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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1992-03-02PWTC\1992-03-02 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2, 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.V. 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. J. Webster, D. Suzuki, B. Liddle, D. Snow, R. Miller, J. Cicuttin, J. Shivas, T. McKay, E. Kovacs, F. Graham, S. Gyorffy, J. O'Rourke, G. Nixon and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:10 a.m. 1 .DOTR 92-10 - School Bus Loading Zone - Wilson Avenue at Wilson Avenue Public School The Committee was advised that, in order to increase safety for students being bused to Wilson Avenue Public School, a request has been received to have a school bus loading zone installed on Wilson Avenue. This request has been investigated by staff and approval is recommended. On motion by His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That a School Bus Loading Zone be installed on Wilson Avenue at Wilson Avenue Public School to accommodate one school bus, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2.DOTR 92-11 - On-Street Parking - Bedford Avenue The Committee considered a report prepared by the Traffic and Parking Division of the Department of Transportation outlining a request from a local business to have 2 hour parking reinstated on the north side of Bedford Avenue between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on a Monday to Friday basis. It was noted that the section of street involved consists of 11 metres. On motion by His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the two (2) hour parking between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, be reinstated on the north side of Bedford Avenue from 41 m west of Ottawa Street to 52 m west of Ottawa Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3.Status Report - Actions Taken to Restore Water Quality For information purposes, the Committee received a report from Mr. E. Kovacs, Director of Utilities, outlining remedial measures which have been taken to restore water quality within the City's distribution system. It was noted that expenditures exceeding 5.3 million dollars have been undertaken to construct a water treatment plant, carry out remedial watermain swabbing and develop a customer relations program. It was noted that these actions should be considered as the beginning of an ongoing process which will ensure that there is not an unreasonable deterioration of the existing system. It was noted to the Committee that, as a result of the actions taken, customer complaints have decreased from a high in 1989 of 1,119 to 313 in 1991. Mr. Kovacs thanked the members of Council for their support over the past few years which has allowed major improvements to be achieved. Mr. Kovacs also acknowledged Mr. Paul Tuchlinsky for his efforts in making this process work. Several members of the Committee thanked staff for their efforts in overcoming the complaints and frustrations which have been expressed regarding water quality within the City of Kitchener. In reply to comments made by Alderman M. Wagner, Mr. Kovacs noted that 200 to 300 complaints on an annual basis is quite normal for a system having the PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -19- MARCH 2, 1992 3.Status Report - Actions Taken to Restore Water Quality (Cont'd) size of the City of Kitchener's. It was also noted that much media attention was focused on the negative aspects of this problem, however, there has been very little reporting of the positive steps that have been taken. Mr. T. McKay did point out, however, that because of the efforts of the City of Kitchener the Region did become involved in various remedial programs. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. It was pointed out to the Committee that approximately 65% of all users did make a claim for the 15% rebate on water bills. It is felt that there was very little abuse of this program. Mr. Kovacs also pointed out that to the best of his knowledge there is no similar program in the water industry. 4.Traffic Concerns - Mill Park Drive Mrs. Wendy Theis appeared before the Committee and expressed concern regarding the excessive amount of traffic and speeding on Mill Park Drive and Old Mill Road. Mrs. Theis pointed out that these two streets are scenic in nature, however, major problems are created because of excessive amounts of traffic and speeding. It was the view of Mrs. Theis that these problems are created by students travelling to and from Conestoga College. Mrs. Theis pointed out that, even with the improvements to Homer Watson Boulevard, there are still two lane stretches which in conjunction with existing traffic signals create bottlenecks. There are no similar constraints on Mill Park Drive and Old Mill Road and, accordingly, these streets are still heavily used. The Police have co-operated by setting up speed traps, however, these are only effective for a short period of time and are not viewed as being a priority by the Regional Police. It was noted that there has not been a serious accident on these streets, however, it was the view of Mrs. Theis that corrective steps should be taken before there is a problem. Mrs. Theis advised that she has discussed this matter with Mr. D. Snow, Director of Traffic and Parking, and he has agreed that a further study should be undertaken. In this regard, however, it was the opinion of Mrs. Theis that several studies have been undertaken in the past and sufficient information must be available which would support the taking of corrective steps. In this regard, Mrs. Theis pointed out that her recommendation would be to install a 3 way stop control at the intersection of Old Mill Road and Mill Park Drive; a 4 way stop control at the intersection of Old Mill Road, Roos Street and Mill Park Drive; and a 3 way stop control at the intersection of Morningview Place and Mill Park Drive. Alderman T. Galloway advised the Committee that the amount and speed of traffic using the streets in this area are a major concern for the residents. It would appear that Old Mill Road and Mill Park Drive are becoming the route of preference of students trying to reach Conestoga College. This is a shorter route with fewer bottlenecks and fewer traffic controls. It was the view of Alderman Galloway that steps must be taken to make it inconvenient for students to use this route. Alderman Galloway pointed out that staff have undertaken an origin study and as soon as the results have been compiled the entire matter should be further considered by this Committee with recommendations being approved which will implement additional controls which will make the use of these streets less desirable. Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that an origin study was completed on February 27, 1992. Mr. Snow agreed that the streets in question are presently heavily used by students and are also used by golfers during the summer months. Mr. Snow also acknowledged that, while traffic patterns in the area have likely changed, there is definitely still a speeding problem. 4.Traffic Concerns - Mill Park Drive (Cont'd) Alderman G. Lorentz was of the view that further delays are not necessary because it would appear to be obvious that the problem is created to a large degree by students going and coming from Conestoga College. For this reason, Alderman Lorentz was in support of taking immediate steps to overcome the existing problems. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 20 - MARCH 2, 1992 Mrs. C. Pink appeared before the Committee and advised that the drivers using these streets are at times very erratic and the possibility of serious problems does occur. Alderman T. Galloway suggested that the real issue is to attempt to deter traffic from using these scenic routes as a means to reach Conestoga College. In this regard, Alderman Galloway indicated that he was prepared to present a recommendation for consideration. On motion by Alderman T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the Director of the Traffic and Parking Division of the Department of Transportation be instructed to take all necessary steps which will result in the installation of a 4 way stop control at the intersection of Roos Street and Mill Park Drive and the installation of a 3 way stop control at the intersection of Old Mill Road and Mill Park Drive, and further, That the necessary by-laws to effect these changes be presented to City Council on March 9, 1992." 5.Walkway - Lynne Valley Park The Committee considered a request from Alderman C. Weylie to have a paved walkway installed between Lennox Crescent and the tunnel leading under the railway tracks to Resurrection High School. The estimated cost for this work would be $25,000.00 which could be taken from the Capital Contingency Account. Mr. B. Liddle, Director of Engineering, appeared before the Committee and advised that the original cost estimate of $25,000.00 did not include anything for a gravel base. Since this work would be required the cost estimate should be increased to $35,000.00. The Committee was advised that the walkway in question would be approximately 1,650 feet long and have a width of 10 feet. Several members of the Committee questioned why a tar and chip surface could not be used rather than a paved surface and why the walkway needed to be 10 feet wide. In this regard, Mr. T. McKay pointed out that the required work cannot be undertaken until May and suggested that approval be granted in principle with direction to staff that they determine how the installation can best take place within the cost estimate of $25,000.00. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the development of a hard surface pedestrian link between Lennox Crescent and the tunnel to Resurrection High School at a cost of $25,000.00 be approved, in principle, with the details regarding surfacing materials and walkway width to be referred to staff for finalization, and further, That the costs involved be charged to the Capital Contingency Account." 6. Kitchener Transit - Attendance Proqram For information purposes, Mr. R. Miller, Manager of Transit Operations, appeared before the Committee and presented the results of an Attendance Program which was developed for bus operators. It was noted that in 1991 a Departmental objective was to reduce operator absenteeism. As a PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 21 - MARCH 2, 1992 (5. Kitchener Transit - Attendance Proqram (Cont'd) result, employees were made aware that good attendance was important and where appropriate letters of commendation were issued along with an attendance award. It was noted that in 1991 there were 267 less sick days than was the case in 1990. 7.Transit Service Improvements between Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridqe Mr. J. Webster, Commissioner of Transportation, advised that the Ministry of Transportation has expressed an interest in meeting with representatives from Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge with a view to improving Transit service between these municipalities. Mr. Webster reminded members of the Committee that studies of this nature have taken place in the past with the results being that it did not appear that service improvements of this nature were required. Mr. Webster did suggest, however, that his staff would be willing to participate in meetings with the Province and the Region as long as there were no costs to the City of Kitchener. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener allow its Transit staff to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Transportation, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the Cities of Waterloo and Cambridge to investigate enhanced transit service options between Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge on the basis that these options will not have cost implications to the City of Kitchener." 8.Off Road Services & Facilities Siqninq Policy The Committee was in receipt of an Off Road Services & Facilities Signing Policy prepared by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The policy, as presented, would provide for controls regarding the installation of tourist directional signs on Regional roads. Mr. D. Snow appeared before the Committee and advised that this matter has been discussed by Management Committee and it has been suggested that the policy should be amended to make reference to the City's Business Parks. It was also agreed that the Province should be approached with a request that directional signage for the Lancaster Corporate Centre be permitted at the Bridgeport exit from the Conestoga Parkway and also that similar signage be allowed at the Frederick Street exit of the Parkway indicating this as an alternate route to the Auditorium Complex. The members of the Committee agreed that Mr. Snow should prepare his comments and circulate same to all members of Council prior to the March 9th Council meeting. This will allow any member of Council the opportunity to contact Mr. Snow with suggested changes prior to the comments being forwarded to the Region. 9.Street Liqhtinq - Annexed Areas Alderman T. Galloway advised the Committee that there are streets in the City of Kitchener which were annexed from adjoining Townships which do not have street lighting. This matter has been discussed with Mr. D. Suzuki, Commissioner of Public Works, who has suggested that Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro be contacted to determine the costs involved to provide lighting on these streets. It is anticipated, however, that these costs would be substantial. Mr. T. McKay pointed out to the Committee that, in most cases, these areas were developed without services such as street lighting, curbs and gutters and storm sewers. This type of development was desired by the residents of the area at the time of development. The City presently has a policy which states that if areas were developed without normal services and the residents wish to have these services supplied they may proceed to obtain them by way of local improvement petitions. The members of the Committee agreed that no change should be made to the existing policy. 10. Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 22 - MARCH 2, 1992 L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk