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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2005-02-21DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 217 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date commencing at 3:35 p.m. Present: Councillor C. Weylie - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, G. Lorentz, J. Gazzola and M. Galloway. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer R. Browning, Interim General Manager, Strategic Services & Economic Development L. MacDonald, City Solicitor J. Willmer, Director of Planning Services J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning R. Shamess, Director of Engineering Services L. Masseo, Manager of Development & Design G. MacDuff, Manager of Development Engineering J. Given, Project Manager, Policy Planning T. Boutilier, Senior Planner M. Henderson, Supervisor, Engineering Asset Management B. Sloan, Planner L. Thompson, Zoning Officer E. Douglas, Information Technologist J. Billett, Committee Administrator 1. DTS-05-015 GROUP HOME NOTIFICATION - CITY WIDE The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 05-015, dated February 7, 2005, recommending amendments to Chapter 430 (Group Homes - Registration) of the Municipal Code to effect the following: a reduction in the circulation distance for public notification to 60 m from 400 m; elimination of the mandatory public information session; reduction in the 30 day waiting period to 15 days prior to occupancy; and minor housekeeping changes. Mr. J. Willmer advised that existing regulations relative to group homes have been in place for the past 3 years and recent review in consultation with group home operators has resulted in the proposed changes. He pointed out that the 400 m circulation distance is too far reaching, creating confusion for residents in the outer limits as to why they have received notification. He added that the notification gives the mistaken impression that they will be given an opportunity to object to the proposal when in fact, the use is already permitted and the notice has been provided only as a courtesy to inform area residents. Mr. Willmer stated that under the new procedures the circulation area will be reduced to 60 m, which is comparable to that used for a Committee of Adjustment minor variance application, and the notice circulated at least 15 days prior to occupancy as opposed to 30 days. He noted that it was intended to place onus on the group home operator to prepare and circulate the notice on their company letterhead; however, it has been determined that privacy legislation may prohibit the City from providing the necessary mailing list to the group home operator. Ms. L. MacDonald concurred that in accordance with privacy legislation, a mailing list should not be provided and the City should undertake to circulate the notice as prepared by the group home and as reviewed by City staff. Mayor C. Zehr questioned the rationale for reducing the 30 day waiting period to 15 days prior to occupancy, suggesting a lesser reduction of 20 days. Mr. J. Willmer stated that the existing timeframe was not considered to be of benefit to the public and has created some difficulties for tenants of the group homes in occupying their residences; however, he acknowledged that the reduction to 15 days was somewhat arbitrary. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz the recommendation as contained in the staff report was brought forward for consideration. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr, it was agreed to amend the motion to reflect a change in the 30 day waiting period to 20 days rather than 15. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 217 2005 -14- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DTS-05-015 GROUP HOME NOTIFICATION - CITY WIDE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That proposed amendments to Chapter 430 (Group Homes - Registration) of the Municipal Code to reduce the public notification circulation distance to 60m from 400m; eliminate the mandatory public information session; reduce the 30 day waiting period to 20 days prior to occupancy; and minor house-keeping changes; be approved, in the form of the Proposed By-law as attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-015." 2. DTS-05-021 STONEGATE SLOPE STABILIZATION PROJECT The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 05-021, dated February 7, 2004, concerning retainment of consulting engineering services for the 2005 construction of the Stonegate Slope Stabilization Project. Mayor C. Zehr disclosed a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting concerning this matter as he owns property within the area of the Stonegate Watercourse. Mr. R. Shamess advised that the first 3 phases of the project were completed by the McCormick and Rankin Corporation and staff are requesting authorization to offer phase 4 to the same corporation to allow for project continuity and site expertise. Phase 4 includes engineering services for environmental assessment results publication, tender preparation and construction inspection. Mr. Shamess noted that the revised estimated project cost is $316,000., and a balance of $256,300. is available in the budgeted account. The additional $60,000. will be taken from the Stormwater Management Implementation account. In response to questions, Mr. R. Shamess advised that regardless of the potential impact that work under the River Road Extension Study may eventually have in this area, it is recommended that slope stabilization for the Stonegate Watercourse be undertaken at this time to address issues of safety. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Development & Technical Services Department Engineering Division be authorized to proceed with offering consulting engineering services for the 2005 construction of the Stonegate Slope Stabilization project to the McCormick and Rankin Corporation." DTS-05-030-PL DTS-05-029-PL ADDENDUM TO DTS-05-029-PL STAGING OF DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2005 - POST 2006 The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 05-029-PL (Staging of Development Report 2005 - Post 2006) and addendum report DTS-05- 030-PL, dated February 15, 2005, containing revisions incorporated into the Staging Report. The Staging Report sets out the municipal intent towards the scheduling of processing of plans of subdivision for residential, industrial and commercial development. Mr. B. Sloan commented on activity respecting preparation of the report and its circulation for comment from developers. He indicated that there were no major issues of concern with the recommendations and timeframes contained in the report. Mr. Sloan advised that a minor revision is required to the 'Summary of Draft Approval Activities in 2004' on page 5 of the report to reflect a total of 1,850 new dwelling units rather than 1,871; and as well, to any associated statistical information. He asked that the staff recommendation be revised to include the amendments to both the Staging Report and addendum report. He then commented on the total of 13 plans prioritized for potential draft approval in 2005 with the highest growth potential being in the Doon South area. He noted that the plans could potentially add a maximum of 1,406 residential units, if all approved and also made reference to an industrial/office subdivision development in 2005. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 217 2005 -15- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-05-029-PL AND ADDENDUM REPORT DTS-05-030-PL (CONT'D) In response to questions, Mr. Sloan commented on the inclusion of lands within the Staging Report located in the southwest area of the City which have been designated 'Urban Area' in the Region's Official Policies Plan. These lands are identified as being west of Laurentian West to Trussler Road and south of Bleams Road and west of Fischer-Hallman Road. He pointed out that applications to change the designation of these lands within the City's Municipal Plan are pending and generally identifying the lands in the Staging Report this year will provide opportunity to comprehensively co-ordinate timing and location of potential growth within the City. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That the Staging of Development Report 2005-Post 2006 (Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-05-029-PL) be approved, as amended, to revise the 'Summary of Draft Approval Activities in 2004' to reflect a change in the number of new dwelling units to 1,850 from 1,871, and any associated changes to statistical information throughout the remainder of the Staging Report and addendum report DTS-05-030-PL." 4. DTS-05-025 - 2004 ANNUAL REPORT - DELEGATED APPROVAL AUTHORITY The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 05-025, dated February 8, 2005, which provides an annual statistical report for submission to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo as required in Clause 22.1 of an Administrative Agreement between the City and the Region regarding delegated approval authority. The report provides statistical information concerning the number and status of plans of subdivision, plans of condominium and part lot control exemption by-laws, and the number and type of units permitted by the approval for the preceding year. Mr. J. Willmer circulated this date revised pages 2, 3, 7 & 10 to the annual report and requested that the staff recommendation be revised to include amendments made to the statistical information contained therein. In response to questions, Mr. Willmer advised that at this time, condominium conversions within the community are not displacing rental accommodations as most continue to be rental units as opposed to being sold. He stated that staff will continue to monitor this activity and investigate potential to incorporate regulatory measures within the City's Municipal Plan. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-05-025 (2004 Annual Report Delegated Approval Authority), as amended at the February 21, 2005 Development & Technical Services Committee meeting to include revisions to pages 2, 3, 7 and 10 to correct statistical information pertaining to draft plan approvals, be received for information; and further, That report DTS-05-025, as amended, be submitted to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in fulfilment of Clause 22.1 of the Administrative Agreement between the City of Kitchener and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo regarding delegated authority." DTS-05-018 - CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF HEIT LANE & LAND EXCHANGE The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 05-018, dated February 10, 2005, concerning closure of a portion of Heit Lane and a land exchange between the City and 410 King Properties Limited to facilitate the renewal of the former Kaufman footwear plant in Kitchener's Downtown. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 217 2005 5. DTS-05-018 - - 16- CITY OF KITCHENER CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF HEIT LANE & LAND EXCHANGE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That the closure of a portion of Heit Lane, identified as Part 13 on Reference Plan 58R- 14771, be approved in principle, and that Legal Services staff be instructed to prepare the required by-law; advertise said by-law in the newspaper; and any further costs associated with the closure be borne by 410 King Properties Limited; and, That a land exchange between the City of Kitchener and 410 King Properties Limited be approved, to be set out in an Agreement between the parties satisfactory to the City Solicitor, whereby the City would transfer Part 13 of Reference Plan 58R-14771 to 410 King Properties Limited in exchange for Part 14 of Reference Plan 58R-14771, which would then be added to the Heit Lane road allowance and subsequently opened by by- law; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any documentation, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, in regard to this transaction." DTS-05-027 - ROAD, STREET & LANE CLOSURE & CONVEYANCE APPLICATION & FEE The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 05-027, dated February 7, 2005, requesting endorsement of a road, street and lane closure and conveyance application, and establishment of a non-refundable application fee. Mr. J. McBride advised that under the new Municipal Act, the City is provided broader authority to make decisions regarding road closures. It was noted that notice requirements are less stringent and the City is no longer required to offer to sell half of the closed road allowance to abutting property owners. The application fee is proposed to ensure that only those truly interested in purchasing a road allowance approach the City and will be divided proportionately amongst all purchasing parties thereby minimizing costs to the applicant. Mr. McBride added that processing of road closures will be consolidated within Transportation Planning to provide a single point of access. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the Road, Street and Lane Closure and Conveyance Application, as attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-027, be endorsed; and, That a non-refundable application fee of $500. be established for the processing of the application; and further, That all recommendations regarding the approval of Road, Street and Lane Closure and Conveyance Applications be forwarded to City Council for consideration, detailing any special conditions under which the lands will be conveyed by the municipality, and the portions of lands to be offered for sale." CRPS-05-023 - PROPOSED CLOSURE OF KARN LANE - BETWEEN BELMONT AVENUE WEST & PATRICIA AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-023, dated February 4, 2005, concerning proposed closure and conveyance of a portion of Karn Lane to 1471263 Ontario Limited. It is noted in the report that the prospective purchaser intends to add the closed portion of the lane to its existing commercial property adjacent to Karn Lane and to vacant land intended for future residential development. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 217 2005 -17- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CRPS-05-023 - PROPOSED CLOSURE OF KARN LANE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz- it was resolved: "That Legal Services be directed to proceed with the preparation and advertising of the closure and conveyance of Karn Lane, between Belmont Avenue West and Patricia Avenue and described as Parts 1 to 4 on Plan 58R-5165, conditional upon obtaining an appraisal of the fair market value and offer to purchase for Council's consideration; and further, That all costs associated with this proposed closure be borne by the prospective purchaser of the property." DTS-05-011 SHARED AGENDA - HOUSING STRATEGY FOR STUDENT HOUSING IN DOWNTOWN KITCHENER STUDENT PROFILES AND GOAL AND OBJECTIVES The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 05-011, dated February 10, 2005, concerning a matter related to the Shared Agenda pertaining to development and implementation of a housing strategy for student housing in the Downtown. Ms. J. Given advised that a partnership team has been established consisting of representatives from the City, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo and the Downtown and the information contained in the staff report offers a first look at student profiles, as well as potential demands and solutions for housing. Ms. Given presented the key strategy which states: 'to provide a first-class living and learning community to meet the unique needs of professional students and contribute to the vitality of the Downtown'; and reviewed 7 guiding principles which will assist in facilitation of student and faculty in community interaction and integration; and as well, address economic spin-offs within the Downtown and Central Neighbourhoods. The Committee was advised that the staff report is being tabled for public review and a subsequent report to the Committee will follow in April 2005. In response to questions, Ms. J. Given advised that consideration will be given to the development of strategies to address short and long term student leasing arrangements. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the draft goal and objectives relative to a strategy for Student Housing in the Downtown Kitchener area, as contained in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-011, be received and tabled for public review and comment, and subsequent report to the Development & Technical Services Committee for approval in April 2005." ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m. J. Billett Committee Administrator