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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 2002-02-04 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 4. 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 4:20 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, M. Galloway, C. Weylie, J. Smola and J. Ziegler. Officials Present: Ms. P. Houston, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. F. Pizzuto, J. McBride, B. Stanley, G. Melanson, and J. Fielding. 1. CSD-02-033 - DELEGATION OF SIGNING AUTHORITY - STANDARD MINOR SPORTS STORAGE AREA CONTRACT The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-033 dated January 25, 2002 recommending that the Co-ordinator of Athletics be authorized to sign a standard contract for minor sports groups who occupy space in a designated storage area on City property. It was resolved: "That subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, the "Minor Sports Storage Area Contract" be approved as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-02- 033; and further, That the Co-ordinator of Athletics, or designate, be authorized to sign the "Minor Sports Storage Area Contract" for those groups which occupy space in a designated storage area on City property." 2. CSD-02-046 - DELEGATION OF SIGNING AUTHORITY - STANDARD AGREEMENT - LICENSE TO OPERATE AN EVENT AT KITCHENER MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-046 dated January 25, 2002 recommending that certain staff of the Auditorium Complex be authorized to sign a pre-approved agreement for all events located at the Auditorium Complex. It was resolved: "That subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, the "License to Operate an Event at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex" be approved as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-02-046 as a pre-approved agreement to be used for all events located at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex; and further, That the Director of Enterprise, Manager of Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Community Arenas, or the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex Contract Co-ordinator be authorized to sign this license agreement." 3. CSD-02-045 - DELEGATION OF SIGNING AUTHORITY - STANDARD AGREEMENT - TERMS AND CONDITIONS -ICE RENTAL The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-045 dated January 25, 2002 recommending that a pre-approved contract be approved for use for the rental of ice in City facilities. It was resolved: "That subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, the "Terms and Conditions - Ice Rental Agreement, Casual or Seasonal Use" be approved as attached to Community Services Department report CSD-02-045 and be authorized for use as a pre-approved contract to be used for the rental of ice in the City's facilities." COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 4. 2002 4. CSD-02-041 - GRANT REQUEST - SKILLS CANADA - ANNUAL ONTARIO TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS COMPETITION - 12 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-041 dated January 17, 2002 recommending that a grant in the amount of $25,000. be approved for a premier sponsorship of the 13th Annual OntarioTechnological Skills Competition. Ms. G. Smyth, Skills Canada, was in attendance to support the staff recommendation and provided a brief overview of the event to be held in April 2002. She further advised that Kitchener has proven to be an excellent host and event organizers have voted in favour of keeping the competition in Kitchener for a further 5 to 10 years. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That a grant be approved in the amount of $25,000. for a premier sponsorship for the 13th Annual Ontario Technological Skills Competition organized by Skills Canada, to be held at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex from April 28 to 30, 2002." 5. CSD-02-047 - MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY (KITCHENER TO GUELPH) The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-047 dated January 28, 2002 recommending that Council re-affirm its support for the recommended alignment within the City of Kitchener of the Highway 7 Project. The report included information provided by the Ministry of Transportation detailing results of the review process and the recommended alignment. The Committee was also in receipt of excerpts from previous minutes of the Environmental Committee and City Council relative to this project. Mr. J. McBride introduced Mr. D. Wake and Mr. B. Goudeseune, Ministry of Transportation and Mr. Martin Scott, McCormick Rankin & Associates Ltd. who were in attendance to provide an overview of the newest alternative alignment for the Highway 7 project. Mr. McBride advised that substantial change has occurred along the route between the Cities of Kitchener and Guelph; however, within the boundary of Kitchener only minor changes are proposed. Mr. D. Wake provided an overview of the review process including key issues, results of analysis and evaluation of 4 alternatives, and results of presentation of the Recommended Route RCI to the public. Mr. Wake also reviewed the Ministry's response to issues previously raised by Council regarding re-evaluation of options for existing Highway 7, alternative transportation forms, cost estimates and timing of construction. It was noted that while no specific recommendation was put forward regarding public transit the Province has made recent announcements in support of public transit that may provide opportunities to further explore this issue. It was further noted that construction dates are not yet known; however, the project is a high priority. Mr. Wake advised that the Ministry is now seeking input and support from area municipal Councils. Mr. M. Scott provided an overview of the recommended route using illustrative design boards. Highlights included: . minor modifications to the east end (Kitchener) to minimize impact to the Nelson Stone Centre and provision of a partial interchange at Bridge Street for access to Bridgeport; review of the Wellington Street interchange; . major modifications in the central corridor from Townline Road to Regional Road 17 to minimize the socio-economic impact to existing businesses (Nurseries) and off-set environmental impacts to natural wet lands; . projected costs for the overall project of $130,000,000.; estimated cost of the project within Kitchener of $55 to $60,000,000. which includes approximately $26,000,000. for proposed interchanges. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 4. 2002 5. CSD-02-047 - MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY IKITCHENER TO GUELPH) ICONT'D) - 13 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. D. Wake outlined steps to be taken following municipal input, including submission of an addendum to the Environmental Assessment Study for approval of the Ministry of Environment; preparation of preliminary designs; and acquisition of funding. He further noted that during the design phase there will be opportunity for further public input. In response to Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Wake advised that under normal process for an environmental assessment study reviews are required after 5 years if the project is delayed; however, it was not certain if this condition would be applied to this project. In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. Scott addressed the issue of access from Edna Street and reviewed traffic movements from the Wellington Street interchange. In response to a further question from Councillor Vrbanovic, Mr. Wake advised that he was not aware of the timing for construction of the Highway 8 project; however, offered to make inquires and report back at a later date. Written submissions were received from Mr. P. Tillich, Tillich Nursery and Mr. Lombaert, Belgian Nursery, who were in attendance to support the proposed route. Both expressed similar opinion that the recommended route provides the best solution to address environmental concerns and is in the best interest of those who live, work and travel in the area. Mr. Tillich and Mr. Lombaert also requested that construction proceed in a timely manner. Councillor G. Lorentz recognized the following members of the City's Environmental Committee who were in attendance: Messrs. P. O'Toole, R. Nandakumar and D. Murphy. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Council re-affirm its support for the recommended alignment within the City of Kitchener of the Highway 7 Project, including the Wellington Street interchange and partial interchange access to Bridgeport; and, That Council urge the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Transportation of Ontario to expedite the construction of the proposed Highway 7 by making this project one of the Provincial Government's top priorities within Ontario; and further, That a copy of this resolution be sent to G. Martiniuk, MPP; W. Wettlaufer, MPP; E. Witmer, MPP; and T. Arnott, MPP." 6. CSD-02-048 - VICTORIA STREET SOUTH ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT STUDY - KING STREET TO LAWRENCE AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-02-048 dated January 28, 2002 which provides information regarding results of a review undertaken by the Project Steering Committee under Phase 3 of the Region of Waterloo's Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study relative to roadway improvements on Victoria Street South between King Street and Lawrence Avenue. It is noted in the report that design options were narrowed down to Concept 3A and 5 with advantages and disadvantages detailed. It is further noted in the report that while the Project Steering Committee voted in support of Concept 3A, senior management at the Region overturned the Steering Committee's recommendation and have directed that Concept 5 be put forward as the preliminary recommended design concept. The Committee was also in receipt of Region of Waterloo Transportation and Environmental Engineering draft report which provides a detailed summary of the review process, results and recommended course of action relative to the Victoria Street South Class Environmental Assessment Study. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 4. 2002 - 14 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CSD-02-048 - VICTORIA STREET SOUTH ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT STUDY - KING STREET TO LAWRENCE AVENUE ICONT'D) Mr. S. van De Keere, Regional Senior Project Manager, together with Mr. J. Hammer, Director of Transportation, was in attendance to present an overview of the Victoria Street project. Highlights of the presentation included: . traffic studies which indicate that peak hour traffic demand is expected to increase by 20 to 40% by 2016 and if Victoria Street South is not widened to four lanes significant increases in congestion levels will occur; . public consultation which indicates support for widening to four lanes from owners between Park Street and Lawrence Avenue and strong opposition from owners between King Street and Park Street; . advantages and disadvantages of the two preferred options Concept 3A and Concept 5; reasons for overturning the Project Steering Committee's recommendation, including long term negative effects of a four lane road on the neighbourhood; inability of the Project Team to reach a consensus with nearly equal support for Concept 3A and 5; and, strong opposition to widening from affected area residents. Mr. van De Keere advised that Regional staff is now seeking input from the City prior to presenting the final report to Regional Planning and Works Committee in March. Following a decision by Regional Council as to the design concept, he noted that the next step will be to file an Environmental Study Report which will document the entire decision making process and based on approval, construction would be undertaken in 3 phases commencing in 2003 and concluding in 2005. In response to questions from Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. van De Keere provided information with respect to timing for construction of Ira Needles Boulevard, the difference in road and lane widths for Concept 3A and 5, and comparison of lane widths with Westmount Road. Councillor B. Vrbanovic raised concern with respect to Regional staff overturning the recommendation of the Project Steering Committee. Mr. J. Hammer advised that responsibility for making a final recommendation rests with Regional staff and input of the Project Team is taken into consideration. He further pointed out that the final report will include the Teams preference and the recommendation of Regional staff is only preliminary at this time pending input from the City to assist in making a final recommendation. In response to questions from Mayor C. Zehr, Mr. van De Keere provided information regarding congestion and traffic movement, the criteria used to evaluate the need for additional lanes and comprehensive ranking of Concepts 3A and 5, including variations related to bicycle lanes, standards applied in determining lane widths and the impact of further reducing lane widths. In response to a question from Councillor J. Smola, Mr. van De Keere advised that in addition to reviewing direct impact to properties fronting on Victoria Street South the entire neighbourhood, including inter-connecting roadways, was taken into consideration during the evaluation process. Ms. L. Weaver owner of 216 Victoria Street South, was in attendance to oppose widening of Victoria Street South and provided a written submission outlining her reasons for objecting. Ms. Weaver requested similar consideration to that given the residents of Westmount Road and raised concern regarding loss of property, devaluation of property, safety, increased traffic, noise and air pollution, loss of trees and green space. Councillor C. Weylie pointed out that Westmount Road already consisted of four lanes at the time road improvements were considered. Ms. D. Maskell-Moser, owner of 499 Victoria Street South, also attended in opposition to the proposed widening. She expressed the opinion that there is no justification to widen the road given minimal travel time delays and also raised concerns regarding noise and air pollution, safety, loss of trees and loss of property. Ms. Maskell-Moser further suggested that if the 6. CSD-02-048 - VICTORIA STREET SOUTH ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT STUDY COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 4. 2002 - 15 - CITY OF KITCHENER - KING STREET TO LAWRENCE AVENUE ICONT'D) widening proceeds the City should buy the affected properties. Councillor G. Lorentz clarified that this is a Regional project and any required expropriation would be undertaken by the Region. Ms. L. Haag, owner of 466 Victoria Street South, also attended in opposition to the widening and expressed concern that revitalization of the downtown core would be adversely affected by encouraging motorists to drive straight through. She also suggested that the 3 to 5 minute time delay was not significant enough to warrant widening. In addition, she raised concerns regarding devaluation of property, traffic increase and safety. Mr. D. Weber, owner of 216 Victoria Street South, was also in attendance to oppose the widening. He raised concerns regarding conflict of interest, encroachment onto the existing right- of-way, loss of property, devaluation of property, traffic and the need to encourage residential living in the downtown core. Councillor C. Weylie commented that Westmount Road is a local street whereas Victoria Street is a Regional road and pointed out that an objective of the Regional Transportation Master Plan is to keep high volume traffic on Regional roads. In response to further questions of the Committee, Mr. van De Keere provided a detailed sketch of the proposed design concept and reviewed 8 locations that may require expropriation. He further advised that figures relating to predicted traffic demand include growth and the impact of future development in the surrounding area. Councillor C. Weylie requested a recorded vote. Moved by Councillor C. Weylie - "That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be advised that Kitchener City Council supports reconstruction and widening of Victoria Street South to provide two through lanes in each direction for a total of four lanes from King Street to Lawrence Avenue, with cycling facilities provided on an existing off-road trail outside of the Victoria Street road allowance and other improvements in accordance with Design Concept 3A as outlined in the Regional Transportation and Environmental Engineering report dated March 5, 2002 - File No. 5147." Carried, Unanimously. 7. PETER HALLMAN BALL YARD Councillor M. Galloway requested that staff provide an update regarding the expansion and improvement project at the Peter Hallman Ball Yard. Mr. F. Pizzuto agreed to provide an information report for the Committee's meeting to be held on February 18, 2002. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Janet Billett Committee Administrator