Loading...
2011/02/14 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AGENDA SECOND MEETING Monday, February 14, 2011 4:30 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B 1) Approval of the January 17 & 31, 2011 Committee of the Whole minutes. 2) REPORTS: STAFF CONTACT: a) MW- 2011 -09 ( HAND OUT) Front End Bin Collection for Multi- residential Buildings Geoff Holman b) TS- 2011 -11 Portage Road - Speed Control Review Karl Dren b) TS- 2011 -12 Transit Routing Ad -hoc Advisory Committee Karl Dren 3) NEW BUSINESS: 4) ADJOURNMENT: IN- CAMERA SESSION a) Resolution to go into Closed Meeting. Clerks Department Inter - Department Memorandum TO: Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni DATE: February 14, 2011 & the Committee of the Whole FROM: Dean Iorfida City Clerk Ext. 4271 RE: January 17 Committee of the Whole Minutes At the last meeting, Councillor Wing called into question the minutes related to TS- 2011 -08, Transit Adjustments to Service the New Wal- Mart /Smart Centres Plaza - Oakwood Drive. As a result, Committee deferred the minutes. Staff have reviewed their notes. The motions contained in the original minutes were correct. What was incorrect was the mover and seconder. This has been corrected and, therefore, staff requests that the January 17 minutes be approved, as presented in tonight's agenda. fl/ Working Together to Serve Our Community MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, January 17, 2011 Committee Room 2, 4:00 P.M. All members of Council were present. Mayor Diodati chaired the meeting for item # 1 and then Councillor loannoni. 1) MINUTES: a) MOVED on the motion of Councillor Kerrio, seconded by Councillor Maves that the minutes of the December 13, 2011 Committee of the Whole meeting be approved. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 17, 2011. b) Chair of Committee of the Whole MOVED by the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Maves that the issue of chairmanship of the Committee of the Whole be deferred. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 17, 2011 MOVED on the motion of Councillor Pietrangelo, seconded by Councillor Morocco that Councillor loannoni Chair the remainder of the meeting. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 17, 2011 Councillor Wing arrived. 2) REPORTS: a) MW- 2011 -05 DWQMS Roles and Responsibilities MOVED on the motion of Councillor Kerrio, seconded by Mayor Diodati that the report, presentation and associated documents be received and filed. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 17, 2011 -2- b) MW- 2011 -02 Regional Niagara Waste Collection Contract Proposed Containerized Waste Collection Kurt Klein, Klein Developments Limited, feels that the proposed change in garbage collection discriminates against apartment owners and their tenants. Mr. Klein feels that multi - residential properties having taken a lead in separation and waste diversion programs. He also felt that the bins are a legitimate way of disposing of waste, especially in a multi - residential setting. Mildred Rakich, Willoughby Drive, feels that the matter should not be passed on to the Region. City Councillors should protect the resident's interests. Shaukat Parekh, 4218 Portage Road, felt it was not right for the municipality to be collecting a waste management fee but not offer the service. Suzanna Rossi, Sarah Place, believes this decision will ultimately affect seniors in multi - residential settings. Jim McGregor, representing Shabri Properties Ltd., indicated that the City of Niagara Falls is one of the few municipalities with the enhanced level of services and his client would like to see this continue by having the Region include the condominium units and residential rental units as part of the regular contract. Sal DiPietro, expressed his disappointment with the decision. Mr. DiPietro indicated that he currently has a contract with Modern with get -out clause included if the City so decides to change its decision. Felix Pingue, does not want to see this services taken away. MOVED on the motion of Councillor Wing, seconded by Councillor Thomson that the following be approved: 1. That Council support the recommendation at Regional Council to expand the multi -res bag limit to 12 bags or 1 bag per unit to a maximum of 12. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 17, 2011 MOVED on the motion of Councillor Gates, seconded by Councillor Morocco that Council refer the issue of containerized waste collection to staff for more information, including what's done in other municipalities. Motion: Carried Action: Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 17, 2011 -3- c) MW- 2011 -03 Niagara Falls History Museum Lundy's Lane Battlefield Legacy Project Update Don Jackson stressed the importance of the Gateway /Pedestrian walkway as a key component in the overall Legacy project. He indicated that donations are contingent upon the walkway going forward and outlined the support from the Main & Ferry and Lundy's Lane BIA's. MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Morocco that the following be approved. 1. That the City engage the consulting engineering services of R and R Associates Limited to complete the required Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Gateway/Walkway feature of the Lundy's Lane Legacy Project; and, 2. That $80,000 be allocated for the EA from the Lundy's Lane Historical Museum Expansion (Niagara Falls History Museum) project approved in the 2010 Capital Budget. Motion: Carried Opposed: Councillor Wing Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 17, 2011 d) R &C - 2011 -01 Leash Free Dog Park Don Udell outlined the benefits of such a park. MOVED on the motion of Councillor Diodati, seconded by Councillor Kerrio that the following be approved. 1. That the development of a leash free dog park at Stamford Centre Volunteer Firemen's Association's park be approved in principle; 2. That Council refer the development of a leash free dog park to 2011 Capital budget process; 3. And that a Friends of Niagara Falls Leash Free Dog Park be developed to assist with fund raising. Motion: Carried Action: Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 17, 2011 -4- e) TS- 2011 -08 Transit Adjustments to Service the New WaI- Mart/Smart Centres Plaza - Oakwood Drive Mr. Wayne Savoie, 4400 Lyons Creek, a loyal Transit user, outlined how the changes could affect him. MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Mayes that the following be approved. 1. That Council endorse the proposed transit route adjustment plan to service the new WaI- Mart/Smart Centres Plaza on Oakwood Drive and approve the TransCab Service for the Stanley Avenue South Corridor. 2. That the TransCab service be reviewed within a 6 -month period. Motion: Carried Opposed: Councillor Wing Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 17, 2011 3) ADJOURNMENT: Moved on the motion of Councillor Pietrangelo, seconded by Councillor Morocco that the meeting be adjourned at 6:25 p.m. and Committee move into an In- Camera Session. Motion: Carried MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, January 31, 2011 Committee Room 2, 4:10 P.M. All members of Council were present. Mayor Diodati chaired the meeting for item # 1 and then Councillor loannoni. 1) MINUTES: a) MOVED on the motion of Councillor Wing, seconded by Councillor Thomson that the minutes of the January 17, 2011 Committee of the Whole meeting be deferred. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 31, 2011. b) Chair of Committee of the Whole MOVED by the motion of Councillor Wing, seconded by Councillor Thomson that Councillor loannoni Chair the Committee of the Whole Meetings for the duration of the term. Motion: Carried Opposed: Councillor Morocco Action: Recommendation submitted to Council January 31, 2011 c) MOVED by the motion of Councillor Wing, seconded by Councillor Thomson that Councillor Pietrangelo be the Budget Chair. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, January 31, 2011 2) REPORTS: a) F- 2011 -06 Waste Management Services MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Pietrangelo that the following be approved. 1) That enhanced containerized service to multi - residential properties be reinstated; and 2) That Council provide a resolution to Regional Council that requests that the base level of service and the cost attribution to municipalities be reviewed for 2012. 3) That staff be directed to review the methodology of funding the waste management contract provided by the Region; and -2- 4) The Region be urged to continue to educate the public on the benefits of recycling. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, January 31, 2011 b) MW- 2011 -07 Winter Maintenance - Pilot Policy Public Trails & Pathways MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Kerrio that the following be approved. 1. That staff be directed to initiate winter maintenance services to designated trails and pathways on a trial basis as set out in this report; and further, 2. That staff gather feedback from various user groups on the results of the 2011 trail maintenance and solicit comments regarding future levels of service. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, January 31, 2011 c) MW- 2011 -01 Cemetery Monument & Flower Bed Regulations MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Wing that the following recommendations be approved. 1. That staff come back with amendments to the Cemetery By -law to allow for 60" height; 2. That the Flower Bed regulations stay consistent but existing beds be allowed; and 3. That staff investigate the unused section of the Fairview Cemetery for larger monuments; and 4. That staff propose a fee schedule justifying increased fees for increased heights and bring forward the proposal to the Ministry of Consumer Services Cemetery Branch. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, January 31, 2011 d) TS- 2011 -01 Fraser Street - Parking Control Review Katherine Serroul, 5548 Fraser Street, expressed the difficulties of getting in and out of her driveway, with parking permitted on both sides of Fraser. She asked that Council set a restriction on the parking on Fraser Street. -3- Tony Gigliotti, House of Comedy, indicated that the Club operates approximately two evenings a week, Friday and Saturday nights from the hours of 7 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. He indicated that he is in need of additional parking on those nights. MOVED on the motion of Councillor Kerrio, seconded by Councillor Morocco that parking be prohibited on the south side of Fraser Street; and it be reviewed after six months. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, January 31, 2011 MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Morocco that staff assist the Comedy Club to acquire further parking accommodations and report back to Council. Motion: Carried Opposed: Councillor Wing Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, January 31, 2011. e) TS- 2011 -10 Montrose South Business Corridor TransCab Transportation MOVED on the motion of Councillor Pietrangelo, seconded by Councillor by Councillor Morocco that the TransCab pilot project, in the Montrose South Business Corridor, be extended for up to a six month period. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, January 31, 2011. * * * ** 3) ADJOURNMENTS: MOVED on the motion of Councillor Morocco, seconded by Councillor Mayes that the meeting be adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Motion: Carried MW- 2011 -09 Niagarara1ls February 14, 2011 REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Committee of the Whole City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works SUBJECT: MW- 2011 -09 Front End Bin Collection for Multi- residential Buildings RECOMMENDATION That staff be directed to confirm its agreement with the Region of Niagara's recommendation to extend the front end bin collection service to eligible multi - residential properties in the City of Niagara Falls for a one year period effective March 1, 2011 in accordance with the proposal from Modern Landfill Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At its meeting on January 31, 2011 Council passed a resolution requesting the Region of Niagara to reinstate front end bin collection services to approximately 160 multi - residential properties in the City of Niagara Falls. The Region of Niagara has received a written proposal from Modern Landfill Inc with pricing to dispose of waste at either the Walker Landfill site or the Region's Humberstone Landfill. The contract would effectively extend the existing level of service for a period of one year. The Region's recommendation is to adopt the proposal to Modern Landfill Inc which would increase the City's 2011 Waste requisition from $6.2 million to $6.5 million. Other changes to the base levels of service made by the Region during the tendering process of the new collection contract will reduce the City's overall cost from $6.7 million in 2010. BACKGROUND On January 17, 2011 City Council considered the staff recommendation set out in report MW- 2011 -02 and deferred a decision pending the provision of additional information. At its meeting on January 31, 2011 City Council revisited the issue of multi - residential front end bin collection services and passed the following resolution; 1. That enhanced containerized service to multi - residential properties be reinstated; and 2. That Council provide a resolution to Regional Council that requests that the base level of service and the cost attribution to municipalities be reviewed for 2012; and February 14, 2011 - 2 - MW- 2011 -09 3. That staff be directed to review the methodology of funding the waste management contract provided by the Region; and 4. The Region be urged to continue to educate the public on the benefits of recycling. Based on this directive Region of Niagara staff requested a proposal from a local service provider (Modern Landfill Inc.) and are recommending to extend the contract for front end bin collection service (with disposal at the Humberstone Landfill site) for a one year period effective March 1, 2011. Attached is a letter from the Region of Niagara dated February 7, 2011 with the details. The Region is asking the City for written confirmation of their acceptance. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE The Regions is recommending this approach for the following reasons; 1. Modern has agreed to cancel the private collection it has entered into with several multi - residential buildings and therefore contract disputes in relation to extending Regional services are avoided. 2. It provides a period of several months to assess the impact of the new expanded recycling service to multi - residential buildings on garbage tonnage generated. 3. It allows for competitive bids to be sought in one year's time without interruption to service. Staff have been attempting to determine if those property owners who may have contracted with a firm other than Modern Landfill Inc (possibly up to 20 properties) have the ability to cancel their respective contracts as this service will now be provided by Modern Landfill Inc as part of the Waste Management tax. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The original estimate of the City's 2011 requisition amount was $6.2 million which was down from $6.7 million in 2010. The re- instalment of the front bin collection service will increase the amount to approximately $6.5 million. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The recommendation is consistent with Council's strategic priority to ensure effective delivery of core municipal services. February 14, 2011 - 3 - MW- 2011 -09 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Letter from the Niagara Region dated February 7, 2011. rkk \i( - ( Recommended by: '' Geoff Holman, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: 4 Ken odd, Chief Administrative Officer G. Holman PUBLIC WORKS Niagara mj Region WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES 2201 St. David's Road, P O, Box 1042, Thorold ON L2V 4T7 Tel: 905- 685 -1571 Toll -free: 1- 800 - 263 -7215 Fax: 905 -687 -8056 www niagararegion ca February 7, 2011 Mr Geoff Holman Director of Municipal Works City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mr.. Holman: Front End Bin Collection for Multi- residential Buildings Attached is a proposal from Modern Landfill Inc.. to extend the existing front end bin garbage collection service to multi - residential buildings in Niagara Falls for a one year period (March 1, 2011 — February 28, 2012), Modern has offered two prices - $220,000 to dispose of waste at the Walker Landfill and $235,000 to dispose of waste at the Region's Humberstone Landfill. The Region recommends the Humberstone option because the additional tonnage can be accommodated at that site within our existing 2011 disposal operating budget Directing the estimated 3000 additional tonnes to the Walker Landfill would require increasing our 2011 disposal operating budget, and Niagara Falls' 2011 waste requisition, by an additional $125,000. Based on two months of the existing contract and ten months of the contract extension, Niagara Falls' 2011 requisition amount for front end bin collection will be $390,542. This includes the cost of servicing two additional buildings that we have identified as being eligible for service, subject to approval by Niagara Falls With these adjustments L Niagara Falls' total draft 2011 waste requisition is estimated to be $6,542,164. Please note that disposal costs incurred will be factored into your 2012 waste requisition The one year contract extension is strongly recommended for the following reasons: 1 Modern has agreed to cancel the private collection contracts it has entered into with several multi - residential buildings and therefore contract disputes in relation to extending Regional service are avoided. 2. It provides a period of several months to assess the impact of the new expanded recycling service to multi- residential buildings on garbage tonnage generated. 3. It allows for competitive bids to be sought in one year's time without interruption in service. Building Community Building Lives Mr, Geoff Holman February 7, 2011 Page 2 Please confirm in writing if Niagara Falls is in agreement with the Region's recommendation to extend the Modern front end bin garbage collection service (with disposal at the Humberstone Landfill Site) for a one year period Sincerely, Andrew Pollock Director, Waste Management Services cc. M. Trojan K. Brothers Attach: . February 04, 2011 - Regional Municipality of Niagara ''''''''' ' "T _ . i 2201 St. Davids Road, Box #1042 - Th rold ON 4 7 - 0 0 L2V T �y3s a:cc.` c _- - Attention: Catherine liabermebl - _: aws ms te -_ i RE: City of Niagara Falls Condominium containerized was ;,-'TTY — -- ' i1011==- g i i -.7- = Dear Catherine, - year extension for The Ci Nra - per our discussion regarding a one xt �3 As e o o e ea e e ty - - - - condominiums and apartments containerized waste service Modern Land fill Inc. il a agrees Falls r based on _ - vi 'n f r h front lift containe s rui w are currently l r t o to continue the same d t e ese ce ea ecu e t o - Yp g : a r our bins on site effective March 01, 2011 to February 28, 2012 - °5': "_ ' miems ii ;F:k i'c' 3-.44 7x � a s.__..� = _ - G` T: T?a W� The cost if Modern goes to Walkers Landfill is at a yearly rate of $220,000.00 or ,333 33 per - 4 'a `9 > =�;a =_:; -: =1 month, tonnage to be paid by the Region If Modern goes to Humberstone Landfill the yearly :.1 'N `u v;7 r 4•. 't7 °t * its _- - Nz�; 'n rate would be $235,000 00 or a monthly rate of $19,583 33, tonnage paid by the Region ai ?J =: y _ _- _ v_ S : - = ...�_.:5�,'r.:^F ; i ^ _...: Additional lift rates per bin are as follows; 2 cubic yard $25.00, 3 c, 4 = 'e? '9 sit:; w wigiaiR;-':V °_ rd $30 00, 6 cubic yard $32 00 and an 8 cubic yard $34 00 There -_--_ a =- ya Is a ubic $75 00 yard $28 delive charge cubic - _ =ir - i ,.1 : �aam. M, , ceme: for each additional bin - _ •4 ;...:::.33!3::3 E :�: :: r:: - - _ =uM: == = = ° =t? ; ==• 1 Should fuel increase to a rate over $1 20 per litre a fuel surcharge will apply The fuel surcharge P g PP _ _ .:ii -:i = is calculated using the Government of Ontario's current diesel index • i; . -_ '1 "_ ' �_ '=`7• " -T "=°" '__:L Please contact me at earliest convenience should you wish to discuss this further or go ;9. - ' :._,�//!!!�11ff cede;; -yF i:it°_-> ahead with our one year our extension agreement.. y =`_«_ _ ���u =z�a.::�.....�_ Sincere) - r r I I manager • °��'°� °��" '.:':; Karen C a sales = s:s•• - =: x:::: -s M� Modern Landfill Inc ii - ii-'' :-r:_ • <w :..,gym s - st y - 1 x2::3 ?'e;::i:_'si ?iei3c L -- _ h yr g'r:;�� -P -,r__x n3insm' j t ;' ?9R:x +ni�n >...�::q:caFn:�fynra rva »s; �' is = u. te"trtii:ga ilua'xua'Ez °_Ez ' f __ ,..:.., • i .may MODERN LANDFILL INC 2025 Fruitbelt Parkway Niagara Falls, ON L2E 654 Tel: 905- 262 -6000 ext. 225 Fax: 905 -262 -6020 Cell: 289 - 213 -6187 Email: kcraig @modern -corp corn (2/9/2011) Teresa Fabbro - Front End Bin Collection for Multi- residential Buildings Page 1 From: Selene Tudini To: Dean Iorfida CC: Geoff Holman; Ken Todd; Marianne Tikky; Selene Tudini Date: 2/9/2011 12:23 PM Subject: Front End Bin Collection for Multi- residential Buildings Attachments: G Holman Multiresidentail.pdf Dean, The Region of Niagara has confirmed that they are able to extend services to multi - residential commercial properties effective March 1, 2011 for a one year period. Staff are attempting to identify any outstanding contracts that are not currently signed with Modern Landfill Inc to determine whether or not there is some exposure of liability. A formal report will be available as a handout later this week. Please find attached letter dated February 7, 2011 from Andy Pollock, Director of Waste Management Services with the Niagara Region. Thank you, Selene Tudini Executive Secretary, Municipal Works The City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls ON L2E 6X5 Tel. 905 - 356 -7521 ext. 4210 Fax 905 - 356 -2354 studini @niagarafalls.ca y ` PUBLIC WORKS Niagara Region WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES 2201 St David's Road, P 0 Box 1042, Thorold ON L2V 4T7 Tel: 905- 685 -1571 Toll -free: 1- 800 - 263 -7215 Fax: 905 - 687 -8056 www niagararegion ca February 7, 2011 Mr. Geoff Holman Director of Municipal Works City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mr Holman: Front End Bin Collection for Multi - residential Buildings Attached is a proposal from Modern Landfill Inc. to extend the existing front end bin garbage collection service to multi - residential buildings in Niagara Falls for a one year period (March 1, 2011 — February 28, 2012) Modern has offered two prices - $220,000 to dispose of waste at the Walker Landfill and $235,000 to dispose of waste at the Region's Humberstone Landfill, The Region recommends the Humberstone option because the additional tonnage can be accommodated at that site within our existing 2011 disposal operating budget Directing the estimated 3000 additional tonnes to the Walker Landfill would require increasing our 2011 disposal operating budget, and Niagara Falls' 2011 waste requisition, by an additional $125,000. Based on two months of the existing contract and ten months of the contract extension, Niagara Falls' 2011 requisition amount for front end bin collection will be $390,542 This includes the cost of servicing two additional buildings that we have identified as being eligible for service, subject to approval by Niagara Falls With these adjustments Niagara Falls' total draft 2011 waste requisition is estimated to be $6,542,164 Please note that disposal costs incurred will be factored into your 2012 waste requisition. The one year contract extension is strongly recommended for the following reasons: 1 Modern has agreed to cancel the private collection contracts it has entered into with several multi - residential buildings and therefore contract disputes in relation to extending Regional service are avoided. 2. It provides a period of several months to assess the impact of the new expanded recycling service to multi- residential buildings on garbage tonnage generated 3 It allows for competitive bids to be sought in one year's time without interruption in service Building Community. Building Lives Mr Geoff Holman February 7, 2011 Page 2 Please confirm in writing if Niagara Falls is in agreement with the Region's recommendation to extend the Modern front end bin garbage collection service (with disposal at the Humberstone Landfill Site) for a one year period. Sincerely, ! Andrew Pollock Director, Waste Management Services cc. M Trojan K Brothers Attach: ,� February 04, 2011 _ Regiona Municipali of Niagara 2201 St Davids Road, Box #1042 Th tend, ON L2V 4T7 A ttention : Catherine Habermebl RE: City of Niagara Falls Condominium containerized waste • Dear Catherine, As per our discussion regarding a one y ice Mo ear extension for The City of Niagara Falls condominiums and apartments containerized waste sery dern Landfill Inc agrees to continue the same service we are currently providing for the front lift containers, based on • our bins on site effective March 01, 2011 to February 28, 2012 The cost if Modern goes to Walkers Landfill is at a yearly rate of $2 20,000 00 or $18,333 33 per ▪ mont tonnage to be paid by the Region If Modern goes to Humberstone Landfill the yearly � ' rate would be $235,000 00 or a m onthly rate of $19,583 33, tonnage paid by the Region • Additional lift rates per bin are as follows; 2 cub ic y ard $25 3 cubic y $28 00 4 cubic yard cubic yard $32.00 and an 8 cu y a rd $34 00 There is a $75. delivery charge ▪ for each additional bin • Should fuel increase to a rate over $1 20 per litre a fue surcharge will apply The fuel surcharge • calculated using the Government of Ontario's curren d in dex • Please contact meat your earliest convenience should you wish to discuss this furt her or go ahead with our one year extension agreement sincerely, • . Karen Craig Sales Manager Modern Landfill Inc y_ A MODERN LANDFILL INC 2025 Fruitbelt Parkway Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S4 Tel: 905-262-60 00 ext. 225 Fax: 905 - 262 -6020 Cell: 289 - 213 -6187 Email: kcraig @modern -core corn TS- 2011 -11 Niagara, February 14, 2011 aI1s REPORT TO: Councilor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Committee of the Whole City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2011 -11 Portage Road - Speed Control Review RECOMMENDATION That two (2) speed humps be installed on Portage Road between Mayfair Drive and Stamford Green Drive. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Staff is recommending that two (2) speed humps be constructed on Portage Road between Mayfair Drive and Stamford Green Drive as the operating speed on this section of road is 68 km /h in a 50 km /h zone. This road segment contains a day care, and has the strongest support from the community for speed control devices. BACKGROUND City staff received correspondence from an area resident requesting measures to reduce the traffic speeds on Portage Road. Portage Road is a collector roadway that extends for approximately 800 metres between St. Paul Avenue and Church's Lane. The roadway is 10 metres in width with sidewalks on both sides between Church's Lane and Stamford Green Drive. A boulevard is present on the east side only. This is a predominantly residential area with a day care (Stamford Green Day Nursery School) and park also having direct frontage on Portage Road. The intersection of Portage Road /O'Neil Street at St. Paul Avenue is signalised. An all -way stop control is present at the intersection of Church's Lane and Portage Road. Various speed control measures are in place on Portage Road between Church's Lane and Mountain Road. ANALYSIS /RATIONALE Various technical studies were completed on Portage Road between Church's Lane and St. Paul Avenue to address the outlined concern. Studies include speed and volume data collection, a collision analysis and observations. Prior to initiation of the current study, a parking study was carried out to evaluate parking operations on Portage Road between Mayfair Drive and Stamford Green Drive. A questionnaire delivered to area residents revealed that a consensus was not reached among those petitioned as to their preferred parking control. Parking observations revealed the majority of vehicles observed parked on Portage Road were parents /guardians of children attending the daycare. Although some vehicles were parked for longer durations, the majority were present for a short time period to pick up or drop off February 14, 2011 -2- TS- 2011 -11 their children. Speed data was collected in September 2010. The operating speed obtained was in the range of 62 km /h and 68 km /h. Given that the operating speed is greater than 10 km over the speed limit the Niagara Regional Police (letter attached) were requested to carry out enforcement on Portage Road pending resource availability. Furthermore, questionnaires were delivered to all residents on Portage Road requesting their input regarding the speed of vehicles and potential mediating measures, namely speed humps. A collision review was also conducted for the entire study section of Portage Road for the previous three year period. The analysis identified that a collision problem does not exist. Traffic volumes on Portage Road reflect typical volumes on a collector type roadway. The strongest support for speed control devices was received from the residents located between Mayfair Drive and Stamford Green Drive where the daycare is located. This road segment is located in the approximate midpoint of the study area, and also had the highest operating speed, observed at 68 km /h. Given the presence of the daycare, the support of residents in the immediate vicinity staff is recommending that two speed humps, one on each side of the daycare be constructed on Portage Road to reduce the speed and maximize safety in the area. The Fire Department has concerns with the use of traffic calming measures as they affect emergency response times (attached memo from Lee Smith, Fire Chief). FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of two (2) speed humps and required complementary signs are to be carried out by Transportation Services staff. The labour costs are accounted for in the 2011 General Purposes Budget. The estimated cost of the speed control project is approximately $6500. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priorities, which include developing and implementing a comprehensive Transportation Plan. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study Area drawing Fire Department Memo Letter to Niagara Regional Police Recommended by: Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Ljt Respectfully submitted: Ke Todd, Chief Administrative Officer .. 711;11wii. : :,..,,,..„..; : :.,.,,.. „ , : . ,11., ,..._ . , .., . zi ... . ,,,. : .",,-...14... - 7.:".j'i..... :::: .4.5. i :1 , V . '''', 'k-1 - • -1- ' : .LitItt j - - •,, :r i .,....: k4/411161-7,1.±',141.1", : ' '::: °.; t c 3 ) „,,,,, 17 1 I , , .... 1 _ r . rrl , .., . ._ f _ ;., ,.*,, Pl-,--. '1.).--r:o..1:•.0111ker:134-262_ .. -- _11111'...- P-1-1-T...1-: l -,. .... . it. I E . 4 . u _J -1 ' L : 141 , Property 3230 • - , . ,, ..1r : q / . V, , , .-' ., j ell . . 4 . . . u5 ELL T._ -.-...,„_ :" , ' . 0t,,,5 - ' . .,: b lop : _ - i m i___ , l ••• m 4,- ,is „till"( i t" at f 'ilk III ,. - „., ..„.....„ ..,_ - - . .., . N' trAi dirt I } /" .-- e#':/ - TS-2011-11 Portage Road Niagararl(f0A Speed Control Review Proposed Speed Humps ' Existing All-Way Stop NORTH : Existing Traffic Signal Nat TO SCALE Fire Department Inter - Departmental Memorandum Niagar. malls ,. �U TO: Karl Dren DATE: October 5, 2010 Director of Transportation Services FROM: Lee Smith Fire Chief Ext. 2201 RE: Traffic Calming Measures As a city grows and the number of vehicles traveling its roadways multiplies, there is an increased onus on the municipality to impose roadway and intersection controls. These efforts are employed to ensure vehicular and pedestrian safety on roadways but the degree to which they are used must be balanced against maintaining traffic flow for emergency responses. Fire, police and EMS vehicles rely on minimized response times in order to provide timely intervention, often in life threatening situations. Fire apparatus routinely respond from fire stations and encounter main arterial intersection controls due to increased activity within the city. Traffic calming measures are becoming more prevalent as development continues. The Fire Department has routinely voiced objections to traffic calming measures because they are viewed as obstacles to efficient emergency response times. Most of the routes that are considered candidates for traffic calming are routes that expedite vehicular travel throughout the city. These same routes are relied upon for emergency vehicles to access emergency scenes, thus creating the dilemma. The Highway Traffic Act allows operators of emergency vehicles to exceed the speed limit while responding to an emergency but they cannot proceed through a red light intersection or stop street until they have ensured it is safe to do so. A municipal fire department is required to follow standards of response that dictate, among other criteria, acceptable response times. As response times increase, the need for additional resources or new fire stations becomes one step closer to being required. If emergency vehicles are slowed by additional stop signs and speed humps, the response times go up. Decisions to install traffic calming measures need to take these things into consideration when debating the merits of their use. LS:tc T:\Adm \CHIEF\Dren traffic calm.mem.wpd Working Together to Serve Our Community r � Nia araFails CANADA September 30, 2010 Inspector Scott McLean Niagara Regional Police 22 Division 4343 Morrison Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6Z9 Re: Portage Road - Request for Speed Enforcement Dear Inspector McLean: In response to a request, staff has recently carried out various speed studies on Portage Road between Church's Lane and St. Paul Avenue. The results of automated traffic recorder studies as well as manual speed studies reveal that the 85 percentile speeds range between 61 km/h, and 68 km/h, well in excess of the 50 km/h speed limit. A summary of the speed study data is attached. City of Niagara Falls staff respectfully requests that enforcement be conducted as time and manpower permit. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours truly, Bart Skiba Traffic Technologist h: \setup\desktop \Templates\McGany Drive @ St. Michael Avenue - Stop Control Enforcement.wpd Transportation Services Division Working Together to Serve Our Community Ext 5201 Fax 905 353 - 0651 bskiba @niagarafalls.ca t e 4310 Queen Street, P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON Canada L2E 6X5 905 - 356 -7521 vim niagarafalls.ca TS- 2011 -12 Niagaraaalls February 14, 2011 REPORT TO: Councilor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Committee of the Whole City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department SUBJECT: TS- 2011 -12 Transit Routing Ad -hoc Advisory Committee RECOMMENDATION That Council Approve the establishment of a Transit Routing Ad -hoc Advisory Committee for the purpose of developing a comprehensive Routing and Scheduling Implementation Plan. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In March 2009, Council approved the Transit Strategic Plan and Ridership Growth Strategy. This Plan incorporated a Short Term Business Plan, as well as a Long Term Strategic Plan, which were developed after an extensive public outreach initiative to enhance the transit services being provided to the residents of our community. Since Council endorsement, the City has continued to evolve at a rapid pace and a major new community centre, retail centres, and transportation partners have emerged, which are dramatically altering the transportation demand patterns of our passengers. In order to resolve this service challenge, it will be necessary to establish an Ad -hoc Transit Advisory Committee to review the existing routing structure and the Business Plan recommendations to develop a comprehensive and cost effective routing /scheduling action plan to meet the current needs of residents. Staff have developed an aggressive schedule to review and develop a revised routing plan within a six -month window, however, it must be noted that this time line is for the completion of the plan only. The route revisions will likely result in significant operational and infrastructure costs requiring an investment by Council through the budgeting process. Therefore, the actual implementation of the new routing structure should be targeted for the third quarter of 2012. BACKGROUND The majority of research conducted for the Transit Strategic Business Plan and Ridership Growth Strategy occurred throughout 2008. At that particular time, the Gale Centre construction had not begun and access to this facility had not been determined. In addition, during the past year, the retail centres on the corners of Dorchester Road and Morrison Street are changing dramatically with the recent relocation of the Walmart store and sale of Optimist Park. These two changes will create opportunities for other retail and residential ventures, which will require the provision of public transit to keep them accessible and vibrant within our community. To ensure our transit system continues to respond to the needs of our residents, staff have developed an aggressive schedule to review and revise the routes and schedules within a six -month window, however, it must February 14, 2011 - 2 - TS- 2011 -12 be noted that this time line is for the completion of the plan. The route revisions will likely result in significant operational and infrastructure costs requiring an investment by Council through the budgeting process. Therefore, the actual implementation of the new routing structure should be targeted for the third quarter of 2012. To review, design, and implement a revised route structure, that will be effective and fiscally responsible, a Task Force will be assembled to ensure the transportation needs of the community are fully discussed for inclusion in the route revision plans. This Ad Hoc Committee is being suggested as follows: • 2 Councillors (one being appointed as Chair) • 5 members of staff from various departments (Transit/Transportation /Planning /Finance) • 3 members of Amalgamated Transit Union • 2 members of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee • 2 senior representatives • 2 members form the Mayor's Accessibility Advisory Committee • 2 members of the Public at Large (current system riders) The committee will initially have to establish policy strategies and objectives, which address how the service will be developed. These policies and objectives include: • Route Design - weekday, weekend, seasonal • Hours of Service - weekday, weekend, seasonal • Frequency of Headways - half hourly, hourly, peak service enhancements • Transfer Locations and Acceptance Times • Inter Municipal Service Connections and Locations • Alternative Service Provision Strategies When a determination has been made on the resources required to attain these policies and objectives, the Ad -hoc Committee may then begin the process of enhancing the ridership and customer satisfaction of Niagara Falls Transit customers through a thorough review and revision of the routes. This route revision process will involve dialogue with all transit stakeholders, including; all ages of transit customers, employers, those residents with physical challenges, complimentary transportation services such as GO Transit, the People Mover initiative, the Inter Municipal service, and the many social agencies that support our services through their patronage. This process will require six months for the Ad -hoc Committee to complete employing an aggressive schedule of meetings, workshops and public open houses. When the route revision process has been accepted by the many stakeholders, staff will then have the task of determining what resources are required and the associated costs of implementation. Factors of cost determination will include; capital infrastructure requirements, rolling stock needs, bus stop amenity needs (accessible concrete pads, shelters, benches, lighting, and signage), possible land acquisition or leasing, and the operating costs required to manage this renewed investment in our public transit system. These are all components, which will require approvals through the budgetary process and associated approval phases. February 14, 2011 - 3 - TS- 2011 -12 Staff are enthusiastic to begin this process of reviewing and revising the route structure, but caution that any designs will require more than six months to implement. The tasks associated with physically altering our current route structure are significant. These exercises include determining and receiving locates for infrastructure, ordering and installing amenities, moving infrastructure, extensive signage review (may involve bylaw challenges) and deployment, and the necessary staffing, both internal and external to undertake all these diverse tasks. These varied costs will also require the requisite approvals through the budgetary process, which would have to be approved for a 2012 investment in the revised service. FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The 2011 Operating Budget has been prepared without any provisions for the costs of enhancing service levels. The cost impacts of future enhanced service levels will be determined through the proposed review process. The costs associated with revising and implementing a renewed route structure for Niagara Falls Transit is for staff time and can be accommodated with existing resources. As stated, the recommendations of this process may increase service levels, which will have an impact on future operating and capital budget requests. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priority regarding Convenient, Accessible, and Sustainable Transportation, specifically, form an advisory committee of transit users and stakeholders to provide input on transit service to Council and Staff. List of Attachments Transit Routing /Scheduling Implementation Time line Chart Recommended by: Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Respectfully submitted: LA4 Ken odd, Chief Administrative Officer Dave Stuart S: \General Administration \GA 1.01 Reports\2011 Committee of the Whole \02 Feb 14 \TS- 2011 -12 Transit Routing Adhoc Advisory Committee.wpd Transit Routing /Scheduling Implementation Timelines Feb. 2011 Establish Adhoc Transit Advisory Committee & Appoint Members Review Transit Routing /Scheduling Opportunities Conduct Stakeholder Workshops April Identify Routing Improvements and Needs Review Preliminary Route Design Identify Infrastructure and Operational Costs Conduct Public Open House June to Review I Preliminary Routing Structure Finalize Routing Changes, Operating Costs and Infrastructure Costs Present Committee Recommendations August 2011 to Council Budget & Implementation Process Sept. 2011 lir Rolling Stock & Infrastructure New sub - terminal Locations New Mapping & Riders Guide Marketing Jan. 2012 Implement new Routing Structure Sept. 2012 1 i� tllll F rI��� CITY C oromm n ow. CANADA RA VAi The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Resolution No. Moved by Councillor Seconded by Councillor WHEREAS all meetings of Council are to be open to the public; and WHEREAS the only time a meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter falls under one of the exceptions under s. 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT on February 14, 2011 Niagara Falls Council will go into a closed meeting to consider a matter that falls under the subject matter of 239(2)(d) of the Municipal Act, 2001, labour relations or employee negotiations. Carried Unanimously AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. DEAN IORFIDA JAMES M. DIODATI CITY CLERK MAYOR