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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1992-08-10PWTC\1992-08-10 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 10, 1992 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Smola with all members present. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting following its commencement. Others Present: Alderman B. Stortz, Alderman C. Zehr and Messrs. R. Freeborn, B. Liddle, J. Webster, L. Lynch, J. O'Rourke, D. Snow, R. Schirm, D. Suzuki, E. Kovacs, D. Collie, P. Tuchlinsky and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:00 a.m. 1 .Barrier Free Workinq Group - Curb Rampinq Messrs. R. Koop and B. Gallagher appeared before the Committee representing the Barrier Free Working Group. This group is carrying out a complete review of the City and will be identifying those areas where ramp installation and/or repairs are required. Carrying out this work will make all areas of the City accessible to those persons who use wheelchairs and/or scooters. Mr. Koop advised the Committee that it is hoped that monies will be placed in a capital budget which will be separate from the regular ramping program. Specific attention is to be paid to major arterials because wheelchairs and/or scooters on these streets create a very dangerous situation. Alderman J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time. The Committee was advised that by their next meeting more detailed Iocational information will be available which will allow a budget to be prepared. Hopefully this matter can then be considered as part of the 1993 budget process. Mr. B. Gallagher advised that there are many areas of the City where no curb ramping has been provided. It was also noted that the barriers erected to prohibit vehicular access to the community trail system, in many cases, also prohibits access to these facilities by people in wheelchairs and/or scooters. This matter will be further considered by the Committee when additional information is received. 2. DOTR 92-17 - Traffic Flow - Cameron Street The Committee considered a report which recommends that the existing one way traffic pattern on Cameron Street between King Street and Charles Street be changed to a two way traffic flow. It was noted that the one way system was originally put in place to accommodate the car wash in the area, however, this course of action is no longer required. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That traffic be reverted from one way southbound to two way flow on Cameron Street between King Street and Charles Street, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly, and further, That an overexpenditure of $2,000.00 be approved." 3.DOTR 92-27 - Traffic Control - Doon Villaqe Road & Pioneer Drive The Committee was advised that a comprehensive review of the traffic conditions at the intersection of Doon Village Road and Pioneer Drive has been undertaken. As a result, it is being recommended that the Region be requested to install traffic signals at this intersection. As an interim step, it is being suggested that an all way stop control be implemented. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 47 - AUGUST 10, 1992 3.DOTR 92-27 - Traffic Control - Doon Villaqe Road & Pioneer Drive (Cont'd) On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Region of Waterloo be requested to install traffic control signals at the intersection of Doon Village Road and Pioneer Drive, and further, That as an interim measure, an all way stop control be installed at the intersection of Doon Village Road at Pioneer Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4.DOTR 92-28 - Traffic Control - St. Leqer Street at Wellinqton Street The Committee was advised that a complete review of the intersection of St. Leger Street and Wellington Street has been undertaken because of the number of accidents which have occurred. As the result of this study it is being recommended that a 12 inch flashing light be installed above the existing stop sign. The Committee was asked to approve a $5,000.00 over- expenditure to allow for the installation of this equipment. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That a 12 inch traffic beacon and baselight flasher be installed above the stop signs on St. Leger Street at Wellington Street, and further, That an overexpenditure of $5,000.00 for the installation of this equipment be approved." 5. DOTR 92-29 - On-Street Parkinq - Thorncliffe Street The Committee was advised that parking is presently permitted on both sides of Thorncliffe Street between Driftwood Drive and Homestead Place for a maximum period of 3 consecutive hours. This parking is creating traffic problems due to the narrowness of this street. The recommendation, as presented, would prohibit parking on the north/west side of Thorncliffe Street. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the north/west side of Thorncliffe Street from Driftwood Drive to Homestead Place, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6. DOTR 92-30 - On-Street Parkinq - Cedarhill Crescent The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on one side of Cedarhill Crescent between Country Hill Drive and Old Country Drive. The parking prohibition is being recommended to overcome safety problems which are created by vehicles parking on both sides of the street. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the east/north/west side of Cedarhill Crescent from Country Hill Drive to Old Country Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 7. DOTR 92-31 - School Pedestrian Safety - Modifications for the 1992-93 School Year PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 48 - AUGUST 10, 1992 The Committee considered a report outlining changes which will be undertaken to improve school pedestrian safety for the 1992-93 school year. The following changes are planned for the start of the 1992-93 school year: 7. DOTR 92-31 - School Pedestrian Safety - Modifications for the 1992-93 School Year (Cont'd) -traffic control signal at the intersection of Westmount Road and Laurentian Drive -traffic control signal at the intersection of River Road and Kinzie Avenue -Adult Crossing Guard on Pioneer Drive at the stairway north of Doon Village Road -Adult Crossing Guard on Pioneer Drive at Bechtel Drive -the elimination of the school crossing on Erinbrook Drive at Uxbridge Crescent -the elimination of the school crossing on Franklin Street at Dreger Avenue -the establishment of a school crossing on Waverly Drive at the cul-de-sac -request the Region to review the intersection of Ottawa Street North and Midland Drive for the possible installation of a refuge island -the phasing in of changes in school crossing signage as approved by the Ministry of Transportation. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the report prepared by the Traffic & Parking Division of the Department of Transportation entitled 'School Pedestrian Safety - Modifications for the 1992-93 School Year' as presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on August 10, 1992, be accepted." 8. DOTR 92-32 - On-Street Parking - Calmcrest Drive The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the south side of Calmcrest Drive from Blackhorne Drive to Briar Knoll Drive. It was noted that parking on both sides of this street creates a traffic hazard because of the existing curves. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the south (odd numbered) side of Calmcrest Drive from Blackhorne Drive to Briar Knoll Drive, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 9.DOTR 92-33 - Dominion Lot No.12 - Increased Time Limit The Committee considered a report which recommends that the time limit on the 5 existing meters located on Goudies Lane at Frederick Street be increased to 1 hour from 1/2 hour. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the parking meter time limit in Dominion Lot No. 10 be increased from one half (1/2) hour to one (1) hour, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 10.DOTR 92-34 - Service Club Sign Proposal - Bridgeport/General's Green The Committee was advised that a proposal has been received which, if approved, would result in a large service club sign being erected on General's Green which is located in the Bridgeport area at the corner of PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 49 - AUGUST 10, 1992 10.DOTR 92-34 - Service Club Siqn Proposal - Bridqeport/General's Green (Cont'd) Lancaster Street and Bridge Street. It was the view of staff that this was an inappropriate location for such a sign, however, it was suggested that a location on Bloomingdale Road at the entrance to the City would be acceptable. On motion by Alderman C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That a Service Clubs sign support be erected on Bloomingdale Road at the entrance to the City (Bridgeport)." 11 .Sanitary Sewer Extension - Sportsworld Drive The Committee considered a letter from Alderman T. Galloway containing the following recommendation: "Whereas it will cost the City to expropriate and purchase the necessary easement and unduly delay the project and, Whereas the Court of Revision has normally been sympathetic to waiving flankage related assessments, Therefore be it resolved that Claudia Holdings Inc. not be assessed any flankage related costs associated with the Sportsworld Drive sanitary sewer line extension local improvement project." Mr. B. Laddie appeared before the Committee and pointed out that an easement will be required in this case because the sewer extension must be located on private property. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman T. Galloway - it was resolved: "Whereas it will cost the City to expropriate and purchase the necessary easement and unduly delay the project and, Whereas the Court of Revision has normally been sympathetic to waiving flankage related assessments, Therefore be it resolved that Claudia Holdings Inc. not be assessed any flankage related costs associated with the Sportsworld Drive sanitary sewer line extension local improvement project." 12.Overniqht Parkinq Enforcement Alderman T. Galloway introduced the following resolution to be considered by the Committee: "Whereas overnight parking enforcement is more critical in some neighbourhoods as opposed to others and, Whereas overnight parking restrictions are well known to most residents and, Whereas reduced overnight parking enforcement revenues can be replaced by other by-law enforcement revenues (e.g. sign by-law), Be it resolved that the Traffic and Parking Division prepare a report for Council consideration that will provide for a tiered system of routine overnight parking enforcement so as the current once a week frequency is maintained in critical neighbourhoods and up to once in three weeks is maintained in least critical neighbourhoods." Alderman T. Galloway expressed the view that a review of overnight parking enforcement was required and, in his opinion, the same level of enforcement is not required for all areas of the PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES City. - 50 - AUGUST 10, 1992 12.Overniqht Parkinq Enforcement (Cont'd) Several members of the Committee expressed opposition to the resolution as introduced by Alderman Galloway. It was pointed out that while the existing system may not be perfect it is working well and allows problem areas to be addressed on an individual basis. Mr. D. Snow appeared before the Committee and pointed out that a report will be provided regarding the possibility of allowing overnight permit parking. Mr. Snow did suggest, however, that he would be concerned about allowing selective enforcement because of the problems that would, no doubt, be created. Alderman T. Galloway suggested that it was his opinion that there is no need to take up staff time in patrolling those streets where problems do not exist. It would seem to be more appropriate to spend additional time in those areas where there are known to be problems. Alderman T. Galloway then introduced a motion dealing with the enforce- ment of overnight parking and this was DEFEATED. 13.Kitchener Transit Advertisinq - United Way Request The Committee was advised that United Way has requested that free internal bus advertising space be provided to them for the period of September 8 to October 31, 1992. A staff report in this regard was presented which recommends that no action be taken in regard to this request. It was noted that many non-profit associations and fundraising projects presently take advantage of a reduced rate of $75.00 per month which allows one advertising card in each City bus. It was suggested that if the United Way request was approved similar requests would be received from other similar agencies which would result in a significant loss of revenue. Alderman G. Lorentz was of the opinion that the United Way request should be approved and possibly similar requests from other charitable agencies should also be approved. Several members of the Committee, however, were of the view that the reduced rate of $75.00 per month was appropriate and United Way should not be treated any differently from the other organiza- tions who presently pay this fee. Alderman G. Lorentz then introduced a motion approving free internal bus advertising space to United Way. This resolution was put to a vote and was DEFEATED. On motion by Alderman J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That no action be taken in regard to the request received from United Way requesting free internal bus advertising space for the period of September 8 - October 31, 1992." 14.Infrastructure Needs Study Mr. E. Kovacs, Director of Utilities, appeared before the Committee and pointed out that in August of 1991 an Infrastructure Needs Study was authorized subject to grant funding being received from the Ministry of the Environment. The Committee was advised that the Ministry of Environment has rejected Kitchener's application and, accordingly, financial assistance will not be forthcoming. Mr. Kovacs advised the Committee that approximately $300,000.00 has been budgeted and, accordingly, he would recommend that the Needs Study proceed with a reapplication being made to the Province for grant funding for the 1993-94 fiscal year. It was noted that the first phase of the study involves data collection and data entry which is labour intensive and will take between 6 and 8 months to complete. Following further discussion and on motion by His Worship D. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the Director of Utilities be authorized to proceed with the Infrastructure Needs Study without PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 51 - AUGUST 10, 1992 provincial grants provided that such study costs do no exceed presently approved budget allocations." 15.Survey of Interest - King St.E. Watermain Construction The Committee was advised that an informal survey was conducted to determine if the property owners along King Street East from Grand Hill Drive to the City limits had any interest in the construction of a watermain. This survey has now been completed and there would appear to be insufficient interest to carry the total project under the Local Improvement Act. As a result of this survey, it is now suggested that a letter be sent to all property owners advising them of the survey results and indicating that any further action will be at their initiative. On motion by Alderman J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the property owners along King Street East from Grand Hill Drive to the City limits, who responded to an informal survey of interest to construct a watermain, be advised of the survey results and informed that if further action is to be taken it will be at their initiative only." 16.Clerical Assistance Mr. E. Kovacs appeared before the Committee and advised that the Utilities Division has been operating with one full time Clerk and one part-time Clerk who handle all of the Division's clerical needs. The part-time Clerk has recently accepted a full time position and, accordingly, a complete review of the situation was undertaken. The following options were considered: -authorize overtime as required -hire an additional part-time employee -convert existing part-time position to a permanent full time position. The Committee was advised that it is being recommended that the existing part-time position be converted to a full time position. Alderman J. Ziegler was of the opinion that this matter should be considered as part of the 1993 budget process along with similar requests which will no doubt be received from other Departments. Mr. R. Freeborn, Commissioner of Administrative Services, suggested that another option would be to make the part-time position into a temporary position which would provide for 35 hours of work per week rather than 24 hours. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That the request of the Utilities Division to replace an existing part-time clerical position with a full time clerical position be deferred and referred to the budget process for consideration, and further, That pending the results of the budget considerations the Utilities Division be authorized to replace the existing part-time clerical position with a temporary-full time position." 17.Status Report - Marketing Activities For information purposes, Mr. D. Collie, Manager of Customer Relations & Marketing, presented a report outlining marketing activities which have taken place within the Division. Alderman G. Lorentz referred to the natural gas rebates and suggested that there should have been a statement in the information accompanying the rebate cheques indicating that this course of action had been approved by City Council. 18.Information Update - Water Conservation Pilot Project The members of the Committee received information regarding the Pilot Project which has been undertaken to improve water conservation. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 52 - AUGUST 10, 1992 19.Public Works Department - Projects In Proqress For informational purposes the Committee received reports from the Engineering and Operations Divisions of the Department of Public Works outlining projects in progress. 20.GRCA Capital Project Priorities 1993-1997 The Committee considered a report recommending the approval of Grand River Conservation Authority Capital Projects pertaining to the City of Kitchener for the years 1993-1997. On motion by His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the Grand River Conservation Authority Capital Project Priorities 1993-1997 pertaining to the City of Kitchener and presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on August 10, 1992, be approved." 21.1992 Capital Roads Projects The Committee considered a report recommending the postponement of the reconstruction of Water Street South in the area of Heins Avenue and the use of the funds involved for the resurfacing of additional streets. On motion by His Worship Mayor D. Cardillo - it was resolved: "That the proposed reconstruction of Water Street South from the bend to Heins Avenue, under the 1992 Capital Works Programme (Index 855271), be postponed until completion of the new Schneider Trunk Sanitary Sewer in the area, and further, That the funding of $61,000.00 for the Water Street Project be transferred to Resurfacing of Various Streets (Index 852319), to permit the asphalt resurfacing of additional streets in 1992." 22.Shoemaker Greenwa¥ & Borden Greenwa¥ Culverts The Committee considered a report recommending that the consultant selection process be waived so that Cumming Cockburn Limited can be retained to provide the design and construction supervision for culverts on the Shoemaker Greenway and the Borden Greenway. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City waive its normal procedure for the selection of consultants and retain Cumming Cockburn Limited to provide the design and construction supervision of the Shoemaker Greenway and Borden Greenway Culverts at Stirling Avenue and Greenbrook Drive and the Shoemaker Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer at Stirling Avenue and Homer Watson Boulevard in conjunction with the Voisin/Freure Subdivisions." 23. Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse Deputy City Clerk