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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2002-01-07COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2002CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 4:05p.m. with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M. Galloway, J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic and J. Ziegler. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. K. Kugler, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. J. Fielding, R. Pritchard, F. Pizzuto, J. McBride, K. Baulk and M. Petricevic. 1. CSD-02-008- ON-STREET PARKING – PARKING PROHIBITION – WESTHEIGHTS DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-008 dated December 18, 2001 recommending that parking be prohibited on the south side of Westheights Drive. It was resolved: That parking be prohibited on the south side of Westheights Drive from a point 105 metres “ east of Highland Road West to a point 40 metres east thereof; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” 2. CSD-02-001 -ON-STREET PARKING – PARKING PROHIBITION – RIVER ROAD The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-001 dated November 26, 2001 recommending that parking be prohibited on the north side of River Road. It was resolved: “That parking be prohibited on the north side of River Road between Frederick Street and Victoria Street North while maintaining the existing parking prohibition on the south side; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” 3. CSD-02-002 -INTERSECTION CONTROL – ALL-WAY STOP - LORRAINE AVENUE AT HERITAGE DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-002 dated December 15, 2001 recommending that an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Lorraine Avenue and Heritage Drive. It was resolved: “That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Lorraine Avenue at Heritage Drive; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” 4. CSD-02-010 -ON-STREET PARKING – PARKING PROHIBITION - BORDEN AVENUE SOUTH The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-010 dated December 20, 2001 recommending that parking be prohibited at any time on the east side of Borden Avenue South. It was resolved: That parking be prohibited at any time on the east side of Borden Avenue South from “ Dundas Avenue to Nyberg Street; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2002- 2 -CITY OF KITCHENER 5. CSD-02-007 -TRAFFIC CONTROL /TURNING PROHIBITION - BIEHN DRIVE TO NEW HURON ROAD RAMP The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-007 dated December 19, 2001 recommending that a yield control be installed on the ramp accessing northbound New Huron Road from Biehn Drive and prohibition of left turn from northbound Biehn Drive onto the New Huron Road ramp. It was resolved: That a yield control be installed on the ramp for traffic accessing northbound New Huron “ Road from Biehn Drive; and, That left turns be prohibited from northbound Biehn Drive onto the New Huron Road ramp; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.” 6. CSD-02-005-INTERSECTION CONTROL – ALL-WAY STOP CONTROLS - WINDRUSH TRAIL AT DOON SOUTH DRIVE AND AT AUTUMN RIDGE TRAIL The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-005 dated December 13, 2001 recommending that all-way stop controls not be installed at the intersections of Windrush Trail at Doon South Drive and Windrush Trail at Autumn Ridge Trail. Ms. S. Campbell, president of the Wyldwoods Neighbourhood Association was in attendance to relay concerns on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Neighbourhood Association. She stated that the Association was willing to forego installation of an all-way stop control relative to the intersection at Doon South Road at this time; however, the intersection at Autumn Ridge Trail remains a concern. She pointed out that Windrush Park is located at this corner and contains playground equipment utilized by small children year round. Ms. Campbell referred to the rate of traffic speed noted in the staff report and expressed the opinion that 71 km/h was too fast. She requested that given the concerns raised, the Committee give serious consideration to installing an all-way stop control on Windrush Trail at Autumn Ridge Trail. In response to questions, Ms. Campbell advised that the Association’s main concern at this time is the intersection at Autumn Ridge Trail due to its close proximity to the park area, the safety of children and ongoing development in the area that will increase traffic volumes. In response to questions, Mr. McBride pointed out that both intersections come to a “T” and vehicles currently stop on Windrush Trail yielding the right of way to vehicles on Autumn Ridge Trail. He further advised against installing stop controls on only 2 legs of the “T” intersection as this would create traffic problems for motorists. Councillor M. Galloway stated that he was in support of installing a 3-way stop control on Windrush Trail at its intersection with Autumn Ridge Trail. In this regard, Councillor G. Lorentz suggested that staff also be directed to monitor the installation and report back to the Committee at a future date. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that, in future, reports of this nature include a locational map for reference. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway- it was resolved: “That an all-way stop control not be installed at the intersection of Windrush Trail/Doon South Drive; and further, That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Windrush Trail/Autumn Ridge Trail.” COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2002- 3 -CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CSD-02-006-INTERSECTION CONTROL/PEDESTRIAN CROSSING PROTECTION - QUEEN STREET NORTH AT MARGARET AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-006 dated December 13, 2001 recommending that existing intersection controls and geometrics at the intersection of Queen Street North and Margaret Avenue remain the same with respect to pedestrian crossing protection and vehicular control and that traffic/pedestrian volumes and speeds continue to be monitored. Councillor J. Smola advised that he was in receipt of information from the Department of Development and Technical Services regarding a site plan proposed for the development of 2, 8 story apartment buildings on Margaret Avenue, between Queen Street and Victoria Street. In this regard, he requested that no action be taken with regard to the recommendation in the staff report under consideration this date until such time as the site plan process for the proposed development is finalized. He further requested that Traffic staff be directed to work with staff of the Development and Technical Services Department to determine the impact that this development will have on traffic patterns in the area and, in particular, to the intersection of Queen Street North and Margaret Avenue, with a report to be provided to the Community Services Committee at a future date.” On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: “That no action be taken with respect to the recommendation contained in Community Services Department report CSD-02-006; and further, That Traffic & Parking staff be directed to work with staff of the Development & Technical Services Department relative to the site plan process for development of 2, 8 storey apartment buildings on Margaret Avenue, between Queen Street North and Victoria Street North, to determine its impact on traffic patterns and, in particular, the impact to the intersection of Queen Street North at Margaret Avenue, with a report to be provided to the Community Services Committee at a future date.” 8. CSD-02-016-KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX - FINANCING FOR UPGRADES AND TENDER APPROVAL The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-016 dated December 31, 2001 recommending that a revised budget for the Auditorium Complex upgrades be approved and that debenture financing be adjusted to $6.7 million over a term not to exceed 15 years and that the tender be submitted to the January 14th Council meeting for approval. Mr. K. Baulk advised that Mr. C. O’Reilly, Brisbin, Brook and Beynon Architects, was in attendance to assist staff in answering any questions relative to the staff report under consideration this date. Mr. Baulk then provided an overview of the report noting that determinations were made in construction cost reductions; construction cost reductions were off-set by other costs not originally included in the budget; the total cost of the project remains at $7.5 million with a total of $6.7 million to be debentured over a 15 year period; the target of 15 for pre-sale of suites was achieved; following review of the business plan a more conservative approach of $740,000 in projected revenues was agreed upon rather than the original estimate of $925,000; some risks in funding associated with the food/beverage sales and naming/advertising/rights fees still remain; and, despite risks, overall revenue from upgrades will result in no impact on the tax levy and at the end of the debenture period the annual operating budget will be greatly reduced. In response to a question from Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Baulk advised that it is intended construction will proceed without impact to the events schedule as most of the construction will take place outside of the building. Mayor C. Zehr raised a number of questions and concerns relative to the following issues: sale of suites; the difference in cost estimates and projected revenues from the original estimates; exclusion of additional costs from the original budget; proposed financing arrangements; and, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2002- 4 -CITY OF KITCHENER 8. CSD-02-016-KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX - FINANCING FOR UPGRADES AND TENDER APPROVAL (CONT’D) confidence levels in revised figures. Staff, together with Mr. O’Reilly, responded to these concerns noting that the larger suites which remain to be sold generally attract larger corporations that have lengthier approval processes to undergo prior to finalizing leasing arrangements; original estimates were based on information available at the time without benefit of real construction costs and without access to the food/beverage provider intended to run the facility; shorter term leases for the suites were agreed upon, being 2 years, following which the full impact of return would be known and the possibility to recover a greater amount of capital costs; the original financing was estimated at $6.2 to $6.3 million over 10 years versus the revised estimate of $6.7 million over 15 years; there is more confidence in the current estimates given that real construction costs are now known. Councillor M. Galloway expressed the opinion that more detailed comparative information showing the differences between the original estimates and what is now proposed should be provided so the Committee clearly understands what is being requested at this time. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if the items eliminated to reduce construction costs may be required at a later date and at potentially higher cost. Mr. M. Petricevic advised that the items eliminated had no impact to the integrity of the upgrades noting that they involved retaining some existing asphalt and landscaped areas and installing standardized fixtures and concrete bases for lighting rather than a higher quality lighting. Councillor Vrbanovic agreed that a more detailed list of what is now proposed should be provided and stated that he may not necessarily agree with downgrading some upgrades to achieve minor cost reductions. He further expressed concern that other costs added at this time pertain to costs that are involved in all projects undertaken by the City and there should be a process in place to ensure that they are included in the original budget figures. Councillor Vrbanovic also questioned what would be done with additional monies if the revenues exceeded the projection of $740,000. Ms. P. Houston advised that additional revenues could not be used to pay the debenture sooner; however, pointed out that the initial debenture would likely be for a period of 10 years with an option to renew for a further 5 years, providing some flexibility to decide at the end of 10 years whether to continue to debenture or repay the remainder by some other method. She further advised that if revenues exceed the projected figure the additional monies would automatically go to the City’s surplus account unless otherwise directed. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that the recommendation contained in the staff report be deferred and referred to the January 14th Council meeting and staff be directed to provide additional information relative to the construction cost reductions and projected revenue. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That the following recommendation in Community Services Department report CSD-02- 016 be for deferred and referred to the January 14, 2002, Council meeting consideration: “That the revised budget for the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex upgrades be approved, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-02-016; and, That debenture financing be adjusted to $6,761,200 for 2002, with a term not to exceed 15 years; and further, That the tender be submitted for approval at the January 14, 2002 Council meeting and if approved, construction to commence immediately thereafter”; and further; That staff be directed to provide detailed information relative to the proposed construction cost reductions and projected revenues prior to the January 14th Council meeting.” COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2002- 5 -CITY OF KITCHENER 9. TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND SAFETY CONCERNS – ERINBROOK DRIVE Councillor M. Galloway advised that a number of traffic issues have arisen relative to Erinbrook Drive for which solutions are needed. These include issues relative to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, speeding, on-street parking, parking in “no parking” zones and safety issues. In this regard, Councillor Galloway requested that staff be directed to prepare a report outlining possible options and that this report be submitted to the January 21st Community Services Committee meeting. He stated that he was prepared to meet with staff to fully apprise them of his concerns relative to Erinbrook Drive. Mr. J. McBride advised that he would meet with Councillor M. Galloway to discuss this matter; however, suggested that more time be given to prepare the report. By general consent, it was agreed that staff be directed to meet with Councillor M. Galloway regarding traffic patterns and safety concerns on Erinbrook Drive with a report to be prepared and submitted to the February 4, 2002 meeting of the Community Services Committee. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. Janet Billett Committee Administrator