Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1993-06-14PWTC\1993-06-14 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 14, 1993 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date with the following members present: His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo, Alderman C. Weylie, Alderman T. Galloway, Alderman G. Lorentz and Alderman M. Wagner. Alderman J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. D. Snow, S. Gyorffy, W. Beck, J. Cicuttin, R. Freeborn, B. Liddle, F. Graham, D. Suzuki, J. Webster, E. Kovacs, D. Collie, J. Wallace and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:35 a.m. In the absence of Alderman J. Smola, this meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee was chaired by Alderman M. Wagner. 1 .Special Events - Road Closures Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee of three reports to be considered at this meeting dealing with the closing of various streets to allow for special or neighbourhood events. It was noted that these requests are being received on a more frequent basis and, because of some of the streets involved, there are cost implications to the City to close the streets. Specifically, Mr. Snow referred to the closing of Floral Crescent in regard to the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Rockway Gardens and the closing of Ross Avenue for the purposes of a street party. In both cases, the organizers have been informed that they may be charged for the expenditures involved to carry out the necessary street closings. The estimated cost for the work to close Floral Crescent is approximately $200.00 while the cost of closing Ross Avenue will be about $225.00. Alderman G. Lorentz expressed the view that events of this nature should be encouraged and, accordingly, all possible steps should be taken to eliminate the financial obligations. In this regard, it was the view of Alderman Lorentz that there was no reason why the event organizers could not erect and dismantle the barricades on the date of the event. In this regard, however, it was pointed out that this could create a legal liability for the City, particularly, if detour and road closure signs were not erected properly. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Several members of the Committee expressed support for the possibility of having City crews drop off the appropriate signage the night before the event with the erection and dismantling being undertaken by the various organizing committees. It was suggested that regardless of who erects the barricades there is always the possibility that they will be removed or altered. (a)DOPW 93-24 - Rockwa¥ Gardens - 60th Anniversary Celebration On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That Floral Crescent be closed on Sunday July 25, 1993, for the purpose of a 60th Anniversary Celebration for Rockway Gardens, and that the appropriate by-law under Section 352(61) of the Municipal Act be enacted, and further, That City crews drop off appropriate barricades and signs which will be erected prior to the event and dismantled after its conclusion by the event organizers." (b)DOPW 93-27 - Special Event - Ross Avenue On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That Ross Avenue between Franklin Street North and Wilfred Avenue be closed from 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, 1993 to 9:00 p.m., for the purpose PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 27 - JUNE 14, 1993 1 .Special Events - Road Closures (Cont'd) (b)DOPW 93-27 - Special Event - Ross Avenue (Cont'd) of a Family Style Street Party and that the appropriate by-law under Section 352(61) of the Municipal Act be enacted, and further That City crews drop off appropriate barricades and signs which will be erected prior to the event and dismantled after its conclusion by the event organizers." (c)DOPW 93-29 - Special Event - Pandora Avenue North On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That Pandora Avenue North between Samuel Street and Simeon Street be closed from 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, 1993 to 11:00 p.m., for the purpose of a Street Party with a rain date of Saturday, July 3, 1993 and that the appropriate by-law under Section 352(61) of the Municipal Act be enacted, and further, That City crews drop off appropriate barricades and signs which will be erected prior to the event and dismantled after its conclusion by the event organizers." 2.DOPW 93-19 - U-Turn Prohibition - Gaukel Street The Committee was advised that complaints have been received regarding vehicles making U-turns on Gaukel Street in front of the Transit Centre. Vehicles making U-turns in this area are interfering with the safe operation of Transit vehicles entering and exiting the Terminal. On motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That a U-turn prohibition be implemented on Gaukel Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3.DOPW 93-23 -On-Street Parking - Hillside Drive The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on one side of Hillside Drive. It was noted that parking is presently permitted on both sides of this street and, due to the many curves and narrowness of the roadway, the free flow of traffic is impeded and homeowners encounter difficulty in entering or leaving their driveways. On motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the east/south/west side of Hillside Drive from Cedarhill Crescent to Cedarhill Crescent, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4.DOPW 93-25 - On-Street Parking - Caryndale Drive The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the south side of Caryndale Drive from Biehn Drive to a point 51 metres to the east. It was noted that parking is presently PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 28 - JUNE 14, 1993 4.DOPW 93-25 - On-Street Parking - Caryndale Drive (Cont'd) permitted on both sides of this street for a maximum period of 3 hours with the exception of an extended stopping prohibition which exists in the vicinity of Brigadoon Public School. The parking prohibition will be on a curved portion of the road and will improve the free flow of traffic. On motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the south side of Caryndale Drive from Biehn Drive to a point 51 metres east thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5.DOPW 93-28 - City Hall - Traffic Patterns The Committee considered a report outlining changes to existing traffic control measures which are required as a result of the opening of the new City Hall. Basically, these changes involve changing Young Street and College Street from one way to two way traffic and the moving of a school bus loading zone from Young Street to Duke Street. The Committee was advised that a letter has been received regarding a proposal to redevelop the St. Jerome's High School site and to have Young Street between Duke Street and Weber Street closed. The Committee was advised that this suggested closure is not supported at a staff level. On motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That two way traffic be permitted on Young Street between King Street and Weber Street, and further, That two way traffic be permitted on College Street between King Street and Duke Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law 88-173 be amended accordingly, and further, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to establish a school bus loading zone on the north side of Duke Street between Ontario Street and Young Street, and further, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to undertake the necessary adjustments to the traffic control signals at the intersection of Young Street and Weber Street to accommodate two way traffic on Young Street." 6.Royal Orchard Drive - Sanitary Sewer Flooding Mr. B. Liddle, Director of Engineering, appeared before the Committee regarding his report which was attached to the agenda. For several years there have been flooding problems on Royal Orchard Drive and Red Maple Place and the firm of CH2M Hill Engineering Ltd. was retained to study the situation. In addition to this study, staff recently recommended that site inspections be carried out within this area to determine whether or not there are illegal private connections leading directly into the sanitary sewer. The report presented to the Committee at this time outlines a work program which can be undertaken with monies which have already been placed in the appropriate budgets. When questioned by Alderman G. Lorentz, Mr. Liddle advised that members of Council have not received a full copy of the CH2M Hill Engineering Ltd. report, however, it was noted that some of the recommendations contained in that report would be very costly to implement. Any member of Council wishing to review the Consultant's report can do so by contacting Mr. Liddle. It was noted that residents of the area were not advised of this meeting of the Public Works and PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 29 - JUNE 14, 1993 Transportation Committee and it was noted that at 6.Royal Orchard Drive - Sanitary Sewer Flooding (Cont'd) least some of them will probably want to appear before City Council to voice their concerns. When questioned by Alderman G. Lorentz, Mr. Liddle suggested that it would appear that there could be as many as 200 illegal connections to the sanitary sewer system could be found as the result of the ongoing inspections. It was also noted, however, that this is less than what was originally anticipated. Alderman G. Lorentz suggested to the Committee that what is found in this area could well be the tip of the iceberg because there are likely other areas of the City where clean water is being unnecessarily placed into the sanitary sewer system and processed through the Sewage Treatment Plant at a large cost to the City. Alderman G. Lorentz requested staff to review with the City of Waterloo how they are handling situations of this nature. On motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the Royal Orchard Drive sanitary sewer flooding problem be addressed as follows: (i)a continuing program of eliminating improper private connections to the sanitary sewer system; (ii)a program of maintenance procedures to repair those sections of pipe and manholes where infiltration of groundwater has been identified; (iii) a program to seal all manholes located at Iow points; (iv)installing additional manholes located on Royal Orchard Drive and Sandrock Greenway to improve the hydraulic efficiency; (v)installing backwater valves and sump pumps upon request on those properties identified as having suffered basement flooding; and further, (vi)the sum of $150,000.00 be transferred from sewer surcharge Index #855555 to provide for the increased demand in 1993 for storm drain connections because of (i) above; (vii) that funds for the provision of additional storm drain connections in 1994 be considered during the Capital budget process." 7.Overhead Charges - Sewer Connections The Committee considered a report which recommends that an administrative fee of 15% be applied to all future applications for sewer connections. It was noted that as a result of a KAPS suggestion, it is being recommended to this Committee and City Council that a 15% overhead charge be implemented. It was suggested that this could result in increased revenues of approximately $25,000.00 per year. When questioned by Alderman T. Galloway, assurance was provided that there are presently no other administration fees being charged for this service. On motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That an administrative fee of 15% be applied to all future applications for sewer connections." Alderman J. Ziegler voted against this resolution. 8.Sanitary Sewer - Management System - Implementation Plan PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 30 - JUNE 14, 1993 The Committee considered a report which indicates that funding has been provided in the Capital Budget which will allow for the development of an Implementation Plan leading to a Sanitary Sewer Management System for the City. Once in place, the Sanitary Sewer Management System will enable staff to better plan for ongoing maintenance and reconstruction of the sanitary sewer system. This project will complement work which has already started on the watermain system and the road system. Alderman T. Galloway pointed out that the recommendation suggests that the Consultant Selection Process be waived and that the firm of ITX Technologies Inc. be retained to develop the Implementation Plan at a upset cost of $80,000.00. Alderman Galloway pointed out that there are likely many good reasons to retain ITX to carry out this study, however, he expressed concern that, if they are not required to go through the proposal call process, the City may not be receiving as Iow a price as possible. In this regard, the Committee was advised that there is no other locally owned company who has similar expertise in carrying out the required work program. Several members of the Committee expressed concern regarding the recommended course of action and pointed out that if ITX prepare the Implementation Plan it is also likely that they would be retained for the next phases of this project. Following further discussion and on motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo, it was resolved: "That the Consultant Selection Process be waived and the firm of ITX Technologies Inc. be retained to assist in the implementation of a Sanitary Sewer Management System for the City, and further, That the upset cost for this Implementation Plan will be negotiated by and be satisfactory to the Manager of Purchasing for the City of Kitchener." 9.Natural Gas Vehicles - Marketing Services Agreement - Union Gas Mr. D. Collie appeared before the Committee and advised that for the past 5 years the City has had a Marketing Services Agreement with Union Gas in order to provide Kitchener residents with a refueling station for natural gas vehicles. It was noted that the existing agreement has now expired, however, it is being suggested that it be continued on a year to year basis. The Committee was advised that, under the existing agreement, the City pays Union Gas $950.00 per month and realizes income of approximately $1,500.00 per month. On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "The the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Marketing Services Agreement between the City of Kitchener and Union Gas regarding the provision of a natural gas vehicle filling station." 10.In Progress Report- Watermain Replacements For information purposes, the Committee received a report outlining watermain replacement projects which will be undertaken this year. 11 .Projects in Progress - Engineering Division This informational report was provided to the Committee. 12.Cit¥ of Waterloo - Taxi Proposal Mr. W. Beck appeared before the Committee and pointed out that due to decreased ridership, Kitchener Transit had recommended and Waterloo City Council had agreed to discontinue Route #13 - Beechwood during the summer 12.Cit¥ of Waterloo - Taxi Proposal (Cont'd) months. Following this decision, however, the City of Waterloo approved a demonstration project PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 31 - JUNE 14, 1993 which would allow taxis to operate a fixed demand responsive service to replace the elimination of Route #13 during the summer months. The informational report, as presented to the Committee, outlined the steps which have been taken by Transit staff in regard to this matter. 13.Year to Date Ridership and Revenue This informational report was presented to the Committee. It was noted that for the first time in over a year average weekday ridership increased for a given month, that being the month of May 1993 over May 1992. 14.Transit Service Changes Mr. W. Beck appeared before the Committee and, using various maps, outlined route changes which are being proposed as the result of applying existing service standards. The route changes proposed to the Committee are that Route 4 - Glasgow will be extended to the Westvale Community in Waterloo with evening service ending at 10:30 p.m. rather than midnight. Route 4 - Guelph will be streamlined and operate weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Route 5 - Erb West is a new route which will service the Keatsway and Erbsville residential areas. Route 5 - Westvale will continue to serve the Westvale area. Route 5 - Erb West and Route 5 - Westvale will be combined during off-peak hours. Route 13 - Beechwood will be extended into the Laurelwood Neighbourhood. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the proposed Transit service changes, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on June 14, 1993, regarding Route 4 - Glasgow; Route 4 - Guelph; Route 5 - Erb West; Route 5 - Westvale; and, Route 13 - Beechwood, be approved." 15.Public Lane - Ottawa Street and Sydney Street The Committee was advised that a resident living in the area of a public lane running between Ottawa Street South and Sydney Street has indicated a desire to have various signs and lighting erected on this public lane. Mr. D. Snow, Director of Traffic and Parking Services, was requested to provide a report regarding this matter at the Committee's next meeting. 16.Traffic Lights - Fischer-Hallman Road and Ottawa Street South Alderman T. Galloway expressed concern regarding traffic congestion at the intersection of Ottawa Street South and Fischer-Hallman Road. He questioned whether or not service cutbacks by the Region would delay the installation of traffic signals at this intersection. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that, at the present time, the intersection does not meet the warrants to have traffic signals installed. It was also noted that the installation of traffic signals at this intersection will be extremely costly because of intersection improvements which will be required. 17. Bedford Road Residents Alderman M. Wagner reminded the Committee of a delegation which had attended a meeting several months ago in regard to problems they were experiencing as a result of the storm sewer construction in the area of Bedford Road. This delegation has now indicated that they would like to appear at the next meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee to request financial compensation for their pain, suffering and inconvenience throughout this process. 18.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 32 - JUNE 14, 1993 L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk