HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2008-03-31DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 31, 200$ CITY OF KITCHENER
The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 3:40 p.m.
Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, J. Smola, K. Galloway, G. Lorentz and
Councillor B. Vrbanovic.
Staff: T. Speck, General Manager, Corporate Services
D. Chapman, General Manager, Financial Services
Pauline Houston, General Manager, Community Services
R. Browning, General Manager, Development & Technical Services
G. Murphy, Director of Engineering
T. Beckett, Fire Chief
S. Turner, Director, Enforcement
R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development
J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor
B. Korah, Manager, Development Engineering
L. Bensason, Co-ordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning
D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator
1. DTS-0$-03$ - HERITAGE PROPERTY STANDARDS BY-LAW
The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-
08-038, dated March 7, 2008, recommending the establishment of property standards specific to
properties designated under Part IV and Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Councillors Galloway and Gazzola both advised of phone calls received from owners of
designated properties, advising they had no prior knowledge of this proposed by-law.
Councillor Galloway recommended that this matter be referred to the May 12th Development and
Technical Services Committee meeting, and prior to that meeting, staff hold a public meeting to
which all property owners who will be affected by this by-law are to be invited.
When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Bensason advised that as part of the communication
and public consultation process, staff notified all designated property owners in January 2007
that staff was undertaking a review of property standards relative to designated heritage
property. Then in October 2007, a direct mailing was sent to those property owners thought to
be directly subject to the new provisions.
With respect to the public meeting recommended by Councillor Galloway, Mr. Bensason advised
that notice of the meeting could be sent this week, with the meeting to be held later in April.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway -
it was resolved:
"That consideration of the following recommendation from Development and Technical
Services Department report DTS-08-038 (A By-law to Amend Chapter 665 [Property
Standards] with Respect to Designated Heritage Property) be referred to the
Development and Technical Services Committee meetina of Mav 12. 2008:
"That Chapter 665 (Property Standards) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, be
amended in the form of the draft by-law attached to Development and Technical Services
Department report DTS08-038, with respect to regulations specific to the maintenance of
designated heritage property;" and further,
That staff hold a public meeting for all property owners who will be affected by this
proposed by-law, prior to this matter being considered on May 12, 2008."
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2. DTS-0$-050 - ALDER STRASBURG CREEK WATERSHED STUDY AND UPPER
STRASBURG CREEK WATERSHED PLAN UPDATE -REPORT REFERRAL
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
050, dated March 26, 2008, recommending referral of three Development and Technical
Services Department reports to the April 21St Development and Technical Services Committee
meeting, as staff require more time to report on the consultations with property owners, as
directed by Council.
Councillors Lorentz and Vrbanovic requested that these matters be referred to the May 12th
Development and Technical Services Committee meeting, as they will not be able to attend the
meeting of April 21St
Councillor Vrbanovic also requested that the working group of the Environmental Committee, or
the committee itself, be given time to review these reports.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That consideration of Development and Technical Services Department reports DTS-08-
032 (Alder Strasburg Creek Watershed Study -Update on Upper Strasburg Creek
Watershed Plan), and DTS-08-034 (Upper Strasburg Creek Class Environmental
Assessment Report), be referred to the Mav 12, 2008 Development and Technical
Services Committee meeting, in order to allow an opportunity for staff and the City's
consultant CH2M HILL to meet with the representatives of the affected property owners;
and further,
That consideration of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
013 (Southwest Kitchener -Direction Regarding Development Applications) be referred to
the Mav 12, 2008 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting, in order to
be considered in conjunction with Development and Technical Services Department
reports DTS-08-032 and DTS-08-034."
3. DTS-0$-020 - MIDDLE STRASBURG TRUNK SANITARY SEWER
- DETAILED PLAN DESIGN
- CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION & INSPECTION SERVICES
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
020, dated March 11, 2008, recommending that the City's normal procedure for the selection of
engineering consultants be waived and that the City retain Stantec Consulting Limited as the
engineering consultant to undertake the detailed design, contract administration and inspection
for the Middle Strasburg Trunk Sanitary Sewer project.
Councillor Gazzola questioned why we would waive the normal process in this instance. Mr.
Murphy advised that hiring the developer's consultant is part of the subdivision agreement, and
as part of the process there are benefits to having the developer's consultant work for the City.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That the normal procedure for the selection of Engineering Consultants be waived and
the City retain Stantec Consulting Limited as the Engineering Consultant to undertake the
detailed design, contract administration and inspection for the Middle Strasburg Trunk
Sanitary Sewer project; and,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Engineering Agreement for the
provision of professional engineering services between the City of Kitchener and Stantec
Consulting Limited at a total cost of $463,650.00 excluding applicable taxes, for
completion of the Middle Strasburg Trunk Sanitary Sewer project, upon receipt of the
necessary funds from Activa Holdings Incorporated who are providing front-end financing
for this project in exchange for development charge credits; and further,
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3. DTS-0$-020 - MIDDLE STRASBURG TRUNK SANITARY SEWER
- DETAILED PLAN DESIGN
- CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION & INSPECTION SERVICES tCONT'D)
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Development Charges Credit
Agreement with Activa Holdings Incorporated in respect of Activa Holdings Incorporated's
payment of the costs of the consultant fees and the construction of Middle Strasburg
Trunk Sanitary Sewer project."
4. DTS-0$-036 - CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SIDEWALKS IN EXISTING URBANIZED AREAS
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
036, dated February 19, 2008, outlining the City's criteria for determining which streets in the
City's urban area require new sidewalk segments. The report notes that the criteria are based
on the City's Pedestrian Charter and the Air Quality in Kitchener report, both of which have either
been approved or accepted by City Council. The report includes an Appendix A which lists,
based on the criteria, street segments for which sidewalks are recommended to be installed and
the proposed year of construction.
Mr. McTaggert advised that staff developed a demand model, with 10 categories, with weighting
factors for each. He stated that no additional funding is being requested for this work, and staff
will use already budgeted funds in the best manner possible. He also advised that at the current
rate of funding, it will take 27 years to complete sidewalks on Priority 1, 2 and 3 streets, as
identified in the report. The end result of this program will mean there will be a continual sidewalk
on both sides of each street.
Councillor Gazzola stated that this is an excellent report but he does not agree with some of its
findings. Also, he does not agree that there is a need for sidewalks on both sides of every
street, one street for example being Orchard Mill Crescent. Mr. McTaggert responded that the
City has expressed a desire to have sidewalks on both sides of streets. Further, the intent of the
criteria is to support the Pedestrian Charter, and they focus on the perspective of public safety.
Councillor Lorentz noted that on quieter streets it may be appropriate to meet with the
neighbours. To say that every street requires two sidewalks is not appropriate.
Mr. Murphy stated that criteria must come first, as they provide guidance to staff. Following the
criteria, it is necessary to determine if there is enough room for the sidewalks. He advised that
the neighbours may have a different opinion.
Councillor Galloway questioned whether the neighbours will be notified by letter, as they were
last year. Mr. McTaggert stated that neighbours will be notified several weeks in advance.
Councillor Galloway noted that in the report, Doon Village Road is slated for sidewalks in 2009,
but this road is in a Heritage Conservation District. Mr. McTaggert advised that the list of roads
included in Appendix A is based on the criteria, but there will be other issues to consider, and
their inclusion in the list does not mean that sidewalks will be constructed. Councillor Galloway
directed that staff present to Council a final list of sidewalks to be installed, once staff has made
a final determination.
Councillor Vrbanovic advised of his understanding that each fall, staff would provide a list of
those streets where they intend to install sidewalks in the coming year, following which staff
would meet with the respective neighbours. He stated that this type of consultation process
does not seem to be contemplated in this report. He stated that he does not want letters going
out to the neighbours so late that there is no time to consult with them.
Mr. McTaggert advised that this report is not intended to address the construction process, but to
address the criteria. Approval of the criteria then allows staff plenty of time to meet with the
neighbours.
Councillor Vrbanovic questioned time lines for construction, noting that when a list is submitted in
the fall prior to the construction year, there is plenty of time to dialogue with the community.
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4. DTS-0$-036 - CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SIDEWALKS IN EXISTING URBANIZED AREAS
tCONT'D)
Mr. Murphy advised that in 2008 it will be a challenge to find a lot of time to dialogue with the
neighbours, but there will be plenty of time to meet with neighbours in subsequent years. He
advised he will report to this Committee at a future meeting on timing and notice periods for
2008 sidewalk construction.
Mayor Zehr stated that this report sets the first stage, and it is a good objective view, but there
are at least 3 further steps required. The next step is practical considerations, and the following
step is providing notice to residents who need at least 2 months notice. He stated that if there is
going to be an abbreviated notice period, there must be an appeal process. The final step is to
give final consideration. He stated that he does not want today's approval to be construed to be
the final approval for the 2008 construction season. He wants staff to provide an annual process
and a special process for 2008.
Mr. Murphy stated his view that consideration of sidewalk construction for subsequent years will
be part of the upcoming budget process. Regarding an appeal process, staff will come forward
with such a process at a future meeting of this Committee.
Councillor Weylie asked staff to review their recommendation in the 2011 construction year
concerning Glasgow Street from Westmount Road West to Glasgow Lane.
Councillor Smola asked staff to review their recommendation in the 2009 construction year
concerning Union Street from Margaret Avenue to Sunset Place, as there are no residents on
that stretch of Union Street.
Mayor Zehr moved the recommendation contained in the staff report.
Councillor Gazzola directed that staff bring forward for review, Council's policy respecting
sidewalks in new subdivisions.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
"That the annual new sidewalk installation program which supports the City's Pedestrian
Charter (adopted by Council in April of 2005) and the Air Quality In Kitchener Report,
recommendation 2.8 (presented to Council in May of 2006) that support the principles of
accessibility, equity, health and well-being, environmental sustainability, personal and
community safety, and are used to ensure walking is a safe, comfortable and convenient
mode of urban travel continue to be endorsed; and further,
That staff continue to work with the community to assist in developing awareness in
regard to the importance of these principles when sidewalk construction is being
proposed; and further,
That the list of proposed new sidewalk segments identified in Appendix `A' of
Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-036, developed using
the methodology described in that report, be approved for use in the 2008 new sidewalk
construction program; with this methodology being approved for future new sidewalk infill
prioritization."
5. DTS-0$-041 - GLASGOW STREET REALIGNMENT AND LAND TRANSFER
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
041, dated March 18, 2008, recommending a land exchange with the Region of Waterloo,
respecting the realignment of Glasgow Street for the Region's Landfill Expansion Site at 1516
Glasgow Street. The recommendation also includes the condition that all expenses be at the
Region's cost.
Mr. Korah reviewed the report noting that staff are in support of this road realignment and that
the Region will pay all associated costs.
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5. DTS-0$-041 -GLASGOW STREET REALIGNMENT AND LAND TRANSFER tCONT'D)
In response to questions from Councillor Gazzola, Mr. Korah advised that the City benefits from
this realignment because it is safer and the Region benefits because it will provide a better
entrance for trucks accessing this site. Mr. Murphy advised that this realignment will provide
better access for anyone using the road, as it will be safer.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway -
it was resolved:
"That the realignment of Glasgow Street as proposed by the Regional Municipality of
Waterloo in connection with its development of a vehicle maintenance, office/lunch room
facility at the Waterloo Region Landfill Expansion Site (SP 07/132/G/JB) located at 1516
Glasgow Street, be approved; and,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Agreement with the Regional
Municipality of Waterloo for the exchange of certain lands described as Parts 1, 2, 5, 7
and 10 on Reference Plan 58R-16062 being the Region's Lands, and Parts 3 and 4 on
Reference Plan 58R-16062 being the City's lands, to facilitate the reconfiguration and
reconstruction of a portion of Glasgow Street along the frontage of the Waterloo Region
Landfill Expansion Site, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and
further,
That staff initiate the process for notification and consideration of the closure of part of
Glasgow Street, and that all expenses be at the Region's cost."
6. DTS-0$-042 - CHAPEL HILL DRIVE DRAINAGE ISSUES
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
042, dated March 18, 2008, recommending a solution to the storm water management problem
at 16 and 26 Chapel Hill Drive and the Chapel Hill Drive right-of-way. Mr. Korah explained the
report noting that water run-off from 16 and 26 Chapel Hill Drive to the swale between these two
properties and, from the right-of-way to the swale, is causing problems with erosion. The
solution requires installation of a storm sewer and stormwater channel along the property line of
the two properties. Mr. Korah further advised that the current situation was approved when the
property was part of the Township of Waterloo, but it does not meet current City standards. The
property owners are willing to cost share with the City and are willing to give the City an
easement.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway -
it was resolved:
"That construction of a storm sewer and stormwater channel along the property line
between 16 and 26 Chapel Hill Drive be approved to resolve drainage issues, with the
costs of design and construction to be shared equally by the owners of 16 and 26 Chapel
Hill Drive and the City of Kitchener; and further,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Agreement with the residents of 16
and 26 Chapel Hill Drive to provide an easement to the City of Kitchener for the
construction and maintenance of the storm sewer and stormwater channel, on terms and
conditions satisfactory to the City Solicitor."
7. DTS-0$-046 - DOWNTOWN CASH IN LIEU OF PARKING POLICY
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
046, dated March 18, 2008, recommending a revised Cash-in-Lieu of Parking Policy intended to
reflect current construction costs. Staff note in the report that in light of new provincial legislation
respecting in-fill development and intensification and the increased popularity of adaptive reuse
of buildings, this policy may become a more useful tool.
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7. DTS-0$-046 - DOWNTOWN CASH IN LIEU OF PARKING POLICY tCONT'D)
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That the revised Cash-In-Lieu of Parking policy attached to Development and Technical
Services Department report DTS-08-046 be adopted and incorporated into the City of
Kitchener Policy Manual."
$. DTS-0$-022 -ANNUAL DELEGATED APPROVAL REPORT
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
022, dated March 13, 2008, outlining those planning applications approved by the City in 2007,
for which the City's authority to do so had been delegated by the Region of Waterloo.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
it was resolved:
"That Development and Technical Services Department Report DTS-08-022 (Annual
Report -Delegated Authority) be submitted to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in
fulfillment of Clause 22.1 of the Administrative Agreement between The City of Kitchener
and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo regarding delegated authority."
9. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:42 p.m.
D. Gilchrist
Committee Administrator