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PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
MAY 2, 1994
CITY OF KITCHENER
The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor J.
Smola with all members present. His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo, Councillor J. Ziegler and Councillor T.
Galloway entered the meeting following its commencement.
Others Present:
Messrs. S. Gyorffy, B. Musselman, J. O'Rourke, J. Gazzola, D. Suzuki, T.
McKay, D. Snow, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse.
This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:30 a.m.
1 .DOPWR 94-17 - Bicycle Races - Hidden Valley Road
The Committee was advised that a request has been received from Ziggy's Cycling Club Inc. requesting
permission to hold bicycle races on Hidden Valley Road and Hidden Valley Crescent on Sunday,
June 5, 1994 and Sunday, August 7, 1994. The report, as presented to the Committee,
recommends approval of this request.
Representatives of Ziggy's Cycle Club Inc. were in attendance to support the staff recommendation
regarding this request.
When questioned by the Committee it was noted that there are 21 homes on the race circuit and 15 of
these owners have indicated that they have no objection to the approval of these races. 2 home
owners expressed opposition, 2 did not take a position and 2 could not be contacted.
It was noted that, in the past, residents expressed concern about the amount of practice which took place
on these streets. In this regard, it was noted that Hidden Valley Road and Hidden Valley Crescent
are public streets and, accordingly, can be used by anyone. The Cycle Club tries, as much as
possible, to have their members limit the use of this area for training purposes.
In order to overcome some of the concerns expressed in the past, the directional flow for this year's races
will be reversed. The result is that the cyclists will be climbing a long hill as they pass the driveways
of many of the properties and this will result in a substantial decrease in speed from what has been
the case in the past as the cyclists pass these residential properties. It was also noted that the
Cycling Club will be posting marshalls at key intersections during the race so that any traffic in the
area can be properly controlled.
His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo and Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time.
Mr. D. Snow pointed out that Hidden Valley Road and Hidden Valley Crescent are not officially closed
during these races since there is little traffic in the area. It was noted, however, that as more
development takes place it may be necessary to consider official road closings in future.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That the City of Kitchener approve bicycle races on Hidden Valley Road and Hidden Valley Crescent on
Sunday, June 5, 1994 and Sunday, August 7, 1994."
Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting at this time.
2. DOPWR 94-28 - On-Street Parkinq - Old Park Lane
The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the odd numbered
side of Old Park Lane.
Councillor G. Lorentz pointed out that a problem exists on this street during the summer months because
of T-Ball activities which take place at Forest West Park. An alternative solution would have been
to develop a proper parking facility in conjunction with the park, however, no funds are available for
this purpose. The parking prohibition presently being proposed is the cheapest and best way to
proceed.
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
MAY 2, 1994 - 26 -
CITY OF KITCHENER
2. DOPWR 94-28 - On-Street Parking - Old Park Lane (Cont'd)
Councillor Lorentz reiterated that this problem exists only for a short period of time during the summer
months and suggested to staff that steps be taken to remove the parking prohibition during those
periods of the year when it is not required.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That parking be prohibited on the odd numbered side of Old Park Lane, from Highview Drive to Highview
Drive, and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly."
3. DOPWR 94-29 - On-Street Parking - Connelly Drive
The Committee considered a report advising that a request has been received from a local resident to
have on-street parking eliminated on one side of Connelly Drive between Westheights Drive and
Rolling Meadows Drive. It was noted that there are 3 curves on Connelly Drive and parking on both
sides of the street creates the potential for accidents because of reduced visibility and limited road
widths in the areas of the 3 curves.
Councillor J. Ziegler pointed out that the report indicates that 76% of the area residents are in favour of
the proposed parking prohibition. He noted, however, that 70 questionnaires were sent out and
only 33 responses were received. Of the responses received, 76% or 25 indicated their support for
the parking prohibition. Mr. D. Snow pointed out that the questionnaire, as delivered to the
residents of the area, clearly indicates that if no response is received it will be assumed that the
recommendation, as contained in the report, is supported.
On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi -
it was resolved:
"That parking be prohibited on the odd numbered side of Connelly Drive from Westheights Drive to
Rolling Meadows Drive, and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly."
4. Downtown Sidewalk Snow Shovelling By-law
The Committee received a report from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Director of Operations, recommending that the
existing Downtown Sidewalk Snow Shovelling By-law be amended so that the sidewalks in front of
11 and 15 Charles Street East are added to the existing program. The property owners have
indicated their support for this course of action.
Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor M. Wagner -
it was resolved:
"That the Downtown Snow Shovelling By-law be amended by adding the south side of Charles Street
East from the west limit of 11 Charles Street East to the east limit of 15 Charles Street East."
5.Strasburq Creek
The Committee was advised that the owner of 252 Huron Road has raised concerns regarding the
amount of erosion which is taking place to the banks of Strasburg Creek to the rear of his property.
This situation has been reviewed and it has been noted that erosion has been threatening several
large trees and a significant soil loss is occurring. The quality of Strasburg Creek is being adversely
affected.
5.Strasburq Creek (Cont'd)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
MAY 2, 1994 - 27 -
CITY OF KITCHENER
The Committee was advised that Harrington and Hoyle Ltd., Landscape Architects, have been contacted
and asked to provide a proposal regarding the design of remedial measures which can be used to
rehabilitate Strasburg Creek. A report has been received from Harrington and Hoyle Ltd. outlining 2
alternatives for this project. The least expensive of the 2 alternatives would stabilize the existing
straight watercourse while the second involves the creation of a more natural meandering stream.
The Committee was advised that the second alternative is favoured by staff, however, it was noted
that since the stream is located on private property the concurrence of the owners will be required.
On motion by Councillor T. Galloway -
it was resolved:
"That the firm of Harrington and Hoyle Ltd., Landscape Architects, be retained to undertake a design for
the rehabilitation of Strasburg Creek, to the rear of 252 Huron Road and adjacent properties,
at an upset cost of $16,910.00, and further,
That funds for this project be provided by overspending the 1994 Capital from Current allocations."
6.1994 Special Events Loq
This report, outlining special events taking place within the City, was provided to the members of the
Committee for their information.
7.Parkinq Rates - Three (3) Hours for a Loonie
This informational report was presented to the Committee. The report, as presented, notes that effective
May 1, 1994, parking rates will be revised at the 3 City operated parking garages with the revised
rates being as follows:
First three (3) hours $1.00
Each 1/2 hour or
part thereafter
Daily maximum
$0.75
$7.OO.
When questioned by Councillor M. Yantzi, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that these changes have been
advertised and promoted. Mr. Snow also pointed out that no proposals were received from the
K. D.B.A. suggesting a promotional program which would offer free periods of parking.
Councillor M. Wagner pointed out that the reaction he has received is that the City is no longer providing
1 hour of free parking. In this regard, Councillor Wagner suggested that positive pro-active steps
should be taken to explain to the public that in the long term 3 hours of parking for a Ioonie is better
when compared to the rates which were in effect in the past. In this regard, Mr. Snow suggested
that the positive aspects of the new program have been publicized and, hopefully, they will be
accepted by the public as time goes by.
8. Borden Greenwa¥
Mr. D. Suzuki, Commissioner of Public Works, undertook to provide Councillor T. Galloway with a report
providing information as to the timing of construction of the Borden Greenway.
9.Winter Maintenance Costs
This informational report was filed with the Committee.
10.Summary of Winter Works Project
This informational report was filed with the members of the Committee.
Mr. T. Clancy advised the Committee that many projects undertaken as part of the Winter Works Program
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
MAY 2, 1994 - 28 -
CITY OF KITCHENER
provide excellent examples of what can be accomplished with the co-operation of 2 or more City
Departments. In many cases, projects are completed at a cost saving to the City.
11 .Snow Clearing Survey
Making use of the overhead projector, Mr. S. Gyorffy, Director of Operations, presented a report outlining
the results of a recently completed Snow Clearing Survey. It was noted that 594 completed forms
were returned and only 14.8% of the respondents indicated that they were not satisfied with the
snow clearing services provided on the main City streets. The degree of dissatisfaction increased
to 43.6% when the residents were questioned about the level of service on the streets on which
they live. 11.9% of the respondents indicated that they were not satisfied with the quality of snow
clearing near bus stops.
The Committee was advised that, as a result of the survey, the following steps have been taken, namely:
-meetings have been held with all of the Operating Staff to review how individual concerns can be better
addressed in the future;
-the respondents who provided their names and addresses will receive individual responses;
-in future, informational documentation provided to the public will include a more concentrated effort to
explain the priority system which is used regarding the clearing of snow from local streets;
and,
-an ad was placed in the local paper thanking the public for their responses to the survey.
Mr. T. McKay advised the Committee that this is the first survey that has ever been undertaken to obtain
public input regarding the City's snow removal services. It was noted that, in future, other surveys
will be undertaken to obtain input regarding other City services.
The Committee was advised that, as a result of the meeting with the snowplow operators, it has been
determined that one of the major problems is parked cars. Staff will be reviewing this particular
concern to see whether or not steps can be taken so that it can be avoided in future winters.
12.Adjournment
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT
Deputy City Clerk