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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1993-10-18PWTC\1993-10-18 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 18, 1993 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor J. Smola with all members present. Others Present: Councillor B. Stortz, Councillor C. Zehr and Messrs. T. McKay, W. Beck, R. Freeborn, D. Suzuki, B. Liddle, E. Kovacs, D. Collie, D. Snow, S. Gyorffy, O. den Ouden, J. Gazzola and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:40 a.m. 1. Bus Shelter Advertising Program The Committee was advised that in 1983 the City entered into a 10 year agreement with Gould Outdoor Advertising to supply, install, maintain and sell advertising for up to 10 bus shelters. Similar 10 year agreements were also entered into in 1984, 1985 and 1986 for 10 additional shelters in each of these years. The first of these agreements is now up for renewal and Gould Outdoor Advertising has agreed that, if the first agreement is renewed for a period of 4 years, then each of the additional 3 agreements can be consolidated to expire at the same time. Mr. D. Clark appeared before the Committee representing Gould Outdoor Advertising in support of the recommendation being presented. Councillor B. Stortz questioned whether or not the City's Purchasing By-law would require this matter to go to public tender. In this regard, it was pointed out that due to the unique circumstances it is felt that it would be advantageous to the City to take steps which would result in all existing agreements being consolidated and expiring in late 1997. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. W. Beck pointed out that when the Bus Shelter Advertising Program was commenced it was a unique undertaking and, accordingly, it is his understanding that contracts were drawn up in such a manner so that the City could deal with any adverse public reaction that may be received. Mr. T. McKay also advised the Committee that while the Purchasing By-law does give direction it can be circumvented with the approval of City Council. In this particular instance, it was pointed out that no contract renewal has been signed and, accordingly, if City Council wishes to go to tender for 10 bus shelters they can certainly instruct that this be done. Mr. R. Freeborn pointed out to the Committee that the existing contract does contain a clause giving Gould Outdoor Advertising the option to re-negotiate a new contract. During the initial discussions regarding a possible renewal Gould Outdoor Advertising advised that, as well as consolidating all existing agreements, there would also be revenues payable to the City. It was noted that Gould Outdoor Advertising are well aware that in 4 years this matter will likely go to public tender. Councillor G. Lorentz pointed out that Council has extended contracts for other services in the past and, in this regard, used the Garbage Contract as an example. It is the view of Councillor Lorentz that the consolidation of existing contracts is the appropriate way to proceed and ultimately the City can put the entire matter out to public tender. Councillor J. Ziegler also indicated his support for the staff recommendation because it will consolidate existing contracts and ultimately allow for the tender process to be utilized. Councillor C. Zehr suggested that one alternative would be to go with the staff recommendation, however, another alternative would be to go to public tender for the 10 shelters at this time. At the same time, it is possible that the public tender could indicate that additional shelters would become involved over each of the next 3 years. It was the view of Councillor Zehr that this would achieve the same results, however, it may be a better way for the City to proceed financially. His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo and Councillor T. Galloway expressed support for the staff recommendation. Councillor Galloway did question, however, what protection is afforded to the City in regard to the advertising that is erected in the bus shelters. In this regard, Mr. Clark pointed out that the City can veto any transit shelter advertising. 1. Bus Shelter Advertising Program (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 66 - OCTOBER 18, 1993 Mr. T. McKay pointed out that proceeding with the staff recommendation will result in the City receiving revenue from the 40 existing shelters immediately and suggested that from the City's point of view this is the best way to proceed. On motion from Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener enter into a renewal agreement with Gould Outdoor Advertising for the rights to supply, install and maintain bus shelters, and sell the advertising faces on these shelters, and further, That this renewal agreement shall be for a period of 4 years commencing November 1, 1993, and further, That the principals of the current contract shall apply in addition to various agreed to amendments." 2. DOPWR 93-46 - School Bus Loadinq Zone - Heritaqe Drive at Grand River Colleqiate The Committee was advised that the Waterloo County Board of Education has requested that a school bus loading zone be established on Heritage Drive to accommodate three full sized buses. This request has been reviewed by staff and is supported. When questioned by Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that staff does work with both School Boards when requests of this nature are received to ensure that the safety of both school pedestrians and vehicular traffic are not jeopardized. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That a school bus loading zone be established on the south side of Heritage Drive extending from a point 12 metres west of the entrance to Grand River Arena to a point 35 metres east thereof to accommodate a total of three school buses, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3. DOPWR 93-47 - School Bus Loadinq Zone - Forestwood Drive at Meadowlane Public School The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the Waterloo County Board of Education to establish a school bus loading zone on Forestwood Drive to accommodate school buses serving Meadowlane Public School. This request has been considered by staff and is supported. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That a school bus loading zone be established on the south side of Forestwood Drive extending from a point 30 metres west of Glen Park Crescent to a point 43 metres west thereof to accommodate one school bus, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. DOPWR 93-48 - Reqional Municipality of Waterloo - 1994 Roads Proqram and 10 Year Forecast The Committee considered a report regarding the Regional Municipality of Waterloo 1994 Roads Program and 10 Year Forecast. The report as received from the Region outlined changes which have been made in comparison to the 1993 Program. Councillor T. Galloway acknowledged that the widening of Homer Watson Boulevard is the City's number one priority but questioned whether or not 4. DOPWR 93-48 - Reqional Municipality of Waterloo - 1994 Roads Proqram and 10 Year Forecast (Cont'd) the widening of Fairway Road and Bridge Street have been moved ahead in the program. In this regard, PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 67 - OCTOBER 18, 1993 Mr. D. Snow pointed out that no change has been made to timing for the widening of Homer Watson Boulevard and, while the widening of Bridge Street is a City of Waterloo project, it may well be that the timing has been advanced so that this work can coincide with a watermain replacement. It was also suggested that developers may be providing some front-end financing for this particular project. The timing of the Fairway Road project has not been advanced. Councillor G. Lorentz referred to traffic congestion in the Forest Heights area particularly on Fischer- Hallman Road and suggested that this should be a concern of the City of Kitchener. In this regard, it was noted that the City has established priorities for road improvements and these have been passed on to the Region. At the present time, Homer Watson Boulevard is the top priority with the River Road/Fairway Road Corridor being second. The Fischer-Hallman Road improvements are the City's third priority. It was the view of Councillor Lorentz that the City should be providing the Region with their three top priorities for road improvements and not just their number one. Councillor B. Stortz referred to the completion of the ring road in the Cedar-King-Duke area and expressed the view that City Council has directed that this work not proceed. In this regard, Mr. D. Snow pointed out that this particular street improvement will be reviewed by staff and a further report will be made to Council at a later date. Mr. D. Snow referred to comments advanced by Councillor M. Wagner regarding the completion of the Queen/Benton diversion. In this regard, it was noted that the Region has already acquired properties in this area. Councillor J. Ziegler referred to the project dealing with the widening of King Street between Fairway Road and River Road and declared a conflict of interest since he is the owner of abutting lands. Councillor Ziegler indicated that he would be abstaining from all discussion and voting as it relates to this particular project. In regard to the balance of the report, Councillor Ziegler suggested that it would appear that many expenditures have just been put off until future years and it is unlikely that the proposed level of expenditures in those future years are now realistic. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener accept the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's 1994 Roads Program and 10 Year Forecast, as submitted, and further, That, in the event that the new Federal Government introduces an infrastructure program, the City of Kitchener recommends to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo that the Homer Watson Boulevard projects be brought forward as the first priority; the Fairway Road/River Road projects be brought forward as the second priority; and, the Fisher-Hallman Road projects be brought forward as the third priority, under this program." This motion was carried with Councillor J. Ziegler declaring a conflict of interest and abstaining from all discussion and voting in regard to the widening of King Street between Fairway Road and River Road as he is an owner of abutting lands. 5. DOPWR 93-50 - All-Way Stop Control - Chestnut Street at Mansion Street The Committee was reminded that, approximately six months ago, various recommendations were adopted to improve traffic conditions in the Centre Ward. The purpose of the report presently before the Committee is to recommend the installation of an all-way stop control at the intersection of Chestnut Street at Mansion Street. 5. DOPWR 93-50 - All-Way Stop Control - Chestnut Street at Mansion Street (Cont'd) Councillor B. Stortz advised the Committee of his support for the recommendation as contained in the staff report. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 68 - OCTOBER 18, 1993 "That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Chestnut Street at Mansion Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. DOPWR 93-51 - Traffic Control - Bechtel Drive at Doon Villaqe Road The Committee considered a report which recommends that an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Bechtel Drive at Doon Village Road. The report, as presented, also indicates that the Waterloo Regional Police will be requested to continue to enforce the 40 km/h speed limit on Doon Village Road. The Committee was advised that the Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon has also requested that all-way stops be installed at Oregon Drive and Wilfong Drive at their intersections with Doon Village Road. These traffic controls have been considered by staff and are not recommended. Councillor T. Galloway indicated support for the staff report as presented. The Committee was advised that a further letter has been received from Mrs. J. Haalboom on behalf of the Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon indicating that more traffic controls are required in this area of the City. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That an all-way stop control be installed at Bechtel Drive at Doon Village Road, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly, and further, That the Waterloo Regional Police Services be requested to continue to enforce the 40 km/h speed limit on Doon Village Road, and further, That no action be taken on the request for all-way stops at Oregon Drive and Wilfong Drive at Doon Village Road." 7.Natural Gas Rates Mr. D. Collie appeared before the Committee regarding new natural gas rates which have been approved by the Ontario Energy Board and became effective September 1, 1993. It was noted that part of the approval granted by the Ontario Energy Board also included two retroactive adjustments which must be taken into consideration. Staff are recommending that these retroactive adjustments be collected by adding an additional unit charge for the period up to March 31, 1994. When questioned by Councillor C. Zehr, Mr. Collie advised that to the best of his knowledge there is no utility who is not passing on the retroactive increases to its consumers. An information notice outlining the retroactive charges will be included in future gas bills. Mr. J. Gazzola appeared before the Committee and advised that he would like to look at other possible ways of dealing with the retroactive adjustment. In this regard, it was agreed that any suggestion Mr. Gazzola may have will be presented to City Council prior to the October 26, 1993 meeting. 7. Natural Gas Rates (Cont'd) On motion by His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That, effective September 1, 1993, the natural gas rates as approved by the Ontario Energy Board be implemented, and further, That the retroactive adjustment, as approved by the Ontario Energy Board, be applied to future natural gas consumption for all general service customers, not to exceed April 1, 1994, subject to PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 69 - OCTOBER 18, 1993 review and report by the Commissioner of Finance, and further, That the retroactive adjustments for all contract rate customers be applied at the next billing month." 8.Automatic Meter Reading Report - Pilot Project Making use of an overhead projector, Mr. E. Kovacs reviewed the contents of a report regarding automatic meter reading which had been circulated to the members of the Committee as part of the agenda for this meeting. Specifically, Mr. Kovacs referred to the following areas, namely: -current meter reading problems; -corporate considerations; -utility considerations; -pilot project findings; -financing; and, -automatic meter reading. In finalizing his presentation, Mr. Kovacs suggested that existing equipment problems and an unacceptable level of service make it necessary to upgrade our existing equipment and practices. It is suggested that automatic meter reading technology is available and will meet the future requirements of the City and provide a higher level of service to gas and water customers. In conclusion, Mr. Kovacs recommended that an automatic meter reading system be approved, in principle, subject to being fully considered as part of the Capital Budget process. Councillor J. Ziegler pointed out that some time ago he had asked staff to look into a self-reading system which, in his opinion, would be far less costly than an automated system. Councillor Ziegler indicated that he does not like automated systems and there is a large capital cost involved. In this regard, Mr. Kovacs pointed out that very few utilities still use a self-reading system except for cases of emergency. Problems with the use of phone lines to obtain information have been minimal and do not interfere with the customers use of their phone. An automatic system will answer the long term concerns about providing a better level of service to the consumer. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that there are many good reasons to proceed with this project, however, there is a high capital cost in the implementation stage. In this regard, it was questioned as to what the payback period would be. Mr. E. Kovacs suggested that the payback period would be at least 10 years and, in his mind, the new system should not be considered from a purely financial point of view. Meeting the long term goals of the City and the utility should be of more importance. It was also noted that this program would become part of the Capital Budget process and, at that time, it could be thoroughly reviewed. Mr. J. Gazzola suggested to the Committee that, approximately a year and a half ago, he saw an automatic meter reading system in operation and there is no question that it has tremendous advantages. Mr. Gazzola did point out, however, that, at that time, he had carried out an investiga- tion and determined that the payback period would be somewhere in the neighbourhood of 60 years. Some members of the Committee suggested that it may be cheaper to absorb some revenue losses than to implement the automatic meter reading system. For this reason, Councillor J. Ziegler was of the opinion that it was premature to refer this program for consideration during the Capital Budget process. 8.Automatic Meter Reading Report - Pilot Project (Cont'd) Following further consideration and on motion by His Worship Mayor D.V. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That automatic meter reading technology be approved, in principle, for system-wide implementation in both the gas and water utilities, subject to the implementation of such a system being fully considered as part of the Capital Budget deliberations, and further, That, subject to Capital Budget approval, an implementation strategy be developed and approved by the Public Works and Transportation Committee." 9.Winter Maintenance - Review of Operational Improvements PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 70 - OCTOBER 18, 1993 This informational report was attached to the agenda for review by the members of the Committee, 10. Projects In Proqress - Enqineerinq & Operations Divisions This informational report was attached to the agenda for the Committee's review, 11 .Mr. Dave Collie - Resiqnation Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that earlier on this date he had, with regret, accepted the resignation from Mr. Dave Collie. Mr. Collie advised the members of the Committee that he has accepted the position as General Manager at the Halton Hydro Utility. Several members of the Committee and Mr. T. McKay expressed appreciation to Mr. Collie for his work over the number of years. 12.Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk