council enter into a lease with Mr. Wolfgang Reischl for the use of a portion of land to the rear of 59 Frederick Street (Revenue Building) for the purpose of providing monthly parking, and further, That the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute a lease satisfactory to the City Solicitor with Mr. Reischl." 8.Transit Budqet and Service Overview - Bus Service After 10:00 P.M. - Statutory Holiday Bus Service Mr. W. Beck, Director of Transit, appeared before the Committee and made a verbal presentation regarding various aspects of the Transit service which have been discussed during the budget process. By use of a map, Mr. Beck outlined the routes which are presently in effect and pointed out that in the future high focus will be given to the development of new terminal and/or transfer locations. It was pointed out to the Committee that there are some areas of both Kitchener and Waterloo which have high populations and warrant Transit service but such service is not being presently provided due to financial considerations. Using the video equipment available in the Council Chambers, Mr. Beck presented various statistical information. Information was provided regarding customer profiles indicating the percentage of Transit users which are adults, seniors and students. Several members of the Committee indicated that the information provided would be more useful if actual numbers had been provided rather than just percentages. In this regard, Mr. Beck advised that he would make these figures available to members of the Committee. Councillor C. Weylie suggested that, prior to Council's final consideration of the 1994 budget, she would like to receive information outlining the number of University students that make use of the existing bus service after 10:00 p.m. Mr. Beck continued with his presentation by providing information which indicates that, while the City's population is increasing, Transit ridership is decreasing. It was suggested that one contributing factor in this regard is that the level of service being provided has decreased slightly. Councillor M. Wagner requested that all members of Council receive hard copies of the statistical data being presented to the Committee at this time. Councillor Wagner also referred to the situation in Brampton and indicated that he would like to receive information which would outline what actions they have taken to increase their ridership. 8.Transit Budqet and Service Overview - Bus Service After 10:00 P.M. - Statutory Holiday Bus Service (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -4- JAN UARY 17, 1994 Mr. Beck then outlined the present policies which are used by Transit staff when considering additions and/or changes to the existing system. These policies are as follows: -Subdivision Design Guidelines -Service Standards -Accessibility Implementation Plan. Mr. Beck outlined the planning process which is followed by staff when considering and finalizing new or revised Transit routes. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. Beck advised that the approximate cost per passenger for K-W Transit is $2.50. Mr. Beck advised that he did not have comparative information available for other municipalities. Mr. Beck then presented information which outlines those routes which have a financial return of less than the acceptable level which is 25%. A further graph was presented illustrating the number of boardings per hour. From this graph it was noted that on a daily basis between Monday and Saturday approximately 900 individuals use the Transit system between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. It was noted that the elimination of Transit service after 10:00 p.m. would result in a minimal savings and a similar situation would occur if Transit services were eliminated on nine statutory holidays. When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Beck confirmed that at the present time some routes are not serviced after 10:00 p.m. because of very limited ridership. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Beck advised that he could make figures available which would outline the number of riders after 10:00 p.m. on a route by route basis, however, he did point out that if this service is discontinued on a system-wide basis it will require some people to change their lifestyle. As a result, some people who now use the Transit system to get to and from work may find a different means of transportation if bus service is not available when they wish to go home after 10:00 p.m. In this regard, Mr. R. Freeborn pointed out that if service is not available to the public when they need it they tend to lose confidence in the dependability of the system and, as a result, they will look for other alternatives and use the Transit system on a less frequent basis. Councillor J. Ziegler expressed concern that the information presented at this meeting has not been the type of data required which would allow Council to reach decisions on possible service reductions. Having considered the information provided, it was suggested that the Committee now move on and consider the reports on the agenda requiring specific action. Councillor J. Smola requested that Councillor M. Wagner Chair the next part of the meeting. Councillor M. Wagner assumed the Chair at this time. 9. Route 18 - Guelph and Route 8 - University Late in 1993 the Committee had considered a staff report which recommended that Route 8 be realigned along Hartwood Avenue. At the time this proposal was considered objections were forthcoming from the residents on Hartwood Avenue and, accordingly, this Committee and ultimately City Council, refused to take action on the proposed change. At that time Transit staff were instructed to develop further options. The Committee considered a report outlining five options which would provide service to the general area of 409 Weber Street. This service is required because of new developments which have taken place at this location. 9. Route 18 - Guelph and Route 8 - University (Cont'd) Mr. Paul Britton appeared before the Committee representing Custom Trim and pointed out that his client employs 450 people. This location is now the office for the Unemployment Insurance Commission who employ 220 people and have many clients that visit this site on a daily basis. It was pointed out that Transit service in this general area has been reduced so that it runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily on 45 minute intervals. It was the suggestion of Mr. Britton that this type of Transit service PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -5- JAN UARY 17, 1994 does not meet the needs of the new uses at 409 Weber Street. Mr. Britton advised the Committee that his clients would support any option which would provide appropriate bus service in the area of 409 Weber Street. Mr. Britton referred specifically to Option E which would realign Route 8 along Guelph Street and pointed out that service between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight would not really be required. MS. P. Daley appeared before the Committee and advised that she works at the Unemployment Insurance Office and is dependent on Kitchener Transit to get to and from work. It was suggested that the existing 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. service really does little to fulfill the needs of either staff or clients at this location. It was suggested that cabs, as an alternative, are too expensive. Ms. Daley indicated her support for Option E. Councillor J. Smola indicated his support for Option E and reminded the Committee that direct route service to the 409 Weber Street area is required. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That Route 8 be realigned along Guelph Street as outlined in Option E of the report considered by the Public Works and Transportation Committee on January 17, 1994 so as to provide improved Transit service to the area of 409 Weber Street." Councillor J. Smola re-assumed the Chair at this time. 10. Route 4 - Glasqow The Committee was advised that a restructured Route 4 - Glasgow was implemented in September 1993. Since that time, Transit staff have been petitioned by residents of York Street objecting to their street being used as a Transit route and recommending that this route be relocated to either Park Street or Belmont Avenue. The report, as presented, points out that the use of Belmont Avenue has been ruled out because it is beyond acceptable walking distances for Transit customers. Staff do not object to the use of Park Street, however, field tests have proven that buses cannot negotiate the required right hand turns at Glasgow Street and Union Street. Accordingly, it is being recommended that the use of York Street be continued until such time as required intersection improvements have been undertaken. Councillor M. Yantzi supported the staff recommendation but suggested that a letter should be sent to those persons who objected to the use of York Street so that they are kept advised as to the action being taken. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Route 4 Glasgow continue to use York Street until intersection improvements at Park Street/Glasgow Street and Park Street/Union Street permit right turn bus movements." 11 .Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk