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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1993-01-18PWTC\1993-01-18 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 18, 1993 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Smola with all members present. His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo, Alderman G. Lorentz and Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting following its commencement. Others Present: Alderman M. Yantzi, Ms. N. Voll and Messrs. T. McKay, S. Gyorffy, J. Webster, L. Lynch, W. Beck, D. Collie, D. Snow, B. Liddle, D. Suzuki, E. Kovacs, F. Graham, J. Wallace and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:05 a.m. 1 .DOTR 93-1 - Traffic Control - STANLEY PARK WARD The Committee considered a report prepared by the Traffic and Parking Division which recommends that stop controls be installed at both intersections of Rosemount Drive at Elkington Drive; on Sherwood Avenue at Rosemount Drive; on Applewood Avenue at Monterey Road; and on Tanglewood Avenue at Burlington Drive. It is also recommended that the existing yield sign on Burlington Drive at Rosemount Drive be upgraded to a stop control sign. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - It was resolved: "That stop controls be installed at the following intersections: Rosemount Drive at Elkington Drive (both intersections), Sherwood Avenue at Rosemount Drive, Applewood Avenue at Monterey Road, and Tanglewood Avenue at Burlington Drive, and further, That the yield sign be upgraded to a stop control sign at the intersection of Burlington Drive and Rosemount Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2.DOTR 93-2 - Stop Control - Goodrich Drive & Wilson Avenue The Committee considered a report which recommends that a stop control be installed on Goodrich Drive at Wilson Avenue. The stop control is being recommended in an attempt to overcome the increase in collisions which have taken place at this intersection. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - It was resolved: "That a stop control be installed at the intersection of Goodrich Drive and Wilson Avenue, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3.DOTR 93-3 - Traffic & Parkinq Control Plan - Victoria Park - CHYM Skatinq Party and Similar Events The Committee was advised that the City of Kitchener - CHYM Skating Party is scheduled to be held in Victoria Park on January 31, 1993. In the past, this event and those of a similar nature such as the Multicultural Festival have created traffic and parking concerns within the general area of the park. These problems have been discussed at a staff level and it is felt that the best method of control would be to keep traffic out of the park area. As a result, emergency "No Parking" signs will be erected on Hilda Place, Schneider Avenue, Roland Street, David Street, Richmond Avenue, Water Street and Heins Avenue. The Committee was advised that these parking prohibitions will be strictly enforced. Alderman G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. The Committee was advised that with the elimination of on-street parking in the Victoria Park area, the owners of several parking lots have been contacted and their facilities will be made available particularly for PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -2- JAN UARY 18, 1993 3.DOTR 93-3 - Traffic &Parkinq Control Plan - Victoria Park - CHYM Skatinq Party and Similar Events (Cont'd) the skating party. These facilities, in addition to the existing City facilities, will provide approximately 1,300 parking spaces which will be available to the public. Ms. N. Voll appeared before the Committee and advised that a map will be published in the K-W Record on the Friday before the skating party which will indicate that parking will not be allowed in the park area and will also outline the alternative locations. Staff will also be on hand in the area and will hand out flyers indicating to the public where alternative parking is located. Alderman M. Yantzi referred to the available parking at the Pavilion and questioned whether or not these facilities will be available. It was acknowledged that these facilities will be available to the public. Assurances were given to the Committee that the availability of alternative parking will be well advertised by the promoters prior to the event. His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo entered the meeting at this time. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. F. Graham pointed out that the ice in Victoria Park is not in good shape at the present time and there is a need for cold weather. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - It was resolved: "That the Traffic and Parking Control Plan for Victoria Park Special Events as contained in report DOTR 93-3 and presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on January 18, 1993, be adopted." 4.Video Presentation - Sidewalk Lifter The Committee viewed a video presentation demonstrating a process called "Mud Jacking" which is used to level out pieces of existing sidewalk. This process is an alternative to breaking up and replacing existing sidewalk. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting during this video presentation. 5. Heritage Drive - Temporary Closure The Committee received an informational report regarding the temporary closure of Heritage Drive. At the time the temporary closure was approved staff were directed to meet with Officials of the Waterloo County Board of Education to discuss specific traffic concerns in the area of Crestview Public School and Grand River Collegiate. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that meetings have been held with the Board of Education and the report, as presented, outlines possible improvements at both schools. When questioned by Alderman T. Galloway, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that the Street Closing By-law must still be processed and during this process there will be an opportunity for affected parties to make further presentations to City Council. Once the legal process has been completed then representatives of both sides of the issue will be brought together in an attempt to establish criteria which can be used to measure the success of the temporary closing. 6. Infrastructure Needs Study Mr. E. Kovacs, Director of Utilities, appeared before the Committee and pointed out that in August 1991 Council authorized the commissioning of an Infrastructure Needs Study at an estimated cost of $700,000.00 subject to a 50% grant being received from the Ministry of the Environment. The City has been advised that no monies will be forthcoming from the Ministry and, accordingly, in August 1992 Council authorized that the study could proceed, however, attempts should be made to reduce the costs to $350,000.00 which was the City's original share. 6.Infrastructure Needs Study (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -3- JAN UARY 18, 1993 The Committee was advised that the project has now been totally reviewed and it is felt that $550,000.00 will be required for a study which will lead to a fully functional information system. As a result, it is being recommended that $200,000.00 be taken from the Watermain Swabbing Capital Account to cover the shortfall. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Kovacs gave assurances that taking $200,000.00 from the Swabbing Account will not result in the elimination of any work which would have been undertaken in 1993. Several members of the Committee questioned whether or not this study could be delayed, however, in this regard it was noted that once the program is in place it will be most helpful in the future planning of capital expenditures for all of the City's Operations Divisions. It will allow watermain, sewer and road repair works to be co-ordinated to the best financial advantage of the City. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman G. Lorentz - It was resolved: "That $200,000.00 of capital funds be reallocated from the Watermain Swabbing Account and used towards the completion of an Infrastructure Needs Study, and further, That this reallocation of funds is required to cover the shortfall which was created with the cancellation of Ministry of Environment grants." 7.Market Plan Update Mr. D. Collie, Manager of Customer Relations Marketing for the Utilities Division, appeared before the Committee and pointed out that in November 1989 a Kitchener Utilities Market Plan for Natural Gas had been approved. The intent of this program was to increase the share of natural gas in the market place; to offer customers comparable services to the private sector; and that natural gas programs be self-supporting. Making use of the overhead projector, Mr. Collie then presented information which compares the performance of Kitchener Utilities to the performance of organizations in the private sector. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Collie pointed out that while Kitchener Utilities has moved ahead rapidly, in the water heater business it will no doubt take 3 to 4 years until Kitchener's figures are at the same level as those in the private sector. A general discussion took place regarding the provision of natural gas for vehicles and it was pointed out that filling units are relatively new and, as a result, they are quite expensive to rent. As new products come on the market and there is additional competition it is likely that the cost of home filling units will be reduced. The Committee then discussed the Pioneer Tower Area and it was noted that this area is presently serviced by Union Gas. It was pointed out that in order for this area to be serviced by Kitchener Utilities there would have to be a substantial amount of negotiation. At this time, staff is unable to provide information as to whether or not it is legally or financially feasible to pursue the purchase of the franchise for this area from Union Gas. The staff of the Marketing Section of the Utilities Division were thanked for their efforts in promoting the sale of natural gas and related equipment. 8.Works In Proqress - Utilities Division For information purposes, the Committee received a report advising that the installation of the watermain on Joseph Street has now been substantially completed, including the surfacing of the street. 9.Transportation Accessibility Implementation Plan Mr. W. Beck, Director of Transit, appeared before the Committee and advised that the Ministry of PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -4- JAN UARY 18, 1993 Transportation will be requiring all municipalities to enter into a Strategic Accessibility Implementation Plan Agreement regarding the provision of accessible public transportation. Such an agreement must be in place by January 1994 in order for the City to receive normal Ministry funding after that date. The report, as presented to the Committee, provided information regarding several programs which are presently underway which make Kitchener Transit more accessible, however, it is realized that a more concerted effort is required. In this regard, it is suggested that an Accessi- bility Implementation Plan Committee be established to identify the transportation needs of the physically challenged; to develop a strategy to reasonably meet these needs over a specified period of time; and, finally, to develop an Accessibility Implementation Plan by December 1993 and enter into the required agreement with Province by January 1994. The report, as considered by the Committee, recommended the appointment of an Accessibility Implementation Plan Committee which would report to the Public Works and Transportation Committee. This sub-committee would consist of 1 or 2 members of Kitchener Council, 1 member of Waterloo Council, the Chairman of Project Lift Inc., 1 wheelchair user, 1 representative of a Senior Citizens organization and 1 physical therapist. It was noted that, in addition to the Committee, there would be a working group made up of staff members from both the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman M. Wagner - It was resolved: "That the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener support the formation of an Accessibility Implementation Plan Committee and appoint Alderman M. Wagner as their representative in this regard." 10.Sandinq/Saltinq of Bus Stops In reply to concerns expressed by Alderman G. Lorentz regarding damage that salt causes to grass at bus stop locations the Committee received a report which recommends that only pickled sand be used at these locations for ice control. Pickled sand is sand with approximately 10% salt mixed in which is used to assist traction on slippery surfaces. It was also noted that this is a cost effective way to proceed. On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- It was resolved: "That only 'pickled sand' be used for ice control at bus stop locations that lack asphalt or concrete pads." 11 .Reqional Municipality of Waterloo - Winter Road Maintenance Alderman T. Galloway expressed concern that the winter maintenance of Regional roads may be reduced because of budget cuts at the Regional level. In this regard, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that it is his understanding that there will be approximately a 10% budget cut, however, it is anticipated that the services to be reduced will be in the areas of street sweeping during the summer months. Mr. Gyorffy noted that specific information has not been received from the Region, however, this will be made available to the Committee as soon as possible. 12.City Vehicles - Idlinq Policy Alderman G. Lorentz advised the Committee that he has personal knowledge that the City's Idling Policy is being abused. In this regard, he requested appropriate Commissioners to ensure that their staff are informed of and comply with the existing policy. 13. Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -5- JAN UARY 18, 1993 L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk