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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2001-04-30PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 30, 2001CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date commencing at 8:40 a.m., Chaired by Councillor J. Smola, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M. Galloway, C. Weylie and G. Lorentz. Councillor J. Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present:Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. R.W. Pritchard, S. Gyorffy, B. Stanley, F. Pizzuto, D. Mansell, J. McBride and K. Carmichael. PW-01-053 - CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT & ALIGNMENT LOCATION STUDY 1. BLOCK LINE ROAD EXTENSION - The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-053 dated April 23, 2001 which recommends approval of the preferred design and location for the Block Line Road extension as outlined in the Class Environmental Assessment Study prepared by Delcan Corporation and requests the study be filed with the City Clerk for a mandatory 30 day public review period. Mr. D. Mansell provided a brief overview of the preferred alternative, commencing from the present terminus of Block Line Road at Homer Watson Boulevard and extending eastward to Courtland Avenue. The alignment will have no impact to the CN Railway, as an overpass will be constructed. He advised that meetings had been held with all stakeholders, including the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and Drewlo Holdings Limited to ensure that their issues and any environmental concerns were satisfactorily addressed. In response to Mayor Zehr regarding traffic impact on Courtland Avenue, Mr. Mansell stated that traffic lights would remain at Shelly Drive and the new intersection at Courtland Avenue would also be signalized. Mr. McBride further added that a traffic impact analysis had been completed and indicates capacity demands can be maintained. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr – it was resolved: “That Council approve the preferred design and location for the Block Line Road extension as presented at the Public Information Centre on June 13, 2000, and as further outlined in a Public Information Package distributed on September 8, 2000; and, that the Schedule ‘C’ Class Environmental Assessment Study report for this project be filed with the City Clerk for the mandatory 30 day public review.” PW-01-043 – TRAFFIC CONTROL – LACKNER BOULEVARD 2. The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-043 dated April 12, 2001 which recommends that traffic control signals be installed at the intersection of Lackner Boulevard and Keewatin Avenue, the cost of which is to be referred to the 2002 Capital Budget, and to continue to monitor the intersection of Lackner Boulevard at Oldfield Drive/Zeller Drive to assess the need for traffic signals. Councillor J. Smola advised that Councillor B. Vrbanovic, who was unable to attend the meeting this date, had requested that this item be deferred to allow discussion to be undertaken with area residents. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. J. McBride advised that there was no urgency at this time to consider this matter and he had no objection to deferring this item to the Committee’s next meeting. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr – it was resolved: “That consideration of Public Works Department report PW-01-043 (Traffic Control – be deferred and referred to the May 14, 2001Public Works and Lackner Boulevard) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 30, 2001- 37 -CITY OF KITCHENER PW-01-043 – TRAFFIC CONTROL – LACKNER BOULEVARD (CONT’D) 2. Transportation Committee meeting to allow discussions to be undertaken with area residents.” PW-01-046 – ON-STREET PARKING – BLOCK LINE ROAD AND HIGHBROOK STREET 3. The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-046 dated April 6, 2001 which recommends various parking prohibitions on the east and west sides of Block Line Road and on both sides of Highbrook Street, from Block Line Road to Highbrook Crescent. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway – it was resolved: “That parking be prohibited at anytime on the east side of Block Line Road, from Westmount Road East to its south limit; and, That parking be prohibited at anytime on the west side of Block Line Road from Westmount Road East to a point 65 m south thereof and from a point 100 m south of Westmount Road East to its south limit; and, That parking be prohibited on both sides of Highbrook Street, from Block Line Road to Highbrook Crescent (west intersection); and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” PW-01-048 – REPAIRS RE: TRUNK SANITARY SEWER RIVER CROSSING 4. – FORMER VILLAGE OF BRIDGEPORT The Committee considered Public Works Department report PW-01-048 dated April 12, 2001 which recommends that a proposal from Clearway Construction Inc. for repairs to the Trunk Sanitary Sewer crossing the Grand River in Bridgeport be accepted at their quoted price of $195,500., plus G.S.T. In response to Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. S. Gyorffy advised that the repair would be undertaken by an open-cut procedure which involves digging within the river. Mr. Gyorffy further advised that the project would be subject to regulatory processes relative to any environmental impact to the Grand River. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie – it was resolved: “That the proposal of Clearway Construction Inc. for repairs to the Trunk Sanitary Sewer crossing the Grand River in the former Village of Bridgeport be accepted at their quoted price of $195, 500., plus G.S.T.; and further, That funding in the amount of $225,000. be provided from the Sewer Surcharge Fund.” PW-01-049 - COLLECTION OF GARBAGE FROM BULK BINS & PARK LITTER CONTAINERS 5. - REQUEST TO INCLUDE IN REGION OF WATERLOO WASTE COLLECTION CONTRACT The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-049 dated April 24, 2001 recommending that the Region of Waterloo be requested to include bulk bin and park litter container collection for Kitchener within its new garbage collection contract. The report further outlines costs associated with the contracting of these services to the Region. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Ms. P. Houston advised that there would be no net change in taxes as this is strictly a service transfer between the Region and the City. PW-01-049 - COLLECTION OF GARBAGE FROM BULK BINS & PARK LITTER CONTAINERS 5. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 30, 2001- 38 -CITY OF KITCHENER - REQUEST TO INCLUDE IN REGION OF WATERLOO WASTE COLLECTION CONTRACT (CONT’D) On motion by Mayor C. Zehr – it was resolved: “That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to include bulk bin and park litter container collection for the City of Kitchener in its new garbage collection contract commencing on March 4, 2002; and, That the City reimburse the Region based on the tendered prices received from Canadian Waste Services; and, That the Region be requested to undertake contract administration for this work and that the City agree to a 7% administration charge to be added to the City’s share of the contract cost; and, That this work be treated as a ‘service transfer’ and that appropriate tax capacity of $334,752. be transferred back to the City from the Region to reflect the share for bulk bin and litter container service previously included in the City’s contract.” PW-01-051 – ON-STREET PARKING – THIRD AVENUE 6. The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-051 dated April 20, 2001 recommending that parking be prohibited at anytime on the west side of Third Avenue from Kingsway Drive to a point 235 m south and that parking be reduced to a one hour time limit on the east side of Third Avenue from Kingsway Drive to a point 235 m south, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz – it was resolved: “That parking be prohibited at anytime on the west side of Third Avenue, from Kingsway Drive to a point 235 m south thereof (even numbered municipal addresses); and, That parking be reduced to a one (1) hour limit, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the east side of Third Avenue, from Kingsway Drive to a point 235 m south thereof (odd numbered municipal addresses); and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” PW-01-052 – TRAFFIC CONTROL – BLOCK LINE ROAD 7. The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-052, dated April 25, 2001 recommending traffic control signals be installed at the intersection of Block Line Road and Kingswood Drive, the cost of which is to be referred to the 2002 Capital Budget, and to continue monitoring of the intersection of Block Line Road and Country Hill Drive to assess the need for traffic signals. Mr. J. McBride advised that area residents have raised concern respecting the potential for traffic volumes to significantly increase with the opening of the new St. Mary’s High School and the future extension of Block Line Road. Results of a traffic control study indicate signalization is not warranted at the intersection of Block Line Road and Kingswood Drive; however, staff are recommending that installation of traffic signals be included in the 2002 Capital Budget. Mr. McBride advised that guidelines established by the Ministry of Transportation are followed in determining whether signals are warranted. Staff have difficulty with these guidelines as they require the heaviest 8 hours be considered in calculation of signal warrants. This penalizes locations having high peak hour demands that cannot be sustained for 8 full hours. In this PW-01-052 – TRAFFIC CONTROL – BLOCK LINE ROAD (CONT’D) 7. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 30, 2001- 39 -CITY OF KITCHENER regard, he pointed out that staff are requesting a review of the timeframe on which to base warrants for installation of traffic control signals and suggest that a 6 hour limit would be more appropriate. Mr. McBride also pointed out that the intersection of Block Line Road and Country Hill Drive does not warrant traffic control signals. Staff recognize that volume of traffic in this area is not as high and a pedestrian refuge has been installed. Accordingly, it is recommended that this intersection continue to be monitored at this time to assess need for a traffic control signal. Mayor C. Zehr referred to the wording of the recommendation which appears to approve the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of Block Line Road and Kingswood Drive and at the same time refers the matter to the 2002 Capital Budget. In this regard, he pointed out that this potentially leaves the matter open for discussion and reconsideration during the 2002 budget process. Accordingly, Mayor Zehr questioned the intent of the recommendation. Mr. J. McBride advised that staff support installation of the signals; however, funding is not accounted for and it is the intent of staff to allow Council an opportunity to further consider the matter by deferring costs to the 2002 Capital Budget. Mayor Zehr suggested that for clarity the words ‘in principle’ be added to the first paragraph of the recommendation. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr – it was resolved: “That Council approve, in principle, installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of Block Line Road and Kingswood Drive and that the cost of $80,000. be referred to the 2002 Capital Budget process; and, That the intersection of Block Line Road and Country Hill Drive continue to be monitored for the need for traffic control signals; and, That the Region of Waterloo be requested to review the warrants for the installation of traffic control signals to address peak hour demands from adjacent developments; and, That the Waterloo Regional Police Service be requested to continue enforcement of speeding on Block Line Road.” PW-01-054 – WESTMOUNT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS AT GLASGOW STREET 8. The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-054 dated April 25, 2001 recommending that Council endorse the recommendations of the Regional Project Team to implement Option 2 with respect to improvements on Westmount Road, from south of Glasgow Street in Kitchener to John Street in Waterloo. Option 2 provides opposing left turn lanes on Westmount Road at Glasgow Street and re-instates the original two through lanes in each direction on Westmount Road. Attached to the staff report is Regional Report E-01-031 dated April 3, 2001 outlining the study undertaken by the Regional Project Team. Mr. S. van De Keere, Senior Project Manager, Region of Waterloo, appeared as a delegation to provide a presentation relative to the findings of the Regional Project Team as a result of the trial implementation of Option 1. Option 1 provides opposing left turn lanes on Westmount Road, two through lanes northbound and only one through lane southbound on Westmount Road. Highlights of Mr. van De Keere’s presentation are as follows: · project objectives – reduce collision rate at Glasgow Street intersection; maintain existing traffic capacity on Westmount Road and Glasgow Street; not increase volume of traffic on local City streets; minimize negative impacts on boulevards and trees · trial results relative to Option 1 – large reduction in collisions at Glasgow Street; large increase in collisions north of Glasgow Street; no significant changes in traffic volumes on Westmount Road or Glasgow Street; commuter infiltration onto local City streets; large increase in delays of southbound traffic during afternoon peak periods · collision comparisons by direction, type and location PW-01-054 – WESTMOUNT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS AT GLASGOW STREET (CONT’D) 8. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 30, 2001- 40 -CITY OF KITCHENER · issues raised by public consultation – Option 1 is working; widening Westmount Road would decrease safety for residents, increase traffic and reduce aesthetics; trial lane is causing unsafe manoeuvres at Glasgow Street; consider banning left turns and revise traffic signals · evaluation of performance of Option 1 in comparison to Option 2 - results in favour of Option 2 · advantages of Option 2 – reduce collision at Glasgow Street and north of Glasgow Street; reduce congestion and infiltration of commuters onto adjacent local City streets · disadvantages of Option 2 – removal of 5 trees (3 mature) and impact of widening Westmount Road to 4 adjacent properties. Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting during Mr. van De Keere’s presentation. Mr. van De Keere advised that the majority of the Project Team agrees that Option 1 is not working at an acceptable level of traffic operation and supports implementing Option 2. He stated that while collisions have decreased at Glasgow Street, collisions have significantly increased north of Glasgow Street, which is not acceptable from a safety point of view. He pointed out that there is no evidence to support a decrease in safety to residents by implementing 2 through southbound lanes and noted that no collisions have occurred as a result of the 2 through northbound lanes. He further pointed out that no significant change in traffic volume has occurred and there is no evidence to support an increase should Westmount Road be widened. Mr. van De Keere noted that the current configuration is causing unsafe driving manoeuvres and road rage as motorists attempt to subvert the queue in the merging southbound lanes. Residents of adjacent streets are experiencing increased traffic as a result of motorist diverting onto these streets to avoid delays on Westmount Road in the southbound lanes. The Project Team considered banning left turns at Glasgow Street; however, it was felt this would result in motorists making left turns at locations where there is no signalization, raising potential safety concerns and it is believed this would only serve to relocate the problem elsewhere rather than resolve it. Mr. van De Keere stated that the Project Team acknowledges the loss of 5 trees, 3 of which are mature, if Option 2 is implemented; however, provision has been made to replace these trees along with planting additional trees north and south of the project limits which will improve aesthetics in the long term and provide some traffic calming benefits. In conclusion, Mr. van De Keere advised that the next phase of the project involves forwarding a report from the Project Team to the May 22, 2001 Regional Planning and Works Committee meeting which will recommend a preferred alternative for the Westmount Road improvement project. The recommendation arising from the Committee meeting will then proceed to the May 30, 2001 Regional Council meeting and should a final decision be made at that time, it is anticipated construction will begin in the Fall of 2001. The Committee then raised numerous questions to which Mr. van De Keere responded, touching on the following issues: · diversion of commuters to adjacent arterials such as Fischer-Hallman Road and Belmont Avenue · impact of construction of Ira Needles Boulevard · occurrences of accidents relevant to merging southbound lanes · impact to Union Boulevard/Claremount Avenue resulting from installation of speed humps on adjacent City streets by the City of Waterloo · factors that will improve traffic operations should Option 1 be implemented · Community Safety Zone designation and Police enforcement · precedence for right through lanes to allow left turn lanes · accident comparisons between Union Boulevard and Glasgow Street · impact on truck usage relative to minimizing the radius at the intersection of Glasgow Street and installation of traffic signals at Gage Avenue · improvements to signage and road markings · relevance of Regional Transportation Master Plan objective to reduce vehicle use by 7% and alternative transportation modes such as transit. PW-01-054 – WESTMOUNT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS AT GLASGOW STREET(CONT’D) 8. Councillor C. Weylie referred to issues raised by residents as a result of public consultation and commented that the main objective of the trial project being safety, was met in that collisions were PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 30, 2001- 41 -CITY OF KITCHENER reduced at the Glasgow Street intersection. She acknowledged that accidents north of Glasgow had increased; however, suggested these were minor in nature and caused by driver error. It was her opinion that improving signage and road markings would assist in educating motorists to the traffic patterns and it was a matter of drivers becoming accustomed to the changes. She noted that decreases in speeding and traffic volume has resulted from the change and suggested minimizing the radius at the Glasgow Street intersection together with installing lights at Gage Avenue, would alleviate concerns relative to truck usage. Councillor Weylie further suggested that any surplus funding resulting from implementation of Option 1 could be used to further enhance landscaping at the intersection of Westmount Road and Glasgow Street. Councillor C. Weylie then introduced a motion recommending implementation of Option 1 on a permanent basis and requesting the Region to consider improvements to signage and road markings, alterations to minimize the radius at the Glasgow Street intersection, installation of traffic lights at Gage Avenue and use of surplus funding to enhance landscaping at the intersection of Westmount Road and Glasgow Street. Several members of the Committee spoke in support of Councillor Weylie’s motion commenting that although this is an arterial road, it is located primarily in a residential neighbourhood and the preferred option should be weighed against community acceptance and preservation of the neighbourhood rather than responding to demands of commuters. Further, it was felt that cost savings resulting from implementation of Option 1 could be utilized to off-set additional improvements such as installation of traffic lights at Gage Avenue. On motion by Councillor C. Weylie – it was resolved: “That with respect to the Westmount Road Improvement Project from south of Glasgow Street in Kitchener to John Street in Waterloo, the Region of Waterloo be advised that Kitchener Council endorses implementation of Option 1 on a permanent basis (opposing left turn lanes on Westmount Road, with two northbound through lanes and only one southbound through lane on Westmount Road); and, That signage be increased and road markings improved on Westmount Road to more clearly identify merging southbound lanes; and, That as outlined in Regional Report E-01-031, the radii at the intersection of Westmount Road and Glasgow Street be reduced to a minimum to prevent use of Glasgow Street by heavy trucks; and, That installation of traffic signal lights at the intersection of Westmount Road and Gage Avenue be considered as part of this project; and further, That any surplus project funding be utilized to upgrade landscaping at the intersection of Westmount Road and Glasgow Street." PW-01-055 – DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE FEASIBILITY STUDY 9. The Committee was in receipt of the Public Works Department report PW-01-055 dated April 27, 2001 outlining details of a parking garage feasibility study prepared by Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited. The study encompasses existing and future parking needs in support of the Downtown. A specific plan is provided to meet parking demands and ensure continued health and expansion of the Downtown. PW-01-055 – DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE FEASIBILITY STUDY (CONT’D) 9. Mr. J. McBride advised that at this time, staff are recommending the study be received as information only and request direction to proceed with a public consultation process, including pursuing of public/private partnerships with an interest in the Downtown. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 30, 2001- 42 -CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Phil Grubb, Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited, appeared as a delegation to present an overview of the feasibility study. Highlights of Mr. Grubb’s presentation include: · purpose of the study including identification of need for additional parking in the Downtown, evaluation of alternatives, location analysis and traffic impact and implementation strategy · detailed parking utilization survey which indicates an increased trend toward long stay parking demand; leasing agents and Downtown stakeholders suggest a minimum of 3 stalls per 100 sq. ft. of floor space is required to attract new office development; existing and short term demands suggest 1,000 additional stalls are required in the Downtown primarily on the south side of King Street; longer term demands, resulting from development/redevelopment and re- use potential, identifies possible shortfall of up to 4,500 stalls · stakeholder workshop to identify parking problems and issues; alternative approaches to address parking problems; input and ideas from direct stakeholders and the public · evaluation of alternatives including influencing parking demand by encouraging alternate modes of transportation in keeping with the Regional Transportation Master Plan objective to reduce vehicle use by 7%; improving supply of parking through new structures, surface parking or development in private sector; or, not provide any additional parking in the Downtown · evaluation of potential sites including Francis Street/Charles Street, Charles Street/Water Street (Manulife Financial), Charles Street/Benton Street and the Grand River Transit Terminal; Manulife Financial and the Grand River Transit Terminal did not support use of their facilities as it may compromise future development plans; site selection was reduced to sites 1 & 3 · implementation strategy and recommendations – short term strategy involving immediate construction of a new parking facility at Charles § Street/Benton Street containing 525 stalls and temporary surface parking at the former Epton site; and, within 3 years construction of a second parking facility at Charles Street/Francis Street containing 760 stalls long term strategy including protecting opportunities to meet expansion needs for Charles § Street/Benton Street site; and, protect option to construct a future parking facility above the Grand River Transit Terminal securing of private sector partnerships with Downtown businesses and solicit § public/Downtown stakeholder input improving management of existing private sector parking supply § support for Regional Transportation Demand Management initiative by initiating § Downtown/employer based transportation demand management programs to reduce need for increased parking supply in the long term redistribution of long stay employee permits when new facilities constructed. § The Committee then entered into discussion during which the following issues were raised: need to change City by-laws to address parking demands; importance of private sector partnerships to address demand resulting from development/redevelopment or re-use within the Downtown; potential for housing component in conjunction with new parking structures; and, potential to influence parking demand through increased parking fees. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr, the recommendation contained in staff report PW-01-055 was brought forward for consideration. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, it was agreed to amend the 4th paragraph of the motion to delete the phrase “with specific recommendations” and replace it with the following wording: “with a list of alternatives and recommendations supporting various alternatives for Council to consider”. PW-01-055 – DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE FEASIBILITY STUDY (CONT’D) 9. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr – it was resolved: “That Council receive the Parking Garage Feasibility Study prepared by Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited dated April 26, 2001 for information at this time; and, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 30, 2001- 43 -CITY OF KITCHENER That staff invite public comment on the findings of the Parking Garage Feasibility Study; and, That staff be instructed to pursue the concept of public/private partnerships with interested parties in the Downtown that would benefit from the construction of a municipal parking structure; and further, That a report be brought back to the Public Works and Transportation Committee by mid- June detailing the findings of the public consultation process and potential partnerships, with a list of alternatives and recommendations supporting various alternatives for Council to consider relative to the development of a future parking structure.” ADJOURNMENT 10. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator