HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2001-06-04PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 4, 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 C. Weylie, M.
Galloway and G. Lorentz. Councillors B. Vrbanovic and J. Ziegler were in attendance for part of the
meeting.
Officials Present:Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. R.W. Pritchard, S. Gyorffy, B. Stanley, J. McBride and L.
Lynch.
PW-01-034 - ON-STREET PARKING – UNION BOULEVARD
1.
The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-034, dated May 10,
2001, recommending that 'no-stopping' regulations on the east and west sides of Union Boulevard
be removed as they are no longer required.
In response to a question from Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. J. McBride advised that as part of the
recent reconstruction of Union Boulevard, between King Street and Esson Street, parking
regulations were reviewed. As a result, the 'no stopping' regulations were determined to be
redundant and, accordingly, staff are recommending they be removed.
On motion by Councillor C. Weylie –
it was resolved:
“That the ‘No-Stopping, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday’ regulation be removed
from the east side of Union Boulevard, from York Street to Park Street; and further,
That the ‘No-Stopping, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday’ regulation be removed from
the west side of Union Boulevard, from Park Street to Belmont Avenue.”
PW-01-062 – ON-STREET PARKING – KENT AVENUE
2.
The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-062, dated May 25,
2001, recommending that parking be limited to one consecutive hour on the west side of Kent
Avenue, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz –
it was resolved:
“That parking be limited to one (1) consecutive hour on the west side of Kent Avenue,
between a point 61 m south of Charles Street to a point 235 m south of Charles Street,
between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.”
PW-01-059–REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION
3.
–MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 450 (NOISE)
–REGION OF WATERLOO - WATERMAIN CONTRACT - BLEAMS ROAD
The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-059, dated May 14,
2001, recommending that the Region of Waterloo and its contractor(s) be exempt from the
provisions of the Municipal Code respecting noise during construction relative to the watermain
contract on Bleams Road; particularly, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Sunday,
June 17th or alternatively on Sunday, June 24, 2001.
In response to a question from Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. J. McBride advised that a Sunday was
chosen as it is believed it will have the least impact to motorists. He noted that the work is
expected to take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the exemption is only
requested in the event that delays to construction occur. Mr. McBride further advised that the
Region has indicated that they may not be able to proceed with the June 17th date and are
requesting an additional alternative date, being Sunday, July 1st.
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 4, 2001- 48 -CITY OF KITCHENER
PW-01-059–REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION
3.
–MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 450 (NOISE)
–REGION OF WATERLOO - WATERMAIN CONTRACT - BLEAMS ROAD
(CONT'D)
Councillor M. Galloway raised concern that there are residential properties on Strasburg Road
backing onto Bleams Road and questioned how they would be affected. Mr. J. McBride pointed
out that while the limits of the construction project on Bleams Road is from Fischer-Hallman Road
to Strasburg Road, the noise exemption pertains only to the intersection of Bleams Road and
Fischer-Hallman Road. Accordingly, the residents of Strasburg Road would not be affected.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time.
On motion by Councillor M. Galloway –
it was resolved:
“That the Region of Waterloo and its contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of
Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, Article 6 (Construction Work)
during construction work related to the watermain contract on Bleams Road from Fischer-
Hallman Road to Strasburg Road, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for the
period of one (1) day on Sunday, June 17, 2001, with alternate dates of Sunday, June 24 or
Sunday, July 1, 2001.”
PW-01-043 – TRAFFIC CONTROL – LACKNER BOULEVARD
4.
PW-01-060 – TRAFFIC CONTROL – BLEAMS ROAD
The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-043, dated April 12,
2001, recommending 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. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of Public Works
Department report PW-01-060, dated May 30, 2001, recommending that traffic control signals be
installed at the intersection of Bleams Road and Century Hill Drive, with the cost to be referred to
the 2002 Capital Budget, and direction to staff to prepare a design of the Bleams Road/Trillium
Drive/Thistledown Drive intersection to implement traffic control signals and the necessary
roadway modifications.
In response to Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. McBride advised that it is anticipated warrants for traffic control
signals at the Bleams Road intersection would be met within 1 to 2 years, while the Lackner
Boulevard intersection is dependant on future development and will take longer, possibly within a
3 year timeframe. He further advised that both intersections will be eligible for partial
reimbursement by the Region when warrants are met. Mayor Zehr questioned if the repayment
would be returned to the same budget account from which funding was taken and Mr. McBride
advised that the repayment funds could be directed to whatever account Council felt appropriate.
Mayor Zehr asked that Mr. McBride investigate the normal practice and provide this information to
Council.
Mayor Zehr then raised concern with pre-committing funding in 2002 for the two sites proposed
this date, together with previous approval for traffic signals at Block Line Road and Kingswood
Drive, and asked that staff provide details relative to the financial impact on the 2002 budget.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that at the April 30th meeting he had requested that the Lackner
Boulevard staff report be deferred to allow him to obtain input from affected residents. He advised
that he had been unable to obtain input from all those concerned and asked that this report be
deferred again to the Committee’s next meeting.
PW-01-043 – TRAFFIC CONTROL – LACKNER BOULEVARD
4.
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 4, 2001- 49 -CITY OF KITCHENER
PW-01-060 – TRAFFIC CONTROL – BLEAMS ROAD (CONT'D)
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic –
it was resolved:
“That consideration of Public Works Department report PW-01-043 (Traffic Control –
be deferred and referred to the June 25, 2001 Public Works and
Lackner Boulevard)
Transportation Committee meeting
to allow further discussions to be undertaken with
area residents.”
Councillor J. Smola suggested that the staff report relative to Bleams Road also be deferred to
allow both intersections to be considered at the same time and staff could be directed to provide
information at that time on any other intersections that may require traffic control signals.
In response to further questions, Mr. McBride advised that to his knowledge only the 3
intersections discussed so far require City financing. He noted that there are other intersections
proposed for signal installation; however, these have met traffic warrants and will be financed by
the Region.
Following further discussion, Mr. McBride indicated that he had no difficulty with deferring the
second staff report relative to Bleams Road and agreed to undertake discussion with the Region to
provide Council with information relative to any other possible sites in need of signals.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr –
it was resolved:
“That consideration of Public Works Department report PW-01-060 (Traffic Control –
be deferred and referred to the June 25, 2001 Public Works and
Bleams Road)
Transportation Committee meeting
, to allow it to be considered in conjunction with Public
Works Department report PW-01-043 (Traffic Control – Lackner Boulevard); and further,
That staff be directed to provide additional information relative to any other intersections
that require installation of traffic control signals, either at cost to the City or the Region, and
the financial impact such installations will have on the City’s 2002 budget.”
PW-01-065 – SEWER SERVICE LATERAL REHABILITATION – ACACIA STREET
5.
The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-065, dated May 30,
2001, recommending that sewer service lateral rehabilitation be proceeded with relative to specific
addresses on Acacia Street and that consideration be given to increasing the Department's budget
to address a City-wide backlog. In addition, the report recommends that an information package
be developed for inclusion on the City’s Website to educate the public with respect to the solutions
and maintenance strategies currently available.
Mr. L. Lynch provided a brief overview of the report, noting that the recommended course of action
should resolve problems on Acacia Street. He further noted that additional funding will be required
to address a City-wide backlog and it is intended to bring a report to a future Committee meeting
that will address this issue.
Mayor Zehr expressed concern with the wording of the second recommendation relative to
increasing the Department's budget and questioned if it was intended to address this matter
through the normal budget process in 2002. Mr. Lynch advised it was intended to be addressed
as part of the 2002 budget, with a staff report to be provided in September of this year.
Mayor Zehr stated that he was prepared to support Recommendations 1 and 3 but would not
support Recommendation 2 based on its current wording. Mr. Lynch agreed that the wording may
not be appropriate and its intent was only to bring Council's attention to the issue at this time.
PW-01-065 – SEWER SERVICE LATERAL REHABILITATION – ACACIA STREET (CONT'D)
5.
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 4, 2001- 50 -CITY OF KITCHENER
In response to a question from Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Lynch advised that clay piping was
discontinued some time in the late 1960’s. He pointed out that the issues before the Committee
deal with historical problems. He further noted that plastic piping is now used for any new
construction and this should eliminate rooting problems.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr –
it was resolved:
“That the Public Works Department proceed with sewer service lateral rehabilitation
specific to each address on Acacia Street as outlined in a document entitled ‘The Acacia
Street Petition Response (CCTV Inspection Results)', dated October 11, 2000, prepared by
Mr. M. Henderson, Engineering Rehabilitation Technologist; and further,
That the Public Works Department work with the Communications Division to develop an
information package to be incorporated into the City’s Website, detailing sewer lateral
problems, types of solutions and maintenance strategies currently available for the purpose
of educating homeowners and that notice be placed in the local newspaper advising of the
availability of this information.”
PW-01-063–REGULATORY SIGNS - UPGRADE OF STANDARD
6.
– MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS
The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-063, dated May 30,
2001, recommending upgrading regulatory traffic control signals to comply with Ministry of
Transportation standards relative to the level of reflectivity.
In response to questioning, Mr. McBride advised that he was unaware of the January 1, 2002
deadline to upgrade the signs until March of this year and, accordingly, funding was not budgeted
in 2001. Mr. McBride confirmed that the upgrade is relative to the engineering grade of reflectivity
of the signs so that they will stand out better during night time hours. He further confirmed that the
signs will not be fluorescent.
Mayor C. Zehr questioned if the Province was abiding by their own standards, noting that many
requests have been made to the Province to change the entrance signs to the City relative to
population figures and this has not yet been addressed. Mr. McBride advised that the request to
change the City’s entrance signs was forwarded by the Region early this year and no response
has been received to date; however, he would undertake to find out the status of this request. Mr.
McBride suggested that the Province would comply with the new standard given they also could
be held liable in the event of an accident.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic –
it was resolved:
“That Council approve the upgrading of regulatory traffic control signs to comply with
Ministry of Transportation standards prior to December 31, 2001; and further,
That the cost of the upgrades estimated to be an upset limit of $90,000., be charged
against the Capital Contingency Account.”
PW-01-064 – DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE FEASIBLITY STUDY - FINAL REPORT
7.
– RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-064 dated June 1, 2001,
requesting approval of the recommendations contained in the 'Downtown Kitchener Parking
Garage Feasibility Study - Final Report', prepared by Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited
in association with the Walter Fedy Partnership, MHBC Planning Limited and P.G.B. Parking
Solutions Inc. The Committee also received a copy of the Consultant's Final Report, dated May
30, 2001.
PW-01-064 – DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE FEASIBLITY STUDY - FINAL REPORT
7.
– RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (CONT'D)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 4, 2001- 51 -CITY OF KITCHENER
Mr. Phil Grub, Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited, presented an overview of the study
contents, similar to that which was provided at the April 30th Committee meeting. Highlights
included: study area, purpose and process; data sources; inventory of off-street parking lots;
results of leasing survey and stakeholder workshop; permit sales statistics; evaluation of
alternatives to parking; and potential sites for a new parking structure. Mr. Grub then outlined the
proposed implementation strategy and recommendations, including:
·
short term strategy: 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: 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
·
secure private sector partnerships with Downtown businesses and solicit public/Downtown
stakeholder input
·
improve management of existing private sector parking supply
·
support Regional Transportation Demand Management initiative by initiating
Downtown/employer based transportation demand management programs to reduce need for
increased parking supply
·
redistribution of long stay employee permits when new facilities constructed.
Mr. Grub advised that the next step in the process is to obtain Council approval of the
recommendations outlined in the staff report which include pursuing public/private partnerships
and proceeding with tendering to undergo the design phase of the proposed new parking
structure. Following the design phase, a detailed financial plan will be brought forward for Council
approval and then construction would commence.
In response to questions from members of the Committee, the following responses were provided
by Mr. Grubb and/or staff:
·
in the calculation of the projected 4,700 required parking spaces current requirements for
private development as regulated by the Zoning By-law were taken into consideration, being
1.35 spaces per 1,000 sq.ft., recognizing that conversion of older buildings for adaptive reuse
purposes were not required to provide additional parking
·
configuration of the proposed expansion of the Charles/Benton Street structure is to be 5
storeys, with the ground floor level used for retail and 4 levels above for parking; the visual
impact to the streetscape has also been taken into consideration
·
the current standards regulating parking requirements for new development are based on a
study completed in 1999; significant changes in the number of employees per business has
changed since that time creating demand for parking and standards may warrant review
·
employers are resistant to acceptance of transportation demand management initiatives for a
number of reason including, personal choice and freedom/convenience of using one's own
vehicle; a competitive employment market; awkwardness of carpooling, etc.; Region of
Waterloo has initiated discussions with Grand River Hospital and Clarica to create
transportation demand management programs; the Region has also set a target in their
Transportation Master Plan to reduce vehicle usage by 7% and, if achieved, would assist in
lowering the required number of parking spaces in the Downtown
·
alternatives to parking such as running shuttle buses from larger facilities in close proximity like
the Auditorium Complex, have been attempted by Clarica but were not successful and
subsequently abandoned
PW-01-064 – DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE FEASIBLITY STUDY - FINAL REPORT
7.
– RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (CONT'D)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 4, 2001- 52 -CITY OF KITCHENER
·
it is difficult to put forward specific partnership concepts until costing of the proposed parking
structure is determined; preliminary discussions have taken place and main corporations are
willing to consider partnerships; all costs, including partnerships, will be brought forward prior
to final approval and any construction taking place; funding in the amount of $6,000,000. has
been set aside in the budget and, if partnerships are not realized, Council could opt to build a
smaller structure
·
a design concept for the façade of the new parking structure has not been pre-determined and
it is intended that the consultant will obtain public/stakeholder input
·
staff only have a database of City-owned parking facilities and the consultant has
recommended the City work with owners of private facilities to help improve utilization and
efficiency of the private parking supply
·
a number of approaches are planned with regard to developing partnerships; some of the key
players anticipated are CORA, Manulife, TD Bank and other businesses that generate a high
demand for parking
·
the Region does not have any specific plan at this time to move the existing Transit Terminal
and there are no funds in their budget for this purpose; media reports suggest there is some
interest in moving the Terminal to the Epton site because of its close proximity to the train
station; the Terminal is considered to be an excellent site for a new parking structure as it
would provide 1,100 parking spaces and retain existing surface parking
·
there is no indication from the Province at this time that they intend further changes in
threshold rates relative to equalizing rates between industrial/commercial and residential
assessment; it is only speculative that further changes may be required.
Councillor J. Ziegler requested staff to provide information as to the number of parking spaces that
were required to be provided when the Prudential building, Canada Trust Tower, Market Square
Shopping Centre and Manulife/King Centre were developed. In addition, he requested
information as to the number of parking spaces that would be required at this time for development
of any new office tower. Councillor B. Vrbanovic also requested staff to provide a summary of
other municipal partnership models and cited Ann Arbor, Michigan as an example.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr, the recommendations outlined in the staff report were brought
forward for consideration.
Councillors M. Galloway and J. Ziegler advised that they were not in support of Recommendations
1 and 2 as outlined in the staff report; however, would support Recommendation 3. Their issues of
concern related to the prematurity of moving forward without more definitive information relative to
partnership funding which in their opinion, should come first; assessment of existing parking
facilities should also take place to ensure effective use prior to approving construction of a new
parking structure; Council should be looking at different ways to budget given the Provincial
initiative to equalize threshold rates relative to assessment to protect the residential tax base from
subsidizing new facilities for benefit of larger corporate businesses.
The remaining members of the Committee spoke in favour of the motion, expressing various
opinions including: the need to address parking demand in the short term; final approval of the
project is not being given at this time and the concept of partnerships will play a key role in the
final approval of the proposed new parking structure; the option to build a smaller structure if
partnerships are not realized; ability to off-set operating costs through parking rates and ability to
influence demand through alternatives to parking; immediate review of parking rates and current
by-law regulations relative to parking requirements for new development in the Downtown; the
City's substantial investment in redevelopment of the Downtown and the need for Council's
PW-01-064 – DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE FEASIBLITY STUDY - FINAL REPORT
7.
– RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (CONT'D)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 4, 2001- 53 -CITY OF KITCHENER
commitment to continue whereby increasing the assessment value in the Downtown will benefit all
taxpayers.
It was requested that each item of Mayor Zehr's motion be dealt with separately. Each item was
it was resolved:
then voted on separately and
"1)That Council approve the recommendations outlined in the 'Downtown Kitchener
Parking Garage Feasibility Study - Final Report', dated May 30, 2001.
- and -
2)That a staff team prepare the Terms of Reference for the selection of an
Architect/Engineer to undertake the design of a parking structure at the northwest
corner of Charles Street and Benton Street.
- and -
3)That a public/private partnership strategy be developed and pursued with potential
customers that would benefit from the construction of the new parking structure."
For the record, Councillors M. Galloway and J. Ziegler opposed Recommendations 1 and 2 of the
resolution.
INFORMATION ITEM - PUBLIC MEETING - CENTRE IN THE SQUARE INC.
8.
The Committee was in receipt of a letter dated May 30, 2001, from Mr. J. Grant, General Manager,
Centre In The Square Inc., advising that a public meeting had been held with area residents and
outlined short term solutions that are proposed to address resident concerns relative to traffic and
parking issues.
Councillor J. Smola expressed appreciation to the Centre for their willingness to meet with area
residents to address their concerns and to Mr. J. McBride for his participation at the public
meeting.
Councillor M. Galloway requested staff to provide an update on the proposed partnerships and Mr.
McBride advised that he would pursue this issue and provide a report at the Committee's August
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
9.
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
J. Billett, AMCT
Committee Administrator