These minutes will be adopted at the Regular Council meeting on September 14, 2004.
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REPORT TO COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
JULY 6, 2004 |
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Transportation and Traffic was held on Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at 9:30 a.m., in Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Councillor Fred Bass, Chair |
ABSENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell (Sick Leave)
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CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Pat Boomhower, Meeting Coordinator |
* Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic meeting of May 4, 2004, were adopted.
VARY THE AGENDA
The Committee agreed to vary the agenda following Item 2, in order to hear from a delegation regarding the Motor Carrier Commission of British Columbia's recent decision on Wheelchair Accessible Cabs (see Item 7). For ease of reference, the items are minuted in numeric order.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Transportation Demand Management (File 5561)
John Beaudoin, Manager, Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Clive Rock, Director, Strategic Planning, TransLink, provided a presentation on Translink's Transportation Demand Management programs.
Mr. Rock gave an overview of programs, reviewed the purposes of the 1996 Strategic Plan and examples of incentives, such as parking charges and restrictions, tolls, HOV lanes, and car pooling. He noted tolling experiences in London (England), Singapore and Norwegian cities with respect to reducing congestion, improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, debate on location, the revenue towards road improvements, level of support and appetite for outcomes from tolls.
Mr. Beaudoin reviewed specific TransLink programs to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles (SOV) and promote commuting options. Programs noted were: U-Pass for university students, Employer promoted programs, Jack Bell Foundation Rideshare and a pilot program "Guaranteed Ride Home", Go Green Choices with BEST delivering courses, Commuter Car Share program, cycling accommodation noting in a few years all trolleys will have Bike Racks, Teleworking from home, Park and Ride, Clean Air Day during Environment Week, Scrap It program to encourage pre-1970 vehicles off the road and eventually pre-1993 ones (noting 1994 had a technology break), and Travel Smart to have households reduce SOV trips. A TDM workshop is proposed in the Fall to develop further strategies.
Mssrs. Beaudoin and Rock responded to questions regarding:
· TransLink's 2006 goals for modal shift;
· financial gains for households that give up a car;
· the most effective and available incentives to reduce SOVs;
· planning and accommodation of seniors and people with disabilities;
· ridership and bus supply increase along Broadway after U-Pass program was established;
· addressing affordability through fare review, high school student passes and possible family passes for designated days; and
· what is being done at the community level through Cool Vancouver Task Force.
During discussion, it was suggested that a "friendly competition" be held with another city. In addition, Councillors requested further information from Mssrs. Beaudoin and Rock regarding the following:
· whether supply was increased along Broadway after the U-Pass program increased ridership;
· to confirm whether revenue from Vancouver ridership covers the costs in the city;
· how bus "pass bys" are measured and monitored;
· data on the use of bike racks on buses and capacity challenges;
· TransLink's work with ICBC on the possibility of variable insurance pricing; and
· personal safety on trains and at stations.
2. Transportation Demand Management Measures at the City of Vancouver (File 5561)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 25, 2004, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services, in consultation with General Managers of Corporate Services and Human Resources, provided background information on Demand-Side Management, set out action steps to implement improvements in City Employee commuting practices, and outlined options for further changes in the future.
The Chair noted that a letter was received from the President of the Vancouver Municipal, Education and Community Workers Union - CUPE Local 15, requesting a deferral on the report in order to allow for consultation with the Union. Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, also recommended a deferral in order to have the Union's input.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council postpone consideration of the Administrative Report dated June 25, 2004, entitled "Transportation Demand Management Measures at the City of Vancouver" so as to allow time for consultation with employee unions and for a report back in the Fall.
amended
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the vote on Councillor Louis's motion be taken separately for each recommendation in the Administrative Report dated June 25, 2004, entitled "Transportation Demand Management Measures at the City of Vancouver".
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councilor Sullivan absent for the vote)
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT consideration of Recommendation A in the Administrative Report dated June 25, 2004, entitled "Transportation Demand Management Measures at the City of Vancouver" be postponed until the Fall so as to allow time for consultation with employee unions.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT consideration of Recommendation B in the Administrative Report dated June 25, 2004, entitled "Transportation Demand Management Measures at the City of Vancouver" be postponed until the Fall so as to allow time for consultation with employee unions.
lost
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT Councillor Louis's motion be amended to replace the words "until the Fall so as to allow time for consultation with employee unions" with the words "for two weeks".
LOST
(Councillors Cadman, Ladner, Louie, Stevenson and Sullivan opposed)
The amendment having lost, Councillor Louis's motion was put and LOST with Councillors Cadman, Ladner, Louie, Stevenson and Sullivan opposed.
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
B. THAT improvements to employee bicycle facilities be implemented using $10,000 as provided in the 2004 Budget item "New and Non-recurring Expenditures"; and
FURTHER THAT staff continue to seek funds in future budget years for improvements to commuting alternatives, reporting back to Council as necessary.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT consideration of Recommendation C in the Administrative Report dated June 25, 2004, entitled "Transportation Demand Management Measures at the City of Vancouver" be postponed until the Fall so as to allow time for consultation with employee unions.
LOST
(Councillors Cadman, Ladner, Louie, Stevenson, and Sullivan opposed)
MOVED by Councillor Ladner
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
C. THAT the Sustainability Coordinator created under the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan be designated as the City Hall Sustainable Transportation Co-ordinator.
CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Roberts opposed)
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
D. THAT consideration of Recommendation D in the Administrative Report dated June 25, 2004, entitled "Transportation Demand Management Measures at the City of Vancouver" be postponed until the Fall so as to allow time for consultation with employee unions.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
E. THAT consideration of Recommendation E in the Administrative Report dated June 25, 2004, entitled "Transportation Demand Management Measures at the City of Vancouver" be postponed until the Fall so as to allow time for consultation with employee unions.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Thurlow Street Pedestrian Amenity Improvements (File 5701)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 21, 2004, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services, in consultation with the Director of Current Planning, sought Council's approval to implement a series of pedestrian bulges along Thurlow Street as identified in the Downtown Plan.
Brigid Kudzius, Strategic Transportation Planning, described the consultation process and, together with Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer, responded to questions regarding the type of bulges, other options considered and whether speed could be measured after implementation of pedestrian bulges.
Mardel Greenough, West End Residents' Association, spoke in support of the proposed bulges. She also expressed concern regarding bulges that are not being done and gave examples of dangerous situations related to speeding and limited visibility on Thurlow and Nelson Streets.
Mr. Adam, together with Doug Louie, Downtown Transportation Engineer, responded to questions regarding the next steps to make intersections more pedestrian friendly.
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT a series of pedestrian bulges on Thurlow Street be constructed at an estimated cost of $420,000 to be funded from 2003 Streets Basic Capital Budget for Downtown Transportation Plan (Order Group CB1EA4AD) as proposed in the Administrative Report dated June 21, 2004, entitled "Thurlow Street Pedestrian Amenity Improvements".
B. THAT commencing in 2005, the Streets Operating Budget be increased by $6,400 for horticultural maintenance, without offset and subject to annual budget review.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Pedestrian Enhancements for School Crosswalks, 2004 programs (File 5808)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 1, 2004, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services sought Council's approval to construct curb bulges at six existing school crosswalks.
Peter Stary, Neighbourhood Transportation, provided an overview of the proposed pedestrian safety improvements and responded to questions regarding the number of schools not covered by the current funding allotment. Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer, responded to questions regarding funding and offered to have staff report back on the funding programs available.
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. That Council approve the construction of pedestrian corner bulges on:
· E 49th Avenue at Lancaster Street
· E 57th Avenue at Fleming Street
· W 10th Avenue at Carnarvon Street
· Dundas Street at Slocan Street
· W King Edward Avenue at Brackenridge Street (north side only)
· W King Edward Avenue at Trafalgar Street (south side only)
B. THAT funding of $125,000 be provided from the Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account Group CB2EA5AX1 - Local Area Traffic Plans and Other Improvements (order # 30006990).
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Kingsway and Knight Neighbourhood Centre Shopping Area: Public Realm and Pedestrian/Traffic Improvement Plan (File 8011/5762)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 22, 2004, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services and Director of City Plans sought Council's approval of a Public Realm and Pedestrian/Traffic Improvement Plan for the Kingsway and Knight Neighbourhood Centre, as well as for the necessary funding to implement the Plan. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Frank Ducote, City Plans, provided an overview of the report noting aspects for improved comfort, safety and appearance for the area, challenges, opportunities, and the public consultation process. Mr. Ducote and Trish French, Community Plans Branch, responded to questions regarding difficulties with parking and benches.
Scott Edwards, Strategic Transportation Planning, noted the Area Transit Plan is examining the bus service route on Kingsway and he responded to questions regarding improved accommodation of bicycles.
Kerry Williams, Kingsway and Knight Shopping Area Working Group, spoke on behalf of the Cedar Cottage/Kensington Business Improvement Association in support of the Public Realm and Pedestrian/Traffic Improvement Plan.
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council endorse the Kingsway and Knight Neighbourhood Centre Shopping Area: Public Realm and Pedestrian/Traffic Improvement Plan in Appendix A of Administrative Report dated June 22, 2004, entitled "Kingsway and Knight Neighbourhood Centre Shopping Area: Public Realm and Pedestrian/Traffic Improvement Plan", to guide design and installation of street improvements, traffic signals, landscaping, beautification, street furniture design and placement and other items.
B. THAT Council approve project funding of $2,705,000 to implement the main package of improvements described in the Administrative Report dated June 22, 2004, entitled "Kingsway and Knight Neighbourhood Centre Shopping Area: Public Realm and Pedestrian/Traffic Improvement Plan"; source of City funding to be $1,040,000 from Streets Basic Capital, and $325,000 from the proceeds of the sale of the lane at King Edward Village; and $268,055 from citywide DCL's. The remaining funds would be provided by the King Edward Village site developer as a condition of rezoning ($249,145) and Translink ($823,500 subject to approval).
C. THAT additional annual operating costs of $3,500 related to ongoing maintenance of the new traffic signals, signs and road markings; and $31,550 related to the maintenance of the median and other landscaping, be reflected in future Operating Budgets, subject to the 2005 budget review.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Award of Contract - Downtown Streetcar Market Research Study (File 1805)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 28, 2004, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services sought Council's approval to award Mustel Group the contract to provide professional services for undertaking market research for tourist and recreational usage on the Downtown Streetcar.
Dale Bracewell, Strategic Transportation Planning, reviewed the report.
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council approve awarding the contract for undertaking market research for tourist and recreational usage on the Downtown Streetcar to Mustel Group, at an estimated cost of $60,000, including GST and disbursements; funding to be provided from existing Streets Capital reserved for Downtown Streetcar Project ($45,000) and from citywide Development Cost Levies ($15,000).
B. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized to enter into a Professional Services Agreement contract with Mustel Group in consultation with the Director of Legal Services.
CARRIED
(Councillor Roberts opposed)
(Councillor Cadman absent for the vote)
7. Motor Carrier Commission Decision on Wheelchair Accessible Cabs - Update (File 2801)
Mr. John Palis, Executive Director, Vancouver Taxicab Association, provided an update on a recent Motor Carrier Commission hearing and decision on June 25, 2004 (hearing application distributed - on file). Four Vancouver cab companies received authority to offer wheelchair accessible service.
In response to a request, Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, agreed to provide an information memorandum updating Council on this matter.
The Committee adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
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CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JULY 6, 2004 |
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at 1:20 p.m., in Council Chamber Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic meeting, to consider the recommendations and actions of the Committee.
PRESENT: |
Deputy Mayor Sam Sullivan
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ABSENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell (Sick Leave)
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CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Pat Boomhower, Meeting Coordinator |
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Deputy Mayor Sullivan in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic
July 6, 2004
Council considered the report containing the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic. Its items of business included:
1. Transportation Demand Management
2. Transportation Demand Management Measures at the City of Vancouver
3. Thurlow Street Pedestrian Amenity Improvements
4. Pedestrian Enhancements for School Crosswalks, 2004 Program
5. Kingsway and Knight Neighbourhood Centre Shopping Area: Public Realm and Pedestrian/Traffic Improvement Plan
6. Award of Contract - Downtown Streetcar Market Research Study
7. Motor Carrier Commission Decision on Wheelchair Accessible Cabs - Update
MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic at its meeting of July 6, 2004, as contained in Items 1 - 7, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Intersection of Dundas and Penticton Streets (File 5701/5757)
Councillor Bass distributed a letter received from the Magel Family regarding speeding motorists and dangerous crosswalks at the intersection of Dundas and Penticton Streets. It was noted that a number of enquiries had been received regarding the situation at this intersection.
Council referred this matter to Transportation staff.
The Council adjourned at 1:22 p.m.
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