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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1994-04-18PWTC\1994-04-18 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 1994 CITY OF KITCHENER 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 following its commencement. Others Present: Messrs. L. Lynch, D. Snow, W. Beck, D. Suzuki, S. Gyorffy, J. McBride, K. Mayer, R. Freeborn, J. Wallace, J. Gazzola, J. Cicuttin, T. Clancy, E. Kovacs, K. Bowman and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:05 a.m. 1 .Dr. Stephen Code - Sidewalk - Ottawa Street South Dr. Stephen Code appeared before the Committee and advised that he has renovated and added to the original farmhouse at 1188 Ottawa Street South and will be using this location for his Optometrist Office. It was noted that, from the original property, two new building lots were created. At the time of redevelopment, Dr. Code was required to sign a Development Agreement and pay $2,850.00 for the installation of a new sidewalk across the frontage of his clinic and the two new building lots. Dr. Code advised the Committee that it has come to his attention that the other property owners in the area did not pay for the installation of this sidewalk but rather the cost was taken from a City Capital Account. Dr. Code suggested that he has no problem in paying the costs involved for the two new lots but is of the opinion that he should be treated the same as the other property owners in regard to the existing structure. In this regard, Dr. Code requested a rebate from the City in the amount of $1,500.00. Councillor T. Galloway noted that the original farmhouse is one of the oldest properties in the area and, accordingly, property taxes have been paid for a good many years. In this regard, it would seem appropriate for this existing structure to be treated the same as all others and exempted from the charges for the new sidewalk. Councillor Galloway also noted that by retaining and upgrading an existing heritage building, Dr. Code has not taken the full advantage of the redevelopment possibilities for this property. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Councillor M. Yantzi pointed out that Dr. Code took an existing farmhouse and redeveloped it so that he could use it for his office. It is clear that a redevelopment took place and, accordingly, it was the view of Councillor Yantzi that the fees charged for the new sidewalk are appropriate. Mr. L. Lynch, Manager of Roads and Engineering Services, pointed out that normally new sidewalks are installed by way of local improvement petitions or, on the other hand, they are paid for by developers when properties are being either developed or redeveloped. Mr. Lynch also advised the Committee that because of work going on in this area the City did some site clean-up on Dr. Code's property. It was also noted that Dr. Code received a very good price because the City's Contractor was installing sidewalk in this particular area. Mr. Lynch advised the Committee that City staff have followed the standard practice regarding this redevelopment. When questioned by the Committee, Dr. Code advised that one additional Optometrist could be accommodated in the newly developed clinic. When questioned by Councillor Galloway, Mr. Lynch advised that the City did collect some monies from the other property owners in the area, however, it was not likely that any of this was used for the installation of sidewalks. In this regard, it was the view of Councillor Galloway that Dr. Code should be reimbursed the $1,500.00 which he paid for sidewalk installation. Councillor M. Yantzi, however, suggested that Dr. Code has been dealt with in the normal manner and approving the request as presented could create a dangerous precedent. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. J. Gazzola, Commissioner of Finance, advised that any reimbursement to Dr. Code would have to be treated as an over-expenditure of Capital out of Current Funds. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 1994 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER .Dr. Stephen Code - Sidewalk - Ottawa Street South (Cont'd) Councillor J. Ziegler was of the view that approving a refund would not necessarily create a dangerous precedent, however, in this case a redevelopment did take place and a Development Agreement was signed. This agreement required Dr. Code to pay for the installation of the sidewalk. It was the view of Councillor Ziegler that the appropriate fees should be paid and the fact that an old heritage farmhouse is involved is not the question. Councillor G. Lorentz expressed the view that, under the circumstances, a rebate would seem to be fair and possibly the entire question of who pays for a sidewalk required to provide a linkage to bus stops should be revisited. Councillor T. Galloway introduced a motion which, if approved, would have resulted in a rebate of $1,500.00 being paid to Dr. Stephen Code being the cost of the installation of sidewalks across the frontage of his existing Optometrist Clinic. This motion was put to a vote and was defeated. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That no action be taken regarding a request from Dr. Stephen Code for a refund of $1,500.00 regarding the installation of a new sidewalk across the frontage of the Optometrist Clinic at 1188 Ottawa Street South." 2.Marlin Schwartzentruber- Curb Paint Ltd. Mr. Marlin Schwartzentruber appeared before the Committee and advised that consideration is being given to starting a new business which would paint street numbers on City curbs. These numbers would be clearly visible and provide assistance to emergency vehicles and first-time visitors. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Schwartzentruber advised that his standards would be identical to those which were approved in 1992 for a different organization. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, subject to Curb Paint Ltd. Safety Identification satisfying City staff as to their financial ability to undertake the project, approval be granted which will allow this Company to approach property owners to seek approval to paint residential address numbers on curbs, subject to the following provisions: a)that the background shall be dark green with white numbers; b)that the size and type of lettering shall be standardized; and, c)that the property owners shall not be obliged to install these numbers nor shall the property owners be obliged to keep them visible during the winter months." 3.Timed Transfer Study The Committee was advised that Mr. J.J. Bakker, a Consultant in Transit Planning and Transit Route Design, had been retained to undertake a Timed Transfer Study. Mr. Bakker was in attendance at this meeting to present his report. Mr. Bakker advised the Committee that a study was undertaken which provides a framework which, if implemented, will lead to a Timed Transfer System. This system, if implemented, will result in buses meeting at the same location, at the same time, at regular intervals. In his report, Mr. Bakker presented 5 recommendations which are attached hereto and form part of these minutes. 3.Timed Transfer Study (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 1994 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Bakker advised the Committee that as timed transfers become reliable and repeatable, the end result will be increased customer satisfaction. It was also noted that shopping centres are good locations for Transit Centres if provisions for stop-overs are included. This type of provision allows a transit rider a period of time before he must make his connection with another bus. This is of interest to the mall operators because it provides the transit users with time to do some shopping. Mr. W. Beck, Director of Transit, advised the Committee that the report being presented at this time was only received by staff late in the week of April 11, 1994. Accordingly, it is suggested that the report should be received at this time and referred to staff in order that an in-depth review can be undertaken and a complete report brought back to the Committee at a later date. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Transit Timed Transfer Study, prepared by Mr. J.J. Bakker, be received and referred to Transit staff for an in-depth review with a report in this regard to be filed with the Public Works and Transportation Committee at a future meeting." 4. DOPWR 94-16 - Consolidation of Uniform Traffic By-law The Committee was advised that representatives of the Region, the City of Kitchener and other area municipalities was established in March 1993 to produce a new Consolidated Traffic and Parking By-law. The new by-law, as presented, incorporates the most recent changes to the Highway Traffic Act and ensures that identical terminology is being used in all municipalities. It was noted that weight restrictions on bridges has been deleted from the Traffic and Parking By-law and these will be incorporated into a separate by-law, if required. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener support the adoption of a new Consolidated Traffic and Parking By-law which will become effective September 1, 1994, and further, That City of Kitchener By-law No. 88-173, being the existing Traffic and Parking By-law, be repealed." 5. DOPWR 94-18 - On-Street Parkinq - Denlow Street The Committee was advised that, due to a severe grade on Denlow Street, parking on the east side of this street has created some concerns due to the number of intersecting roadways. As a result, it is being recommended that parking be prohibited on the east side of Denlow Street from the south intersection of Westchester Drive to Keewatin Avenue. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the east side of Denlow Street from the south intersection of Westchester Drive to Keewatin Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. DOPWR 94-19 - Proposed Closure - Commerce Parkinq Lot No. 8 & Proposed Daily Parkinq - Joseph Street Parkinq Lot No. 18 The Committee considered a report which recommends that Commerce Parking Lot No. 8 cease to operate as of April 30, 1994. This parking lot is located off of Goudie's Lane between Frederick Street and Queen Street between the old City Hall and King Street. It was noted that due to increased taxes and reduced revenues this lot is now operating at a loss to the City. It is being 6. DOPWR 94-19 - Proposed Closure - Commerce Parkinq Lot No. 8 & Proposed Daily Parkinq - Joseph Street Parkinq Lot No. 18 (Cont'd) recommended that the responsibility of maintaining this parcel of land be returned to the property owner effective April 30, 1994. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 1994 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was advised that Lot No. 18 is located immediately west of Gaukel Street and presently offers 71 spaces which are used strictly for monthly parking. It is proposed that this lot be used in such a manner so as to permit hourly parking on a daily basis. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. J. McBride advised that staff can consider the possibility of providing for right-in and right-out traffic movements to and from the Joseph Street lot. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Commerce Parking Lot No.8 cease to operate as a City parking lot, effective April 30, 1994, and further, That Joseph Street Parking Lot No. 18 permit hourly parking at a rate of $1.25 per hour and daily parking at a rate of $5.00 per day between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday and Saturday, and between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday, in addition to the existing monthly parking, effective April 30, 1994, and further, That the Off-Street Parking By-law be amended accordingly." 7. DOPWR 94-21 - Street Party - Brant Crescent The Committee was advised that the residents of Brant Crescent would like to hold a Street Party on Saturday, April 30, 1994. A petition signed by all residents of this street has been received. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Brant Crescent be closed on Saturday, April 30, 1994 for the purpose of a street party and that the appropriate by-law under Section 352(61) of the Municipal Act be enacted, and further, That the expenditure to accommodate this event be charged to the appropriate account number." 8. DOPWR 94-22 -Street Party - Kilkerran Crescent The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the residents of Kilkerran Crescent between Biehn Drive and Kilbirnie Court to allow a Street Party on Saturday, May 24, 1994. A petition signed by all of the residents of this section of Kilkerran Crescent has been received. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Kilkerran Crescent be closed between Biehn Drive and Kilbirnie Court from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, 1994, for the purpose of a street party and that the appropriate by-law under Section 352(61) of the Municipal Act be enacted, and further, That the expenditure to accommodate this event be charged to the appropriate account number." 9. DOPWR 94-24 - Implementation of Bill 25 Councillor G. Lorentz declared a conflict of interest in regard to this matter and abstained from discussion and did not vote. Councillor Lorentz is employed by Canada Post. The Committee considered a report outlining steps which were required to be taken by the City as the result of the enactment of Bill 25 by the Provincial Government. In this regard, it was noted that the City was required to issue a Notice of Impending Conviction if a parking ticket remained unpaid prior to submitting these to the Court in order for a conviction to be registered. It was noted that this requirement has been implemented through the City's existing agreement with Canada Post. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 1994 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER It was noted that the second portion of Bill 25 allows municipalities to issue the Notices of Fine and Due Date and collect all revenue for outstanding parking tickets. It is being recommended by staff that the City proceed in this regard because it will ensure that parking tickets are processed in a timely manner. The Committee was advised that Canada Post has processed the Notices of Impending Conviction in an effective manner and it is being recommended that they be contracted to produce the Notices of Fines and Due Date. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor with Canada Post for the issuance of Notices of Fine and Due Date, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor with the Ministry of the Attorney General for the collection and processing of parking fine revenue." Councillor G. Lorentz declared a conflict of interest and abstained from all discussion and did not vote in that he is employed by Canada Post. 10. DOPWR 94-25 - Landscaping Improvements - Lot No. 5 - Eb¥ Street The Committee considered a report which recommends that certain landscaping improvements be undertaken in regard to Lot No. 5 which is located at the intersection of Eby Street and Duke Street. It is suggested that a planting bed be installed which would assist in the enhancement of Eby Street and the Market Village area. It was noted that the costs involved are approximately $15,000.00 and this amount was included in the 1994 Capital Budget. The Committee was advised that the Kitchener Downtown Business Association is aware of and supports staff's recommendation in this regard. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the landscaping proposal for the Eby Street frontage of Parking Lot No. 5, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 18, 1994, be adopted." 11 .DOPWR 94-26 - 1994 Garage Repair Program The Committee was advised that the City's Structural Engineers have recommended that it would be prudent to complete the minor concrete delaminations which have not been completed in the Duke/Ontario Garage and repair any broken tendons that are discovered. It is believed that these minor repairs can be completed for less than $35,000.00. The Committee was advised that, in addition to these minor repairs at the Duke/Ontario Garage, proposed repairs for the Market Square Garage will also be undertaken and it is anticipated that both works can be completed within the approved budget. 11 .DOPWR 94-26 - 1994 Garage Repair Program (Cont'd) On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That approximately $35,000.00 in Capital Budget funds previously allocated for the Market Square Garage repairs in 1994 be reallocated to the Duke/Ontario Garage to complete the remedial work begun in 1993." 12. R.L. Coolsaet Limited The Committee was advised that in July 1993, R.L. Coolsaet Limited was awarded a contract to undertake the construction of gasmains and service laterals. The City has now been advised that the parent company of R.L. Coolsaet Limited has gone into receivership and the City's Contractor PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 1994 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER also had to declare bankruptcy as a result of the parent company's financial problems. The Committee was advised that the Bonding Company is obliged to have any outstanding work completed at no additional cost to the City. It has been determined that the principle's of R.L. Coolsaet Limited have established a new corporate entity called Coolsaet Pipeline Ltd. and are operational. In consultation with the City's Bonding Company and the City's Legal Department, Coolsaet Pipeline Ltd. have been approached and have agreed to complete the remaining work of the existing contract at the original prices. The Committee's approval for this course of action is requested. On motion by His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a contract with Coolsaet Pipeline Ltd. for the completion of outstanding work required under Contract T93-54." 13.1994 Transit Initiatives The Committee received an informational report which contains the results of a brainstorming session which was undertaken by senior Transit staff on March 11, 1994. These initiatives will be further discussed at a staff level and, when and where appropriate, recommendations will be submitted to the Public Works and Transportation Committee. Mr. R. Freeborn also pointed out that, at the appropriate time, an aggressive marketing plan for Kitchener Transit will be prepared. 14. Utilities Division - Marketing Program - 1993 Statistics A statistical report regarding the marketing activities of the Utilities Division to the end of 1993 was presented to the Committee. Mr. E. Kovacs introduced Kevin Bowman who has assumed the position of Manager of Customer Relations and Marketing. It was suggested that an additional Marketing Program may be hook-ups for gas barbecues. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Bowman advised that there are still some problems with home refuelling units for natural gas vehicles. These matters are being pursued. 15. Frozen Water Services The Committee was advised that this problem has now been nearly overcome. During the summer months staff will be reviewing the problem areas and developing a list of steps which can be taken to avoid similar problems next winter. 16.Salting Procedures This informational report from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Director of Operations, was received by the Committee. 17.Projects In Progress - Engineering Division This informational report was received by the Committee. In reply to Councillor T. Galloway, it was noted that the culvert addition to the Borden Greenway at Westmount Road will be completed in the Fall of 1994. Following the completion of this work floodlines will be reviewed. 18. Leaf Collection When questioned by the Committee, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that the Garbage Contractor will still pick up PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 18, 1994 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER leaves in the City of Kitchener. Several members of the Committee indicated that this was not happening and requested Mr. Gyorffy to communicate with the City's Garbage Contractor as quickly as possible. 19.Overniqht On-Street Parkinq At the request of Councillor M. Yantzi, Parking Staff will prepare a report for consideration at a future meeting regarding the entire question of allowing on-street parking during the summer months. 20.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk