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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2001-01-22PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, commencing at 9:05 a.m., Chaired by Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr, Councillors C. Weylie, M. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic and G. Lorentz. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present:Ms. L. Marshall, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. S. Gyorffy, J. McBride, D. Mansell, K. Currier, L. Lynch and G. Melanson. PW-01-008 – CHAPTER 450 OF MUNICIPAL CODE – NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION – PRIDE 1. DAY 2001 CELEBRATION The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated January 17, 2001, recommending an exemption to the provisions of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the Municipal Code relative to Pride Day 2001 Celebrations. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic – it was resolved: “That the Regional Pride Committee of Waterloo-Wellington and its Pride Day 2001 Celebration be exempt from the provisions of Article 7 (Radio, Amplifier, Public Address System) of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, between the hours of 12 noon to 7:00 p.m. for Saturday June 9, 2001.” MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION PRESENTATION – HIGHWAY 8 WIDENING – 2. CONESTOGA PARKWAY TO FERGUS AVENUE Mr. S. McGinnis and Mr. E. Li, Ministry of Transportation, appeared as a delegation to provide an update on the status of the Highway 8 widening project, which includes the reconstruction of the Conestoga Parkway Interchange at Highway 8. Mr. E. Li provided an overview of the scope of the work proposed which will include the widening of Highway 8 from the Conestoga Parkway to Fergus Avenue to 8 lanes from 4; the reconstruction of the interchange at the Conestoga Parkway and Highway 8; construction of 3 new bridge structures including removal and replacement of the Franklin Street bridge; and construction of a new median, new overhead signage, upgrading of illumination, noise barriers, landscaping treatments and other safety measures as required. Mr. Li advised that construction is anticipated to begin in April 2001 with a construction period of up to 3 years and anticipates completion by the summer of 2003. Mr. S. McGinnis advised that the Ministry of Transportation anticipates going to tender within the next few weeks; however, the contract cannot be advertised for tender until a decision is received from the Ontario Municipal Board regarding various street closures in the area between Shantz Lane and the Highway 8 ramp. Mr. McGinnis advised that it is intended to commence construction with removal and replacement of the retaining wall along King Street followed by removal and replacement of the Franklin Street bridge. He noted that this work will take approximately one year to complete. It is hoped to have the Franklin Street bridge re-opened to pedestrian traffic by January 25, 2002 and he pointed out that incentives have been included in the contract to ensure this deadline is met. Mr. McGinnis further advised that the Ministry is working with the School Boards to resolve issues of student transportation to and from the Sunnyside School. In addition, he advised that a request has been made to City staff for an exemption to the City’s Noise By-law so that work may be undertaken during night time hours. In response to a request from residents of Wilfred Avenue and Delroy Street, provision has also been made to extend a noise barrier to Delroy Street. In conclusion, Mr. McGinnis advised that the ramp reconstruction will require temporary closing of Shantz Lane for approximately 6 to 9 months. The Committee then entered into discussion during which concerns relative to the timeframe for completion of the Franklin Street bridge were raised. It was emphasized that the City is looking for construction to be expedited in a similar manner as the recent reconstruction of the Ottawa Street bridge to ensure the Franklin Street bridge is re-opened prior to winter. Mr. McGinnis PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 22, 2001- 5 -CITY OF KITCHENER MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION PRESENTATION – HIGHWAY 8 WIDENING – 2. CONESTOGA PARKWAY TO FERGUS AVENUE (CONT’D) pointed out that the contract will contain incentives to ensure an early completion date; however, this location is tighter resulting in a more complicated staging of construction. It was acknowledged that this project may have differing constraints; however, the Ministry was urged to revisit the timeframe and provide for an earlier re-opening of the bridge to vehicular traffic. Concerns were raised relative to access for residents in the Shantz Lane area and Fairview- Gateway Ward and Mr. McGinnis advised that properties on Shantz Lane will still be accessible through use of adjacent municipal streets. Residents on the south side of Highway 8 will also be able to access commercial uses on the north side via Dixon and Montgomery Streets. Concern was also raised regarding unplanned temporary road closures and the Ministry was asked to provide advanced warning to allow traffic to be re-directed. In addition, a 24 hour phone line was requested to assist in dealing with any complaints that may arise as a result of construction noise. In this regard, the Ministry was also urged not to allow operations, such as pile driving, to take place during night time hours. In response to questioning, the Ministry also advised that they have no immediate plans for the vacant lands that will result from reconstruction of the rampway. Mr. McGinnis suggested the Ministry may consider selling these lands, should they be declared surplus. Further discussion was undertaken with respect to the timeframe relative to the completion of the Franklin Street bridge, during which it was suggested that temporary closing of Highway 8 over a period of one weekend, should be considered if it will result in an earlier re-opening of the bridge. In response to further questioning, Mr. McGinnis advised that a decision is expected from the Ontario Municipal Board by mid-February 2001; the Ministry does not compensate for business loss other than for lands expropriated; and no review has been undertaken at this time with respect to alternate routes to and from Highway 401 as the Ministry anticipates there will be minimal traffic impact during this project. The Ministry further advised that they will contact the Region and City staff to work out details pertaining to traffic detours as much in advance as possible. Councillor J. Smola thanked Mr. McGinnis and Mr. Li for their presentation. PW-01-002 – ON-STREET PARKING – IRVIN STREET 3. The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated January 4, 2001, recommending that parking be prohibited from January 1 to the end of March on the south side of Irvin Street on an annual basis. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz – it was resolved: “That parking be prohibited annually from January 1 to March 31 on the south side of Irvin Street, from a point 33 metres east of Scott Street to a point 33 metres west of Lancaster Street; and, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” GARBAGE COMPLAINT – 160 CENTURY HILL DRIVE 4. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that recent complaints have been received regarding bags of garbage being left on the boulevard at 160 Century Hill Drive after the time for collection has passed. Councillor Ziegler pointed out that several residents of the townhouse complex were in attendance this date to address the Committee. Councillor J. Smola pointed out that the Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Ms. L. Marshall, dated January 19, 2001, in which she provides a legal opinion with respect to this matter. GARBAGE COMPLAINT – 160 CENTURY HILL DRIVE (CONT’D) 4. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 22, 2001- 6 -CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. I. Drgastin, owner of 121 Century Hill Drive, advised that this issue has been an ongoing problem throughout the year. He noted that garbage is picked up on Tuesday; however, some residents of the townhouse complex are putting their garbage out within a short time following collection, leaving it to sit on the boulevard until the following Tuesday. In this regard, Mr. Drgastin requested the City’s help in making the owner of the complex aware of the City’s By-law and to ensure enforcement. Mr. Drgastin also provided several pictures for the Committee’s information. Mr. O. Kadlec, owner of 126 Century Hill Drive, appeared in support of Mr. Drgastin’s request for assistance to ensure that the By-law is complied with. Mr. Kadlec also advised that he had experienced difficulty with newspapers being strewn about his property rather than being properly delivered. Councillor Ziegler inquired whether Mr. Kadlec had approached The Record with respect to the newspapers and Mr. Kadlec advised that at the time he was unsure who to approach but has since been advised to contact the newspaper involved. In this instance, Mr. Kadlec advised that the newspaper was a Toronto Star. Councillor Ziegler expressed concern that the Region would not have a By-law in place until March 2002 given that they assumed responsibility for garbage collection as of January 1, 2000. At this time, it is still the City’s responsibility to enforce complaints and, accordingly, Councillor Ziegler advised that he was prepared to put forward a motion to amend the City’s By-law to add the phrase ‘or permit to be deposited’ so that the owners of townhouse complexes may also be charged in addition to the offender. In addition, Councillor Ziegler requested that the motion direct staff to contact the owner to apprise of the City’s concerns and to make known that should the offence continue the City will consider discontinuing garbage collection at this location. Mayor C. Zehr agreed with Councillor Ziegler’s comments and advised that he would also bring this issue forward to the Region. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler – it was resolved: “That Article 7.3 of Chapter 635 (Garbage) and Article 3.1 of Chapter 650 (Lot Maintenance) of the Municipal Code be amended to add the phrase ‘or permit to be deposited’ following the words ‘lay or deposit’ and ‘dump or deposit’ in c.635.7.3 and c.650.3.1, respectively; and further, That staff be directed to contact the owner of the townhouse complex known municipally as 160 Century Hill Drive to advise of the ongoing problems relative to garbage being left at the boulevard outside of the prescribed time periods set out in Article 7 of Chapter 635 of the Municipal Code and should such occurrences continue the City will consider discontinuing garbage collection services at this location.” SIDEWALK SNOW CLEARING – WILSON AVENUE PUBLIC SCHOOL 5. Councillor J. Ziegler raised concern that the sidewalk in front of Wilson Avenue Public School has never been cleared of snow and ice as required by by-law. He noted that the School opted not to have the City clear its sidewalk to save money; however, it is now evident that the School is not complying with the by-law. Councillor Ziegler requested that a letter be sent to the Principal of the School and the Waterloo Region District School Board reminding them of the requirement to clear snow and ice from the sidewalk within 24 hours of a snowfall and to point out that as a public institution they should be making efforts to set an example for others. In addition, Councillor Ziegler requested that staff be directed to view all school sidewalks, without complaint, and where necessary take steps to enforce the City’s By-law. SIDEWALK SNOW CLEARING – WILSON AVENUE PUBLIC SCHOOL (CONT’D) 5. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler – PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 22, 2001- 7 -CITY OF KITCHENER it was resolved: “That the City Clerk be directed to forward a letter to the Principal of Wilson Avenue Public School and the Waterloo Region District School Board to remind them of their responsibility to ensure snow and ice is cleared from their sidewalks within 24 hours following a snowfall, as required under Article 1.2 of Chapter 687 (Snow and Ice) of the City’s Municipal Code and to encourage them as a public institution to make every effort to set a good example for others; and further, That staff be directed to view, without complaint, school sidewalks and where necessary, take measures to ensure By-law compliance.” ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m. Janet Billett Committee Administrator