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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1994-06-06PWTC\1994-06-06 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 6, 1994 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Smola with all members present, excepting Councillor C. Weylie. His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo, Councillor J. Ziegler and Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting following its commencement. Others Present: Councillor B. Stortz and Messrs. R. Freeborn, W. Beck, B. Gulliver, D. Snow, D. Suzuki, J. Wallace, B. Liddle, S. Gyorffy, D. Mansell, T. McKay, J. Shivas, L. Lynch, E. Kovacs, B. Arnot, L. Ryan, K. Bowman, T. Clancy, T. McCabe and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:35 a.m. without a quorum being in attendance. 1 .Mr. Greq Farwell - Kitchener Transit Mr. Greg Farwell appeared before the Committee and advised that he was an eye witness to an incident involving Kitchener Transit which took place on Saturday, May 28, 1994. Mr. Farwell indicated that he had seen a lady carrying a small child and holding the hand of a small girl trying to get off of a Kitchener Transit Bus near the intersection of old King Street and Fairway Road. The leg of the small girl got caught in the rear door of the Kitchener Transit vehicle. Once this small girl was freed various discussions took place, however, Mr. Farwell indicated that the Bus Driver indicated that he was not prepared to call a Transit Inspector to the scene of this incident. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time and a quorum was now in attendance. The Committee was advised that, after a period of time, a Transit Inspector did appear on the site and, after carrying out various inspections, seemed to indicate to Mr. Farwell that there may have been a problem with the rear door on this bus. At that time, it was decided that the small girl should be taken for medical treatment. Mr. Farwell advised the Committee that, much to his surprise, the bus continued on its regular route. Mr. Farwell indicated that he followed the bus until it reached the Fairview Shopping Centre. At that time, the sign on the bus was changed to indicate that it had been taken out of service. Mr. Farwell pointed out to the Committee that, while at the Fairview Mall, two Police Officers arrived on the scene and questioned him as to why he was following the bus. In the view of Mr. Farwell, he was verbally attacked by the Police Officers for no particular reason. Mr. Farwell then referred to the newspaper report in which City staff have suggested that the safety features on the bus were working correctly and that various interviews have taken place. In this regard, Mr. Farwell indicated that he has never been interviewed by City staff or the K-W Record to get his side of the story. Mr. Farwell advised the Committee that, in this particular situation, no one was seriously injured, however, it was his view that if policies and/or procedures have been established to handle incidents of this nature, they were not followed on Saturday, May 28, 1994. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. W. Beck, Director of Transit, confirmed that an incident did take place as described by Mr. Farwell, however, the driver was aware that there was a problem and, accordingly, the bus brakes were not released. The small girl was freed from the door and at that time the bus was moved ahead so that it could be located in a safer position. The bus driver was responsible for having the Police called because when he realized that he was being followed by Mr. Farwell he had concerns for his own personal safety. It was noted that as a matter of practice driver's do not assist passengers off of a bus. Mr. R. Freeborn advised the Committee that City staff did not interview Mr. Farwell because, even though requested to do so, he refused to provide his telephone number. His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo and Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting at this time. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 6, 1994 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1 .Mr. Greq Farwell - Kitchener Transit (Cont'd) The Committee then viewed a video demonstrating the safety features on Kitchener Transit Vehicles, particularly those which result in the brakes remaining in a locked position if someone is caught in the rear door. The Committee was advised that the safety features on the bus involved were completely reviewed following this incident. It was noted that all buses are inspected every 5,000 miles which is approximately every 4 weeks. Mr. H. Pender appeared before the Committee and advised that he was the lone passenger on the bus when this incident took place on May 28, 1994. He confirmed that the leg of the small girl had been caught in the bus door and he confirmed that he had pressed on the bar on the door and it opened and the small girl was freed. Once the girl was freed the bus moved forward to a safer location. Mr. Pender confirmed to the Committee that during the time when the little girl was caught in the door the bus never moved. Mr. Farwell thanked the members of the Committee for providing him with an opportunity to tell his side of the stow. Mr. Farwell expressed the hope that situations of this nature can be avoided in the future. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he was happy with the explanation received and that proper procedures had been followed. The members of the Committee agreed that no further action in regard to this matter was required. 2.Natural Gas Rates The Committee received a report from Mr. E. Kovacs, Director of Utilities, advising that Union Gas has received approval from the Ontario Energy Board for various natural gas rate increases. It was noted that since Kitchener Utilities are a wholesale customer of Union Gas their purchase price will increase. Mr. Kovacs referred to the information provided in his report regarding industrial and commercial contract rates and advised that the figure of 0.0841¢ per cubic metre should be changed to 0.8041¢. The Committee was advised that, since de-regulation, gas costs have consistently gone done, however, it would appear that this situation has now bottomed out and it is more likely that price increases will take place in the future. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the new natural gas rates, as approved by the Ontario Energy Board and presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on June 6, 1994, be implemented, and further, That the effective date for the implementation of these new gas rates will be April 1, 1994." Mr. E. Kovacs introduced Mr. Dwayne Quinn who has been retained as the City's new Utility Engineer. Mr. Quinn will be replacing Mr. Don Amos who has retired. 3. Deletion of Sidewalk - Bridqeport Properties Mr. D. Mansell, Development Engineer, advised the Committee that a petition, signed by property owners on General Drive, in the former Village of Bridgeport, has been received requesting that a sidewalk across their frontages be deleted. It was noted that staff are of the opinion that the deletion of this sidewalk will not affect proper pedestrian movements within the area and, accordingly, have indicated their concurrence with the request. It was noted, however, that an 3. Deletion of Sidewalk - Bridqeport Properties (Cont'd) agreement will be registered on the title of the subject lands to ensure that the subdivider and the City are relieved of any future financial obligations in regard to the installation of a sidewalk, if one should be PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 6, 1994 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER requested. The Committee was advised that a further petition has been received from the owner's of Lots 55, 68, 69 and 82, requesting that the sidewalk be eliminated from the flankages of their properties. Mr. Mansell advised the Committee that staff do not support these requests. The Committee was advised that if, in the future, a sidewalk is requested it would have to be installed by way of a local improvement petition. In reply to Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. Mansell confirmed that these home owners have, in fact, paid for a sidewalk as part of the purchase price of their home. It was further noted, however, that it is not anticipated that any rebate would be forthcoming because the property owners have indicated they do not want the sidewalk even though they are aware that have, in fact, paid for it. Mr. D. Snow, Director of Traffic and Parking, expressed concern with the elimination of the sidewalk because it will create a situation where any children in the area will have to play on the street. These situations quite often lead to future requests for signage to alert motorists to the fact that children are playing on the street. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the deletion of a municipal sidewalk across the frontages of Lots 69 to 82, inclusive, of Registered Plan 1733, be approved, subject to all involved property owners entering into an amending agreement to be registered on title of the subject lands, with said agreement relieving the subdivider and the City of Kitchener from any future financial obligations regarding the installation of a sidewalk, and further, That no action be taken regarding requests to have a municipal sidewalk eliminated from the flankages of Lots 55, 68, 69 and 82, of Registered Plan 1733." 4. Heritaqe Drive - Traffic Calminq Measures Mr. D. Snow appeared before the Committee and, making use of various maps and the overhead projector, made a verbal presentation regarding traffic calming measures which are being proposed for Heritage Drive. Mr. Snow introduced Ms. S. Kennedy and Messrs. G. McTaggert, T. O'Brien and L. Lynch as staff who assisted in the preparation of this presentation. The information provided to the Committee indicated that the travelled portion of the street would be narrowed in various locations with various parking spaces, bike paths and appropriate signage being provided. A detailed plan of the entire proposal for Heritage Drive was exhibited for the information of the members of the Committee. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. Snow expressed the view that the changes as proposed will, in his opinion, have little impact on response times for emergency vehicles. Mr. Snow suggested to the Committee that, before consideration is given to implementing traffic calming measures on a City-wide basis, the Heritage Drive project should be in place for at least one year so that it can be properly evaluated. It was noted that Heritage Drive has some unique characteristics and, accordingly, what is successful in this area may not be appropriate for other parts of the City. His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo referred to the cost estimates which have been provided and suggested that a price tag of approximately $225,000.00 would seem to be pretty steep to correct a problem which could have been corrected in other ways. 4. Heritaqe Drive - Traffic Calminq Measures (Cont'd) Mr. L. Lynch appeared before the Committee and pointed out that no monies have been included in the 1994 budget for any of this work along Heritage Drive. The budget, as prepared and presented to the Committee, is based on 1994 contract prices. In summary, the estimated costs are as follows: PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 6, 1994 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER Area 'A' (Lorraine Avenue - 2nd Leg of Oakhurst Crescent) Area 'B' (2nd Leg of Oakhurst Crescent - Ottawa Street) Area 'C' (Angle Parking Area @ Grand River Rec. Complex) = $ 78,400.48 = $104,300.55 = $ 42,722.11 GRAND TOTAL $225,423.14 When questioned by Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. Lynch confirmed that Area 'C' would be undertaken as part of the development of Rosenberg Park. The real costs for the traffic calming features on Heritage Drive are Areas 'A' and 'B', which total approximately $183,000.00. Mr. T. McKay pointed out to the Committee that any work done in 1994 will have to be handled as an over-expenditure. It was also suggested that it would likely be necessary to establish an annual budget for this type of work since there is little doubt that it will be requested in other parts of the City. The Committee was advised that the traffic calming measures, as presented at this meeting, will be presented to the public at an Open House which will be held on June 8, 1994, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This Open House will be held at the Hallman Pool. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, subject to the receipt of input resulting from the public meeting to be held on June 8, 1994, the traffic calming measures for Heritage Drive between Lorraine Avenue and Ottawa Street, including angle parking at the Grand River Recreation Complex, be adopted, in principle, and further, That the cost estimates for Area 'A' (Lorraine Avenue to the 2nd Leg of Oakhurst Crescent) be referred to the Finance and Administration Committee for consideration at their meeting to be held on June 20, 1994, and further, That the cost estimates for Area 'B' (2nd Leg of Oakhurst Crescent to Ottawa Street) and Area 'C' (Angle Parking at the Grand River Recreational Complex) be referred to the meetings of the Finance and Administration Committee dealing with the 1995 Capital Forecast, and further, That the traffic calming measures implemented on Heritage Drive be reviewed in a period of 2 years so that it can be determined how well they have worked and what changes may be considered necessary." This motion was carried with His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo voting in the negative. 5. Pedestrian Refuqe Island - Marqaret Avenue at Breithaupt Recreation Centre Utilizing the overhead projector, Mr. D. Snow made a verbal presentation regarding the installation of a pedestrian refuge island on Margaret Avenue in the area of the Breithaupt Recreation Centre and the Dutch Boy Food Store. The Committee was advised that the management of the Dutch Boy Food Store and Breithaupt Recreation Centre are aware of this project and are in support of it. Mr. L. Lynch advised the Committee that this section of Margaret Avenue will be resurfaced and curb installations are scheduled during 1994. The pedestrian refuge island will be installed as a part of these works. 5. Pedestrian Refuqe Island - Marqaret Avenue at Breithaupt Recreation Centre (Cont'd) Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the development of a pedestrian refuge island on Margaret Avenue at Breithaupt Recreation Centre be approved." Councillor C. Zehr was now in attendance at this meeting and suggested that possibly a similar PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 6, 1994 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER undertaking could be considered on Highland Road near Lawrence Avenue. In this regard, Mr. Snow pointed out that the warrants for the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of Lawrence Avenue and Highland Road are presently being reviewed. It was the view of Mr. Snow that this location would not be appropriate for a pedestrian refuge island. 6. Fountain Street Watermain The Committee was advised that a letter has been received from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo advising of the construction of a watermain on Fountain Street between Regional Road No.71 in Cambridge and New Dundee Road in Kitchener. It was noted that the watermain will cross Highway 401 by means of a tunnel. The tunnelling and the need for continual de-watering will result in a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week process for a period of approximately 3 months. Construction is expected to commence in mid-June 1994. The Committee is asked to approve an exemption to the City's Noise By-law. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that all possible attempts be made to ensure that the sound is muffled from any nearby residential development. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and its contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 450, Article 6 (Noise - Construction Work) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code during the construction of a watermain on Fountain Street, between Regional Road No.71 in Cambridge and New Dundee Road in the City of Kitchener, for a period of 3 months commencing June 12, 1994." 7.Projects In Proqress - Operations Division This informational report was provided to the Committee. 8.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk