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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1994-10-31PWTC\1994-10-31 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 31, 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. Cardillo and Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting following its commencement. Others Present: Messrs. D. Snow, J. O'Rourke, S. Gyorffy, D. Suzuki, T. McKay, J. Gazzola, T. McCabe, B. Liddle, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:40 a.m. 1. Bus Stop Snow Clearinq -Additional Equipment The Committee considered a report from Mr. S. Gyorffy, Director of Operations, Department of Public Works, recommending the purchase of three additional sidewalk ploughs so that the quality of snow removal around bus stops can be improved. Mr. Gyorffy pointed out that snow clearing at bus stops is presently the third priority following streets and crosswalks. It was noted that with the purchase of new equipment all bus stops could be cleared of snow within a period of approximately 48 hours. At the present time some bus stops are not cleared for over a week. The Committee was advised that the purchase of additional equipment would not create a need for additional staff. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Gyorffy advised that the proposal, as presented, may result in a slightly higher cost but will provide a greater level of service which will result in improved safety for transit users. The occasions when transit users have to crawl over snow drifts or walk on icy areas will be reduced. His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo entered the meeting at this time. Mr. J. O'Rourke also pointed out to the Committee that, due to the implementation of productivity improvements, staff are no longer available to manually remove the snow from the bus stops as was the case in the past. Mr. T. McKay pointed out to the Committee that the purchase of new Iow floor buses creates a convenience situation for handicapped transit users, however, if bus stops are not properly cleared during the winter months the handicapped will not be able to properly access the transit system. The Committee then entered into a general discussion regarding snow removal and it was pointed out that there is no new equipment on the market which eliminates the problem of snow being ploughed into driveway entrances. Mr. S. Gyorffy pointed out that two graders can be put on a route with one ploughing the street and the other cleaning out driveways. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Councillor T. Galloway was advised that the ploughing of streets in newly developed areas is handled by extending existing routes and using the existing crews. It was also noted that the cross-training of existing staff has made more people available for the snow ploughing process. The Committee was advised that the purchase of these additional sidewalk ploughs will be considered by the Equipment Review Committee and prioritized against other requests. At the present time, there is sufficient monies available to purchase the requested three ploughs. It was noted that all projects will be considered by City Council as part of the Capital Forecast deliberations. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the revised Quality Standard for Bus Stop Snow Removal, dated November 1994, be adopted, and further, 1. Bus Stop Snow Clearinq - Additional Equipment (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 31, 1994 - 76 - CITY OF KITCHENER That three (3) additional sidewalk ploughs be purchased to provide for the increased level of service at bus stops, and further, That an amount of $240,000.00 be provided in the 1995 Capital Budget for the purchase of three (3) additional sidewalk ploughs." 2. DOPWR 94-61 - Revised Traffic Control Siqnal Warrants The Committee received a report from Mr. D. Snow advising that a report has been received from the Region which recommends the development of revised signal warrants to be used in determining the need for traffic control signals. This report has been reviewed at a staff level and it would appear that the primary issue is one of finances. In this regard, the following recommendations have been advanced by Regional staff to change the existing Ministry of Transportation Warrants for Traffic Signals. These changes are as follows: 1.Exclude 100% of the riqht turn movements from the warrant calculation if a separate right turn lane is provided on the minor street in the same manner as if channelization was provided. 2.Exclude 50% of the riqht turn movements from the warrant calculation if there is a joint right/through lane provided on the minor street. 3. Exclude 100% of the left turn movements from the warrant calculation if the left turns from the minor street are to a one-way major street and a separate left turn lane is provided on the minor street. 4. Exclude 50% of the left turn movements from the warrant calculation if the left turns from the minor street are to a one-way major street and there is a joint left/through lane provided on the minor street. Mr. Snow suggested to the Committee that the Provincial warrants are strict enough and any changes by the Region to make the warrants more stringent will only create a need for more unwarranted facilities which must be provided at the expense of an area municipality. In his report, Mr. Snow provided a recommendation which would lead to the implementation of a priority system which would be used when considering the installation of traffic signals. The priorities suggested by Mr. Snow are accident hazards, pedestrian and school safety, minimum vehicular volume, delays to cross traffic, combination warrants and the amount of time a particular location has met the warrants for signalization. Mr. Snow recommended to the Committee that the revisions as proposed by the Region should not be supported. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that Mr. Snow should arrange to appear before the Regional Engineering Committee so that the concerns of the City of Kitchener can be clearly stated and, hopefully, understood by the other members of the Committee. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener oppose the 'Revised Traffic Control Signal Warrants' proposed by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, and further, That the City of Kitchener recommend that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo establish a priority system of installing traffic control signals based on the level of compliance to the existing Ministry of Transportation Warrant criteria, and further, 2. DOPWR 94-61 - Revised Traffic Control Siqnal Warrants (Cont'd) That Mr. D. Snow, Director of Traffic and Parking, determine when this matter will be considered by the Regional Engineering Committee and arrange to appear as a delegation to present the City's PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 31, 1994 - 77 - CITY OF KITCHENER views regarding this matter." 3.Street Liqhts Councillor G. Lorentz referred to the number of street lights which appear to need replacing throughout the City. In this regard, it was noted that this responsibility lies with the Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro. It was also noted that lights are replaced when a problem has been identified and reported. 4. Informational Reports The informational reports attached to the agenda were considered by the Committee. Councillor C. Weylie suggested that the raking of leaves onto City streets has created some problems in her Ward and was of the opinion that this matter should be reconsidered prior to the Fall of 1995. 5.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk