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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1992-12-07PWTC\1992-12-07 PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1992 The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date with all members present. Others Present: Messrs. D. Suzuki, T. McKay, F. Graham, S. Gyorffy, A. Mak, J. O'Rourke, D. Snow, B. Liddle, W. Beck, J. Webster, J. Wallace, E. Kovacs, D. Collie and L.F. Parkhouse. This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 9:30 a.m. Mr. L.F. Parkhouse, Deputy City Clerk, chaired the first portion of the meeting for the purposes of appointing a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman. 1 .Appointment of a Chairman On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That Alderman J. Smola be appointed Chairman of the Public Works and Transportation Committee for a term expiring November 30, 1993." 2.Appointment of a Vice-Chairman On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That Alderman M. Wagner be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Public Works and Transportation Committee for a term expiring November 30, 1993." Alderman J. Smola assumed the Chair at this time. 3.Carolyn Keatinq - Schneider Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer Alderman M. Wagner introduced Miss Carolyn Keating who was appearing before the Committee representing the residents of Bedford Road who wish to express concern about the inconveniences which have been created for them during the construction of the Schneider Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer. Miss Keating appeared and acknowledged that improvements to the Trunk Sanitary Sewer and the local services were required. It was suggested, however, that delays in this construction process have created an intolerable situation for the residents of the area. The Committee was advised that originally the residents had been informed that construction would be completed by the end of October 1992, however, with construction delays it would now appear that the project will not be completed until early 1993. The residents have been faced with many problems including difficult access to their properties, the sounds of pumps running 24 hours a day and due to the lack of access their cars must be parked in the vicinity of Courtland Avenue and vandalism has become a problem. Miss Keating outlined the following demands for consideration by the City: -we want the construction completed as quickly as possible including access to existing driveways; -work to be undertaken on Saturdays; -a guaranteed date for access to driveways which, if not met, would result in some sort of recognition to the residents for the intolerably long inconvenience; -the City to acknowledge that this construction project is unique and a potentially precedent setting case; -the City to recognize that the suffering of the residents was and is beyond what a citizen should have to endure for the sake of the entire Downtown area, etc. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 71 - DECEMBER 7, 1992 3.Carolyn Keatinq - Schneider Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer (Cont'd) -when the job is completed Miss Keating wants the City to put the camera device through her basement floor drain to ensure that past problems have been rectified -the residents to be advised what recognition the City is prepared to provide. When questioned by Alderman G. Lorentz, Miss Keating indicated that she was not prepared to make any comment as to what type of recognition the residents should receive, however, it was her view that some satisfaction should be provided for the inconveniences caused on Bedford Road just so the City could install a new trunk sewer to accommodate the Downtown part of the City and the J.M. Schneider operation. Alderman M. Wagner suggested that every member of Council should visit this site so they can see first hand the inconveniences which have been created for the area residents. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. B. Liddle pointed out that the Schneider Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer improvements are a major project requiring a very deep trench. Following the installation of the sanitary sewer the local services then had to be installed. Mr. H. Gross representing Proctor & Redfern, the consulting engineers for this project, appeared before the Committee and pointed out that his original recommendation had been that the Bedford Road work should be done in the Spring of 1993 rather than become involved with winter construction. Based on the contractors schedule, however, it appeared that the work on Bedford Road could start in July 1992 with the road being fully reconstructed by November 1992. Because of the large amount of rain during the construction period the project was delayed and construction is now approximately 7 weeks behind schedule. Mr. Gross did point out, however, that it is anticipated that driveway accesses will start to be re-opened by mid- December 1992 with this work completed in early January 1993. Mr. Gross pointed out that this project went ahead because of the serious flooding which has taken place in this area of the City over the past many years. Alderman M. Wagner suggested that the residents have been patient and understanding through this process and, at this time, all possible action should be taken to have the work completed as quickly as possible. In this regard, Mr. Liddle agreed that staff would work with the contractor and the consulting engineer. Alderman M. Wagner was also of the view that any action which may be taken to provide recognition to the residents because of what they have gone through should be deferred until all work on this project has been completed. Following further discussion and on motion by Alderman M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That City staff, the Consulting Engineer, and the Contractor working on the installation of various services on Bedford Road take all possible actions to have this work completed as quickly as possible, and further, That consideration of what, if any, action the City may take to recognize the suffering of the Bedford Road residents be deferred until such time as all work in this area has been completed." 4.DOTR 92-45 - On-Street Parkinq - Gaqe Avenue The Committee considered a report which recommends that due to the narrowness of the street that the existing parking prohibition on the west side of Gage Avenue be extended. 4.DOTR 92-45 - On-Street Parkinq - Gaqe Avenue (Cont'd) On motion by Alderman J. Ziegler- PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 72 - DECEMBER 7, 1992 it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the west side of Gage Avenue from a point 123 metres west of Waverly Road to a point 128 metres south thereof, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. DOTR 92-50 - On-Street Parkinq - Queen's Boulevard The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be prohibited on the east side of Queen's Boulevard between Rex Drive and Spadina Road. This action will discourage on- street parking generated by St. Mary's Hospital. On motion by Alderman J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited on the east (odd numbered) side of Queen's Boulevard from Rex Drive to Spadina Road, and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 6.Traffic & Parkinq Division - Information Items Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that a Courtesy Warning Tag Program has been implemented in conjunction with the new King Street parking meters. This program will be in place from December 5, 1992 to January 2, 1993. The Committee was also advised that over the Christmas period enforcement of the existing overnight on-street parking regulations will be on a complaint basis only. This program will be in effect from December 1992 to January 3, 1993. The Committee was advised that installation of new equipment in the two parking garages and Lots 1 and 19 will be substantially completed by the end of the week of December 7th and transmitters will be forwarded to monthly parkers as soon as they are available. 7.Sinqle Call Locate Services Mr. E. Kovacs, Director of Utilities, appeared before the Committee and recommended the execution of a service agreement with Henley Consulting Inc. who will provide information to anyone needing locates for underground services. On motion by Alderman G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That, subject to the approval of the Ontario Municipal Board, the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the 'Service Agreement' between participating member organizations and Henley Consulting Inc., for the services of a one-call locate centre and the 'Primary Members Agreement', representing the commitments of the consortium of organizations to co- operatively support the one-call utility locate system." 8.Natural Gas - Direct Purchase Report At the request of Mr. T. McKay consideration of this report was deferred in order for the matter to be considered by Management Committee. 9.Kitchener Transit - Year to Date Ridership & Revenue For information purposes, the Committee received a Ridership and Revenue Report prepared by Kitchener Transit and dealing with the first 10 months of 1992. 10. Proqress Report - Joseph Street - Watermain PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 73 - DECEMBER 7, 1992 The Committee received an information report from Mr. E. Kovacs, Director of Utilities, dealing with watermain installation on Joseph Street. It was noted that the contractor has been declared in default and steps are being taken to have this project completed. 11 .Public Works Department - Projects in Progress The Committee considered an informational report regarding projects in progress within the Public Works Department. 12.Snow Removal Maps Staff of the Public Works Department were requested to provide members of Council with updated maps which outline the priority of each street within a Ward as it relates to snow removal. Alderman G. Lorentz referred to damage caused by the use of salt and requested a report from staff regarding possible alternatives which would be more environmentally friendly. 13.Market Square Parking Garage Alderman T. Galloway advised that he has been contacted by an individual who recently organized an event at the Farmers' Market. When the people who attended and/or operated this event left the Market Parking Garage, an attendant was still on duty and parking fees were collected. It was noted that, in some cases, people did not leave the Market Garage until after 2:00 a.m. The organizer was quite annoyed about this situation and has indicated that in future the Market facilities will not be used. Mr. D. Snow pointed out that it has always been the practice to keep an attendant on duty as long as there are sufficient vehicles in the parking garage to warrant this course of action. It was noted, however, that whatever parking fee is collected is calculated only up until 12:00 midnight. Mr. F. Graham suggested to the Committee that if the City continues to charge for evening parking it is unlikely that there will be many rentals of the Market facility. It was noted that this entire matter will be considered as part of the recently received report dealing with the operation of the Market facility. 14. Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m. L.F. Parkhouse Deputy City Clerk