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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2003-02-17DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17~ 2003 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date commencing at 7:05 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, M. Galloway, G. Lorentz, J. Smola and J. Gazzola. Officials Present: Ms. C. Ladd, Ms. L. MacDonald and Messrs. R. Browning, J. Willmer, D. Mansell, J. Witmer, J. McBride and L.W. Neil. 1. DTS-03-019 - EDWIN STREET ON-STREET PARKING BRIDGEPORT-CENTRE WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 019 dated January 27, 2003 which was prepared in response to a request from numerous residents living on Edwin Street to review existing Edwin Street parking regulations. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited at any time on the west side of Edwin Street from a point 90 metres south of Blucher Boulevard to a point 150 metres south of Blucher Boulevard; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 2. DTS-03-024 - GAUKEL STREET ON-STREET PARKING (STOPPING) WEST-VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-024 dated February 4, 2003 wherein it was pointed out that transportation planning staff, through site investigation, have noted signing discrepancies on Gaukel Street between King Street and Charles Street. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That stopping be prohibited at any time on both sides of Gaukel Street from King Street West to Charles Street West; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DTS-03-026 - BRIDLEWREATH STREET / BRIDLEWREATH COURT TRAFFIC CONTROL SOUTH WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 026 dated February 3, 2003. It was pointed out in the report that Transportation Planning staff have received a request from residents of the Laurentian West Community to review the current intersection traffic control conditions at the intersection of Bridlewreath Court and Bridlewreath Street. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the existing intersection stop control on Bridlewreath Court at Bridlewreath Street be removed and that a stop sign be installed on the south leg of Bridlewreath Street at Bridlewreath Court; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17~ 2003 4. DTS-03-025 - - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER EXTENSION OF LICENSING AGREEMENT TO PERMIT GAS PIPE CROSSING OF GODERICH-EXETER RAILWAY - LENNOX CRESCENT, AND DELEGATION OF SIGNING AUTHORITY RE FUTURE AGREEMENTS FOR UTILITY CROSSINGS BETWEEN THE CITY AND CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY, OR RAIL AMERICA WEST-VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 025 dated February 5, 2003 pertaining to the delegation of signing authority for a specific pipe crossing agreement relative to Lennox Crescent. As well, it was requested that authorization be approved for the General Manager of Development and Technical Services to execute any future utility crossing agreements between the City and Canadian Pacific Railway, or Rail America. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That signing authority be delegated to the General Manager of Development and Technical Services to sign an agreement to extend a licensing agreement to permit gas pipe crossing of Goderich-Exeter Railway with Rail America Inc. The term is from March 1, 2003, with periodic reviews, at a cost of $120.00 payable annually, in advance. The location is for an 8" gas main pipeline crossing at Lennox Crescent, Block 62, Highland West Subdivision; and further; That signing authority be delegated to the General Manager of Development & Technical Services to sign any future agreements for Utility Crossing agreements between the City of Kitchener, and Canadian Pacific Railway Company, or Rail America, parent company for Goderich Exeter Railway Company Ltd. on behalf of the City." DTS-03-010 - COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AREA MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 021131TCITB CITY INITIATED, CITY WIDE The Committee was advised that an application had been initiated by the City to revise the Community Improvement section of the Kitchener Municipal Plan as a result of the passing of the Province of Ontario's Bill 56 'Brownfields Statute Law Amendment Act' which was approved in 2001. The Bill contains revisions to Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act dealing with 'Community Improvement' and this portion of the Bill was enacted on December 2, 2002. Consequently, revisions are proposed to the Municipal Plan as well as inclusion of an additional clause that significantly increases local governments ability to use the Community Improvement legislation for a range of uses (environmental, social or economic). As well, it also allows for greater latitude in the geographic establishment of Community Improvement Project Areas. In this regard, the Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03-010 dated January 16, 2003. Attached to the staff report was the document containing the proposed amendment to the Municipal Plan. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, read the following statement: 'This is a Public Meeting under 'The Planning Act, 1996' to consider Municipal Plan Amendment Application 02/13/TC/TB 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. 5. DTS-03-010 - COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AREA DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17~ 2003 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 02/13/TC/TB CITY INITIATED, CITY WIDE (CONT'D) 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 February 24, 2003. 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.' Staff had nothing to add respecting the application. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That Municipal Plan Amendment Application 02/13/TC/TB (Community Improvement Area - City Initiated), to revise the Community Improvement Section of the Kitchener Municipal Plan, be approved, as follows: The Introduction, Objective and Policies 1, and 2 of Part II Section 5.4 (Community Improvement) are deleted, and replaced with the following: "The community improvement policies contained in this section of the Municipal Plan provide the basis for undertaking community improvement plans and community development projects to help ensure the ongoing maintenance, improvement and rehabilitation of Kitchener's industrial, commercial, residential and public areas. Community improvement plans and community development projects may be undertaken in conjunction with senior levels of government funding assistance programs and shall be subject to the eligibility and implementation regulations of such programs and the priorities and availability of municipal funding. Objective To maintain, improve and rehabilitate Kitchener's current and former industrial, commercial, residential, and public areas. Policies All lands within the City Limits of the City of Kitchener are considered eligible for Community Improvement initiatives, and eligible to be designated as a "Community Improvement Project Area", pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act. Throughout the City of Kitchener, there exist areas that have one or more of the following characteristics: i) The presence of conflicting land uses; 5. DTS-03-010 - COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AREA DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17~ 2003 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 02/13/TC/TB CITY INITIATED, CITY WIDE (CONT'D) ii) The presence of old residential, industrial and commercial buildings and properties that are in need of upgrading, rehabilitation, or replacement; iii) Deficient local parks and recreation facilities in terms of size, space, location, access, landscaping, grading or equipment. iv) Deficient sanitary sewers, storm sewers, hydro, water systems or other infrastructure; v) Deficient streetscapes in terms of poor roads, curbs, sidewalk, boulevards, tree planting, street furniture and street lighting; vi) Inadequate flood protection; or vii) Are in need of environmental, social or community economic development." B. Policy 3 of Part II - Section 5.4 is deleted in its entirety. C. Map 1 - "Community Improvement Areas" is deleted. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this Municipal Plan Amendment is proper planning for the City." DTS-03-018 - FREDERICK STREET AT LANCASTER STREET (TIM HORTON'S) SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY BRIDGEPORT-CENTRE WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 018 dated January 21, 2003. The report was prepared in response to concerns expressed by the parents of students attending Suddaby Public School on Frederick Street regarding the impact of the Tim Horton's restaurant scheduled to open on the southeast corner of Lancaster Street and Frederick Street on or about March 1, 2003. The parents have requested that adult crossing guards be established at the intersection of Frederick Street and Lancaster Street, and at the Frederick Street access to the restaurant. It was noted in the staff report that a delegation attended the January 6, 2003 Council meeting to raise their concerns and Council requested staff prepare a report on the matter. The report reviews vehicular access, and stopping and parking issues in the vacinity of the restaurant. It also presents alternative routes for school children to reach Suddaby School without having to walk along the east side of Frederick Street. In summary, it was the opinion of staff that neither of the requested locations warrant a crossing guard. Mr. J. McBride reviewed the contents of the report making specific reference to the porkchop island being installed on site at the Frederick Street driveway entrance, the Region's no stopping regulations on Frederick Street and the request by City staff to implement a no stopping regulation on Lancaster Street. He pointed out that there was no need for children to cross directly at the Frederick / Lancaster Street intersection and walk in front of the Tim Horton's. He referenced the several alternative routes available to them. Mr. McBride also noted that traffic signal timing has been extended for pedestrians crossing Frederick Street at Otto Street, that school board officials were in concurrence with the staff recommendation and that staff would monitor the intersection closely after the restaurant opens and would recommend any necessary changes. Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka attended as a follow-up to her January 6, 2003 request to the Committee for a placement of crossing guards at the intersection and the restaurant driveway access on Frederick Street. She commented that staff had prepared a good report on this entire matter but disagreed with the fact staff had not recommended a crossing guard be placed at this busy location. In support of her views she made the following points: need for assurance of pedestrian safety, high vehicular traffic volumes, need to extend the island on Frederick Street to prevent left turns into or out of the restaurant site, children being unlikely to walk to Chapel DTS-03-018-FREDERICK STREET AT LANCASTER STREET (TIM HORTON'S) DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17~ 2003 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY BRIDGEPORT-CENTRE WARD (CONT'D) Street to access Suddaby School, vehicular accident history and speeding issues, and drivers typically ignoring no stopping / no parking regulations. After a brief discussion, Councillor J. Smola indicated that he was prepared to move the staff recommendation with a friendly amendment suggested by Mayor C. Zehr directing that staff monitor the intersection for any changes in traffic conditions once the restaurant is open. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That a No Stopping Anytime zone be established on both sides of Lancaster Street from Frederick Street to Chapel Street; and, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly; and further, That Transportation Planning staff be directed to monitor the Frederick / Lancaster Street intersection for any changes in traffic conditions once the Tim Horton's restaurant is open." DTS-03-027 - DEVELOPMENT CHARGES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING - INTERIM STRATEGY The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 03-027 dated February 11,2003 which responds to Council's January 27, 2003 direction to staff to prepare a report for an interim strategy to address requests for reduced development charges for affordable housing, pending the outcome of a City wide approach as a result of the Community Improvement Plan for the Inner City. It was noted in the report that staff feel that requests to waive or defer development charges for affordable housing projects should be dealt with on a comprehensive basis and that consideration should be given to matters such as financial and infrastructure implications, and the best approach to ensure that there is a mixture of housing types provided in all City neighbourhoods. The recommendations of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for the central neighbourhoods is scheduled to be completed in June 2003 and staff recommend the CIP be completed prior to making any decisions on development charges, waivers or exemptions to ensure all the information is available to provide the best approach to development charge considerations on a City wide basis. Mr. J. Willmer briefly summarized the report and noted that there were a number of projects seeking assistance. He asked that the Committee approve the recommendation in the staff report but pointed out that the report contains two other options that staff discussed which the Committee may wish to consider. Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka remarked on this matter during her presentation pertaining to the previous item indicating that she encouraged support for affordable housing but favoured it take place on a City wide basis. Mr. Paul Ellingham attended representing Bloomingdale Housing Corporation to request that a decision in respect to reduction of development charges for affordable housing not be put on hold but acted on at this time to address current requests. He commented on the Region's support for reduction of development charges, matching provincial funding support being contingent on Regional / City initiatives, future property tax revenue after development, and the view of bankers toward project financing tending to be more favourable with Regional / City funding commitment. A general discussion took place on development charges relating to support of affordable housing and issues to be considered and addressed in that regard, including municipal financial DTS-03-027 - DEVELOPMENT CHARGES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING - INTERIM DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17~ 2003 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGY (CONT'D) impacts and a disproportionate percentage of developments being located within Kitchener rather than dispersed throughout the Region. It was noted that Kitchener has an excellent track record of supporting affordable housing through Kitchener Housing Inc. Mr. J. Willmer indicated that staff could respond to this issue in June 2003 with completion of a report on incentives for residential infill in Brownfield locations and mixed use corridors and advised the intent for affordable housing is to match those incentives regardless of location throughout the City. In response to Mayor C. Zehr, he indicated that it would be very difficult to accelerate the review process. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That development charges not be waived or deferred at this time, pending the completion of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for central neighbourhoods which will define a comprehensive City wide approach to affordable housing; and further, That any reductions in development charges for affordable housing that result from the completion of the proposed CIP for central neighbourhoods be made retroactive to building permits issued after February 24, 2003." DTS-03-023 - ADDENDUM REPORT TO THE 1998 APPROVED MIDDLE STRASBURG CREEK TRUNK SANITARY SEWER CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY FAIRVIEW-GATEWAY WARD & SOUTH WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-03- 023 dated January 30, 2003. The recommendation in the report proposes re-approval of the preferred alignment for the Middle Strasburg Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer between Huron Road and Bleams Road. It was pointed out that the Environmental Study report for the project was approved on April 14, 1998 and that regulations require that if the report has not been acted upon within five years of the date of its approval the proponent must undertake a re-evaluation of the project. This re-evaluation has been completed by Stantec Consulting Limited in an addendum report dated January 2003. Mr. D. Mansell briefly summarized the purpose of the report and advised that staff had nothing further to add. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Council re-approve the preferred alignment for the Middle Strasburg Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer, between Huron Road and Bleams Road, as outlined in the Schedule 'B' Class Environmental Assessment Report dated April 14, 1998 and verified by an Addendum Report dated January 2003 prepared by Stantec Consulting Limited." 9. CRPS-03-025 - MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION RESPONSE TO THE REGION OF WATERLOO GROWTH STRATEGY INITIATIVE - PHASE 2 STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT The Committee was in receipt of Corporate Services Department report CRPS-03-025 dated February 7, 2003 dealing with a request of the Environmental Committee for endorsement of a resolution which was approved at the February 6, 2003 Environmental Committee meeting dealing with the Region of Waterloo's Growth Management Strategy Initiative. It was noted in the staff report that at the February 6, 2003 Environmental Committee meeting, Mr. J. Willmer presented the Region's Growth Management Strategy Initiative for the purpose of receiving the Committee's input prior to preparation of a staff report for Council's consideration DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17~ 2003 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER on the City's perspective of how it will fit within the Region's strategy development process. 9. CRPS-03-025 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION RESPONSE TO THE REGION OF WATERLOO GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY INITIATIVE PHASE 2 STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT (CONT'D) Councillor B. Vrbanovic pointed out that the intent of the Environmental Committee was to acknowledge the work of the Region in respect to the Growth Management Strategy and commented that staff would be giving the matter further consideration. Mr. J. Willmer advised that staff intended to make an information presentation only to City Council at its March 17, 2003 meeting dealing with the City's perspective of the Growth Management Strategy process and then present a report for detailed consideration and discussion at the March 24, 2003 Development and Technical Services Committee meeting. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Kitchener Environmental Committee commends the Region of Waterloo on its Growth Management Strategy initiative, as detailed in the Region's study entitled 'Waterloo Region in the 21st Century - Planning Our Future - Phase 2 Strategy Development'; and, That the Region of Waterloo be advised the Environmental Committee strongly endorses the concept of a countryside line (hard-edge) urban growth management strategy; and further, That notwithstanding consensus was not reached regarding preference between a moderate or intensive re-urbanization strategy, the Committee requests City staff to take into consideration all comments made during review of the Region's report, when preparing their report outlining the City's perspective of how it will fit within the Region of Waterloo's Growth Management Strategy process for future consideration of City Council." 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk