lrl!.:ru ]{"rlt }f(l l Tt) lll'u MINUTES OPERATIONS ADVISO RY COM MITTEE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2OL3 4:30 PM, BASEMENT BOARDROOM. CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS: Mayor, Deborah Haswell, Councillor Bill Twaddle, Chair Councillor Jim McManaman, Vice Chair Councillor Peter Lemon Paul Foster Raza Azim Bob Hope Ed delaplante Ruth Coursey, City Manager Brad McRobefts, Director of Operations Chris Webb, Manager of Engineering Services Kevin Deleebeeck, Manager of Public Works Kim Davis, Operations Administrative Assistant Leo McAfthur, Owner/President, The Miller Group Dan Sguigna, Vice President - Transit, Miller Transit Limited Barry Bradley, Manager, E. C. King a Division of The Miller Group, Owen Sound David Byrne 1. CALL TO ORDER The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:36 p,m. and welcomed new Committee member, Ed delaplante. The Committee moved to Item 2a), 2. DEPUTATIONS a) Barry Bradley, Leo McArthur and Dan Sguigna Re: Miller Transit (Owen Sound) Limited The Chair welcomed Leo McArthur, Dan Sguigna and Barry Bradley from Miller Transit Limited. Mr. McArthur, Owner/President of The Miller Group, addressed the Committee with his opening remarks regarding the overall scope of transit services they provide, and wish to continue to provide, for the City, Dan Sguigna, Vice President, Miller Transit Limited, provided a recap of some of the accomplishments and challenges that Miller Transit has experienced during 1
their contract term, past three (3) years. He outlined staff training and a Take Two program incentive for staff. Mr. Squigna reported that the fleet was placed in very good hands with the maintenance and mechanical staff keeping the fleet reliable. Miller noted that a walk around wash brush to clean the buses is being installed. He feels that Miller Transit has operated a very professional service as a reflection of minimal complaints received. Mr, Sguigna advised that in his opinion when Miller Transit took over the maintenance of the fleet, it was problematic and poorly equipped for the geographical area. In the last three (3) years, five (5) engines and five (5) transmissions had to be replaced and corrosion has been an issue as well. There were past discussions and meetings held with staff regarding replacement buses needing to be properly specified to match the geographical area. The Committee was advised that the former contractor had the same issues regarding the fleet. To date, all fleet inspections have been met. Mr. Sguigna advised that discussions have been held with the Director of Operations about fleet replacement and Miller Transit would like the opportunity to have further discussions with staff and Council regarding fleet replacement. Miller is interested in continuing to provide transit services and would like the opportunity to go forward and make it better for the City. Miller supports a fare increase and expansion of transit services beyond City limits and other areas within the City limits. Miller feels revised operating costs are comparable to other municipalities. Mr. McAfthur emphasized the number of years that The Miller Group has been in business in the Owen Sound area and other areas and prides themselves on good service delivery. The Chair thanked Mr. McArthur and Mr. Sguigna for their comments and expressed that the City has no issue about the level of service and the quality of service provided by Miller Transit and recognizes how impoftant transit service is to this community. The Chair further stated that extending a contract with an increase would be challenging in the community. A Request for Proposal process was explained and why it is in place and is required. The Committee appreciated the opportunities for revenue and issues of concern that were brought forward by Mr. Sguigna and Mr. McArthur. A number of questions and comments were received from the Committee and addressed including fleet size options, operational costs, and other public transpoftation services available in the community. Miller Transit representatives were thanked for attending by the Committee and the Mayor for providing their feedback. The Mayor shared her positive comments she received, while riding the buses, from the riders about the drivers and the service. Minutes - March 20,2Ot3 2
The Committee moved to Item 7b) 7. REPORTS AND MATTERS TABLED b) Report Brought Forward from Dec L9/I2 OAC Meeting Re: Posted Speed Limit - 10th Street East - 9th Avenue East to Lamson Crescent (Pedestrian/Traffic Siqnals The Manager of Engineering Services referred to a plan showing features of the subject road section and explained that the Committee approved a policy respecting speed limits within residential and collector roads. If there is consideration for reduction of speed limit it would be to 40 km/hr. The area in question is the previously existing section of 10th Street East (9th Avenue to Lamson Crescent) as opposed t-o ttre new extension, of l0th Street East (Lamson Crescent to 16h Avenue East). The Committee discussed at length the pros and cons of whether to recommend a reduction in the speld limit to 40 km/h from 9th Avenue to Lamson Crescent or from gthavenue to 16th Avenue East. It was also suggested that the Chief of Police be invited to a Committee meeting to explain how he prioritizes his staff on enforcing traffic speed. It was noted by staff that there was no need or technical justification for reduction of speed in the section of 10th Street East from Lamson Crescent to 16th Avenue East. David Byrne, who resides on 10th Street between the subject road section, was present and expressed his concerns about how traffic flow and traffic speed haf increased since the new extension to 10th Street East, from Lamson to 16th Avenue was completed, Mr. Byrne was thanked for attending and bringing forward his concerns. Moved by Councillor J. McManaman: *THAT in consideration of a report dated December 7, 2OL4 from the Manager of Engineering Services respecting Posted Speed Limit - loth Street East - 9th Avenue East to Lamson Crescent (Pedestrian/Traffic Signals), the recommends receiving the report as information, and further THAT the Committee recommends to City Council that the speed Iimit be reduced from 5O km/h to 4O km/h on loth Street East from 9th Avenue East to l6th Avenue East, and further that the Traffic By-law be amended to reflect this reduction in speed limit on this road section." Carried on Endorsed Division Councillor Lemon, Committee Members, Ed delaplante and Paul Foster opposed. 3
Moved by Paul Foster: I "THAT the Committee recommends to City Council that the Owen Sound Chief of Police be invited to attend a Committee meeting to explain how traffic enforcement is prioritized, parlicularly in a 4O km/h zone." Carried. The Committee moved to Item la). CALL TO ORDER a) The Chair called for nominations for a representative to sit on the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Committee Member, Paul Foster nominated Committee Member, Ed delaplante. There were no further nominations and nominations were closed. Committee Member, Ed delaplante accepted and was declared the representative on the Accessibility Advisory Committee. The Committee moved to the regular order of the Agenda. 3. ADDITIONAL ITEMS The City Manager had one additional item that was circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting. 4 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF None 5. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES a) Minutes from the February 20, 20L3 Meeting The City Manager advised that she will be facilitating a Special Meeting of Council to discuss transit services on Monday, March 25th at the Owen Sound North Grey Union Public Library from 3-5:30 p.m, The Director of Operations provided an update to the Committee regarding the status on research respecting various bus options. Moved by Paul Foster: "THAT the minutes of the February 20, 2013 Operations Advisory Committee meeting be approved as presented." Carried. 4
6 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FOR WHICH DIRECTION OF THE COM MITTEE\BOARD IS REQUIRED None. 7. REPORTS AND MATTERS TABLED a) Report Manager of Engineering Services Re: LED Streetlighting Conversion Preliminary Information and Budget Costs The Committee referred to a news release that was circulated to them for information regarding LAS launching a turn-key LED (Light Emitting Diode) Streetlight retrofit service. The purpose of the report was to provide the Committee with information and preliminary budget costs on LED Street Lights. The Manager of Engineering Services summarized the repoft including the advancement in streetlight technology, costs, financial pay back options, possible financial incentives under the Green Energy Act (to be researched) and usable life expectancy of LED street lights, Moved by Paul Foster: *THAT in consideration of a report dated March 15, 2013 from the Manager of Engineering Services respecting LED (Light Emitting Diode) Street Conversion - Preliminary Information and Budget Costs, the recommends receiving the repoé as information." Carried. b) Report Brought Forward from Dec L9/t2 OAC Meeting Re: Posted Speed Limit - 10th Street East - 9th Avenue East to Lamson Crescent (Pedestrian/Traffic Siqnals This item was discussed after Item 2a). 8. a) OTHER BUSINESS Inter Township Fire Department A letter dated March 5, 2OI3, from the Inter Township Fire Depaftment, addressed to the City Manager, was brought forward to the Committee concerning the lack of parking spaces available on 12th Street West (between 1't Avenue and 2nd Avenue West) for volunteer fire fighters during emergency calls and training sessions. Additionally, further information was circulated that included past Committee minutes and past repofts submitted to the Committee regarding same. 5
The recommendation at the December t9, 2OL2 Operations Advisory Committee (and approved by City Council on JanuarY L4, 2013) was for the Inter Township Fire Department to go forward and seek other alternatives (i.e. entering into an agreement with a private property owner for additional parking spaces). This option was sought by the Inter-Township Fire Department and denied. Committee member, Robeft Hope, left the meeting at 7:00 p.m. After further discussions, the Committee recommended that additional parking spaces be implemented. Moved by Paul Foster: 'THAT the in consideration of a letter dated March 5, 2013 from the Inter Township Fire Depattment, the recommends receiving ihe correspondence regarding parking on 12th Street West - l"t Avenue and 2nd Avenue West, and further THAT the Committee recommends to City Council to decrease the no parking zones to L7 meters from the curb face of each of the intersecting avenues to provide seven (7) additional on-street parking stalts for a total ol L7 and that the Traffic Control By-law be amended to reflect this amendment." Carried on Endorse Division Councillor P. Lemon opposed, 9. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED WHICH IS INFORMATION OF THE COMMITTEE/BOARD None. PRESENTED FOR THE 1O. ADJOUR.NMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday April L7, 20L3 at 4:30 p.m. in the Basement Boardroom, City Hall. 6