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Transportation Committee Comité des transports
SPECIAL MEETING RÉUNION EXTRAORDINAIRE
Minutes 4 / Procès-verbal 4
Wednesday, 2 February 2011, 2:00 p.m. le mercredi 2 février 2011, 14 h
Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West Salle Champlain, 110, avenue Laurier ouest
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Present / Présent : Councillors / Conseillers M. Wilkinson (Chair / Présidente), B. Monette (Vice-Chair / Vice-présidente), R. Bloess, D. Chernushenko, P. Clark, D. Deans, M. Fleury S. Moffatt, D. Thompson, T. Tierney
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
DÉCLARATIONS D’INTÉRÊT
No declarations of interest were filed.
BUREAU DU DIRECTEUR MUNICIPAL
CITY CLERK’S BRANCH
DIRECTION DU GREFFIER MUNICIPAL
1. 2011 DRAFT OPERATING AND CAPITAL bUDGET – tRANSPORTATION cOMMITTEE
budgetS PRÉLIMINAIRES de fonctionnement et d’immobilisations de 2011– COMITÉ DES TRANSPORT
ACS2011-CMR-TRC-0004 city wide / à l'échelle de la ville
Moved by Councillor B. Monette
WHEREAS the Standing Committee Budget books were aligned with Standing Committees based on the former Terms of Reference; and
WHEREAS on 26 January 2011 Council directed that staff review the Books to ensure that the budget items are addressed by the Standing Committee with the mandate under the new Terms of Reference; and
WHEREAS the City Treasurer, in conjunction with the City Clerk and Solicitor and affected Committee Chairs, were delegated the authority to route budget pages to the appropriate Standing Committee;
WHEREAS in a memo dated 31 January 2011 the aforementioned budget pages were distributed to all members of Council;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT pursuant to Section 84(3) of the Procedure By-law (being By-law No. 2006-462), the Transportation Committee consider the amended pages reflected in the memo to members of Council.
CARRIED
The Committee received a joint presentation from the City Treasurer, Marian Simulik, John Manconi, General Manager, Public Works and John Moser, General Manager of Planning and Growth Management on the Draft Tax Supported Budget for the Transportation Committee. A correction was made to the slide entitled 2011 Capital Funding Source, whereby the term “Tax supported Debt” was identified as having to be replaced with “Development Charge Debt”. The Committee confirmed this revision. A copy of the joint presentation is held on file.
Following a brief question and answer period from Committee members as a result of the presentation, the following public delegations were received:
Michael Powell, Chair, Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee (RCAC)
· Supported the $2.8M in the budget for cycling initiatives; the funding goes a long way towards implementing the Ottawa Cycling Plan; ongoing investments will be required to maintain the network
· The City takes advantage of shared opportunities to include cycling projects on existing road works; this can save money but it also creates an unusual situation where there will be discontinuity between cycling facilities
· Filling in the gaps in cycling routes is important and creates a stronger network that people use, thereby making better use of the City’s investment
· RCAC is excited about the prospect of a bike sharing service and they encourage the City to continue to explore that project, in consultation with the NCC and the City of Gatineau
· Education is an important key towards encouraging cycling and encouraging safe cycling; funds that go towards encouraging the use of the City’s CanBike program and Bike to Work Week should be targeted as much as possible.
Garry Lindberg, Brenda Ellicott, Alta Vista Drive Residents Association spoke in support of the funding to complete Phase 1 of the Alta Vista Parkway. Highlights of their presentation were as follows:
· this Phase 1 Hospital link has been in the detailed design phase since 2006 and the need has been clearly established for decades
· it will provide badly needed additional access to the ever-expanding Hospital campus and to reduce traffic volumes on Alta Vista Drive and Smyth Road
· a second access road will ensure timely access to the hospital complex, especially for emergency vehicles
· vehicular volumes on Alta Vista Drive will only increase as development continues to the south and the Hospital complex expands; little can be done to reduce this traffic and the associated cut through traffic problems until this Parkway is completed
· Phase 1 provides for direct linkage to the Southeast Ottawa Transitway so that bus service to the hospital can be enhanced; the hospital Link and the Cumberland Transitway Westerly Planning Study determined that direct linkage is essential and that this need will be met by this leg of the Alta Vista Parkway, thereby removing the need to construct a separate bus transitway
A copy of their written submission is held on file.
Ron Rose, Riverview Park Community Association read a prepared statement on behalf of the Chair of the Community Association. Details of their concerns about funding the Hospital Link” in the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor were voiced and are contained in detail in a written presentation. The RPCA made the following recommendations:
· Use the funds presently budgeted for new roads to repair existing roadways
· Restore $3.5M in 2011 funding to allow for the implementation of the Pedestrian Plan which the City approved in 2008
· Provide sufficient funding to fully implement the Ottawa Cycling Plan ($5M per year)
· Provide funding for the Segregated Bike Lane Pilot project along Laurier
· Approve funding to construct the Coventry Overpass to the Train Station
A copy of their written submission is held on file.
John Dance, Old Ottawa East Cycling Committee voiced their concerns about the inadequate cycling/pedestrian investment in this budget. He stated that while there have been significant accomplishments, e.g. Corktown Footbridge, there is still a lot of discontinuity and many gaps in the system. They were concerned about the status of the cycling initiatives which are listed below the cut-off line, including missing links for Sawmill Creek, Hampton Park, Champagne/O-Train Corridor and others. In addition, the Rideau River Western Pathway is a critical link that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later because of the benefits it can bring to the city. Mr. Dance also spoke briefly in opposition to any funding for the Alta Vista Corridor and suggested that any funding should be going towards cycling and pedestrian facilities. In attendance with this delegation, Chris Osler from the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre added that the Alta Vista Corridor would effectively sever about 3000 residents from a well-used greenspace. It would leave them to be surrounded by other roadways and transitways thereby isolating them even further. A copy of Mr. Dances’ PowerPoint presentation is held on file.
Eric Darwin, Dalhousie Community Association spoke in support of putting the Somerset underpass back into the 2011 budget. This link was part of a series of priority links originally approved by Council in 2010. The main impediment to completing the path north to the Ottawa River was the lack of an underpass at Somerset, where the O-Train uses an existing underpass too narrow and old to expand. He noted that Somerset Street is going to be reconstructed in this very location this year, but instead of completing this underpass during that time, there is a proposal in the budget to remove that funding. In the coming year or two when the underpass is constructed, the new road will have to be dug up and all utilities will be affected again. This is not money well spent. A copy of his presentation is held on file.
In response to this presentation, Wayne Newell, General Manager, Infrastructure Services advised that the underpass is west of the limits where the Somerset road reconstruction is to occur this year. He further confirmed that the facility is not programmed for the several years and would have to be a separate item in the budget. Councillor Holmes noted that they have been working with the community for the Somerset Street reconstruction for about 18 months and she recalled many discussions on the underpass. She presumed it would have been part of the road reconstruction.
Lori Mellor, Preston Street BIA also spoke in support of the Multiple Use Pathway between Somerset and Bayview, stating that this link would create a cycling and pedestrian link that would connect the south side of Somerset Street with Bayview Station. She added that the Carling-Bayview Community Design Plan clearly defined this connection as a critical pedestrian and cycling link through this neighbourhood and once completed, the pathway will make the connection for cyclists and pedestrians between Dow’s Lake and the Ottawa River Parkway. She recognized that disruption caused by the reconstruction of Somerset Street will affect businesses and to ask them to go through yet another reconstruction when the underpass is finally completed is unreasonable. She maintained that financial efficiencies can be gained by doing both projects this year. A copy of her written submission is held on file.
John Brennan, Canterbury Community Association spoke in support of the funding for Phase 1 of the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor. He indicated that this link connects the hospitals to Riverside Drive and will bring people where they want to go. It is the first step towards eventual completion of the project. For many, it will provide a more efficient route to get downtown, and for others, a more efficient route to Highway 417. This corridor will meet the growth in the south and at the hospital complexes and will help to reduce greenhouse gasses by making a more direct route for the traffic. A copy of his written submission is held on file.
Lyall Steele, Graydex gave a PowerPoint presentation on the economic contributions construction companies, namely: the National Capital Heavy Construction Association, give to the municipality. He remarked on the investment in transportation infrastructure and the obligation of the City has to take care of the assets it owns so costs are not passed down to future taxpayers. He illustrated how road renewal funding has decreased over the years. Mr. Steele pointed out that the priorities for taxpayers are keeping tax increases under control and repairing road, bridge, water and sewer infrastructure. The cost of putting off rehabilitating road infrastructure can be staggering. Together with Dale Harley from the NCHCA, they put forward a number of recommendations for the Committee’s consideration. A copy of their presentation is held on file.
The Committee then proceeded to consider the budget.
PUBLIC WORKS GENERAL MANAGER’S OFFICE (pgs. 11-13)
The Committee approved these pages as presented.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT (pgs. 15-20)
Councillor Bloess indicated that he wanted to put back $60,000 for the Adult Crossing Guard program. The Chair reminded members of Council direction that Committees are to “work within the funding envelope for the budgets in their mandates, and that any additions to the budget will require offsetting reductions”. The Committee voted on the Motions on FTE reductions first prior to dealing with the following Motion:
Moved by Councillor R. Bloess
Whereas the City of Ottawa is promoting safe streets and sidewalks;
And Whereas the City is encouraging more walking for children on their way to school;
And Whereas the forecast in the budget included a $60,000 pressure for 10 new crossing guards;
Therefore Be It Resolved that the $60,000 be reinstated for school crossing guards.
CARRIED
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT (pgs. 15-20)
The Committee approved these pages as presented.
ROADS AND TRAFFIC MAINTENANCE (pgs. 21-26)
Councillor Clark did not feel it was necessary to add all those FTEs and suggested a reduction in that request by two. Mr. Manconi explained that overall, the Department has reduced their requirement by 13 because of efficiencies in parking operations. Their net increase is only 10.5 FTE. In this area with CUPE they have actually reduced their resource requirement because they have established a casual labour force so those numbers would have been higher two years ago. When asked what the impact would be of a reduction in staff, the General Manager advised that it would be marginal.
Moved by Councillor P. Clark
That the budget be reduced by 2 FTEs and associated costs.
CARRIED
PARKING OPERATIONS (pgs. 27-31)
The Committee approved these pages as presented.
FLEET SERVICES (pgs. 37-42)
Councillor Clark noted that there is an addition of one FTE on page 40 and one FTE is removed on page 41. He asked if the Department could reduce this program by one FTE and Mr. Manconi agreed they could do that.
Moved by Councillor P. Clark
That the budget be reduced by 1 FTE and associated costs.
CARRIED
In response to a query for staff follow-up about this portion of the budget, the Chair advised that staff intend to bring forward reports periodically on these and other matters.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING (pgs. 43-54)
The Committee approved these pages as presented.
CAPITAL BUDGET (pgs. 55-136, including replacement pages 131-149)
Councillor Fleury proposed a Motion about the Somerset multi-use pathway on behalf of Councillor Holmes, the operative portion being:
That residual funds from 905929 Cycling Initiatives be dedicated to the Champagne/O-Train Corridor pathway up to a limit of $700,000, with a recognition that should additional funds become available, that this pathway tunnel could be built in 2011 in conjunction with the Somerset reconstruction.
Vivi Chi, Manager of Transportation Planning indicated that the $1.6M shown at page 126 is the City’s share of funding this facility, with additional support coming from the NCC. Staff will be meeting with Commission representatives about this later in the year. The Chair asked if that could be done first and then report back to the Committee before the construction season begins so the Committee knows what the status is. Ms. Chi confirmed they would undertake to do this.
Councillor Holmes stated that the design for the tunnel is underway so if the NCC agree and the City moves forward this tunnel should be built because it will save costs and major aggravation for the businesses on Somerset Street. The hope is to have it constructed this year to reduce financial loss to those businesses. Alain Gonthier, Manager of Assessment Management explained that the tunnel has been identified as a need and the only design work on the tunnel and pathway is on a functional level. There is no funding available for the detailed design of the tunnel or pathway so any funding could be used for the design. He agreed that if the NCC comes through with funding they could do that.
Further discussion ensued on the items on the list which are ahead of this particular pathway and Ms. Chi did explain that the last five projects listed at the bottom of page 126 and the top of page 126 are cost-shared with the NCC; they are not listed in a priority order and are dependent on funding and discussions with the NCC. Ms. Schepers added that Council has given direction to staff to include these in the budget and once the budget is approved, staff would bring forward a report on those projects to discuss with the NCC.
Noting this, Councillor Deans suggested the Motion be tabled pending further input from the NCC. Ms. Chi advised that staff should be able to report back in a couple of months.
Moved by Councillor M. Fleury
WHEREAS the design for the Champagne/O-Train Corridor multi-use pathway (Somerset to Bayview) is being completed as part of the Somerset reconstruction occurring in 2011 between Bayswater and Booth Streets;
AND WHEREAS this corridor involves a tunnel under Somerset Street;
AND WHEREAS savings can be realized by achieving an economy of scale, and reductions in impacts to residents and the business community are made through the coordination of roadworks and construction projects;
AND WHEREAS the projected cost of this segment of the Champagne/O-Train Corridor pathway is $1.6 million;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that residual funds from 905929 Cycling Initiatives be dedicated to the Champagne/O-Train Corridor pathway up to a limit of $700,000, with a recognition that should additional funds become available, that this pathway tunnel could be built in 2011 in conjunction with the Somerset reconstruction.
TABLED
The Committee approved the Capital budget, as amended by the replacement pages.
That the Transportation Committee consider the relevant portions of the 2011 Operating and Capital Budgets (as amended above) and forward its recommendations to Council sitting in Committee of the Whole to be held March 8 to 10, 2011, as required.
CARRIED, as amended
CITY OPERATIONS
OPÉRATIONS MUNICIPALES
PUBLIC WORKS
TRAVAUX PUBLICS
2. 2011 VEHICLE GROWTH - ANNUAL REPORT - INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTAL TO THE BUDGET ESTIMATES
AUGMENTATION DES DEMANDES DE VéHICULES DE 2011 - RENSEIGNEMENTS SUPPLÉMENTAIRES AUX PREVISIONS BUDGÉTAIRES
ACS2011-COS-PWS-0004 City Wide / À l'échelle de la ville
That the Transportation Committee receive this report as supplemental information to the 2011 Draft Budget.
rECEIVED
3. 2011 MUNICIPAL VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN - INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTAL TO THE BUDGET ESTIMATES
PLAN DE REMPLACEMENT DES VÉHICULES ET DE L’ÉQUIPMENT POUR 2011 - RENSEIGNEMENTS SUPPLÉMENTAIRES AUX PREVISIONS BUDGÉTAIRES
ACS2011-COS-PWS-0002 City Wide / À l'échelle de la ville
That the Transportation Committee receive this report as supplemental information to the 2011 Draft Budget.
rECEIVED
ADJOURNMENT
LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE
The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Original signed by Original signed by
R. Theriault Councillor M. Wilkinson
_____________________________ _____________________________
Committee Coordinator Chair