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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2001-01-08PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 8, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, commencing at 9:40 a.m., Chaired by Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors C. Weylie, G. Lorentz, M. Galloway and J. Ziegler. Councillor B. Vrbanovic was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present:Ms. L. Baillargeon, Ms. L. Korabo and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, D. Mansell, J. McBride, D. Quinn, L. Lynch, K. Carmichael and T. Konstantinidis PW-00-077 – On-Street Parking – Glasgow Street 1. The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works Department staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated December 29, 2000, recommending that on-street parking be prohibited at all times on both sides of Glasgow Street from Knell Drive to Fischer-Hallman Road. Mr. H. Jasper appeared as a delegation on behalf of area residents to advise of general opposition to this recommendation and advised that not all area residents had received notification of this proposal. He further stated that currently on-street parking is very rare and felt that this prohibition and its associated signage was unnecessary. Most residences in the area have lengthy driveways to accommodate guest vehicles; however, he noted that, in some instances, landscapers must park on the roadway for short periods of time while working in the area. In response to a question from Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Jasper noted that staff advised a permit for on-street parking could be obtained provided 24-hour notice was given. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting. Councillor C. Weylie questioned why the staff report did not include results of a residents survey, as is usually the case and Mr. J. McBride noted that residents are surveyed only in matters that are deemed to be convenience issues. As Glasgow Street is a major collector road, staff felt this was a safety issue and did not survey residents for input prior to forwarding a recommendation. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned whether removal of newly installed bicycle lane could be investigated to ease safety concerns. Mr. McBride advised that the bicycle lane was part of the Regional bicycle lane network being developed. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie – it was resolved: “That no action be taken to prohibit on-street parking at any time on both sides of Glasgow Street from Knell Drive to Fischer-Hallman Road. “ PW-01-001 – Natural Gas Rates – Transportation Component Increase 2. The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works Department staff report from Ms. L. Baillargeon, dated January 2, 2001, recommending deferral of an increase in the transportation component of the natural gas rate until receipt of final approval of the National Energy Board interim rates for 2001. Mr. D. Quinn spoke in support of the requests to defer an adjustment to avoid a two stage price increase, and for approval to implement the new rate once received. On a related matter, Councillor J. Ziegler raised concerns regarding a lack of clarity of the overall gas rate as it relates to the utility bill issued to customers. Councillor Ziegler requested that a clear indication of the actual gas rate be noted on utility bills as soon as possible. Mr. Quinn responded that staff are in the process of undertaking a broader range survey of utility customers and this issue will no doubt be raised. Mr. Quinn advised that he would gather information on the costs involved to make this change and present this information for discussion at the next Committee meeting. 2.PW-01-001 – Natural Gas Rates – Transportation Component Increase (CONT’D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 8, 2001- 2 -CITY OF KITCHENER Mayor C. Zehr suggested that the gas rate could be included in the “messages” portion of the utility bill. On motion Councillor G. Lorentz – it was resolved: “ That in order to maintain the historical practice of establishing the transportation component of our natural gas rates by using the National Energy Board approved rate for TransCanada Pipelines tolls, natural gas rates remain at the current level until TransCanada Pipelines has received final approval from the National Energy Board for interim rates for 2001; and further, That authorization be given to change the amount of the transportation component of the City’s natural gas rate, on the effective date of any approval by the National Energy Board and to a maximum overall increase of 5%.” PW-00-078 – On-Street Parking – King Street East 3. The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works Department staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated December 29, 2000, recommending that parking be permitted on the north side of King Street East from Kinzie Avenue to the east limit for a maximum period of three consecutive hours. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic – it was resolved: “That parking be permitted on the north side of King Street East from Kinzie Avenue to the east limit for the maximum period three (3) consecutive hours; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” Snow Removal Update 4. Mayor C. Zehr commended staff efforts to remove the significant amount of snow that has recently fallen and requested an update on efforts to lessen the height of snow banks. He commented that these banks are causing safety concerns at intersections throughout the City for vehicles and pedestrians alike. Mr. S. Gyorffy commented on the unusual amount of snow fall and advised that staff are dealing with snow removal according to the established priority schedule. He stated that extra equipment has been contracted to assist in this process. It was staff’s estimation that the clearing of priority areas would require up to one month. Mr. Gyorffy advised that the snow removal budget will be stretched, but noted that this could be offset by a reduction in the number of winter works projects being undertaken. The Committee requested that they be advised of any major winter works projects that may be in jeopardy due to staff limitations and questioned if the Operations staff complement was sufficient to meet the workload. Mr. Gyorffy agreed to provide updates. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that a pro-active public relations campaign to educate the public on what can be done to assist City crews might be advisable. Mr. Gyorffy noted that he has scheduled a meeting with representatives of the City of Waterloo to discuss a joint campaign. Councillor M. Galloway questioned why staff snow removal reports are no longer being provided to Council on a regular basis, noting the value of having this information readily available to respond to constituent inquiries. Mr. Gyorffy indicated he would look into having these reports reinstated. 4. Snow Removal Update (CONT’D) Councillor G. Lorentz requested that members of Council be given access to an after-hours telephone number where on-duty Public Works staff could be reached to answer inquiries. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that a RIM Blackberry unit be provided to the on-call supervisor PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 8, 2001- 3 -CITY OF KITCHENER to expedite inquiries. Councillor Vrbanovic further requested that front-line staff ensure they provide concise information on snow removal standards relating to accumulations on residential streets, when responding to inquiries from residents. 5.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m. Linda Korabo Acting Committee Administrator