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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1994-05-16PWTC\1994-05-16 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 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. R. Freeborn, W. Beck, J. Cicuttin, D. Snow, S. Gyorffy, T. McKay, J. Shivas, H. Neidenbach, J. Gazzola, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:40 a.m. 1 .Street Sweepincl Messrs. G. Beal, M. Martin, B. Meyer, J. Michalofsky, J. O'Rourke, C. Pomeroy, T. Potworka and C. Sipes appeared before the Committee as members of the Continuous Improvement Process Team which had reviewed the delivery of street sweeping services within the City. It was noted that the Mission Statement developed by this team was "Working Together for a Clean Community". The Committee was advised that the C.I.P. Team had developed six recommendations regarding street sweeping which have either been implemented or are in the finalization process. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Generally stated, the recommendations developed by the C. I.P. Team are as follows: · changes to procedures regarding sidewalk cleaning in the Downtown area · street cleaning in new subdivisions · equipment upgrades which will make the City's Fleet more versatile · catchbasin cleaning · levels of service for street sweeping on a City-wide basis · flushing of Downtown streets · pick-up of leaves In regard to the upgrading of equipment, it was noted that the recommendation suggests the purchase of a basic truck which can be used in conjunction with various roll-off features. By changing the roll-off feature one basic truck frame can be used for a variety of purposes. The Committee was advised that the pick-up of leaves will be further considered in the very near future and, hopefully, an improved process can be in place for the Fall of 1994. The Committee was advised that the recommendations outlined above could result in gross savings of $284,500.00. Taking into account reductions for Provincial subsidies and reallocations the net savings could be $139,500.00. All members of the Public Works and Transportation Committee congratulated the members of the C.I.P. Team noting their hard work and the results that have been achieved. In regard to street cleaning in new subdivisions, Mr. J. O'Rourke pointed out that this recommendation has not yet been implemented because developers must be put on notice that, where necessary, streets in new subdivisions will be cleaned and the developers will be charged accordingly. It was also pointed out to the Committee that there is presently a Construction By-law which requires developers to keep streets in a clean state and, if necessary, for the City to undertake this work with the developer being charged. Further review at a staff level is required as to when a street is accepted by the City. In regard to overall housekeeping in new subdivisions it was the view of Councillor T. Galloway that steps should be taken to make developers responsible for the clean-up of construction materials. In this regard, Mr. T. McKay suggested that the K-W Home Builders Association be approached to request their assistance in having something put in their monthly newsletter. Hopefully, this course of action would encourage developers to co-operate. 1 .Street Sweepinq (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 1994 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor C. Weylie referred to construction presently taking place at the Centre In The Square and noted that the streets are in a condition which makes it difficult for patrons attending various events. This particular problem will be referred to Mr. Laurier Proulx, Project Manager, for his consideration. Mr. T. McKay pointed out that C.I.P. and K.A.P.S. run hand in hand and, in regard to street sweeping, the members of the C.I.P. Team are eligible for a K.A.P.S. Award. An interim payment of $10,000.00, to be divided amongst the team members, has been approved. Councillor J. Smola, again, thanked the members of the C.I.P. Team for their contributions in dealing with this street sweeping review. 2.DOPWR 94-27 - Proposed Shriner's Parade The Committee was advised that the Waterloo County Shriners have requested permission to hold a parade in the City of Kitchener on June 4, 1994. This parade will assemble in the City of Waterloo and proceed along King Street to the disband area which will be located between Young Street and Queen Street. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Waterloo County Shriner Club Inc. be permitted to hold a Shrine Ceremonial Parade in the City of Kitchener on Saturday, June 4, 1994, and further, That all costs associated with the closure of streets intersecting King Street and also the disband area by Traffic Maintenance be borne by the organizers, and further, That the appropriate by-law under Section 352(61) of the Municipal Act be enacted for the closure of the disband area located on King Street between Young Street and Queen Street." 3. DOPWR 94-30 - Street Party - Doole¥ Drive The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the residents of Dooley Drive between Bradley Drive and Simpson Avenue which, if approved, would permit the holding of a street party on May 29, 1994 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All residents on this section of Dooley Drive support the requested closing. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Dooley Drive, between Bradley Drive and Simpson Avenue, be closed on Sunday, May 29, 1994 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, June 5, 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." When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that several years ago City Council had agreed to delegate the authority for approving street closings for street parties to City staff. In order for this delegation of authority to be put into effect a by-law is required, however, same was never prepared by the City's Legal Department. Mr. Snow suggested that, in his opinion, it is appropriate to delegate this authority unless there is a controversy or cost implications which must be considered by the Public Works and Transportation Committee and City Council. 3. DOPWR 94-30 - Street Party - Doole¥ Drive (Cont'd) The members of the Committee agreed that the existing direction to delegate the authority to approve street parties should be re-confirmed and Mr. Snow was directed to approach the Legal Department in order to have the necessary by-law prepared and presented to City Council. It was also agreed that the Legal Department would be requested to look at the necessity for having a requirement that PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 1994 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER 100% of all residents on a street agree before a street or part thereof can be closed for street party purposes. 4.Transit Rodeo Messrs. R. Freeborn and W. Beck presented the Mayor's Challenge Trophy to Councillor J. Ziegler. Councillor Ziegler represented Kitchener Council and was successful in winning the trophy by defeating a representative of Waterloo City Council in a bus driving contest. 5. DOPWR 94-32 -On-Street Parkinq -Gateway Park Drive Gateway Drive is located in the eastern part of the City in the area of King Street East and Sportsworld Drive. At the present time, parking is permitted for three consecutive hours. The Committee considered a report which indicates that when parking occurs on both sides of this street the free flow of traffic is impeded and it is difficult to access the parking areas for Aikenheads and the Price Club. It was also noted that customers of Aikenheads and the Price Club frequently park on the street as a matter of convenience. The Committee was advised that Aikenheads and the Price Club have been contacted and they have no objection to the recommendation being put forward by City staff. The Committee was also advised that meetings have been held with Regional staff and, in the near future, signage will be erected to improve the flow of traffic in this area of the City. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on both sides of Gateway Park Drive from King Street East to Sportsworld Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. DOPWR 94-33 - Noise By-law Exemption - K-W Expressway - Lancaster Street to North/West City Limits - Resurfacinq The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the Ministry of Transportation for an exemption to the City's Noise By-law which will allow the resurfacing of the expressway to take place during the night. It was noted that due to high traffic volumes, it is not practical or safe to do this work during the daytime hours. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the Ministry of Transportation for the Province of Ontario 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 surface recycling overlay procedure on the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway between Lancaster Street and the north/west City limits from May 20th to June 30th, 1994." 7.DOPWR 94-34 - Proposed Road Closure -Chopin Drive The Committee was advised that the Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association is planning to have their annual fireworks display in Gzowski Park on Saturday, June 18, 1994. In this regard, it was noted that the Association has requested that Chopin Drive be closed from Westmount Road to Markwood Drive between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. 7.DOPWR 94-34 - Proposed Road Closure - Chopin Drive (Cont'd) When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. D. Snow advised that the staff costs involved in effecting the requested road closure would be approximately $350.00. It was noted that last year an in-kind grant was approved for the Neighbourhood Association. Councillor Weylie indicated that she would raise the question of a grant later this date at the meeting of the Community Services Committee. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 1994 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Chopin Drive be closed to traffic between Westmount Road and Markwood Drive on Saturday, June 18, 1994 between the hours of 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and that a rain date of June 25, 1994 also be approved, and further, That the appropriate by-law under Section 352(61 ) of the Municipal Act be enacted." 8. DOPWR 94-35 - Street Party - Vancamp Avenue The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the residents of Vancamp Avenue to have their street closed from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 1994. The purpose of the closure is to permit a street party and all residents have signed a petition indicating their concurrence. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Vancamp Avenue, between Highland Road and Spadina Road, be closed from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 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 94-36 - Arts Fest The Committee was advised that information has been received from the Downtown Business Association indicating that Arts Fest will be held from June 16-18, 1994. The Committee is asked to consider the closing of Eby Street from King Street to Duke Street; Market Lane from Eby Street to the Three Minute Deli parking lot; and, Frederick Street from King Street to Duke Street. The Committee was also asked to consider the provision of free parking in the Eby Street lot for the participants of Arts Fest. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Arts Fest '94 be permitted to occur in the City of Kitchener from June 16 to 18, 1994, and further, That Eby Street, between King Street and Duke Street, and Market Lane, from Eby Street to the Three Minute Deli's parking lot, be closed for the festival, and further, That the participants in the Arts Fest be allowed to park free of charge in the Eby Street lot, and further, That we make application to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for permission to close Frederick Street, between King Street and Duke Street, from June 16 to 18, 1994 for the Arts Fest, and further, 9. DOPWR 94-36 - Arts Fest (Cont'd) That all costs to close Frederick Street, Eby Street and Market Lane be borne by the Kitchener Downtown Business Association, and further, That the appropriate by-law under Section 352(61 ) of the Municipal Act be enacted." 10.Waterloo County Board of Education & Waterloo Reqion Separate School Board - Hiqh School Starting Times The Committee considered a report from Messrs. W. Beck and J. Cicuttin outlining that the Waterloo County Board of Education has endorsed the plan which will result in classes at all High Schools PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 1994 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER commencing at 8:15 a.m., which is an off-set of up to 45 minutes from the starting times for the elementary schools in the Public School system. It was also noted that there is a possibility that the Separate School Board will change the starting time of Resurrection Secondary School to 8:23 a.m. As a result, most High Schools in the Kitchener-Waterloo area will be starting at the same time. This is of concern to Kitchener Transit particularly because there will be a definite impact on the provision of bus service. The operational options available to Kitchener Transit are to use up to six additional buses on a daily basis to accommodate the students at an additional operating cost of $125,000.00. It was noted that these additional buses are not available from the existing fleet at the present time. Another alternative would be to utilize the existing fleet but provide a reduced level of service. This option will no doubt result in over-crowding and, in all likelihood, many students and other regular users of the system will look for and find alternative means of transportation. This option could result in decreased revenues of approximately $65,000.00 annually. The Committee was advised that this matter has been placed on the agenda for the joint meeting to be held between members of City Council and representatives of the School Board in June. 11 .Garaqe Sale - West Ward Councillor C. Weylie advised that she has received calls expressing concerns about the continued growth of a neighbourhood garage sale in her Ward. Apparently, this garage sale started several years ago and involved a few residents in one neighbourhood. It has now expanded to the point where concerns are being expressed about it being impossible for emergency vehicles to get into the area. There have also been suggestions that goods which are not sold as part of this garage sale are simply left at the curb to be picked up by the Garbage Contractor. When questioned by Councillor Weylie, all members of staff in attendance indicated that they have not received any calls expressing a concern about this particular situation. Mr. T. McKay suggested to Councillor Weylie that she arrange a meeting with the organizers of this garage sale and suggest that they give consideration to moving their event to a more suitable location. 12.Yard Waste Councillor G. Lorentz pointed out that the residents of Waterloo are encouraged to accumulate their yard waste and then on a specific date it is picked up for recycling purposes. As a result, many tons of yard waste are diverted from the landfill site. Councillor Lorentz questioned whether or not the City of Kitchener is considering a similar program. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that the Province is establishing a whole new set of rules regarding the recycling of yard waste and, in any case, there would be an additional cost for the City of Kitchener to implement a program similar to that utilized by the City of Waterloo. Following further discussion, it was agreed that staff of the Department of Public Works would prepare a report outlining options and the costs involved which would allow yard waste to be 12.Yard Waste (Cont'd) collected and recycled. Councillor Lorentz pointed out that once members of Council receive this information they will be in a position to decide whether or not they wish to implement a new program dealing with the recycling of yard waste. 13. Fire Hydrants - Markers Councillor G. Lorentz pointed out that metal poles with flags on the top are put out in the Fall of the year, adjacent to fire hydrants, so that the hydrants can be found once they are covered with snow. Councillor Lorentz pointed out, however, that even though the snow is all gone these markers are still in place and, in his view, create a safety hazard which may lead to accidents for which the City would be held liable. Councillor Lorentz suggested that the Fire Department should take steps to have these hydrant markers removed immediately. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 16, 1994 - 34 - CITY OF KITCHENER 14.Informational Reports The following reports were provided with the agenda for the Committee's information: · Traffic Calming Traffic & Parking - Special Events Log Canadian Urban Transit Association - Ridership Trends Year to Date Ridership and Revenue Projects in Progess - Engineering and Operations Divisions. 15.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk