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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2007-04-02DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 6:05 p.m. Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors K. Galloway, G. Lorentz and J. Gazzola Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer R. Browning, General Manager of Development & Technical Services J. Willmer, Director of Planning D. Mansell, Director of Engineering J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning F. McCrea, Assistant City Solicitor T. Beckett, Fire Chief L. Lynch, Manager of Engineering Infrastructure R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development B. Sloan, Senior Planner M. Selling, Manager of Building, Chief Building Official D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator 1. DTS-07-046 - LIMITING DISTANCE AGREEMENT WITH OWNER OF 299 TRILLIUM DRIVE AND ADJACENT CITY OF KITCHENER LANDS, PURSUANT TO DIVISION B. SECTION 3.2.$.1 t$) OF THE BUILDING CODE The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 046, dated March 13, 2007, regarding a limiting distance agreement with the owner of 299 Trillium Drive. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with the registered owner of Plan 1478 LOT 14 PT LTS 3&4 RP58R502 Part 1 RP58R2588 Part 1 RP58R5010 Part 3 RP58R5455 Parts 1 & 2, known municipally as 299 Trillium Drive, pursuant to Div. B, Sec. 3.2.8.1(8) of the Building Code, said agreement to permit the construction of a Storage Building with the limiting distance for the exposed building face being measured to a point beyond the property line on the adjacent property, PL1471 PTLT16 PL1478 PT LTS 3&4 PT Bechtels TCT RP58R 7008 PTS 8-10 known municipally as Strasburg Creek." 2. PRESENTATION -AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT Mr. J. Stager of the Waterloo Federation of Agriculture was in attendance to give a presentation to the Committee on Agriculture and the Environment, as included in this meeting's agenda. Mr. Stager asked that Council consider farmland as parkland, that they form an agricultural committee of Council, and that they have 0% tax rate for farmland. In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Stager advised that in this Region there is approximately 28,000 acres of Class 1 farmland that is in jeopardy of disappearing, and if municipalities allow less greenfield development, it will help save farmland. With respect to the 0% tax rate on farmland, Mr. Stager advised that no where in Canada is this the case. He advised that to date, the Federation has not discussed the elimination of property taxes with representatives at the provincial level, but they will be making it an issue with all candidates at the fall provincial election. With respect to his suggestion that farmers receive payment for carbon credits, Mr. Stager stated that farmers produce corn which is a marketable asset, so gas tax rebates should go to farmers. Councillor Lorentz spoke of the dichotomy respecting the loss of farmland, noting that only poor farmers are the ones who are working. The others have sold their farms. He questioned how to make the difference between those who have land to sell and those who farm. Mr. Stager suggested one of the ways is to determine whether the farmer lives on and works the farm, or whether they are absentee owners. When questioned as to how to stop a land owner from selling his/her land, Mr. Stager replied that farmland should be as valuable as a factory or DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 2007 - 24- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. PRESENTATION -AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT tCONT'D) residence, as buying farm land is cheap. He stated that prime farmland is a rare asset in this world. Councillor Lorentz questioned the viability of large commercial farms. Mr. Stager responded that in the scheme of things, there is no farm large enough to be too large. Farmers are paid on the basis of the lowest cost per unit. For strategic purposes, we need to keep farm land. In Canada we have one of the lowest costs per person for food. With respect to the location of Class 1 farmland in Canada, Mr. Stager advised that there is Class 1 and Class 2 farmland out West, but half the prime farmland in Canada is in Ontario, because we have the longest growing season. Mr. Stager spoke about the fact that Ontario farmers do not have a connection with Ontario consumers. Packaging is not labelled to show where the food's ingredients are grown. Councillor Gazzola questioned whether waiving the property taxes will save Ontario farmers, and Mr. Stager advised that on its own, waiving property taxes will not save farmers, Carbon Credits are also required. With respect to ethanol production, Mr. Stager advised that there are approximately ~/2 dozen producers in Canada at this time, and another ~/2 dozen proposed. He advised that ethanol production is more important in the U.S. at this time. 3. DTS-07-045 - ACCELERATED TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 045, dated March 16, 2007, regarding an accelerated traffic calming program. Mr. McBride presented this staff report noting that when this matter had been brought to Corporate Management Team in March, they had concerns about the timing of this matter and the financial impact. Mayor Zehr commented that there needs to be some time to assess the traffic calming measures that have already been installed before embarking on an accelerated program. He stated his agreement with the recommendation in the staff report, and suggested that the City continue to work with the Police, and ask for speed enforcement. He suggested that other measures could also be taken, such as installing stop signs at major problem areas. Councillor Galloway questioned whether other measures can be taken. Mr. McBride responded that each fall staff presents a report on streets where traffic calming measures are deemed to be warranted. In this report staff provides background information on traffic volumes, speeds, collision history, the location of parks and schools, etc. Staff conducts 45 to 50 preliminary reviews prior to submitting the report. In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. McBride advised that the City's Traffic Calming program started in 2005. Of those streets for which Council has directed traffic calming measures, none have been completed. Three were commenced last year. Seven have gone through the study process, and all of these projects should be completed this summer. Concerning traffic calming measures for Schneider/David, Mr. McBride advised that positive comments have been received from the neighbours. Respecting Greenbrook Drive, Mr. McBride advised that although the traffic calming measures have been successful in reducing volumes and speed, the neighbours are not happy with the project. Mr. McBride also advised that manual traffic counts are undertaken as well as automated counts, when it is necessary to know the number of vehicles that make turns at intersections. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That an accelerated traffic calming program not be pursued at this time." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 2007 - 25- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DTS-07-055 - KING STREET & THE CITY CENTRE DISTRICT STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN -PROJECT SCHEDULE The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 055, dated March 23, 2007, regarding the Master Plan for King Street & the City Centre District. Mr. L. Lynch presented the staff report, noting that staff will give a more extensive report to this Committee on this matter, at its meeting scheduled for May 7, 2007. Four phases of this project will be undertaken in 2007 but the actual construction will not take place this year. He noted that most importantly, this process of creating the master plan will build on public consultations that took place last year. He noted that a design charette will take place on April 24th, to which 75 people have been invited, including members of Council's Advisory Committees. Mayor Zehr noted that the City has already started reconstruction of King Street with a certain streetscape style. He questioned whether the remainder of King Street, from Benton Street to Waterloo will be of the same style as the existing, or will it be something new. Mr. Lynch responded that Downtown people want a different, more contemporary style. He advised that this project is scheduled to be completed by 2009, noting that with other Downtown streets under construction, it is important to keep the public transit system running. With respect to future information to this Committee, Mr. Lynch advised there will be regular communications to this Committee, starting with a presentation on May 7th, and the master plan, once prepared, will be presented to this Committee. In response to questions from Councillor Gazzola, Mr. Lynch advised that over the last few years there has been a dramatic growth in the number of people coming Downtown for special events, and a couple of events attract as many as 20,000 people. We need to design a street that can handle these types of events, as well as building on available technology. With respect to funding for this project, Mr. Lynch advised that the cost of the review has been included in the consultants' fee, which has already been approved by Council The cost of construction has not yet been determined or approved, but may be available from the Economic Development Investment Fund. Finally, Mr. Lynch advised that staff is aiming for a design that will last for 25 to 30 years. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the Master Plan process for King Street and the City Centre District proceed according to the Schedule included in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-055; and, That City staff and the project team consult the public and develop streetscape concepts for King Street and strategies for the City Centre District; and further, That periodic updates on this matter be submitted to the Development & Technical Services Committee." 5. QUEEN STREET DESIGN Councillor C. Weylie advised she is on the Regional committee for the design of Queen Street, and advised that if the City of Kitchener wants pedestrian lighting included in this project, the City will have to pay for this additional lighting. 6. DTS-07-042 - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 06I06IHIJB - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 06I17IHIJB - 950 HIGHLAND ROAD WEST - 1260$4$ ONTARIO INC. The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 042, dated March 6, 2007, regarding Municipal Plan Amendment Application MP 06/06/H/JB and Zone Change Application ZC 06/17/H/JB for the property known municipally as 950 Highland Road West. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 2007 - 26- CITY OF KITCHENER 6. DTS-07-042 - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 06I06IHIJB tCONT'D) Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, read the following statement: This is a Public Meeting under 'The Planning Act, 1996' to consider Municipal Plan Amendment Application MP 06/06/H/JB Section 17 (45) of the Planning Act allows the Ontario Municipal Board to dismiss all or part of an appeal without holding a hearing if the appellant did not make oral submissions at a public meeting or did not make written submissions to the council before the plan was adopted and, in the opinion of the Board, the appellant does not provide a reasonable explanation for having failed to make a submission. In order to ensure the record includes all the names of those individuals who are making verbal submissions today for this Municipal Plan Amendment, please ensure that you clearly identify yourself before you begin your submissions and the Clerk will record your name for the record. If your name does not appear on the record, you may jeopardize any further involvement you wish to have in these matters. Any recommendation made by the Development & Technical Services Committee on these matters today will be considered by City Council on April 16, 2007. If City Council adopts the amendments, they will proceed to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo who has the final approval authority for Municipal Plan Amendments. They are also the body to whom appeals are sent. Further information on these procedures is available from the City's Development and Technical Services Department or the Region's Department of Planning and Culture. Mr. Willmer reviewed the report noting that in the third part of the staff recommendation, staff is requesting the Committee's endorsement of the concept plans and drawings, as it is on the basis of these plans that the public has offered their support. Mr. Willmer also distributed copies of a revised by-law, dated March 27, 2007, which includes the necessary provision that the zone change is not final until the Municipal Plan Amendment receives final approval. Mr. S. Patterson, Lebreche Patterson Planning Consultants, was in attendance on behalf of the applicant, in support of the staff recommendation. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That Municipal Plan Amendment Application MP06/06/H/JB requesting a change in designation from Low Rise Residential to Low Rise Residential with a Special Policy to permit a maximum floor space ratio of 1.2 for multiple dwellings on lands owned by 1260848 Ontario Inc., municipally known as 950 Highland Road West, and legally described as Part Lot 35 GCT, RP 58R10060, PT 18, PT 13 & PT 3, in the City of Kitchener, be approved, in the form shown in the Municipal Plan Amendment attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-042, and accordingly forwarded to the Region of Waterloo; and, That Zone Change Application ZC06/17/H/JB requesting a change from Convenience Commercial Zone (C-1) with Special Regulation Provision 145R to Convenience Commercial Zone (C-1 ), with a Special Regulation Provision 145R and Special Use Provision 361 U on the lands owned by 1260848 Ontario Inc., municipally know as 950 Highland Road West, and legally described as Part Lot 35 GCT, RP 58R10060, PT 18, PT 13 & PT 3, in the City of Kitchener, be approved, in the form shown in the Proposed By-law, dated March 27, 2007 presented at the Development and Technical Services Committee meeting of April 2, 2007; and further, DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 2007 - 27- CITY OF KITCHENER 6. DTS-07-042 - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 06I06IHIJB tCONT'D) That the site plan to be approved for 950 Highland Road West be based on and in general accordance with the concept plans and drawing appended to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-042." 7. DTS-07-004 - MODIFICATION TO DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 30T-05201 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 05I01IB/BS - LAURENTIAN WEST COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 061111B/BS - 2044-2066 BLEAMS ROAD - 970722 ONTARIO INC. -AND- DTS-07-005 - MODIFICATION TO DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 30T-05205 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 051191B/BS - LAURENTIAN WEST COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 061121B/BS - 1904 BLEAMS ROAD - T.A.L.M. HOLDINGS INC. The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 004 and DTS-07-005, both dated March 26, 2007, regarding modification to Draft Plans of Subdivision 30T-05201 and 30T-05205, Zone Change Applications ZC 05/01/B/BS and ZC 05/19/B/BS, Laurentian West Community Plan Amendments and Demolition Control Applications DC 06/11/B/BS and DC 06/12/B/BS for the properties known municipally as 1904 Bleams Road and 2044-2066 Bleams Road. Mr. B. Sloan presented the staff report for the plan of subdivision at 2044 to 2066 Bleams Road noting the innovative features built into the subdivision, and the fact that the heritage farm house will be saved and placed on a lot in the subdivision adjacent to the neighbourhood park. Mr. Sloan then offered his thanks to the developer, his consultants and members of the Eby and Becker families who worked collaboratively with staff through this process. Mayor Zehr commented favourably on the traffic claming measures that have been built into this plan of subdivision. He questioned the widths of the roads and how on-street parking will be addressed. Mr. Sloan responded that the collector roads will be 20m wide, and on those roads the lots will be slightly wider so that they can accommodate 1 on-street parking space in front of each lot. In this subdivision there will be 1 on-street parking space for every 2 dwellings; also, the conditions imposed on this subdivision require the provision of on-street parking. Mayor Zehr questioned the ability to provide on-street parking on Gravel Ridge Trail, and Mr. Sloan responded that the corner lots will flank this street and there will be no driveways from these lots onto Gravel Ridge Trail Further if this road is not a transit route, it will be possible to orient lots and driveways around the need for on-street parking. Mayor Zehr stated his pleasure that the parkland will be developed within the first year and questioned the percentage of land to be dedicated to the City for park purposes. Mr. Sloan responded that the active park in the subdivision will be slightly less than 5%, at 3 acres, and the woodland to be dedicated to the City through these applications is connected to a larger woodland. With respect to this larger woodland, Mr. Sloan stated that there is no plan of subdivision being processed for that woodland at this time, and it is questionable as to whether it could even be developed. Mr. P. Britton, MHBC Planning, was in attendance on behalf of the 2 subdividers, and was in attendance with representatives of the Eby and Becker families, in support of the staff recommendations. He offered his thanks to the Eby and Becker families, staff and Heritage Kitchener for their successful collaboration on these projects, and the positive way in which a resolution was reached to preserve the heritage farmhouse on this land. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 2007 - 2$- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DTS-07-004 - MODIFICATION TO DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 30T-05201 tCONT'D) Mr. Britton noted that these subdivisions represent a logical extension of the existing communities, and will generate more Development Charge revenue for the City than costs. They have worked with staff on the best design for these subdivisions, and to that end presented 28 concept plans for consideration. Heritage and environmental issues have been addressed, and a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation of the gravel pit has been taken. The subdivision has been well designed with a central park, which is within walking distance of every lot in the subdivision. The park location enhances the streetscape, and there is a community trail network leading to the park and the woodlot. Respecting the heritage house, Mr. Britton noted that Heritage Kitchener and the Heritage Planner were a delight to work with. The house will be relocated to a lot with a higher elevation, and the new and old will be integrated with sensitivity. The subdivision will have entrance features in accordance with design guidelines for key lots; the streetscape plan will be co-ordinated to allow for adequate on-street parking; and, there will be deep lots to deal with the grading. Mr. Britton noted that the parkland dedication to the City will be 26% of the total area of the subdivision. In response to questions from Councillor Gazzola, Mr. Sloan advised that all streets in the subdivision will have sidewalks on both sides; the woodland will become the property of the City of Kitchener; and the access to the woodland will be via the community trail which runs along the Hydro corridor. Councillor K. Galloway then moved the recommendations in both staff reports. She stated that these plans of subdivision could set a precedent for all future plans of subdivision in the City, and she commended all those involved for the excellent work. The Chair stated that each staff recommendation would be voted on separately. Mayor Zehr commented that once the woodlot comes into the City's ownership, it is important that it be managed properly on a long-term basis. He also stated that these subdivisions are innovative, the heritage focal point is important, and all those involved in this process, including the Eby and Becker families, are to be commended. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Draft Plan of Subdivision 30T-05201, Laurentian West Community Plan Amendments, Demolition Control Application DC 06/11/B/BS and Zone Change Application ZC 05/01/B/BS (2044-2066 Bleams Road) be approved, as contained in Appendix "A" to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-004." At this point 2 members of the public who had been seated in the gallery came forward to speak of their concerns regarding these subdivisions. The first to speak was Ms. T. Avery, a resident of Activa Avenue. She noted her support for: the decorative lighting, the routing of construction traffic along Bleams Road, the creation of the park within one year of the first occupancy, the retention of the heritage home and transit. Ms. Avery then addressed her concerns about his plan of subdivision. Ms. Avery stated that Activa Avenue is an extremely busy street and by connecting this subdivision to Activa Avenue via Isaiah Drive, more traffic will be added to the already excessive volumes on Activa Avenue. With respect to the community trail along the Hydro Corridor, Ms. Avery stated that by putting in the centre median, it will make this community trail unsafe. The 450 homes in this subdivision will use Activa Avenue to get to the highway and the Sunrise Plaza, and this will add more congestion. She stated she lives on the curve of Activa Avenue, and transit makes this street very unsafe, and the proposed round-about is not the best solution as it will not deter traffic. She asked that the road connection to Activa Avenue not be installed, and where Isaiah Drive would connect to Activa Avenue, the developer could create 2 more lots. With respect to the park, Ms. Avery stated it is a big open space attached to everyone's back yards and she would like it to be more accessible to the whole neighbourhood, with more pathways to the park. In addressing the stormwater pond, Ms. Avery advised that she lives close to Peach Blossom. She questioned where these scenic trails will come from, and stated she would like more trails. Ms. Avery again requested that the access from this subdivision to DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 2007 - 29- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DTS-07-004 - MODIFICATION TO DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 30T-05201 tCONT'D) Activa Avenue be closed, as the subdivision has 2 accesses to Bleams Road. Ms. Avery then referred to a letter from Ms. A. Kutler respecting aland-fill site, and questioned what material was used for the fill. Ms. Avery then addressed the water issues stating that she wants nothing to happen to the water pressure for her home. Also, all the lots in her area have, for the past 2 years, had problems with their backyards flooding, and she requested that the City ensure this problem is rectified. Respecting housing types, Ms. Avery noted that the staff report states there will not be street townhouses across the street from one another; however, the plan of subdivision shows street townhouses on both sides of the street. Ms. Avery then advised that the area residents received very short notice of this meeting. She moved into this neighbourhood in August of 2005, and didn't receive any notice of the previous open houses. She noted there is a high turn-over in her neighbourhood. She stated she would like to be kept informed of and involved in all other planning processes for this area. In response to Ms. Avery's comments, Mr. Britton advised that there is only 1 connection between the old and the new, and there is a strong desire that the old and the new be connected. If this connection was removed, it would be good for the developer, but not good for the community connection for such things as transit, and access to schools and other community facilities. Activa Avenue and David Bergey Drive are collector roads and they perform their function. Trail connections to the storm water management pond will be provided. In addition to the median, other traffic calming measures will be provided. With respect to the landfill, Mr. Britton advised that historically there was a gravel pit on this site; consequently, the Region required phases 1 and 2 audits. As a result of this requirement by the Region, all the fill material has been removed. Further, mechanisms were put in place such that the fill had to be removed before the subdividers could come to Council for approval of these applications. With regard to water pressure, this is a Regional responsibility and not part of this subdivision process. Regarding flooding in the Activa subdivision, there will be a storm outlet to a stormwater management pond. Regarding the development of townhouses, a streetscape plan will be prepared when the plan is registered, and this issue will be considered at that time. Mr. Britton noted that the zoning permits a range of uses in addition to townhouses. Mr. Sloan added that the proposed zoning will not allow street townhouses directly across from one another. Mayor Zehr questioned whether CPTED assessment has been done on this park. Mr. Britton responded that there are 5 street accesses to this park, and from a 3-D perspective, Gravel Ridge Trail is at a higher elevation than the park, so there will be many eyes on the park. Mr. S. Rossa addressed the Committee expressing his concerns about the storm water management pond, given that his son is extremely allergic to mosquitos. He asked that pellets be used in the water to control the mosquito population. Mr. Rossa also stated his agreement with Ms. Avery's concerns, as he can't understand how Activa Avenue can handle any more traffic. He stated that this subdivision will regularly access Activa Avenue and he is concerned about the excessive traffic. Mr. S. Roda, MTE Consultants, advised that the storm water management pond has been designed on the wetland premises, such that the water will not be stagment, but will flow through the pond. Councillor Gazzola questioned whether staff received any comments from the neighbourhood on the Activa Avenue connection when preparing these plans. Mr. Sloan responded that no comments were received. This connection to Activa Avenue has always been included in the plans, and is shown on the sign posted on the property. This connection is fundamental for the connectivity with the community, and transit is planned from Activa Avenue and not Bleams Road. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 2007 - 30- CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DTS-07-004 - MODIFICATION TO DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 30T-05201 tCONT'D) Mr. J. McBride advised that this connection to Activa Avenue is very important; however, the majority of people living in this subdivision will not be going to work along Activa Avenue. They will use Bleams Road and David Bergey Drive, which will be much better. The connection to Activa Avenue is also important for emergency vehicles. Ms. L. Dawson, a resident of Activa Avenue, addressed the Committee advising she only got notice of this meeting 3 days ago. Ms. Dawson stated that in 2003 she was told that Activa Avenue would not be extended at this location. Her neighbour lives at the corner and only found out the street would be extended after he build his home. She stated there is already a substantial amount of traffic on Activa Avenue. Councillor Galloway directed that Mr. McBride to investigate the installation of a 3-way stop at Activa Avenue and Isaiah Drive. Councillor Lorentz commented on the late notice of this meeting provided to area residents. He stated the City has an obligation to give residents adequate notice, and to do so is within our control. This is where people live, and in this instance, an adequate notice to the neighbours was not given. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Draft Plan of Subdivision 30T-05205, Laurentian West Community Plan Amendment, Demolition Control Application DC 06/12/B/BS and Zone Change Application ZC 05/19/B/BS (1904 Bleams Road) be approved, as contained in Appendix "A" to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-005." It was noted that these recommendations were scheduled to be considered by Council at a special Council meeting following this meeting. Following discussion it was generally agreed to defer Council's consideration of these recommendations until its regularly scheduled meeting of Monday April 16, 2007, to allow the delegations an opportunity to discuss their concerns with staff and make additional submissions to Council on April 16, 2007. Mr. Britton was questioned as to urgency and he responded that moving the heritage house is seasonally related. He suggested a compromise that they be permitted to start grading the subdivision while they wait for Council's formal approval of April 16th On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That notwithstanding that Council has not given final approval to the modifications to Draft Plans of Subdivision 30T-05201 and 30T-05205, or the associated zone changes, Demolition Control Applications, or amendments to the Laurentian West Community Plan; that the owners of these lands be permitted to undertake pregrading at their own risk, excluding the area where Isaiah Drive connects with Activa Avenue." 8. DTS-07-05$ - DIRECT DETECT BUSINESS PLAN The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 058, dated March 2007, regarding the Direct Detect Business Plan. Mr. T. Beckett was in attendance to present the business plan as contained in the staff report. Mr. Beckett then answered questions from the Committee, noting the substantial decrease in response time by Fire crews for those with Direct Detect. He noted that as the number of customers subscribing to Direct Detect grows, the increase in revenues will off-set the cost of the additional staff required. With respect to improved marketing, Mr. Beckett advised that a Manager for this program is needed in order to have the staff time necessary for a proper marketing program. He noted that at this time the City of Cambridge is interested in purchasing Direct Detect but the details of extending this program to them are still being worked out. In the future Kitchener could also explore possibilities in other municipalities. With respect to the DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 2007 - 31- CITY OF KITCHENER 8. DTS-07-05$ - DIRECT DETECT BUSINESS PLAN tCONT'D) wireless system, Mr. Beckett advised that it is affordable for commercial properties. He is experimenting with Waterloo Regional Housing and AES wireless and IP Internet protocol, at this time. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the Direct Detect Business Plan, dated April 2, 2007, be received for information purposes only." 9. NEW BUSINESS Councillor Lorentz noted the letter received by members of Council from A to Z Signs, respecting the proposed new sign by-law. He directed Planning staff to respond to this letter Mr. Willmer advised there had been a public meeting in March concerning the proposed sign by-law ,and that the new sign by-law will be presented to this Committee in May. He noted there is still ample time for the author of this letter to make written submission on the proposed sign by-law. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. D. Gilchrist Committee Administrator