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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1992-02-03PWTC\1992-02-03 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 3, 1992 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Smola with the following members present: His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo, Alderman C. Weylie, Alderman T. Galloway, Alderman M. Wagner and Alderman G. Lorentz. Alderman J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. L. Lynch, S. Gyorffy, J. O'Rourke, J. Webster, W. Beck, R. Miller, D. Snow, B. Liddle, T. McKay, D. Suzuki, D. Mansell, B. Gulliver, J. Wallace and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:10 a.m. 1. Kitchener Transit Buses - Recaro Seats Mr. William Mazmanian, President of CBRT Local #304, appeared before the Committee with the suggestion that Recaro bus driver seats be installed in all City buses. It was suggested that this is an excellent seat and many attempts have been made by the Union to have it installed. It was noted that bus drivers sit in a moving vehicle on a daily basis and, as a result, back problems are encountered. It was the view of Mr. Mazmanian that the installation of the Recaro seat would overcome many of these problems. Mr. Mazmanian also referred to a Policy Statement on Health and Safety dated May 1, 1991, signed by His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo and Mr. T. McKay. It was the view of Mr. Mazmanian that this policy statement supports the installation of new bus driver seats. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Mazmanian acknowledged to the Committee that the installation of these new seats would have cost implications, however, it was his view that in the long run the City will receive dividends in that there will be less lost time. Mr. J. Webster, Commissioner of Transportation, advised the Committee that the installation of the Recaro bus driver seat has been the topic of discussion at Labour Management meetings. The installation of this seat has been rejected as of this date. Mr. J. Webster expressed the view that the installation of these seats has not been discussed with the Union Executive. In this regard, Mr. Mazmanian assured the Committee that the installation of these seats has been discussed at various Union meetings. Mr. Webster advised the Committee that Recaro is an air ride seat and air ride seats have been installed in the past with limited acceptance. The Committee was advised that it would cost approximately $361,000.00 to install this seat in all Transit vehicles. The Committee was also advised that at the present time their are only 2 bus drivers who are receiving Workmen's Compensation because of back injuries. When questioned by Alderman G. Lorentz, Mr. Webster advised that in order for an appropriate test to be undertaken at least 20 buses would have to be outfitted with the new seats. In order for all drivers to have an appropriate opportunity to test the new seats, the test period would have to extend for in excess of 1 year. It was also noted that the cost per bus to install the new seat would be approximately $3,500.00. Mr. B. Gulliver appeared before the Committee and advised that one of the problems with the new seats is that there are too many adjustments. For this reason the seats are often not properly adjusted which, in itself, can lead to back problems. The time required to adjust this seat properly is also of concern. Alderman T. Galloway was of the view that there are other agencies and users who have likely tested this type of seating and these test results could be obtained by the City of Kitchener. Mr. T. McKay advised the Committee that Management will continue to gather additional information regarding alternative seats and a year from now there will be more information available regarding the Recaro PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -9- FEBRUARY 3, 1992 1. Kitchener Transit Buses - Recaro Seats (Cont'd) seat because of its use in other areas. In this regard, Alderman G. Lorentz pointed out that a driver survey was undertaken in 1989 and suggested that a similar survey could be undertaken at this time to determine whether or not the existing seats are acceptable to the drivers. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener retain the existing standard National seat or equivalent with a high back feature and lock incorporated on new bus purchases." On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That the Department of Transportation undertake a survey of all bus drivers to obtain their input as to the acceptability of the bus driver seats being utilized at the present time." 2.Driveway Problem - Mr. H. Savich - Barbara Crescent This matter, which deals with the slope of an existing driveway on Barbara Crescent, was originally considered by the Committee on December 9, 1991. At that time, it was suggested that the existing driveway has a slope of approximately 18 degrees while City standards indicate that the maximum slope should not exceed 10 degrees. Mr. James Richard appeared before the Committee and advised that he has been retained to represent Mr. Savich. Mr. Richard pointed out that, as part of an infilling process, a semi- detached dwelling was developed, however, the slope of the driveways have created problems in that under certain weather conditions vehicles parked on the driveway slide out into the street. Mr. Richard noted that a building permit was applied for and issued by the Building and Inspections Division. It would appear, however, that the proposed grades were not taken into account at that time. In this regard, Mr. Richard referred to Chapter 710 of the Municipal Code which deals with the issuance of building permits and outlines that the contour of the lands on which the building is to be erected are to be considered along with the elevations of the adjoining lands. Mr. Richard also suggested to the Committee that when final inspections were undertaken it would appear that the steep slope of the driveway was ignored. A letter of compliance was issued for the development, however, a further letter was also issued which states that the site grading is not acceptable. The Committee was advised that Mr. Savich is prepared to resolve this matter by having his garage floor lowered with appropriate steps being taken to ensure that adequate frost footings are installed. The garage door could be changed by adding one additional panel. The driveway grades would have to be adjusted and certain remedial landscaping would have to be undertaken. The costs involved would be approximately $8,000.00 to $10,000.00. Mr. Richard pointed out that his client is of the view that these costs should be borne by the City of Kitchener. Alderman M. Wagner acknowledged that Mr. Savich is frustrated because of this situation but pointed out that there are others who must share in the responsibility such as K. Behm & Associates, the consulting engineer, the original contractor and, possibly, the original lawyer who looked after this transaction for Mr. Savich. In this regard, Alderman Wagner agreed that the process must be reviewed and the existing problems must be corrected but the question still remains as to who is going to pay the bill. In this regard, Mr. Richard pointed out that he has had discussions with the others involved in this problem and, while some settlements may be possible, it was decided to bring this matter back to the City so that they could further review the situation and hopefully change their mind from the original position which was that no action would be taken. Alderman Wagner pointed out that, from his point of view, no new information has been provided from that which was available when the original recommendation was proposed. 2.Driveway Problem - Mr. H. Savich - Barbara Crescent (Cont'd) Alderman T. Galloway noted that the City is being requested to accept the financial responsibility to PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -10- FEBRUARY 3, 1992 carry out the proposed site corrections and questioned what settlements have been offered by the other people that have been involved. In this regard, Mr. Richard pointed out that, while discussions have taken place, nothing has been finalized. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. J. Wallace noted that when this matter was originally considered staff had pointed out that the existing driveway can be safely used for the parking of 2 vehicles if one vehicle is parked in the garage and the other is parked up close to the garage door. The problem of a vehicle sliding out into the street is only created when no vehicle is parked in the garage. Mr. Wallace pointed out that the City is being requested to insure this project against various problems. In this regard, it was noted that the City is not in the business of providing insurance. Mr. Wallace also referred to the fact that certain questions have been raised at this meeting regarding whether or not various building permit procedures were properly followed. Mr. J. Witmer, the City's Chief Building Official, was unable to be in attendance at this meeting and it was the view of Mr. Wallace that prior to any decision being reached his comments should be obtained. Following further discussion, the members of the Committee agreed that finalization of this matter would be deferred to the meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee to be held on February 17, 1992. At that time, the Committee will receive input from Mr. J. Witmer regarding comments which have been made regarding the building permit process. 3.DOTR 92-6 - School Pedestrian Safety - Pioneer Drive/Pioneer Park Public School The Committee considered a report prepared by the Traffic & Parking Division of the Department of Transportation which recommends that a "no stopping anytime" zone be established on the east side of Pioneer Drive in the area of the existing school crossing. It is the view of City staff that the safety of school pedestrians would be enhanced if stopping were prohibited in this area. On motion by His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That 'No Stopping Anytime' be established on the east side of Pioneer Drive from the school crossing to 67 metres south thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4.Zone Change & Official Plan Amendments - Request for Density Increases The Committee considered a report prepared by Mr. D. Mansell, Development Engineer, which, if approved, would establish a policy requiring developers to prove that proposed increases in density will not infringe upon the development rights of other landowners. Mr. B. Liddle, Director of Engineering, appeared before the Committee and advised that Mr. T. McCabe, Director of Development, has raised 2 areas of concern. The first area of concern is what happens when a density increase is due to a City initiative and would studies be required in these instances. It was the view of Mr. Liddle that cases of this nature would have to be evaluated as they arose. The second point of concern was whether or not the report had been submitted to the development industry so that their comments could be obtained at this meeting. In this regard, Mr. Liddle point out that the report had not been circulated to the development industry and pointed out that in the review of the Public Works Department carried out by Mr. C. Bens it was recommended that a formal policy regarding this matter should be approved by City Council. 4.Zone Change & Official Plan Amendments - Request for Density Increases (Cont'd) Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman G. Lorentz - it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -11 - FEBRUARY 3, 1992 "That developers who request density increases for their lands through Zone Changes and Official Plan Amendments be required to prove, prior to any final approvals and to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department, that the proposed increase in density will not infringe upon the development rights of other landowners within the natural drainage shed and shall not overload the existing municipal sanitary sewer pipe system." 5.Video Presentation - Total Station & CAD System The members of the Committee viewed a video prepared by the Engineering Section of the Department of Public Works which outlined how the Total Station & CAD Systems are utilized to prepare working drawings. 6.Tunnellinq Project - Schneider Trunk Sewer The Committee was advised that, if there is an interest, arrangements can be made for members of Council to tour the tunnelling project which is being undertaken as part of the Schneider Trunk Sewer. It was noted that rubber boots, raincoats and hard hats would be provided. The members of the Committee agreed that February 24th would be an appropriate day and Mr. B. Liddle was asked to finalize the necessary arrangements. 7. Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk