HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2008-01-07DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 7, 2008 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 3:45 p.m.
Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, J. Smola, K. Galloway, G. Lorentz and B.
Vrbanovic
Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer
R. Browning, General Manager, Development & Technical Services
T. Speck, General Manager, Corporate Services
A. Pappert, General Manager, Community Services
F. McCrea, Assistant City Solicitor
G. Murphy, Director of Engineering
J. Willmer, Director of Planning
D. Chapman, Director, Financial Planning & Reporting
J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
D. Ross, Manager of Development Review
B. Page, Supervisor of Site Development
K. Carmichael, Supervisor of Traffic & Parking
D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator
1. DTS-08-010 - TRAFFIC CONTROL -MARL MEADOW DRIVE/ MARL MEADOW
CRESCENT
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-010,
dated December 13, 2007, recommending that an all-way stop be installed at the easterly
intersection of Marl Meadow Drive and Marl Meadow Crescent.
In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. McBride advised that there are safety issues at
this intersection because of sight lines. He advised that permanent warning signs will be posted
on the approaches to this all-way stop.
Councillor Galloway directed that this intersection be reviewed in one year's time. She also noted
that this is a retrofit situation, and that a proactive approach must be taken with similar situations
in future subdivisions.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That an all-way stop be installed at the easterly intersection of Marl Meadow Drive and
Marl Meadow Crescent, and the Uniform Traffic Control By-law be amended accordingly;
and further,
That this all-way stop be reviewed in one year."
2. DTS-08-011 - TRAFFIC CONTROL - BLOCKLINE ROAD/ LAURENTIAN DRIVE
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-011,
dated December 13, 2007, recommending the installation of an all-way stop at the intersection of
Block Line Road and Laurentian Drive.
In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. McBride advised that the warrant is off by 1%;
however, traffic volumes will increase over time. In response to a question from Councillor
Galloway, Mr. McBride advised that because of the width of the road, centre islands will be
installed.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of Block Line Road and Laurentian
Drive, and the Uniform Traffic Control By-law be amended accordingly."
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3. DTS-08-012 - ON-STREET PARKING -DUMFRIES AVENUE
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-012,
dated December 17, 2007, recommending the prohibition of on-street parking on the north side of
Dumfries Avenue from Stirling Avenue North to Krug Street.
In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. McBride advised that the neighbours' greatest
concern has been parking across the end of their driveways, and the neighbours are in support of
the staff recommendation.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That on-street parking be prohibited at anytime on the north side of Dumfries Avenue from
Stirling Avenue North to Krug Street, and the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended
accordingly."
4. DTS-08-014 - PERMIT ONLY PARKING - FREEPORT HOSPITAL AREA
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-014,
dated December 17, 2007, recommending a permit only parking program in the Freeport Hospital
area.
In response to questions form the Committee, Mr. Carmichael advised that the neighbours were
notified of this recommendation in December, and staff only received 2 phone calls from
neighbourhood residents, both of which were in support of the staff recommendation.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That the `Permit Only Parking' program be implemented on both sides of the following
roadways in the Freeport Hospital area,
•Lewis Crescent -Manor Drive (east leg} to a point 130 metres north thereof
•Manor Drive -Morrison Road to a point 290 metres west thereof
•Morrison Road -Grand River Boulevard to Manor Drive; and,
That on-street parking be prohibited at anytime on the north side of Manor Drive from a
point 65 metres south of Lewis Crescent to a point 30 metres south thereof; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly."
5. DTS-08-015 - ON-STREET PARKING -JOSEPH STREET
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-015,
dated December 17, 2007, recommending restricted on-street parking on Joseph Street.
Councillor Gazzola commented that 2 hour parking is too long, given the relocation of the tourism
office to Joseph Street. Mr. McBride responded that a 2 hour limit is being recommended in order
to be consistent with the rest of downtown.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That on-street parking be permitted for two (2} consecutive hours from 8:00 a. m. to 12:00
midnight with no re-parking within five (5} hours of initial parking on the south side of
Joseph Street from a point 8 metres east of Richmond Avenue to a point 15 metres east
thereof; and,
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5. DTS-08-015 - ON-STREET PARKING -JOSEPH STREET (CONT'D}
That on-street parking be permitted for two (2} consecutive hours from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00
midnight with no re-parking within five (5} hours of initial parking on the south side of
Joseph Street from a point 41 metres east of Richmond Avenue to a point 34 metres east
thereof; and,
That on-street parking be permitted for two (2} consecutive hours from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00
midnight with no re-parking within five (5} hours of initial parking on the north side of
Joseph Street from a point 40 metres west of Ontario Street to a point 53 metres west
thereof; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly."
6. CRPS-07-152 -ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION - DOON SOUTH
COMMUNITY PLAN PHASE 2
The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-07-152, dated
December 17, 2007, advising of a recommendation adopted by the City's Environmental
Committee respecting environmental reports for the Doon South Community Plan -Phase 2.
Ms. Y. Fernandes, a member of the City's Environmental Committee, was in attendance in
support of the Committee's recommendation, as contained in the staff report. She stated that it is
vitally important that this Committee understands the motion proposed in the staff report. With
respect to the request for the peer review, Ms. Fernandes stated that the consulting firm who has
prepared the reports has been paid by the land owner/developer, and is therefore not unbiased.
Ms. Fernandes then provided further information about the ecological significance of this area,
and how, in her opinion, development will significantly intrude on the future health of this
ecologically significant area.
Following her presentation, Ms. Fernandes stated that there are a number of studies still being
conducted on the effects of human intrusion into this significant ecological area. She also noted
that her focus was not only on the Jefferson Salamander, but also that the entire ecosystem is at
risk.
At this time, City staff put forward a recommendation that the Ministry of Natural Resources
(MNR} has jurisdiction over this matter, and they should be consulted regarding a peer review.
Mr. Willmer stated that staff acknowledge the environmental importance of this area, and are not
concerned with the recommendation put forward by the Environmental Committee. He stated that
staff were involved in a meeting this date concerning the Ontario Municipal Board Appeal, and it
was determined that the review being requested in this recommendation is the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Natural Resources.
The Committee voiced its displeasure at not having been given any prior notice that staff would
introduce a different recommendation.
In response to questions from the Committee, Ms. Ross advised that it was only at the September
Environmental Committee meeting that staff became aware of Jefferson Salamanders in this
area, when Mr. J. Gross, Ecoplans Limited made his presentation. With respect to possible steps
forward, Ms. Ross advised that he City can take all completed studies to the Ontario Municipal
Board (OMB} for the hearing on March 25, 2008. Staff can, in the mean time, ask the MNR to
undertake a peer review, or can ask the OMB to allow time for a review.
In response to questions from Councillor Vrbanovic, Ms. Ross advised that if the planning process
did not include a hearing before the OMB, these reports would still have to be forwarded to the
MNR, as they have jurisdiction over reports dealing with endangered species. Respecting MNRs
process, Ms. Ross advised she did not know if they will do the peer review themselves or hire a
consultant to do it.
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
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6. CRPS-07-152 -ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION - DOON SOUTH
COMMUNITY PLAN PHASE 2 (CONT'D}
Councillor Vrbanovic noted that Jefferson Salamanders are only visible in the spring. Mayor Zehr
questioned whether the MNRs peer review would be a field review or only a paper review; as,
based on Councillor Vrbanovic's comment, a field review could not be undertaken in time for the
March OMB hearing. He then questioned whether the OMB would accept an independent peer
review if one was undertaken by the City.
Ms. McCrea advised that if another study is done for the City, it could be submitted to the OMB,
along with the consultant giving evidence at the hearing. The OMB may accept the study but it
may also want to hear from the MNR. The OMB receives evidence if it's proper and will give
weight to it, depending on such matters as jurisdiction.
Mr. Willmer advised that it is anticipated that this peer review will be a review of the report. Such a
review may be acceptable or there may be evidence given at the OMB that more field work is
required.
Mayor Zehr suggested that consideration of this matter be deferred to the Council meeting of
January 14, 2008, to give staff an opportunity to discussjurisdictional matter with the MNR,
In response to a question from Councillor Gazzola, Ms. McCrea stated that all the issues around
this development are before the OMB. We are trying to scope the issues, and are also deciding
what additional information is required. It may mean that, at the hearing, we request an
adjournment because it is premature, but it will be up to the Board to decide.
In response to a question from Councillor Galloway, Ms. Fernandes advised that the
Environmental Committee is asking for a paper review, but with the hope that this would result in
another field review as well. They are of the opinion that there are enough gaps in the report that
would require another field review.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
"That consideration of proceeding with an independent peer review study by a recognized
authority on aquatic ecosystems, of all existing relevant environmental reports respecting
Doon South Phase 2, be deferred and referred to the Council meeting of January 14,
2008, to allow staff the opportunity to have discussions with the Ministry of Natural
Resources as to jurisdiction on this matter; and further,
That staff advise as to how a peer review can be completed in time for the Ontario
Municipal Board hearing for the Doon South Phase 2 Community Plan, Official Plan
Amendments, Zone Change Application and Plans of Subdivision, scheduled for March 25,
2008."
DTS-08-017 - BRIDGE STREET & BRIDGEPORT BRIDGE -ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-017,
dated December 21, 2007, outlining matters respecting the Region of Waterloo "Class
Environmental Assessment" study for improvements to Bridge Street (Regional Road 52} between
Woolwich Street and Bloomingdale Road, including the intersection of Bridge Street and
Lancaster Street and the Bridgeport Bridge over the Grand River.
Mr. G. Proctor, Project Manager, Region of Waterloo, was in attendance to present the Regional
staff report, E-08-001, dated January 8, 2008, for information purposes only. It was noted that this
staff report will be considered by the Region's Planning & Works Committee on January 8, 2008.
Mr. G. Caster, operator of the service station at the corner of Bridge Street and Lancaster Street,
was in attendance to advise of his objection to these proposed road works, noting that his main
concern is for pedestrian safety. He noted that in the 40 years he has been at that site, he only
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 7, 2008 - 5 - CITY OF KITCHENER
7. DTS-08-017 - BRIDGE STREET & BRIDGEPORT BRIDGE -ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT (CONT'D}
remembers three significant collisions at that intersection. With respect to the intersection of
Bridge Street and Bloomingdale Road, Mr. Caster advised that drivers co-operate respecting
traffic flow, and the installation of a traffic circle will impede this flow. Further, the design proposed
will have a severe crash impact for trucks. He stated that a dangerous situation is being created.
Mr. Caster suggested there are other viable alternatives to a traffic circle, one of which would be
double left turn lanes.
8. DTS-08-002 - ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT 2005-2006 - MASTER STORMWATER
MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-002,
dated December 19, 2007, providing executive summaries for the Annual Audit reports for 2005
and 2006, respecting the City's Master Stormwater Management Policy.
Mr. R. Tufgar, Totten Sims Hubicki, was in attendance and presented these annual audits, as
contained in the agenda. Mr. Murphy advised that the 2007 Annual Audit will be presented in
March or April of this year.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
"That we continue to endorse the recommendations outlined in the "City-wide Stormwater
Management Plan -Annual Audit Report (Year 2005}", dated May 2007, and "City-wide
Stormwater Management Plan -Annual Audit Report (Year 2006}", dated December 2007,
prepared by Totten Sims Hubicki, Donald G. Weatherbe Associates Inc., and Dance
Environmental Inc."
9. DTS-08-006 - REQUEST FOR DIRECTION -DRIVE-THROUGH WITHIN CITY AND/OR
APPROVAL OF NEW DESIGN -STANDARDS FOR DRIVE-THROUGHS
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-006,
dated December 17, 2007, providing alternative ways of dealing with drive-throughs, particularly
as they relate to pedestrian safety and air quality, and asking for the Committee's direction as to
how they wish staff to proceed.
The Committee was also in receipt of two written submissions in response to this staff report: one
from Labreche Patterson & Associates Inc., dated January 4, 2008, on behalf of The TDL Group
Corp., operators of Tim Horton Restaurants, and the other from the Canadian Petroleum Products
Institute, dated January 4, 2008.
Mr. Willmer introduced this report providing background information as to why staff thinks that
updated design guidelines for drive-throughs are necessary, including information on a recent
Ontario Municipal Board decision on the property at Homer Watson Boulevard and Blockline
Road. Mr. Willmer noted that the report contains four alternatives, and staff requests the
Committee's direction. Mr. B. Page then presented the four alternatives outlined in the staff
report.
Mr. McBride advised that the main concern is pedestrian safety, and staff is trying to ensure that
new subdivisions are more pedestrian friendly. Staff is trying to ensure that new developments
have direct sidewalk access to stores without having to cross drive-through lanes.
When questioned by Councillor Lorentz, Mr. Page advised that staff now have the ability to
negotiate with developers but can not force them to design their developments in a pedestrian
friendly manner. This is a major concern for many municipalities in southern Ontario, and there is
a movement underway to protect pedestrians. He advised that the focus to this point has been on
parking and vehicular traffic flow. The existing design brief does not address pedestrian safety.
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9. DTS-08-006 - REQUEST FOR DIRECTION -DRIVE-THROUGH WITHIN CITY AND/OR
APPROVAL OF NEW DESIGN -STANDARDS FOR DRIVE-THROUGHS
(CONT'D}
In response to questions from Councillor Gazzola, Mr. McBride advised that there are no statistics
on incidents/accidents involving pedestrians at drive-throughs, as this would take place on private
property. What staff is trying to deal with is the potential for accidents/incidents.
Mr. R. Hardie, Richard Hardie & Associates, stated that as a professional planner, he is
concerned that decision makers should have all the facts before making a decision. He advised
that idling vehicles have very minimal impact on the environment, and a typical lawn mower has a
greater impact on air quality than an idling car. He stated that a long term prohibition on drive-
throughs is not a good idea, noting that families enjoy the use of drive-throughs. Mr. Hardie
suggested that establishing safety standards for pedestrians is a good idea, and common sense,
and there should be pedestrian safety considerations. He advised that he supports guidelines for
pedestrian safety but he is against a prohibition on drive-throughs.
Mr. D. Aston, MHBC Planning, advising he is in attendance on behalf of various land owners in
support of staff alternative #2. He stated there is a need for consultation with land owners, and a
public process on the design guidelines. He looks forward to working with staff and being involved
as this process moves forward.
Mr. L. Labreche was in attendance on behalf of The TDL Group, to address the issues outlined in
the staff report, and reviewed the material contained in his written submission.
In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Willmer advised that staff recommend
alternative #2, and although alternative #3 has merit, the desired result can be achieved without
prohibition. Both Mr. McBride and Mr. Page stated that they support alternative #2, which will
allow staff to address the physical separation of vehicle lanes from pedestrians.
Councillor Gazzola put forward a motion to adopt alternative #2 in the staff report. Mayor Zehr
spoke in support of the motion, and directed staff to consider how they will deal with site plans
they have already received involving drive-throughs.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That staff proceed to develop amended design guidelines for drive-throughs in the City of
Kitchener that include clear priorities for pedestrian safety on drive-through sites, outlined
as Alternative 2 in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-006."
10. DTS-08-001 - HANSON AVENUE EXTENSION -ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-001,
dated December 19, 2007, concerning the recommendations in the Hanson Avenue Extension
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study Report, and submission of the report to the
Ministry of the Environment.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That the recommendations of the Hanson Avenue Extension (Hayward Avenue to Block
Line Road} Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study Report be accepted; and,
That the Hanson Avenue Extension (Hayward Avenue to Block Line Road} Municipal Class
Environmental Assessment Study Report be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of
Environment for the mandatory thirty (30} day review period as required by the
Environmental Assessment Act; and further,
10. DTS-08-001 - HANSON AVENUE EXTENSION -ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 7, 2008 - 7 - CITY OF KITCHENER
(CONT'D}
That following the thirty (30} day mandatory review period, and Ontario Ministry of
Environment acceptance of the study, the City proceed to implement the recommendations
of the study."
11. DTS-08-005 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC07/06/W/AP - 48 WALNUT
STREET - 48 WALNUT INC.
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-005,
dated December 18, 2007, recommending approval of the demolition of 48 Walnut Street without
conditions.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
"That Demolition Control Application DC07l06/WlAP requesting permission to demolish
one single detached dwelling located at 48 Walnut Street, owned by 48 Walnut Inc., legally
described as Part Lot 487, Plan 378, being Part 2, Reference Plan 58R-12501, be
approved without conditions."
12. DTS-08-016 - TRAFFIC CALMING PRIORITY 2008
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-016,
dated December 17, 2007, recommending the 2008 traffic calming program as outlined in the staff
report.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That the 2008 traffic calming program, as outlined in Development & Technical Services
Department report DTS-08-016, including the completion of traffic calming reviews for
Pioneer Drive/Bechtel Drive (boon Village Road to Doon Village Road}, Laurentian Drive,
Upper Canada Drive, Morgan Avenue and Dixon Street, be approved."
13. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
D. Gilchrist
Committee Administrator