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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1993-08-16PWTC\1993-08-16 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 16, 1993 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Smola with the following members present: Mayor D.V. Cardillo, Alderman M. Wagner, Alderman T. Galloway, Alderman G. Lorentz and Alderman C. Weylie. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting after its commencement. Others Present: Messrs. T. McKay, J. Wallace, D. Snow, S. Gyorffy, D. Mansell, B. Liddle, D. Suzuki and L.W. Neil. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:35 a.m. 1. DOPWR 93-39 - Review of All-Way Stop Sign Controls and Warrants The Committee considered a report which recommends that all-way stop controls only be installed at intersections where the Warrants are fulfilled and based on sound engineering principles. A video was shown illustrating that vehicles normally do not come to a complete stop at certain all-way stop intersections. The example used was the intersection at Blackwell Drive and Trailview Drive. This information was provided as background to the recommendation in this report and recommendations for all-way stops at two intersections that are being considered this date. Mr. D. Snow pointed out that an all-way stop at the intersection of Forest Hill Drive and Warren Road would not rectify the accident problems experienced on curves located on Forest Hill Drive. Alderman M. Wagner questioned why certain all-way stops were being retained when there was only 5% compliance. Alderman C. Weylie recommended that all-way stops be taken out of the 5 existing locations listed in the report. Mr. D. Snow suggested that before taking such action, staff should study these unwarranted all-way stop locations. Alderman G. Lorentz suggested that staff should investigate all intersections including signalized intersections that do not meet Warrant criteria and also include a situation on Glasgow Street. In reference to the all-way stops on Blackwell/Trailview, he stated that the stops on Blackwell Drive had been installed to control speed. Alderman M. Wagner commented that speed was an enforcement issue and the Mayor should raise this matter at the Police Commission. Mr. D. Snow noted that there was a lack of police resources to address the problem of speeding which is a Province-wide problem. He pointed out that increased penalties for speeding which include the loss of demerit points and quadrupling of speeding fines have not had an impact within the Province because of lack of policing. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - It was resolved: "That all-way stop controls only be installed at intersections where the Warrants as set out in the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices are fulfilled and based on sound traffic engineering principles." 2.DOPWR 93-36 -On-Street Parking - Patricia Avenue The Committee considered a report prepared by the Traffic and Parking Division which recommends parking be prohibited on the south side of Patricia Avenue based on the difficulty the Kitchener Fire Department experiences when entering onto Patricia Avenue. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - It was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the south side of Patricia Avenue from a point 50 metres east of Metzloff Drive to a point 111 metres east of Metzloff Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 41 - AUGUST 16, 1993 3.DOPWR 93-37 - Ali-Way Stop - Forest Hill Drive & Warren Road The Committee considered a report which recommends all-way stops be installed at the intersection of Forest Hill Drive and Warren Road and curve warning signs also be installed on Forest Hill Drive between the legs of Deerpark Crescent. The Traffic and Parking Division has carried out a comprehensive traffic study on the portion of Forest Hill Drive between Fischer-Hallman Road and Westmount Road. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - It was resolved: "That an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Forest Hil Drive and Warren Road, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly, and further That curve warning signs and 40 km/h speed tabs be installed on both approaches of the curve on Forest Hill Drive between both intersections of Deerpark Crescent, and further, That the Waterloo Regional Police Service be requested to enforce the existing 50 km/h speed limit on Forest Hill Drive." 4.DOPWR 93-38 - All-Way Stop - Sydney Street & Bedford Road The Committee was advised that City Council requested staff to investigate the implementation of an all-way stop at the intersection of Sydney Street and Bedford Road. The intersection is currently under construction due to the Schneider Creek Sanitary Sewer installation and staff recommend the study be postponed until construction has been finalized and traffic patterns are re-established. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - It was resolved: "That no action be taken at this time on a request to investigate installation of an all-way stop at the intersection of Sydney Street and Bedford Road until construction is completed and this intersection can be studied under normal operating conditions." 5. DOPWR 93-40 - On-Street Parkinq - Lennox Crescent The Committee received a report which indicates that residents of Lennox Crescent are experiencing difficulty when travelling around a curved portion of the Crescent due to legally parked vehicles on the curve. It was noted that the parking was generated as a result of activities at Lynnvalley Park and the lack of on-site parking at the recreational facility. Accordingly, staff recommend a parking prohibition to keep the curved portion of Lennox Crescent clear of parked vehicles. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - It was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the east side of Lennox Crescent from a point 50 metres east of Medford Street to a point 90 metres east of Medford Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6.West Acres Crescent - Local Improvement Work The Committee was in receipt of a report dated June 24, 1993 which was considered by the Committee on July 5th and deferred in order for the staff report to be mailed to affected property owners. Mr. D. Mansell advised the Committee that he had nothing further to add to the report and confirmed that it was sent to the affected property owners who did not respond. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 42 - AUGUST 16, 1993 Alderman G. Lorentz advised that he would like to see the report deferred to a future meeting and, in the meantime, meet with Messrs. D. Mansell and L. Lynch on site to discuss the grade situation. 6.West Acres Crescent - Local Improvement Work (Cont'd) Mr. D. Mansell explained other engineering options that were available at the time of construction for the Committee's information. On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- It was resolved: "That consideration of the June 24th staff report relative to local improvement works on West Acres Crescent be deferred and referred to the meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee scheduled for October 4, 1993." It was requested that Committee members retain their copy of this report and that the full report not be reproduced for the October 4th Committee Agenda. 7. Pre-Grading of Subdivisions The Committee considered a report dated July 16, 1993 from Messrs. D. Mansell and B. Liddle which recommends that the City's Policy Manual be amended to delegate the authority to allow pre- grading of subdivisions from Council to the Commissioner of Public Works. It was noted in the report that since 1986, the Public Works Department has submitted all requests for pre-grading to Council for approval but that since that time the pre-grading requirements of the City have become more refined to a point where all applications are standard practice and reports to Council are exactly the same. Accordingly, based on this situation, staff have recommended revision of the policy. Mr. D. Mansell pointed out that the matter has arisen because of difficulties of obtaining approval as a result of Council's summer meeting schedule. Some discussion took place as to how the policy originally came about and concerns were expressed that heritage dwellings should be taken into account in considering approvals. Also it was noted that the Ward Alderman be kept informed of approvals. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - It was resolved: "That Council amend the City of Kitchener Policy Manual Section 1.655.1 such that Council delegate the authority to allow the pre-grading of subdivisions to the Commissioner of Public Works, in accordance with plans prepared by the Developer's Engineering Consultant and in a manner that is acceptable to the Commissioner of Public Works, subject to and where applicable: -the approval of an archaeological survey by the Regional Archaeologist; -Tree Saving Plan approved by the Departments of Planning and Development and Parks and Recreation; -Erosion and Siltation Control Plans being approved by the Public Works Department and any other applicable regulatory agency; -all areas that will not immediately be used for development purposes will be topsoiled and sodded." 8. Hydrogeological Investigation - Area of Former Coal Gasification Plant - Gaukel Street The Committee was in receipt of a report dated July 22, 1993 from Mr. B. Liddle recommending that funding be included in the 10 Year Capital Forecast for a hydrogeological investigation on City property in the area of the former Coal Gasification Plant formerly located on Gaukel Street between Charles and Joseph Streets. The history of this matter was outlined in the report and it was noted that the Ministry of the Environment has advised that Canada Post is formulating plans for the site and is requesting the City carry out a hydrogeological investigation to determine if there has been any migration of contaminates onto City PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 43 - AUGUST 16, 1993 $. Hydro,qeolo,qical Investiqation (Cont'd) Area of Former Coal Gasification Plant - Gaukel Street property from the Post Office site. The Engineering Division has requested Canada Post provide details and timing of any proposed work at the Gaukel Street site. Alderman G. Lorentz disclosed a conflict of interest and abstained from all discussion as he is employed by Canada Post. Mr. D. Suzuki clarified that several years ago the City had a $200,000.00 budget established for such investigation but because no action was forthcoming from Canada Post at that time the funding was dropped from the budget process. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this point. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner- It was resolved: "That funding be included in the 10 Year Capital Forecast with consideration for placement in 1994 for a Hydrogeological Investigation on City property in the area of the former Coal Gasification Plant formerly located on Gaukel Street between Charles Street and Joseph Street." Alderman G. Lorentz previously disclosed a conflict of interest and abstained from all discussion and voting on this matter as he is employed by Canada Post. 9.Bens Report Update The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated August 9, 1993 from Mr. S. Gyorffy providing an update with respect to work undertaken to date in implementing the recommendations of the Bens Report. It was noted that most of the recommendations in the Bens Report have been implemented in full or in part, subject to budget limitations. Mr. Gyorffy listed the progress in his report that has been made with respect to implementing the recommendations of the Bens Report. 10.Street Corners - New Curbinq For its information, the Committee was advised of a letter received by Mr. L. Lynch that expresses thanks to the City for its program to reconstruct curbs at numerous intersections to facilitate wheelchair access. 11 .Projects in Proqress The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated August 11, 1993 from Mr. D. Suzuki providing reports for information purposes from 3 Divisions of the Public Works Department which lists projects that are currently in progress. In reference to work taking place on Sydney Street in connection with the Schneider Creek Trunk Sewer, the Committee was advised that residents have been very satisfied with the manner in which the work has proceeded. At this time, Alderman J. Smola, Chairman, vacated the Chair which was assumed by Alderman M. Wagner, Vice-Chairman to consider a matter which Alderman Smola wished to address. 12.Request for New Sidewalk Installation alonq the Schaefer Park Frontaqe on Bloominqdale Road A letter was distributed dated August 11, 1993 from Alderman J. Smola requesting approval of a new sidewalk along the Schaefer Park property on the Bloomingdale Road right-of-way. Background relative to the request was included in his letter and he requested that the cost details contained in the letter be revised from $9,500.00 to $12,600.00. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 44 - AUGUST 16, 1993 2.Request for New Sidewalk Installation alonq the Schaefer Park Frontaqe on Bloominqdale Road (Cont'd) The Committee discussed the merit of the request as it relates to prioritization and appropriate source of funding to construct the sidewalk since Alderman Smola was requesting that this capital expenditure be paid for out of the Concrete Sidewalk Repair Budget. Some members of the Committee expressed concern over the proposal and its source of funding. Mr. B. Liddle advised that, at this time, staff would not have expended the Sidewalk Repair Budget. Alderman J. Smola advised that this strip of frontage is ploughed by the City in the winter and is hazardous for pedestrians and that it would be prudent to install the sidewalk as soon as possible. Following further discussion, it was resolved: "That we authorize the construction of a concrete sidewalk on Bloomingdale Road along the Schaefer Park property frontage, and further, That the cost of the project be funded from the Concrete Sidewalk Repair Budget with installation being completed by September 30, 1993." Mayor D.V. Cardillo requested that a report be obtained on the estimated number of pedestrians utilizing this area of Bloomingdale Road. 13.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk