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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1992-02-17PWTC\1992-02-17 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17, 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, Aldermen M. Wagner, T. Galloway, G. Lorentz and C. Weylie. Alderman J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Alderman C. Zehr, Messrs. T. McKay, D. Suzuki, J. Webster, B. Liddle, F. Clement, J. Wallace, D. Snow, T.B. Stanley, L. Lynch, B. Musselman, S. Gyorffy and G. Sosnoski. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:10 a.m. 1 .Schneider Trunk Sanitary Sewer - Extension of Contract Limits The Committee was in receipt of a joint report from Mr. A. Mak and Mr. B. Liddle dated February 11, 1992 recommending an extension of Contract T91-89. Mr. Hans Gross, The Proctor & Redfern Group, advised that a tunnel project is proposed for Phase 4, Stage 1 as opposed to the open cut method originally budgeted. He noted that the intent is to remove the open cut costs from Stage 2 and add these to Stage 1 thereby extending the limits of the present Contract T91-89. Mr. Gross reviewed the limits of the present contract, indicating that completion is anticipated as per the contract schedule. He advised that an extension of the tunnel along a portion of the route is recommended due to the depth of the water table and soil conditions which make the open cut method difficult. In addition, Mr. Gross advised that the tunnelling method would minimize any disruption affecting the railway line. He noted that the estimated cost of the project is based on known conditions and a $400,000.00 savings would accrue to the City as a result of adding the tunnelling component to the present contract. In addition, the City would benefit through the use of the existing shaft, less disruption to the trucking service operated by Overland Western and reduced exposure to the CNE Tracks which would minimize any possible liability due to settling. Mr. Gross stated that a price of $938,621.00 was received from the present contractor for the additional 368 metres of tunnel, which is a 60% increase in tunnel length at a 40% increase in cost. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. Alderman T. Galloway acknowledged the economic benefit to the City and inquired as to how this approach relates to the City's Purchasing Policy. Mr. Clement replied that this circumstance has periodically arisen in the past and has been dealt with by Council in a similar manner. Mr. Wallace added that one of the bidders for the original contract, with whom the City is involved in a legal dispute, would likely object and suggested the City should not be deterred from proceeding on this basis. He advised that extending the present contract makes good economic sense and the City has benefitted in the past from similar arrangements. Mr. McKay stated that Council has a right to contravene its own policy under appropriate circumstances. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner- it was resolved: "That the limits of Contract T91-89, being Phase 4, Stage 1 of the Schneider Trunk Sanitary Sewer, be extended in a southerly direction approximately 364 metres at a cost of $938,621.00." 2. 1992 Roads Capital Proqram and 10 Year Capital Forecast The Committee was in receipt of Regional Engineering Report E.R. 92032 and a resolution arising from the February 5, 1992 meeting of the Regional Engineering Committee requesting the comment of area municipalities with regard to the above program and forecast. It was noted that a response is requested by February 18th. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES -13- 2. 1992 Roads Capital Proqram and 10 Year Capital Forecast (Cont'd) FEBRUARY 17, 1992 Mr. Snow advised that the report has been discussed at the Project Review Committee due to the short response time suggested by the Region. He noted that concerns had been expressed by Developers with regard to the delay of selected road projects, notably, Lackner Road, the Homer Watson Boulevard realignment and works impacting the first 3 phases of the Brigadoon Subdivision. Mr. Snow noted that the latter development can proceed on a limited basis, though the final phase will be delayed until such time as Huron Road is realigned. Mr. Liddle reviewed a project cost comparison chart illustrating the impact on the City of the Regional Roads Program and Forecast. It was noted that the reconstruction portion allotted to the City over the next 10 years will decline from 17 to 12 percent, however, percentages in other areas have increased. Alderman Zehr asked that the City's representatives on the Regional Engineering Committee receive copies of the chart. Mr. McKay pointed out that all proposed roads are development related, not only those affecting specific subdivisions. Alderman Galloway replied that a number of subdivisions have been approved which directly relate to Homer Watson Boulevard and a distinction should be made concerning these when referring to development related roads. He questioned why the City is continuing to allow developments which are not conditional upon the completion of specific road works. He also expressed his concern over the proposed 6 year delay in the widening and realignment of Homer Watson Boulevard. Mr. Snow clarified that, with regard to Homer Watson Boulevard, the related subdivisions were originally approved based on a 10 year road construction plan which coincided with these developments. Mr. Stanley added that this issue was discussed by Council at the time of the Brigadoon development and, as a result of a number of staging policies adopted at that time, only Stage 1 of the subdivision can proceed at this time. He also noted that the same restriction applies to the Doon Community which could delay future stages of the Monarch Subdivision. Mr. McKay pointed out that the Region has indicated a larger portion of the budget would be allocated to the Roads Program once welfare related costs decline. However, he noted that the Region is also forecasting substantial increases in development charge revenue, all predicated on the assumption that significant growth will take place in the Region in the year 1998. Mr. McKay pointed out a potential financing dilemma involving the timing of future development which may occur in the event development charge revenue needed to construct roads is not available until after the roads which will service these developments have been constructed. Alderman J. Smola inquired as to when the City would be prepared to comment on the Region's Capital Program and Forecast. Alderman Zehr suggested that one of the municipalities should raise this item for discussion at the next Regional meeting. Alderman T. Galloway expressed a further concern that the Region may not, once development proceeds, allocate development charge revenue to the Homer Watson Boulevard project. He questioned whether they had considered debenturing as a means of constructing roads necessary to generate development charge revenue. Mr. McKay replied that the Region at present has not factored debenturing into the budget, nor have they considered a decrease in Provincial funding. He suggested that if initiatives to stimulate the economy are undertaken at the Federal and Provincial level, the debenturing option may be worth pursuing at that time. Alderman J. Smola asked that staff prepare a letter outlining the municipality's concerns for circulation at either the next Regional Engineering or Regional Council meeting. 3.DOTR 92-2 -On-Street Parkinq - Mansion Street The Committee considered the above report dated February 3, 1992 which recommends the prohibition of parking on a portion of Mansion Street. 3.DOTR 92-2 -On-Street Parkinq - Mansion Street (Cont'd) On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 14 - FEBRUARY 17, 1992 "That parking be prohibited on the east side of Mansion Street from Ellen Street East to a point 77 m north thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4.DOTR 92-7 -Intersection Controls - Kelly Drive The Committee considered the above report dated February 6, 1992 which recommends the designation of Kelly Drive as a through highway and various stop controls. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Kelly Drive be designated as a through highway and all intersecting highways be stop controlled, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. DOTR 92-8 - Proposed Road Closure - Chopin Drive The Committee considered the above report dated February 6, 1992 recommending the temporary closure of a portion of Chopin Drive in conjunction with the official opening of the Victoria Hills Community Centre. Mr. Snow advised that funds should be included in the budget for the official opening of the Victoria Hills Community Centre to cover expenses related to the posting of signage necessary to close the road and re-route traffic. It was noted that an amount ranging from $500.00 to $1,000.00 would be required for overtime. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That Chopin Drive be closed between Westmount Road and Markwood Drive on Monday, May 18, 1992, between the hours of 12:00 noon and 1100 p.m. and that a rain date of May 23, 1992, also be approved, with the expendi-tures to accommodate this event being charged to the appropriate account number, and further, That the appropriate by-law under Section 252(61 ) of the Municipal Act be enacted." 6. DOTR 92-5 - Traffic Control - Centre Ward Alderman B. Stortz requested a further deferral of this item. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That consideration of Traffic and Parking Services Report DOTR 92-5 - Traffic Control - Centre Ward be deferred and referred to the March 2, 1992 meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee." 7. Preliminary Capital Budget - 1992 Street Lighting The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. D. Suzuki dated February 10, 1992 including a list of suggested deletions relative to the Street Lighting Budget. A copy of the Preliminary 1992 Street Lighting Capital Budget submitted by Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro was appended to the report. Mr. Suzuki reviewed the Hydro budget submission on an item by item basis. With regard to Item #92-2 (New Installations), he advised that a number of items totalling $210,000.00 had not been previously included in the Hydro budget. Regarding Item #92-5 (Incandescent Replacement Program - Ornamental Residential), Mr. Suzuki advised he is recommending deferral 7. Preliminary Capital Budget - 1992 Street Lighting (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 15 - FEBRUARY 17, 1992 of the Union Boulevard project for 2 to 3 years. It was noted that Hydro has salvaged parts from a number of old units which have already been replaced and these will be used to service existing lighting units. Mr. Suzuki pointed out that with respect to Item #92-6 (HPS Conversion Program) alternate ornamental poles and luminaires have been specified for the Queen's Boulevard project. He noted that staff recommends the use of ornamental units and will discuss this preference with Hydro. Mr. Suzuki further advised that due to economic constraints it was necessary to delete seven HPS conversion projects. Alderman C. Weylie asked when redundant poles would be removed from Glasgow Street near the Westmount Road intersection. Mr. Suzuki agreed to discuss the request with Bell Canada and noted that it is first necessary to remove the overhead wiring. Alderman G. Lorentz asked whether the City has specific criteria for walkway lighting and Mr. Suzuki replied that this item is normally handled on a complaint basis with staff examining the site to determine if an installation is warranted. Alderman Lorentz inquired as to the impact on walkway lighting if Canada Post locates its superboxes on public walkways. Mr. Suzuki stated that the City would prefer that these be located on the road right-of-way where existing street lighting would suffice. Mr. Snow added that staff have reviewed the proposed superbox locations with Canada Post and most have been acceptable. Alderman T. Galloway referred to Item #92-2-9 involving the installation of street lighting on a portion of Mill Park Drive and asked that this be deleted permanently. He pointed out that Mill Park Drive has scenic road status and, on this basis, lighting would be inappropriate. It was also noted that this item was added by the previous Ward Alderman in response to a request from a single area resident. Alderman J. Smola indicated that Alderman Galloway's request could be dealt with as part of the main motion. Alderman T. Galloway referred to the lack of street lighting on Edgehill Drive and asked how streets are added to the City's list. Mr. Suzuki advised that due to budget constraints, Management Committee has indicated that lighting for certain types of streets such as Caryndale Drive and possibly Edgehill Drive should be provided by local improvement based on assessable frontage. He indicated a study will be requested from Hydro to identify the number of streets affected. Alderman B. Stortz noted that the proposed development on Margaret Avenue between Queen and Victoria Streets will proceed in the Spring of this year and asked that discussion take place regarding the upgrading of light standards. Mr. Suzuki stated that any upgrades should be at the developer's cost, though the City can accommodate such a request. Mr. McKay suggested that discussion be deferred until the proposed develop-ment is in place. Mr. Suzuki requested direction from the Committee in this regard. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That, subject to the further deletion of Item 92-2-9 involving the installation of poles and luminaires on Mill Park Drive between Green Valley Drive and Morningview Place, Council accept the list of recommended deletions from Mr. D. Suzuki dated February 6, 1992 relative to the Preliminary 1992 Street Lighting Capital Budget submitted by Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro, and further, That relative to Item 92-1-1 the Commissioner of Public Works discuss, with the owners representative, the possibility of upgrading luminaires on Margaret Avenue in conjunction with the proposed development between Victoria and Queen Streets." 8. Enqineerinq Division - Monthly Report The Committee acknowledged receipt of the report from Mr. B. Liddle dated February 12, 1992 and the memorandum from Mr. Hans Gross, The Proctor & 8. Enqineerinq Division - Monthly Report (Cont'd) Redfern Group, dated February 11, 1992 relative to the Schneider Trunk Sanitary Sewer project. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 16 - FEBRUARY 17, 1992 In response to a question from Alderman M. Wagner, Mr. Liddle advised that the City has yet to undertake Phase 5 of the project involving Sydney Street (at Bedford Street) to Stifling Avenue (at Courtland Avenue) which will involve work to existing streets. Mr. Liddle indicated he would review the financing arrangements and report directly to Alderman M. Wagner. With regard to the Ontario Street reconstruction between King Street and Charles Street, Mr. Snow advised that staff will meet with representa-tives of Canada Trust on February 18th. Mr. Lynch advised that tenders for the project will be opened in March of this year. Mr. Snow was hopeful that the City would complete the reconstruction works by mid-July, indicating it is advisable that Ontario Street remain closed until the Canada Trust project is completed. Alderman B. Stortz inquired as to the impact on pedestrian access in the event Ontario Street remains closed for an extended period of time. Mr. Lynch advised that a major Bell telephone structure is required as well as sanitary and storm works, which at times will require either partial or complete closure of sidewalks. 9.Kinq Street Closures The Committee was in receipt of a February 6, 1992 resolution of the Downtown Action Committee and a report from Ms. V. Gibaut dated February 5, 1992, both in support of the closure requests. Mr. Snow clarified that the Kitchener Downtown Business Association (KDBA) is requesting partial closure of King Street on weekends between May and October of this year. He noted several concerns in view of the fact the request coincides with major construction work proposed in the Downtown and will further impact Transit operations. Alderman B. Stortz suggested that the City agree to the KDBA request relative to the May to July closings and arrange for a partial closure of King Street between Ontario and Water Streets for the months of August and September. The latter would require re-routing of bus traffic. Mr. McKay pointed out that one option would be to use the City-owned parking lot for the proposed Symphony event. Alderman G. Lorentz stated that it was his understanding Traffic and Parking Services were to develop an alternate Transit route to accommodate periodic street closures in the Downtown. He suggested the City would have to adapt to street closures if the intent is to encourage activities in the Downtown Core. Mr. Webster advised that approximately 1 month will be required to identify an alternate route in the event of a King Street closure between Ontario and Water Streets. He suggested that restricted rather than comprehensive closure of King Street is more practical. Alderman G. Lorentz indicated his preference for a specific action plan to accommodate regular street closures and Mr. Snow advised this is best undertaken once the major downtown construction projects are completed. It was generally agreed that Mr. Snow would negotiate the proposed closures with the KDBA with the intent of accommodating them where possible. 10.Christmas Tree Collection The Committee received, as information, the report of Mr. B. Musselman dated February 10, 1992 indicating a decrease in the number of trees collected. 11 .Driveway Problem - Mr. H. Savich - Barbara Crescent On a motion by Alderman G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That consideration of a driveway problem on Barbara Crescent (Mr. H. Savich) be further deferred to the March 23, 1992 meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee." 12. New Business PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 17 - FEBRUARY 17, 1992 Alderman G. Lorentz suggested that staff consider locating bus stops adjacent to crosswalks in order to better facilitate snow removal and Alderman J. Smola asked that this be taken as instruction to staff. Alderman C. Weylie put the Committee on notice that a delegation will appear at the February 24, 1992 Council concerning a request to construct a walkway near Resurrection School. She asked that staff advise as to the proposed construction costs and Mr. S. Gyorffy indicated a figure of approximately $25,000.00 to complete the walkway from Lennox Crescent to the tunnel. He also pointed out that this poses a budget problem as the proposed construction would normally comprise part of the community trail network for which no funds are presently available. 13. Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m. G. Sosnoski Assistant City Clerk