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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1994-07-04PWTC\1994-07-04 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U LY 4, 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: Ms. J. Woodhall and Messrs. B. Gulliver, K. Bowman, E. Kovacs, J. Cicuttin, J. Gazzola, B. Liddle, S. Gyorffy, J. Wallace, J. McBride, D. Gardner, R. Pritchard, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:40 a.m. 1. Bulk Water Deliveries Mr. E. Kovacs, Director of Utilities, appeared before the Committee and advised that at the present time bulk water contractors are charged for water at the current retail rate and they are also charged the sewer surcharge. The rationale for charging the sewer surcharge is to discourage the wasteful usage of potable drinking water. The Committee was advised, however, that there are occasions when the City utilizes a private contractor to haul potable water. In these cases, it is necessary to retain a contractor who has a tanker which meets existing standards for the haulage of potable drinking water. Mr. Kovacs advised that he has been approached by such a hauler requesting that the sewer surcharge be exempted on potable water taken from the supply point at the Elmsdale Centre. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Kovacs advised that the alternative would be for the City to buy a suitable tanker, however, due to limited use this would not be a financially prudent way to proceed. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was noted that at the present time there is no formal certification system in existence. The City can do no more than trust the hauler that his tanker is suitable for the haulage of potable water. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that a customer requiring potable water would pay the hauler not only for the water, but also for the sewer surcharge. Mr. Kovacs agreed that this would be the case, but indicated that it was his understanding that the City of Kitchener is the only municipality charging sewer surcharge in cases of this nature. It was also noted that the sewer surcharge, in cases of this nature, is not a major source of revenue to the City. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That for a trial period of one year, bulk water haulers who can provided satisfactory written confirmation that their equipment is used exclusively for the purpose of hauling potable water, will be exempted from sewer surcharges, and further, That at the conclusion of this one year trial period, a report outlining the financial impacts of this decision will be submitted to the Public Works and Transportation Committee for consideration." 2. Natural Gas Industry - Eastern Canadian Mutual Assistance Agreement Mr. E. Kovacs appeared before the Committee and presented a report which included a proposed agreement and mutual assistance plan which would go into effect during any extreme emergencies affecting gas supply. It was noted that the Eastern Canada Mutual Assistance group would consist of Centra Gas Ontario, Kingston Public Utilities Commission, Consumers Gas, Gas Metropolitain, Trans Canada Pipelines, Union Gas and the City of Kitchener. Mr. Kovacs pointed out that the proposed agreement has not been reviewed by the City's Legal Department, but subject to their acceptance, supported the City of Kitchener becoming involved. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. Kovacs advised that in his career in the gas industry, he has never seen a Level 2 emergency. 2.Natural Gas Industry - Cont'd Level 1 emergencies are less of a concern and occur very rarely. Mr. Kovacs also advised the PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U LY 4, 1994 - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER Committee that it is his understanding that Trans Canada Pipelines and Union Gas do test procedures which they could implement during emergency situations. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Kovacs advised the Committee that in the case of a supply emergency, industrial and commercial customers would be the first to feel a negative impact. Residential users would be the last to suffer from any service disruptions. It was noted, however, that it is highly unlikely that the supply of natural gas would every be totally cut off. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the City's legal liabilities if a service disruption were to occur. In this regard, it was suggested that unless it could be proved that the City had been negligent, it is unlikely that they would be held liable for any problems created by a disruption of service. In this regard, however, Councillor M. Wagner suggested that the City may well be held liable if emergency procedures have not been properly tested. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That subject to acceptance by the Legal Department for the City of Kitchener, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Eastern Canada Mutual Assistance Agreement regarding the supply of natural gas during emergency situations." 3.Compressed Natural Gas - Kitchener Transit Mr. B. Gulliver, Director of Fleet, advised that in accordance with a request made by Councillor M. Yantzi, staff have reviewed the possibility of using compressed natural gas rather than diesel fuel to power the transit buses. Mr. Gulliver reviewed the Executive Summary contained in the report which had been submitted to all Members of City Council. It was noted that there is an abundant supply of compressed natural gas and costs approximately one-half of the cost of diesel fuel. Natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel and accordingly there are fewer exhaust emissions. It was also noted that the City of Kitchener could become its own fuel supplier in the event that natural gas powered transit buses were to be utilized. Mr. J. Gazzola appeared before the Committee and pointed out that the possibility of going to natural gas powered buses has been reviewed from a financial point of view. In this regard, Mr. Gazzola referred to the financial information provided on Page 10 of the staff report. This information indicates that the net savings to the City of Kitchener per year per bus would be approximately $3,350. The Committee was advised that the Study Team looked at this project over an eighteen year period since Provincial subsidies are received on transit buses for eighteen years. Over this eighteen year period, it has been estimated that the net savings to the City of Kitchener would be approximately $3.6 Million. Councillor C. Weylie expressed concern that the City of Kitchener had not started purchasing natural gas fuelled buses three years ago. In this regard, it was noted that certified natural gas engines were not available other than at various test locations across the Province. The City of Hamilton was one of these test locations and their report was only finalized in 1993. It was pointed out that following their test period, the City of Hamilton has now decided to go with natural gas fuelled buses. Similar steps are being taken in Toronto. Mr. J. Gazzola pointed out to the Committee that what has been outlined to this point are cost savings. He did note, however, that there will some additional costs as well. In 1996 there will be conversion costs of approximately $377,000. and a further $2,313,000. to develop a refuelling station. It was noted that the total additional costs to the City of Kitchener in 1996 would be $2,690,000. 3.Compressed Natural Gas - Kitchener Transit - Cont'd However, after Provincial subsidies and contributions from the City of Waterloo, the net cost to the City of Kitchener would be approximately $471,000. Over the eighteen year period the total additional PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U LY 4, 1994 - 49 - CITY OF KITCHENER costs to the City of Kitchener taxpayer would be $734,000. Mr. Gazzola pointed out to the Committee that over the eighteen year period, taking into account the savings and expenditures, there would be an estimated net savings of $2.9 Million if the Kitchener Transit bus fleet was converted to natural gas. When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. B. Gulliver pointed out that staff do not have any information, however, the Provincial Government is not providing any subsidy dollars which would allow existing diesel powered buses to be converted so that they could utilize natural gas. Mr. Gulliver also pointed out that while no specific information is available at this time, it is anticipated that there will be reduced maintenance costs if natural gas powered motors are utilized. The Committee was advised that a possible drawback to the use of natural gas is the fact that four cylindrical tanks would have to be located on the roof of each transit bus. This will result in an additional weight of approximately 1,000 pounds, however the staff of Kitchener Transit do not believe that this will create any problems. Mr. E. Kovacs appeared before the Committee and pointed out that any natural gas used by Kitchener Transit would be sold to them by the City's gas utility. Over the 18 year period, it is estimated that this would generate $6.3 Million in additional revenue and additional profit of approximately $1.1 Million. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that the information provided makes it appear that it is a good idea to start using natural gas powered buses. He did point out however, that there is no guarantee that natural gas prices will continue to be constant over the next 18 years. In this regard, Mr. J. Gazzola pointed out that if natural gas prices do change it is also likely that the price of diesel fuel would also change. History has indicated that it is unlikely that natural gas prices will increase at a greater rate than is the case with diesel fuel. Mr. T. McKay pointed out that the City presently has 25 buses on order and it would be preferable to re- order these buses so that they would come from the supplier with natural gas engines. It was noted however, that to follow this course of action would mean that some existing buses which are over 18 years of age would have to be continued to be used and it may be costly to keep them on the road. It was also noted that a natural gas refilling station would have to be developed immediately and certain steps would have to be taken at the transit garage to accommodate the use of natural gas. It was also noted that the provincial government has not been approached and this would have to be done to ensure that subsidy funding would be available for natural gas powered buses. A final concern is that appropriate informational and training programs must be developed to alleviate any possible concerns of the general public and transit staff. The Committee recognized Mr. David MacEacheron and Mr. Todd Studnicka of Union Gas who had worked along with various city staff in developing this proposal. Following further discussion, Councillor M. Wagner introduced the following recommendation: "That the City of Kitchener adopt compressed natural gas as the fuel of choice for Kitchener Transit buses, and further, That City staff carry out all necessary reviews to determine whether some or all of the 25 buses presently on order can be included in the compressed natural gas deliveries without impacting original delivery requirements, and further, That applicable budgetary steps and approvals be taken, and further, 3.Compressed Natural Gas - Kitchener Transit - Cont'd That compressed natural gas bus acquisitions and infrastructure costs be subject to M.T.O. subsidies and that these subsidy applications be processed immediately." Councillor C. Weylie introduced an amendment to paragraph 3 of the above noted motion which if PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U LY 4, 1994 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER approved would have the effect of having compressed natural gas engines in all the 25 buses presently on order. The amendment as introduced by Councillor Weylie was put to a vote and was defeated. The motion as originally introduced by Councillor Wagner was then put to a vote and was carried. The Committee directed staff to prepare periodic progress reports regarding this matter and have them filed with the Public Works and Transportation Committee. 4. Street Closinqs - Deleqation of Authority The Committee considered a report which recommends that the Director of Traffic & Parking be delegated the authority of approving street closures for various special events. It was noted that policies and procedures are being submitted which will be utilized to accommodate special event requests. Councillor T. Galloway referred to the fact that a $50 fee is being recommended for a street closure involving a minor event. It was the view of Councillor Galloway that a fee of $50 will act as a deterrent and accordingly, many neighbourhood activities may be curtailed. It was noted that the pick-up and delivery of barricades presently takes place during normal working hours and accordingly, there is no additional cost to the municipality. Councillor G. Lorentz indicated that he would not support a $50 charge for a minor event for reasons similar to those as stated by Councillor Galloway. The report as presented to the Committee originally suggested that event organizers would have to provide public liability and property damage insurance in the amount of $1 Million with the City being named as an additional insured. Mr. J. Gazzola pointed out that this matter has been reviewed with the City's insurance carrier and minor neighbourhood events are covered by the City's existing policy. In future if the number of these special events should increase then the City's premium may be increased. The Committee was advised that the need for public liability and property damage insurance can be deleted from the proposed set of conditions. Councillor M. Yantzi introduced the following motion: "That the authority to approve the temporary closure of City streets for social, recreational, community, athletic, cinematographic purposes or combination of such purposes be delegated to the Director of Traffic and Parking and in his absence the Manager of Parking Operation and Traffic Planning; and further, That the policy and procedures for Special Events as contained in report DOPWR-94-40 dated June 29, 1994 be adopted excepting for the provision of public liability and property damage insurance; and further, That all costs for the closure of streets and/or detouring of traffic for a major special event will be the responsibility of the applicant/organizers; and further, That the cost for the closure of a street for a minor special event be set at the nominal fee of $50.00 to be paid by the applicant/organizers at the time of application for a special event permit." The Committee considered Councillor Yantzi's recommendation on a clause by clause basis. Clauses 1, 2, & 3 as outlined above were carried, clause 4 was defeated. 4. Street Closinqs - Deleqation of Authority - Cont'd The recommendation which will be submitted to City Council will read as follows: "That the authority to approve the temporary closure of City streets for social, recreational, community, athletic, cinematographic purposes or combination of such purposes be delegated to the Director of Traffic and Parking and in his absence the Manager of Parking Operation and PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U LY 4, 1994 -51 - CITY OF KITCHENER Traffic Planning; and further, That the policy and procedures for Special Events as contained in report DOPWR-94-40 dated June 29, 1994 be adopted excepting for the provision of public liability and property damage insurance; and further, That all costs for the closure of streets and/or detouring of traffic for a major special event will be the responsibility of the applicant/organizers." 5. DOPWR-94-38 - Closure of Kinq Street The Committee was advised that the Downtown Business Association has requested that King Street be closed between Francis Street and Frederick Street from July 13 to 16, in conjunction with their Cruising on King Street and Sidewalk Sale activities. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener approve the closure of King Street between Francis Street and Frederick Street from July 13 to 16, 1994 for the Downtown Business Association's "Cruising of King Street" and Sidewalk Sale, and further, That all costs associated with the closure of King Street by the Traffic and Parking Division be borne by the Downtown Business Association, and further, That the appropriate bylaw under Section 352 (61) of the Municipal Act be enacted." 6. Route 2 - Glencairn - Extension of Service The Committee considered a report from Mr. J. Cicuttin, Manager of Transportation Planning recommending that Route 2 - Glencairn be extended to provide service to the residential areas of the Glencairn subdivision which are presently beyond the 450 m walk to transit. It was noted that this route extension will be implemented with the fall schedule on September 6, 1994. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the proposed routing of Route 2 - Glencairn as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on July 4, 1994 be adopted and implemented with the fall schedule on September 6, 1994." 7. Relocation of Bus Stop - Westmount Road at Forest Hill Drive The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the resident at 105 Westmount Road to have the existing bus stop relocated further down Westmount Road so that it would be located in front of the Forest Hill United Church. Mr. J. Cicuttin appeared before the Committee and pointed out that the majority of people using this bus stop are located in the Forest Hill Drive/Graystone Avenue area of the city and a relocation of the bus stop as proposed would mean that these transit users would have to walk further and in some cases beyond the 450 m walk standard which is now city policy. It was noted that the bus stop is presently in front of church property and the move would bring the stop more in front of the church building and in mid block. Transit staff are concerned in this regard because it may result in more pedestrian traffic crossing the street in mid block. 7. Relocation of Bus Stop - Westmount Road at Forest Hill Drive - Cont'd Councillor G. Lorentz pointed out that there is a hedge on the church property located immediately across the sidewalk from the bus stop. It is suggested that beer and liquor bottles are found in this hedge on a regular basis. Councillor Lorentz suggested that the issue here is not one of relocating a bus stop but rather is one of safety. The resident at 105 Westmount Road is concerned about someone getting off of a bus during the late evening hours and being attacked by someone hiding in the existing hedge. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES J U LY 4, 1994 - 52 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Ziegler also indicated support for relocating the existing bus stop because in his view, having it directly in front of the church would make good sense. Councillor Ziegler indicated he did not accept Councillor Lorentz's arguments because if a hedge beside a bus stop were deemed to create a hazard then every property owner having a bus stop in front of their house would immediately plant a hedge. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the existing bus stop located on the south side of Westmount Road at Forest Hill Drive be relocated to a location further to the south and more in front of the Forest Hill United Church." 8. Changes To Route 12 and 9 For information purposes the Committee received a report outlying changes which will be made to the Route 12 University/Fairview and Route 9 Lakeshore/Lincoln routes in September of this year. It was noted that the changes involved are primarily scheduling in nature and are being recommended as part of the implementation of the time transfer system study. Councillor M. Wagner noted that the proposed changes should be submitted to the City of Waterloo for their comment and/or acceptance. 9. Informational Report For information purposes the Committee received a report from the Operations Division of the Public Works Department outlying various projects in progress. 10. Sidewalk Deletion - General Drive Councillor C. Weylie requested that the staff of the Department of Public Works be directed to circulate all residents in the area of General Drive who may be effected by the deletion of sidewalks in this subdivision. It was the view of Councillor Weylie that any changes in a residential subdivision should be circulated to more than just those residents who are directly affected. The members of the Committee concurred with Councillor Weylie's comments and the staff of the Public Works Department will be so notified. 11. Utility Poles Councillor C. Weylie exhibited a product which is being used in the City of Winnipeg which is placed on utility poles and can be used for the posting of signs. Mr. S. Gyorffy was asked to file a report with the Committee in this regard. 12. Adjournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk