Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2004-11-22DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date commencing at 6:36 p.m. Present: Chair Councillor C. Weylie, Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, M. Galloway, J. Gazzola, G. Lorentz and B. Vrbanovic Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer G. Stewart, Manager of Development & Technical Services J. Willmer, Director of Planning Services R. Shamess, Director of Engineering Services D. Trask, Acting Fire Chief G. Mann, Deputy Fire Chief L. MacDonald, Director of Legal Services F. McCrea, Assistant City Solicitor L. Masseo, Manager of Development & Design K. Carmichael, Supervisor, Traffic & Parking Services C. Bluhm, Planner R. Gosse, Committee Administrator DTS-04-176 - KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARDS OF RESPONSE COVERAGE The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 176 dated November 9, 2004, regarding the Kitchener Fire Department's Standards of Response Coverage. Mr. D. Trask advised that the Standards of Response Coverage document is a component of the Commission of Fire Accreditation International Program and is required to be adopted in order for accreditation to be awarded. The document provides a detailed evaluation of services provided and recommendations for Council to consider in maintaining and setting emergency response services for the community. Mr. Trask further advised that this document along with an Assessment Document and the Community Strategic Plan will be submitted to the Commission in order to attain the accreditation. Mr. G. Mann then gave a presentation reviewing the Standards of Response Coverage document advising that it was prepared as a tool to assist the Department in maintaining its standards commensurate with community growth and to clearly identify both capabilities and limitations in the provision of services by the Department. He added that the study also offers recommendations and actions to ensure that the Department continues to meet community expectations in reducing loss of life, property and environmental damage. Mr. G. Mann reviewed each section of the document concluding his presentation with the strategic directions to be taken in order for the Department to maintain its level of service. The Committee raised a question with respect to the use of the aerial truck as the second response vehicle at station #2 and questioned whether it would be more prudent to use a second pumper or smaller vehicle in this capacity. D. Trask responded advising that the Department was currently investigating the feasibility of using a smaller vehicle agreeing that using the aerial vehicle may not be the most efficient use. Councillor Galloway asked if the Department has considered integrating the proposed station #7 with another community facility such as a community centre in order to find financial efficiencies. Acting Chief Trask responded that the Department has not discussed that idea with Community Services or Facilities Management but would do so at the planning stage for the new station. Councillor Vrbanovic suggested that perhaps implementing the direct detect program in all new subdivisions may assist in reducing the loss of properties and lives. Mr. Trask advised that the Department is working with Wilfrid Laurier University to develop a business plan to move forward with the direct detect program. Councillor C. Weylie pointed out the problems associated with traffic calming and the response time of the Fire Department and the importance of the Department being involved with any traffic calming discussions. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That the Kitchener Fire Department 'Standards of Response Coverage', dated October 2004, be adopted." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 2004 - 95- CITY OF KITCHENER CRPS-04-203 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION - 'NO IDLING' ZONES The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-04-203 dated November 18, 2004, regarding the Environmental Committee recommendation with respect to 'No Idling' Zones. Councillor B. Vrbanovic reminded the Committee that this issue and the recommendation to implement an education program with respect to 'no idling' advisory signs was discussed at the previous Development and Technical Services Committee. The item was referred back to the Environmental Committee to look at the impact of idling vehicles at drive-thru restaurants on the air quality. Councillor Vrbanovic advised that the Environmental Committee met with various stakeholders and discussed the issues and is now recommending that a study be undertaken to determine the impact of drive-thru facilities on air quality, to implement the first step of the educational campaign by installing no idling advisory signs and, to persue the development of a long term strategy on air quality. Ms. Yvonne Fernandes representing the Environmental Committee attended advising that it was important to take small steps in dealing with the air quality issue and that in the opinion of the Environmental Committee, the proposed educational piece which includes the installation of advisory signs was the first step. Ms. Fernandes reminded the Committee that the City has set a standard when it introduced a policy for City vehicles regarding the 10 second rule whereby if a vehicle is to idle longer than 10 seconds, City staff are to turn off the engine. Ms. Fernandes added that now the citizens were also being asked to reduce idling and that the educational component being recommended and the advisory signs would go a long way in changing the culture of the community with the intent of improving air quality. Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that the installation of advisory signs would come after the implementation of an educational program on idling vehicles and asked if the school boards have been requested to contribute towards such a program. Ms. Fernandes responded that the school boards have not been formally requested to partner in the program, the hope being that they would take the initiative to join and implement an education program. The Committee raised a question regarding the difference in the impact on air quality between an idling vehicle and a vehicle that is stopped and started in a drive-thru. Ms. Fernandes responded that the Committee did not have that information suggesting that it would come out in the study being recommended by the Environmental Committee. Mr. Victor Labreche, PEIL Limited, attended representing the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association. Mr. Labreche advised that he had attended the Environmental Committee meeting of November 18th bringing forward concerns from the restaurant industry regarding any impact on the drive-thru restaurants with respect to no idling zones. He advised that Mr. Michael Lapage, a qualified meteorologist and air quality expert, will also be speaking to the Committee regarding his findings on air quality and idling vehicles. Mr. Labreche advised that 80% of drive- thru customers are pass-by traffic in which the vehicle is already on the road. 80% of the drive- thru restaurants are located on major arterial roads with high traffic volumes; therefore, any impact from idling vehicles in the drive-thru would be insignificant. He also advised that restaurants with a drive-thru facility derive 50% of their revenue from the drive-thru; therefore, any changes with respect to drive-thru uses would have an economic impact on those businesses. Mr. Labreche further advised that in May 2002 the City of Mississauga had undertaken a study with respect to emissions at drive-thru restaurants and that the report showed there was no evidence of an impact on the air quality. Mr. Labreche concluded his presentation requesting that the Environmental Committee report be received for information only, that the Committee reconsider the original recommendation from the Committee and, that no further action be taken with respect to a study on the impact of drive-thru facilities on air quality. Councillor Lorentz suggested that the City could not ban drive-thru facilities but asked if there was any way the industry could make changes resulting in drive-thru's being more efficient. Mr. Labreche responded that the industry is always looking at more efficient processes and that some restaurants have created parking areas and side by side drive-thru's allowing more vehicles to be served more efficiently. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 2004 - 96- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CRPS-04-203 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION (CONT'D) Mr. Michael Lapage, RWDI Group Consulting Engineers, attended advising that his firm has conducted a study specific to drive-thru restaurants and idling vehicles for the restaurant industry at an Ontario Municipal Board hearing in the City of Toronto. He further advised that from the studies which focused on Tim Horton restaurants there were four particular outcomes: Vehicle exhaust emissions at a drive-thru are not significantly different from any other restaurant that does not have a drive-thru but has a similar volume of traffic accessing the site; Concentrations of exhaust pollutants are generally within applicable air quality criteria at any distance away from the drive-thru lane of a quick service facility; Comparison of results for the year 2003 to those for the year 2013 indicates that existing federal vehicle emissions standards are effectively mitigating local air quality impacts; Local air quality impacts from vehicle exhaust emissions are generally not a concern in terms of current acceptability criteria and there is no reason from an air quality perspective which requires significant segregation of drive-thru operations from residential uses. Mr. Lapage added that he has also found that a car that is turned off and allowed to cool and then restarted produces a high burst of emission greater than if the car had been left idling. The Committee asked questions of Mr. Lapage with respect to emissions of an idling vehicle versus a vehicle that is moving and the impact of the 10 second rule. Mr. Lapage responded that over time a vehicle that is being driven will emit higher levels of pollutants. With respect to the 10 second rule Mr. Lapage explained that a vehicle in a drive-thru queue remains there for approximately 4 minutes whereas it takes approximately 9 minutes for a patron to park a vehicle and enter the restaurant. This results in the vehicle cooling down sufficiently enough that when the vehicle is restarted there is a burst of higher emissions from the vehicle. Mr. Labreche added that the 10 second rule is more about wasting fuel than it is about pollutants being emitted by the vehicle. Several members of the Committee raised a concern that there is insufficient information and data being presented in order to make a decision on the recommendations and that it would be prudent of the City to investigate further and gather the information and data surrounding idling vehicles in drive-thru restaurants and then develop a long term strategic plan on air quality. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the recommendation from the Environmental Committee contained in Corporate Services Department report CRPS-04-203, dated November 18, 2004 regarding 'No Idling Zones' be deferred and referred back to the Environmental Committee in order that a long term comprehensive plan be developed on air quality in the City of Kitchener." 3. DTS-04-174 52 & 90 WOODSIDE AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT STRATEGY The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 174 dated November 10, 2004, regarding a redevelopment strategy for the property located at 52 & 90 Woodside Avenue. Mr. J. Willmer advised that staff are recommending a City initiated municipal plan amendment and zone change application for 52 & 90 Woodside Avenue as a means to redevelop the property for residential use. He added that staff would work with interested parties including the area residents to eliminate the current industrial land use, encourage site remediation and promote residential reuse of the lands. Ms. Heather Thompson attended as a neighbourhood representative and spokesperson advising that the recommendation in the staff report comes as good news to the area residents of the subject lands and that they would support a change in the land use for residential purposes. Ms. Thompson advised that they would be involved in the process and would assist staff in any way they could in order to develop the lands as a compatible and stable use. When asked if the area residents would consider a higher density residential development, Ms. Thompson responded that they would consider any proposal as long as the development is compatible with the surrounding area. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 2004 3. DTS-04-174 - 97- CITY OF KITCHENER 52 & 90 WOODSIDE AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CONT'D) Mr. Sam Head, Planning Consultant, attended representing the Weber Supply Company which is located on the property adjacent to 90 Woodside Avenue. Mr. Head advised that his client may have concerns with any residential development and the compatibility issues with his clients current commercial use but they are willing to work with staff and the community in order to develop an appropriate proposal for the site. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That the Development & Technical Services Department be directed to initiate a Municipal Plan Amendment and Zone Change Application for 52 & 90 Woodside Avenue, working with all interested parties, to eliminate the current industrial land use policy and zoning; to encourage site remediation; and to promote residential re-use of the lands." DTS-04-150 ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 04/05/R/CB DALIMAT INVESTMENT RITTENHOUSE ROAD - FOREST GLEN PLAZA SOUTH WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 150 dated November 5, 2004, regarding zone change application ZC 04/05/R/CB for Dalimat Investments Limited to change the zoning on lands located in the area of Rittenhouse Road and Block Line Road. Mr. C. Bluhm advised that the City has received a zone change application from Dalimat Investments Limited to change the zoning on the subject lands at the rear of the Forest Glen Plaza from Community Shopping Centre Zone (C-3) to Residential Nine Zone (R-9) to allow a full range of residential uses with no restriction on the minimum or maximum allowable density. Mr. Bluhm advised that a development concept has also been provided showing development of 90 townhouse units and a possible 10 storey apartment building. He further advised that comments received from the community dealt with concerns with respect to the height of the proposed apartment building which could be addressed through the site plan process. He also advised that the Region is requesting a record of site condition prior to three readings of the by- law. The Region had also requested a noise study but Mr. Bluhm advised that City staff believe this can be dealt with through the development and site plan process. Mr. Bluhm concluded his presentation advising that staff are recommending that the zone change application be approved in the form shown in the proposed by-law attached to the staff report. Mr. Glen Scheels, Green Scheels Pidgeon, attended on behalf of the applicant advising that his client is in agreement with the report and the proposed by-law. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC 04/05/R/CB, for Dalimat Investments Limited, to change the zoning on the subject lands, at the rear of Forest Glen Plaza, from Community Shopping Centre Zone (C-3) to Residential Nine Zone (R-9) with Special Use Provision 342U on lands legally described as Plan 1416 Block A, more particularly described as part of Part 1 and Part 2, Plan 58R2575, in the City of Kitchener, be approved, in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law", dated November 2, 2004, attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-150, subject to 3 readings of the by-law being withheld until the following condition has been satisfied: a) That the applicant submit two (2) copies of a Record of Site Condition acknowledged by the Ministry of Environment to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. In the event the Record of Site Condition is audited, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo must be advised by the Ministry of Environment that the requirements of the audit, if any, are completed to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Environment." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 2004 - 98- CITY OF KITCHENER 5. 600 YORK STREET - ZONING ISSUE Mr. Robert Picken, 596 York Street, attended advising the Committee that York Street which is a cul-de-sac, consists of single family dwellings yet the zoning on the properties allow for higher density residential use such as a triplex. Mr. Picken further advised that recently the property owner of 600 York Street applied to the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance to the front yard setback in order to renovate the house and convert it into a triplex. The residents of York Street had concerns with respect to traffic, parking and changes in the neighbourhood concerning the proposed triplex and these concerns were conveyed to the Committee of Adjustment. He advised that the Committee has denied the application but the neighbours are still concerned that the existing zoning allowing for a triplex and that the parking and traffic concerns are still an issue. Mr. Picken requested that the Committee consider implementing a City initiated zone change that would remove a triplex as an allowable use on York Street. He added that if a zone change was not possible then the residents would like to be involved in the design and site plan process should the triplex proceed. Mr. J. Willmer explained that the community plan in place on the subject property changed the zoning in the 1980's to protect the building stock at that time from demolitions and speculators. By allowing a triplex the existing houses would remain and that a triplex was not considered to be a high density residential use. Mr. Willmer further advised that the site plan process is not normally a public process but in this case staff could work with the owner and the neighbours to work out a compromise. The Committee directed staff to involve the York Street residents in the site plan process should the planned triplex at 600 York Street move ahead. 6. DTS-04-170 - TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 170 dated November 4, 2004, regarding the City entering into an agreement with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to install, operate and maintain all traffic control signals on municipal roads. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the City enter into an agreement with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to install, operate and maintain all traffic control signals on municipal roads, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor." DTS-04-179 IIMS CAPITAL BUDGET The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 179 dated November 2, 2004, regarding a request to include capital funding for the purchase and implementation of an Integrated Infrastructure Management System (IIMS) as part of the capital budget review process. Mr. R. Shamess gave a presentation outlining the staff report and advised that the current infrastructure management system will no longer be supported by the vendor as of December 31,2004 and that the current system is based on older technology. Mr. Shamess explained that the current system is utilized by various departments within the City and is an essential tool in managing the City's infrastructure. He further advised that a Steering Committee was established to look at replacing the IIMS and have made the recommendation to have an item added to the capital forecast to replace the system. The Committee asked if the system used by the City was being used by any other municipality and if the expertise exists within the City's resources to develop an in house solution. Mr. R. Shamess explained that the City's of Ottawa and Winnipeg currently use the system but that Winnipeg has decided to move away from the current IIMS and Ottawa will continue with the current vendor for maintenance purposes until they make a decision in the future. He also advised that the City currently does not have the resources or expertise to maintain or develop the current IIMS system. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 2004 - 99- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DTS-04-179 IIMS CAPITAL BUDGET (CONT'D) On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the inclusion of a total of $2,000,000 in capital funding over budget years 2005 and 2006 based on the following breakdown for the purchase and implementation of an Integrated Infrastructure Management System be referred to the Capital Budget Review Process: Budget Year 2005 - $1,500,000 with funding of $375,000 from each of C/C, Sanitary, Water and Gas Utilities; and, Budget Year 2006 - $500,000 with funding of $125,000 from each of C/C, Sanitary, Water and Gas Utilities; and further, That ongoing maintenance and operating/licensing costs of $200,000 be allocated corporately starting in budget year 2007 and that the inclusion of these funds be referred to the budget review process." DTS-04-180 PEER REVIEW OF REGIONAL LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04- 180 dated November 2, 2004, regarding a budget request to fund a peer review of the Region's Light Rail Transit Environmental Assessment. Mr. R. Shamess advised that the Region will be commencing an environmental assessment for the proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) and that staff are recommending the inclusion of $150,000 in the 2005 capital budget to fund a peer review of the environmental assessment. He explained that the City may not have the expertise required to conduct such a review and that the review will ensure that the City's interests are being represented in this regional project. The Committee raised concerns with respect to the City expending funds on a review when the City's interests should be part of the Region's interest in this project. It was suggested that any costs incurred by the City for a peer review should be covered by the Region as part of the project. Mayor C. Zehr commented that the Region has in the past allocated funds for a peer review for other projects and this may be the case with respect to the LRT. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That no action be taken with respect to allocating funds for a peer review of the Region's Light Rail Transit Environmental Assessment." ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m. R. Gosse, Deputy City Clerk