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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1993-05-03PWTC\1993-05-03 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 3, 1993 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Smola with the following members present: Alderman T. Galloway, Alderman M. Wagner and Alderman G. Lorentz. Alderman C. Weylie and Alderman J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. D. Gardner, B. Liddle, S. Gyorffy, B. Musselman, T. McKay, E. Kovacs, D. Collie, D. Suzuki, J. Webster, F. Graham, J. Wallace and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:35 a.m. 1 .DOTR 93-18 - Bicycle Races - Hidden Valley Road The Committee considered a report containing a request from Ziggy's Cycling Club which, if approved, would permit the holding of bicycle races on Hidden Valley Road on June 6 and August 8, 1993. Mr. Richard Payette appeared before the Committee as a property owner on Hidden Valley Road and indicated that he had concerns with the proposed events. Mr. Payette expressed concern about safety issues in that bicycles do no make any noise but, in his opinion, there are times that they reach speeds of approximately 70 kmph. This creates the possibility for a variety of collisions. The report, as presented, suggests that the Regional Police have indicated that speeding cyclists cannot be charged, however, it was the view of Mr. Payette that this is not the case. Mr. Payette also pointed out that the request presently being considered is for two races on June 6 and August 8, 1993. It was pointed out that practice sessions take place on a regular basis and, accordingly, his concerns are ongoing. It was also suggested that other Cycling Clubs may request permission to hold similar events in this area since it would appear to be an excellent venue. It was noted that there are no sidewalks in the area and, accordingly, anyone walking, hiking or jogging must use the public roadway. Again, there are safety problems created when these activities are combined with fast moving bicycles. Mr. Payette suggested to the Committee that with additional residential development taking place within the Hidden Valley area it is only a matter of time until these bicycle races will become inappropriate. In this regard, it may be appropriate for the organizers of these events to find a new location immediately. Alderman G. Lorentz questioned whether or not moving the races to a new location would mean that the Hidden Valley area would no longer be used for practice purposes. It was the view of Mr. Payette that most of the participants like to practice on the actual race course. Alderman C. Weylie entered the meeting at this time. Alderman M. Wagner pointed out that one of the mandates of the Twin City Cycling Committee is to look after the needs of all cyclists including those who wish to race. Mr. Arnold Stoll appeared before the Committee representing Ziggy's Cycling Club. It was noted that this is one of the fastest growing Cycling Clubs in the Country with all monies raised from events such as the proposed races going back into the Club for other activities. Mr. Stoll pointed out that the set practice times for members of the Club is from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. every Tuesday. It was acknowledged, however, that there are people using the Hidden Valley area for practice purposes on a regular basis. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Stoll pointed out that the average speed around the Hidden Valley course would be between 45 and 50 kmph. It was suggested that the highest speed would be in the area of 70 kmph. The Committee was advised that the Hidden Valley course has open stretches and hill climbs and is PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 21 - MAY 3, 1993 one of the most challenging in Ontario. When questioned by Alderman M. Wagner, Mr. Stoll advised that the Club 1 .DOTR 93-18 - Bicycle Races - Hidden Valley Road (Cont'd) was prepared to do whatever it could to improve the situation and would locate marshalls on the course during any official practices. It was suggested, however, that the Club could not accept the responsibility for posting marshalls every time the street may be in use. Mr. Stoll pointed out that Mr. Payette's main concerns seem to deal with the amount of practice that takes place in the Hidden Valley area. Again, it was pointed out that Tuesday nights is the scheduled training time for members of the Club, however, it would seem to be inappropriate that this Club should be expected to provide controls for activities that happen at all other times. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. When questioned by Alderman G. Lorentz, Mr. Stoll suggested that, even if the two requested race dates are not approved, the Hidden Valley area will continue to be extensively used for practice purposes. Again, it was noted that the Hidden Valley area is excellent for training and racing. Alderman C. Weylie questioned whether or not the Club has considered using heritage roads for racing purposes. In this regard, it was noted that many of these roads have a gravel surface which is not appropriate for bicycle racing. Mr. D. Gardner advised the Committee that in his discussions with the Regional Police he was advised that since bicycles are not a motorized vehicle they cannot be charged with speeding. The members of the Committee agreed that clarification was required in this regard since it would appear that two different stories are being received from the Police Department. Mr. J. Wallace expressed concerns particularly if someone should be hurt during the conducting of these events. When questioned by Mr. Wallace, Mr. Stoll advised that the Club has $2,000,000.00 of liability insurance and the City is named in the policy. Alderman M. Wagner suggested that if the races were not approved the Hidden Valley area would still be used for practice purposes and, in his view, it was inappropriate to let one person or a group of people stop an event which is considered to be generally good for the municipality. Alderman Lorentz, however, was of the view that no more than two races per year should be permitted within the area and staff should be directed to come up with a policy in this regard. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner- it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener approve bicycle Sunday, August 8, 1993 subject insurance policy in effect contains races on Hidden Valley Road on Sunday, June 6 and to the event organizers providing verification that the appropriate indemnification clauses." The members of the Committee indicated to staff that they would like to receive a report with information from the Waterloo Regional Police indicating whether or not speeding bicyclists can be charged. Staff were also directed to develop a policy outlining how bicycle races can be organized and controlled within the City. 2.DOTR 93-13 - On-Street Parkinq - McGee Avenue The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the south side of McGee Avenue from Ottawa Street to a point 66 metres west. There is a curve on McGee Avenue where parking is presently permitted, however, this parking is creating a number of problems. These problems will be eliminated with the proposed parking prohibition. 2.DOTR 93-13 - On-Street Parkinq - McGee Avenue (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 22 - MAY 3, 1993 On motion by Alderman M. Wagner- it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the south side of McGee Avenue from Ottawa Street to a point 66 metres west thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3.Water Efficiency Project Mr. D. Collie appeared before the Committee and presented a report on the recently completed Residential Water Efficiency Project for the City of Kitchener. It was noted that this project was undertaken in co-operation with the Region. Mr. Collie advised the Committee that the original Retrofit Program was basically ineffective in achieving a sustainable water use reduction. As a result, a pilot project was undertaken in an attempt to come up with a more effective and permanent approach to the water usage problem. It was noted that under the pilot project water usage reductions of up to 30% were achieved and the ultra Iow flush toilets played a large role in this regard. It was also noted that the automatic meter reading devices provide very early leak detection which also leads to significant reductions in water usage. Mr. Collie and his staff were congratulated for their efforts in carrying out the pilot project and resulting conclusions and recommendations. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Kitchener Utilities work with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to develop a permanent City or Region-wide Water Efficiency Program which may include the replacement of existing toilets with ultra Iow flush toilets; the inclusion of water efficient showerheads and faucet aerators; and, the repayment of installation costs based upon established average savings or predetermined quarterly fixed dollar amounts." 4.1994 Reqional Road Maintenance Budqet The Committee received a report from Mr. S. Gyorffy outlining the implications to the City of Kitchener as the result of budget and service level reductions at the Regional level. The report, as presented to the Committee, contained information in the areas of machine sweeping, shoulder maintenance and winter maintenance. When questioned by Alderman G. Galloway, staff pointed out that unless the Regional Municipality directs that the existing standards are to be lowered the existing service levels will be maintained. 5.Projects in Proqress - Enqineerinq and Operations Divisions The members of the Committee received this informational report. Alderman G. Lorentz requested information regarding those locations at which wheelchair ramps will be installed. Staff undertook to provide this information to Alderman Lorentz. 6.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk