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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1993-12-06PWTC\1993-12-06 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 6, 1993 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date with all members present. Councillor J. Ziegler and G. Lorentz entered the meeting after its commencement. Others Present: Councillor C. Zehr and Messrs. R. Freeborn, W. Beck, D. Snow, S. Gyorffy, B. Liddle, D. Suzuki, J. O'Rourke, J. Cicuttin, R. Schirm, T. McKay, T. Clancy and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:10 a.m. His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo chaired the first portion of the meeting for the purpose of appointing a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. 1 .Appointment of a Chairman On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Councillor J. Smola be appointed Chairman of the Public Works and Transportation Committee for a one year term expiring November 30, 1994." 2.Appointment of a Vice-Chairman On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That Councillor M. Wagner be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Public Works and Transportation Committee for a one year term expiring November 30, 1994." At the request of Councillor J. Smola, Councillor M. Wagner assumed the Chair for the next portion of the meeting. 3.Transit Route No.8 - Proposed Route Chanqe The Committee received a report which noted that in June of 1993, Route 4 in the Guelph Street area was changed as a cost cutting measure. As a result of the changes, peak period service was eliminated in front of 409 Weber Street. This location was formally occupied by B.F. Goodrich and is now occupied by Custom Trim Ltd. The Canada Employment Centre will move into this location in January 1994. Staff have reviewed this situation and the only Iow cost solution which will result in an acceptable level of bus service to this location is to relocate part of Route 8 from Union Street onto Hartwood Avenue between Margaret Avenue and Weber Street. Mr. J. Dahms appeared before the Committee representing the residents of Hartwood Avenue and advised that 18 of 20 are opposed to the re-routing of buses as proposed. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Dahms pointed out that Hartwood Avenue is presently a quiet residential street and the addition of buses with the noise that they will create is a serious concern. It was also suggested that the surface of Hartwood Avenue is presently deteriorating and the addition of six buses per hour will only accelerate this problem. It was the view of Mr. Dahms that it would be more appropriate to use Guelph Street in any re-routing but it would appear that Transit staff are looking at only the cheapest alternative and are not concerned about the problems which will be created. Councillor J. Smola pointed out that he had opposed the changes to Route 4 in mid-1993 because of the lack of adequate service that would be provided to the Weber Street area. Councillor Smola suggested that Transit vehicles should not be using Hartwood Avenue because it is a quiet residential street. It was the view of Councillor Smola that in order for Custom Trim Ltd. and the Canada Employment Centre to be properly accommodated, Transit service should be returned to Weber Street. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 76 - DECEMBER 6, 1993 3.Transit Route No.8 - Proposed Route Chanqe (Cont'd) When questioned by Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. W. Beck advised that it is physically impossible to use Guelph Street as an alternate route because of turning radius problems. Mr. P. Britton appeared before the Committee representing Custom Trim Ltd. and pointed out that this Company presently employs 450 people. It is anticipated that the Canada Employment Centre will employ 220 employees and will service approximately 4,100 clients on a weekly basis. Mr. Britton pointed out that Custom Trim Ltd. would have preferred to have the original Route 4 maintained but are prepared to support the present staff recommendation to change Route 8. Councillor J. Smola pointed out to the Committee that Custom Trim Ltd. has just stated that they would have preferred to have the original Route 4 maintained because this would have provided a higher level of service. In this regard, it was the view of Councillor Smola that staff should be instructed to go back and revisit this entire matter. In reply to comments by Mr. Beck, Councillor Smola reminded the Committee that there was an indication in mid-1993 that the Canada Employment Centre would be located at 409 Weber Street. This possibility had been presented to the Committee and it had been suggested that Transit service would be required to provide accessibility for the users of this service. Councillor Smola suggested that Transit service is now required but it should not be provided at the expense of the Hartwood Avenue residents. When questioned by Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. Beck advised that existing Transit routes will not provide adequate service to this location during the early morning or late afternoon hours. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That no action be taken on the proposed relocation of Route 8 bus service from Union Street to Hartwood Avenue, and further, That Transit staff be instructed to prepare a report for consideration by the Public Works and Transportation Committee outlining other possible alternatives for the provision of Transit service to the area of 409 Weber Street." Councillor J. Smola assumed the Chair at this time. 4.Transit - Timed Transfer Study The Committee considered a report from Mr. W. Beck, Director of Transit, in which it was noted that the City of Waterloo recently utilized the services of Mr. J.J. Bakker of the University of Alberta to assess the existing Kitchener-Waterloo Transit Agreement and to comment on the overall services being provided. Mr. Beck advised that Mr. Bakker concluded that the existing agreement is fair, the system is well managed and the City of Waterloo should not pursue the idea of running their own bus system. Mr. Bakker also made comments that improvements to the bus transfer system should be further investigated. In this regard, it is being recommended that Mr. Bakker be retained to undertake a Timed Transfer Study. The purpose of such a study is to ensure that transfers are regular in that they take place at the same time, at the same location and are reliable. Mr. Beck pointed out that the estimated cost to undertake this study would be $12,600.00, however, a 75% subsidy will be sought from the Provincial Ministry of Transportation. The balance would be shared by the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. Beck advised that better timed transfers will result in an overall better service and, therefore, better ridership. If this is the case then Transit revenues would increase. 4.Transit - Timed Transfer Study (Cont'd) Councillor C. Weylie referred to the expansion of the Conestoga Mall in North Waterloo and was advised PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 77 - DECEMBER 6, 1993 that the provision of adequate bus service has been taken into account. Councillor C. Zehr referred to a different set of circumstances that do involve Transit service and suggested that a co-operative study be undertaken between the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Project Lift and the two local School Boards to ensure Transit effectiveness. In this regard, Mr. R. Freeborn advised that a letter was recently sent to the City of Waterloo suggesting that, in future, any steps being considered by either municipality to improve Transit service should be pursued jointly. The Committee instructed staff to review areas of possible joint co-operation and, where necessary, provide additional information to the Committee at future meetings. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Mr. J.J. Bakker be retained as a consultant to undertake a Time Transfer Study as outlined in the November 24, 1993 proposal submitted by Mr. Bakker, and further, That, subject to this study being approved by the Ministry of Transportation for Ontario, the estimtated study cost of $12,600.00 be absorbed in the 1994 Transit Division Capital Budget, and further, That the Time Transfer Study be scheduled to commence in January 1994." 5.Transit - Accessibility Implementation Plan The Committee considered a report presented by the Joint Kitchener and Waterloo Accessibility Implementation Plan Committee. The Plan, as presented, was mandated by the Province of Ontario and had to be completed by the end of 1993 to ensure the continuation of financial assistance for Transit from the Province. The Plan, as presented, outlines a mix of strategies designed to achieve a fully integrated and accessible public transit system. The report, as presented, contained a section dealing with Vehicle Design with the objective being to acquire new or to retrofit existing buses to maximize passenger convenience and accessibility. A further suggested objective is to acquire special needs transit vehicles which, again, will maximize passenger accessibility and convenience. Section 2 of the report deals with Service Design and suggests the implementation of cost effective service strategies which maximize mobility for specific transit market segments using appropriate vehicle technology. Section 3 of the report has to do with Urban Design and Land Use Planning and, as an objective, suggests the creation of an urban environment which integrates fully accessible public transit services. Section 4 of the report deals with Employee Training and contains an objective which would ensure that frontline employees provide a high level of customer service to the users of regular and special needs transit through effective training and professional development. A further section of the report deals with Transit Centres and Bus Stop Zones with the objective being to maximize the accessibility, safety, convenience and comfort of Transit Centres and Bus Stop Zones in the Kitchener Transit service area. The final section of the report deals with Marketing and suggests that a proper program must be developed to increase public and user awareness of accessible public transportation and programs which are targeted to specific segments of the transit market. 5.Transit - Accessibility Implementation Plan (Cont'd) In regard to public awareness, Councillor M. Wagner also suggested that a program is required to impress upon residents the importance of them keeping their sidewalks clear of snow during the winter months. It was suggested to the Committee that the entire area of public education is one that needs attention, however, it is something that may not happen as quickly as some would like. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 78 - DECEMBER 6, 1993 Councillor J. Ziegler pointed out that new technologies strive to make buses more accessible, however, in doing so it would appear that the life span of a bus is being decreased from the present 18 years to only 13 or 14 years. Councillor Ziegler suggested that this process will ultimately add capital costs for the City. In this regard, however, Mr. R. Freeborn suggested that, while capital costs increase, it is entirely possible that maintenance costs in the Operating Budgets will decrease because of the fact that the City will have a generally newer Fleet. Mr. R. Shantz appeared before the Committee and expressed the view that additional monies should be provided to Project Lift so that they can put more vehicles on the road. Mr. Shantz expressed the opinion that providing more accessible buses may not be the best way to proceed. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener and City of Waterloo Accessibility Implementation Plan be adopted and implemented, subject to budget approvals, and further, That the Accessibility Implementation Plan, which commits both the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo to follow the strategies as outlined therein, be submitted to the Province of Ontario for approval, and further, That the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener hereby affirms the ongoing role of the Accessibility Implementation Plan Committee to: i)act as an Advisory Body to City Council or the appropriate Standing Committee of Council on accessibility matters; and, ii)promote accessibility awareness amongst the citizens and businesses of Kitchener and Waterloo." 6. DOPWR 93-31 - School Traffic Safety Watch Program This informational report advised members of the Committee that the School Traffic Safety Watch Program was developed to address the safety needs of users of Adult Crossing Guard facilities and school buses. The Committee was advised that a standardized effective procedure has been developed which is now used to educate and, where necessary, charge drivers who commit offences under the Highway Traffic Act as it relates to school buses and Adult Crossing Guards. It was suggested that the program is working well and is a continuation of co-operation between the municipalities, the Region, the School Boards, the school bus operators and the Regional Police. The Committee was advised that if they receive complaints about school bus operators who are creating unnecessary traffic congestion because of the inappropriate use of their bus flashers, these should be reported so that the matter can be reviewed and corrected, if possible. 7. DOPWR 93-53 - School Traffic Safety - Siebert Avenue at Vanier Drive The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the Separate School Board regarding the installation of an Adult Crossing Guard facility at the intersection of Siebert Avenue at Vanier Drive. This request has been investigated by staff and approval is being recommended. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that if approved, this Adult Crossing Guard will be put in place as of January 1994. 7. DOPWR 93-53 - School Traffic Safety - Siebert Avenue at Vanier Drive (Cont'd) On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That an Adult Crossing Guard be established at the intersection of Siebert Avenue at Vanier Drive to assist children on their way to and from Rockway Public School and St. Boniface Separate School." 8. DOPWR 93-54 - On-Street Parking - Doon Village Road The Committee was advised that staff are recommending that six on-street parking spaces be eliminated PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 79 - DECEMBER 6, 1993 on the south side of Doon Village Road near Bechtel Drive to improve safety at this intersection. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That stopping be prohibited on the south side of Doon Village Road from Bechtel Drive to a point 40 metres west thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 9. DOPWR 93-56 - New Years Eve Party - Civic Square The Committee considered a report which recommends that King Street be closed between Ontario Street and Water Street from 8:00 p.m. on December 31, 1993 to 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, January 1, 1994. This will allow for New Years Eve Celebrations in the Civic Square. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. D. Snow advised that extra Police and Security Staff will be on hand for this event. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That King Street be closed to traffic between Water Street and Ontario Street from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 31, 1993 to 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, January 1, 1994 for the purpose of holding a New Years Eve Party, and further, That all costs associated with the closure of King Street be borne by the organizers of the event, and further, That the appropriate by-law under Section 352(61 ) of the Municipal Act be enacted." 10.Voisin Greenway Study The Committee was advised that because of maintenance concerns the Consulting Firms of Triton Engineering Services Ltd. and Harrington and Hoyle had been retained to investigate the existing problems and to provide recommendations for improvements to the Voisin Greenway. This Greenway provides drainage for lands generally located in the area of Fischer-Hallman Road and the Conestoga Parkway. The Committee was advised that various options were considered and it is now being recommended that the channel bottom be lined with rounded stone and the bioengineering approach being used to repair the channel walls. It was pointed out that the required repairs can be done in phases, however, the total cost will be approximately $390,000.00. Mr. R. Shantz appeared representing the Shantz Estate who own a property on Farmbrook Place. Mr. Shantz indicated that he would be opposed to any work that would have a detrimental affect on any of the existing amenities. In this regard, Mr. B. Liddle pointed out that it is not intended to do any work on the Farmbrook Place side of the Greenway. Any work in this area will be on the creek bottom and on the side of the creek opposite Farmbrook Place. Mr. Liddle also pointed out that it is not intended to improve the accessibility to this area so that it could become a public walkway. 10.Voisin Greenway Study (Cont'd) Councillor G. Lorentz indicated support for the option recommended because it would, as far as possible, retain the existing natural state of the area while providing erosion control. It was also noted that in future, if changes are required which would affect the abutting properties, these owners would be so advised. On motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the recommendations as contained in the Voisin Greenway Study as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on December 6, 1993, be accepted, and further, PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 80 - DECEMBER 6, 1993 That funding for these remedial works be considered during the 1995 Capital Budget process." 11 .DOPWR 93-57 - Hiqhway 7 Planninq Study - K-W Expressway Interchanqe The Committee considered a report containing recommendations regarding the development of an interchange between the Expressway and Highway 7. The Committee was advised that there are two concepts to be considered. Concept #1, which is preferred by the Ministry of Transportation, provides for an uninterrupted free flow expressway to expressway facility which will address the long term safety and operational concerns. It was noted, however, that there are major land implications with this concept, in that, commercial property on Victoria Street will be eliminated for the Bruce Street extension and a substantial portion of the Kaufman Footwear property will have to be acquired. This course of action would compromise the ability of Kaufman Footwear to expand their existing operation. Concept #2 provides ingress and egress directly from a signalized intersection and there is concern that this signalization may compromise the safety and operation of the interchange. The Committee was advised that neither of these concepts improve access to the industries to the north on Riverbend Drive. The Committee was advised that, in light of the negative impacts caused by Concept #1, staff are recommending support of Concept #2. Mr. P. Britton appeared before the Committee representing Kaufman Footwear and indicated their support for Concept #2. This concept will have the least impact on the existing and expanded operation. The Committee was advised that if Concept #1 were implemented the consolidation of the Kaufman operation to the Wellington Street site would be placed in jeopardy. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Britton suggested that the approval of Concept #1 may result in his clients having to look for another site which may not be in Kitchener, Ontario or even Canada. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. D. Snow advised that the Ministry of Transportation is well aware of the impact that Concept #1 would have on the expansion plans of Kaufman Footwear, however, he indicated that they may not be aware of the fact that the approval of this concept may cause Kaufman to relocate outside of the Province. In this regard, Mr. Britton pointed out that Kaufman has forwarded a copy of their site plan to the Ministry of Transportation and, accordingly, he would suspect that they are aware of the problems which could be created if Concept #1 were approved. Mr. Britton also pointed out to the Committee that Kaufman Footwear are concerned with their ability to expand but they are also very concerned about the number of jobs within the Region that will be lost if they are required to relocate to another location. Mr. T. McKay advised that he has discussed this entire matter with the Deputy Minister of Economic Development who has indicated a willingness 11 .DOPWR 93-57 - Hiqhway 7 Planninq Study - K-W Expressway Interchanqe to set up a meeting. Mr. McKay suggested that a meeting at the political level is essential so that the impacts of Concept #1 can be submitted to the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Economic Development. When questioned by Councillor T. Galloway, Mr. Britton expressed the view that there were no other lands in the area which could be exchanged with Kaufman Footwear and result in everyone's needs being properly met. Mr. B. Liddle also advised that the development of detailed plans will not result in any great change to the amount of land required to develop the proposed interchange. Mr. T. McKay pointed out to the Committee that all industries on Shirley Avenue will be adversely impacted if Concept #1 is approved. The approval of Concept #1 could result in these industries looking to relocate in the future. Councillor J. Ziegler referred to the fact that Concept #2 could create a dangerous situation because of PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -81 - DECEMBER 6, 1993 traffic at the signals being backed up onto the Expressway. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow advised that there are Freeway Management Systems which can be utilized to minimize or overcome such traffic hazards. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener strongly oppose Concept #1 for the Highway 7/K-W Expressway Interchange and support Concept #2 as the preferred alternative." 12. Utility Cut and Sewer Blockade Rates for 1994 The Committee considered a report outlining 1994 rates for utility cuts and sewer blockades. On motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That, effective January 1, 1994, the schedule of prices for utility cuts and sewer blockades be increased by 2% over 1993 rates." 13.Snow Ploughed onto Sidewalks at Locations Without Boulevards The Committee received an informational report from Mr. J. O'Rourke outlining steps to be taken by residents in those locations where there is no City boulevard and snow is ploughed directly from the roadway onto a sidewalk. 14. Proiects in Progress - Public Works Department These informational reports were considered by the Committee. 15.Street Lighting Lamps The Committee received two informational reports providing information as to the action which should be taken by members of the general public when they observe street and/or walkway lights which are in an on/off cycle. 16.Adiournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk