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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1993-07-05PWTC\1993-07-05 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 5, 1993 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Smola with all members present. Others Present: Alderman B. Stortz, Ms. L. Balfour, and Messrs. T. McKay, F. Graham, R. Freeborn, B. Liddle, J. Wallace, D. Snow, D. Mansell, L. Lynch, J. McBride, J. Cicuttin, S. Gyorffy, M. Seiling, and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:45 a.m. 1. DOPWR 93-34 - Public Lane - South of Charles Street, between Ottawa Sydney Street Street and Alderman M. Wagner advised the Committee that there is a public lane running between Ottawa Street and Sydney Street between the properties fronting onto Charles Street and Maurice Street. The residents abutting this lane have requested that lighting be installed and that signage be erected to indicate that this lane is used as a play area by the children of the neighbourhood. It was noted that there are no parks in this general area of the City. Mrs. J. Lorentz appeared before the Committee and advised that there are many young children in this neighbourhood and the lane is used as a play area. It was noted that the lane is not maintained; however, by law it is labelled as a public highway. It is also used as a short cut by some motorists. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that the basis of the request is to condone the children of the neighbourhood using this public lane as a play area. It was noted that legally this cannot be done. It was also the view of Mr. Snow that anyone using this lane as a short cut is familiar with the area and accordingly erecting signs will not decrease these short cut activities nor increase safety. Alderman G. Lorentz was of the view that appropriate signage should be erected so that motorists are aware that the lane is being used by children. In this regard it was noted that if any signage is to be erected it can only caution motorists to watch for pedestrians. Alderman M. Wagner advised that initially he was opposed to the request as presented; however, following further thought and in light of the fact that there are no parks in this area of the city, he now supports the erection of appropriate signage. On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That the Traffic & Parking Division be instructed to erect "Watch For Pedestrians" signage on the public lane running between Ottawa Street South and Sydney Street South and located to the rear of the properties on Charles Street and Maurice Street." Following the consideration of this matter, Alderman M. Wagner suggested that staff should be looking at all lanes in the four downtown wards. This review should be undertaken to determine the existing and potential uses of these lanes. In this regard Mr. D. Snow pointed out that such a review is undertaken by staff periodically and particularly if the use of a public lane is involved in a development proposal. It was noted however that there are often objections to having lanes closed even though they may not be actively used. It was agreed that Mr. Snow would coordinate the preparation of a report regarding existing and potential uses for lanes in the four downtown wards. This report will be presented to the Committee for consideration at a future meeting. 2.Water Pondinq - 642 Westheiqhts Drive Mrs. F. Matos appeared before the Committee and outlined the steps which have been taken in the past in an attempt to resolve water ponding problems at 642 Westheights Drive. It was the view of Mrs. Matos that water discharged by sump pumps on adjacent properties and normal rainfall PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 34 - J U LY 5, 1993 2.Water Pondinq - 642 Westheiqhts Drive (Cont'd) cause a water accumulation which makes her rear yard unusable for a good part of the year. Alderman G. Lorentz pointed out that once a drainage problem in this area was identified it was suggested that it would be resolved by the installation of sump pumps. Obviously there is still a problem at 642 Westheights Drive which must be corrected. The Committee considered a report prepared by the Building Division which recommends that up to $2,300 be spent to install a sub surface drain which will overcome the existing pending problems. Alderman Lerentz indicated that he and the property owners involved support the recommended course of action. On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That up to $2,300 be taken from the Storm Drain Connection Fund and used to install a sub surface drain to overcome the water pending problems at 642 Westheights Drive." 3.DOPWR 93-26 - Restructurinq of Parkinq in Downtown Kitchener The Committee received a report containing recommendations regarding the restructuring of parking in the downtown area. The report as presented also contained some optional changes which if implemented would result in increased savings and/or revenues but in some cases would have implementation costs. Ms. Nancy Brawley appeared before the Committee on behalf of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association and indicated her opposition to the optional changes which would result in a $1.00 flat rate parking fee at all meters after 7:00 p.m. Ms. Brawley also was opposed to a $1.00 flat fee for three hours of parking. It was the view of Ms. Brawley that it would be inappropriate to charge for parking in the downtown area during the evening hours. It is also felt that the one hour free parking program must be maintained. In this regard it was suggested that the number of people using the downtown parking facilities may decrease if the one hour free parking is eliminated. Alderman B. Stortz supported the recommended changes as contained in the report and suggested that they should be proceeded with immediately. Alderman Stertz also suggested that consideration be given to providing a period of grace prior to when a parking ticket is actually issued. It was suggested that this would improve the image of the downtown area from a public relations point of view. Alderman Stortz referred to the $1.00 flat fee for three hours of parking and suggested that it is unlikely that this would keep people in the downtown area for a longer period of time. It was suggested that most people come to the downtown area for a specific purpose; however, this may not be the case if the one hour free parking is discontinued. Mr. J. McBride advised the Committee that a one time cost of $158,000 will be necessary to install electronic meters if the $1.00 flat fee at meters after 7:00 p.m. is implemented. A lesser amount of money will be required to upgrade the mechanical meters for the other rate increases which are being recommended. Following further discussion and on motion by his worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That Lot No. 1 provide cashier operated functions from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and a flat fee exit of $1.00 per vehicle between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., Monday to Saturday inclusive, and further, That the Duke/Ontario Garage and City Hall Garage provide cashier operated functions from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and a flat fee exit of $1.00 per vehicle between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., Monday to Saturday inclusive, and further, 3.DOPWR 93-26 - Restructurinq of Parkinq in Downtown Kitchener (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 35 - J U LY 5, 1993 That the Market Garage provide cashier operated functions from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a flat fee exit of $1.00 per vehicle between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday to Friday and that cashier operated functions be provided from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a flat fee exit of $1.00 per vehicle between 7:00 p.m. and midnight on Saturday, and further, That Lot No. 19 provide cashier operated functions from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a flat fee exit of $1.00 per vehicle between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.n., Monday to Friday and all day Saturday except for Theatre performances, and further, That each fee increment in cashier operated facilities be increased $.05 to offset the impact of the PST, and further, That the Theatre rate at Lot No. 19 be increased to $3.25 per vehicle during Theatre performances, and further, That special event parking in the Market Garage which occurs after 7:00 p.m., be offered to the promoters of the event at either a rate of $200 for the event or $1.00 per exiting vehicle, and further, That all metered and pay and display parking lots and on-street metered spaces located within the core, which currently have a rate of $1.00 per hour, be increased to $1.25 per hour, and further, That all metered parking lots and on-street metered spaces outside the immediate core, which currently have a rate of $.75 per hour, be increased to $1.00 per hour, and further, That the changes in the cashier operated lots take effect at the time of the opening of the City Hall Garage and that the changes in the metered parking lots and on-street metered spaces take place as quickly as possible given the availability of the necessary components, and further, That Provincial Sales Tax be charged on all monthly parking fees effective July 1, 1993, and further, That Council approve an overexpenditure in the amount of $68,000 to finance the conversion of the mechanical parking meter mechanisms and the purchase of coin units and bill changers for the cashier operated facilities, and further, That the daily maximum fee in Lot No. 22 be increased from $4.00 to $5.00 per day effective immediately, and further, That the monthly parking fee in Lot No. 5 be decreased from $45.00 to $35.00 per month effective immediately." On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That the parking rates at cashier attended lots be increased by $.05 per increment and further, That the parking meter rates in outlying areas be increased and further, That the question of Council making a contribution to the first hour free parking program be referred to the 1994 Budget considerations." The members of the Committee agreed that the installation of electronic meters should be phased in over a number of years and accordingly this matter was referred to staff to work out the required details. 4.DOPWR 93-30 -On-Street Parkinq - Union Boulevard The Committee considered a report which indicates that parking is presently permitted on the west side of Union Boulevard between Park Street and the Grand River Railway Crossing for a maximum period of three 4.DOPWR 93-30 On-Street Parkinq Union Boulevard PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 36 - J U LY 5, 1993 (Cont'd) hours. It is being recommended that this maximum period be decreased to two hours. On motion by his worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the three (3) hour time limit on the west side of Union Boulevard, between Park Street and the Grand River Railway Crossing be reduced to two (2) hours, and further, that the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5.DOPWR 93-32 - Impacts of Bill 25 Alderman G. Lorentz declared a conflict of interest in regard to this matter in that he is employed by Canada Post and abstained from all discussion and did not vote. Mr. J. McBride appeared before the Committee and advised that with the enactment of Bill 25 the Province has amended the way in which unpaid parking infraction notices will be processed. The intent of this legislation is to remove the processing of parking tickets from the Provincial Court and pass this responsibility on to the local Municipality. It was noted that these changes are mandatory and must be implemented by September 1, 1993. The new process develops an intermediate step between the issuance of a ticket and when a conviction is registered by the Court. This intermediate step requires that a Notice of Impending Conviction be issued by the municipality to remind an individual to either pay their ticket or request a trial. The Committee was advised that Canada Post has an electronic mail process which would allow them to develop the Notice of Impending Conviction notices on behalf of the City. The cost to the City would be approximately $.64 per item. On motion by his worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement satisfactory to the City Solicitor with Canada Post for the issuance of Notices of Impending Conviction." 6. DOPWR 93-33 - Street Party - Ca¥1e¥ Court The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the residents of Cayley Court to hold a street party on Saturday, August 7, 1993 with the rain date being August 8, 1993. On motion by his worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That Cayley Court be closed on Saturday August 7, 1993, with a rain date of Sunday August 8, 1993, for the purpose of a street party and that the appropriate by-law under Section 352 (61) of the Municipal Act be enacted, and further, That the expenditure to accommodate this event be charged to the appropriate account number." 7.DOPWR 93-35 - Road Closure - Glasgow Street between University Avenue and Westhill Drive The Committee was advised that in accordance with direction received on April 27, 1992 steps have been taken to obtain public input regarding the closure of Glasgow Street between University Avenue and Westhill Drive. The Committee was advised that staff have followed the direction as given by this Committee and City Council and it is evident that all parties directly affected have no objection to the proposed closure. 7.DOPWR 93-35 - Road Closure - Glasgow Street between University Avenue and Westhill Drive (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 37 - J U LY 5, 1993 On motion by his worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That Glasgow Street be closed between the westerly limit of Subdivision Plan 30T-88012 Monarch Construction and a point 15 meters east of the easterly driveway of the Stoltz farm at 1241 Glasgow Street, and further, That the Legal department be directed to initiate the required procedures for the formal closing of the above described section of Glasgow Street." 8. Transit Service Chanqes - Route 4 - Glasqow-Guelph This matter was originally considered on June 14, 1993 with changes being recommended to Route 4 - Glasgow-Guelph. Ms. Nancy Palmer appeared before City Council on June 21, 1993 with concerns regarding the additional traffic on Moore Avenue and requested that this matter be reconsidered. It had been indicated that Ms. Palmer would be appearing before the Committee as a delegation; however, she did not attend at this time. Alderman J. Smola indicated that he had some comments to make regarding this matter and in this regard asked Alderman M. Wagner to assume the Chair for this portion of the meeting. Alderman M. Wagner assumed the Chair at this time. Alderman J. Smola pointed out that the staff report indicates that if buses continue to use Waterloo Street they will not be able to meet there existing schedules. There is concern with the affect that bus traffic will have on Moore Avenue particularly because of the congestion which is already caused by traffic in and around the existing school. It was the view of Alderman Smola that this congestion will also create delays for the transit vehicles. Alderman Smola also expressed concern about the removal of the bus route on Weber Street in front to the old Uniroyal Goodrich operation. This building has been sold to Custom Trim who will be employing approximately 500 employees. With the route changes as proposed these employees will have to walk approximately ten minutes to reach the closest bus stop. It was also pointed out by Alderman Smola that a government agency will be using part of the offices at this Weber Street location and public transit should be maintained to provide accessibility. Alderman Smola was of the view that all existing bus routes should be circumstances in the area have changed and transit revenues may improve. that this entire matter could be reviewed again in approximately one year. maintained since It was suggested Mr. J. Cicuttin appeared before the Committee and pointed out that Route 4 - Guelph has been a poor performer for a number of years and it also duplicates other routes already in the area. The original staff proposal was to eliminate this route completely; however, following further consideration it was decided to maintain a reduced level of service which would result in an annual savings of approximately $140,000. In regard to the Custom Trim Operation, Mr. Cicuttin pointed out if demands warrant, a special trip service can be developed to accommodate the peak ridership periods. Alderman G. Lorentz questioned the impact of maintaining the new proposed route except that Waterloo Street would be used rather than Moore Avenue. In this regard, Mr. Cicuttin pointed out that from a scheduling point of view a change of this nature would also require reductions of service in the Glasgow Street area during the evening hours. Alderman J. Ziegler suggested that the problems caused by using Waterloo Street are apparently worse than the problems on Moore Avenue and 8. Transit Service Chanqes - Route 4 - Glasqow-Guelph (Cont'd) suggested that the staff proposal be adopted for a trial period with a further evaluation at the end of a six month period. Alderman J. Smola indicated that he does not believe that the situation on Moore Avenue will be any PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 38 - J U LY 5, 1993 better than it is on Waterloo Street and he reiterated the need for a bus route on Weber Street to accommodate the people wishing to reach the new government agency. A motion was introduced by Alderman Smola to reject the route changes to Route 4 - Glasgow- Guelph. This motion was put to a vote and was DEFEATED. On motion by Alderman J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the proposed Transit Service Changes regarding Route 4 - Glasgow and Route 4 - Guelph be approved for a trial period of six (6) months, and further, That these changes be further reviewed at the conclusion of this trial period." Alderman Smola asked that he be noted as being opposed to this resolution. Alderman J. Smola reassumed the Chair at this time. 9.West Acres Crescent - Local Improvement Work Mr. D. Mansell appeared before the Committee and presented a report regarding the above ground municipal services on West Acres Crescent. The report as presented suggests that all necessary steps were taken to ensure than municipal standards were met while at the same time attempting to blend in new homes with existing dwellings. Alderman G. Lorentz agreed with the findings of the report and pointed out that the steps taken in an attempt to save existing trees no doubt created other problems. Alderman Lorentz did note however that the report as prepared was not circulated to the effected property owners prior to this meeting. In this regard it was agreed that further consideration of this report would be deferred to the meeting of the Committee to be held on Monday, August 16, 1993. In the meantime, the Department of Public Works was instructed to circulate the report to the affected property owners. 10. Backyard Drain Connections Mr. S. Gyorffy appeared before the Committee and presented a report which reviews the City's existing policy regarding the provision of backyard drain connections at City expense. On motion by his worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the Commissioner of Public Works be authorized to install storm drain connections to private properties, from the City storm sewer to the property line, to rectify backyard drainage problems, and further, That connections be installed only after a review by City Staff has determined that alternative solutions, such as corrections to lot grading, are not practical, and further, That no connections be provided in cases where property owners have enforceable obligations to the City under Subdivision, Development or other Agreements, and further, That the priorities for installation of connections be determined by the order in which the applications are completed and submitted, in accordance with the City's Standard Drain Application Form, and further, 10. Backyard Drain Connections (Cont'd) That these connections be installed on the basis of available funding in the Public Works Department's annual Operating Budget provided for this purpose." 11 .Projects in Proqress This informational report was received by the committee. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 39 - J U LY 5, 1993 12.Adiournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk