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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1994-10-03PWTC\1994-10-03 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 1994 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Smola with all members present, except His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo. Councillors G. Lorentz, M. Yantzi, T. Galloway and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. B. Musselman, K. Bowman, B. Liddle, J. O'Rourke, D. Snow, J. McBride, T. McKay, L. Gordon, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m. without a quorum in attendance. 1.DOPWR 94-51 - Twenty-Four (24) Hour By-law Enforcement The Committee considered a report regarding the existing Parking Enforcement Program. The report noted that in the Fall of 1990 the City of Kitchener began a program of enforcing its Parking By-law on a 24 hour basis. The question has been raised as to whether or not the City wishes to continue with this level of enforcement. In this regard, it was suggested that there are 3 options which can be considered. Option 1 would retain the existing level of enforcement throughout the year. Option 2 would eliminate overnight enforcement of the Parking By-law between April 15th and November 15th with enforcement being maintained during the winter months. The third option would be to eliminate overnight enforcement of the Parking By-law on a permanent basis. The report filed with the Committee supports the continued enforcement of the Parking By-law at the present level. Mr. D. Snow referred to a presentation made to the Committee on September 19, 1994 by Mr. Frank Morgan who is the owner of 15 Homewood Avenue. At that time, Mr. Morgan pointed out that he and his neighbour have a mutual driveway, however, there are 5 vehicles which must be accommodated. Mr. Morgan had suggested that only 4 of the vehicles can be properly accommodated. Mr. Snow advised the Committee that he has visited the site in question and 4 of the existing vehicles can be accommodated by existing garages and a parking space in front of each garage. It was the view of Mr. Snow that up to 3 additional vehicles could be accommodated on the mutual driveway. Mr. Snow did acknowledge, however, that vehicles parked on the mutual driveway would not create a convenient situation since they would have to be jockied about in order for other vehicles to get on or off of the property. Mr. D. Snow pointed out to the Committee that this is the type of situation that will be encountered if a permit parking system is implemented. At that time it will have to be decided what types of situtations will be accommodated and a distinction will have to be drawn between necessary and convenience parking. Councillor C. Weylie referred to a situation in the area of Resurrection High School involving a new subdivision where the garages are too small to be properly used. As a result, driveways have been widened to accommodate off-street parking. The number of on-street parking spaces is limited due to short distances between driveways and such things as fire hydrants. It was the view of Councillor Weylie that this type of problem needs to be seriously reviewed during the subdivision planning process. It was suggested to Councillor Weylie that she raise her concerns at a meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee. Councillor Weylie advised the Committee that several residents of the street, to which she referred, have indicated a desire to duplex their existing dwelling. Should this happen the existing parking problems will be further aggrevated. Councillors G. Lorentz and M. Yantzi entered the meeting at this time and a quorum was now present. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 1994 -71 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1.DOPWR 94-51 - Twenty-Four (24) Hour By-law Enforcement (Cont'd) When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. J. O'Rourke advised that snowploughing takes place based on the weather conditions and a cresent or cul-de-sac may be ploughed at any time even in the middle of the night. Councillor Weylie suggested that some residents are of the opinion that a cul-de-sac would never be ploughed in the middle of the night and, accordingly, on-street parking would not create any problems. Mr. O'Rourke confirmed for Councillor Weylie that the opinions of the area resident are not valid. Councillor M. Wagner was of the view that enforcement of the Parking By-law should remain as is and questioned what, if any, reactions staff are getting from the public. In this regard, it was noted that many recalls are received and, on occasion depending on the circumstances, tickets may be withdrawn. Councillor Wagner indicated that he has received few, if any, complaints and the people in the area around Schneiders are quite happy that the on-street parking problems have been eliminated. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. D. Snow advised that from time to time an advertisement is placed in the local newspaper which outlines various parking infractions for which tickets will be issued. In this regard, Councillor Wagner noted that some people do not read the local newspaper and, accordingly, would not be aware of these infractions. In this connection, it was suggested that an alternative form of advising the local public should be considered. Mr. J. McBride pointed out that there are signs at each of the major entrances to the City outlining that overnight street parking is prohibited. It was also suggested that possibly something could be included in the utility bills. Several members of the Committee indicated that since the existing level of parking by-law enforcement was implemented they have received very few complaints. Most complaints come from those individuals who have received parking tickets. Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting at this time. Councillor M. Yantzi indicated his support for the existing enforcement program and suggested that further information could be provided to the general public by way of Neighbourhood Association newsletters. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the existing level of parking by-law enforcement be maintained." 2.Permit Parkinq Systems Councillor M. Wagner indicated that he is aware of 3 streets within his Ward that could possibly demonstrate a need for an on-street permit parking system. In this regard, however, Councillor Wagner was of the view that this matter should be referred to the new Council with the suggestion that consideration be given to developing a process which could be used to determine whether or not there is a need for a permit parking system within the City or a particular section of it. Councillor G. Lorentz was of the opinion that if there is a need in a particular area the people involved will approach their Ward Councillor or City staff. It was the opinion of Councillor Lorentz that the City should not be making any suggestions regarding the implementation of an on-street permit parking system because there are no doubt many taxpayers who would support such a system and the end result may be a significant cost to the City. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested to the Committee that possibly the existing 24 hour parking by-law enforcement and a street permit parking system could work together. For this to happen, however, criteria would have to be developed particularly in regard to the approval of on-street 2.Permit Parkinq Systems (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 1994 - 72 - CITY OF KITCHENER permit parking. Mr. T. McKay pointed out that approximately one quarter of a million dollars was saved last year due to improvements to the snow removal system. This was only possible because on- street parking had been removed. The Committee agreed that if further consideration is to take place regarding a permit parking system, it will have to be raised by the 1995 City Council. 3. DOPWR 94-58 - School Pedestrian Safety - Update re Modifications for the 1994-95 School Year The Committee received a report containing an Action Plan dealing with the possible removal of adult crossing guards at various intersections. The report, as presented, indicated that the following areas are being considered at the present time: Weber Street at Wilhelm Street Rolling Meadows Drive at John Darling Public School Morgan Drive at Howard Robertson Public School Erinbrook Drive at Rittenhouse Drive Moore Avenue at Shanley Street Pleasant Avenue at Queen's Boulevard West Avenue at Highland Road. 4. DOPWR 94-59 - School Pedestrian Safety - Presentation re Heroes Show - Pedestrian Problems at Weber Street at Eastwood Collegiate The Committee received a report which has been prepared as the result of concerns which were expressed regarding problems created by students at Eastwood Collegiate who cross Weber Street without paying much attention to oncoming traffic. In this regard, it was noted that a presentation designed specifically for students in Grades 11 to 13 will be presented by the Trauma Reduction Injury Prevention and Safety Coalition. It is hoped that this presentation will help in curbing the reckless behaviour of students. When questioned by Councillor J. Ziegler, Mr. Snow advised that the program could probably be presented to Grade 9 and 10 students, however, it is felt that most of them follow the lead of the older students. As a result, it is felt more appropriate to deal initially with the students in Grades 11 through 13. 5. DOPWR 94-60 -On-Street Parking - Forest Hill Drive The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the east side of Forest Hill Drive from Fischer-Hallman Road to Hickory Heights Crescent, Monday through Friday. This prohibition is being recommended to overcome parking problems created by staff and students attending Forest Heights Collegiate. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the east side of Forest Hill Drive, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., from Fischer-Hallman Road to Hickory Heights Crescent, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6.Curb & Gutter - Winslow Drive Councillor M. Wagner advised that there are several residents on Winslow Drive who would like to appear before the Public Works and Transportation Committee regarding this matter. Basically, some of the residents are of the view that the curb and gutter are required to keep people who park in this location while visiting St. Mary's Hospital from encroaching onto the adjacent front 6.Curb & Gutter - Winslow Drive (Cont'd) lawns. The delegations are of the opinion that the City should be paying more than 25% of the costs involved. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 1994 - 73 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Wagner pointed out that the interested parties could not attend this meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and have requested that the matter be deferred to the meeting of the Committee to be held on October 17, 1994. The members of the Committee concurred with this request. 7.Natural Gas Rates Mr. Kevin Bowman appeared before the Committee and advised that Union Gas approached the Ontario Energy Board to recover costs which were incurred primarily as the result of a colder than normal winter during the period of January to March 1994. Instead of approving a permanent rate change, the Energy Board has approved a cost recovery over a short period of time. In this regard, it is being recommended that a surcharge totalling $6.25 be applied to all of the residential consumers within the City of Kitchener. When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. T. McKay advised that the total impact of this ruling on the City of Kitchener is $400,000.00 which could be absorbed by the Utility. In this regard, however, it was noted that $2,000,000.00 to $2,500,000.00 has already been taken from the Utilities surplus and applied to the Tax Stabilization Fund, which will benefit all City taxpayers in 1995. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, effective October 1, 1994, natural gas rates in the City of Kitchener will be modified consistent with the presentation made to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on October 3, 1994, and in accordance with the recent ruling of the Ontario Energy Board." 8. Natural Gas Distribution - Emerqenc¥ Plan Councillor M. Wagner advised that he is still awaiting a report outlining what, if any, testing is done to ensure the continuous flow of natural gas during emergency situations. This matter will be referred to Mr. Kovacs and he will be asked to reply to Councillor Wagner in this regard. 9.Tender T94-66 - Hiqhwa¥ Coarse Salt - Salt Usaqe Mr. L. Gordon, Manager of Purchasing, provided an informational report indicating the following usage of salt by the City of Kitchener over the last 4 years: 1990 16,050 Metric Tonnes 1991 22,290 Metric Tonnes 1992 19,000 Metric Tonnes 1993 20,130 Metric Tonnes. 10.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk