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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1996-04-01PED\1996-04-01 APRIL 1, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 3:30 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Councillors M. Wagner, M. Yantzi, John Smola, Jake Smola, B. Vrbanovic, J. Ziegler, T. Galloway and G. Lorentz. Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Officials present: Ms. C. Ladd, J. Given, P. MacPherson-Bacon, S. Frenette, B. Newell, D. Adams and Messrs. R.W. Pritchard, B. Stanley, D. Mansell, R. Mattice, J. Witmer, K. Tribby, P. Wetherup and L.W. Neil. 1. STAFF APPOINTMENT - GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) TECHNOLOGIST Ms. B. Newell introduced Ms. Dianne Adams who has been hired as the City's GIS Technologist. Ms. Adams previously was employed by the Regional Municipality of Peel where she worked on its Geographical Information Systems. On behalf of the Committee, Councillor C. Weylie welcomed Ms. Adams. PD 96~24 - 4553 KING STREET EAST - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 96/2/K/RM - LVB DEVELOPMENTS - SOUTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 96/24 dated March 7, 1996. The report deals with a Demolition Control Application submitted by LVB Developments with respect to the property known municipally as 4553 King Street East. It was stated in the report that the applicant proposes to demolish the residential structure and out buildings in order to facilitate the construction of a commercial mall on this large triangular lot situate at the corner of Limerick Drive and King Street East. It was noted in the report that the house is not over 50 years old and is not affected by the Rental Housing Protection Act or the Ontario Heritage Act. The dwelling is vacant and boarded up and requires extensive work to bring it up to standard. For the reasons outlined in the report, staff are of the view that the house is no longer viable and should be demolished. Mr. B. Stanley advised that staff had nothing further to add to the report under consideration as the demolition application was straight forward and that the report has been circulated to all affected property owners. Councillor T. Galloway advised the Committee that he had been approached by neighbours who questioned if there was an approved site plan yet. Mr. B. Stanley confirmed that the City has received a proposed site plan. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 96/2/K/RM (LVB Developments) requesting approval for the removal of a single detached dwelling and outbuildings located at 4553 King Street East legally described as Part Lot 23, Beasley Broken Front be approved. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City." The Chair advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 9, 1996. PD 96/16 - 6 WESTWOOD DRIVE AT WESTMOUNT ROAD - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 95/28/W/PMB - KENMORE COMMERCIAL (1989) INC. - WEST WARD The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt of an application from Kenmore Commercial (1989) Inc., to change the zoning of a parcel of land located at the northwest corner of Westwood Drive and Westmount Road. The proposed zoning change is from Residential Eight Zone (R-8) to Residential Eight Zone (R- APRIL 1, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8) with Special 3. PD 96/16 - 6 WESTWOOD DRIVE AT WESTMOUNT ROAD - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 95/28/W/PMB - KENMORE COMMERCIAL (1989) INC. - WEST WARD (CONT'D) Regulation Provisions 221 and 223 according to By-law 85-1. In this regard the Committee considered Planning and Development Staff Report PD 96/16 dated February 23, 1996 and the proposed by-law dated February 19, 1996 attached to the report. It was noted in the report that the subject property is vacant and that the proposed zone change would add two special regulation provisions to the R-8 zone to reduce the minimum floor space ratio from 0.6 to 0.3 and to reduce the rear yard setback from 7.5 m to 3.0 m. The existing zoning currently permits the development of apartments and townhouses and the proposed change in zoning will continue to permit the development of multiple dwellings although at a lower density. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. Ms. C. Ladd advised that staff had nothing further to add to the report under consideration. She did note that the site has been developed in phases with the current proposal being the third phase of the development. She noted that the zone change application maintains the existing zoning but reduces the minimum floor space ratio. Ms. Carol Wiebe, MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson, appeared as a delegation on behalf of the applicant to support the recommendation in the staff report. Ms. Wiebe illustrated the portion of the land parcel which is the subject of the zone change application and requested the Committee's approval of the reductions requested. No other delegations responded to an invitation from the Chair to address the Committee on this matter. The recommendation in the staff report was then considered. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application 95/28AN/PMB (Kenmore Commercial (1989) Inc. 6 Westwood Drive) requesting a change in zoning from Residential Eight Zone (R-8) to Residential Eight Zone (R-8) with Special Regulation Provisions 221 and 223 according to By-law 85-1, on Part Lots 6 & 28, Registered Plan 402 more particularly described as Parts 1 & 2, 58R-8599, be approved in the form shown in the attached "Proposed By-law", dated February 19, 1996, subject to the following conditions being satisfied prior to any readings of the By-law by Council. To arrange for notification by letter from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the City's Clerk, that all Regional requirements have been satisfied with respect to the proposed development. The Owner acknowledges that Condition 1 is required to be satisfied no later than seven (7) months from Council having approved the amending zoning by-law relative to the Zone Change Application 95~8\W1PMB by resolution. In the event this requirement is not fulfilled within the seven month period, Council shall consider rescinding its zone change approval. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City and is in conformity with the City's Municipal Plan." The Chair advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 9, 1996. Mayor R. Christy entered the meeting at this point. 4. PD 96~20 - ADDENDUM TO PD 95/111 APRIL 1, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER - SIGN BY-LAW AMENDMENTS CONCERNING SIDEWALK / A-FRAME AND PORTABLE SIGNS AND PORTABLE SIGN DISPLAY PERMITS - CHAPTER 680 (SIGNS) - MUNICIPAL CODE The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 96/20 dated February 20, 1996 proposing amendment to Chapter 680 (Signs) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code. Also attached to the PD 96/20 were Staff Reports PD 95/111 and PD 95/76 as well as minutes relating to earlier discussion of the sign issue based on these reports. It was noted in Staff Report PD 96/20 that the proposed amendments to Chapter 680 were attached to the report and shown as Appendix 'A'. These amendments would permit and regulate the use of "oversized" sidewalk / A-frame signs as portable signs in all zones permitting portable signs, permit the anchoring of portable signs for stability and safety and eliminate the requirement for display permits on portable signs. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. Mr. K. Tribby advised that staff had nothing further to add to the report under consideration. However, he did note that the staff report was an addendum prepared as a result of earlier reports that were attached to PD 96/20. He referred the Committee to Page 2 of Staff Report PD 96/20 which fully explained the purpose of the proposed recommendation. Mr. Tribby then briefly reviewed the five proposed amendments outlined on Appendix A to PD 96/20. Mr. Dave Lamka, A-Z Quality Signs Ltd., appeared as a delegation to express his support of the recommendations in the staff report. Mr. Paul Lawson, Lawson Mobile Signs, appeared as a delegation to present the views outlined in this March 25th correspondence which was attached to the agenda. In his submission, Mr. Lawson objected to the amendment that would result in the requirement for display of the sign permit to be discarded on the basis that portable sign leasing operators will not obtain permits required under the by-law. Mr. Lawson maintained that operators have infact installed mobile signs without getting permits and noted that if the display permit was not required then other people would have no evidence of what operator has complied with the by-law. He suggested that the proposal was a backward step with respect to enforcement. In reference to oversized A-frame and T-frame signs, Mr. Lawson advised that he did not object to the proposed revision. However, he requested that the permit fee be half of the regular fee for a mobile sign and set at $20.00 per month with the approved display period commencing on the day of permit issuance. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned if Mr. Lawson had been mounting the display permits on his signs and Mr. Lawson said that he had not but was quite willing to do so if required. Councillor Ziegler then requested staff comment in respect to Mr. Lawson's concerns about the display of permits assisting in the enforcement issue. Mr. K. Tribby advised that since August 1992, staff have been patrolling with lists of sign locations and that such lists are now updated daily and it is not necessary to view stickers to determine where violations are occurring. Further, Mr. Tribby commented that the majority of other sign companys have no concern with the proposed change. Mr. J. Witmer commented that the system relative to the display of permits was not fail safe and outlined an example in that regard. No other delegations were registered respecting this matter. The Committee then considered the recommendations in the staff report. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi - it was resolved: "That City Council approve the proposed amendments to Chapter 680 (SIGNS) of the Municipal Code, attached as Appendix A to Planning and Development Staff Report PD 96/20, and direct the Legal Department to prepare the appropriate amending by-law for enactment by Council. PD 96~20 - ADDENDUM TO PD 95/111 - SIGN BY-LAW AMENDMENTS CONCERNING SIDEWALK / A-FRAME AND APRIL 1, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENER PORTABLE SIGNS AND PORTABLE SIGN DISPLAY PERMITS - CHAPTER 680 (SIGNS) - MUNICIPAL CODE (CONT'D) It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of these amendments is proper planning for the City." The Chair advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 9, 1996. PD 96/17 - RANDERSON AVENUE, PANDORA CRESCENT, STIRLING AVENUE - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 95/24/R/PMB - CITY OF KITCHENER INITIATED - CENTRE WARD The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt of a City initiated application to change the zoning of properties on Randerson Avenue, Pandora Crescent and Stirling Avenue as illustrated on the maps attached to the report. The proposed zoning change is from Residential Four Zone (R-4) and Residential Seven Zone (R-7) to Residential Three Zone (R-3) according to By-law 85-1. In this regard the Committee considered Planning and Development Staff Report PD 96/17 dated February 23, 1996 and the proposed by- law dated February 14, 1996 attached to the report. It was noted in the report that the proposed zone change will change the zoning from R-4 and R-7 to R-3 for all properties fronting onto Randerson Avenue, Pandora Crescent and portions of Stirling Avenue. The purpose of the rezoning is to apply a zoning category which will increase the lot width and lot area requirements, reflective of the existing development in the area. Besides retaining the existing larger lot width and lot areas in the neighbourhood another effect of the zone change will be to no longer permit the development of semi-detached dwellings. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. Ms. C. Ladd advised that staff had nothing further to add to the report under consideration. She pointed out that the proposed change relates to a number of properties on Randerson Avenue, Pandora Crescent and a few properties fronting on Stirling Avenue. Ms. Ladd then explained the minimum building lot regulations in the zoning by-law and reviewed the recent issue involving development of a semi-detached dwelling which brought this matter to light and resulted in the zone change application. Mr. Erich Ritzmann appeared as a delegation along with several neighbourhood residents of Randerson Avenue to formally express support for the recommendation in the staff report. He indicated that they were totally in favour of protecting the existing larger lot sized properties. No other delegations were registered respecting this matter. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he wished to speak to the proposal and provide comments on behalf of Councillor K. Redman who was unable to attend the meeting this date. He indicated that she was in favour of the staff recommendation and that she had requested him on her behalf to thank staff and residents for their work on this issue. The recommendation in the staff report was then considered. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application 95/24/R/PMB (City of Kitchener - Randerson Avenue, Pandora Crescent, Stirling Avenue) requesting a change in zoning from Residential Four Zone (R-4) and Residential Seven Zone (R-7) to Residential Three Zone (R-3) according to By-law 85-1, on Lots 11 through 17 inclusive and Lots 19 through 31 inclusive, Registered Plan 355 and Part Lots 29 through 59 inclusive, Registered Plan 651 and PD 96/17 - RANDERSON AVENUE, PANDORA CRESCENT, STIRLING AVENUE - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 95/24/R/PMB - CITY OF KITCHENER INITIATED - CENTRE WARD (CONT'D) PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 1, 1996 - 46 - CITY OF KITCHENER Lots 1, 2, 3 and 5, Registered Plan 1134 be approved in the form shown in the attached "Proposed By-law", dated February 14, 1996, without conditions. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City and is in conformity with the City's Municipal Plan." The Chair advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 9, 1996. COMMUNITY MEDIATION SERVICES (CMS) 1995 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CITY OF KITCHENER As information, the Committee was in receipt of a copy of Community Mediation Services (CMS) 1995 Annual Report to the City of Kitchener. It was noted in the report that Community Mediation Services (CMS) is one of four programs under the umbrella of Community Justice Initiatives of Waterloo Region. It was also pointed out in the report that the contract between the City and CMS provides conflict resolution services to parties referred to them by City Hall but many of the cases involve Kitchener citizens (500+ individuals in 1995) not referred to them by the City. The City provides CMS with a $4,000 grant per year plus $100 per request. The 1995 CMS report covers the activities that occurred under the program for the 1994/1995 fiscal year and the 1995 calendar year for referrals from the City of Kitchener. 7. DOWNTOWN UPDATE Mr. B. Stanley advised that there was nothing new to advise the Committee of with respect to downtown issues. He anticipated that a report will be forthcoming at the next meeting. 8. G.I.S. REQUIREMENTS - PROPOSED INSTALLATION/STAFF LOCATION Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to the staff proposal that a portion of the vacant space on the 8th floor of City Hall be renovated for use by the GIS staff for system development and training purposes. He noted that associated costs were estimated at up to $20,000. Councillor Vrbanovic pointed out that the 8th floor vacant space was intended for purposes of tenant rental until sometime in the future when required for City operations. He suggested that in light of downsizing that has taken place, there was space available in City Hall that could be utilized and referred to how the Downtown Action Team had been accommodated. He suggested that the GIS spatial requirements be referred to Management Committee for consideration and report to the Finance and Administration Committee. Mr. B. Stanley explained the GIS requirements noting that the project as funded would span a 7-8 year time frame. He advised that staff have investigated the GIS experience of other municipalities and found that the GIS equipment remained in the location where it was originally placed due to its unique spatial and internal support requirements. Mr. Stanley listed the requirements to facilitate development of the system. He advised that the matter had been considered by Management Committee on three occasions where space and associated costs have been reviewed. It is staffs view that a portion of the 8th floor best meets the GIS configuration requirements and orders have been placed for hardware and software on the basis of a finished working environment being available by a certain target date. The Committee entered into a lengthy discussion of this issue. In response to a question on how actively the vacant 8th floor space has been marketed, Mr. R.W. Pritchard, Acting CAO, advised that during the recession the space was not actively marketed in view of the surplus quantity of privately owned vacant finished downtown office space. He advised that he had reviewed the layout proposed for the GIS and confirmed it was designed in such a way as to facilitate marketing the remaining vacant space on the 8th floor. Mr. B. Stanley noted that any delay in finding suitable accommodation would have a cost impact relative to staff and GIS equipment sitting idle until the GIS location could be determined and installations completed. 8. G.I.S. REQUIREMENTS - PROPOSED STAFF LOCATION (CONT'D) Following further discussion, the Committee directed that staff investigate what alternative existing APRIL 1, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER = finished space was available within City Hall that might accommodate the GIS requirements and report to City Council at its April 9th meeting. It was also requested that staff prepare a report dealing with the history of marketing the rental of the 8th floor vacant space. PIONEER TOWER WEST COMMUNITY APPEAL & VARIOUS REFERRAL REQUESTS TO THE ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD JHS PROPERTIES INC -ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 941171PIJG - MUNICIPAL PLAN - SUBDIVISION APPLICATION 30T-94009 10. Councillor T. Galloway advised the Committee that the owners of land in the Pioneer Tower West area have requested the Ontario Municipal Board consider their applications. Mr. B. Stanley advised that staff had received copies of letters from JHS Properties Inc. to the Ontario Municipal Board in which an appeal is lodged relative to their zone change and various referral requests are also filed relative to the Municipal Plan, an Official Plan Amendment and a Subdivision Plan. He indicated that following consultation with the City's legal staff, planning staff have stopped processing activities in regards to all applications. Mr. Stanley advised that a report on this issue and related options would be prepared for consideration at the Committee's April 22nd meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk