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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1992-09-14PWTC\1992-09-14 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Smala with all members present. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting following its commencement. Others Present: Alderman M. Yantzi, Ms. L. Gave and Messrs. R. Freeborn, W. Beck, E. Kavacs, D. Suzuki, D. Collie, B. Kuntz, S. Gyarffy, D. Snow, F. Graham, J. Shivas, D. Mansell and L.F. Parkhause. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:30 a.m. 1 .Gary Howe - Pick-Up of Cardboard Mr. Gary Howe was to appear as a delegation regarding garbage pick-up as it relates to cardboard. Mr. Howe has requested that this matter be deferred and considered by the Committee at its meeting to be held on October 19, 1992. The Committee concurred with the request to defer. 2.Curb Rampinq The Committee considered two reports regarding curb ramping to create barrier free access to City sidewalks. One report was prepared by Ms. L. Gave, Manager of Special Needs and the Barrier Free Working Group. The second report regarding this matter was prepared by Mr. L. Lynch, Manager of Roads and Engineering Services. Mr. R. Koop appeared before the Committee representing the Barrier Free Working Group and indicated support for the report as prepared by Ms. Gave. It was noted that 60% of all intersections are presently ramped, however, there are still 1,510 ramps required and a further 299 which are in need of repair. The report received from Mr. L. Lynch pointed out that to carry out the new construction and repairs would cost approximately $905,000.00. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. It was noted to the Committee that the reports as presented deal with the provision of access ramps in those areas where sidewalks already exist. It was noted that if sidewalks are not in existance they are usually installed by way of the local improvement process at the expense of the abutting property owners. If the property owners do not want sidewalks in front of their homes it is unlikely that they would be installed. Alderman G. Lorentz was of the opinion that the reports as presented are lacking in detail in regard to timing, costs and sources of funding. In this regard, it was suggested, however, that it will take some years to complete such a program and, accordingly, the matter should be considered as part of the Capital Budget process. In this regard, Ms. L. Gave pointed out that the Barrier Free Working Group would like to see the program accelerated so that existing problem areas can be eliminated as quickly as possible. Mr. D. Suzuki suggested, however, that without a priority list the best the City can do is to take action when requests are received. Obviously, the City does not have sufficient funding to carry out these improvements in one year. Alderman M. Wagner was of the view that the Ministry of Transport should be contacted to determine what level of subsidy funding will be available to the City if the program is accelerated. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener, through its Public Works Department, work toward creating barrier free access to the sidewalks along major arterial roads for persons with mobility problems, especially wheelchair and scooter users as well as for those who are blind or have limited vision, and further, That the locations to be considered are those contained in the report presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on September 14, 1992, and further, PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 54 - SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 2.Curb Rampinq (Cont'd) That the question of financing for this project shall be considered by Council as part of the Capital Budget process." The Committee briefly discussed some of the locations which have been suggested for curb ramping and questioned whether or not they should be included in the report. It was noted that the suitability of locations will form part of Council's consideration during the allocation of funds during the Capital Budget process. 3.Curb Paintinq - Street Addresses Messrs. C. Wynes and R. Lewis appeared before the Committee representing W.R.A.I.N. (Waterloo Region Address Identification Numbers). Mr. Wynes advised the Committee that approval is being sought which will allow address numbers to be painted on the side of the curbs in front of residential dwelling units. It is felt that the approval of this request will assist in the provision of emergency services and, in this regard, the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services have indicated their support. It was noted that there will be no cost to the City as the services provided will be charged to the homeowners. It is anticipated that it will cost approximately $8.00 for a homeowner to have his address painted on the curb. It was noted that the City's approval is required because the curbs are public property. Mr. Wynes pointed out to the Committee that the City presently has a by-law which requires a property owner to obtain and display an address which is visible to the road. It was suggested that this type of identification is not always provided. When questioned by Alderman C. Weylie, Mr. Wynes pointed out that it would be the homeowners responsibility to ensure that snow was cleared from the curbside number during the winter months. It was the view of Alderman Weylie that this would not be a simple task for the homeowner to undertake. Alderman T. Galloway was concerned that some homeowners may take it upon themselves to paint their own addresses and, accordingly, there would be problems from a consistency point of view. When questioned by the Committee, Deputy Fire Chief B. Kuntz suggested that he would favour an all or nothing approach. If these numbers are to be of assistance to emergency vehicles then they must be available at all locations. If such numbers are not required at all locations then they loose their value because emergency vehicles cannot count on them being available. Alderman J. Ziegler suggested that any course of action which will help someone find an address is worthwhile. Alderman Ziegler did not feel, however, that these numbers should be mandatory nor should it be mandatory that they be kept cleared during the winter months. It was suggested, however, that all numbers should be uniform in size and colour. The Committee was advised that this matter was considered by Management Committee and, while the proposal was not endorsed, nor was it opposed. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That, subject to W.R.A.I.N. (Waterloo Region Address Indentification Numbers) satisfying City staff as to their financial ability to undertake the project, approval be granted to this company to approach property owners to seek approval to paint residential address numbers on curbs, subject to the following provisions: (a)That the background shall be dark green with white numbers. (b)That the size and type of lettering shall be standardized. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 55 - SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 3.Curb Paintinq - Street Addresses (Cont'd) (c)That property owners shall not be obliged to install these numbers nor shall the property owners be obliged to keep them visible during the winter months." 4.Policy for Replacement of Services in Rental Properties The Committee considered a letter from Alderman M. Yantzi expressing concern with an existing City policy which requires the owners of revenue generating properties to replace complete services including the City's portion when replacement is required. Alderman Yantzi appeared before the Committee and advised that he was particularly concerned with 551 Queen Street South but has since had the opportunity to discuss this matter with Mr. E. Kovacs and it would appear that there is not a problem. Accordingly, Alderman Yantzi withdrew his request to have this matter considered. The members of the Committee did, however, direct Mr. Kovacs to prepare a report regarding the provision of services to rent generating properties which will be considered at a future meeting. 5.Transit - Year to Date Ridership and Revenue Mr. W. Beck, Director of Transit, referred to a report regarding the first 8 months of transit service. It was noted that ridership is down 4.36% while revenues are down about $150,000.00 or 2.77%. Mr. Beck pointed out that part of the problem is created because the School Boards, without notification, have now decided to provide transportation for High School students in some areas. It was noted that meetings are presently ongoing with the School Boards in this regard. Mr. Beck pointed out to the Committee that if the School Board provides this type of service there is an added expense to the taxpayer and ridership revenues are decreased. 6.Transit Cost Reductions - Route 10 Briqadoon & Route 16 Huron Mr. Beck advised the Committee that as the result of decreased ridership the level of service being provided in some areas has been reviewed. Two of the worst cases are Route 10 - Brigadoon and Route 16 - Huron. In both cases ridership is down because of lack of activity in the Huron Industrial Park and because of transportation being provided for High School students. As a result, it is being recommended that these two routes be combined with the peak week day service frequency being increased to 40 minutes from the existing 30 minutes. These changes will result in cost reductions of approximately $130,000.00 per year. On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That, effective December 7, 1992, Route 10 - Brigadoon and Route 16 - Huron be combined during week day peak periods so that service is provided in one direction only and the frequency of services reduced from 30 minutes to 40 minutes." 7. Enqineerinq Administration Charqe - Subdivision Desiqn The Committee considered a report prepared by Mr. D. Mansell, Development Engineer, which pointed out that at one time the City's Engineering Department prepared all engineering drawings for services used in subdivisions. This practice was discontinued and the role of the Engineering staff became one of checking and approval. This is a time consuming process and it is now being recommended that a flat fee of 2% of the cost of municipal services for each subdivision be charged for the checking of engineering drawings. It was also noted that this practice is followed in many other municipalities. The Committee was made aware of letters which have been received from the Municipal Liaison Committee of the Kitchener/Waterloo Home Builders Association who are opposed to the imposition of such an engineering fee. 7.Enqineerinq Administration Charqe - Subdivision Desiqn (Cont'd) PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 56 - SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener amend its Standard Form Subdivision Agreement to incorporate the following requirement, namely: 'The Subdivider agrees to pay to the City of Kitchener, through the Department of Public Works, an administration fee in the amount of 2% of the value of the cost of the public services, as determined by the Commissioner of Public Works, for the approval of engineering design submissions. Fifty per cent (50%) of the fee is to be paid prior to the first submission of engineering drawings with the balance of the fee (50%) being paid prior to approval of the final set of engineering drawings.', and further, That this administration fee be implemented as of January 1, 1993 for all engineering drawings submitted to the Public Works Department on or after that date." 8.Snow Clearinq of Sidewalks Leadinq into Park Areas The Committee considered a report prepared by Mr. S. Gyorffy, Director of Operations, in which it was noted that there are a number of concrete sidewalks which lead into grassed parkland areas. The report suggests that these walks should be left snow covered during the winter months. The members of the Committee indicated support for the resolution as proposed, however, staff was requested to review the following locations: 147-151 Stonehenge Place 118 Mooregate Crescent at A.R. Kaufman School. On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That the following concrete sidewalks located on walkways leading into park areas not be cleared during the winter months, namely: Rockway St. Mary's Ward (2) 66 Gottscheer Court at Mausser Park Stanley Park Ward (5) 108 Tupper Crescent to apartment Chicopee Ward (6) 17 Cherokee Court 32 Underhill Crescent to back of ski hill 102-106 Viewmont Close to Franklin Park 210-214 Corfield Place 35-30 Broadview Court Fairview Ward (7) 108-182 Coachill Drive 65-75 Hillside Drive at Cedarhill Park South Ward (8) 73-301 Ristau Place 24-32 Roseneath Crescent at McLennan Park 50-56 Blackhorne Crescent into McLennan Park PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 57 - SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 9-19 51-57 131-35 Farrier Place at Upper Canada Park Farrier Place at Upper Canada Park Anvil Street 8.Snow Clearinq of Sidewalks Leadinq into Park Areas Forest Ward (9) 164-170 Westheights Drive to Sandrock Greenway 49-46 14-18 54-60 96-102 53-57 19-23 26-34 31-35 147-151 Charnwood Court to Trailview Park Cricket Hollow to Trailview Park Newbury Drive to parkland Newbury Drive to parkland Rolling Meadows Drive to H.E.P.C. Cora Drive Highview Place to Driftwood Park Stonehenge Place Stonehenge Place West Ward (10) 118 18-24 324 Mooregate Crescent at A.R. Kaufman School Stoke Drive to Henry Sturm Greenway Lawrence Avenue to Belmont Park and further, That this policy apply to all new concrete walkways of this nature constructed in the future." 9.Natural Gas Rates The Committee considered a report from Mr. E. Kovacs, Director of Utilities, in which it was noted that the Ontario Energy Board has approved new Natural Gas Rates which will become effective as of September 1, 1992. The impact of these new rates on a typical residential customer will be an annual cost reduction of approximately $34.00 or 4.4% On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Natural Gas Rates, as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on September 14, 1992, and as approved by the Ontario Energy Board, be implemented effective September 1, 1992." 10.Direct Purchase Aqreement - Natural Gas Mr. E. Kovacs, Director of Utilities, presented a report regarding the possibility of the City entering into a direct purchase arrangement regarding natural gas including the potential benefits and risks involved in following this course of action. The report, as presented, suggests that a major business decision is involved and, accordingly, a complete investigation should be undertaken prior to any final decision being made. On motion by Alderman M. Wagner- it was resolved: "That the Director of Utilities be authorized to negotiate a Direct Purchase arrangement for all remaining 'system gas' supplies for the City of Kitchener, and further, That the Director retain an independent consultant to perform a risk analysis and recommend mitigative steps to minimize all risks associated with a Direct Purchase arrangement, and further, That the Director report his findings and recommendations to Council." PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 58 - SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 11 .Cycling Facilities - Provincial Subsidy The Committee received an information report from Mr. B. Liddle, Director of Engineering regarding a Provincial Government press release which 11 .Cycling Facilities - Provincial Subsidy (Cont'd) would seem to indicate that as much as 3.5 million dollars in Ministry funds will be available to support cycling initiatives. The report, as presented by Mr. Liddle, however, clarifies that additional funding will not be available and any 1992 expenditures must come out of the allocation which has already been provided. 12.Public Works Department - Projects in Progress This report was received by the Committee for information purposes. 13. DOTR 92-38 - School Pedestrian Safety - Caryndale Drive The Committee was advised that a request has been received from the Waterloo County Board of Education to review traffic and school pedestrian safety in the area of the newly opened Brigadoon Public School. As a result of this study it has been determined that many U-turns are taking place and this is an unsuitable and dangerous manoeuvre. It is recommended that U-turns be prohibited. On motion by His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That U-turns be prohibited on Caryndale Drive between Biehn Drive and Chapel Hill Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 14.School Traffic Safety - Biehn Drive Mr. D. Snow circulated an informational report in which it is noted that existing conditions along Biehn Drive have been reviewed in light of the recent opening of both Blessed Kateri Separate School and Brigadoon Public School. An Adult Crossing Guard has been located on Biehn Drive at Black Walnut Drive. Student Safety Patrols will also be established on Biehn Drive on the east leg of the intersection of Biehn Drive and Caryndale Drive. 15. Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse Deputy City Clerk