Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2001-02-05PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, commencing at 8:35 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. P. Houston, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. J. Gazzola, S. Gyorffy, D. Mansell, J. McBride, D. Quinn and K. Mayer. PRESENTATION - MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION – INFORMATION REPORT 1. HIGHWAY 7 PROJECT – PREFERRED ALIGNMENT - Mr. D. Wake and Mr. B. Goudeseune, Ministry of Transportation, and Mr. M. Scott, McCormick Rankin, appeared as a delegation to provide an overview of the revised plans for the Highway 7 project. Material provided by the Ministry relative to the Highway 7 project and proposed Public Information Centres was distributed to members of the Committee. In addition, the delegation provided a display board demonstrating the preferred alignment and various alternatives considered. Mr. D. Wake provided a brief review of the project to date, noting that since it began in 1989 the environmental assessment report was submitted to the Ministry of Environment in 1997 and as a result of concerns expressed, a further review was undertaken in 1999. Over the past 2 years the ministry has reviewed this project taking into account traffic forecasts, transit options, environmental concerns and opportunities to expand existing Highway 7. In March 2000 a Public Open House was held to obtain further input, following which the Ministry developed a new set of alternatives and evaluation process. Mr. M. Scott provided an overview of the technical aspects of the new set of alternatives and evaluation process. He pointed out that an independent review of traffic issues had been conducted which reconfirmed earlier demand forecasts of approximately 2600 vehicles per hour per direction by 2028. Highway capacity was measured utilizing 3 types of roadways: a four lane undivided highway; a four lane highway with median barrier and right/in – right/out controlled access; and, a four lane divided highway with controlled access at interchanges. The latter two were found to provide reasonable levels of service to 2028. Mr. Scott then provided an overview of the alternatives within the west (Kitchener) and east (Guelph) ends, together with the interior corridor. The evaluation of the alternatives was based on factors relative to socio-economic environment, natural environment, agriculture, transportation and costs. Mr. Scott noted in the west end the preferred alternative will avoid the Bloomingdale – Rosendale wetlands and the Hindu Temple. In addition, a freeway to freeway interchange in the area of Wellington Street would be provided while maintaining local road connections. A partial interchange access to the Bridgeport area is also planned. In summary, Mr. Scott advised that the preferred alternative, identified as RW3-RE2 and shown as exhibit P2 in the documentation distributed this date, would consist of the following: · freeway to freeway interchange with Kitchener-Waterloo expressway · direct connection to the Hanlan Expressway in Guelph · full interchange provided at Regional Road 17, Regional Road 30 and County Road 86 · high level crossing of the Grand River to be constructed in a manner which will address environmental concerns · partial interchange access to Bridgeport · avoids Hindu Temple and most wetlands · single crossing of Hopewell Creek · limited disruption to agricultural community · some disruption to properties along existing Highway 7 · service life beyond 2028. Mr. B. Goudeseune advised that the Ministry of Transportation will be conducting 2 public th information centres, one to be held on February 7 at Kitchener City Hall and one to be held on th February 8 at the Guelph Place Banquet Hall, with both centres to be open between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Mr. Goudesenue extended an invitation to members of Council to attend either centre. He pointed out that the Ministry is looking for additional public input, particularly with regard to PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 2001- 9 -CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION – INFORMATION REPORT 1. HIGHWAY 7 PROJECT – PREFERRED ALIGNMENT(CONT’D) - the location and extent of the proposed service road system. The Ministry is allowing 3 weeks for public submissions following the information centres and there may be further modifications as a result of public input. It is then planned to return to local Councils with a preferred alignment and the Ministry will be seeking Council endorsement at that time. The proposal will then be submitted to the Ministry of Environment at which time there will be opportunity for further public input as a result of the Ministry of Environment’s review process. In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. Goudeseune advised that the Ministry would be willing nd to allow the City’s Environmental Committee additional time beyond the March 2 deadline to st submit their response given this Committee’s next meeting is not until March 1. In response to Mayor Zehr, Mr. Scott reviewed the points of access in the areas of Edna Street and Bruce Street, relative to Highway 86, noting that this would be assisted by adjacent local roads. Mayor Zehr requested staff to comment on the impact to property acquisitions and businesses and Mr. McBride responded that discussions have yet to take place with the Ministry in regard to property acquisitions. He stated that staff have reviewed the design and are supportive of the Ministry’s approach. Mr. Scott further noted that the only new impact to businesses affect a small portion of the Electrohome property and a parcel between the railway and Victoria Street. Mr. Scott advised that most property owners are aware of the proposal and all will be contacted. Mr. Goudeseune advised that several properties have already been acquired, all within the east end of the project. In response to Councillor Weylie, Mr. Scott advised that the by-pass in the Breslau area will be at Regional Road 17. In addition, the crossing at the Grand River is to be constructed in keeping with input from the Grand River Conservation Authority to minimize potential for flooding. Councillor Weylie inquired when construction would commence and Mr. Goudeseune advised that construction was still at least 3 to 5 years away given the necessary approvals yet to be obtained. In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. Goudeseune advised that it may be possible to st provide a similar presentation to the Environmental Committee at its meeting on March 1 provided Ministry staff do not have a scheduling conflict. Councillor Vrbanovic invited members of st the public to attend the March 1 Environmental Committee meeting and register as a delegate with the Committee Administrator, if desired. Councillor J. Smola then thanked Messrs. Wake, Goudeseune and Scott for their presentation. PW-01-009 - DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE 2. - RENAMED PORTION OF AUTUMN RIDGE TRAIL TO FOREST EDGE TRAIL The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated January 24, 2001, recommending installation of directional signage to identify the renamed portion of Autumn Ridge Trail to Forest Edge Trail. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway – it was resolved: “That staff of the Department of Public Works install directional signage at the developers expense in the locations shown on Appendix ‘A’ attached to staff report PW-01-009 to clearly identify the renamed portion of Autumn Ridge Trail to Forest Edge Trail; and further, That the directional signs be consistent with existing decorative signs in the Wyldwoods Subdivision.” PW-01-010 – ON-STREET PARKING – HUGO CRESCENT 3. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 2001- 10 -CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride, dated January 24, 2001, recommending that the current 3 hour parking time limit on the north east side stst’ of Hugo Crescent be replaced with a ‘No Parking Anytime, January 1 to March 31 winter parking prohibition. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz – it was resolved: “That the current three (3) hour parking time limit on the north east side of Hugo Crescent stst be replaced with a ‘ No Parking Anytime, January 1 to March 31’ winter parking prohibition; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” PW-01-016 - LEASE AGREEMENT – ONTARIO SEED CO. LIMITED 4. PUBLIC PARKING LOT – 68 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. J. McBride dated January 31, 2001, recommending that an agreement be entered into with Ontario Seed Co. Limited to operate a public parking lot at 68 Victoria Street South. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr – it was resolved: “That Council enter into an agreement with Ontario Seed Co. Limited to operate a public parking lot at 68 Victoria Street South; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a lease agreement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor with Ontario Seed Co. Limited.” PW-01-017 – ON-STREET PARKING – ACTIVA AVENUE 5. The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report dated January 31, 2001, recommending that parking be prohibited anytime on the east side of Activa Avenue between Fischer-Hallman Road and Bush Clover Crescent/Wilderness Drive. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. J. McBride advised that this parking prohibition will alleviate current parking concerns along the developed portion of Activa Avenue; however, as further construction takes place within the subdivision staff may have to consider other parking restrictions. Mr. McBride further advised that winter parking restrictions have been imposed on streets with narrow carriageways subject to resident acceptance; however, pointed out that in the instance of Activa Avenue the concerns are not seasonal and the recommendation is geared to resolving year round parking concerns. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway – it was resolved: “That parking be prohibited anytime on the east side of Activa Avenue, between Fischer- Hallman Road and Bush Clover Crescent / Wilderness Drive; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” PW-01-015 – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MARKETING EXPENDITURES 6. The Committee was in receipt of the above Public Works staff report from Mr. D. Quinn, dated January 31, 2001, recommending that the Purchasing Division be authorized to increase the limit on existing blanket purchase orders with Quarry Integrated Communications for Utilities Division marketing initiatives. PW-01-015 – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MARKETING EXPENDITURES (CONT’D) 6. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 2001- 11 -CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. D. Quinn stated that it is important for Kitchener Utilities to communicate with its customers relative to all aspects of the Utilities Program and, in this regard, staff have increased marketing promotions. Accordingly, staff are requesting permission to increase the blanket purchase order limit for marketing initiatives from $100,000. up to $150,000. In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. Quinn advised that staff wish to continue working with Quarry Integrated Communications to maintain consistency of timelines and work, and pointed out that Quarry Integrated Communications is also developing a marketing strategy for Kitchener Utilities. Councillor B. Vrbanovic encouraged staff to look at ways in which marketing can be accomplished in house once marketing strategies have been developed and implemented. In response to Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Quinn advised that costs for marketing initiatives are in excess of the original limit set at $100,000. and, accordingly, staff are requesting an increase of up to $50,000. In addition, Mr. Quinn advised that initially the contract was for 2 years; however, this has now been reduced to one year. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic – it was resolved: “That the Purchasing Division be authorized to increase the Utilities Division marketing initiatives existing $100,000. limit by $50,000. to $150,000. on the City’s blanket purchase order with Quarry Integrated Communications.” PEDESTRIAN CROSSING – GREENFIELD AVENUE AT KINGSWAY DRIVE 7. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he had recently received a complaint from a resident in the area of Kingsway Drive at Greenfield Avenue relative to pedestrian access to Fairview Mall. It was pointed out that an existing pedestrian crosswalk is too distant for seniors to reasonably be expected to use when walking to the plaza. Accordingly, it was suggested that a pedestrian crossing be located in the area of Kingsway Drive and Greenfield Avenue. Councillor Ziegler pointed out that he was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. S. Gyorffy advising that contact has been made with owners of the plaza, who have indicated a willingness to adjust their parking lot to accommodate a pedestrian access at this location. In the spring, staff will also pave an asphalt pad behind the existing curb drop on Kingsway Drive to provide a more permanent walking surface and will add this location to its Snow Clearing Program. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler – it was resolved: “That the Department of Public Works install a paved asphalt pad behind the curb drop on Kingsway Drive at Greenfield Avenue to create a permanent walking surface for pedestrians to utilize when accessing Fairview Park Mall; and further, That the curb drop and paved asphalt pad be added to the Snow Clearing Program to be cleared at the same time as the existing pedestrian crosswalk on Kingsway Drive.” INFORMATION ITEM 8. The Committee was in receipt of Public Works information staff report PW-01-014 entitled ‘Natural Gas Rates – Transportation Component Increase’. ADJOURNMENT 9. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 2001- 12 -CITY OF KITCHENER On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m. Janet Billett Committee Administrator