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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-22ENVY1998-04-22 APRIL 22, 1998 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m. under Councillor Jake Smola, Chair, with the following members present: Councillor J. Haalboom, Ms. D. Hartman, Ms. A. Coffey, Ms. D. Luhowy and Messrs. K. Cenerelli, J. Kay, P. Kay & M. Schmitt. Officials Present: Messrs. B. Stanley, T. Clancy, S. Gyorffy, T. Boutilier, R. Wyatt, E. Kovacs, K. Currier and L. W. Neil. 1.PD 98/53 - PROGRESS REPORT - KITCHENER BIKEWAYS STUDY The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/53 dated April 8, 1998 prepared as an information report primarily outlining progress with regard to the Kitchener Bikeways Study. Attached to the report was a map of the proposed bikeway network. Coloured routings were used on the map to illustrate the network as explained in the legend incorporated into the map. Mr. T. Boutilier appeared as a delegation to present the Bikeway Study and update the Committee on the matter. He illustrated the Regional Cycling Master Plan and for the information of the Committee noted that the future Trans Canada Trail would utilize an abandoned rail line in the North end of the Region of Waterloo that serves to connect Guelph to Goderich for cycling purposes. Mr. Boutilier referred to existing and proposed trails as well as to the following physical barriers within the City that the plan had to address: the CNR Line, the Conestoga Parkway, the Highway # 8 Corridor, and the Grand River. He explained what the Bikeway System would consist of depending in its location and purpose which ranges from just signage to dedicated bike lanes. He explained that a forum had been held and the public was asked for input and in that regard mapping of major community facilities was undertaken to link with the network. Staff then attempted to define the routes which are shown on the Proposed Bikeway and Trail Network Map and he illustrated the North-South major spine orientation in Kitchener. One issue which he identified was a suggestion that a pedestrian and cyclist bridge be constructed over the Grand River in the Doon area as part of the network and this was estimated to cost $800,000. He pointed out that the last page of the staff report outlines what has to be done and that the estimated cost for the Bikeway Network was 10 million dollars to be implemented on an annual incremental basis in accordance with City's ten year Capital Forecast. He acknowledged when the report was presented to Committee and Council numerous options with regard to the length of implementation would be the subject of discussion. He pointed out that the Regional Cycling Plan was intended to be implemented over thirty years with the commencement year designated as 1994. Mr. J. Kay expressed serious concern with the thirty year implementation target of the Region. He also commented that to put the cost of the network in perspective, approximately one hundred and eighty million dollars was being spent for the re-construction of the Conestoga Parkway/Highway #8 Interchange. Mr. P. Kay stated he had concerns about problems arising from mixed use of trails by both cyclists and pedestrians and questioned if there were ways of segregating use. Mr. T. Clancy commented on aspects relating to conflicts in uses and the likelihood that pathways would develop adjacent to bicycle trails. Councillor J. Haalboom asked that staff investigate a trail in the area of Pioneer Drive and Old Carriage Drive that was not shown on the map. Also Councillor J. Haalboom suggested that as part of the Highway #8 re-design, a routing should be included in a southerly direction towards the City of Cambridge similar to the one illustrated for Homer Watson Boulevard. Mr. T. Boutilier advised that he would address this concern. Mr. J. Kay commented that he was uncomfortable with pedestrian/cyclist mix and stated that it was becoming a problem in the City. Mr. P. Kay concurred that mixed uses were a problem as mentioned by Mr. J. Kay and pointed out that similar problems occur on trails involving snowmobiles and cross country skiers. Councillor Jake Smola questioned if wider roads could be planned to accommodate bikes when new subdivision proposals were first being considered. Mr. T. Boutilier advised that as these are reviewed staff have a responsibility to look for appropriate bikeway locations. For the information of the Committee, he indicated that it was planned to take the Bikeways Study to the City's 1.PD 98/53 - PROGRESS REPORT - KITCHENER BIKEWAYS STUDY (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES APRIL 22, 1998 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER Management Committee for comment in mid-May and to the Planning and Economic Development Committee at its May 25th meeting and if approved, to place it before Council for ratification at its June 1st meeting. Mr. Boutilier explained that if the proposed bikeway network was adopted by City Council, on an annual basis the Public Works Department and the Parks and Recreation Department would review construction activity for the current year and then apply such evaluation to implementation of a portion of the plan for the current year. On motion by Mr. James Kay - it was resolved: "That the Environmental Committee give general endorsement to Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/53 (Progress Report - Kitchener Bikeway Study) and recommend to the Planning and Economic Development Committee that the Committee address the following concern when the Kitchener Bikeway Study is discussed, namely: That since the Regional Bikeways Plan is intended to be implemented over a 30 year period, City Council be encouraged to implement the planned Kitchener Bikeway network through the Capital Forecast in the shortest possible time frame which expedites completion of the local network." 2.LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM Mr. S. Gyorffy appeared as a delegation to comment on the 1997 Leaf Collection Program before consideration of disposal options for 1998 takes place as part of the approval process for the 1998 Budget. Mr. Gyorffy distributed a copy of his report dated February 3, 1998 on the Leaf Collection Program that was earlier provided to the Public Works and Transportation Committee for its consideration. He then reviewed the methods of collection that have taken place during the last ten years under a number of collection strategies ranging from: collection on an ad-hoc basis, advertised collection, bagged collection with composting by the Region first with plastic bags which were subsequently banned and replaced by paper bags only, provision for drop off sites for collected leaves, collection option of either raked to the curb or bagged, provision of mapping to explain collection days and advertising in that regard. He pointed out that on the issue of advertising, one of the City's advertisements had received an Award from the K-W Sales and Advertising Club and Mr. Gyorffy played a tape of the advertisement for the Committee. Mr. Gyorffy then utilized slides to illustrate the large increase that took place from 1996 to 1997 with the tonnes collected rising from 3,330 to 4,880 tonnes and the accompanying increased costs which rose from $295,000 to $353,600. He noted that the cost per tonne collected by the loose leaf method was approximately $56.00, the bagged leaf method was $121.00. He then referred to a table summarizing the amount of leaves collected during the eight week leaf collection period and stated that it had been suggested that no collection take place in the first two weeks of the previous eight week program. With respect to the loose leaf collection method involving leaves raked to the curb, he advised that the City required different equipment to clean up leaves that had been left on the boulevard as opposed to being raked on to the right of way. In conclusion, Mr. Gyorffy commented that the dilemma was what service level the City should provide in consideration of costs and environmental issues. In response to Ms. A. Coffey, Mr. Gyorffy commented that leaf collection on a twenty four hour basis would be objected to by area residents. Mr. K. Currier raised the question of provision of a drop off for tree cuttings and yard waste and Mr. Gyorffy advised that staff would be looking at this issue when the City's Garbage Collection Contract comes up for renewal. Councillor Jake Smola referred to the City's Environmental Handbook that was being developed and recommended that an advertisement be placed in the booklet to encourage composting and mulching of leaves at source, rather than removal by collection. 2.LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM (CONT'D) ENVIRONMENTAL MINUTES APRIL 22, 1998 COMMITFEE CITY OF KITCHENER In reference to the Award received from the K-W Sales and Advertising Club, on the suggestion of Councillor J. Haalboom the Committee directed that Mr. S. Gyorffy undertake arrangements to make note of the Award at the next televised Council meeting and play the advertisement. Further, it was requested that Mr. Gyorffy through the Human Resources Division ensure that a photocopy of the Award was placed in the notice boards contained in the City Hall elevators and in the Economic Development Divisions publication. 3.MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM -LEAD PIPING The Committee was in receipt of a report dated April 14, 1998 from Mr. E. Kovacs responding to concerns raised by Mr. J. Kay in a September 24, 1997 memo addressed to the Environmental Committee relative to the Municipal Water Service having service laterals that contained lead piping. The questions which Mr. Kay had raised in his correspondence were itemized in the staff report and in this regard Mr. Kovacs commented that the water utility has always been sensitive to the lead piping issue. He noted that in his report he tried to address Mr. Kay's questions and commented that lead piping still exists in most municipal water distribution systems but exact location of lead material is not well documented and material in service laterals is not documented at all. He advised that it is known when the practice of utilizing lead took place, and in this regard the war years 1914 to 1917 and 1941 to 1946 as well as the years 1921 to 1926 are presumed to contain lead material. Mr. Kovacs pointed out that the Environmental Committees Strategic Plan contains an initiative with regard to development of an Integrated Infrastructure Management System that would provide better capability to manage infrastructure and would be of some assistance in inventorying lead material in water distribution systems but lack of source documentation remained a problem in respect to the lead issue. Further he commented that on the issue of guidelines and regulations, the accepted standard for lead in drinking water was 50 ppb. up to 1990 which was thereafter reduced to 10 ppb. He pointed out that it has been found that lead levels in the distribution system are well below the 10 ppb. standard but that at the tap level the first tap flow generates higher levels of lead. In addition to lead in some older residences, the soldering that was used to join water pipes in homes used to contain a heavy concentration of lead which has now been eliminated from new construction. In summary, Mr. Kovacs advised that the distribution system was in compliance with health standards but it was his view that a better job needs to be done to inform residents of the problems relating to lead and the potential impact it may have depending on the date their dwelling was constructed. He pointed out that the billing system could handle the issue of informing consumers of the lead hazard and Councillor Jake Smola noted that the City's Environmental Handbook could also make reference to the issue. Mr. Kovacs suggested that a separate line item be identified in the City's Capital Program to deal with the lead piping issue. Mr. J. Kay inquired if the Public Works Department would be willing to make a presentation responding to the lead issue if it was placed on an agenda of the Cedar Hills Neighbourhood Association with the objective of better informing the residents on the issue and Mr. E. Kovacs agreed to assist in this regard. Mr. K. Currier commented that the KPL through its Community Program could also assist in disseminating information with regard to the lead piping issue and that informational pamphlets could be prepared. Mr. Kovacs commented that there are a number of ways of getting the message out as to the potential hazard and mitigation of it and suggested that the new Business Manager for the Utilities Division could take responsibility for this undertaking. Ms. A. Coffey pointed out that older schools in the municipality could have lead piping and expressed concern that after water had sat in the piping overnight or over the weekend it would pose a hazard for those that were to first draw the water for consumption after such period of time. Mr. K. Currier replied that lead piping was only used for small diameter residential services and had not been used for the intake of large facilities such as schools. Mr. E. Kovacs agreed to follow up on the concern with respect to lead as it relates to the internal pipe distribution within school facilities and advise them of the hazard in that regard. He did comment that it was his recollection that the School Board has acted on this issue in the past but that he would follow up on it. 3.MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM -LEAD PIPING (CONT'D) On Motion By Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMII-FEE MINUTES APRIL 22, 1998 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER "That the Water Utility expand its efforts at customer education and awareness respecting the health risks of lead in drinking water; and further, That specific notices be issued to residential homes known to have lead services advising home owners and occupants of the existence of lead piping and possible mitigative measures that could be taken by the householders to minimize health risks associated with lead concentrations in drinking water; and further, That the Water Utility evaluate alternatives to existing efforts to eliminate known lead piping throughout the potable water system in the City of Kitchener and that such alternatives, complete with cost implications, be tabled with the Environment Committee prior to the submission of the 1999 Capital Budget." 4. DISCUSSION OF APPROACHES TO EARTH DAY - PLANNING FOR 1999 Councillor Jake Smola advised that he would like the Committee to give consideration to striking a sub- committee to work on activities for 1999 Earth Day and requested members think about the issue and be prepared to discuss it at the next meeting. He suggested that a strategy be developed prior to consideration of involving other organizations in the sub-committees activity. Mr. T. Clancy advised that the Communities In Bloom program had funding and a joint committee in place along with plenty of information and could assist in Earth Day consultation and initiatives. 5.UPDATE RE: SMOGBUSTERS 1998 EARTH DAY PROPOSAL Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Committee had earlier granted conditional approval to a grant in favour of Smogbusters relative to their 1998 Earth Day activities. In this regard, he advised that he had received notice from Mr. Daniel Rainham that they could not get the funding participation that they had anticipated and accordingly had not proceeded with their Earth Day undertaking. Mr. T. Clancy advised that Canada Trust did approve a grant in favour of Smogbusters approximately three weeks ago. However, Mr. Stanley indicated it was his understanding that the other source of funding from the University had not been successful. 6.PROTECTING NATURE CLOSE TO HOME - WORKSHOP IN BOLTON, SAT. MAY 2, 1998 As mentioned in the April 1st minutes the Committee was provided with a copy of the Registration Form for the above workshop and it was again noted that the Committee would fund the twenty dollar registration cost of any member attending from the Committees Special Promotions budget. 7.TREE PLANTING ON REGIONAL ROADS Councillor J. Haalboom questioned what the City's policies and communication methods were regarding Tree Planting on Regional Roads. Mr. B. Stanley commented on how trees were developed within the urban development boundary and outside of the urban development boundary. In this regard he referred to the new Municipal Plan and how it designates Open Space. Following further discussion, it was noted that this issue would be addressed within items that were already listed as items for consideration on the Committees future agendas. 8.INFORMATION ITEMS ATTACHED TO THE AGENDA · Tree Planting On Regional Roads - Letter dated April 1, 1998 from D. Daly with attached inventory of possible tree planting sites Regional Roads. on · Resolution of the City of St. Catherines Re: Reduction of Sulphur Content in Gasoline - Letter dated April 9, 1998 requesting Council endorsement. ENVIRONMENTAL MINUTES APRIL 22, 1998 COMMITFEE CITY OF KITCHENER 9.NEXT MEETING - JUNE 3, 1998 The next regular Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 1998. 10.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. L. W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk