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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2002-04-29 DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 29, 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date commencing at 7:00 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic, G. Lorentz, J. Ziegler and J. Smola. Officials Present: Ms. L. MacDonald, K. Bissell, P. Bacon, M. Grant and Messrs. J. Fielding, G. Stewart, L. Masseo, D. Mansell, J. McBride, G. Borovilos, B. Sloan and L.W. Neil. 1. DTS-02-068 - QUEEN'S BOULEVARD RING ROAD (ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL) - TRAFFIC CONTROL - FOREST -ROCKWA Y WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-02- 068 dated April 16, 2002 dealing with a recommended change in traffic controls on the Queen's Boulevard ring road at St. Mary's Hospital. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That yield controls at the following locations be converted to stop controls: . Queen's Boulevard northbound left turn channel .Queen's Boulevard southbound left turn channel; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2. DTS-02-098-BPS - 621 FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 02/05/F/GR - VOISIN DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED - SOUTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 02-098-BPS dated April 24, 2002 dealing with a demolition control application submitted by Voisin Developments Limited with respect to the property known municipally as 621 Fischer- Hallman Road located at the northwest quadrant of the Fischer-Hallman Road / Ottawa Street South intersection. The applicant proposes to demolish a vacant dwelling along with an attached shed and miscellaneous out buildings prior to commencement of site preparation work to accommodate development of a major planned commercial campus. The Committee was advised that staff had nothing further to add to the recommendation in the report. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 02/05/F/GR (Voisin Developments Ltd.) requesting approval for the demolition of a single family residential dwelling located at 621 Fischer Hallman Road, and legally described as Part of Lot 47, German Company Tract, Part 1, Plan 58R-1399, in the City of Kitchener, be approved. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City." 3. DTS-02-101 - FUTURE TOURISM SERVICE DELIVERY The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-02- 101 dated April 18, 2002 dealing with future tourism service delivery. It was noted in the report that staff were directed by Council to report back on the future of tourism services and retain a consultant to review the ideal model to deliver tourism in the area. It was also noted in the report that Wayne Hussey Consulting was commissioned to undertake a study that would provide a DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 29, 2002 - 67 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-02-101 FUTURE TOURISM SERVICE DELIVERY ICONT'DI recommended practical service delivery model for destination marketing and visitor information services. A copy of this consultant report was circulated with the department staff report. The consultant study proposed 10 recommendations for consideration. Mr. Wayne Hussey attended in support of his report dated April 18, 2002 titled 'Tourism Strategy for the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo'. He summarized background pertinent to the preparation of his tourism strategy report and reviewed in detail the 10 recommendations contained on pages 10 and 11 of his report by providing further commentary and analysis in regard to each of the items. He also asked that the Committee take note of the recommended timetable for implementation of the proposed strategy. Mayor C. Zehr requested further explanation on recommendation #2 that the Region fund but not control the marketing and visitor information services and Mr. Hussey advised that his proposal was that the Region provide a block grant to a contractor who would in consultation with an advisory committee deliver the service. Mayor Zehr asked for response with respect to recommendation #7 on the question of equity among municipalities and how it would be addressed year to year. Mr. Hussey emphasized that what was being proposed was a package approach and that destination marketing did not promote a single asset. Councillor Vrbanovic expressed concern with regard to recommendation #2 noting that local Councils have indicated they were not prepared to shift additional services to the Region and questioned how this matter could proceed if the local Councils could not reach agreement at the political level. Mr. Hussey advised that he was not committed to any particular approach but was committed to the level of funding to achieve desired results. In response to Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Hussey commented that there would be no down side to the Council's of Kitchener and Waterloo holding a stakeholder meeting to further discuss the strategy. Mr. Todd Letts, President, Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, was in attendance at the meeting and Councillor C. Weylie questioned if the Chamber of Commerce was prepared to carry on providing tourist services with a contract extension until a new strategy could be put in place and he advised that the Chamber was fully supportive and would assist in this regard. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the Tourism Strategy Report dated April 18, 2002 as prepared by Wayne Hussey Consulting Inc., be received as information and that it be circulated to the tourism industry for review and comment, and That staff report back to Council by July 2, 2002 with final recommendations with respect to the next steps; and further, That the City of Kitchener, along with its funding partner at the City of Waterloo, request a 6 month extension (to December 31 , 2002) to the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce for the provision of tourism information services." 4. DELEGATION - WATERLOO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE HEALTHY FUTURES RURAL WELL UPGRADING & DECOMMISSIONING PROJECT Mr. Jeff Stager attended representing the Waterloo Federation of Agriculture (WFA) to express appreciation for the supportive working relationship that the WFA has with Kitchener and the municipalities within the Region of Waterloo. He circulated a folder containing various pieces of correspondence and documents concerning the agricultural industry and the rural well upgrades and decommissioning project which is designed to protect ground water resources. He pointed out that the documents emphasize both the farm and non farm rural wells undertakings. Other material in the submission related to successes of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the value of the agriculture industry to Ontario and taxation issues. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 29, 2002 - 68 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. DTS-02-076 - TRILLIUM DRIVE - HURON BUSINESS PARK - OFFER TO PURCHASE - SITE 158 - ATSA CORPORATION INC. - SOUTH WARD Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-02-076 dated April 22, 2002 was considered. The report deals with an offer to purchase Site 158 in Huron Business Park received from AT SA Corporation Inc. which staff recommend not be accepted. The history of ATSA's attempts to purchase additional lands in the Huron Business Park was reviewed in the report as well as the rationale behind the staff recommendation not to accept the offer. It was pointed out in the report that staff are investigating alternatives to accommodate the needs of AT SA Corporation. Mr. G. Borovilos briefly commented on the staff report. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the Offer to Purchase from AT SA Corporation Inc. not be accepted for Lot 4 on Registered Plan 58M-98, being a parcel of land in the Huron Business Park having an area of approximately 2.5 acres at the price of $80,000 per acre for 2.5 acres, resulting in a total purchase price of $200,000.00." 6. DTS-02-090 - TRILLIUM DRIVE - HURON BUSINESS PARK - OFFER TO PURCHASE - SITE 158 - BLUE TOP PROPERTIES LIMITED - SOUTH WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-02- 090 dated April 23, 2002 in which staff recommend that an offer to purchase Site 158 in Huron Business Park received from Blue Top Properties Limited be accepted. Mr. G. Borovilos briefly summarized the report. Mr. Jason Ball attended representing Blue Top Properties Limited in support of the recommendation. He indicated that they have a tenant requiring a 25,000 sq. ft. facility and noted that it may be expanded to 41 ,000 sq. ft. In this regard, he distributed a site plan proposal as well as an elevation drawing for the proposed structure. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the Offer to Purchase from Blue Top Properties Ltd. be accepted for Lot 4 on Registered Plan 58M-98, being a parcel of land in the Huron Business Park having an area of approximately 2.5 acres at the price of $80,000 per acre, resulting in a total purchase price of $200,000.00; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be hereby authorized to execute any other necessary documentation required by the City Solicitor." 7. DTS-02-089 - REQUEST FOR SUPPORT TO EXPLORE A PROPOSED ROAD EXTENSION IN HURON BUSINESS PARK - SOUTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 02-089 dated April 23, 2002. In the report staff are requesting direction to explore the development of a proposed road extension in Huron Business Park in response to numerous inquiries received from clients having an interest in purchasing land parcels less than 5 acres in size and in response to the needs of A TSA Corporation Inc. in view of staff's refusal to support DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 29, 2002 - 69 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DTS-02-089 REQUEST FOR SUPPORT TO EXPLORE A PROPOSED ROAD EXTENSION IN HURON BUSINESS PARK - SOUTH WARD ICONT'DI their offer to purchase Site 158. It was pointed out in the report that A TSA Corporation was interested in reserving a parcel of land approximately 2.5 acres in size if the decision to construct a road was approved. A letter dated April 26, 2002 received from John Sharp, President, AT SA Corporation Inc. was circulated to the Committee. The letter confirms their support of a proposal to subdivide Site 164 into 4 smaller lots and the company's intent to locate on a section of Site 164. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That staff be directed to explore the extension of a public road from Strasburg Road to support the subdivision of 12.0 acres of land in the Huron Business Park legally described as Parts 6,7 and 8 of Reference Plan 58R-12683; and further, That staff report back with a detailed report analysing the financial implications at the May 13, 2002 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting." 8. DELEGATION LONG RANGE SECONDARY SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION PLAN - WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Mr. L. Masseo advised of a delegation from the Waterloo Region District School Board had requested the opportunity to appear before the Committee to present a long range plan for the accommodation of secondary school students within Kitchener. A new school is being considered at a site in the Huron Area in the southwest section of the City and would impact existing Eastwood, Cameron Heights and K-W Collegiates. The plan proposes that one of these three secondary schools be closed in 2006 to provide for the opening of a new secondary school in 2006. Mr. Chris Smith and Ms. Kathy Dietrich attended on behalf of the Waterloo Region District School Board to present information and issues pertaining to considerations relative to the Board's long range pupil accommodation plan for secondary school students, particularly in Kitchener but also in the region as a whole. Mr. Smith commented that they were attending as part of a regular series of updates to local municipal councils and noted that they had attended two years ago with staff of the Catholic School Board. In particular, he noted their purpose was to highlight demographic factors and programming issues that would be affecting the delivery of secondary school board services. Ms. Dietrich summarized the Board's long range planning document and provided a detailed presentation of changes affecting secondary schools including a new curriculum, four year program, residential growth and pointed out that some schools were below capacity. In particular, she referred to demographic factors and pointed to a steep decline that would take place in the number of students with the switch to a four year program. In this regard, she noted that in the year 2016 the Board anticipated having its enrollment increase to the current level following the initial decline. She also emphasized that by the year 2005 almost every school board in the province would be facing declining enrollment. Ms. Dietrich then referred to pupil accommodation grants and noted that the funding was based on a fixed formula. The Board out of necessity must use available funding as efficiently as possible and with enrollment levels at existing schools changing, it presented an opportunity to redistribute the schools. She advised that the five existing secondary schools in Kitchener were constructed as follows: KCI - 1881, Eastwood Cl - 1955, Forest Heights Cl - 1964, Grand River Cl - 1965, Cameron Heights Cl - 1969. Ms. Dietrich then referred to the fact that currently 1700 secondary students in southwest Kitchener do not have a secondary school in their community and that these students presently are dispersed to Cambridge and other schools in Kitchener. She advised that their studies have DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 29, 2002 -70 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. DELEGATION LONG RANGE SECONDARY SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION PLAN - WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ICONT'DI shown that it would be necessary to close one of three high schools in order to accommodate construction of a new high school in the Huron area for a September 2006 opening and stressed that it was not financially feasible to leave all of the existing schools open. Further, she commented on the ideal size of a secondary school as 1200 - 1500 students and noted that when enrollment in a school does shrink the school can no longer offer a broad range of opportunities to students. Further, with the closing of one school she pointed out that all five schools could then offer full programming to students. In addition she noted that part of the long range plan would be to consider upgrades to the four older schools. She also commented on plans to close a school in each of the Cities of Waterloo and Cambridge and noted that with the closing of Bluevale a workplace facility would be provided at the new Columbia school on the west side of Waterloo and one workplace facility would be located in one of the schools remaining in the central area of Kitchener. She advised that the public consultation process was now underway and that three committees were involved composed of varied membership and that the process in this regard would take approximately one year in the hope of a final recommendation in March 2003. Ms. Dietrich asked that the Committee take note of the brochures distributed this date which outline their goals and related timetable. In conclusion, Mr. Smith advised that it was their intent to keep local Councils informed on these matters and he again stressed the fact that demographics with respect to this challenge were crucial and that the school board was committed to working with the local municipalities in its decision making process. In reference to the consultation process, Councillor M. Galloway noted that it was difficult to involve residents in school board information meeting discussions when schools do not exist in their areas such as in the south end of Kitchener. Mr. Smith advised that information concerning these long range plans has been circulated to all students and it was pointed out that there was strong representation from south Kitchener on the Board's working committee. Nevertheless, Councillor Galloway indicated that it was his desire to ensure residents of south Kitchener have a convenient chance to participate in the consultation process. 9. DTS-02-093-BPS - 209,211-215,219-221 & 223 FREDERICK STREET 122 LANCASTER STREET DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 02/04/F/BS RON SOLOWKA BRIDGEPORT -CENTRE WARD The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 02-093-BPS dated April 22, 2002 dealing with a demolition control application submitted by Ron Solowka with respect to the properties known municipally as 209, 211-215, 219-221, 223 Frederick Street and 122 Lancaster Street. It was noted in the report that the applicant proposes to demolish 5 vacant houses located at the southeast corner of Frederick Street and Lancaster Street to facilitate redevelopment of the site for a mixed commercial (office) - residential development. The report summarizes the history of the properties since the 1980's when they were included with many other properties as part of the Kraushaar land assembly for a development proposal of multi-storey condo apartments and a commercial component that did not proceed. As well, the report specifically addresses the physical condition of each of the 5 properties and in this regard the heritage planner has requested that consideration be given to avoiding premature demolition of 122 Lancaster Street and 215 Frederick Street in the event that the proposed redevelopment does not proceed. Planning staff also pointed out that full demolition of all 5 properties would be premature since the City has not received a site plan application indicating the property owner's clear intent to redevelop the site and it was their view that an entire vacant site would have a devastating impact on the neighbourhood. Accordingly, staff support approval of demolition of 209, 219-221 and 223 Frederick Street and deferral of the demolition request for 211-215 Frederick Street and 122 Lancaster Street until a site plan has been approved and building permits applied for. Mr. B. Sloan circulated colour photographs of the front elevations of each of the 5 properties. He then briefly summarized the purpose of the application and commented on the consultation that DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 29, 2002 9. DTS-02-093-BPS - 209,211-215,219-221 & 223 FREDERICK STREET 122 LANCASTER STREET DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 02/04/F/BS RON SOLOWKA BRIDGEPORT -CENTRE WARD ICONT'DI -71 - CITY OF KITCHENER the owner has had with City staff. Mr. Sloan then remarked on the recommendation of staff to defer demolition approval of two properties and the rationale in that regard. Mr. L. Masseo further commented on the purpose of demolition control which is to avoid premature demolition and long term impacts on streetscape if proposed developments do not proceed. Mr. Ron Solowka, Thunderhill Construction, attended in respect to his demolition control application to request approval to demolish the 5 dwellings. He reviewed the history of his involvement in this site and referred to consultations that have taken place with staff and discussions at several Heritage Kitchener meetings. Mr. Solowka noted that he had submitted a structural engineers report which condemned all 5 dwellings and was contrary to the building inspectors report which recommends that two structures were technically possible to be restored. He spoke to the condition of all the dwellings and emphasized that from a demolition and redevelopment point of view, the dwellings were one site and the numbered properties were not divisible. In response to questions, Mr. Solowka indicated that the redevelopment was proposed to have ground floor commercial offices and three floors of rental residential dwelling units and that he would work within the existing zoning regulations to develop the site. Mr. Derwyn Stilling, owner of 227 Frederick Street, attended in support of demolition of the 5 properties and the proposed redevelopment. As background respecting these properties he illustrated a Kraushaar proposal from 18 years ago to redevelop the site. He also disagreed with the estimates provided by the Building Inspector to restore the 2 properties which staff have requested be deferred from the demolition request. Mr. Stilling noted that most of the dwellings have been boarded up for at least 10 years and were in such poor condition that they were not viable for restoration. Lastly, he requested that any work to restore curbs and remove redundant driveways in conjunction with the redevelopment be put to tender by the City. Councillor J. Smola advised that he was prepared to recommend all 5 dwelling structures be demolished and noted that he had confidence in Mr. Solowka as a developer and commented on the locational merits of the subject lands given the close walking distance to adjacent facilities and the downtown. Councillors B. Vrbanovic and J. Ziegler supported Councillor Smola's view noting that the reality was that the structures had long been abandoned and that a vacant lot was preferable to the existing deteriorated properties and unkept appearance of the lands, as well as the fact that the properties had merged in title and were now one lot. A recorded vote was requested on this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 02/04/F/BS (Ron Solowka) for which the owner is requesting approval for the demolition of 209, 211-215, 219-221 and 223 Frederick Street and 122 Lancaster Street, be approved. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City." Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic, J. Ziegler, M. Galloway, G. Lorentz and C. Weylie voted unanimously in favour of the motion. Mr. D. Mansell advised that he would pass along the request made by Mr. Stilling to the Community Services Department which was now responsible for public works related operations. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 29, 2002 10. DTS-02-100 -72 - CITY OF KITCHENER - CHARLES & BENTON PARKING GARAGE DESIGN - WEST -VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 02-100 dated April 24, 2002 dealing with the Charles and Benton parking garage design. The report requests that staff be given direction as to Council's preferred choice of building materials for the fayade of the parking structure. The report also highlights requests made by the Development and Technical Services Committee meeting at its February 18, 2002 meeting relative to several design issues and advises of action taken with respect to these matters. Mr. Don Smith, Diamond Schmitt Architects, reviewed the rationale behind the present development theme which reflects buildings in the downtown core including the Kaufman Footwear building, the Arrow Shirt Factory and the previous City Hall on Frederick Street. In the absence of an overhead presentation he circulated illustrations of the design concept for the structure. Councillor B. Vrbanovic supported how the use of banners and the use of a projection system have been incorporated into the exterior design but stated that he did have concern with the exterior colour choice being limited to two colours of brick. He questioned why more types of materials to liven up the exterior of the structure were not considered. Mr. Smith commented that a stucco and block combination was considered but stucco was discarded given the risk of lawsuits that could result as a result of lack of durability of this material. In summary, Councillor Vrbanovic commented that the illustrations presented did not reflect the design of the structure that he had hoped for. Councillor M. Galloway commented that he had thought it was intended that the structure blend in to a greater degree with nearby buildings and on the importance of consultation to address the concerns of the Four Points Hotel and K-W Oktoberfest. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated that he would propose a motion to accept use of red brick on the exterior of the facility; however, Councillor Vrbanovic stated that he was opposed. Mayor C. Zehr requested that staff consider what other features could be incorporated into the Charles Street side of the structure to further soften its impact on the streetscape. The architects agreed to consider elements of the building in this regard but noted that there were significant restraints. Finally, Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that he would have preferred to have had Council input sooner in the design and development process and requested that such be the case in future. He also asked that staff consider whether the projection screen could be a revenue producer. A recorded vote was requested on this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That red brick be chosen as the major component of the fayade design for the parking garage structure at Charles and Benton Streets." Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors C. Weylie, G. Lorentz, J. Smola and J. Ziegler voted in favour while Councillors M. Galloway and B. Vrbanovic voted against the motion. Mr. J. Fielding advised the Committee that the architect would attempt to address design concerns raised by the Committee. 11. DTS-02-102 - 2001 DOWNTOWN MONITORING REPORT The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 02-102 dated April 25, 2002 dealing with the 2001 Downtown Monitoring Report which was attached to the staff report. The Downtown Monitoring Report tracks the annual progress and performance of the downtown based upon 5 key areas, being: downtown housing, downtown visitors, downtown business, downtown physical environment and downtown community development. Key developments during 2001 were itemized in the report as follows: . downtown housing - almost 325 new housing units completed or under construction . downtown visitors - 60 new downtown events added in 2001 and attendance at events 11. DTS-02-102 - 2001 DOWNTOWN MONITORING REPORT ICONT'DI DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 29, 2002 -73 - CITY OF KITCHENER increased by 29%, hotel occupancy rates reduced by 3.8% . downtown business - office vacancies declined from 10.8% to 7.2% notwithstanding an additional 195,000 sq. ft. of office space that was absorbed and mall retail vacancy rates decreased from 16% to 5.6% while street front retail vacancy rates increased marginally from 7.8% to 12.1 % as a result of a City acquisition, number of businesses increased from 785 to 814, downtown employees increased from 11,107 to 11,539 and monthly parking revenues increased by 38% . downtown physical environment - $65,400 in property improvements funded under the fayade/interior loan program . downtown community development - Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee established and King Street Theatre Centre opened Ms. Mara Grant attended to summarize the 2001 Downtown Monitoring Report. In this regard, in the absence of a powerpoint presentation she circulated a printed version of that presentation and proceeded to review in detail the importance of various aspects of the Downtown Monitoring Report. Following her presentation, Mayor C. Zehr commented that employment within the downtown had increased by 50% in the last five years. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-02-102 (2001 Downtown Monitoring Report) be received as information." 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. LW. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk