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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2009-05-11DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 7:00 p.m. Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors K. Galloway, J. Smola, J. Gazzola and G. Lorentz. Staff: J. Willmer, Interim General Manager, Development and Technical Services A. Pinard, Interim Director of Planning T. Beckett, Fire Chief J. McBride, Director Transportation Planning G. Murphy, Director, Engineering Services R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development G. McTaggart, Manager, Infrastructure Asset Planning B. Page, Supervisor, Site Development H. Holbrook, Planner C. Bluhm, Urban Investment Advisor L. Thompson, Planning Technician D Gilchrist, Committee Administrator 1. KIWANIS PARK Councillor K. Galloway put forward a motion to add an item to this evening's agenda dealing with Kiwanis Park. Councillor Galloway's motion was voted on and lost on a tie vote. 2. DTS-09-066 - RIGHT OF WAY CONTROL - NIPIGON STREET AND MUSKOKA COURT The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 066, dated April 9, 2009, recommending a change in the location of the stop control at Nipigon Street and Muskoka Court. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That a new stop control be installed on the north leg of Nipigon Street for southbound traffic approaching Muskoka Court; and, That the existing stop controls on Muskoka Court and the east leg of Nipigon Street be removed 30 days after the installation of the stop sign on Nipigon Street; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 3. DTS-09-070 - ON-STREET PARKING -ORCHARD MILL CRESCENT The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 070, dated April 20, 2009, recommending that the times of day in which parking is prohibited on Orchard Mill Crescent be changed from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mr. McBride presented the report. Ms. C. Spon, Ms. D. Ritza and Mr. B. Harris, neighbourhood residents, were in attendance in support of the staff recommendation. Mr. Harris advised that they attended this meeting incase any residents were here in opposition to the staff recommendation. In response to question from Councillor Gazzola concerning what could be done if students start using these spaces again. Mr. McBride stated that Transportation Planning staff can work with Enforcement staff, or Council could revisit their decision, if they choose to approve this staff recommendation. Councillor Gazzola then questioned on-street parking on Statutory Holidays. Mr. McBride advised that in the Highway Traffic Act on-street parking is prohibited on Statutory Holidays, but this is difficult to sign, and it is not normally enforced. He advised that the City could attach a sign to existing signs but continue not to enforce the no parking on Statutory Holidays. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 - 57 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-09-070 - ON-STREET PARKING -ORCHARD MILL CRESCENT, CONT'D On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - itwas resolved: "That the existing No Parking Anytime Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. area on both sides of Orchard Mill Crescent be amended to No Parking Anytime Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. CIVIC DISTRICT VISION AND MASTER PLAN The Committee considered a report from the Civic District Visioning Team, dated May 4, 2009, concerning the Civic District Vision and Master Plan. In the report it notes that City Council, at its meeting of November 26, 2007, endorsed the development of a greater vision for the Civic District subject to certain conditions, being a visioning exercise focused on enhanced arts, cultural, educational and related uses within the Civic District. Since that time, in the fall of 2007, the Civic District Visioning Team undertook a public consultation and design charette, and early in 2008 the team prepared a draft vision and design principles based on the public input. Since that time further public input was sought and a refined vision was prepared and presented at a public open house on April 7, 2009. Attached as Appendix A to the submitted report is the Civic District Vision and Master Plan. This Vision acknowledges that the Civic District has all the right ingredients to become the centre of arts and culture in Waterloo Region. Ms. S. Lewis, and Messrs. D. Bourgeoise, A. Bugosky and J. Grant were in attendance and Ms. Lewis presented this report. Councillor Gazzola questioned how the delegation could expect Council to accept the vision without some idea of the cost. Ms. Lewis responded that the recommendations in the report try to address that issue. They ask the Committee to accept the vision as a road map. The Team recognizes the fact that requests for funding require business plans and further approvals. Mr. Wilimer questioned the naming of the parkas he thought it would be named Mackenzie King Park. Ms. Lewis advised they have no intentions of renaming the park and there is value in retaining the historic connection. In response to Mayor Zehr's question, Ms. Lewis advised that the whole area is referred to as the Civic District but the park won't be renamed if it already has a specific name. Mayor Zehr commented that a lot of work has to be done before anything concrete is recommended. He questioned how the Team could ask for agreement with the vision without some understanding of the costs involved. He also questioned what assumptions would be made about the occupants of the land, in order to undertake business plans. Ms. Lewis responded that the Team is asking for endorsement of the vision at this time because many business cases need to be prepared. The focus will be on an arts and culture district, and the Team will seek the advice of the City staff as it moves forward. Timelines need to be developed; however, the first stage will be the library expansion and parking, which are already approved. Phase 2 will address uses of the urban square. With respect to other land owners in this area, Ms. Lewis advised that the Region of Waterloo has been kept well informed. She also advised that they have been in touch with the province and have asked for their input. All property owners will be kept informed as the process moves forward. Mayor Zehr pointed out that the federal government is also involved in this area. Mayor Zehr moved the recommendation in the report, stating that to adopt the recommendation will allow a long process to continue to unfold. The vision for the Civic District goes back more then 3 decades, and the building of the Centre in the Square goes back to visioning that started decades before it was built. The Civic District is a very eclectic area and it is time to take the next step in terms of dreaming. We have to take the next step without making any financial commitment or deciding which institutions will be there. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 - 58 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CIVIC DISTRICT VISION AND MASTER PLAN, CONT'D Councillor Gazzola advised that he will not support Mayor Zehr's motion. He stated that he totally supports the vision and will have no concerns about dealing with concrete things as they are brought forward. He stated that he also has no concerns in having City staff continue to work with the Civic District Team. He stated that this is a great vision but we have to keep an open mind. A recorded vote was requested. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - itwas resolved: "That the proposed Civic District Vision and Master Plan be endorsed; and further, That City staff (Chief Administrator's Office, Development and Technical Services, and Community Services) work with the Civic District Visioning Team to: act on the items identified under 'Implementation', including the development of business cases where individual items require funding or additional approvals; and, ii. develop partnerships (including neighbourhood associations, Region of Waterloo, Province of Ontario, Government of Canada, major educational institutions, private sector, and others who have an interest and potential role that is consistent with the greater vision); and, iii. develop a proposed model, including funding opportunities, for the implementation of the comprehensive master plan." In Favour: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, K. Galloway, G. Lorentz, C. Weylie Contra: Councillor J. Gazzola 5. DTS-09-054 - CITY INITIATED AMENDMENTS TO THE OFFICIAL PLAN - AND SITE PLAN CONTROL BY-LAW: NEW SITE PLAN TOOLS The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 054, dated April 24, 2009, recommending an Official Plan Amendment to Part 4, Policy 1.6 of the Official Plan and to Chapter 683 (Site Plan Control) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, to add an Article 4 to introduce new site plan control policies and regulations to broaden the City's authority to consider the external design of buildings, sustainable streetscape improvements and barrier-free access. Mr. Pinard introduced Ms. Holbrook, a new member of Planning Division staff, who was welcomed by the Committee. Ms. Holbrook then presented this report. She advised that there is new authority under Bill 51 for municipalities to include new Official Plan policies and site plan control by-law to guide the municipal review of the design aspects of development, in order to promote development that is attractive, well integrated and environmentally sustainable. Ms. Holbrook noted that the City of Kitchener has been undertaking such reviews for some time now, and this Official Plan amendment and site plan control by-law formalizes current practice. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - itwas resolved: DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 - 59 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. DTS-09-054 - CITY INITIATED AMENDMENTS TO THE OFFICIAL PLAN - AND SITE PLAN CONTROL BY-LAW: NEW SITE PLAN TOOLS, CONT'D "That City initiated Official Plan Amendment OP 09/0011COK/HH being an amendment to replace Part 4, Policy 1.6 (Site Plan Control), be approved, in the form shown in the "Proposed Official Plan Amendment"; attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09-054; and further, That the City initiated amendment to Chapter 683 (Site Plan Control) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, being a by-law to amend the City's Site Plan Control By-law, to add Article 4 and sections thereto, be adopted, in the form shown in the "Proposed By- law" dated March 6, 2009 attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09-054." 6. DTS-09-071 - DIXON STREET & CARWOOD AVENUE -TRAFFIC CALMING The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 071, dated April 23, 2009, outlining staff's recommendation for traffic calming measures to be taken on Dixon Street and Carwood Avenue. Mr. McBride presented the report and advised that the traffic calming measures will be installed over the next 2 years due to the reconstruction of Dixon Street. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That two (2) speed humps be installed on Carwood Avenue between Courtland Avenue East and Dixon Street; and, That four (4) speed humps be installed on Dixon Street between Carwood Avenue and Eckert Street; and, That one (1) raised pedestrian crosswalk be installed on Dixon Street at Carlin Avenue; and, That one (1) intersection narrowing be installed on Dixon Street at Plymouth Road; and, That one (1) centre median be installed on Carwood Avenue approaching the intersection with Carwood Avenue; and further, That an all-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Carwood Avenue and Dixon Street." 7. DTS-09-040 - CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN - (CPTED) RESOURCE GROUP The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 040, dated April 9, 2009, recommending that a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Resource group be formed to assist Council and staff to address issues pertaining to existing and proposed City buildings, facilities and parks, as required. Mr. Page introduced the report and explained what CPTED is. He then introduced Ms. Thompson, advising that she has achieved Level 1 and Level 2 CPTED certification and is recognized as a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist. He recommended that Ms. Thompson be the head of the CPTED Resource Group. Ms. Thompson explained that CPTED is the theory that crime can be related to the design of the physical environment. She defined CPTED as "The proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime, and an improvement in the quality of life." Crime Prevention Through Environmental design creates safe and secure environments; increased the perceived risk to potential offenders; is proactive; and, achieves cost savings when done at the initial design stage rather than retrofitting at a later date. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 - 60 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DTS-09-040 - CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN - (CPTED) RESOURCE GROUP, CONT'D Mr. Page advised that senior management has recommended 10 staff members for Level 1 training and 30 staff members for Level 2 training. Usually CPTED training costs $1,000 per person; however, Mr. Page has been able to arrange training for $4,000 US through the National Institute of Crime Prevention which will be a combined Level 1 and 2 program. Thirty City staff will be able to take advantage of this training and an additional 10 seats can be made available to other municipalities or local consultants at a set fee. In response to questions from Councillor Gazzola, Mr. Page advised that this report is being presented at the request of Council. Up to this time the City has been implementing CPTED through Ms. Thompson; however, there are not enough resources to continue without training more staff. Councillor Weylie stated that she thinks the staff recommendation is worthwhile. With respect to the Scope of Work outlined on page 6-5 of the report, Councillor Weylie asked that streetscapes be added. Mayor C. Zehr spoke in support of the staff recommendation, stating that it is important to incorporate CPTED into our normal way of thinking. Councillor Galloway moved the recommendation in the report, and thanked Ms. Thompson, along with Councillor Weylie, for obtaining her certification. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - itwas resolved: "That a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Resource Group be established in accordance with the Terms of Reference attached as Appendix `B' to Development Technical Services Department Report DTS-09-040; and further, That the members of the CPTED Resource Group be utilized by Council and staff to address issues pertaining to existing and proposed City buildings, facilities and parks as necessary." 8. DTS-09-069 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 09/02/SLAP - 1241 STRASBURG ROAD - SAVIC HOMES LTD. The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 069, dated April 28, 2009, recommending approval of a demolition control application for the property municipally known as 1241 Strasburg Road, without conditions. Mr. Pinard presented the report and noted that the zoning for the proposed use of the property is in place and a site plan application has been submitted. Mayor Zehr commented on the proposed building design, suggesting that the back of the building facing the street is a problem waiting to happen. Mr. Pinard responded he will advise the Site Plan Review Committee of this concern. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC09102/SLAP requesting permission to demolish a single detached dwelling located at 1241 Strasburg Road, owned by Savic Homes Ltd., legally described as Part Lot 14, Plan 1471, Part Lot 1 and 2, Plan 1478, and shown as Parts 3, 4, 8, 9,10,12,14 on 58R-5359, be approved without conditions." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 - 61- CITY OF KITCHENER 9. DTS-09-075 - NEIGHBOURHOOD DESIGN INITIATIVE IMPLEMENTATION The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 075, dated April 24, 2009, which provides the Committee with an update on the implementation of the Neighbourhood Design Initiative. This report was presented by Ms. Holbrook. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved "That Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09-075 - Neighbourhood Design Initiative Implementation, be received for information." 10. DTS-09-074 - BRIDGE CONDITION ASSESSMENT PROGRAM The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 074, dated April 24, 2009, providing the 2008 Bridge Assessment report and recommending that bridge remediation capital works be considered each year through the Capital Budget. Mr. McTaggert reviewed the report. He advised that staff undertakes regular routine maintenance; whereas, larger projects are treated individually. He noted that funding for larger projects is included in the 10 year capital forecast. Mayor Zehr questioned whether the Stirling Avenue bridge is scheduled for replacement and Mr. McTaggert responded that only components of the bridge will be replaced. Mayor Zehr questioned the life span of a bridge and Mr. McTaggert advised that life span depends on the loading. Further, if a bridge is properly looked after with regular maintenance and repair, it should not have to be replaced. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved "That the 2008 Kitchener bridge condition assessment report be received; and further, That staff carry out future bridge assessments and any required Capital Works bridge remediation works as part of Council's consideration during upcoming Capital budget review; to ensure that the City adheres to the provincial regulation that governs bridge safety standards under the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act (O.Reg. 104/97), and upholds the City's ongoing commitment to the provision of reliable and safe public infrastructure." 11. DTS-09-079 - REQUEST -ALTERNATE TIME FOR PUBLIC MEETING UNDER PLANNING ACT-JUNE 22/2009 DTS COMMITTEE MEETING - OP/061011G1TMW & ZC/06/051GlTMW -THE INC. CORP The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 079, dated May 6, 2009, advising of a request received from the consultant for The Inc. Corp. to have their Official Plan Amendment and zone change application, for land at Ira Needles Boulevard and Glasgow Street, considered by this Committee at a time other than 7 p.m. on June 22, 2009. Part of the property to be developed by The Inc. Corp. is located in the City of Waterloo, and Waterloo has scheduled planning applications in that City for a public hearing under the Planning Act at 7 p.m. on June 22nd. Mr. Willmer reviewed the report noting that staff's preference is to schedule these applications for a public meeting on June 22, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. The City of Waterloo is likely to hold their meeting on the same day at the same time. The alternative would be to hold the public meeting later in the same week or on a different date altogether. Mayor Zehr questioned holding the public meeting on the same date but at a different time, and to co-ordinate the timing with the City of Waterloo. Mr. Willmer responded that there is a potential for a large number of delegation to attend this meeting. He suggested that if they can not attend one of the two public meetings, they can still attend Council the following week. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 - 62 - CITY OF KITCHENER 11. DTS-09-079 - REQUEST -ALTERNATE TIME FOR PUBLIC MEETING UNDER PLANNING ACT-JUNE 22/2009 DTS COMMITTEE MEETING - OP/061011G1TMW & ZC/06/051GlTMW -THE INC. CORP, CONT'D Councillor Weylie noted that an odour study is to be conducted in this area because of the landfill site, and Waterloo residents are very upset about odours. Mr. Willmer advised that the Region will hire a consultant to conduct the odour study. Mayor Zehr questioned why these applications are to be considered on June 22nd if the study will not be completed by that date. Councillor Weylie expressed concern that the Region will not be able to respond in time for a June 22nd meeting. Mr. Willmer advised that the Region is the final approval authority for the Official Plan Amendment and they will not approve it until they are satisfied. Mayor Zehr suggested the possibility of a joint meeting with the City of Waterloo Council to hear delegations; then each Council could return to their own City Hall to make a decision. This would allow an opportunity to hear the proposal and public input once. Mr. Willmer responded that the issues are different: in Kitchener a change from industrial to commercial is required; whereas, in the City of Waterloo, office and retail uses are already permitted. Upon questioning, Mr. Willmer advised that citizens are primarily concerned about traffic. He stated that if the Region does not provide information about transportation, it will not be possible to go forward on these applications at the Jun 22nd meeting. Councillor Lorentz put forward a motion to hold a public meeting for these applications on June 22, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., then agreed to change the time to 6:00 p.m. at the request of Mayor Zehr. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - itwas resolved "That notice be given of a public meeting under The Planning Act for consideration, by this Committee, of Official Plan Amendment OP106101/G/TMW and Zone Change Application ZC/06/05lG/TMW, to take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday June 22, 2009." 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. D. Gilchrist Committee Administrator